Chapter One
Wayne Manor
"Areina, you know what could happen at public school, remember being kidnapped when you were 11." The aged Bruce Wayne said; having been arguing with his granddaughter for about half an hour.
"Yea, but I was still new to my training, I'm better now, and if anyone thinks they can kidnap me again, they'll get more than they expect from me." Areina said back to her grandfather.
He knew the 15 year old was right; it had only been four years since he started home schooling her after a couple of common thugs kidnapped her for three million creds. Her 'bat' training was even better than he could have expected; so he decided to give it one more shot.
"Fine, I'll talk to the principal to see if you can get a feel for the school." Bruce said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
This was going to test his patience. Then again, he couldn't say no to his granddaughter.
Two Hours Later
Areina was closed off in her room so Bruce had called in an old friend.
"Are you sure about this Bruce; she is still young, and with her being your granddaughter there is no telling what could happen." The man standing before the ex-Dark Knight stated.
"She's had four more years of training; I think she can handle herself now. I'm sure if she's with the right guide, nothing will happen. J'onn, I'm glad you decided to be principal at Hamilton Hill High. That's why I wanted her to try there; if anything that should go wrong; only interfere if it seems that she's in over her head." Bruce said.
It was then that Principal John Jones transformed into the old hero Martian Manhunter. "Very well; having known you all these years, I'm sure you trained her just as well as her mother. I will talk to one of my star students, and see if she will be willing to help Areina out."
"Thank you." Was all Bruce said, and with that he nodded to his old colleague and headed out. "If you can set it up for next week; I want to train her a little more for this."
"That should not be a problem, Bruce; goodbye." J'onn said; and with that he changed back onto John Jones and headed out.
Bruce just looked at the ground. "Have I really become so lax over the years?"
It was then that Bruce turned around and headed to his chauffeured car to return to the Manor.
One Hour Later
"Areina." Bruce loudly called into the manor.
She came out of the downstairs study; and she seemed to have been training on her own. The family dog, Ace, was right beside her, and happy to see his other owner.
"I talked to the principal of Hamilton Hill High; you may go in one week and be guided around the school to see if you like it." Bruce said.
"Thanks Bruce, this is so asterous." Areina said as she jumped up once.
Hearing Dick's word brought back memories Bruce had kept locked away.
"Oh; sorry Bruce." Areina said, remembering slipping up once and Bruce didn't talk to her for the rest of the night.
"It's alright; I just missed him after the last time you said that." Bruce stated, trying to cover up the fact that his son had abandoned the mantle of Batman years ago.
"Okay, well, I still have home school, so I need to get my history done." Areina said, and with that, she headed out to her room; Ace right by her side.
He was getting old; as seeing how his granddaughter acted, reminding him of her mother at that age; at least Areina wasn't out every night fighting crime. With the 15 year old in her room; Bruce headed to the study…..to enter the Batcave.
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The Next Week
Bruce and Areina arrived at Hamilton Hill High and were greeted by Principal Jones. Areina was happy to be at a public school; and that's when Bruce left her for the day so she could head in and meet the person that was going to be her guide. It didn't take long before they were alone in the principal's office, and that's when Areina spoke.
"So, J'onn; you really think I need to be protected." Areina said, giving the principal a smirk.
"I expected no less from Reiena's daughter; Bruce is just worried about you. When your mother and uncle were your age, it wasn't uncommon for them to be kidnapped." John said, not morphing into his Martian form.
"I know he's worried, but really, you replaced the principal of the school?" Areina said.
"Actually, I have been principal here since you were 7." J'onn said.
"Sorry; I just assumed….." Areina said, embarrassed that she would think that.
"It is alright; you are a member of Bruce's family, and I'm sure you got both of your parents' stubbornness. Now, I just need to call for the girl that's going to be your guide around school." J'onn said as he pushed the intercom button. "Maxine Gibson; you are needed in the principal's office."
It didn't take long before there was a knock on the door, and Principal Jones opened it. The girl that walked in was around Areina's age, African American; and her hair was a pixie cut and colored pink.
"Miss Gibson; this is Areina Grayson. Thank you for accepting my request to guide her around school." The disguised Martian told the girl.
"It's not a problem, Principal Jones. Nice to meet you Areina, and you can call me Max, everyone here does." Max told the girl as she extended her hand in friendship.
"Nice to meet you too, shall we get started." Areina stated as she shook Max's hand.
"Sure, and if Mr. Wayne calls, tell him everything's alright." Max said and then she turned to J'onn.
"Very well, Maxine; I hope you enjoy your time here at Hamilton Hill High, Areina." Principal Jones said, and with that the two girls headed out.
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Not Far From Hamilton Hill High
Five shadows were watching the school from a nearby building, but not so near that they would be seen. It was then that they saw Bruce Wayne get into his vehicle alone and they knew their prey was within the school.
"You're sure no one will be hurt?" The shortest of the figures questioned.
"If they get in the way, then they won't be hurting for long." The tallest figure stated.
The five figures then took to the sky on very thin flying board that from below would look like they were playing cards.
Back Within the School
Classes had just changed as Max and Areina left Principal Jones' office, and it was then that a voice called out.
"Max; there you are; why were you called out of class?" The dark haired girl asked.
"Dana, this is Areina Grayson; she's been homeschooled for a few years and wants to give public school a try." Max said as she introduced the new girl in school.
"It's nice to meet you Areina….wait, are you related to the Flying Graysons from back in our parents' days?" Dana said.
Areina tensed, she knew about her family history, but she didn't want to be rude to Dana. "Yes, I am. My mother was Reiena Grayson, the fire dancer in the circus before my grandparents were killed."
"I'm sorry to hear about your grandparents, but you're here with us now, so that's a good thing." Dana said, apologetic for bringing up Areina's family.
"Thank you….Dana was it; sorry, I don't get out of the Manor much." Areina said.
"It's alright girl, you're here now, so let's have some fun. Oh wait, you've got to meet Terry." Max said, hoping to lift both girls' spirits.
As if on cue, a dark haired boy with a brown jacket came running at them.
"Hey Max." He said, and with that he kissed Dana.
"Um, Terry; I'd like you to meet Areina; she's thinking of starting school here so I'm showing her around." Max said; and with that Terry and Dana separated.
"Sorry, how you doing Areina?" Terry asked.
"I'm good, thanks for asking Terry; so where should we be heading now?" Areina stated, wondering where these new friends would take her.
Just then, the loudspeaker activated and an unfamiliar voice came over it. "We have the school in our grasp. The Royal Flush Gang has only one request: Areina Grayson's surrender." The voice stated.
While all the kids in the hall were panicking, Areina, Max, Dana and Terry were formulating a plan, well Dana was just wondering why they were not panicking as well.
"Where's the nearest janitor's closet?" Areina asked.
"It's this way, not too far." Terry said, and he started to take off.
"Max, Dana; you two stay with the other students." Areina said as she turned to her new friends.
"Areina, you can't just hand yourself over to them." Dana said.
"Don't worry Dana, I'm not going to. Hopefully I can evade them long enough until someone can get a call into the police." Areina remarked, and with that Max knew she had to get Dana out of the area, so she grabbed Dana's arm and they both took off.
"You sure know what you're doing, for a rich girl." Terry said as he and Areina started running.
"You'd be surprised what I know; can you fight?" Areina asked as they arrived at the closet.
"I've gotten into a few fights in my day. You're really going to fight these guys?" Terry asked, looking Areina right in the eyes.
"My grandfather knows the commissioner of the police well; I'm sure once someone calls the police, she'll call him." Areina said.
"I hope you're right, so what's the plan." Terry stated after thinking for a moment.
"We need to see who we're dealing with; then I'll figure out something. Right now, we stay hidden; I'm sure Max can take care of Dana. Does the school have a lockdown protocol incase this happens?"
"Yes; the students are to head into the nearest classroom and the doors lock until the threat is over, the closets are not monitored like that, so we're good…..for now." Terry said; uncertainty in his voice.
"We need to get out of here and see who we're dealing with." Areina said, and with that she carefully opened the door and headed out with Terry right behind her.
