Little Birdies
Gotham City
August 07th 22:42 EDT
Leila was surprised at how calm the streets were tonight. Even the past few days since the incident with the Android, there had been nothing but silence. No crime, no destruction...nothing. A ghost town. It was like the city was laughing in Leila and Artemis's faces for trying to prove themselves worthy of such heroic whims. And Leila was losing control of her emotions- her powers- again, discomfited as the city laughed. Scanning the last of the rooftops, Leila sighed and threw a shuriken into the rooftop's floor, grabbing the frustrated attention of Artemis.
"Not even a single street-rat or petty theft tonight. Nothing. In Gotham City. What are we if we can't even find a single crime in Gotham?" Leila cried out in frustration while Artemis pulled back her bow as if preparing to fire an arrow across the night sky.
"Some heroes we are. Who knew Gotham would be so silent?" Artemis sighed as she lowered her bow. "Come on, probably will have nothing tonight if nothing's happened yet."
Leila nodded in agreement before snatching her shuriken and jumping off the rooftop, landing silently on the balls of her feet in her steel, 2-inch heels. While Artemis followed behind, landing heavily in her combat boots. Both girls ran in silence back to the apartment. Leila could still hardly believe how willing Paula Crock, previously known as Huntress in her criminal years, was in accepting Leila to stay. After years of seclusion and recent months on the run, Paula's invitation of espouse to her was more than Leila could swallow. In the Shadows, it was kill or be killed, and Leila learned quickly not to show emotion to either situation.
Upon climbing through the window to Artemis's room, Leila was drawn out of her thoughts as Artemis's mom called out to both of the girls,
"Artemis! Leila! Could you two come out here please?"
Leila raised her eyebrow as Artemis glanced over at her in hesitation.
"Um, sure mom. Just a sec..." Artemis quickly grabbed her robe off of her bed frame before heading out of her room and down the hall, eyeing Leila with a questioning look.
Leila merely shrugged, not knowing either what Artemis's mom needed from the both of them. Leila did sense a feeling of unease, however, in Paula's voice and proceeded cautiously behind Artemis in the shadows. Artemis stopped dead in the doorframe leading into the small living room, and Leila stiffened behind her as Artemis's shock broke through her voice.
"...Batman. Green Arrow."
Instant panic seeped through Leila as Artemis entered the room to start accusing her mother of further criminal activity. Frozen in place, Leila stayed in the shadows of the hallways, unaware of her powers causing the temperature to plummet. She was found. How stupid she was- of course Batman would find her in Gotham City. Not to mention how Artemis and Leila left major evidence at the scene of the android incident. She should've known staying here wouldn't have lasted, and how foolish was she believing it would. A criminal, a former assassin. One speck of hope led to the foolish debris of evidence trails. Once emotionally attached, mistakes show. The rule most cautious of within the Shadows.
No matter how hard she tried, Leila wasn't a real hero. She was only trying to make up for the crimes already committed, a petty reason. Leila's panicked expression ebbed to a solemn seriousness as her body began to merge with the shadows subconsciously- her powers, on instinct, taking over from her unhinged emotions. The Justice League would surely indict her for killing. Only she had to pause as she overheard Batman's statement.
"We're here to see you and Miss Leila."
"Artemis. We know what you and Leila have been up to." Green Arrow confirmed after Batman.
Leila paused. **What am I running for? Isn't the Justice League better than the League of Shadows? **
In all honesty, Leila wasn't sure. Leila wasn't just running from the Shadows, but from everyone. She didn't know where she was running to, just that she'd endanger those around her if she stayed too long. Dying and coming back to life changes your perspective on the living. Truth be told, Leila never agreed with the Shadows form of 'justice.'
"We'd like you and Leila to join the Team."
Leila's shock instantly made her turn visible. **The Team? Maybe Batman... no, he would know about my powers. He's Batman. He found me. But... would that mean the Justice League knows now, too? **
Leila's head perked up as Batman himself confronted her.
"We believe you'll make an adequate addition to the Team, Leila, or Raven as you seem to like to be called in costume."
Leila's eyes refocused. She stared through her Raven-shaped mask, boring her stare into the black cowl of Batman with him towering over her. Standing in the doorframe, Batman merely waited, understanding Leila's thought process. Artemis and Green Arrow meanwhile were discussing Artemis's conditions of joining the team within the room. Frowning slightly, Leila folded her arms across her chest, taking a defensive position.
"You know who-what I am, Batman. If-" Leila emphasizes the word 'If', "-I was to join, you honestly believe that they would want to work with a previous trained assassin?"
Leila wasn't going to cower under Batman's glare, but even for a half-ghost, Leila felt slightly uneasy by it. Only slightly though and her eyes still bore into Batman's masked ones.
Batman was solemn before replying, "It is your decision on how much your teammates will know about you."
Leila quietly sucked in her breath. Though Batman was stating it was her decision, he was also confirming how much he already knows about her.
It was risky, being on a team and not letting them know about her, most importantly her powers, but if it would protect the team...would it be that bad?
Leila bit her lip before replying, "So the condition would be that they don't know about my past-"
"Both yours and Artemis's private lives are your own business. You will be known only as my additional protégé next to Robin."
Leila glanced over at Artemis, Green Arrow, and Paula Crock. Paula had tears in her eyes and despite not fully paying attention; Leila remembered overhearing how Artemis's request was the same. Both girls' pasts would be kept secret. Green Arrow's expression was welcoming as he confirmed Artemis's request.
"Not like you two are the first heroes with a secret identity. We'll introduce Artemis as my new protégé and my niece. Hey, we're both blonde."
Artemis eyes shone in excitement. "Then I'm in. I am so in!"
Leila continued to frown as Batman stared to wait for her reply. If she joined the Team, it would put a target on each of the other protégés. Yet, Batman wanted her on the Team, despite knowing her past...knowing her powers. After minutes of silence and everyone staring at her, Leila slowly nodded in acceptance.
"Alright. I'll join, but only with the Team not knowing my past, either."
Batman gave a curt nod as Leila walked over to Paula in her wheelchair, who was sitting next to the doorframe leading into the kitchen. Figuring Batman would want to keep an eye on her, whether by living under his wing or somewhere closer to him as his protégé, Leila sensed that she had to stop staying at Artemis's place. Kneeling down to make eye contact, Leila quickly hugged Paula.
"Thank you so much for your help, Paula. I'll make it up to you for your hospitality." Paula Crock fiercely hugged Leila back, seeing her as one of her own daughters.
Just before letting go, Paula whispered into Leila's ear,
"Protect Artemis, please."
Leila stepped back before nodding and turning back to Batman. Communicating through eye contact, Leila slipped past Batman before heading back towards Artemis's room. As Batman's additional protégé, Leila understood that formally meeting Robin would be unavoidable. She didn't know when she would be introduced as a new member to the Team, but it would have to be after Robin and her have met. Otherwise, a surprised Robin would undergo any foundational trust with the Team.
Leila quickly packed what few possessions she had. Her back-up pair of tessen, several of her throwing knives, and all what little items of clothing she had went into her black duffel bag, which was stolen from Vlad, obviously. Leila sensed Artemis's eyes on her and turned to see Artemis in a state of shock and excitement.
"Leila. We're in! Talk about your rabbit holes."
Leila smiled at Artemis's confidence, while throwing her duffel bag over her shoulder before nodding at Artemis.
"Thank you Artemis. You'll show them you can't be owned."
Artemis and Leila hugged, and Leila could feel Artemis shivering under her cold touch. Leila quickly let go and stepped around Artemis, leading the way back to the living room where Batman and Green Arrow were waiting. Batman took the lead once both girls re-entered.
"We'll introduce you both tomorrow afternoon. Leila, you'll come with me and we'll meet up with Artemis and Green Arrow tomorrow, before heading to the Team's headquarters."
Leila nodded in agreement before stretching her arm out in front of her, indicating for Batman to lead the way. Once out of the apartment, he led her through various back alleys and across rooftops with her following silently behind. The city was gloomy and covered in filth despite Leila's hidden excitement. She didn't have to run anymore. It was a small hope and she wondered how long it'd last. Leila kept to herself and easily blended into the shadows beside Batman.
Leila raised an eyebrow at the visibility of dozens of police lights a few miles ahead against the skyline. She didn't say anything, but merely dashed away from Batman's lead to survey the situation. Again, her hero mechanism kicked in. Leila could sense Batman's disapproval as he switched directions to follow her, but Leila was too focused on the accident before her.
She should have followed Batman instead.
Leila froze on the rooftop just above the horrific scene of a car crash. It was the same car crash that happened to her four years ago. The front of the car was shattered and smashed within itself; debris of glass and rubber was scattered across the pavement. The semi-truck was in a bent, V-shape on the side of the freeway leading out of town.
The car itself exposed the real momentum of the collision. Leila's heart started to pound and her vision tunneled; meanwhile, Batman could sense the temperature dropping below freezing. Leila was losing control, and it was happening rapidly. Leila let out a shriek before her hands muffle the sound. Leila's knees buckled under her and she was shaking as she watched the police and paramedics handle the situation. Her vision kept flicking between past memories and the present. Soon, she was not able to recognize which was which.
A family in red and blue, circus attire was hand-linked together as they pummeled before her eyes.
The red and blue lights flashed before her.
The silent tears on her mother's cheeks as they were driving home.
Urgent cries were silent to her as people rushed around the scene.
Behemoth sounds of an ambient horn splitting her eardrums. The brilliance of flashing lights before everything went black.
Suddenly a man in a black, bat-like cowl appeared, kneeling before her, holding her shoulders firmly before she could escape from the grasp.
"Leila. Listen to my voice. It's alright."
Leila shook her head, her eyes wide with panic and her fists shaking as she muttered,
"No...No...No...it's my fault. It's my fault."
Leila's lips quivered as tears started to form. She always believed it was her fault for that night. Her fault for surviving while her mother died. Not only surviving, but for taking allegiance with the Shadows for the past four years- for killing. Even though the Shadows had intoxicated her, it was her fault for killing. It was her fault for not breaking away sooner from the Shadows. Then she couldn't even die in the portal while being electrocuted. No. She was the one who kept surviving, and it was all her fault.
Leila's hands came up to her face, in hopes that if everything went became black again; she would not survive any longer.
Someone was trying to pry her hands away from her face, but Leila clutched herself closer to her chest. She could hear someone calling her name but it was lost within the shouts of her thoughts.
**Mom's dead because of you. If you hadn't have said anything about your wishes of seeing the circus and becoming a performer, mom could still be alive. Mom's dead and you survived. **
Leila was pulled out of her echoing thoughts as someone wrapped their arms around her tiny frame. Her fighting instincts wanted for her to knee the person before slipping out of his grasp but instead, Leila latched onto the person with a tight hug. Sobbing into the person's chest, Leila forced herself to try to calm down. She was an assassin, trained by the League of Shadows. She shouldn't even be emotional. A weak, little girl like Vlad always called her. Yet, it was the first time she was allowed to grieve, here in the arms of a real father. Leila gasp as she realized whom she was hugging, pulling herself back to look up at the solemn face of Batman.
"It's alright, Leila."
Leila instantly let go, embarrassed, as she took deep breathes to calm herself down. She had lost control...again. Luckily nothing exploded this time. Leila looked away as Batman stood there, waiting for her to be okay before continuing. Leila frowned in determination before staring back up at Batman,
"Lead the way."
There was no need for them to communicate; both understood the need of not discussing what happened. Though on breaking point more nowadays, Leila was determined to prove her worth for the title of Batman's protégé. She was an assassin, trained in tessenjutsu and tai chi blocking. Leila told herself before that she wouldn't stay long in Gotham, but if she wanted to rid herself from the Shadows and Vlad- then she'll have to stop running. She was not going to give Vlad the satisfaction of breaking her.
Batman led her to a remote alleyway, where a lone, red telephone booth stood beside a mess of trashcans and rats. Leila could only smirk, knowing already most of Batman and the Justice League's secrets thanks to the Shadows. Obviously, this lone telephone booth was one of the League's teleportation portals. Batman swiftly went to work with the system, stepping into the booth and typing away on the holographic keyboard to allow access for Leila to teleport with him to the Batcave. After a few seconds, Batman motions Leila to step into the booth with him and instantly the system flashed a brilliant light as the door shut closed behind her and a female voice called out as they teleported.
"Recognize. Batman zero-two. Authorized guest, Leila Benson."
Leila narrowed her eyes through her mask as her real name was announced at her arrival to the Batcave. Instantly, she frowned at Batman as he stepped out into the dark abyss of the cave.
"Or just announce my real name to the world why don't you, Bruce Wayne."
Leila knew with her and Robin becoming partner protégés that, if anything, her real name and background as an assassin would be known between the them, but she wanted to do it in her own time. She, in fact, last saw Richard Grayson that night. Imaging the stupid, girly dream of having a boyfriend and being a performer alongside him, before it was shattered like the window glass of the car that same night.
Batman simply strode into the dreary cave, acknowledging the fact that both knew each other identities. Leila glanced around as her eyes easily adjust to the darkness. A walkway led towards the back of the cave and in the center, was a large platform with a large computer mainframe and the notorious batmobile. Waiting in the center of the platform was an older man with graying hair and a mustache, dressed in a white shirt and black slacks butler outfit, and the little birdie himself. Robin.
Leila stared shockingly at Robin. The Boy Wonder, Richard Grayson. He was taller but only taller than Leila by an inch or two. His domino mask covered his eyes but Leila would always remember those dark blue eyes. The eyes that captured her when she was younger and held laughter but alertness all at once.
Flashes from that night popped through her vision but Leila kept focus, determined not to lose control like she did earlier on the rooftops. Robin stared back in shock as well, never dreaming of seeing the girl before him ever again as she walked behind Batman towards him. Only once did he look her up, finding her being adopted by Vlad Masters after her mother was killed in a car accident. He had hoped of the possibility of seeing her at business conventions hosted by the WayneTech company, but Bruce merely frown at the prospect of Vlad Masters attending or having any association with his company in the first place.
Silence prolonged between the four of them, only the fluttering of bat wings could be heard echoing around the cave before Batman cleared his throat.
"Alfred. Robin. Meet Leila Benson, soon to be known as Raven; my additional protégé and new member to the Team."
Leila stepped up beside Batman, holding her duffel bag against her shoulder as she was being introduced. Alfred looked at her in warm regards, standing with straight posture, while Robin stood motionless.
"Guess the cat's out of the bag now. Been a long time hasn't it little birdie."
