Chapter 11: The Long Halloween part IV
"Ladies and gentlemen, thanks you for coming and welcome to the Hale's Circus! My name is C.C Haley and tonight I'll be The presenter of the show. But that what you came for right? You came spectacularly things, even dangerous! Things that common human could possibly do right? If so, you came to the right place! Now without any further talks let's the show begin!" said C.C Haly in the middle of the stage before retiring from the stage.
Following after tigers came to the stage and the show begin. It have to say, the Haly's Circus know how to put a good show for their spectators. Not even one of them was discontented by what they were seeing. Because as C.C Haly said, here were only spectacular things proposed and every show Shown until now where very unique and never seen anywhere else.
As everyone were enjoying, so did Mallory. But she more than anyone was waiting for the final more than anything else. And her impatience didn't come unnoticed by Selina and Marisa who teased her time to time when they see her behaviour. But next to them, The Billionaire wasn't doing any of this, but was searching for what he really come today, Tony Zucco.
Before coming here, Bruce did some research on him and found that in the mob, he was the one who take care drugs transactions. But because recently the Batman take care of his important Smuggler charge to take the drug out of the city, he was now actively seeking another one to do the job. And better than a circus to do that?
As the show was soon going to an end, Bruce finally found Tony Zucco at the seats on the bottom behind his group. Bruce then put the bathroom excuse to leave them and did indeed go to the bathroom, but not for reason they thought of. Before that, he wanted to notify Mallory that he found their target, but he look at his face, he knew that tonight she won't care.
But as soon as Bruce went away, Mallory's head started to hurt. 'Oh no, not know! It' will be his turn in a few minutes come on' She thought annoyed, because she knew what was going on with her head. Every time her head hurt like that, it's mean that a vision from the future was coming and there was nothing she could do to stop it coming.
If the vision was just from to two to ten second to the future, Mallory wouldn't care much because all she would see would be like ghost images. But the more she see farther into the future, the more the image became less ghost like and more real until it Replaced what she see in the present completely.
But the worst thing for her right now was that those visions didn't have a specific times. Sometimes it It lasts a few seconds, other times it last much longer like half an hour.
But Mallory couldn't really complain, after all she was the one who eat the chocolate that day. 'F**k I hope it will last in a few seconds' she thought as her vision was rapidly replace by another set.
Even though the sun was high in the sky, the old Manor she was in gave the feeling to absord it all, leaving only darkness inside the entrance hall. 'This, the Wayne's Manor?' Mallory though immediately recognising where she was.
"This is it Grayson, your knew home" said a voice behind here. When she turn her head, she discovered Bruce, Dick Grayson and her not aged at all. But something caught her attention, Dick was holding a big Suitcase like he was going to live here. And the other thing was his face. It was a face full of grievance and sadness. It was the same face that she and Diggle had when their parents did.
Seeing that, Mallory was more than eager to stay so she could learn how it's happened, but her hability didn't agree with her and the second after, her connection with the future was cut. Leaving a Mallory full of questions.
'F**K NOW YOU STUPID EYES YOU COULDN'T EVEN LAST LONGER ???' She shout in her head but wasn't a bit satisfied. Because unfortunately, every time she went to far in the future, she could not use her ability again before four hour of time. And right now, seeing in the future was what she wanted to do the most but sadly couldn't.
She then started to think furiously of why something like this would happen, but couldn't find a solution. They were to many reasons for why people could die, and that was even more right in Gotham. 'I need help' thoughts Mallory and immediately turn her head to where Bruce was supposed to be, but sadly...he wasn't.
"Selina, where I uncle Bruce?" asked Mallory desperately almost desperately. Seeing that, Selina looked at her strangely "Bruce? Bathroom. But seeing the time he takes for it, it most likely that lecher is with pretty girls by now" replied Selina with an annoyed tone before thinking 'And when he'll come back, he will sure regret it'.
Hearing that, made Mallory remember why Bruce came... No wrong, why they came here in the first place. 'If he's in the 'Bathroom' that mean he already found the target. Sh*t, he should already be somewhere in high place monitoring him' thought Mallory cursing him for being to preoccupied with the mission. She next excuse herself with the same excuse Bruce used to leave them and run to the bathroom to suit up herself.
But as was running in the hallway, she was still thinking about Dick's parents death when turn turned to a corner and nearly hit someone. Or more precisely she was going to, but when she finally noticed the kid in front of her, with her reflex train to their maximum, she tried to avoid the confrontation. But when she did so, the boy did it as well and moreover, he was much more faster than her. To the point that it surprised her and made her loss her balance and fell. But she was her face was going to touch the ground, with an unbelievable speed, the boy grabbed her before and put her back on her feet. The event happened so quickly, that Mallory didn't move for a moment trying to figure out how did that boy moved that fast. But recalling that she had something to do first, she run again as she shout some apologies in the way, making the boy smile while thinking what an energic girl. And a fast reflex she had. If I couldn't move that fast, she would have probably been able to beat me easily'
On the stage, it was finally the turn for the trapezists Flying Grayson to come. When they appeared, everyone spectators were eager to see them, because every time they put a show, it was a great one. And tonight was no exception. Today, apart from the first entry of Charles Dick Grayson, there will be a juggler downstairs who will through them flaming torches while they will be doing acrobatics figure in the air.
First, the Juggler started to Juggle with two flaming torches, then four, then six, seven and eight. Every time he increased the number of torches, they will dance in the air higher and higher making it more dangerous to catch for the juggler because the of the speed when they descend keep increasing. But while the Juggler was already dealing with fifteen flaming torches making the spectators breath cold air from the tension, he seems to be very relaxed when doing it. And soon, twenty or so torches were flying above his head.
It was at that moment, that John Grayson start moving by doing a reverse knee hang right away, but with nobody to catch him at the other side, he would have fall. Fortunately, Mary Loyd Grayson wasn't slow either and move and move a few seconds after, taking the role of the catcher. Following that, Dick who stood previously with his father did a Back-End and catch the first flaming torch in the air making the crowd surprised. But it didn't end there, as he didn't hold the torch too long and throw it to his father John who was still being hold my his mother the head Upside Down. Thereafter, Dick kept picking up the flaming torches while throwing it to his parents who kept doing amazing figures in the at the same time as they were juggling with the torches making the public awe for their life. Because at that moment a single mistake was all it would take for them to die.
But like it was as natural as breathing for them, they keep going juggling like they were not in the air but instead relaxed sitting on a sofa with a pizza in a hand. The crowd couldn't help but be amazed by the performance. They were too great.
Down, the juggler with a mask on his face covering his forehead and eyes, kept staring at the Flying Grayson and suddenly smiled oddly. When he did, C.C Haly who has watching not so far from them suddenly focus his attention on him because of the number of torches he juggle with 'Strange, I don't know anybody who with such high skill like that in the crew. He already juggle with 30 torches! Who is it? Eddie?' he thought, but did pondered to much on it because after all, it was not the first time his crew keep surprises like that from him until the show begin.
But just as he was going to refocus his attention on the show, something happen. One of the torches, Marie was holding as she jumped to John side, suddenly blown up. The blast of the explosion wasn't strong at all, it had the power of a firecracker. But it was very deadly for both John and Marie because in the air, if one lose focus even for short moments, its mean death. But with their many experiences in the trade, that alone wouldn't be alone to make them lose life, but let's not forget that John didn't have just one Flaming torche with him.
As soon as the first flaming torch exploded, the others followed after, resulting in a Marie and John losing their footing and falling into the void. That sudden improvise 4 July caught everyone off guard, and weren't at all prepared when the flying Grayson crashed on the floor like two birds shot in the middle of a fly.
Taking advantage of everyone stupor, the Stupor juggler start running to the staff exit with all his might. But as soon as he did ten meter, a shadow suddenly covered his. When he noticed it, he abruptly stop and raised his head. And what he saw, makes him want to run more than ever "Batman!" He unconsciously shout.
For the crowd, everything was happening to fast. The Grayson flying, suddenly fireworks popping out of nowhere. The Grayson crashing, the juggler running and know Batman stopping him?
They didn't have the time to process on that the juggler take out a device and pressed a button on it. And the second after The Poles who used to support the Tent started to Exploded. Due to that, the tent began to take fire and in less than a minute, the hole place was in chaos. At this moment, nobody cares of what happened or who died, they only care of one thing, running away. And that they did. In a few moments Shoving started to appear everywhere to get out, not caring for the life of others with the tent starting crumbling. But with such a chaos, injury people start to appear very fast distracting Batman for a few seconds. Taking advantage of it, the Juggler throw his three remaining torches to Batman and start running. Obviously Batman avoided those easily, but they still managed to stall enough time for the masked Juggler to run.
'I still have time to catching up with him, but there's the civilians to save, and a Tony Zucco to catch. What do I do?' putting in a dilemma, Batman, stop moving and start looking for a solution. Put solution came out at the other side of his earpiece.
"Don't worry Bruce, I'll catch that ugly mask juggler, you help those civilians" said the voice full of hate belonging to Mallory. Batman didn't contest the decision because he knew that it would be for naught. That person killed his parents friend and possibly a friend that she concidere more than like a friend. So it understandable that she will be angry.
And when Bruce thought of how easily she took care of thirty plus guy alone in Arkham Asylum, he didn't worry to much and start helping the civilians.
But he didn't know was, at that time she had used her abilities to see the future, otherwise, more than five would've meant her demise. But right now, she couldn't use her ability.
Although that was the case, she was against a lone guy and she was still a pupil of Dragon, meaning that she could beat almost anyone in hand to hand combat and from what saw, apart from his childish firecrackers he was not a bit dangerous.
That was the thoughts of a eleven and a half years old child full of anger. Because reality was cruel.
When Mallory chased after the joggler without hiding her presence , the latter who thought at first that it was Batman run into an alley and shout everywhere "Batman is coming! Batman is coming!" not thinking right, Mallory followed after him into the alley, but abruptly stopped the instant after because of what she saw. The alley was four meter large but it was nonetheless full of hostile and armed people.
"F**k, I'm screwed!" said unintentionally Mallory. Thinking of escaping, she start to retreat, but didn't have the time fully do so because she suddenly heard the sound of gun triggered. "Move and you die" said a voice behind her making her cursed even more. 'Why I didn't proceed with more Caution?' she thought with regret.
When the man behind her saw that she didn't move an inch, he started to walk in front of her while still pointing his gun on her. "Well, well, well. What a big fish we have here. The Sleeping Ghost of Gotham in person. More stealth than Batman himself. It said that no matter how many people we send at you at the same time, they will fall in your sleeping darts. And that you could even dodge a bullet at less than one meter from you no matter the amount" said the man with a smile, making Mallory smile at him "Oh I'm that famous Mr.Zucco? It's flattering. " she replied clearly please by the rumours on her.
"Yeah, and it also said that contrary to Batman, your more messy than him" He continued mocking her not at all surprised by her knowing him. Hearing that, she pouted at the comment and immediately refute him "I'm not messy, I'm I just have an unique style of doing things that's all"
That comment made everyone chuckle because they knew from her tone that their boss was right.
"Let's say that then" said Tony Zucco clearly not believing her "But are you planning to use your 'unique' style to deal with us? When my men and mine guns are less than a meter from you?"
Hearing that they were still people behind her, Mallory knew that this time, she would die. She could fully discard the foolish Tony Zucco who pointed his gun on her forehead.
Because with her training, a man in less than meter from her, was a dead man, having a gun or not didn't change a thing. If he was the only one, she could then take his gun and use him as a shield against the other. But the problem was the guys behind her. She didn't know their positions or their numbers. She was totally clueless about was what happening behind. That realization made her cursed herself internally even more for her rush.
"Well it's not that talking with you wasn't pleasant, but now is the time for action before Batman comes with his own 'style'. You know what I mean right?" as he said that, Zucco secured his grip on the revolver and to shoot.
'Well, think that it's over. Sh*t what will Dig think when he will learn that?' thought Mallory as she sense her end coming.
Zucco then prepared to press the trigger but...
BAM ! He was suddenly Projected against a wall violently. The force behind was enough to crack the wall and make him fainted on the spot with blood Spitting from his mouth.
Following that, a long silence settled in the alley
''''WHAT THE F**K HAPPEN???''''
Was on every one mind right now. That action stunned everyone, including Mallory. No body could explain what just happened there. But they would have the time to. A time breath after Tony Zucco was trashed on the wall, all the men in less than three meter from her were suddenly being embedded in the ground by an unknown force. But it didn't stopped here.
When the others men saw that, they instinctively shoot at Mallory being the only enemy they could see. But to everyone surprise, the bullets all stop at one meter from her and stood in the air for a few seconds before they all fall in the ground.
"What's going on?" said a random guy trembling.
"Well, I can said explain to you if you want. You just wanted to kill the one you shouldn't" Suddenly said a voice in the air causing every men to frantically search for who talk. But then, one of them looked in the sky, and saw a man standing in the sky. Because of the white hooded cloak the man was wearing, the guy couldn't see his face, but he instantly knew, that it was his doing. "Who are you?" shout the gangster while pointing his gun to him, causing the crowd to imitate him.
The man didn't answer straight away, he first slowly spread his arms before saying with a cold tone "Your doomsday" right after saying that, a mini tornado was suddenly created above his head and when he put his arm down, the tornado start to descend too like it was following his commands. And indeed the moment after the doomsday did came for them. The moment the tornado came down, it start to suck them all, sparing no one except Mallory who wasn't paying attention to the tornado but to the man.
After the tornado finish to pumped them all, it began to contract on itself while producing more and more power as the hooded man was doing a grabbing motion. After feeling satisfied, he did a release motion and the next moment the tornado blown up throwing all the men inside so much power, that when they were slammed in the ground, craters appeared.
Not caring a least of if they were still alive, the man turn his head to Mallory and start to went to her while removing his hood. Revealing a young angry but handsome face with brown wavy hair.
"Dig! I thought that you said you will never come back?" said Mallory while rushing to his side.
"And leaving you alone when Bruce said that he needs help? I knew that you would have joined him even if I told you to not" Diggle said while rolling his eyes before turning serious and saying with a cold voice "But imagine my surprise when I heard the boss of those trash said that you were a famous vigilante in the city. From the words he employed, I didn't seem like you just started Two days ago, right Sleeping Ghost?"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Arikawane
Arikawane Yeah I'm late, and don't even have a proper explanation except that I too lazy to write. But finally Diggle is back!
I don't know why but for me it's like he disappeared for decades instead of just two.. Three... Four chapters?!
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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