Melanie Walker had a lot of regrets. One of them being that she let Terry walk out of her life. Terry Mcginnis-boy, did the name bring back many memories. From the moment she and her family got arrested, no day had passed that she didn't think of the boy who captured her heart.

Melanie sighed as she entered her family's current residency. It wasn't much given how they'd all just been released from prison. She was still surprised her mother and father hadn't already pulled her and Jack "back to work" in the family business.

Speaking of Jack, her brother wasn't fairing all too well either. Much like her, he was stuck thinking about his past relationship.

Melanie was brought out of her brooding when she stumbled upon an unsettling sight. The entire common room of her home was in shatters. Furniture was turned over, curtains were ripped, decor smashed.

"Mom? Dad," Melanie called out. Her heartbeat quickened as she heard no answer. "Jack! Jack, come on, this isn't funny!" Still no answer.

Melanie ran into rooms searching for any signs of her family but found none. Her fingers combed through her blonde curls as her breaths became shorter and faster.

Suddenly, a box came crashing through a window. Melanie immediately took cover. She expected an explosion from the package. After some moments, Melanie slouched in relief. She approached the box wearily and slowly opened it. Inside was a tablet.

She was about to touch the device when it turned on automatically. A Jokerz face appeared.

"Hey, doll face. I bet you're wondering what the hell is happening, so let me tell you nice and slow." J-Man began menacingly. Melanie swallowed and listened intently. "I've heard you're quite the thief, which is why I want you to rob the Derby."

The Derby was a high stakes poker game played regularly by high-class criminals.

Melanie's eyes widened, and the Derby was too big of a heist to pull off. Even her father has steered clear from messing with the Derby. For her to pull it off alone would be suicide. "I have your family, maybe you'd like to say hello to one of them."

The camera flipped to show a beaten and bruised Jack, who was gagged. Melanie teared up, "Oh Jack," she gasped. "$1 million, you have 3 days to pay up or your family dies." J-Man's voice continued.

Jack struggled against his bonds, his eyes filled with fear. He managed to loosen his gag enough to yell quickly. "Melanie, don't listen to them it's a -" but whatever he was about to say was cut off by a hard punch to the gut.

The camera faced J-Man once again, "If I were you, I'd hurry up. Your brother hasn't been very cooperative, and I'm starting to run out of restraint."

The screen shut off, leaving Melanie in distress.

There was only one thing to do. She had to rob the Derby for her family's sake.

~8~

"Bennie, are you in? Come on, I can't wait all night." Lula Knight, a famous smuggling boss, said. She was dressed in a red jumpsuit and had split black and white hair.

"I understand your impatience, Lula, but it's a difficult position I'm in," Bennie Vayer looked over his hand of cards, "To bet, or not to bet." The rest of the group grumbled, wanting the player to make a move.

A very big, well-dressed, dark skinned man named Tyrus Block cut in, "Make up your mind, we've all got places and people to rob." Bennie began to sweat profusely, "I....I.. I think I heard something. Did anyone else," he tried to excuse.

"That ain't gonna save you, Bennie boy."

Bennie turned to his henchmen, "Justin, Rafel. Go check. And be thorough," he instructed. Bennie hoped to buy a little more time before he was forced into making a decision that could potentially make him lose millions.

The henchmen split up, with Justin surveying the inside while Rafel the outside. Hearing a sound coming from a room, Justin walked inside, gun raised. When he found nothing, Justin walked out of the room only to be hit in the face by a royal scepter. Ten grinned down at the unconscious guard.

Back at the poker game, Bennie was out of time. He defeatedly threw down the two cards he was required. Suddenly, a black card with the number 10 was dropped onto the pile. Before any of the players could react, the card exploded into a blinding light.

Ten landed on the poker table and scooped up all the jewels and money into a sack. She didn't waste time making her escape. She jumped off the table and ran out onto the balcony where her flying card was.

She didn't get very far. Rafel fired his gun at the card, destroying it. Ten went flying as her card exploded.

She managed to get back on her feet to continue sprinting. The Derby players also joined the fight by adding their own gunfire. With nowhere to escape without being shot, Ten was forced to take cover. But now she was a sitting duck.

She definitely did not foresee Batman and Nightwing coming to her rescue. "Up to your old trick, I see," Batman told her. He sounded disappointed, which for some reason made Ten feel guilty. "It's not what it looks like, I swear," Ten quickly explained.

Batman grabbed her sack before yelling out, "You want this back? Take it!" Ten became frantic and tried to take back the sack, "No, you can't!"Watch him," Nigthwing replied coldly.

Batman threw the sack to the players. Lula looked down at the sack, which had spilled out some of its contents. "Well, that's darn nice of you. But it's not enough!" The Derby players began shooting again. "Idios," Ten commented. The duo ignored her, and Nightwing pulled out a gas bomb.

The bomb provided a good distraction. Batman and Nightwing moved through the gas like shadows, taking out players one by one. The players were too busy coughing to fight back. Only Lula was left standing.

Seeing Nightwing, she aimed her gun, but the hero blasted off into the sky with her partner. They both flew away after noticing Ten herself had vanished as well.

~8~

Terry had been silent since the encounter with Ten, and Eliana understood he needed some time to adjust. No doubt it was hard to see the first girl he fell in love with.

There was baggage, lots of baggage. Eliana was also distracted with thoughts of Jack. She half expected to see the boy appear to help his sister.

It was strange that only one Walker sibling was involved in a heist. Nevertheless, only one member of the Royal Flush Gang. There was something else behind Melanie's actions.

Bruce was already awaiting them when they entered the cave. "A bunch of gangsters, and a pile of credits and jewelry, you say?"

"There were some gold ingots in there too," Eliana added. Bruce sighed, "This brings back some memories." Eliana glanced at Terry, but seeing as wasn't going to contribute to the conversation, she took the bite. "Wanna share them?"

"Sounds like you both got a little too close to the Derby. It's a high stakes poker game that's been floating around Gotham since, before even my time. As you noticed, it attracts some of our most colorful citizens," Bruce explained.

Eliana scoffed, "You'd think they could afford better security." It was clearly no trouble for Ten to sneak in successfully and collect the money and jewels. "They probably figured no one would be crazy enough to try and rob them," Bruce responded.

"Ten's not crazy," Terry cut in sharply, "Desperates more like it."Sounds like simple greed to me," Bruce argued.

Eliana held her breath, hoping a disagreement wasn't about to form between the two.

Terry shook his head, "No, she swore that it wasn't what it looked like." Bruce raised a brow. "She meant it. I could tell," he insisted.

Bruce swung his chair around to face the batcomputer, "Ah, to be young again and gullible."

The teens changed out from their costumes and went up to Eliana's room. "Look, hear me out. I know Melanie isn't a big fan of yours, and trust me, she isn't mine either, but -" "I believe you," Eliana cut him off.

Terry froze and took a minute to process what his girlfriend just said. "You believe me? That Melanie is not back to her old ways? Why?"

Eliana started to undo her braid while looking at Terry through her mirror. "She seemed rather distressed about losing her score, plus I remember you telling me she was conflicted about being Ten when you two were seeing each other." Eliana swished her hair around, and Terry couldn't help but stare.

She smiled teasingly, knowing her action would've got a positive response from him. She walked forward and hooked her arms around Terry's neck. "I trust you. If you say something's wrong with Melanie, then I believe you."

Terry was astonished. Though he never knew Eliana to be jealous, he was expecting his girlfriend to be a little cautious or even non compliant to help his ex. "How'd I get so lucky to have you?" He mumbled, giving her nose a soft kiss. "Don't know, but maybe you can show me some gratitude," she whispered.

Terry grinned almost maniacally. He picked up his partner and threw her onto the bed. Eliana laughed as Terry hovered over her, "Now that I can do," he said before connecting their lips.

~8~

Terry left Wayne manor the next morning, still feeling Eliana's touches on his body and lips. Although he told his mother in advance he'd be staying the night at the manor, Terry still rushed to get home. He opened the door to his home and called out for his brother and mom. "Mom, Matt, I'm home!" He didn't hear his brother's annoying voice and scanned the house to see that he was home alone.

He spotted a note on his refrigerator and read it out loud, "Terry, today was beach day, remember? Where were you?" Terry tossed the note away, "Oh, just out saving the world, ma," he said exasperatedly.

Terry opened the door to his room and stopped abruptly. Melanie Walker was there, sitting on his window ledge. "Remember me?" Melanie said, moving towards him. "Melanie," Terry replied softly but then hardened his tone, "Or should I say, Ten?"

It was different talking to her as Terry Mcginnis rather than Batman. As himself, Terry didn't have to hold back his feelings. He wanted no needed to let them out.

Melanie stepped back a bit, keeping some distance between them. "If you hate me, I understand. What I did to you before I didn't have a chance. It was between you and my family." Terry shrugged off his jacket and went to his closet to hang it. "There's always a choice, Melanie," he replied tersely.

Melanie sighed sadly. She knew coming to Terry for help would be hard, but she didn't realize just how difficult it would be. The disappointment in his voice made her want to leave right then and there, but she stayed strong. If this was to be the only chance to make amends with Terry, then she would endure all the pain and heartbreak.

"I need a place to stay till it's dark. That's all I'm asking for," she pleaded. Terry turned to face her, his face emotionless. "Let me guess. Cops after you?" Melanie broke eye contact, "Among others. Including Batman and Nightwing. But even they would never think of looking for me here."

The irony was not lost on Terry. "No, I guess they wouldn't." He noticed how Melanie leaned closer to him and slowly inched her way up to his lips. "But there are laws against harboring criminals, and I'm -"

Thankfully, Melanie reacted to this statement coldly and moved away. "I'm not a criminal, not anymore!" Melanie protested. "Then why is everyone after you?" Terry countered.

It was time to figure out just what exactly Melanie's motive was to resume her crimes.

"Because I was forced to rob a big poker game by the Jokerz. They're holding my family," Melanie finished tiredly. She closed her eyes and remembered the state of her brother. She didn't have a choice, if only she could convince Terry of that.

All of Terry's theories went out the window. He was a bit skeptical that the famous Royal Flush Gang could be easily captured by the Jokerz of all groups. But the fear and anguish in Melanie's eyes were real. And it certainly explained her rash behavior last night.

"I think we should call the police," Terry suggested, moving to grab the phone. And by "police," he meant Eliana and Bruce. Melanie grasped his wrist to prevent him. "Don't you see? If I do that, then the Jokerz will kill them," she begged.

Terry paused to think. He came to the conclusion that he'd tell Bruce and Eliana later, after Melanie left.

He collapsed onto his bed and felt Melanie sit next to him. "You have no idea how much I've missed you, Terry." Melanie said, cupping his cheek and moving his face to meet hers.

She was slowly creeping closer, and Terry felt her breath hit his face. His body tensed up. The touches that used to make him feel excited and lustful now felt hollow and just plain wrong, the opposite of Eliana's.

Enough was enough. Things couldn't continue this way. Melanie deserved to know the truth. He went to tell her about his relationship with Eliana, but she spoke first.

"You know there's this saying, 'Once burned, twice shy.' Is that what you are feeling right now?"No, but you did burn me. Bad," Terry responded bitterly. Melanie shut her eyes briefly, "I don't suppose an apology would put everything back to the way it was before?"

"Melanie, things have changed." This was it. He needed to tell her.

"I've moved on."

"What?" She whispered. Terry gulped but remained steadfast. "I'm in love with someone else and in a happy relationship." "Love...but....with who?" Melanie asked, her voice cracking. Terry went to answer.

"With me."

Both teens looked over to see Eliana Grayson standing in the doorway.

~8~

Eliana remained emotionless on the outside, but inside, she was angry. It was a hard sight to look at. Seeing Melanie in her boyfriend's personal space, no doubt, trying to bring out some feelings that had long left. The only good thing about the view was that she could see the uncomfortableness and relief on Terry's face.

Melanie skidded off Terry and stood up. "Oh, Eliana, I was just -" "Save it, I know why you came here. But you need to leave before the authorities find you and charge Terry as an accomplice," Eliana interrupted contemptuously.

"I'd never want that to happen," Melanie argued. Terry walked behind his girlfriend and placed his hands on her shoulders, failing to see Melanie's hurt expression.

"It's okay, babe, just hear her out for me, please?" Eliana took a deep breath to calm herself and grudgingly nodded. "The Jokerz, they have my family, Eliana. If I don't pay the ransom money, they'll kill them!" Melanie exclaimed. Eliana exchanged looks with Terry. "Say I believe you. You should tell the police," she advised.

Melanie shook her head rapidly, "Like I told Terry, I can't. It's too risky, and I'm not taking any chances."

"They hurt Jack, Eliana. They've beaten him. If he meant anything to you, then you won't go to the police," Mealinie said coolly.

Eliana straightened up, concern bubbling within her. Her fists curled so tightly that they turned white. Jack did mean something to her, always would if she were being honest.

From what she remembered about the Walker siblings; they were very close and cared deeply about one another. Melanie would never lie about something like this, that much she knew.

"You have my word. I won't inform the police. Listen, Melanie, I can help you, which means you won't need to steal anymore." Melanie was curious and gave Eliana her full attention, "Go on?" She prompted.

"I can supply you with the efficient funds required. As the ward of thee Bruce Wayne...I have certain privileges." Eliana suggested. Melanie's eyes brightened with happiness but dulled just as quickly. "Thank you, Eliana, truly... but one of the demands from Jokerz was that the money needed to be taken from The Derby specifically."

Eliana became disappointed. The thought of Jack having to endure suffering at the hands of Jokerz for longer was tough. She wanted him safe as soon as possible. There was an awkward silence that no one knew how to fill.

"I should go." Melanie saw how she couldn't stay longer. She wanted to see Terry again, for him to distract her from current troubles. But her presence was clearly not wanted by both Terry and Eliana. And frankly, Melanie needed some time alone to process her heartbreak.

"I thought you wanted to stay till dark." Terry pointed out. Melanie rubbed her arm, ignoring his stare. "I did, at least I was, but I can see that isn't a good idea." She opened up Terry's window and moved to climb out when Terry grabbed her hand.

"You can't do this. Not by yourself."I have to. But, Terry, thanks for caring." Melanie moved to kiss his cheek but stopped herself. She knew better now.

Terry and Eliana watched the girl until they could no longer. Terry collapsed onto his window ledge with his head in his hands. "I'm sorry you had to walk in to see that," he apologized sincerely. Eliana slowly brushed a hand through his dark locks, making Terry moan. "It's not your fault. ...What are we gonna do about Melanie?"

Terry looked up to her, "Well first things first, we have to stop her from robbing the Derby. But I'd rather not go to Bruce about this." He added the last part apprehensively. Eliana didn't like keeping her mentor in the dark, but she understood Terry's reasoning. There was every chance Bruce would dismiss, even helping Melanie.

"Okay, but we're gonna need some technological help, and the batcave is off limits, so where're we gonna go?"

An idea sprung into Terry's head. He knew exactly who to go to.

~8~

Max didn't waste a second to lend her expertise when the duo approached her. In fact, ever since learning her friends were badass superheroes, Max had been expressing desire to help out more.

She had clear instructions to find the location of the Derby game that night. But as the minutes went on, Terry found himself growing impatient.

"Terry, it's not like there's a website for illegal card games." Max said, not taking her eyes off her laptop screen. "I know, but there's gotta be some way of finding out where the Derby is."Try police reports, Max," Eliana suggested.

Max stopped typing as she took a minute to think. "Wonder if I can get some pictures from last night? The surveillance satellites should tell us where they were."

"You can download from the defense department's computers?" She asked her friend in awe. Eliana whistled impressed. She knew Max was a genius when it came to computers, but not this advanced.

Max side eyed her, "Well, not legally. But I would like to know what's going on." Terry paced around the room. "I'm helping a friend. That's all," he casually responded.

Max was more perceptive than the average person. "With this kind of lying, it's got to be more than just a friend," she prodded. Eliana scoffed. Enough tip toeing.

"It's his ex-girlfriend," she inserted bluntly. She heard the sound of clicking computer keys pause for a second before resuming. Max wisely didn't press the issue any further.

~8~

Directly sitting in the shadows behind an unsuspecting Ten, the duo waited for her to make a move. When the time came for Ten to fly off on her card, Batman shot a grappling hook into it before tying the cable around a pole. "You're sitting this one out."

Ten gave them a quick back glance, "Sorry, can't afford to." She ushered her card to speed up, causing the pipe to break off the wall it was attached to and whip right into Batman and Nightwing.

The vigilantes held onto the cable tightly as they were dragged throughout the sky. Ten attempted to rip the grapple out of her card but failed, so she tried swerving to shake them off.

When nothing changed, Ten went to drastic measures. She flew closer to a rooftop, making sure Batman and Nightwing crashed through the building.

When she looked forward, thinking she was triumphant, she didn't expect to see the duo flying right at her. Ten grunted as she was tackled down onto the rooftop. Ten struggled in her pinned down position.

"I'm only trying to save my family. They'll be killed if..."Skip the sob story. Let's say we believe you," Nightwing interrupted. "Then let me go get the ransom money. Please," Ten begged.

"No! No more stealing!" Batman yelled. "You're killing my family," Ten rebutted. Nightwing corrected her, "We're saving them." It took some more heavy convincing, but Melanie eventually agreed to lead the group to the Jokerz hideout.

The hideout was filled with many Jokerz who were watching some other boxes. Batman, Nightwing, and Ten watched from above.

"This is where my family's being kept. I thought about breaking in, but there were just too many of them. And there still are. Even for us three." Ten said, putting down her high-tech binoculars. "So why don't you just let me go back to the card game? I think my odds would be better there," she continued.

"Like I said before, no more stealing." Batman enunciated. Ten sighed in defeat. She reached into her pocket and dug out a letter. The name addressed on the note caught Eliana's eye.

"This is for a kid named Terry Mcginnis. If you come out of this okay, and I don't, will you give this to him?" Ten asked, holding the note out for Batman to take. "And you won't read it. Promise?" She added, quickly clutching the letter to her chest protectively.

"Promise." Batman stated softly. Ten watched as he desposted her letter in his utility belt, "Maybe you're not such a jerk after all."I hate to be the one to break this sweet moment, but we need to move," Nightwing cut in after there was a comfortable silence.

The trio flew across the room and landed onto a big platform. A sliding door opened to reveal two Jokerz. Seeing the intruders, Jokerz stopped their conversation and attacked. Nightwing took care of one Jokerz, and Ten finished the last one off by kicking them over the platform's railing.

The interior of the hideout was grand and mechanical. When the group ran inside, dozens of Jokerx came rushing up the stairs. "Watch out back!" Nightwing instructed Ten before she and her partner blasted off and barreled into the Jokerz.

They didn't stop until they reached another closed door. With both of their combined efforts, the two pulled the door open to reveal a sleeping Joker.

When the joker woke up, Nightwing clamped her hand over his mouth to prevent a shout of alarm. "The Royal Flush Gang. Where are they?" Batman interrogated. "I don't know. They don't hang out with us." Batman grabbed the Joker by his shirt, "You kidnapped them!" "We what?" The Joker asked, smiling confusedly.

It was a trick. Melanie lied straight to their faces. And she had the gall to use Jack against Eliana.

"There they are!"

In their momentary distraction, Batman and Nightwing failed to see a whole herd of Jokerz entering. They were surrounded. "Get them!"

The duo punched and kicked as many Jokerz as possible, but they became overwhelmed quite quickly. Ten appeared to be nowhere despite the fact that she was supposed to have their backs. The Royal Flush Member no doubt fled back to the Derby.

Nightwing choked as a chain was pulled around her neck, and Batman was already down on his knees. Their prayers for an escape were answered when the batplane crashed into the building. The heroes basted into the air and climbed into the aircraft.

Bruce was already online when they settled in. "Thought you might need this." Eliana focussed on piloting out of the Jokerz hideout. "I tried to reach you two at Dana's, and when you both weren't there, I switched on the suit's tracer," Bruce continued.

"Guess I've got some explaining to do, huh?" Terry remarked. "Guess you do. Starting with why you didn't think it was a good idea to inform me of your actions," Bruce scolded. "Bruce, he had good reason," Eliana cut in. "If I told you what I was gonna do, you wouldn't have let me. You didn't trust her."

"And how did that go?" Bruce shot back. Terry stayed silent. Eliana glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Finally, he spoke up, "Okay, I was wrong. The only thing I did right was stick a tracer on her." Eliana couldn't help but feel smug about the action.

"Live and Learn, kids." "That's it? That's all you have to say to us?" Eliana questioned. No way Brcue would just drop the matter with a cheesy one-liner. "For the moment." Ah, there it was.

"Now, why don't you see if you can locate her frequency." Bruce finished, signing off. Eliana flipped the monitor to display the frequency the tracer on Ten was omitting.

"I think I might have another good idea." Terry turned to his partner, "I'm all ears, babe."I think we're going to need some help if we are to deal with the Royal Flush Gang."

"Who would help us?"

"Why, the people who were robbed of course."

~8~

This time, Ten was successful in her attempt at robbing the Derby. It felt like a huge weight left Melanie's shoulders. With the ransom money in hand, she was one step closer to saving her family. Although, she did feel somewhat remorseful for leaving Batman and Nightwing to Jokerz, but they were only slowing her down.

Melanie entered the abandoned warehouse, looking around for any Jokerz. A tall figure stood in the shadows. "Here's the ransom. Now let my family go," she addressed the figure, throwing down the bag full of money.

"Well done, darling."

Melanie stepped back with audible gasp. No, it couldn't be. She knew that voice. Her father, fully dressed in his gang uniform, walked into the light. Dread formed in her stomach. "Dad? Where is the Jokerz?" She questioned apprehensively.

"There never were any Jokerz besides the one who delivered the ransom video. This was just a family thing," King explained. "What are you talking about?"

"After the last time, we weren't sure of you. Weren't sure we could trust you. But you just proved yourself. Congratulations," Queen added, appearing by her husband's side.

Melanie staggered back, almost collapsing. "What's wrong, darling?" King asked, oblivious to his daughter's torment.

Melanie scoffed, "What wrong? How could you do this to me?" She just couldn't wrap her head around how her parents thought this was right.
Don't they understand the emotional and mental pain this all had caused her? What type of parents would inflict those things onto their child?

"Melanie, listen. Your mother and I love you very much," King began, "But we needed to make sure you loved us," Queen finished.

"You don't love me. If you did, you never would have done this to me. And you never would have made me choose between the family and Terry. You would've accepted him." Melanie ranted. "You were too young," King interjected, moving closer.

Melanie squeezed her eyes shut tightly. She was tired. Tired of trying to measure up to her parent's standard, tired of not receiving the proper love she deserved. But most of all, she was tired of putting her life on hold for those who didn't care about her. No more.

"Age had nothing to do with it. You were afraid I'd leave the gang. That's what it was. All I've ever been to you is an accomplice. Never a daughter. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to realize it." Melanie proclaimed resolutely. But there was another matter that she needed to bring up.

"And where's Jack? Last time I saw, he had been tortured by Jokerz, or so I thought. I wanna speak with him." Despite her parent's betrayal, Melanie still held onto hope that Jack hadn't been a part of this scheme.

Even though he still clung to his feelings towards Eliana, Jack focussed on getting back into his parent's good graces, unlike her. His endeavor for amends made him trustworthy in the eyes of her parents.

But she knew Jack; her brother would never hurt her like this, not willingly at least.

"Ace!" King called out. The robot member of the Royal Flush Gang joined them, Jack being held in its big firm grip. Jack was unmasked, but what really caught Melanie's attention was the lack of bruises or cuts on his face. Makeup must've been used to create features that looked like a result of a beating.

"Melanie, please, you have to believe me, I had no part in this. I didn't know what they were doing until it was too late, and even then, I-I tried to warn you. I never thought they'd go to such lengths-, please forgive me, sis," Jack pleaded, his eyes teary.

"You're both twisted!" Melanie screamed furiously, her voice cracking. "What a sweet reunion." Everyone's attention was turned to Batman and Nightwing. King moved to attack, but Melanie grabbed his arm to prevent him. "Wait!"Wait? For what? Ace! Jack! Get them!" King commanded. Ace dropped Jack and ran towards the duo.

Melanie ran over to her brother and helped him up. "Better choose your side, kids, and choose well," Queen cautioned. The siblings exchanged looks. They knew what their choice would be. Freedom. While their parents and Ace dealt with the vigilantes, Melanie and Jack made their escape.

Nightwing dodged King's sword, then backflipped to avoid another strike. But Queen was directly behind her when she landed. Eliana fell to the ground as Queen's scepter electrocuted her. Batman, who had been battling Ace, was similarly thrown onto his partner. The Royal Flush gang surrounded them. "It appears you both are outnumbered."

'That's what they think,' Nightwing thought joyfully. "Not really. We tipped off some friends of yours on the way over. Told them who robbed their game," Batman explained, equally happy. On cue, a car drove into the warehouse, and the Derby members jumped out of the car with their guns drawn.

It was the Royal Flush gangs' turn to flee for their lives. Ace crashed through the warehouse's wall, creating a hole to an alleyway outside. The Derby gang chased the Royal Flush gang out into the alleyway.

The Royal Flush gang almost made it to the end of the alley, only for many police cars to show up. Batman and Nightwing landed in front of them"Ops did we forget to mention we also tipped off the cops," Nightwing cackled.

"Your deal, King."

Having no choice, King dropped his sword and the bag of ransom money. Queen and Ace also raised their hands and surrendered themselves to the police.

Over by a roofs edge, watching the whole ordeal, was Melanie and Jack. After one final look, the siblings walked away.

~8~

A couple of weeks later, Eliana walked down the stairs of Wayne's manor, holding a bag. She didn't expect to see her boyfriend waiting for her. "Terry? I thought you were going clubbing with Dana tonight?" Terry shrugged, "She canceled. Decided I wanted to spend time with my lovely girlfriend," he responded, pulling her into a kiss.

Eliana melted in the kiss, but as much as she wanted to stay in the blissful moment, she had something on her agenda. "I like the sound of that, but there's something I need to do first, someone I need to visit."

Jack walked outside to take his break. Melanie managed to get them a job as wait staff in a restaurant. Wasn't the best paying job, but it was a start. A choice they made on their own free will. That was the beautiful part.

"Nice night tonight."

Jack sighed contently, looking up at the clear dark sky. "It definitely-Eliana!" He stumbled when he caught sight of his ex love. Unconsciously, he moved closer to her. 'She still looks the same', he thought. He'd been dreaming of this moment for so long. To finally see her again and apologize.

"Jack," he loved how his name sounded from her, "you look good."And you..look amazing," Jack complimented back. "I-what-what are you doing here?" Eliana tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "I needed to see you again...for closure."

Jack's heart dropped. Of course, his sister had already informed him about Eliana's relationship with Terry, but it still stung.

He swallowed and forced himself to say something, "I'm glad you found someone who loves you. You deserve the world, Eliana. Forgive me for wishing I could've been that man."

Eliana smiled bittersweetly. Yes, in another reality her and Jack could've been a great couple. But in this reality, Jack had merely touched her heart, whereas Terry owned it.

"You deserve to be happy also, Jack. Someday, you'll find a lucky girl who will adore you... but that girl isn't me." Jack watched as she pulled something out from the bag she carried with her.

He recognized the article quickly; it was his jacket, the one he'd gifted her. It was also a reminder of the last time they spoke face to face.

She held it out to him silently. Jack grasped it softly. Eliana slowly pulled Jack into a hug. Jack held onto her as tightly as he could without making her uncomfortable. From over her shoulder, Jack saw Terry watching them.

'Treat her well,' Jack mentally spoke. As if he read his mind, Terry nodded. Jack released Eliana and stepped back. "Goodbye, Eliana." "Goodbye..Jack," Eliana said before turning to walk away.

Eliana met up with Terry, the teen slung his arm around her. They walked down the sidewalk in silence until Terry pulled out the note Melanie had given him as Batman. Eliana watched as he crumpled the note up and tossed it into a nearby trash can.

She looked at him quizzically. "I think it's time we let go of the past, don't you?" He said. Eliana smiled and snuggled into his embrace. "I agree."