*Beep* *Beep*

The beep of the pulse reader invaded Blake's ears as she slowly opened her eyes. An intense white light permeated the room, blinding Blake. After a few seconds, her eyes adjusted, revealing that she was in the team's underground base. She groaned, moving her arms and head a little to stretch out.

*Tug*

Blake felt a tug on her arm, looking down to find two blood bags attached to her arm. One was nearly full while the other was nearly empty. She stared at the bags, wondering what they were for.

"You're awake."

Blake sat up, making eye contact with Bruce who had just entered the room. He wore bandages around his stomach leading all the way up to his arm.

"It's a new part of the base." said Bruce, "They added it while we were out collecting intel."

Blake looked around the room, spotting a variety of cabinets full of medical supplies and tools as well as a giant monitor, "What happened to me?"

"You were hit with a strange Hallucinogenic." said Bruce, "It made you irrational, made you see things."

Blake looked concerned, especially after noticing the bandages, "Did I do anything bad?"

"Well," said Bruce, "you did stab me."

Blake frowned, bearing a remorseful look on her face, "I-I'm sorry Bruce. I didn't mean to."

"Don't worry about it," said Bruce, "I understand."

Blake looked down at the blood bags.

"I'm withdrawing blood for analysis of the drug," said Bruce, "Potentially a cure even."

Blake looked around, "Why not take me to the infirmary?"

"One, the hallucinogenic in your blood is easier to analyze if you're here." said Bruce, "And two, I only trust Alfred to fix the team up."

"Alfred?" said Blake.

"That would be me Madam." said a gentlemanly voice over the intercom.

An elderly man, likely in his 60's, appeared on the monitor. He wore a butler's outfit and bore a striking mustache.

"Blake, this is Alfred, my butler and loyal friend." said Bruce, "Alfred, this is Blake Belladonna, she's a new member of the team I've picked up for the mission."

"Ah, delightful!" said Alfred, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Belladonna."

Alfred smiled , bowing as he addressed Blake. Alfred's friendly demeanor gave Blake a sense of warmth, causing her to smile as well.

"Thank you Alfred!" said Blake, bowing in return, "I'm pleased to meet you too."

"No need to bow Miss Belladonna," said Alfred, "the pleasure is all mine."

Bruce stepped forward, "Alfred has been at my side for all my life. He's been my biggest pillar of support in my mission."

"More like a lifeline sir," said Alfred, "you always get into all sorts of trouble."

"Hmm," chuckled Bruce, a gesture that surprised Blake, "and you always help me get out."

"Indeed sir." said Alfred, "Indeed."

*Ring*

An alarm goes off on Bruce's scroll, prompting him to check, "The analysis of Ruby's weapon is almost complete, I have to handle this."

Bruce pocketed the phone before leaving the room, "Stay put Blake, I'll be back shortly."

Blake nodded before leaning back in the infirmary bed. She took a deep breath, thinking about the events that just transpired.

"Charming boy, isn't he?" said Alfred.

Blake looked towards the monitor, "He's certainly driven."

"Indeed, he has a one-track mind." said Alfred, "Even I couldn't convince him to give this up."

Blake cocked her head, "Why would you ask him to stop? He's doing a good thing."

"That was never any question Miss Belladonna," said Alfred, "he's doing a wonderful thing, helping out those in need. My concern comes from the fact that his mission is in a way, suicidal."

"Suicidal?" said Blake, "He puts himself in danger, but huntsmen and Huntresses do that too, they aren't suicidal."

"Huntsmen and Huntresses retire," said Alfred, "and Bruce has no intention of retiring."

"But that's crazy!" said Blake, "Does he think he'll do this forever?"

"He does." said Alfred, "He's been working like this for a couple of years now, after training all around over Remnant. I've stitched him up using an auto doc more times than I can remember. I closed his bleeding holes and reset his bones. He would always come back so much worse for wear."

The words hit Blake hard for some reason, hearing that Bruce would get himself hurt over and over again, "That sounds horrible, I'm sorry."

"It was, it still is." said Alfred, "But it's gotten better."

"How?" asked Blake.

"Why, because you're here!" said Alfred.

Blake was surprised by the statement, "Really?"

"Master Bruce hasn't come back from a fight this clean in a long time." said Alfred, "You, your friends, his team, they've all come together to support him. It...well, it warms my heart to know I'm not the only one looking out for him."

Blake's eyes widened, "Bruce has been hurt worse than today?!"

"Oh plenty of times!" said Alfred, "He once stumbled to the auto-doc with his entrails sliding on the floor."

Blake visibly cringed, closing her eyes, "Didn't need that image in my head."

"Hah, apologies madam." said Alfred, "Just sharing a story."

Alfred chuckled to himself, picking up a nearby photo of Bruce as a child, "I'm serious Miss Belladonna, I've never seen him so relieved, so...happy."

"Happy?" said Blake, "Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen Bruce smile."

"He hasn't since that awful night." said Alfred, "I'm sure you know the one."

Blake nodded, "The night he lost his parents."

"He's been focused on this mission." said Alfred, "But I feared that even if he lived a long life, he would only be doing what he's doing now. Fighting that long can turn a man cold, especially without those who might help him."

Blake knew this well, Adam was a prime example.

"I must ask," said Alfred, "Why did you hop on board his crusade?"

Blake looked down, "I...I've done things in the past."

Alfred looked concerned, "I beg your pardon but, what things did you do?"

Blake avoided his gaze, "Things I'm not proud of."

Alfred nodded, "My father fought in the great war, he said this exact thing to me. Do you know what he did after the war?"

"What did he do?" asked Blake.

"He became a butler, like me." said Alfred, "He served dutifully and raised Master Bruce's parents. He chose to nurture life instead of snuff it out. I believe that by choosing to fight injustice, you're following your own path to redemption."

Blake's ears perked up, "T-Thank you, Alfred, that's very thoughtful."

"Hm, any time madam." said Alfred before a rustling of branches became audible, "Unfortunately, I must now take my leave. Ace is eating all the flowers in the garden again."

"Ace?" said Blake.

"The family dog." said Alfred, "Actually, I plan on surprising Bruce around the Vytal festival, you might get to see Ace in person."

Blake shuddered at the thought, she didn't like dogs, "I hope not."

"Hah!" said Alfred, "I hope we have another conversation soon. Have a nice day madam and don't tell Bruce I'm coming. It's a surprise!"

"I won't!" said Blake as the monitor shut off.

Blake shifted comfortably in the bed as Bruce entered the room carrying a tray, "Did Alfred bother you with any troublesome stories?"

Blake chuckled, "Your dog is eating all the flowers."

Bruce sighed, "Sounds like Ace."

Bruce knelt next to the bed, collecting the blood bags and delicately pulling the blood tubes out of Blake's arm.

"What are you doing?" asked Blake.

"I withdrew some of your blood for testing." said Bruce, "I also gave you some clean blood to help detox you from the gas."

Blake nodded, "What's next?"

"After Action Report." said Bruce, "While I go analyze your blood, I'm going to need you to gather the rest of the team for a debriefing."

Blake yawned, placing her feet on the floor as Bruce placed both the empty blood bag and full blood bag on the tray, "We'll meet in an hour."

"Gotcha," said Blake, as Bruce began to leave, "and Bruce?"

"Yes?" said Bruce.

"Sorry again," said Blake, "for stabbing you."

Bruce's eternally blank face broke, managing something almost akin to a smile, "Eh, I've had worse fights."

Bruce turned around, "You'll find Yang and Oliver in the kitchens on the main grounds. They should point you to the rest of the team as well."

Blake nodded, "Thanks for the heads up."


"Don't add so many chilies" shouted Yang.

"It's my signature recipe!" shouted Oliver, "If you don't like it stick to the cookies!"

Oliver stirred the pot of Chili as Yang crossed her arms, tapping her foot. They had both gone into the kitchen to make food to celebrate the survival of their first mission. Yang's cookies were in the oven while Oliver was pouring chili ingredients into a bowl.

"You realize nobody can eat that stuff other than you." said Yang.

"Oh really?!" said Oliver, "Can't handle the heat? I thought you were strong."

"I am strong." said Yang, "I just don't eat flaming garbage."

"Can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen!" said Oliver, "Geez, you're the least feminine lady I've ever met."

"Excuse me?!" said Yang.

"Except maybe Ruby." said Oliver, smirking, "Actually, she's the least feminine person I've met."

"RRGH!" growled Yang, "I wanna wipe that stupid grin off your face."

"Of course you do!" said Oliver, "That's just my charm."

Yang snapped, no longer able to tolerate Oliver's verbal daggers as she grabbed him by the throat and began to shake him back and forth.

"AAAAAAAH!" squealed Oliver, his head whipping back and forth.

"SEE THIS!" shouted Yang, "THIS IS WHERE YOUR CHARM GETS YOU!"

"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!" sputtered Oliver, "YOU DON'T HAVE TO MANHANDLE ME!"

Yang let go, causing Oliver to fall on his rear. He rubbed his neck, looking up at Yang, "Hmm, just reinforced my point though."

"Do you want another strangle session?" said Yang.

"Part of me does." Joked Oliver.

Yang sighed, facepalming before walking back to the oven to watch the cookies, "Just make the damn chili Ollie."

Oliver chuckled to himself as he got up, picking up a spoon to stir the chili ingredients.

"Man, that mission was something else." said Yang.

"Why?" said Oliver.

"Have you ever fought a giant lizard and the world's most dangerous assassin in one night?" asked Yang.

Oliver paused, "Nope."

"Exactly," said Yang, "Though I was worried about everyone who got hurt."

"Yeah," said Oliver, "Blake had a bad trip and straight-up stabbed Bruce, but they're both recovering."

"I hope Blake's alright." said Yang, "She's been through a lot recently."

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Yang and Oliver noticed Blake standing in the corner of the room, leaning against the wall.

"Uh, how long were you watching?" asked Oliver.

"2 minutes Ollie," said Blake, "though what I saw was pretty funny."

"Don't tell anyone what happened please!" said Oliver.

"What?" said Yang, "Afraid of people knowing you were manhandled by a girl?"

"Don't worry Ollie, I'm not going to tell anyone." said Blake, "I came to tell you guys that Bruce is holding a meeting in an hour, he wants everyone down there."

"Gotcha," said Yang, "We'll be done as soon as the cookies and the trash bowl are finished."

"YOU DO NOT INSULT MY CHILI!" said Oliver, "I ought to-"

"Ought to what?" said Yang, "Manhandle me?!"

"Urk!" said Oliver, trapped in a corner, "I guess not."

"Not to interrupt," said Blake, "But can you guys point me to the others?"

"They're in the gym," said Yang, "Ruby goaded Clark into a race."

"Ah, I see." said Blake before she turned to leave, "and Yang."

"Yeah?" said Yang.

"You're very feminine, Ollie's just afraid to say so." said Blake before she left.

Yang raised her eyebrow, looking back at Ollie. He had his back turned to her, hunching over the chili.

"Ollie?" said Yang.

"Say another word and I'll add more chilis!" declared Oliver.

Yang chuckled, "Alright, suit yourself."

Yang walked back over to the oven as Oliver sighed.

Oliver Queen, what is wrong with you?


"YEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!" Screamed Ruby as she passed the finish line again, followed seconds later by Clark, who huffed and puffed as he stumbled to a stop, placing his hands on his knees as he hunched over. After the fight with the robot, his face, as Yang said it, looked like mashed potatoes. He had a black eye as well as a small bump on his head. Despite a few band-aids, his normally handsome face was a little worse for wear. Weiss and Victor both watched from the stands.

"HA HA!" shouted Ruby, "I win again!"

"I'm big and strong." said Clark, "Not short and fast."

"Huh?" said Ruby, "Did you say I was short?!"

"I don't mean it as an insult." said Clark, "But considering the fact that being smaller means you have less wind resistance, it is a plus."

"Take it back!" said Ruby, "I'm tired of people calling me a baby!"

"Do keep calling her a baby!" said Weiss.

"Weissss!" said Ruby, "I thought you were on my side, my team!"

"You're insufferable as of late!" said Weiss, "I may have accepted you as the leader, but I don't have to like it!"

"Bwah!" said Ruby, "I can't win with you can I?"

"No you cannot!" said Weiss.

"Hey calm down." said Clark, "Besides, I wouldn't call my friend a baby."

"Thank you Clark!" said Ruby, "Now take back the statement that I'm short."

While Clark didn't really think he was wrong about shortness being an aerodynamic advantage, he decided it would just be best to let it go for Ruby's sake.

"Alright," Clark sighed, "I take it back."

"Woohoo!" said Ruby, "We can be friends again!"

"We weren't friends before?" said Clark.

As Clark and Ruby talked things out, Victor leaned back in the stands, "Man, I'm a little worried for us."

"Why?" asked Weiss, "We all got useful information."

"I'm worried because Clark got his ass handed to him," said Victor.

"I know," said Weiss, "I feel sorry for him too."

"Not just that." said Victor, "I hate that Clark got hurt too, but he's a tough guy, he'll push through. I'm worried about who did it."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, "You mean to say that Clark has never been hurt this bad before, you're wondering what would have happened if he went after the rest of us?"

"He would have taken us apart." said Victor, "Clark was the only one who would have stood a chance."

Victor sighed, sitting up straight, "I just hope Bruce goes over this in our debrief."

"Good news, he will."

Blake entered the gym through the main doors, waving at the rest of the team.

"BLAKE!" shouted Ruby, flying over to give Blake a hug, "You're alright!"

"I know." said Blake, "and I'd love to talk about how much fun it was to watch you and Clark race, but we have a meeting to go to."

"Nooooo." complained Ruby, "Not a boring meeting."

"Yang made cookies," said Blake.

"YAAY MEETING!" said Ruby.

"C'mon you guys," said Blake, gesturing to the rest of the team, "follow me."


"Is everyone assembled?" asked Bruce.

The rest of the team sat around a table, though there were two notable exceptions.

"Hey, where are Neptune and Sun?" asked Clark.

"Sun is suspended from the team for slacking on the job," said Bruce, "While I outright removed Neptune."

"Why?" asked Weiss.

"According to your words," said Bruce, "Sun did not help us after Clark saved him and Neptune chose to DJ rather than actually contribute. Heck, they both went to get ramen while we risked our lives fighting our enemies. Is this all true?"

The table sat in silence.

"I thought so." said Bruce, "Sun was only suspended because he did contribute during our infiltration of the warehouse, but otherwise he's off the team for now. You all understand why I made this decision?"

The rest of the table remained silent.

"I'll take that as a yes," said Bruce, "now let's debrief everyone."

Turning on a monitor on the far end of the table, Bruce started with an image of Deathstroke.

"We originally set off to gain intel on our opponents." said Bruce, "And they are armed to the teeth."

Bruce pointed to the monitor, "The most dangerous asset our enemies acquired is this man, Deathstroke."

"We know, we fought him." said Oliver, "And he is one tough son of a bitch."

"I thought we had him." said Ruby, "But it turns out we didn't."

"He moved like he always knew what we were about to do next." said Yang, "You're right to call him the most dangerous assassin."

"In all aspects, be it Strategy, physical combat, ranged precision, Deathstroke is practically unbeatable." said Bruce, "Or so I thought."

Bruce pulled out Crescent Rose, placing it on the table and sliding it to Ruby. She scooped it up quickly, squeezing it in her arms.

"Yay!" said Ruby, "I got my baby back!"

"When Ruby mentioned that she landed a hit on Deathstroke after his semblance was broken, I almost couldn't believe it." said Bruce, "But when I decided to scan the weapon, I found something invaluable."

Bruce swapped the image on the monitor for that of a Microscopic image of blood.

"What is that?" asked Weiss.

"That," said Bruce, "Is the blood of the Terminator himself."

Yang's eyes widened as she turned to Ruby, "You drew blood from the most dangerous man alive?! That's my little sister!"

Yang put Ruby into a headlock, practically choking the life out of her.

"Gugk!" yelped Ruby, "Dying, please stop!"

As Yang released Ruby, Bruce continued, "I ran the blood by the world registry, but nothing matched. While Deathstroke would have a civilian identity to hide behind, I doubt he would use his own blood for the registry."

Bruce stepped forward, "So, I chose to try and run it by DNA. If somebody has a trace of his DNA that's on the world registry, it'll show up on my scroll."

Victor nodded, "Only a matter of time before we track that bastard down."

Bruce nodded, "Onto the next subject, other help."

Bruce swapped the image onscreen for one holding both a photo of Lonnie Machin and Jonathan Crane.

"The man on the left is Lonnie Machin." said Bruce, pointing to Machin, "He's an anarchist with a history of violence and chaos. He's most famous for starting a worker's revolution in Mantle."

"I remember," said Weiss, "It made my father furious, so he pressured the council to brutally suppress it. Mantle has never been the same since."

"Now he's here," said Bruce, "Likely to stir up trouble. But the real danger lies with Crane."

Bruce pointed to Crane, "Crane is the one who makes the fear gas that Blake came into contact with."

Blake avoided Bruce's gaze as he continued, "It's effect's are hallucinogenic in nature, causing its victims to see the things they fear most. It also creates a sense of hysteria and a heightened heartbeat, which may be fatal to some people."

"Heh, you sound like a health product commercial." said Oliver, prompting the rest of the table to give him the hairy eye. Oliver shrunk in his seat, silent.

"Having tested Blake's blood, I can tell you that the chemical makeup is like nothing ever recorded." said Bruce, "This was built from scratch, and until I can retrace Crane's steps, I won't be able to create a cure."

"So how will you?" asked Clark.

"Again, I'll have to retrace his steps." said Bruce, "It may take days, weeks, even months, but I won't allow this stuff to hit the streets without a proper antidote."

Bruce then turned his attention to Clark, "Then there's Clark."

All eyes turned to Clark, who looked around, "What about me?"

"You said a robot with a strange stone attacked you." said Bruce, "I've got some ideas on what it was."

Bruce pulled up the diagram of the robot, it's fine print read Metallo.

"I believe this Lexcorp prototype robot, codenamed Metallo, was what attacked you." said Bruce, "Unfortunately, it appears the White Fang have either stolen this model or made a deal with Lexcorp."

"The deal with Lexcorp seems unlikely," said Blake, "The CEO, Lex Luthor, has been known to hate Faunus and Immigrants. He wouldn't make that deal."

"True," said Bruce, "But someone below his pay grade might."

Bruce turned back to the model, "The robot appears to be powered by the green mineral that weakens you, Clark. It's troubling that they have such a concentrated amount."

"I don't get why I'm so weak when it's around." said Clark, "First the bullet, then this big green rock. Why do I feel so sluggish around them."

"I wish I could test it more." said Bruce, "But the bullet was only mildly infused. A pure sample like the one in Metallo would be perfect for study."

"Hey, maybe someone can get their hands on it next time we fight it!" said Clark.

"Maybe, I'll make sure to take note of any sightings over the internet." said Bruce, "In addition, I have a theory regarding its words."

"Yeah, It had two voices." said Clark, "One wanted to hurt me while the other didn't."

"I believe that the voice that wanted to hurt you was the controller of the robot." said Bruce, "The other is the brain inside the robot."

"Brain?" said Blake, "You mean-"

"The robot relies on complicated moves and strategies." said Bruce, "It appears that a human or faunus brain is used to do so."

Clark's eyes widened, "You mean that this Metallo guy was forced to become a robot?"

"That's what I believe." said Bruce.

Clark's fists tightened, "Next time I meet him, I'm going to set him free, no matter what."

"All in good time Clark," said Bruce, "For now you need to rest."

Clark grimaced as Bruce moved on, "Finally, there's the subject we know the least about, Purgatory."

Oliver's eyes widened as gasped, "What did you say?!"

"Purgatory." said Bruce, "I believe it's a code name for their new base of operations. Do you know anything about this place Oliver?"

Oliver shivered, avoiding Bruce's gaze as he looked down, "No, I have a place, but I don't think it's what you're talking about."

"Are you sure?" asked Bruce.

"It's not even in Vale." said Oliver, trembling, "I'm sure of it."

Bruce nodded, "Alright, then that's all for today."

Oliver took a deep breath, "Thank goodness, now we can have CHILI!"


Ollie slid a bowl of chili to each and every one of the team members, placing spoons alongside them.

"This is my best batch yet!" said Oliver, "I know you guys will love it."

"I'm beginning to envy Neptune and Sun," said Yang.

"You shouldn't!" said Oliver, "They're missing out on all of this!"

"That's the point," said Yang as Oliver sat down, "I wish I could miss out on this."

"Hush you!" said Oliver, "Let's dig in!"

Ollie scooped a large spoonful of chili into his mouth, savoring the bite, "MMPH! Perfection!"

"Don't eat with your mouth full!" said Weiss, "It's Barbaric!"

"Ok Ice Queen," said Oliver, his mouth still full, "Why don't you get off your high horse and try a bite."

Wiess, frustrated, took a bite out of anger, only to regret it immediately.

"AAAAGH!" She screamed, "This would melt one of my summonses!"

"No way is it that bad." said Ruby, taking a bite before beginning to tear up, "WAAAAAH! I NEED MILK I NEED MILK!"

Clark slid a glass of milk to Ruby, who promptly downed the whole thing, "Alright, I guess it's my turn."

Clark took a bite, chewing for a few seconds before swallowing.

"How is it?" asked Victor.

Clark let out a tiny, "Help." before he also began to tear up.

"Help?" said Victor, who looked down in his own bowl, "No way am I eating this."

"Ah!" said Oliver, "I shall withhold the cookies until everyone finished their chili!"

"NOOOOOOOO!" said Ruby, "EAT THE CHILI VIC!"

Alarmed by Ruby's screaming, Victor spooned a glob of chili into his mouth.

"RRRRRRGH!" cried Victor, "My mouth is on fire!"

Yang stared into her bowl, looking at the chili as if it was death incarnate, "Alright Yang, you can do this. Second try!"

Yang placed her spoon in the chili, lifting it up and putting it in her mouth. After chewing for a few seconds, tears already began to streak down her cheeks.

"OLLIE!" screamed Yang, punching a hole in the table in pain, "HOW CAN YOU EAT THIS STUFF!"

"You break it you pay for it." said Bruce between bites.

"I don't care about-" Yang's eyes widened as her eyes dart to Bruce, who had just finished the bowl of chili, setting it down. The entire table stared at Bruce as he wiped his chin with a napkin

"It's pretty good," said Bruce, "Could use some more salt though."

"Thank you Bruce!" said Oliver, "See, somebody appreciates my cooking."

"Wha-How-I don't-" sputtered Yang, "How did you eat that!"

*Clink*

The entire table turned to Blake, who had also finished the chili without complaint.

"You too Blake?!" said Yang, "What are you?!"

"It's like I said before!" shouted Ruby, "They're both vampires!"

The entire table erupted into laughter as Blake chuckled, walking over to Bruce.

"I think the table needs cookies Count Waynula," said Blake.

Bruce stared at Blake for a second before doing something Blake had never seen him do before.

Chuckle.

"Heh," said Bruce, "I'll get them, Countess."

Bruce got out of his chair and left the room to get the cookies, leaving Blake to watch the rest of the table simultaneously laugh and cry due to the hot chili. If this team was in her future, she wouldn't have it any other way.


Another Big Chapter! I had so much fun writing the chili scene so I hope you guys enjoy it.

I'd also like to announce I've joined the subreddit DCNext. It's a fan led DC universe with its own monthly issues. (No art but it's all terrifically written.) I'd highly recommend checking it out. They aren't accepting new writers at the moment but I would say everything featured is really good. Be sure to check it out!

Reviews:

DCDGojira: I would probably use Kane.

Thanks for the feedback as always! :)

Shadow Joestar: Thanks for the feedback as always! :)

Saramus92: Thanks for the feedback as always! :)

Dracus6: I appreciate idea pitches, but I'll say again that I only really want to write 2 or 3 stories at a time, and I already have a 3rd story kicking around. I don't really like Shield Hero enough to make a fic on it. But thanks for the suggestion anyway.

Thanks for the feedback as always! :)

Next Chapter: FIGHT CLUB 2 ?!