The Darkest of Knights

After leaving the factory district in her new car, Mame flipped the sign on top of the cab to off duty and went about driving back into the livelier parts of the city. She had turned the ignition and started the machine, putting it into drive and pressing on the gas gently, the radio blared off a news station, she reached down to turn it off, if she wasn't careful she could get distracted by the voices and crash the car, she didn't need that kind of attention, and she no longer had the luxury of being on medications that helped settle her chaotic thoughts.


Mame paused however as the frantic voices on the radio sputtered something about Poison Ivy being seen in the main shopping district of Central Gotham, seen with an unknown person, apparently the lack of cops patrolling the streets for villains made it so any costumed criminal could wander about in broad daylight. The blond girl grimaced and sped up the car, shutting off the radio and swerving onto a busy street, heading off towards said street address the radio mentioned citizens should avoid.

The lithe psychotic was in no mood for this sort of stunt, she wanted to find Pamela under a calm situation in order to talk business, not trying to rescue her from her own ridiculous decision. It took the blonde only fifteen minutes to reach Central Gotham' shopping district, and even less then that to realize where her target was, seeing as people were driving/running/fleeing for their lives from the direction she was driving.

It wasn't until the blond turned quickly down a city block that she noticed the devastation, she could see a big cement like creature carrying a woman, she could also see Pamela with some strange civilian. Mame didn't have time to think, her brain snapped and automatically categorized Cinderblock as a threat, she put the cab into high gear and ground her teeth, happy most cars had cleared off the street. She shoved her flip flop protected foot into the gas pedal and floored it. One hand on the steering wheel, the other unclasping her seat belt and opening the drivers side door. She may have been crazy, but there was no way she was going to stay in a car she was ramming into something. Luckily for her the creature turned away from her to move down the street in the opposite direction, he was only going to hear the car coming, not see it.

With all her things still in the back, she began clamoring out of the seat and leaped out onto the cement, rolling a bit and scraping up her knees and shins fairly badly, but smile she did as the familiar sound of crunching metal and an engine exploding filled her ears. She scrambled to her feet quickly, ignoring the blood that drenched her legs and feet to spin around and gaze at the destruction she had inflicted upon the cement creature.

She was sorta pleased with this, but upon realizing that when she had rolled the butt of her gun had been shoved into her solar plexus she gasped and wheezed to try and regain her breath. Out of all the injuries or temporary discomforts one could gain, Mame hated getting the wind knocked out of her the most, she liked breathing.

Poison Ivy gasped, she had pulled Karm away into a nearby alley and witnessed Mame's little stunt. Familiar. Oddly familiar. That's what Mame was. Did I see her at Arkham? she wondered idly. She never had kept track of her inmates in Arkham, mostly because she escaped too quickly to count who she had been bunking or having therapy with.

Either way, it didn't matter. She didn't need another clingy brat of a human at her side. She already had one, destined for a slow painful death. And, the redhead noted more alarmed, if she could get Quinn back to the forest in time, she could pretend it was all a crazy dream. With a grimace, she turned her back on the bloody, thin, blonde psycho who took out Cinderblock and tried to carry Quinn back to the forest.
---
"Did Chicky say when?" Ivy asked. Talking to Robin may include talking to Batman, and that was something she really wanted to do right now.

"We need to get in our suits." Dick told Casius, "Last time we were without out suits, Nicole here nearly got frostbite." He explained. Something was bothering him though, Alice told him that Slade died by the hands of an associate named Rift. "Plus, Alice didn't kill Slade. Rose would have no reason to kill Alice. There's no incentive."

Batman, Batgirl, and Robin were in their suits in no time. (Uhh I'm sorta busy, so I'll post for Alice and Cinderblock later....)

Seab raised an eyebrow at John.
"Are you challenging me...?" he asked, walking slightly faster. It's petty, but it will get us there faster if nothing else. he thought to himself.

"Alright then." Seab said with a frown. Hac seemed to shake his head.
"That was defensive of you." Hac screeched. Seab didn't reply and kept walking forward, which was turning close to a run now in the urge to get there.

[Uh.... since cinderblock is, erm, blown up, would you protest too much if I changed to Plasmus?]

Rose watched in horror as the explosion engulfed Cinderblock, his last tangible nosie a quick bellow of confusion. Her rage mounted- he was like a big dumb obedient brother to her, and to see some random person just up and blow him up right there before her made her furious to no end.

And she wasn't about to let her friends blatant death go unavenged- clutching her katanas vengefully, she drew them both. Jerking the activation knobs, the glowed white-hot, and she dashed down the building, slicing a gargoyle cleanly in two on the way down that was in her way. She skidded across the asphault, her metalic boots sending up sparks violently as she stopped before the scene. The only time she had been this upset- this FURIOUS- when when she saw and buried her OWN father, only for him to be turned into the creature called wrath.

The Katana's red glow still burning feircely, she turned to face Cidnerblock's murdered. "I can't beleive WHY that seemed like a good idea to you." She asked, the hatred and vengance almost radiating off of her, nearly tasteable int he air. She wanted Alice to be the one she had fun with, but this one was going to get it quick- but not necesarily painless. She crossed her blades in front of her, waiting for the assaliant to make the first move.

(Wait wait wait whoa hold on back up, I didn't have the chance to read Blood's post carefully enough, but I said murder is only allowed when both members agree, I said yes to getting run into Al, but I didn't think one car could kill Cinderblock. If that's the case then bring in Plasmus by all means...)

Unfortunately for the 2 brothers, they didn't get the battle they were looking for, so they made tracks for home."Well that was dissapointing, said crimson as he ploped down on the couch.
"Well its like uhhhh.....someone said: good things come to those who wait
"Right...." Crimson said as he opened an orange soda.
The brothers might just get their wish.

Mame didn't seem to notice just yet, her breathing coming out in weak gasps, her brain was on high alert however, screaming at her like a shrill siren, keep going! Keep going! The blond turned her head slowly to look at he sword baring masked woman, her head tilted slightly as she pondered on why she could possibly be upset.

" Was that your one yours? Oh sorry I thought he was going after the planty one"

The young blond smiled brightly at Rose, shrugging her shoulders as mild confusion mounted in her twisted little brain. She turned her head suddenly to look over at the smoldering car, distracted by the fact that it wasn't....Smashed right. She cocked one eyebrow up and huffed a bit, crossing her arms over her chest.

" Hmph...It didn't kill him.....Feh....How the crap does that work out?"

Mame turned back to the katana wielding individual and took steps towards her, hands out on either side, displaying how empty they were. " What is he made out of? This is so fascinating!" She stopped a safe distance out of the immediate reach of Rose' blades and seemed quite happy that she was even talking to her at all, it was so nice to have conversations.

Even as she spoke the great obelisk of a beast slowly lifted out of the fiery rubble, Mame was still confused by Rose' behavior, she didn't comprehend a connection between the two, but she was wary of the swords, she hated weapons like them, all cutty and dangerous. She hoped that whoever this woman was, wasn't too upset with her, but of course Mame was never lucky enough to get what she wanted when it came to such thing.

The girl smiled weakly, it had been a long day, and now she was having to argue in public, she didn't need this kind of attention! Even if it was soooo nice to hear someone's voice directed at her, speaking to her in such a nostalgic tone. Mame rocked on her heels for a moment and looked over at the groggy, grumpy looking creature

[ Didn't intend to kill, he's Cinderblock, one little car explosion isn't going to off him. Sorry if I didn't make it clear >.> Having a few brain problems]

(May as well do an Astro post.)

Nothing.

That is what he had found. Nothing. It had been late when he returned to his body, blood shot eyes and weak muscles in all. The gut wrenching experience of astral projection was something he didn't do a lot, mostly for the lack of safety his actual body would have in his absence. He'd do better. He'd find that darn Batman. But for now, he weakly stumbled into the heart of Gotham, he needed rest. Rest.....he tripped over his own legs as he went.

"Give me the money. Now." The click of a gun sounded, echoing through the alleyway and young lady's ears. It was a sound the nearby astral knew well. In fact, he had heard it too many times for his own liking. A whimper escaped the lips of the victim, the barrel of the gun right at her temple. "One shot. All I need. Now give it." The criminal's voice was calm, rehearsed, as though he had done this millions of times before. And he had always gotten the same response: A mad scramble to hand over the money.

Not this time.

Astro, weary and depressed at his failed searches, was still determined to prevent any crime he could. He slipped into the shadows of the alley, hugging the wall to conceal himself. The woman was shakily handing the mugger her cash. Astro noted, angrier at the mugger now, that the woman carried a child that couldn't be more than 3 in the crook of her arm. The child blinked uncertainly, snuggling deeper into the woman as it eyed the weapon. A chubby hand reached out to it, uncertain...

A light blue energy orb shot forward, knocking the gun square of the man's hand. Unfortunately, the holster was clicked, nicking the woman right into her right leg. She collapsed to the ground, emmiting a scream of pain. The child's eyes shone with fear, water already welling into her eyes. "Don't cry." Astro coaxed lightly, keeping his bleak eyes narrowed at the mugger. "I suggest you leave before I need to do anything painful." the astral warned. The mugger snorted. "Fancy light show. Real scary."

Astro's fingertips sparked with that same energy. Chi, life energy, it was called. Absorbing it from the living creatures around him always sent a twang of guilt into the hero, but it had to be done. The energy blasted the man backward, colliding him into the wall with a sharp crack. A crunch was heard when the man staggered up, clutching his sides and back tightly. He wasn't bleeding. Yet. Astro repeated the gesture, harder, feircer. The same scenario, except the man never stood up and blood streamed through a small cut in his back. Rubble from the wall had broken off, collecting in the cuts and making the pain all the sharper. Astro left him there, turning his attention to the woman and child.

Hands still illuminated, he waved them over her body. The bullet toppled out of the wound, muscle then skin healing over. "Go." He murmured softly, waving her off. Without hesitation, the woman gasped a quick thanks and hustled out of the alley. Astro clutched his head sorely.

"What happened?
"Heart attack. Out of the blue."
"What?"
"No evidence of how it could've been prevented. Just...sudden."
"Daddy, will mommy be OK?" A younger voice intervened.
"...No, sweetie. I need to have to talk with you..."

Curse his balanced healing. He had saved one, no two, lives.

But killed another.
(Astro has balanced healing. For every person he saves, somebody else dies. And he sometimes gets snippets of whom he's killed, or their family.)

(Ah, its all good Blood :D)


Heat. Clothes. Noises. Fire. Alice opened her eyes, slowly, not to hurt them. She saw a warm orange glow that was in fact fire, she felt like she was being lifted. She looked at her arm, all her clothes had been burned off revealing her red tactical suit, that luckily was fireproof. It had saved her multiple times and she felt so relieved that she was wearing it, as every fire incident does as it comes her way. Often she had wished to use its fireproof and waterproof capabilities but they only came once in a blue moon. When it did happen she was more than happy. Sure the flannel and jeans weren't cheap but her life was more.

Her blurred vision noticed someone, someone was carrying her. Not thinking straight she muttered "Dad..?" And the moment that word left her lips she realized who she was, where she was, and what was happening. She was in the arms of one pissed off Cinderblock. She had no idea why he wanted her but she turned her head to see what was going on. Was that.. Slade? No, the contours of the figure standing in Slade's colors were too woman-like. She had no idea who the person was. She was most likely the same Rose Wilson that Dick had been talking about, but another frail figure was but a blur. That could have been anyone, no concern to her though. Alice hoped. She felt awkward being in the arms of someone as large and as willing to commit crimes as Cinderblock was, so she brought her foot to her chest and kicked the beast in the chin, he dropped her and she fell on her feet. Standing up straight she felt incredibly dizzy, hard to balance, and vision askew. Nevertheless, she got into fighting stance with the rock juggernaut as fire encircled the area. "C'mon..." She urged using her hand to draw him in.

"You're right, let's go then." he said as he went into a full out run, his light weight helping him run faster. Hac, disrupted from resting on Seab's shoulder, flew up into the sky to watch the two. He screeched at John as if to say 'Hurry up, now.'

Zero looked at the clock on his phone. "We oughta get going- Chicky'll kick me in the nuts if we're late." He said in jest, and turned ot Jersey. "Sorry doggie, some other time." he jested, rocketing into the sky with his energy wings.

Casius waved. "Yeah yeah, just step on the gas so we can head out." He said frantically. He knew how much of a b*tch Rose's father was in a fight, so he could only immagine what SHE could do...

Cyrah continued to follow the signal, once more on her narrow minded path to bring Karmy back. This time was going to be different. She wasn't going to let Poision Ivy fill Karmy's mind with that garbage she was- this time, Karmy was DEFINITELEY coming back with her, even if she had to drag her every step of the way.

Ivy rolled her eyes, giving a small wave to Jersey, evading all of his questions."Good luck with Poison Ivy!" she called, floating into the sky after Zero. "Race ya to Wayne Manor!" she challenged, jetting forward.
---
Poison Ivy reached her destination, laying Quinn back down onto the hammock.

Batman got into the driver's seat, Robin took the Passenger's seat, and Batgirl got into the back, she was happy they were taking the Bat-tank otherwise she would have been squashed with Casius in the back of the Batmobile. And though it looked nothing like a car on the outside the interiors resembled that of a very luxurious car. They boomed off to Gotham's city square...

Jersey made a metal note to kick Zero's head in sometime. Still he pulled out his cell and dialed Sky as he went into the air spreading his wings.

Sky didn't pick up when Jersey called. She was still mad at him but she was madder at Nickoli. The guy wouldn't tell her anything on Robin or Batman until he was sure the bat was guilty. For now she stalked the streets with sunglasses on and trying her best to not look at the sun. As long as she didn't go all claws, fangs, or evil eyes, she'd be fine. That was until some idiot stumbled into her. "Watch it bub." Sky said getting a look at the guy. He looked worse than road kill, as some would say. "Hey you ok?" She asked Astro.

"Somewhere more important than this place." Seab muttered simply.
"You realize this may not be somewhere we're welcomed." he added with a frown.
"It went without saying." Hac said.
"We've worked with idiots before. Until I see otherwise, I'm labeling him as such; it saves us from having issues." Seab replied in the hawk's language.

Batman was listening in on the Police Detector, hearing all the conversations everyone was filtering out. Everyone in the Bat-Tank heard it.

"We got a Poison Ivy's last location, it was at the edge of the city. We need to comb the forests."
"Thats a 10-4, I'll get the sector 8 unit on that pronto."
"Car explosion spotted in the Town Square. I think there's a fight breaking out."
"Supers?"
"Uhh, by the looks of things."
"Is the Batman among them?"
"Negative, should we investigate?"
"Negative 2-4, chances are there might be officer casualties if we get involved. If keep an eye on that location if The Batman does show."
"Negative Captain, we have units all over the city. If we're not doing anything but sitting our asses watching them we won't be as productive."
"Well get someone, ANYONE to check it out."
"That's why we have Bard sir, I've notified him and he's on his way."

Batgirl spoke up, "I know Bard! Maybe I can distract him." "As Batgirl or as Barbara?" Batman asked. "I can knock him out." She said. "Robin can knock him out. I might need you." Batman shot back. "How's Casius?" He asked. Batgirl turned to look at him. "Drunk and asleep." She said blatently. "Leave him here.. Robin check the roof tops for this Officer Bard while we try to find Alice." He said as he parked the tank in the middle of the street. They got out and got to work.

Seab slowed down as well when he heard John.
"This is why I prefer flying..." he muttered, mostly to himself.
"Well, I suppose we either wander hopelessly or ask for directions." Seab sighed.
"Or ditch him and fly there." Hac muttered. Seab didn't reply, but he smiled. Remembering John couldn't understand him, he stopped smiling and muttered "I suppose there might be alternate ways to get there as well."

Officer Bard was considered an expendable, he was dead tired and had his hand under his cheek. He observed the fight between Alice and Cinderblock. They were really going at it, yet he was bored. He wondered if he had seen the blond fighting the human bolder before. He couldn't remember, he took out a pair of goggles. Did Barbara introduce him to her before? Was she like a baby sitter or something? He couldn't recall, he frankly didn't care at the moment. He leaned his head back a tad bit too far and he fell on his back. That's when he spotted Robin. "Holy cow!" He screamed in his deep southern accent, jumping to his feet and drawing his gun. "You! Little Robin guy! Where's the Batman?" He asked her.

"He's wanted y'know." He said lowering his gun. "So are you.. Kinda. I mean you know. Turn around so I can cuff ya." He ordered pulling out some metallic handcuffs.

Seab shrugged.
"Alright. Any suggestions? There's a car over there." he rasped, walking over to the car.
"If you happen to know how to hot-wire." he muttered, frowning, pulling out a knife and pondering whether or not they left the keys in the car.

"Eh? What are you sayin lil' missy? What are you? Like 12 years old? Do as I tell you, or y'all gonna be in a hunk a trouble with your parents!" Bard warned raising his gun to her again. "Look, don't be stupid! Just tell me where The Batman is and everything will be smooth sailing from there!

"Hm, good." he muttered. Raising up his hand, he shattered the window with his knife, unlocked the door and stepped inside.
"Well then, get to work. And try to ignore the glass." Seab rasped, hoping that with everything else going on, no one would bother with a small theft...all the less, he looked around in case anyone was coming.