DC Infinity Presents

Batgirl # 45

The Art of Destruction

Part 1

"Homecoming"

Gotham

Cassandra Cain sensed someone in her chair long before she saw them, and felt a flash of annoyance.

The passive indicators in her cave told her that the person was authorized, but whoever they were, they hadn't asked to use her computer, in her cave, under her home. All things considered, that was rude enough.

But worse was the fact that Cassandra's entire chest, including her breasts, ached painfully after being shot by the supernatural weapons of the Crimson Avenger. While Cass' bra had been designed for combat, it was beginning to chafe as her chest began to swell from the bruising.

So while Cass had little issue with others seeing her topless, Cass instinctively knew that her adoptive mother, Tatsu, wuld strongly object, and Cassandra had already alerted her about the injuries.

So when Cassandra Cain found Tim Drake, Robin, sitting at her computer, in her cave, under her home, Cass was both annoyed and surprised. Especially when she saw how hard he was trying not to notice that she was just in her bra.

So she let a batarange fly, curving through the air before it became embedded only a half inch from the back of Tim Drake's neck.

"Hey Cass," Tim Drake said, "been a while, what's new?"

"Lot of things," Cass replied, trying to make the words sound casual, "why are you here?"

"I'm following a Russian smuggling pipeline," Tim replied clinically, "I needed hardwire access to our systems, and Oracle politely informed me it was Date Night."

Tim glanced at Cassandra, with a raised eyebrow.

"Hopefully that's not the case here too."

Cassandra saw Tim's smug look, and decided that two could play at that game.

"No, Crimson Avenger shot me," Cassandra said, "she hit my breasts."

Cassandra cupped her chest, and looked Tim in the eye with an innocent look.

"Do these look bigger?"

"Uhh," Cassandra savored the expression that came across Tim's face.

"Feel like starting to swell. What do you think?"

"Umm, err, I think…"

"Cassandra."

Cass hid her disappointment at hearing Tatsu's voice. She was certain that she could have dragged this out with Tim for at least another five minutes. But the look of relief on his face was still something Cassandra savored.

"Leave Tim alone and come over here, please. We need to see to those bruises before school tomorrow."

"Coming," Cassandra said. She then went to Tim, and embraced him in a powerful hug, "good to see you. Welcome home."

"Welcome back, you mean," Tim corrected, "I'll see myself out, but I'll be in touch. I'll need your help with this."

"Of course," Cassandra released Tim, and watched as he walked away. Her thoughts drifted to his body language then, to what she saw now.

Sighing, Cassandra set down several items on her computer before walking towards Tatsu and the medical bench she had set up.

"I allowed him to use your computer while he waited for you, I hope you don't mind. Such a polite young man," Tatsu said, as she brought out the Pink Panther Paste to hide Cassandra's bruises, "my sons would have been about his age, now."

"Changed, a lot," Cassandra said, as she undid her bra, "can he stay with us? Think, being with friends, would help."

"Of course, dear," Tatsu said, "we have a spare bedroom. But I already offered. He explained that he'd already made a hotel reservation for tonight."

Tatsu observed the smile on Cassandra's face, and then traced her eyes towards the computer.

"Cassandra? Who's wallet and cell phone are those?"

oooOOoo

Short time later

Cassandra found Tim going through his packed bags, when she got upstairs.

"Something wrong?"

"Can't find my wallet or cell phone," Tim said, "I can't check into my hotel without them."

"Oh, sure they will turn up," Cassandra said, "stay here tonight. After school, we can patrol."

"I'd rather…"

Tim's voice trailed off when he saw a familiar wallet and cell-phone in Cassandra's left hand.

"Uhh, Cassandra? Are those mine?"

"Nope, they are not," Cassandra said, in a tone that dared Tim to challenge her, "stay here tonight. We can catch up later."

Cassandra could see Tim running through various scenarios in his mind.

"Upstairs, on the left," Cassandra said, ending the internal argument.

oooOOoo

Elsewhere

Jacob Thorn had been working in his mansion, when one of his trusted lieutenants, walked into his study.

"Hey, bossman," Tony Shirley, "you got an unscheduled guest."

Jacob Thorn looked at his man, confused. There was a short list of men would dare insist on an impromptu meeting with Gotham, and fewer still who wouldn't simply barge in.

"Where is that foul minded idiot? I'll pluck him for his audacity!"

"Never mind," Thorn sighed, "see Mr. Cobblepot in. But make sure to take his umbrella."

Jacob waited patiently as Tony showed a furious Oswald Cobblepot, AKA the Penguin, into his study, and then left without a word.

"Foul minded idiot? Pluck me?" Jacob chuckled.

"Merely playing to the rabble," Penguin swept his hand towards the door, "giving them what they expect, no more, no less."

"And is there a reason why you brought your theater here?" said Jacob Thorn.

"Yes. Because while my words were an act, rest assured, Mr. Thorn, my emotions were not," Penguin replied, "I have it on good authority that you've been purchasing magical items. A great deal, in fact."

"…and how did you come to know this?" Jacob Thorn said, his voice soft but with no shortage of menace.

"Information is my business," Penguin replied, "and I'm a wealthy man."

"Very well. What concern is it of yours?" Jacob replied, "I'm simply heeding your warnings, and building an arsenal for a threat I only have your word, is coming."

"As the saying goes, birds of a feather," Penguin said, "tampering with magic invites magical heroes. And less savory times who imagine themselves heroes. What you're doing could have greater consequences than you could ever imagine."

"You worry too much, Cobblepot," Thorn replied, "I have no intention of using a single one of those trinkets until I know exactly what they can do, and exactly who can be trusted to use them."

"Patience won't make those things any less dangerous," Penguin said, "this is Gotham! If you want an arsenal, build a regular one! This city is blood soaked enough without you provoking literal ghosts and demons!"

"Your concern is duly noted, Penguin," Thorn said, "but I have heard enough, and I won't be lectured by…!"

"By what, a freak?" Cobblepot scoffed, "I'm not like Riddler or Joker, Thorn. My sanity has never been in doubt. That's why I can plainly see your own lack in this regard."

Thorn's right hand twitched, the one closest to his concealed gun.

"But it's clear to me that my warnings have fallen on deaf ears, so I'll take my leave," Penguin said.

Cobblepot stood up, and walked towards the door.

"One last thing, before I go?"

Thorn was silent.

"I imagine that you believe that you've restored your family's standing in Gotham," Penguin said, "that you are the man heralding your family's return atop the mountain."

Thorn was silent.

"Nothing could be farther from the truth. Your family, the Thorns, were never on top. They struggled to reach the height of the third most dangerous family in Gotham. And when Batman made his presence known, Rupert just wasn't up to the challenge, was he? I imagine that shank he took in Blackgate was almost a mercy."

"Do you have a point?"

"My point is this," Penguin said, "Gotham is the highest land in all of the country for criminals, and you have placed your family atop the peak. You have not restored them, you have elevated them."

"Don't allow your hubris to destroy all your fine work."

oooOOoo

"Another day, another pointless class," said Sarah Gibbs, as she and Cassandra left Biology 101, their final class of the day, "when am I ever going to use biology in my day to day life?"

"You never know," Cassandra said. She had spent half the class considering how she could have apply the lessons to her cases as Batgirl, "life is strange."

"Anyways, you're still up for that Russian art show, right?" Sarah said.

"Yes. Mind if I bring a friend?" Cassandra said, "just…got into town."

"Sure, that's fine," Sarah said, "works out perfect too, I have an extra ticket!"

When Cassandra got home, she put her books away, and made a bee-line towards her cave.

She wasn't much surprised as disappointed as she found Tim, once again sitting at her computer, toiling away. Cassandra wondered how long he'd been there, reviewing files and planning whatever it was he had in mind.

"Welcome home, Cass," Tim said.

"Be dressed in a second," Cassandra said. She examined Tim's costume. Nightwing had told her he was using a new costume, but this was her first time seeing it.

The cowl that revealed only his jaw-line, the chest emblem now resting in the center were little things, perhaps, but to Cassandra, they reminded her of someone else entirely.

"Take your time," Tim replied, as he typed several commands into the computer, "the shipment I'm after won't be in until tomorrow."

"Good," Batgirl replied, snapping on a utility belt, "so tonight, Batgirl and Dr. Midnite kick butt."

"Dick already used that one," Tim deadpanned, "in the field, it's Red Robin now. Lets go."

oooOOoo

The first crime of the light the two teenagers came across was a gang fight between the Ghost Dragons, and 86ers.

"What is the math here?" Batgirl said, as she punched a Ghost Dragon shot-caller in the face.

"Nothing good," Red Robin replied without missing a beat.

The two dispatched both gangs without another word. Batgirl watched out of the corner of her eye as Robin dispassionately applied the zip-ties.

From start to finish, the fight lasted only five minutes and in that time, Robin had said no more than two words.

So once they were on the rooftops again, Batgirl changed tactics.

"So, what have you been doing?" said Batgirl, "not in Checkmate?"

Red Robin shook his head, "I helped Bruce set it up, but that's not for me. Not right now. I've been working on the West Coast, when I'm not with the Titans."

"Going return, to Gotham?" Batgirl saw the answer to her question before Red Robin ever opened his mouth.

"I've thought about it, but right now I'm doing more good in the world when I'm not bound to one city," Red Robin replied.

Batgirl tried to think of what next to say, when they received a report of an armored car heist.

Throughout the night, Batgirl and Red Robin went through Gotham's underworld like a hot knife. And each battle made Batgirl just a little more uncomfortable.

oooOOoo

Next day, later

"Remember, you are Tim Drake," Cassandra said, as they stepped off the bus, "make me look cool, or else."

"Or else?" Tim chuckled, "what do you mean by that?"

Cassandra gave Tim a coy smile, "Try me, and find out."

"Eep. Okay, I'll make you cool. Somehow."

As they approached the diner, Cassandra watched the surprise that came over her friends when they saw her walking up with Tim Drake beside her.

"Cassandra, glad you could make it," Aaron was so dumbstruck, that he offered Cassandra his hand to shake.

"Hey girl!" Sarah all but tackled Cassandra in a hug, "so glad you can make it! And, so, who's this?"

"And how do you know Tim Drake?" said Josh.

Zoe, Aaron and Sarah all sighed at Josh's lack of tact.

"Same way she knows Dick Grayson," Tim replied, "I met her through his wife, Cass' school mentor, Barbara Gordon. I was in town, and we just decided to hang."

"Man, you're like two steps away from Bruce Wayne, Cass!" said Josh, "Kevin Bacon's got nothin' on you!"

"Hey Josh, know how we've always complimented you on your tact?" Zoe said.

"No, never."

"Yeah, well, there's a reason," Zoe said.

"We should go inside," Aaron said, "we're cutting it close if we want to have some time to look at the paintings."

"I can get dinner," Cassandra offered, "Tatsu gave me some money."

Cassandra gave the Waitress a card, as they piled into the booth.

"So what's he like?" Josh said.

"Josh, enough!" Sarah said, "he's not here to tell us whatever lame secrets Bruce Wayne has, he's here as Cass' friend. So stop grilling him, already."

"It's okay, I'm used to it," Tim smiled very convincingly, Cass observed, "it's kind of nice to be back in Gotham, actually. I'm emancipated, and have been working with some non profits, trying to cut overhead and whatnot."

"Damn, I feel like an underachiever now," Zoe muttered.

"Umm, excuse me ma'am?" the Waitress said nervously, to Cassandra.

"Yes?"

"I don't mean to offend, young lady," she said, "but you don't look like a 'Tim Drake'."

Cassandra felt a small bit of satisfaction as she saw Tim's hand go to his wallet.

"Cass!" Saran snapped.

"It's okay," Tim's chuckle was as convincing as his smile, "very funny. It's fine, I'll get dinner tonight."

oooOOoo

Gotham's International Art Exhibit

"OhmyGodohmyGod, they have an Ivan Aivazovsky," Sarah was shaking with joy, "can you believe it, Zoe?"

"Eh, not bad," Zoe said, though Cassandra could see that she was just as passionate as Sarah.

Tim nodded, signaling for Cassandra to step away.

"Your friend is going to be disappointed to learn it's a forgery," Tim observed.

"Wouldn't be surprised," Cass replied, "count five Russians among crowd."

"Keep an eye out for security," Tim said, "I think that this is one of the points where they distribute their goods."

"Why bother?" Cassandra said. She pointed up, "skylight. Easy in."

"Yeah, too easy."

"What?" Cassandra elbowed Tim in the ribs, "scared?"

oooOOoo

Elsewhere

Tatsu Yamashiro was slicing up chicken for next week's dinner when she felt as if someone had placed her heart in a vice.

Tatsu dropped the blade on the floor, and barely managed to catch the side of the counter, falling to her knees.

Though she was barely able to catch her breath, Tatsu knew what was wrong instantly. A warning screamed inside of her skull, feeling as if someone had poured acid inside her skull.

Tatsu was barely capable of conscious thought, but she knew, in her bones, what was wrong.

"Soul Taker," Tatsu gasped, as she realized someone had just laid their hands upon her mystic sword.

Which she had confirmed this morning, like every morning, was in her room.

oooOOoo

Later, again, Gotham's International Art Exhibit

Once they determined that there were no cameras or other sensors, Batgirl and Red Robin touched down on the roof as gently as a feather.

"Think you can get us in?" said Batgirl.

Red Robin gave her a look of offense, "Time me."

But when Red Robin went to the skylight, and reached into his utility belt, he paused.

"Well?"

"Can't…find my tools," Red Robin winced as he spoke.

"Oh, you must have dropped them," Batgirl smiled as she offered Red Robin tools that looked very familiar, "got spares."

"Thanks," Red Robin groused.

"Tick tock."

Ten seconds later, the duo was repelling down into the lobby.

Batgirl glanced around, nodded right, then said, "What are we looking for?"

"Invoices, contraband, that sort of thing," Red Robin said in a voice that clearly didn't care if he was overheard.

"You are looking for that, Little Bird…"

KGBeast and several gun thugs stepped out from behind several exhibits.

"…but all you will find here tonight is death."

"Barely here a day and already a death threat," Red Robin observed.

"Isn't it great, being back?" said Batgirl.

Next issue: Its Batgirl and Red Robin vs. the Russians, a heart to heart, and a tragedy

I'm stuck at home because of Covid, so I had some time to write. The build up to 50 starts here, so lets see some reviews people! ;)