DC: Rise Of Krios

*Krios "James", Madison Bridge Apartments, Gotham City

**2 Years Later

Sitting at his coffee table, James ate a spoonful of cereal as he read from his laptop. 

The sun was beginning to rise from the horizon, it was looking to be like a beautiful Spring day for Gotham. A fact only slightly ruined by the exam he was preparing for. Being a third year medical student was trying his patience and every day he felt the urge to level Gotham University Medical.

The fact that he could literally do it made such a act more tempting by the day.

Still there was some positives, despite his lack of social skills he was able to navigate the required patient interaction fairly well, even earning some compliments by his teachers. Such positive 'press' for lack of a better term served him well as he explored his specialty options. Surgery was still the plan though he could see the merits of Emergency and Pediatrics. Emergency due to the skills but growing more unlikely as he talked with mentors about the insane schedule. Pediatrics because while he certainly was a introvert he did have a soft spot with working with kids.

Still, as he began opening up his files for his notes to review he felt a certain sense of satisfaction and purpose. The work he had done as Krios with Slade and Penguin had secured enough money to cover his bills with a little left over to support a decent apartment and occasional splurges. The studying which while was a pain did keep him busy and gave him a sense of accomplishment.

'Oh,' his insidious inner voice which both encouraged him and annoyed him whispered, 'And what about the other thing...'

Pushing that thought away he focused back on the practice Clinical Exam he was working on.

With his focus on studying and occasionally eating cereal he did not notice the creeping figure coming from the hallway into the living room. This was the other thing his inner voice whispered about. The person walked soundlessly, even avoiding the spots in the floor that creaked.

Slowly but surely the individual crept closer till they stood right behind him. Stretching their arms out they quietly reached for his neck.

Before wrapping their arms around it softly, with their chin resting on top of his head. Long flowing red hair laid on his shoulder and tickled his chin as he became encompassed by it.

Smiling genuinely, James reached up and stroked her head something he knew she loved no matter how much she denied it.

"I was surprised to see you get up early," She said.

Then in a teasing voice she said, "You are usually sleeping till your late for rotations."

Leaning his head back till he was looking up into her green eyes he said, "No rotations today, I got an exam and then prep for rotation tomorrow."

"Sounds like you won't have much time for some... 'fun' later," Her tone was serious but her eyes were teasing.

Feeling his smile widened James retorted, "I am sure I will have time for dinner, perhaps at Franciscos at 8?"

"Deal," she said before giving him a deep kiss.

The kiss lasted for a few moments before she pulled away.

Sighing she said, "I need to shower and then get to work."

Swaying her hips suggestively as she walked to the hallway leading to the bathroom she said, "Your welcome to join me..."

Snorting, James close his laptop and followed her closely.

"Barbs, you are going to be the death of me," he muttered amused.

**2 Years Earlier

Sitting on the steps of the G.C.U. admission building, James took a bite of his Cubano sandwich.

It had taken a week but Oswald was able to set him up with a secure I.D. that would pass even Batman's meticulous examination. It was a bit of a surprise when Oswald gave it to him, I.D.'s such as these were considered platinum on the black market and typically cost in the 10's of millions to secure. That and connections to U.N. military levels of security clearance to bypass safeguards established by the Justice League.

All in all it would take considerable effort to find and even prove his identification now was fake.

Reflecting back on his cover story always made him laugh.

James Coulson was officially a 18 year old U.S. citizen adopted by Jane Coulson at the age of 1. He had lived in Gotham his whole life and had primarily been homeschooled. At 15 he had succeeded in earning some grants and scholarships that allowed him to travel the world on educational programs. During the next three years he worked hard to earn his Bachelors early and start a specialized medical training program that prepared students to enter medical school. Now he had returned to Gotham to pursue medical school.

Despite wanting to skip ahead a few years thanks to the League of Shadows extensive training, Oswald was only able to get the G.C.U. to accept waiving the first year and allowing him to start as a second year medical student next month.

"Too much red tape and protocols with their medical program to make it worthwhile to push for more. Plus it would leave a trail that would look suspicious to any outsider." Oswald had explained.

James had accepted such reality, he also had accepted that for the time being it was best to avoid using Krios to solve any of his problems. He would have to go clean for at least a few years until things calmed down.

With that in mind he spent the week hunting down an apartment which he got lucky with thanks to Social Media postings. A 4th story apartment near Madison Bridge, only a few blocks away from G.C.U. campus. It was nice with a bedroom, office, bathroom, living room, kitchen and even a parking spot though he was not planning on buying a car.

It cost a nice penny as all things nice in Gotham do but he had for the first time plenty of money to cover things on his own. And besides, sleeping on a cold cot in the Himalayas had convinced him it was worth spending a little extra for some comforts.

That and killing Carmine Falcone had Oswald insist on a 'graduation' present of a lot of money. Such a gift would secure his needs for years even if he went on a few ridiculous spending sprees.

After securing his new home, he made his way to Gotham University's Admissions office. A gaudy building that looked more like a state legislature with its large columns and pantheon look.

Thanks to school being on break the campus was fairly empty save for a few of the Summer students. Getting his welcome package as well as taking care of securing some of his classes he walked out of the building feeling a sense of accomplishment in his life.

Killing Carmine Falcone had felt somewhat lackluster, it only became more so when the news networks and GCPD officially ruled his death as natural causes. James had gotten away from it, and the fact that it was so easy both thrilled but also disappointed him. He felt little accomplishment or satisfaction at his revenge.

The Criminal Underworld did reel from his death but soon settled down. Rumors had it the Falcone children had taken over from the old man and had stabilized things. Though based on James' own feelings, the Falcone crime family would not be able to rise to becoming the major threat Oswald feared while they were ruled under Carmine. Give it a few years and he suspected Batman or one of the Bat brats would have the new heads behind bars.

Still, despite the confused feelings he had, life for the first time in a long while felt good.

On the footsteps of the admission office was a small trailer serving Cuban sandwiches. Feeling the need to celebrate he bought some monstrosity they sold with extra everything.

Taking a seat on the steps of G.C.U. admissions he dug in.

The greasy, fat and salty taste exploded in his mouth. It may have been overpriced but right now at that moment it might of been literal elixir from the gods.

As he ate he considered how the last few years had gone.

Powers developing, joining organized crime, murder and holding the entire GCPD hostage, so much death and destruction, and mysteries he had no answers for. His life felt like it was on a trajectory completely out of his control, at least until now.

Now he controlled his fate. He would determine where his story went. And soon, he flexed his fingers feeling the growing power. Soon no one would be able to force him do what he didn't want, he would reach the one goal he had known he wanted since he was a kid.

Freedom.

Freedom from others, from his mistakes, from his past. It all would be available for him soon.

Sighing he leaned back on the stone steps and closed his eyes letting the sun warm him.

He would need to figure out the optimal time to train his abilities. He had been so close to achieving his 'Awakening,' a fact that frustrated him to no end. While al Ghul had purposely left out what would happen he could feel the potential of what would. Considering he could already survive a League member like Martian Manhunter, he felt confident soon he would be able to handily defeat them.

'Well, probably not Superman,' he thought realistic.

While he kept his eyes closed and soaked in the sun his senses picked up a familiar presence.

'Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit...' His mind thought though he kept his face the same, a simple look of content.

Since his encounter with Felix and the first use of his teleportation powers, James found many of his abilities not so much amplified but certainly more sensitive. His ability to spread his telekinesis sense had expanded and now even small details could give him the rough idea of an individual description, emotion and even mood.

Right now the individual was a few yards away, distracted with something but not in a bad mood. At least until they stopped and seemed to stare in his direction. The emotions from there began to swirl between surprise, anger, sadness and then back to anger.

Soon the individual walked over till they were standing above him blocking the sun.

With a hesitant voice Barbara Gordon said, "James?"

Opening his eyes he was briefly blinded by the light as his eyes refocused on the red haired woman.

She was dressed in casual wear with a plain t-shirt and jeans. Her red hair was tied in a simple pony tail, her face had matured in the years he had seen her and she honestly had become even more beautiful.

Sitting up and putting on a confused face on he said, "Barbara?"

She stared at him for a moment before taking a seat next to him.

"How are you?" She asked.

Sitting up he gave her a smile, "Gre..." cough, "Great... it has been so long. What are you doing here at G.C.U.? I figured you would have your doctorate by now."

That little joke did bring a slight smile to her, he had in the past made fun of her for being way too smart. After all, despite his impressive accomplishments of completing a Bachelors (though it was fake) before 18, Barbara Gordon already would of had few masteries if not a near completion of a doctorate of something.

Her intelligence was both terrifying and rather attractive.

"Not yet," she said, "But I think by next year should I decide to I can take the exams."

James gave her a nod of approval, "That is awesome, things sound like they are going really well for you."

"Ya... sure..." she muttered.

A silence enveloped both of them as they sat there. James felt nervous all of the sudden, not because he worried for his identity, that was secure. But because he seriously still did not know how to feel about Barbara.

However, before he could continue pondering this, his thoughts were interrupted when Barbara said,

"What have you been up to since... well honestly these last 2 years?"

Thinking quickly he said, "Traveling mostly, I spent this last year in Asia and learned Chinese, while there I went through a few undergraduate programs for medicine and now..."

He motioned around them, "Now I just entered G.C.U. medical school."

"Oh," she raised an eyebrow at that, "Medical school? I thought you hated school, now you are planning at least a few years of study and several years of residency?"

James gave a sheepish look, "I found I have a talent for the field, that and the money is hard to beat. I actually will be starting my 2nd year and the next I will get to experience all the potential specialties."

"Any in particular you are interested in?" She asked.

He nodded, "Surgery is looking the most likely. I had the chance this last year to see some surgeons work and even assisted in a minor capacity."

She gave him a concerned look, "Is that legal for you to work in an operating room?"

"Hmmm," thinking about how to answer that James said, "Most of the places I studied did not have 'laws' like they do here in the States. Often times I was helping doctors and surgeons who were just happy to have someone there."

"That sounds," she paused, "Irresponsible."

That made James laugh, "Oh you have no idea, but still it was quite the experience. And though I will suffer the endless hours of study, I am kind of looking forward working in medicine."

Barbara gave him a calculated work, "You want to help people?"

"I think," he said considering her question, "I think if I am honest helping people is just a bonus, the challenge is more intriguing for me, and the skills you develop."

"And money," she questioned.

"And money," he agreed.

From there a silence befell them, the small talk had been fun but they were avoiding talking about what was probably both on their minds.

Talking with Barbara was... nice. The last year had been a strain on his socializing, and though he preferred to be alone, it started to feel lonely having few if any friends. The League of Shadows assassins were not the most talkative bunch, that and the reputation Krios built made him a slight outcast. Al Ghul was always willing to talk but despite his gratitude to the man for training him, James was not sure if he could fully trust him.

Barbara though was normal. Ok, not normal since she was Batgirl but when she was with him it felt like he could actually be James and not Krios. The last year had reaffirmed that 'James' was merely a mask, Krios was his identity now, even if he had to hide it for awhile.

But talking with Barbara right now gave him hesitation. Krios he may naturally be, but with her he wanted to be James.

"Sooooo..." she said awkwardly.

They both knew they were dancing around the topic of James just upping and leaving. Simple friendly conversation they may of had right now, but James knew she probably wanted answers.

'Who would of thought that the most uncomfortable thing I would feel would be talking to a girl... god I am a loser.'

Barbara continued, oblivious to his thoughts, "I... I was hurt when you left."

James opened his mouth but Barbara waved her hand to silence him.

"I know, it is silly and lame but... I just needed to say that."

Sensing she was ready to end the conversation James tried to say something but she simply said.

"No, its fine James. I am sorry, I was just invested in something that wasn't meant to be."

Standing up she started walking down the steps and away, heading probably towards her car.

James kept his eyes on her with his mind racing.

On one hand it was awkward and sad but also for the best. She was the Commissioner's daughter, a hyper intelligent woman, Batgirl for crying out loud. Any relationship between the two would be a terrible idea. Just being close to her was a immense risk of having his identity being revealed. 

'Its nice to see her, but good that she is leaving us alone.'

'So why am I walking towards her?'

James found himself rushing to catch up to her.

'This is so stupid!'

Despite his mind yelling at him to stop James reached over and grabbed her arm provoking both a predictable if strong overreaction.

Barbara spun while twisting her arm in a reverse grip that found James in twisted to a kneeling position with his arm behind his back.

Instincts kicked in as James bucked his body giving himself enough leeway to sweep her leg. But Barbara dodged it releasing her grip on his arm before sending a jab to his shoulder blade.

Whether it was some weird nerve based jab or some kung fu magic Batman taught her James did not know, he just knew from training and experience fighting the Bat brats it was best to avoid their hits.

Raising his forearm he managed to divert her jab before returning a punch. 

Barbara bent out of the way of the punch grabbing his fist and twisting it downward in an attempt to flip him. To her surprise James allowed the momentum to flip him using his heavier weight to bring her down with him.

Side by side they laid as they began throwing jabs, punches and occasional kicks trying to hit each other. Both though kept their guards up and managed to block, deflect or redirect the hits.

Despite James getting proficient in martial arts, he would never be a match for masters of the arts. He could hold his own for awhile but without using his powers he was bound to fail, such a point was proven when he overextended his arm allowing Barbara to lock it in place. A few seconds later and James was not sure how but Barbara managed to wrap her legs around his neck while keeping his right arm locked in place.

The two stayed that way for a few moments before James tapped her leg indicating his surrender.

As they untangled themselves they realized the concerned looks the few people were giving them with more gathering.

Barbara seeing the growing crowd gave a convincing smile and laugh, "Sorry everyone, we are rehearsing for a... play, ya a play we have upcoming. 'Ninjas on the Streets,' keep an eye out for the posters."

With that she grabbed James hand and dragged him away from the confused but pacified onlookers.

Dragging him with her she had them step between the administration and legal buildings in a more private alley.

'Her hand is so soft,' James thought.

Finally checking that no one followed them Barbara sighed.

"I thought you said you were a newbie at martial arts?"

James shrugged, "Compared to you I still am, but I kept practicing while I was away. A lot can change after a few years."

She accepted that with silence as they both stood there in the alley. Neither seemed to know what to say in that moment.

Finally, thinking it through and gathering his courage James spoke.

"Listen," James said softly, "I am sorry."

Barbara tried to speak but he spoke quicker.

"I know you are going to say its fine and that we were just some teenagers but that doesn't change the fact that I did not handle it well. I really liked you Barbara and that terrified me, combined with needing to leave town for some of my education it just seemed best to cut you off. But I should of spoken to you about it and not led you on only to run away."

In the back of his mind he found it ironic that everything he just said to her was true, if lacking context.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Barbara shook her head and turned away. The funny thing was they both were still holding hands. A fact that James noticed during his apology but one he didn't want to break. Apparently it was true as well for Barbara as she squeezed his hand.

"Sorry for trying to break your arm," she said quietly.

James snorted, "I grabbed you and I probably deserved it."

"Consider us square then," Barbara said with a laugh.

He considered his next words carefully, "Listen, I don't know a thing about relationships much less friendships. But I do know I like talking with you and don't want to throw it away like I did last time again."

"Friends?" he asked.

Barbara seemed to consider for a moment before giving a tentative smile.

"Friends."

At that they both began walking out of the alley towards parking with James offering to walk with her to her motorcycle. It was strange to think how some relationships can really be solved just by throwing a few punches and trying to break someone's arm.

Reaching her bike she said, "So how long have you been back in Gotham?"

"Oh, just a few weeks," he said casually as he admired her bike.

The branding had it as some cheap Japanese cruiser but Barbara had evidently upgraded it to give it an appearance more like a Ducati.

"So you probably haven't had a chance to eat at Gotham Deli, the best sandwiches in town." She asked.

That made James chuckle, "Personally, I was more of a Leonardo's Marketplace supporter then G.D."

"Heresy!" Barbara said with mocked outrage, "What are you doing tonight?!?"

Pausing to think about it he said, "Nothing, I have to get furniture for my new place at some point but I will probably do that during the weekend."

"Good," she put her full head helmet on.

From the muffled helmet she said, "Then you can meet me at Gotham's Deli at 7 and I will prove to you its superiority."

"You are asking me to dinner?" James raised an eyebrow.

Barbara's eyes twinkled behind the helmets see through glass.

"Of course... as a friend."

With that she started her bike and zoomed down the street before disappearing from sight.

James stood there with a stupid smile on his face, try as he might he could not get rid of it.

"Its just dinner... nothing is gonna happen... this is such a bad idea."