Chapter 96
Batgirl watched as the police officers moved with swift, efficient precision. They secured Deadshot, his movements stiff and resentful as the cuffs clicked into place. Two officers escorted him toward the waiting armored vehicle, his high-tech rifle now safely in an officer's grip.
"Got him secured, Batgirl," one officer confirmed, a nod of professional respect.
"Good work, detective," another added, guiding Deadshot.
The heavy doors of the armored vehicle CLANGED shut, sealing the assassin inside. Its lights flashed silently in the night as it pulled away, disappearing down the street. Batgirl watched until it was out of sight, then turned her attention to the small group gathered on the rooftop. Her posture shifted from the vigilant hero to a more approachable figure.
Orion stood with Valeria and Franklin, his shoulder now bared. A medic, her face etched with mild concern, carefully examined the graze wound. Her touch was gentle as she cleaned the area and applied a sterile dressing.
"It's just a graze, but it's deep enough to warrant a proper check-up," the medic advised, her voice professional. "I really think you should get this looked at in a hospital."
"Thank you, but I assure you, it is minor," Orion replied, his tone calm and unwavering. "I will be fine."
He thought of Latias, her psychic healing touch a much more effective and discreet remedy once he returned to Pokémon Home. The medic, though clearly skeptical, respected his decision. She snapped her kit shut, a slight frown on her face.
"Are you sure, Orion?" Valeria asked, her brow furrowing with genuine worry. "That looks like it hurts."
"Yeah," Franklin chimed in, his expression serious. "We could totally get Dad to zap it with a shrinking ray or something."
Orion chuckled softly. "I appreciate the concern, but a good night's rest is all I need. My Pokémon will take care of the rest."
Batgirl moved with silent grace, a dark blur against the illuminated rooftop. She approached Orion, her movements fluid and confident.
"Are you alright, Orion?" she asked, her voice a low, masked murmur, but her concern was genuine.
"I am unharmed, Batgirl," Orion replied, his hand resting on his injured shoulder. "Thank you for your intervention."
"Deadshot is a dangerous criminal, and you stopped him," Orion continued, his gaze steady. "You performed admirably."
"It was my duty," Batgirl stated simply, her eyes scanning the distant cityscape. "I intend to investigate who hired him."
She planned to pull that thread until she found the puppet master.
"I appreciate the offer," Orion said, a subtle tension in his posture. "But I already have a strong suspicion." A flicker of cold anger touched his eyes, quickly masked. The powerful temptation to confront the source directly hummed beneath his calm demeanor.
A soft CLICK from Orion's belt cut through the quiet hum of the rooftop. A flash of red light erupted, and then, a small blue frog Pokémon materialized. Froakie stood there, its bubble-like scarf looking pristine, a faint air of self-satisfaction about it. It hopped lightly towards Orion, nuzzling his leg with a soft, affectionate chirp.
"Froakie!" Batgirl exclaimed, a note of surprise in her voice as she watched the Pokémon.
Orion knelt, a gentle smile touching his lips as he stroked Froakie's head. He took in the Pokémon's bright, alert eyes and the confident way it carried itself. Froakie looked perfectly content, almost proud.
"You have trained him well, Batgirl," Orion remarked, his voice soft, a genuine compliment in his tone. "He is quite healthy and full of spirit."
Batgirl blinked, a slight hesitation in her posture.
"You know who I am?" she asked, her masked voice laced with genuine surprise. How could he possibly know? Her identity was one of the most guarded secrets in Gotham.
Orion simply offered a knowing smile, a quiet acknowledgment that her disguise held no mystery for him. His gaze drifted past her, settling on Bruce Wayne, who stood a little distance away, observing the scene with a curious intensity. Orion's smile deepened, a silent understanding passing between them.
Bruce, in turn, felt no shock that Orion had seen through Barbara's secret. He had, after all, sensed a strange depth to the man. His own investigations into Orion Oak had revealed a meticulously constructed public facade, a blank slate that offered no true insights. Bruce found himself more intrigued than ever, wondering about the true nature of the enigmatic Pokémon Home owner.
Orion walked with a calm, measured pace toward Bruce Wayne, his recently bandaged arm held casually at his side. Froakie hopped alongside Batgirl, a small, loyal shadow. The air still thrummed with the fading tension of the attack, but Orion's expression remained serene.
"Mr. Wayne," Orion began, his voice smooth and professional. "I hope this unfortunate incident does not alter our previous understanding."
Bruce met his gaze, his features carefully neutral.
"Mr. Oak, the events of this evening, while regrettable, do not impact our agreement," Bruce assured him. "My commitment to the partnership remains firm."
A sense of shared resolve passed between the two men. They had both faced unexpected danger, and their alliance, rather than being fractured, seemed to solidify in the aftermath.
"I am grateful for your steadfastness, Mr. Wayne," Orion replied, a genuine note of appreciation in his voice. "This project is important."
"Indeed," Bruce agreed, a subtle glint in his eyes. "For Gotham, and for the world, it seems."
The professional understanding was now set.
"Well then, if you'll excuse us," Orion said, offering a polite nod. "It has been an eventful evening, and I believe my Pokémon at Pokémon Home are awaiting my return."
Valeria and Franklin, who had been quietly observing, flanked Orion. Franklin, still buzzing from the excitement, looked ready for more adventure, while Valeria maintained her usual thoughtful demeanor. The private vehicle, a sleek black sedan, idled nearby. They made their way toward it, Froakie scampering close to Batgirl's heels before a final, small hop into Orion's waiting arms.
Batgirl and Bruce watched them depart. The limousine glided silently away into the Gotham night, leaving the two silent guardians on the rooftop. Froakie gave a quick wave before it was out of sight. Batgirl glanced at Bruce, a question lingering in her masked eyes. The enigma of Orion Oak and his powerful Pokémon remained, a new and fascinating mystery for the protectors of Gotham to ponder.
***
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