The Archer and the Acrobat

[Werner Vertigo]

A lunge. An aggressive move; powerful yes, but lacking in finesse. Vertigo parried and sidestepped, a brush of his arm the only token effort he made to deflect the infant's attack. He allowed his momentum to carry him onwards, a few casual steps moving him far enough away to evade another immediate strike.

A frown of disapproval formed on his brow; his tutting tongue clicking in his mouth. "Such poor form," he criticised, sounding more like he was commenting on ballet than a fight. "And such terrible manners. Not lady-like at all."

From the corner of his eye he saw movement; "Ah-ah-ah!" he denied, a hand waved in Green Arrow's direction, another wave of sonic dysphoria washing over him. "Patience, my emerald friend. One at a time, if you don't mind. And as always -"

His lips curled into a sly, subtle smile. "Ladies first."

[Red Robin]

Beyond Vertigo, she could see Ollie trying to rise to his feet – only to crumple under another silent, sonic assault. Well, there went the element of surprise and the potential for a combat advantage. Carrie tightened her grip on her staff, trying to ignore the sound of the Green Arrow coughing and choking. She had to piece together what this weirdo's game plan was.

“Speaking of manners,” she said. “You know, you're doing this backwards, right? You're supposed to knock out the side-kick then tangle with the hero, not the other way around.”