What do ya know, here we are again.

This time with an original character twist!

...

Please don't leave - I promise it isn't a stupid self-insert one! It's just forcing in a trope that's a guilty pleasure of mine. Every single other character is pulled from the DCU, so I think I have a little leeway.

10.) Soirée- an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music. Synonyms: gala, ball, festivity

Rachel glared at the room full of people in expensive clothes and sparkly jewelry. If this silly party wasn't happening, then Batman and Robin could go on patrol and do some real good. All they wanted to do was throw money at everything to make it go away.

She crossed her arms and huffed, but Bruce nudged her shoulder in a behave kind of way, so she uncrossed her arms and pretended to smile. It was a lot harder than she thought to keep it up, mostly because so many of the guests wanted to kiss up to her guardian.

[For example]

"Oh Brucie, I think it's just so sweet that you took the poor thing in like this. You're such a big softie."

He smiled at the woman and put a hand on her shoulder. She took it as his way of saying it doesn't matter, which made her feel only a little bit better. She really didn't fit in at all. A whole night like this might just make her go crazier than the Joker.

Why shouldn't she be able to get a little fresh air?

She was sure she could get out long enough to stretch her muscles and get back without any commotion, just as soon as she got away from Bruce.

So, of course some robbers show up just as she's getting to the secret entrance to the Batcave, which gives her the perfect opportunity to knock some heads without even leaving the Manor. She's careful to make sure no one knows that Robin is the one saving the day - knocking out the power, separating the burglars, and beating them up.

Elliot sighed. There wasn't a doubt his father was in the crush somewhere wooing a lonely debutante while his mother hit up the open bar. His brother was given the gift of staying home because of a "headache". He rolled his dark brown eyes and gave a quiet scoff as he leaned against the wall.

The youngest Harvey boy shook his head of sandy blond hair as he adjusted his bowtie. What a mess his family was. Though, he supposed they were no more screwed than any of the other clans here tonight. Hell, the host of this damn party had just recently adopted some orphaned street rat or something. As far as he could tell, the kid was cute. No doubt Wayne thought so as well.

Elliot clenched his fists and sneered as he scanned the crowded ballroom.

Every one of these bloated, egotistical upper crust socialites are sickening, he thought not for the first time.

His gaze stopped at the entrance of the grand room, where he spotted ten fire arm toting, Halloween mask wearing men just in time for gunshots and screams to interrupt the dull roar of conversation, laughter, and classical music.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome your new hosts!"

Well, would you look at that. It's a new character, and he's all my idea. That's not saying much for him, but let's dive into some backstory anyway. I've been obsessed with obsession for as long as I can remember - the idea of a person being completely consumed by their desire [not always sexual] for another person. Frollo from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, Slade from Teen Titans, Vlad Masters from Danny Phantom, and more; I get a real kick from those sorts of dynamics, so I figured I'd put it my story.

He was going to die. The barrel of the gun was between his eyes, and the robber didn't show any hesitation on his face.

At least this is better than going home.

Elliot didn't bother to close his eyes, so he saw when a dark red, green, and yellow blur seemingly fell from the sky down onto his would-be murderer. It used the man's back almost like a springboard, forcing him to the ground before flipping away. He let go of his weapon to break his fall with his hands and gave a shout of surprise, barely landing far enough to the side to avoid crushing the youngest Harvey boy.

"Leave the kid alone, meathead! I'm much more fun."

A girl. Once she finally stopped moving and spoke up in a light and playful voice, it was obvious. His wide eyes took her in. She had such dark black hair styled in a cute side braid, and her costume was like something a carnival worker might wear. The leotard was red on top and green on the bottom with a yellow belt full of pouches that matched the (black and?) yellow cape that stopped at the top of her legs. The costume was small, like she was, showing off a lot of leg. She couldn't have been older than nine or ten, but she made his heart stutter with her confident grin.

"Aw, done already tough guy?"

The older man groaned in what sounded like a combination of pain and outrage as he got up, fumbling for his gun. What he didn't realize was that it had fallen closer to her than him, and she calmly walked the few steps it took to reach it. The speed that she took it apart should have been documented as the world record, and it was nearly how fast she reached into one of the compartments on her belt to pull out a short metal bar, somehow make it extend to only a foot shorter than herself, and whack the still disoriented criminal on the side of his head.

"What a letdown," she muttered.

She quickly glanced over to Elliot, and her expression had changed from self-assured to concerned and gentle.

"Are you alright?"

"Perfect," he breathed. He wasn't talking about himself, but apparently, she took it that way, because she smiled again.

"Good. That was a close one."

The wonderful girl extended her hand and he reached for it like it was his only lifeline in a stormy sea.

He could tell her eyebrows were raised behind the black domino mask she wore as she pulled him up with ease.

"Maybe a bit less than perfect, yeah? Don't worry, we'll get you back to the others in no time. The police are already here, so you'll be safe."

"No!"

Now the hidden brows were drawn in, and her plump little mouth parted.

"W-wait. I…I need a few minutes. Will you wait with me?"

"Sure. There's a long way around to the ballroom. Some walking might help get the shakes out of your legs."

He hadn't let go of her hand, but Elliot doubted she noticed, because now she used the connection to lead them across the large room to an opposite set of ornate oak doors. When they reached them, she finally wriggled her hand from his hold to open one. The hallway was long and moderately lit by wall sconces that looked like they had been put there when the house was built, with expensive artwork and vases lining it on pedestals and stands.

It looked like something from Versailles, out of place even for someone with as much money as Wayne. As they walked, something occurred to him.

"How did you know about this?"

The costumed girl was still in front of him, so he couldn't quite see her face, but her tone was hesitant.

"I found it while I was taking out the bad guys."

"Convenient."

Her head turned to give him a profile of her right side. She was smirking.

"Something like that. What's your name?"

Now it was Elliot's turn to raise his golden eyebrows. What a quick change of subject. He'd take it though. If he was hearing her voice, everything was okay.

"Elliot. Elliot Harvey."

She turned back to face the direction they were headed before answering.

"Robin. Just Robin."

It was perfect for her. She was delicate (at least in features), like a bird. He doubted she would use her real name if she went as far as putting on a mask to hide her identity, but he found he didn't care about that. He liked Robin better than any other name she could have given him.

"Lovely."

Robin stopped at his whisper, turning this time to fully face him.

"To meet you."

Her cute little nose wrinkled. "You too?"

They stood, paused like that, for a moment before she cleared her throat.

"Only a few more minutes. Like, two? And then we'll be at the main ballroom."

Too soon!

His mind rebelled. He opened his mouth, about to say something, anything to make their time longer, but he remembered how odd he'd already been. Elliot had an idea that Robin wouldn't want to stay with him, at least with the Harvey family situation being what it was. Though, if his father had taught him anything of worth, it was that everyone fell under the sway of money – especially women.

"I actually live near Wayne. Well, as near as anyone can when he has the mansion at the top. Mine looks somewhat similar. In fact, there's even an arcade about the size of that extra room we were in."

"…That sounds cool."

It didn't work. Partially his pathetic attempt, he was sure.

Robin didn't sound altogether interested, mostly focused on looking at the walls on either side of them. He finally noticed that the rare artifacts had changed into doors spaced periodically between sconces and pedestals. They must be coming up on their door, and Robin was making sure they didn't miss it. Perhaps he could be enough of a distraction that they passed it?

"How long have you been saving people?"

That question did make Robin still in her search.

"About a year, I guess. Kinda weird to think about."

Robin put her gloved hands on her hips. "Huh."

Then Robin shook it off and kept going, ratcheting up Elliot's need to keep talking – to stay here in this moment. The happiest moment of his life.

"Why?"

Robin was distracted again, slowing down even more. They were very close to their door, he could tell.

"Why what?"

It was muttered, and he got the sense that Robin was barely listening anymore.

"Why do you save people?"

"Who wouldn't?"

That was all the answer he got as Robin walked to the left and tapped at the air in front of a less intricate and heavy door, but still polished and carved with simple designs.

"Found it. It's probably for the best if I don't go in with you, I'm pretty sure I'd be arrested."

Taking the steps toward Robin and that door was like walking toward the electric chair. These were his last seconds with Robin, and if he was honest with himself, their time together had been brief. It felt like a dream.

Just before he reached for the delicate crystal handle, Robin started to back away. There was that smile on her face – confident and mischievous.

"One last thing: if you wouldn't mind not telling anyone about our little meet-up? I tend to keep a low profile."

He took in everything – the costume, the delicate features, her.

"I'll take it to my grave."

Robin giggled, and like that she managed to melt into the shadows of the hallway. Elliot was alone.

...Might've gone a little overboard, but who'll notice, right?

For added context, Elliot Harvey is the youngest son of a philandering man with an underwhelming record in finance and an alcoholic mother who came from good people; an entire family of medical professionals. Home life certainly isn't great, and he latches onto Robin quickly (obviously), but he also doesn't reappear until chapter 26. There's a delayed repercussion to their meeting, and the idea is that Elliot, Rachel, and the reader don't realize that until they get there. Unfortunately for everyone reading it this way that small surprise is spoiled, but my story, my account, my rules.

"You did well tonight."

Rachel felt her face heat up, even if Bruce was giving her a compliment.

He knew.

She smiled, but it was more nervous than happy. "So I'm not – "

"You're washing the Batmobile for two weeks."

"But…!"

"It could've been longer, but you did well tonight."

11.) Successor – a person or thing that succeeds another. Synonyms: heir, inheritor, next-in-line.

"Another boring party? But Bruce!" Rachel whined as Alfred readied her dress for the evening.

He shot her a quelling look as he fiddled with his black bowtie and adjusted his tight-fitting jacket. He knew she was just tired from all the recent events, but it wasn't as if he was doing this because he liked these torturous social soirées.

He had to make sure the public was kept placated when it came to the gossip columns and his social life. Batman had to be the last thing the papers and his fellow billionaires associated with the clumsy, airheaded, womanizing Bruce Wayne. It turned his gut, but if it took the degradation of his civilian persona to keep Gotham's Dark Knight patrolling the streets then he'd do whatever necessary. The only thing he regretted was forcing Rachel to go along with it. Somehow, though, he doubted she would be able to act like a spoiled rich girl even halfway convincingly. She would still have to make sure to bite her tongue when it came to certain conversation topics. God knew the upper crust of the city had a strange obsession with Batman – whether hate or intrigue.

"Come, Miss Rachel. Time to prepare for the gala."

This chapter is the foreshadowing of Rachel's eventual fate, as well as an event with lasting effects. Guess what else it is.

Barely fucking worked on.

I know I keep saying that for all these different chapters, but you have to understand that the further into the notes we get, all of a sudden there is page upon page of material for each chapter. The early ones, not so much.

The party was going smoothly, already several hours in and there had yet to be any attempted robberies or rowdy guests. Bruce gave a bland smile toward a tall blonde as she gave him some impressive bedroom eyes, but his eyes quickly flitted around the room; assessing.

They stopped when he spotted a familiar face, one he'd thought he'd never see again.

He shoved down the instinct to grit his teeth certain that if he did, they would end up cracked. The regally dressed man had already spotted him, and there was no avoiding exchanging words from the determined gleam in his green eyes.

Bruce tensed at the sight of Ra's al Ghul coming toward him and Rachel. He tried to make his expression even, but he doubted he hid much of his animosity from the ancient assassin or any onlooker who passed by. Of course, the Demon seemed absolutely thrilled at the turn of events.

"Ah, Detective, how wonderful to finally see you again after so long. I'm sure Talia will be delighted."

"Bruce?"

The tone used was obviously worried, and immediately the billionaire's attention went to the girl beside him. Her eyes were confused but her posture showed she was on guard. He made a subtle move to shield her with his larger frame, regretting it when the obvious disinterest that had been on the other man's face at the young girl faded at his action.

"No need to be so wary. I'm not so foolish as to act now."

"I would hope you wouldn't be so foolish as to act at all."

The low growl that Bruce spoke with was something that the average thug would piss themselves from as soon as they heard it. And yet, here Ra's stood, completely at ease and smiling.

"Now, now Detective. She's just a common girl, no need to get into an altercation."

"Hey!"

He had to suppress a smile at Rachel's indignant tone and rather impressive scowl. Ra's simply raised an elegant brow before facing Bruce again.

"I assume you've given no thought to my proposition; which I feel I must remind you is always open."

"No need, the answer is always the same."

Anger was clear on his face for a minute before he answered.

"I'd heard you'd become a hypocrite, but to see it with my own eyes just cements it. You refuse to view things from my perspective, but here you indoctrinate this child to yours."

"You can't – "

"Silence, child!"

His voice was severe as he snapped at her, causing Bruce to position her even more behind him.

"At least teach the ward manners, Detective."

"What exactly are you even doing here, Ra's? I doubt you've come out of whatever hole you were in just to check in and reprimand me."

"Ah, yes. I've some…business to attend to in this cesspool of a city and heard of your little party. I thought it would prove entertaining for the moment."

While Bruce's mind went into overdrive on what the old man could have planned, he made sure to put his hand on Rachel's back and steer her away, the same direction he was walking.

"Your moment is up, Ra's. Leave. Now."

He made sure with several subtle glances that the villain didn't linger, feeling his ward's eyes on him the whole time.

"Who was that man, Bruce?"

He didn't respond for a moment. The billionaire's focus was still on the encounter that he was sure meant he was far from finished with Al Ghul.

"Bruce?"

"…Old acquaintance."

He finally looked down at his ward. She was looking up at him with a clearly concerned expression that caused him to give her a miniscule smile.

"Maybe we can cut the party short."

I may or may not be missing a plan, but the general idea is that through his network Ra's has discovered Bruce's new weakness and intends to exploit it to the best of his ability. It works, and they end up at League of Shadow HQ.

Bruce refused to show any emotion to Ra's or Talia as Rachel continued to do her stretches unaware of the assassin casually twirling a dagger on the other side of her door.

"I'm not fond of harming children, Detective, but your continued and foolish stubbornness makes one wonder just what it takes to get through to you."

The other al Ghul simply stared at him as her father calmly threw his threat. It was one of the most difficult moments of his life to not give in and beat Ra's senseless for his smug air while he blackmailed the vigilante with his own ward's life. He didn't even clench his fists.

"If you kill her, you must know you lose any chance of having me join you."

So the Demon's Head makes Batman an offer he can't refuse: Rachel will leave the stronghold and arrive back at Wayne Manor unscathed only as long as Bruce pledges undying fealty to Ra's and the League, taking his place as eventual leader.

"It is past time for the child to be gone."

It was hard to watch the heartbreak in her expression as she looked from Ra's to him and back again.

"Why can't he leave? Why can't I stay with him?"

"Little girl, the simple fact is that there is none so suitable to be my successor as your mentor. And while he seems to hold some sort of affinity for you, I do not. Therefore, you are easily disposable."

Batman growled. "Harm her in any way and you forever lose any hope of me leading the League, Ra's. I've agreed for one reason and one reason only: your word that Rachel walks away unscathed."

His enemy sighed. "Ah yes, your concern is endearing as ever. I am a man of my word, Detective. Fear not."

He could see the worry and confusion on her face and had to force himself not to go back on his promise.

"I'm not leaving you, Bruce. You can't make me – "

She was cut off by the guards grabbing her, pulling her towards the door when Ra's gave a small nod.

"Let go!"

He made an enraged sound in his throat, and started to go to Rachel, but the ancient man stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"This had to happen. You must understand that."

Batman turned to the Demon with rage in his eyes.

"She has no one. No one. She could just – "

"No."

He gritted his teeth, his jaw clenched so hard he was sure something would break. He shouldn't have expected any sort of sympathy from the head of a league of assassins, but he had thought that having him as an heir would be enough of a reason to give him some leeway.

Bruce flinched before he could stop it at the sound of her shouts to be free.

"You'll soon forget about the child. For now, we've work to do."

He didn't say a word as he followed the ancient man out of the grand office, biding his time. He'd find a way out of this, even if it took him years.

For those that didn't catch the loophole there, Robin gets the guards to rough her up and that breaks the deal. It seems like a flimsy thing, but there's a way to buff it up a bit.

I think.

To say that it was hard to surprise Bruce Wayne was an understatement. He'd lived in Gotham for a long time now and wasn't so new to vigilantism in the city. It dredged up every type of kook and crook imaginable. Once you'd fought a crocodile man a dozen times you learn to expect the unexpected.

When Rachel crashed into the room where he and Ra's were sparring, he felt very surprised. A split lip and a bruised cheek were obvious on her face, and there were the sounds of dozens of running feet coming to catch up with her. She was breathing hard and staring down the old Demon with stone cold determination.

"You…pant…broke your…pant…promise."

Even Al Ghul seemed completely lost. It was only for a minute, but Bruce relished that someone had finally one upped him.

"You dare question my word?"

All she did was point to her face, smirking when he finally realized. The younger man let the corner of his mouth lift in his own small smirk.

"I wanna know your definition of unscathed. I looked it up in the dictionary when you gave me some free time, and I'm pretty sure this doesn't count."

Her words made for a furious looking assassin, while behind Rachel a crowd of ninjas poured into the room at the doorway. Whether or not she'd planned this, Ra's now had two options: let Bruce go, and keep his word, or break the promise in front of his devout followers.

It seemed the almighty Demon's Head didn't like being pushed into a corner. After several minutes of him not saying a word, the Dark Knight took the decision out of the old man's hands by stepping toward Rachel with a small smile.

Parts one and two of Effect will be out much later, and spread out into different stories. Savior is fifteen chapters away and the next Ra's appearance is in Apprentice, so for now all we have to look forward to is Poison Ivy and one of if not the darkest thing I've ever written: Violate.