DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Teen Titans characters, or the DC Comic Characters. Nor any of the brand names found in this story!

Summary: Kori Anders, news reporter, has seen a lot in her time. With the recent killing of civilians, Kori is putting away her papers, and testing out her investigation skills. Not only worrying about becoming the next target, she is worrying about her old flame Richard Grayson who seems to be appearing a lot more often, especially when she is with billionaire and rival to Bruce Wayne, Slade Wilson. Who is killing the people and will Kori be next? Oh, and who is Nightwing?

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ONE

"There are no superheroes in this world."

That was the thought of Kori Anders. The only thought that kept repeating in her head over and over as she read the latest news of the Jump City Post online. The post itself was recent, only happening a mere three hours ago in broad daylight. It shocked the red headed beauty that such people in the city would be so horrible.

"Early today Martha Gray, a fifty-six year old woman was shot. She was found behind the old Candlelight Diner. Police report that local civilians heard gun shots fired around 3:17. Investigators and police reached the area before finding her body with the help of bystanders.

"Martha's body had not only been shot, but the woman was found with her arms and legs cut off. On her stomach was the symbol of a large "S". Police are reporting that they believe the same person has been behind the last five murders this month was at fault. For this person always leaves behind an "S."

"Gray's family has been notified and they have identified the body. Martha leaves behind husband, John Gray, and children Miranda and Lily. Her boss Keith Arrow discussed what a shame it was to have lost a great secretary. Martha will be missed by family and friends, though they may find it will be a hard holiday season. Police are suggesting to not go out alone until the criminal or criminals have been caught."

"Kori," yelled a familiar voice. Kori looked up to see her British boss, Mr. Mod. "Are you done dilly-dallying love? I have been calling your name for the last five minutes. His accent sounded fake, and he wore a red coat that made his already yellow teeth look worse, if that was possible of course.

"Sorry Mr. Mod. I was reading the latest update on that "S" killer. What can I help you with?"

As much as Kori despised her boss, she loved her job. She was a famous reporter for the Jump City Post. She often wrote headlining covers and hung out with the elite people of Jump. She was no snob though, far from it. Being invited to the best parties around didn't mean she looked down on the poor of Jump. She donated money often to the local charities, and assisted them in events as well. It was her kind heart, and beautiful persona that had made her Jump's Bachelorette of the year for the last two years running.

"Just a reminder that you are tending Bruce Wayne's Feed the Children charity event tonight. Remember to dress your best, and represent us well. Oh, and if you could ducky, try to get in an interview with someone more famous then Kenny the goat farmer." Mr. Mod voiced. He let out a chuckle that scared Kori slightly. He was a short man with red hair, obviously dyed. He wore clothes that supported Great Britain, and you never wanted to get into a debate with him about the American Revolution.

"Kenny the goat famer was high in our rating, may I remind you Mr. Mod." Kori gave a smirk as she remembered interviewing the farmer.

Her story told his woes of his local government was trying to kick him off his farm while offering barley enough money to support himself and his goats. Kori thought the public may have cared, and some people did. For instance, people had visited Kenny's farm and offered assistance and money.

"People like to laugh at others less fortunate." His British accent faded out a little and Kori's smirk dropped. Of course the wealthy of Jump barley cared about other people. They threw away their money drinking, clubbing, and getting high. They would only give out money away for publicity; they couldn't tarnish their little reputations.

"I will be there at the party tonight." Kori sighed lightly wanting to avoid anymore conversation with Mod. He nodded his head walking away and following his secretary who today was wearing a very short skirt.

Pushing away from her computer Kori stood up and stretching slightly. She had been at her desk sitting in the same position for about an hour or so. Turning slightly to glance out her window, she found that the streets of Jump were dark, with cars and street lights illuminating the night. No stars could be seen in this busy city, only the large moon which stood out more than usual tonight.

Looking at her watch Kori gasped slightly. She was running late, for it was already now past five, and the party started at seven. She grabbed her coat off the back of her chair, slipping on the warm black plaid pea coat. She walked over to her office door where her purse hung on a hook, grabbing it she walked out of her office, and locked the door. She was done for that night at work.

Making her way out of the office building, Kori's Chanel shoes clacked on the concrete. Just because she was a reporter didn't mean she didn't make a lot of money. In fact, Kori was the second highest paid worker at the Jump City Post. She did occasionally like to spoil herself, after all she loved shopping.

She walked to her old black Nissan Altima from 2006. Walking onto the road, past the rush of the cars she opened her door carefully. Stepping into her car, she closed the door and rubbed her hands together hating the chill. It was December 11th, 2009, and snow was already coming down.

She started up her car, and turned on the radio into some Christmas music. Christmas was her favorite holiday, she loved the carols, decorations, music, everything. The music added to her joyful attitude. She was nervous yet excited to be going to one of the many mansions of Bruce Wayne tonight.

Pulling out of her parking space Kori began the drive home. She already had her outfit picked out. She would wear her newly acquired Dior gown. It was a form-fitting strapless blue gown in satin. There was no pattern, just a simple, yet beautiful dress.

The drive home was relatively quick considering Kori lived in downtown Jump, a ten minute drive, but around a forty-five walk for Kori, even longer in heels. She had gotten out of her car, parking on the street for she would only be about an hour or so to shower, and finish getting ready.

Rushing up to her apartment on the fourth floor, Kori climbed the stairs taking about two at a time. It was surprising she didn't slip. She found herself undressed in about a minute as she turned on the shower heating up the bathroom.

The heat of the water felt nice on Kori's back. It had been a long day for her even though not much had been accomplished. Lathering up her long red hair, she gave her head a bit of a massage, which felt very relaxing. Conditioning her hair, and washing herself with vanilla body wash, Kori was done. She stepped out of the shower with haste, wrapping a soft purple towel around her fragile figure.

Kori walked out of the bathroom and into her mini apartment. It had one large master bedroom. One full bull bathroom was connected to her bedroom, while a half bath was out in the hallway next to a closet. There was a small bedroom next to Kori's room that she had converted to an office. The kitchen and living area connected. The entire apartment was tastefully decorated.

"Oh where did I put that dress?" Kori muttered. She knew for sure that the dress was not in her room, and she felt a bit panicked. Where had she put it? She found relief as she check the closet by the bathroom. The dress hung there in all its glory and she gave a smile.

Taking the dress from its spot in closet Kori had brought the dress to her room. Her cat of a year, Silkie lay on the bed in peace, until Kori threw down the dress on the bed, almost hitting the tan cat. It let out a meow and Kori noticed her cat.

"Oh Silkie forgive me! I am in such a rush!" She sat down next to her cat quickly. She gathered the cat into her arms and gave him a tight squeeze. The cat purred in reaction and Kori quickly pulled away smiling at her pet. "I must get ready now!"

Kori took off her towel and walked over to her dresser to put on her Victoria's secret bra and thong. She walked back over to the dress, and unzipped it from its bag. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. She took it off the clips and held it up against her body, walking to the mirror she looked at herself.

"It is so pretty." She gushed lightly at her reflection. "Though I would think it would look better on." Kori let out a musical laugh and put on the dress. There was no zipper, so Kori had to place the dress over her head, and lightly pull down, not damaging the fabric.

"Oh my…" Kori smiled quickly at her reflection before going off to the bathroom. Before grabbing her Gucci blue satin shoes, with an open toe. This gave her a chance to show off her new pedicure.

Kori rushed to the bathroom where she turned on her curling iron. As it heated up, Kori took a brush and brushed through her knotted locks. She only brushed through the red strands once, trying to keep them slightly wavy. Her blow dryer was turned on as Kori began to dry her wet hair.

Within a matter of minutes, Kori's hair was completely dry and wavy. Her curling iron refused to heat up in the time frame she had wanted. She didn't fret though, for she began to do her makeup.

The mascara made her eye lashes extra long, and black. Her eyeliner was drawn up in thin lines, on the bottom and top lash lines. She wore light smoky eye shadow that complimented her green eyes and made them stand out more than usual. Kori already had a beautiful, perfect complexion, and naturally rosy cheeks. She only put on a cherry lip gloss, to give her lips a plump red color.

The curling iron had heated up, and Kori glanced down at the clock. It was six thirty. She would leave her at six forty-five, and arrive at the manor at around seven thirty. It would work at perfectly.

Kori was quick with her hair, having already done this hundreds of times. Each strand was curled and then dropped down next to Kori's face, the curls bouncy and shining with a healthy glow in the light. She had sprayed hairspray lightly; the kind that didn't make your hair hard though, which always delighted Kori. She sprayed herself with Chanel no.5 perfume.

Finishing her hair, Kori grabbed the curling iron turning it off. She ran out to her room and looked around for her purse. In the meantime her house phone rang. Kori let out a curse as she jogged to the phone and answered it.

"Hello?" Kori's voice was sweet, and out of breath. On the other line Kori's best friend Rachel chuckled.

"It's Rachel, running late?" Rachel smirked at her friend's voice.

"I should be there around seven thirty. Not too late." Rachel was a fashion designer, and as well as Kori, was part of the Jump City elite. She was a close family friend of Bruce, and was always invited to one of his dashing parties.

"I see, and are you driving or taking a town car?" Rachel inquired. Knowing Kori, Rachel believed she would drive.

"I'm driving."

"Just as I thought," Rachel chuckled. Kori loved to drive, but not in heels. She would always complain every time she arrived at the party she drove here in the awful weather, or every time she had to leave early she would whine that she didn't want to drive when it was too dark out.

"What?" Rachel heard Kori moving about. No doubt getting ready, and that she was. Kori was grabbing a notebook, tape recorder, pen, and of course her cell phone. She fit all of this into a small Gucci black bag.

"I'm on my way to pick you up, I'll tell my driver."

Kori heard Rachel saying something on the other line. Kori sighed for her best friend knew her so well. "I don't want you to get me."

"You'll thank me by the end of the night." Rachel's monotone voice stated.

"I probably will. Okay, when will you be here?" Kori looked through her closet, trying to find a suitable winter coat for the snowy weather.

"Five minutes. See you soon love."

"Bye!" Kori hung up her house phone and threw it behind her on the bed. She heard a hiss and looking back quickly found Silkie now off the bed and running out of her room.

She paid no mind to the cat for she needed a coat. How could she forget to choose a coat? She settled on a grey silver sweater and put it on and grabbed her purse. The button up sweater was warm as she walked down the cold hallways of the empty apartment complex. It had also actually matched the dress. She ran to the bathroom again putting on diamond earrings, and a blue tear diamond necklace. Kori walked the steps slowly, taking her time. She had a little after all, Rachel wouldn't be there for about…two minutes.

By the time Kori had reached the door to the entrance to the apartment, Rachel's driver was there. The black town car honked once and Kori walked swiftly to the car. Gerald, the driver, had been told before by Kori to not open the door for her, for she could do it herself. All the time though Gerald refused the beautiful woman.

"Someone hoping to impress someone else tonight?" A smooth voice said. Kori grinned at her friend as she took a seat next to her.

Rachel was a beautiful girl. She had a bit off an attitude, and couldn't resist the moment when she was able to make a sarcastic comment. She at times was hard to read, always keeping her emotions to herself, but overtime Kori had broken the shell of Rachel. After all they had known each other since they were fourteen. Now they were twenty-two, and twenty-four.

"I could ask you the same thing." Kori let out a laugh, and they felt themselves moving, they would soon be at the party.

Rachel was petite woman, with light skin. She had raven colored hair that at times had purple streaks, but now it was just in a plain ebony wispy up do. She had amazing eyes that were blue, but mostly looked violet. Rae was dressed in a black Chanel frock. Though the dress was black, the ribbons and raunching made it stand out. She paired her dress with black and white pumps. Over all Rachel looked pretty sexy for a charity event. No doubt trying to make her boyfriend Garfield Logan drool all over the floor.

"I wanted to look a little bit sexier for Gar. It's been two weeks since we had sex last. I'm craving more of him." Rachel winked, and Kori almost gagged.

"I didn't need to know that." Kori laughed lightly and Rachel echoed her laugh.

"Oh but you did. So why are we this gorgeous tonight?" Rachel smirked at her. "Trying to make an ex boyfriend jealous?" Rachel asked.

Kori had only had two serious boyfriends in her life. The first was Richard Grayson, the handsome playboy. They had loved each other, or so Kori thought. He had broken up with Kori as he left to go to business school. They had a serious relationship for about two and half years. Richard was the adopted son of Bruce Wayne, but Kori hadn't seen him for a year now. Every time Kori had been in the same room as him, she wanted to kill the cocky little son of a bitch.

The last boyfriend of Kori was Xavier Redd. He was a jump Elite and worked for Slade Wilson, the owner of Wilson Industries, rival to Wayne Industries. Xavier and Kori had recently broken up last month. Xavier had broken up with Kori after she had refused countless times to have sex with him. He was a playboy and would be at the party tonight.

"Neither, it's strictly business tonight." Kori smiled at her best friend. Rachel rolled her eyes and Kori laughed. "Well, if he does so happen to be a little jealous…I wouldn't mind."

"Of course you wouldn't." Rachel looked outside as did Kori. The mansion was coming into site.

"So Richard is going to be there tonight." Rachel said rather quickly. Rachel and Richard were close friends, and it was hard that Kori hated him. None the less though, Richard had broken her friend's heart so she always sided with Kori.

"So I'll hit the bar first then." Kori sighed dramatically. She didn't want to see Richard. He would probably bug her about her boyfriend…or ex boyfriend. Richard hated Xavier and Xavier's boss, Slade.

"No, first you'll make round, greet the guests there with some champagne in hand. After you talked to a few people…hit the hard stuff." Rachel winked, and Kori loved her best friend even more. She supported Kori in all of her decisions…and gave the best advice.

"I'm glad I didn't drive tonight. Just do me a favor though…if I do happen to get drunk, get me out of there." The door opened, and Rachel and Kori slid out careful not to flash their underwear like some celebrities. Camera flashes surrounded their vision as they walked up the steps, careful not to trip and make the gossip column tomorrow.

They walked through the door of the mansion, Bruce's personal butler Alfred opening the door. "Hello Ms. Anders, Ms. Roth., how might you ladies be tonight?" Alfred was old, but he was youthful at heart. All people had to like Alfred. He was like your favorite grandfather.

"Good Al, talk to you later though…we have some men to impress." Rachel smiled at Alfred, as did Kori as they walked past the butler and to the rest of the party.

Walking to the coat closet they both removed their coats and handed them to the server by the door. He took them and the two girls walked off and to the main room, where Jump City elite talked, ate, and danced, in fancy dresses, and dashing tuxes.

"Will you be okay by yourself?" Rachel inquired Kori. Kori rolled her eyes and gave a smile.

"Aren't I always?" Rachel nodded her head before giving her friend's shoulder a slight squeeze and walking away. Kori watched as Rachel got lost in the crowd, and Kori immediately began to look for a drink.

Kori wasn't much of a drinker but she craved the taste of champagne. She found a server and grabbed a glass of the tray, thanking the woman. She walked around getting a few greetings from familiar faces, until one face stood out, Bruce Wayne.

"Kori Anders…you look absolutely dashing tonight." Bruce smiled at the young girl.

Bruce was a handsome man, and a notorious playboy. Though over the years, it was only an occasional girl now. He was forty-two, but had the physique of a twenty-five year old. His milk chocolate eyes glittered, and his black hair looked smooth. He was tall, and had muscles that his tux tonight made stand out. He wore a toothy grin as he kissed Kori's hand.

"Bruce, you look great. So does the mansion. When do you return to Gotham?" Kori asked him. Bruce was known to live in Gotham City, a few hours away from Jump. He had lived here for over a year though, setting up the new Wayne Industries company here.

"Want to get rid of me that bad?" He chuckled lightly and Kori took a small drink.

"Of course not Bruce, you do throw some of the best parties around here." She smiled and he nodded his head appreciatively.

"You obviously haven't been to one of my parties then." A semi familiar voice spoke. Kori looked up to see no other then Slade Wilson in front of her. Bruce rolled his eyes as his competitor picked up Kori's hand and brought it to his lips. Though they both had never met, they knew of each other. Slade was the billionaire rival of Bruce. Kori was the beautiful and famous newspaper reporter.

"I believe I haven't Mr. Wilson." Kori nodded her head politely as his hand let go of hers. She felt a little suspicious of him, but knew him to be an honest man.

"Then you shall attend my Christmas party, on Christmas Eve. Bruce here is going." Slade smiled mischievously at Bruce, and Bruce stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "I would feel honored if a woman as lovely as you were to come." Kori blushed slightly.

Slade Wilson was attractive and only thirty-three. He had brown eyes that often looked slightly golden. His skin was tan, while his hair was brown with grey roots mixed in. Many women found him sexy and charming, and Kori had to admit they were right. He had a large smile and a good body.

"I believe I'm available." Kori smiled. "Am I really flirting with him?" Kori asked herself.

"Bruce, the bartenders need you. They forget which drinks to serve, I frankly forgot as well." A familiar voice spoke. Kori's world seemed to stop.

Kori turned around to see Richard Grayson there. He hadn't looked different from the last time she had seen him, only slightly taller, and a lot buffer. His tux made him look absolutely irresistible.

"Why hello there Kori," his voice was silky smooth and Kori just stood there staring at him. He grinned at her, his sexy grin. She hated herself for thinking of his looks, as the asshole talked to her. As his grin became bigger Kori felt her hate for him bubble up.

"Dick."

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