Ch. 11 Prisoner
I pulled against the chains that restrained my arms above my head, the metal cuffs cutting off the circulation to my hands. The room was dark and completely silent. There was only a single window that let enough light in to illuminate the wall I was chained against. I was wearing my Batsuit; however my cowl was ripped back, revealing my face. I shook my head in an attempt to clear my vision, but everything remained blurry. The last thing I remembered was running on rooftops while on patrol.
With every breath I took, I smelled the metallic tang of blood throughout the room. I had to fight off my gag reflex as I took in the scent. I looked down and noticed that my utility belt was removed, meaning I had no method to contact Oracle or Batman. While I was formulating a plan for escape, I heard the door creak open and a sliver of light from the hallway slipped into the room.
The door was then quickly shut as a figure entered, hidden by the shadows. My skin started to crawl. My heart rate quickened. The specter inched closer and closer until it almost crossed into the area bathed in moonlight. Then there was a laugh that cut through the darkness like a bullet. I cringed as the room was filled with the maniacal clatter.
"So, here we are again? It looks like the Bat gave you a promotion." The figure slowly crept into sight, the moonlight from the window illuminating his features. However, I didn't need the light to know who my captor was. His ebony face and skeletal smile struck fear throughout my body.
"Oh, don't be like that. I remember we had such fun the last time we hung out," Black Mask teased as he edged closer to me. He slapped me across the face in an attempt to get a response out of me, but I managed to stifle back a scream.
I held back tears as I turned to look Black Mask in the eye. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of breaking me a second time. He grunted as he reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a scalpel. I quivered. He grabbed my right arm and pulled back the sleeve to reveal my skin. I then felt the cold metal of the scalpel against my flesh, tracing patterns lazily before finally drawing blood. I clenched my jaw to prevent myself from screaming. The pain was unbearable as he cut deeper and deeper along the length of my forearm. I gained a moment's respite when he withdrew his blade, marveling at his handiwork.
The cycle of trace, cut and admire was repeated several times. As Black Mask ran out of space on my right forearm, he moved on to my left. He took his time, relishing in the pain he was causing me. I couldn't stop the tears; they were pouring down my face at this point, but I didn't scream. It took everything in me to stay strong. I held on to the hope that somehow someone would find me.
"Well, it seems like that was boring for you. Let's try a big boy toy."
I didn't see what Black Mask was holding. I didn't have a chance to look.
AHH! My scream tore through the darkness, as I was forced awake from my nightmare. When I opened my eyes, my vision was blurred and my head was throbbing. I haven't had a dream like that in a while and I was trembling with fear. I tried to move my arms, but they wouldn't budge. My heartbeat quickened when I noticed that, like in my dream, I was restrained. My wrists and ankles were tied together, preventing any type of motion. The terror I felt in the nightmare resurfaced and shook me to the core.
A chill resonated throughout my body, and I realized the only article of clothing that I had to cover my underwear was Jason's leather jacket. I tried to look around for my Batsuit, but it was completely dark. My heart was racing; I didn't know where I was or how I got there. The last thing I remembered was looking for Spoiler.
"Jason, what are you doing?"
"I'm distracting you."
Oh my God! Everything started coming back. Jason was working with Spoiler to kidnap me. As if on cue, I heard a door open, and I was blinded when the lights turned on. When I was able to see clearly again, I realized that I must have been on some sort of business jet. I checked the other empty seats around me but my Batsuit was nowhere in sight.
A red headed girl with goggles resting on her forehead entered the room. I looked over and examined the girl. Her face looked somewhat scarred, and she was wearing the Spoiler costume. I couldn't remember her name, but I've seen pictures of her. Dick and Damian said she was Jason's partner for a while. The last time they saw her, Jason saved her life and they left Gotham.
She was carrying a bottle of water with a straw in one hand and some clothes in the other. She placed the clothes on the small foldable tray in front of me. She then presented the bottle of water to me, the straw poking my lips. I accepted the drink; the cool water relieved the irritation in my throat. I quickly finished the bottle, and the girl placed it on the tray.
"I'm going to untie you so you can change. Don't do anything stupid," Spoiler instructed. She then walked over and undid the ties on my wrists and my ankles.
I fought against my instincts to kick the girl when she finished unbinding my ankles. I had to stay calm so I could figure out where I was and how long I've been kept prisoner. Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask questions.
"So, where are we going?" I asked. I rubbed my wrists to ease the pain from the rope.
"Can't tell you that," Spoiler answered. And like that she disappeared, back to the front of the plane.
Well that helped. Now what do I do? I shrugged and inspected the clothes that Spoiler gave me. The pile consisted of jeans, a shirt and a pair of sneakers, all my size. Of course they fit. Jason probably got them for me. What a thoughtful and creepy kidnapper. I took off the leather jacket and threw it onto another seat. I quickly got dressed before padding over to check out where Spoiler went.
I couldn't open the door that led to the cockpit. Spoiler must have locked it behind her. There was nowhere else for me to go, so I decided to go back to my seat. Time went by extremely slow. Once in a while Spoiler would come back and hand me another water bottle or some snacks, but she wouldn't stay for too long.
The next thing I knew, it felt like we were going down for a landing. I almost fell off my seat when the plane finally touched the ground. I was expecting to see Spoiler or Jason come back from the cockpit soon. However, the side door opened instead.
I was about to check it out when three men with guns ran onto the plane and made their way to me. I took up a fighting stance, ready to try and disarm them as fast as I could before they could shoot me. But the shots never came.
Then, a figure wearing Bat-like armor under Arab garments walked in. He was taller and bigger than the men he had present with him. This new guy must have been working with Jason and Spoiler. With a wave of his arm, the men made their way towards me, still aiming their weapons at me.
Crap, I really wish I had an electro-rang or two right now. I was about to lunge at the closest gunman when I heard two gunshots echo throughout the room. The men stopped in their tracks, and all eyes darted to the front of the plane. Jason was outside of the cockpit, still pointing his gun to the ceiling. I couldn't see his face, but I knew that under his helmet he was staring down the big guy.
"I'm responsible for her, Fatherless. Get these guards out of here," Jason commanded, now pointing his gun at the armored behemoth.
What kind of name's Fatherless? I shook my head. This isn't the time to make jokes, Steph. You could very well get killed soon.
Fatherless turned to face Jason, sizing him up. I almost expected Fatherless to order the guards to attack Jason. I wasn't sure Jason's bulletproof vest could handle the three men at once. But to my surprise, Fatherless told the men to stand down.
"Get her to the holding area. Our Lady does not want to be kept waiting," Fatherless ordered, his voice sounding almost robotic. Just like that, Fatherless and the gunmen exited through the side door.
Once we were alone, Jason holstered his gun and pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his belt. My heartbeat quickened, and I instinctively retreated until I bumped into the seat.
My eyes widened, "Are those really necessary?"
"Don't make this harder than it has to be," Jason advised, his voice like ice. This wasn't the same Jason I've gotten to know.
This is bad. Jason's blocking the door so I can't make a run for it. Even if I could get passed him, Fatherless could still be out there with his gunmen. I definitely can't trust Jason, but he did protect me. Maybe I'll be safer if I go with him? I really hope I don't regret this.
"Fine," I acquiesced, offering up my wrists. Jason slapped the cuffs on me and made sure they were nice and snug. Before leaving, Jason grabbed his jacket from the seat and draped it over my shoulders.
Spoiler was waiting for us outside of the cockpit and she took her spot behind me so that I was being watched at all times. When we exited the plane, we were on a field that looked like it hasn't been cared for in a while. I looked around to see if I could find any landmarks that could tell me where I was. Then it hit me. I looked up and saw something I never thought I'd have to see again. I was staring at St. Hadrian's Finishing School for Girls.
A shiver ran down my spine as we made our way from the field towards the school. It's been abandoned since Bruce and I defeated the Leviathan operatives that were stationed there. But why were we here? Were Jason and Fatherless both working for Leviathan? Instead of getting answers, I was getting more and more questions.
Once inside, Jason led me to one of the classrooms. There were two armed guards waiting outside. Jason nodded to them, and they opened the door.
"Get in," Jason commanded, moving aside so I could enter. These rooms were less cozy than I remembered. Boards were placed across the windows, most of the desks were tossed around and a thick layer of dust covered everything. It looked like I was walking into a horror movie.
"I love the five star service," I quipped as I entered yet another prison.
I didn't even get a grunt out of Jason; he just turned and walked away with Spoiler in tail. I heard the door lock behind me, making sure that I was trapped in the room. I looked out the boarded up window to see that there were other armed guards outside. Whoever wanted me here made sure that there was no chance of me escaping.
I decided to take a seat in one of the desks. I was here to meet someone and now all I had to do was wait for that person to show up. And like that, I heard the door creak open again. I recognized my captor as soon as she walked in. It was Talia al Ghul.
"Hello, Stephanie, we finally meet," Talia greeted as she entered and took a seat in the chair at the front of the room. Both Fatherless and Jason accompanied her, taking their places at Talia's flanks.
"Well, I'm not sure I'm as excited as you are," I answered, crossing my arms. Talia raised an eyebrow and her lips curled into a smirk.
"I can see why Batman has allowed you to operate as Batgirl. You have spirit," Talia continued. "I was surprised that it was you who helped him bring down St. Hadrian's."
"Is this what this is about? You want revenge on me for shutting your school down?" I asked.
"Revenge is only one of the reasons why I have brought you here," Talia started. "You've done me a great disservice Stephanie Brown. You've corrupted my son."
"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked. What did she mean I "corrupted" Damian?
"Damian was trained by the League of Assassins to be a warrior. But it seems that his time in Gotham has made him soft," Talia answered. "I would hate to see all of the effort in training him wasted."
I was completely blindsided. How could she say those things about Damian? I don't think she had a single maternal bone in her body. I couldn't take it anymore.
"What kind of mother are you?" I yelled as I stood up. "Is that all Damian is to you? An investment? He never had a regular childhood. He never learned how to play. Are you that heartless of a bitch that you can't even let him have a shred of normalcy?"
Before I could react, Fatherless charged toward me and had a hand around my throat. "You dare insult Lady Talia! You insolent fool; Lady Talia has graced you with her presence and you dare insult her! I should crush you right here."
His grip was tight, and I couldn't rip his hand from my neck. He was so strong that he was lifting me off the ground, my legs dangling aimlessly. I could barely breathe, let alone try to fight him off. From the corner of my eye I saw Jason draw both of his guns and aimed them Fatherless.
"Let her go, now." Jason growled.
"You protect her?" Fatherless asked. "That is something I would expect from a traitor."
"Enough, Fatherless. Release her," Talia commanded.
"But, Lady Talia," Fatherless questioned.
Talia shot him a look, "You forget your place, Fatherless. I did not give you permission to attack Stephanie Brown. You will release her immediately."
I could feel the pressure on my throat lessen as I was released from Fatherless' grasp. I fell back onto the desk, gasping for air.
"You are dismissed Fatherless," Talia ordered. "You will receive your punishment later."
Even under his armor, I could tell that Fatherless was angry. It was obvious that he wasn't my biggest fan either. He bowed to Talia and stormed out of the room. Jason then holstered his weapons and was at my side, his hand was rubbing circles on my back.
I was surprised. This was the kindest I've seen Jason since he attacked me. But I wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for him. After he was certain I was okay, Jason retreated and took his spot back by Talia's side.
"I do sincerely apologize, Stephanie. You were not supposed to be harmed," Talia said.
"Yeah right," I coughed.
Talia then got up and made her way to the door, "Jason, take Stephanie to her room. We shall continue this conversation later."
I was still trying to ease the pain from my throat when Jason grabbed me at the elbow and tugged me along. We walked through the different hallways that eventually led to the dorms. Our trip was dead silent; I couldn't even hear Jason breathing. When we turned a corner, two guards and Spoiler were waiting for us in front of one of the rooms. Spoiler had changed, reverting back to her original costume. So, I wonder what I get to call her now?
Jason turned to Spoiler, "Scarlet, you're going to stay with Stephanie for a while."
She nodded and opened the door and motioned for me to go in. Once inside, the guards locked the door behind us. The room looked exactly like it did when I was undercover. Scarlet took a seat on one of the chairs across the bed.
"You might as well get comfortable. They're keeping you here for a while," Scarlet said.
I was trapped. There was no possible way for me to escape this without getting caught, especially with Scarlet in the room and guards outside the doors and windows. I need to figure out what's actually going on.
I took a seat on the bed, and made eye contact with Scarlet. "So, your name's Scarlet?"
She mulled over my question for a few seconds before answering. "That's my code name. You don't need to know my real name."
"Okay, then. Why are you working for Leviathan?" I interrogated.
"I'm not a part of Leviathan," Scarlet replied.
"Wait, then why are you here?" I questioned.
"I'm Jason's partner, that's why." She looked mad, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't press on.
"But why is he helping Talia?" I pushed.
"I don't know," Scarlet admitted. "Wouldn't tell you if I did."
Well then, Jason and I need to have a chat real soon.
The next couple of days passed without much going on. Everyday Scarlet would watch over me, but she was horrible company. I tried to make small talk, but most of the time she'd just grunt. I was slowly going insane with all of the waiting I was doing.
The nights weren't that great either. I've been having the same nightmare since I've been captured. Being scared awake, drenched in sweat every night was horrible.
I haven't been allowed to leave the room yet. Meals were brought to me, and this room had a personal bathroom. What was really bothering me was the fact that I haven't seen Jason around at all.
Was everything a lie? Was Jason behind all of the gangs? Did he pretend to like me so he could mess with my head? All of those questions reverberated through my mind as I wasted away in the room. I had to find out the truth, but Scarlet wasn't talking. It seemed like she was completely loyal to Jason. I wonder what he did to deserve her undying devotion.
It was on the third day when Jason finally decided to grace me with his presence. I was sitting cross-legged on the bed while staring at my fingernails when I heard the door open. It was lunchtime and normally one of the guards brought in my meal. But today, Jason walked in with my tray of food. Scarlet must have known he was coming because she quickly slipped out of the room and left us alone.
Jason placed the tray on the foot of the bed, making sure not to spill any of the contents. He took a spot at the edge of the bed, hunching forward and resting his elbows on his knees. He must have been thinking about what he wanted to say. I wasn't going to be the one to break the awkward silence.
"Steph…" Jason started, his voice filled with conflict.
"If you're going to talk to me, the least you could do is take off your helmet," I spat.
Jason sighed as he brought his hands up to his helmet, a hiss accompanying its unlocking. He placed his helmet to the side and shook out his hair. He looked horrible. There were bags under his eyes, and it looked like he hasn't slept in days.
Jason was silent again, as if losing his helmet also caused him to lose his nerve. He just sat there, staring at the tray of food that he placed next to me.
"Why'd you do it, Jason?" I finally asked. "Why the hell did you kidnap me?"
Moments passed before Jason turned to me, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Because if I didn't, you'd be dead."