Who are you in the dark?
Disclaimer: I don't own DC or any other work of fiction.
Beta'd by [Inquisitorial Beta] and [Podge, Chronicler of time]
Personal Discord Server discord .gg/NQFwdWrbwN
Fiction and Fuckups Discord Server: discord .gg/68gAdfsTE4
Pat reon Link: reon La_Pucelle_Altre
Chapter 8: An earned break
02:30 AM
Ainsworth Estate, Crest Hill
Alexandria Ainsworth
Carrying an unconscious nun, with torn clothing in my arms to my house was…disappointingly easy. Disappointing due to the fact that everyone who saw it turned a blind eye in a second. Even the taxi driver didn't bother asking me what was going on…Maybe I didn't look that threatening to them, but it was still disheartening. I Know Gotham was one of the worst places to live in, but I do hate being reminded of that.
During the ride home, I considered the evening and what had happened. Constantine was….an interesting one. Even though he screwed me over, it really wasn't that bad. Sure I had what is essentially a human and demonic slave bound to me for life, but it wouldn't be more detrimental than that.
And I should have asked his number as well. What the hell was I thinking just giving him mine. I need him as a contact, not the other way around…dammit. The whole encounter with him left me rattled anyway.
My mind was being fucked with somehow and I'm getting an influx of fractured memories that I still need to process. Dealing with him was not a priority so I half-assed the whole interaction.
Then there is the other thing. Joker is out…again. The taxi driver was a bit more informative there at least. Joker had escaped a day ago apparently and left a body double in his cell which was found when Batman and Gordon visited calendar man.
On the same night, Joker attacked The District Attorney, Harvey Dent in his home. After that, he disappeared, probably preparing for his next big thing. A statement given by Dent apparently indicates that Joker might be the "Holiday" Killer.
It didn't make sense at all, it wasn't the way he worked. Sure Joker would "spice things up" on occasion but he never changed his methods this extensively. In all honesty, he is probably after the holiday killer instead. A new serial killer with a theme and a ton of mystery to them? How could Joker resist?
This allows me some time to prepare. Christmas is in a few weeks...I'll see what I can do…
When the taxi arrived at my home and I carried the woman into the house, she finally began to stir. It wasn't more than that though.
I carried her through the house and brought her to one of the guest rooms. I wanted to pinch myself when I realized that the room was completely covered up to avoid dust from getting everywhere…
That left a couch or my own room…
I make my way through the corridors and arrive at my room where I gently place her down on the bed. It wasn't cold enough that I needed to tuck her under the blanket. Looking at her resting form now, I decide the next step would be to get her some clothes.
Looking at her now I realise something…The clothes don't make it obvious at first glance, but I see it now. She definitely has a bombshell of a body. Her breasts were certainly impressive, but her wide hips were probably the most prominent feature of her… Her face was also…I don't know why, but even her sleeping face somehow felt lewd to look at.
Heat built in my face and I had considered inspecting her more physically for a second before quickly stopping myself.
She needs clothes…Yes.
Any tops from me would probably be a bit tight for her. Even though My own breast size was nothing to laugh at. I experienced quite the growth spurt after I turned 16. Was rather glad at the development, as I had been quite self-conscious during the years prior.
Pants, skirts and underwear would be a different issue though…and in all honesty. I should probably bring her some of my mom's old clothes.
I turn away from the sleeping nun and leave the room to walk to the end of the corridor leading to the master bedroom. Inside, the room was very much in the same state as many others. Covered to avoid dust, windows closed and curtains drawn.
Turning on the lights illuminates the room and I'm briefly confronted with old memories of visiting my mother during nights I suffered from nightmares.
Quickly dismissing the old memories, I head to the old closet and begin picking out clothing that might be suitable for my new guest. The action was…numbing really. Going through this room always brought up old memories.
As I finish looking through the room, I notice something else….
A few people had entered the courtyard via the main entrance…and the leader of the group did not alert the bounded fields.
Connecting to the house's magic quickly reveals why this is the case…
The man in question was registered as a friendly to the house…nearly 300 years ago.
Great, an immortal visitor. Isn't that just great?... There is also the possibility that this guy is another mage who somehow subverted the bounded field and was here to kill me…though why would he head to the front door?
Fuck it.
I run out of the room and sprint towards mine. I throw the clothes next to the woman onto the bed and rush to the other side to pull out my weapon's cache hidden beneath the bed.
I pull out a semi-automatic rifle with a short scope attached to it. It had a lot of wooden bits and I think it had Russian words written on the side. Leaving the room shortly after, I decided to stay on the first floor and head towards a window with a perfect view of the entryway.
I rip open the window and take aim at the people below. I was right to be suspicious, as the people in my courtyard were not dressed for anything friendly. Armed men and women dressed in black with swords and guns adorning their clothes. If I was being honest, they were what I expected modern ninjas to look like.
But what really grabbed my attention was the man now looking at me with a bit of surprise on his face. He wore a suit and a green cloak…or was it a cape? He appeared middle-aged with only a few grey streaks adorning his hair. He wasn't armed and was carrying a suitcase in one hand.
"You better have a good reason for showing up at my place in the middle of the night. I've had too much Bullshit happen in the last 24 hours to entertain any more!" I yelled out in pain due to the fact that I've barely recovered my mana supply and was dangerously low. My circuits also needed some rest because ive been using them far too much.
It was simple exhaustion and I would not let it be the death of me.
The ninjas drew their weapons but froze when the old man raised his hand towards them. He then looks up towards me before asking, "A subordinate of mine was meant to announce my arrival beforehand… Has Lady Shiva not approached you?"
And with that, my mind comes to a rapid halt. Shiva was the broad who assaulted me in the sewers and I kicked her ass…well she provoked me, and I technically attacked first but…
That means that this is Ra'z Al Ghul…
Fuck, Fuck, Fuck.
Lower your weapon.
He is a friend.
There it was again! That fucking thing scraping at the back of my mind. It reacted to him…Could he know what it is?...
I should confront him later. For now, I need to calm things down but ensure he doesn't turn on me.
I continue pointing the gun at him before clarifying, "Last I checked, she was chained up in my basement with two broken arms. Unless you are willing to turn a blind eye to that, you aren't getting in here."
"You fought Lady Shiva?..." His face darkened and his tone grew stern, "Why?"
My gun was trained right at his face, "She provoked me with indirect threats. I started the fight before she could explain herself."
He let out a light grumble in return. It was a noise filled with annoyance, but it didn't seem to be quite directed at me. Eventually, he spoke once more, "I understand…. Shiva has an ego fitting her reputation but it clouds her judgement and has led to arrogant behaviour…If anything this will be an opportunity for her to learn …. No action will be taken against you for it."
He turns to his men, "Leave us for the time being and guard the entrance. I shall speak with Lady Ainsworth in private."
After that, he heads towards the main door and enters the foyer…while I was still aiming the gun at him. May as well see what he wants then.
I move towards the staircase of the foyer without discarding my weapon… Looking at the old man, I saw that he was giving me a warm smile that honestly surprised me. It was a kind grandfatherly kind…
"I believe introductions are in order." He gives me a small bow with his free hand going to his chest before continuing, "I am Ra's Al Ghul. leader of the league of shadows…It is a pleasure to properly meet you Alexandria Ainsworth, heir of the Ainsworth line of Alchemists."
I continue making my way down the stairs and slowly place the weapon I was holding next to the staircase.
"Before we speak of more prevalent things.., I must commend you. You beat lady Shiva In single combat, yes?" I give a hesitant nod in response. His smile widens before he continues, "That is rather impressive really."
Not expecting the question, I slowly answered, "Well…She didn't expect what I had up my sleeve. Judging by what little I've learnt to know of her, next time she would not make the same mistakes."
He approaches the foot of the stairs, "Perhaps…But that is not a certainty…Even so, you defeated her in your first encounter. Future improvements aside, she has lost and her life could have ended. That is a significant defeat. One you should be proud of. But none of that right now. You are probably wondering why I am here, yes?"
I rest a hand on my waist as I refocus my reinforcement to cover the rest of my body. It's weaker because I'm running low on mana, but I should be able to take any attack right now as long as I'm not stabbed with full force.
"Among other things. I'm curious how my family is involved with you, why Batman..or at least Robin Panicked upon hearing your name and how the hell you are over 300 years old?" I quickly rattled off the first ones going through my head.
He chuckles in response, "Hhm hhm. All in good time, Miss Ainsworth. All of these questions are actually connected. But do we truly want to discuss all of this at the foot of these stairs?"
Right…I was kinda being rude…and I'd rather not piss off the leader of "The League of Shadows" anytime soon. Besides, he seems to be allied with my family. I should hear him out.
I point up the stairs and tell him, "My father's-... My office should be suitable…Please follow me."
03:20 AM
Ainsworth Estate, Crest Hill
Alexandria Ainsworth
The things that have been revealed to me are…interesting at the very least.
Ra's had more or less started at the beginning. When our family had first established themselves in Gotham, he sought them out as he apparently knew of their reputation when they were still active in Europe. He decided to help us in this city and in return we…we gave him a means to nigh-perfect immortality.
I could barely wrap my head around it. I was actually holding one of the vials he had brought with him. A toxic green colored liquid was shining brightly from within it. Another small bottle, no bigger than a pinky, was filled with a similar liquid. This one was a healthier and more consistent green glow.
It was a sample of what he wanted me to make. This was the source of his strength. The Lazarus pits are pools of mystical liquids spread across the globe. They could heal wounds, lengthen one's lifespan, reverse ageing and even death if need be.
But there was a catch. The Lazarus pits do not work forever nor are they perfect. Bringing back the dead would fracture their minds. Scars would remain and eventually worsen or spread. The pits essentially had diminishing returns and were incredibly dangerous if overused….
At least until the Ainsworth's got involved. Apparently, my Ancestor was able to purify the pit's liquid to a degree that nullified the mental effects and physical degradation. It is for this reason that Ra's allied with us.
Of course, that was a lot to take in, but it was hardly the end of things. Being an immortal is certainly interesting but it should not be something that would put you on Batman's radar…This League of Shadows however was something that did.
Based on What Ra's told me, they were an international group of…I guess Revolutionistic terrorists? They wanted to uproot society, cull the weak, cultivate the strong, put humanity back on track kinda thing. Ra's was rather motivated when speaking of the whole thing and also named my past encounter with the Joker as an example of its trueness.
But as soon as he realized I wasn't very convinced, he did drop the issue. He was smart enough to realize that he couldn't indoctrinate me and how counterproductive that would be to why he is here. I could respect that at least.
At this point, I honestly wanted him out. Not because I was necessarily angered but because just being affiliated with him could bring issues in the long run. He was an enemy of Batman and by extension the Justice league. Batman was already on my trail after all. Best not to make him easier.
To my surprise, however, He was closer than expected and the reason I wasn't already locked in Blackgate was that Ra's had intervened on my behalf. He had his people take credit for my…Crimes?
C̵o̴n̵q̴u̵e̶s̷t̶s̷
I know what I've done was criminal in nature…but I did it to the cruel and evil. Black Mask was a Trafficker of goods and people. He was a murderer of the cruelest degree and just scum all around…
On the other hand, I've been working with Penguin to further my own interests….But I've also used him to re-establish a clean business that provided jobs and wealth to the people of Gotham. Sure, it was a minimal number…but it was a positive one...
I've hurt, killed and robbed from the bad…and I've helped the good…
How is that wrong?
I'm getting distracted again. What is important is that I was currently safe from the Bat and that would not change unless I went out again as…Magister. Just the reminder of my "Debut" makes me cringe with embarrassment.
I'm Unsure if Batman will still suspect me of the murders during thanksgiving, but I shouldn't put it past him…Besides…I really only have one last reason to go out wearing that costume again.
T̷͚̞̈́̚h̵̛̗̬͆e̶̦̼̾̓ ̷̭̊C̴̤͘l̴̡͑ǒ̸̬̠͊w̶̧̜̐̓n̶͎͓̓̔
Right…Back to my guest again. His protection went deeper than that. He was actually my past employer technically. He ensured my position at that restaurant. I asked him why I was fired so quickly after I was hospitalized, but he clarified that Batman had started investigating me at this point and Ra's wanted to avoid Batman learning anything concrete.
I guess I ruined that when I just let Robin read that letter.
But that was firmly in the past now, and we can't exactly do anything about it. What was relevant to me was his request and especially what he offered to me. I could essentially name my price. Whatever I wanted, the league would attempt to acquire it.
I was unsure of what I could ask until two things popped into my head. Looking at Ra's, I quickly state, "I have two requests…the first is well. I want Artefacts…Or relics really…Anything related to people of historic significance. Personal belongings, things related to them or just things depicting them. Those would have to have come from the same era at the very least though."
He widens an eye in interest before saying, "A strange request indeed, but not one the Ainsworths haven't made in the past."
This obviously had me curious, "Don't tell me we already have a collection hidden somewhere? That would just annoy me."
Clearly amused by my comment, he chuckles before saying, "Hahaha…Not quite. It was under the request of your grandfather that I bring him a relic connected to Arthurian legends. I was able to locate a piece of the round table and delivered it to his daughter, your mother, as he had been bedridden at the time….As far as I know, it was quite relevant to your conception actually."
I didn't quite know why he said that. To get a reaction out of me?.. Well, it definitely worked. Like a puzzle piece really, things are making more sense. The Memories I was getting, the strange Deja vu I got from that stone slab in my father's desk…I was connected to Mordred Pendragon somehow…and based on what I myself was wanting to do?
It might be more complex than I imagined…And in a way, it was similar to what I wanted to do.
I wanted the relics to use as catalysts in the creation of Class Cards. It was unique magic described in our archives that we invented long ago. A way of tapping into the throne of heroes.
The Throne is a unique and unknown afterlife created for Heroes of mankind. The term Hero in this case is a bit ambiguous as quite a few individuals that were anything but heroic rest in that realm as well. It was probably…anyone who will be remembered by the greater whole of mankind. That seems to be the true defining factor…
No idea how the Throne came to be, nor do my ancestor's books make it clear. Scribbles of some "Alaya" are strewn about the books, but it seems that whatever this entity is, there is no proof for its existence but rather its absence. Almost as if my ancestors were looking for something that simply didn't exist.
But back to the class cards. These Heroic Spirits were immensely powerful when manifested in the real world. Doing so needed powerful artefacts of some kind though, something we didn't have. Another issue is that those spirits could hardly be commanded or enslaved after they are summoned.
So a more…Intuitive idea came forth. Class cards essentially possess the user with the Heroic Spirit while ensuring their ego does not take over. A simple way of gaining power. The obvious issues were the high mana usage and inefficiency, but those were things that could be fixed in some cases…
But now to me…Based on what I know…and the sudden appearance of Dragon Lightning even though that is very much a racial trait…could mean that I am a similar creation but done with a human instead. Someone connected to King Arthur and her court. The Welsh dragon was connected to the Pendragon line and….Her?
What?
Why would I refer to King Arthur as "her" ?
Ok, I'm putting a pin in that for now.
I still need to uncover the full ramifications of this connection between me and Mordred. Whatever I am now was probably caused before birth or in early childhood…. Was this the cause of my headaches? Two souls fighting in one-...Right, that was wrong. I only have one soul..and it was old apparently. So an artificial reincarnation of a pendragon might be the case here. The reasons for this are….It could be anything really.
The pursuit of knowledge, the desire to create a human capable of battling the strongest beings, or maybe just plain curiosity…It could be anything right now really. And I doubt I would get my mother to tell the answers on account of her being dead…
And as the thought traveled through my brain, I remember the substance I was given earlier. The Lazarus Pit could do it…Bring her back….That is a line of thought I should also stop honestly. I don't want to get my hopes up like this…
"You mentioned a second request?'' With the sudden question, Ra'z regains my focus. Right, I needed help with something else. I haven't had much time to fully research this, but if I'm of pendragon blood…or figurative blood, then I could undergo some rather interesting improvements.
I'm unsure if he even knows someone of the sort who could help, but it can't hurt to ask, "Yes… I need an expert in magic, someone who could change or improve an aspect of my physiology…I won't quite mention the specifics there just yet….But do you know anyone who could help in that regard?"
He gives me an odd look before visibly pondering the question. He turns away before eventually asking me, "How prudent would this request be?"
"I'm unsure, but it would certainly eliminate my chances of dying during any magical experiments" the implication is clear. I could die before I finish the research of the Lazarus pit, making it rather important for him as well.
He eventually turns back to me with an unsure expression, "I…While not the best option at the moment, gaining his favor is the easiest. Have you heard of Klarion the Witch Boy?"
My eyes widened for a moment, "The Chaos Lord? That sounds like an absolutely terrible idea. Last I checked, he doesn't really like upholding any deals…He refuses to keep them or simply turns it into a monkey's paw and ruins your life somehow." I quickly state, a bit surprised by the terrible suggestion.
"Yes, while this is true, it does not disprove my point. Klarion despises serious behaviour and dealings. While he is older than most beings on the planet, at his core, he is and always will be, a Child." Al Ghul pauses for a moment before clarifying further, "Gain his favor or even friendship and disguise your request as a simple wish or desire in passing, and odds of him fulfilling it are quite certain…"
He falls back into deep thought before solemnly stating," While I prefer you to remain out of harm's way, I know now that this is important…..If you are willing to put on the "mask" of the Magister once more, I might be able to set up the proper conditions for you to meet and befriend him."
Once again, my eyes widen for a split second as my mouth thins to a troubled line. "I can't say I'm too happy about you knowing about that identity, but considering how Shiva intercepted me, it is understandable."
"Naturally, I have been keeping an eye on you…And, speaking of Shiva, perhaps we shall discuss her future for the time being." He raises a hand to his beard as he ponders something for a moment before giving me a strange look, "Say…While I doubt you would be interested in joining the league, perhaps you would enjoy some training or a bodyguard at the very least."
I was…rather puzzled by his line of thought, "Some training perhaps and a bodyguard could never hurt…but are you certain of this? Am I to assume you want Shiva to remain here?"
His face darkened for a moment, "Please do not take this in an untoward way, But Shiva is trained to face Metahumans and best them. The fact that you defeated her with so little experience is a great shame. The modern world, with Meta-humans and enhanced foes popping up every day requires the best of the best. And Shiva has proven herself up to the task."
Wow..that's harsh of him, even if it's true. Now giving me a proper look once more, he questions," With your permission…I would leave Shiva in your employ, both as a trainer of any kind, a guard and as a servant. All I ask in return is that you spar with her at regular intervals to enhance both your and her fighting skills."
"I…I could always use a hand around here, but would she even be loyal to me? I don't say any scenario where she wouldn't hold a grudge." I ask him. It was my main concern with this arrangement really. I already had the Nun possessed by a demon. Having an assassin with a grudge stay with me would tempt fate a bit too much for my tastes.
"Worry not, mis Ainsworth. Shiva is of…a rather inhuman character. She will understand my intentions and follow them through without any hesitance. Please guide me towards her"
What followed was… a rather strange encounter. I took Ra'z through my workshop and towards the chamber below it, to his seeming surprise. I'm guessing he hadn't been allowed down here very often.
Shiva was awake when we found her and had already undone her restraints. Any aggression quickly left her body when she caught sight of Ra'z though.
A quick bow from her was met with a disdain filled expression. I honestly just felt awkward standing in the same room. What followed was Ra'z telling her the same he had mentioned to me, with a more forceful voice at least.
Soon enough, we found ourselves back in the foyer with Al Ghul nearing the door. "I will be contacting you via Shiva Primarily. She shall also relay any progress you would share concerning the Lazarus pits. I'm fully aware of the secrecy the Ainsworths have shown in the past, but I would appreciate it if any progress or complications come to my attention as soon as possible…. And unless you have any extra questions..., I believe our business is concluded."
He gives me a slow bow and Shiva a quick nod before opening the door behind him. "I will contact you once the preparations to deal with Klarion have been fulfilled. Until then…I suggest "Magister" does not make any public appearance. A simple mercenary can get away with her current actions…but should she suddenly make an attempt on the clown's life…then any cover-up of her identity will be impossible." He states as he exits the foyer. I don't bother following him outside.
The message was clear enough. 'Don't go after the Joker.
No one commands me
I couldn't help but get angry at his advice, no matter how sound it was…Even so, I will do as he said. Magister will not be going after the Joker…but that says nothing about Alexandria Ainsworth.
Plans aside, Joker would probably be active during Christmas Eve or morning, as that is when the next Holiday murder is predicted to take place. Time to prepare, and settle what I have to deal with for the time being.
Turning back, I see the Assassin staring at me with a neutral expression, Her arms, still held in casts, were now held behind her back. She seemed completely fine in all honesty, and even with her injuries, I don't doubt she is still a valid threat.
Looking at her, I formulate something of an…idea for the time being.
"In all honesty, I hope there is no grudge between us, but… Would you be willing to sign a magical contract of sorts to…ensure we don't betray each other."
"I have no intentions of going against you. I am to fulfill my duty here, no matter what form it may come in." Her eyes narrowed before she added, "If it would calm you, I would be willing to sign a contract. As long as I'm allowed to know all of its conditions and particularities.
She gets a nod from me in return, "Good. For the time being, I doubt any training would do you any good with those arms…For now, familiarize yourself with the mansion. The chambers behind the basement are off limits and do note that Solomon Grundy visits from there on occasion."
"You have gained control of the beast?" She questions in a neutral tone.
I merely shake my head in response as I make my way up the stairs, "Befriended is a more accurate term. But yeah, get to know the mansion and select one of the empty rooms as your own. Any contracts and anything of the sort will be dealt with tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will now finally go to sleep."
I don't hear an answer, but I'm too tired to care. I eventually make it back to my room, and to my annoyance am quickly reminded of the fact that the possessed nun was comfortably dozing in my bed.
I slowly approach the woman and gently roll her to the side of the bed. It was more than large enough for the two of us, so I wasn't going to take the couch… I should probably cuff her or something, but the binding between us should forbid her from harming me…hopefully.
After changing out of my clothes, I get into the bed and wait for just a moment for the exhaustion of the day to take me. I have a lot to think about…
What the hell was I even doing right now? I've got more money that I could ever want, my future is…rather secured. And it's just…What do i want to do?
I thought i had things under control, that i was setting things right…But it's all just chaos. What do i want from all this? Should i just…focus on my magic and….Kill the Joker?
No…
The voice in my head returns…and it feels much clearer now…and almost angry as well.
T̷͈̈h̷̜̟̾͆ẻ̸̼̰͝ ̵̫̋͗̉b̴̪̗͗ë̶͕́̐͘s̶͕̅͐̚t̷̙͂ ̸̝̤͒̑i̷̦̔̈́̉ṣ̸́͗͝ ̸̳̬͓͑͆ỵ̵̐e̷̳͗t̸̢̪̻̎́ ̴̭̦̽̀t̸̲̖̊̎͊͜o̶̞͕̥̍̓͝ ̵͔̅̚c̸̛͉͜o̴͔̣͖̎̓͒m̶͍̣̹̕e̷͔͉̫͗́̅.̸̬̹̓
I barely heard the last word as sleep finally overtook me
Author's note: Sorry this took so long to finally come out. Hope you like it. Please review!
PS: this is actually the new chapter split in two. If i can keep this up, i might be able to post the next part next week.