Innocent Blood by Marcie Ann Gore Rated PG13 to R Standard disclaimer applies I don t own anything but Beth, other original characters, and the story. But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it was better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. -Matthew 18:6.
The next morning, the heroes assemble. Unknown to them, there are two stowaways.
Dick is flying the jet when he hears a noise in the back That better not be who I think it is, Roy says Roy, go back there and check. He sees Lian and Beth asleep next to the heroes overnight bags.
It s just the Kids; just the kids. I thought Lian was home with our neighbors! Roy says, trying to not yell and wake them.
We re going to have to a talk with our self-rescuing Princesses when they wake up, Dick says; but he can t help but smile.
Beth becoming more and more like you and Barbara, Bruce says. Is that a compliment or complaint? Dick Asks.
Both, Bruce replies simply. Even he can t help but smile at the sight of his granddaughter in her Self-Rescuing Princess shirt, Lian next to her in her Shirt. How did they get on board? Wally asks his daughter Iris. I didn t see anything, she says They probably hid in equipment boxes, Jali says. No matter how they got here. I think it s too late to take them back, Dick says. They ll have to observe with Robert and the twins, Bruce says.
Amazons don t just observe, Robbie says. Robert Troy Long, Donna says. You ll do what adults tell you. Yes, ma am, he says sheepishly.
Dick receives a communication on the two way radio.
Short Parts, Do you happen to know our Daughter is? I went to wake her up for breakfast. All I saw at first was Snowflake wondering where her girl went. Then I saw her note.
I found a note: Dear mom, don t worry. I went with Grandpa, Dad and Uncle Roy to New York to save some dragons and some girls about my age. Please feed Snowflake and let her sleep on my blue coat. I ll be back soon, I m sure. They re the best. Love, Beth. What is your daughter talking about Dragons and girls her age in danger? Barbara asks I had no idea she and Lian were on the plane and there wasn t time to turn back, he says. He tries to explain the case to her; she still looks confused and angry. Please don t worry. She isn t going on the actual mission with us. She s probably going to stay with Bruce s Mentor. He s a grandpa. She ll be ok. Dick reassures his wife She better be there to just observe or you re sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future. the worried mom says Just as they land at a private strip, the girls wake up. Think we re there Yet, Lian? I think I felt us land, Beth asks. I did too, Lian says The girls look at the circle of adults. They try their best innocent looks.
What are you doing here Girls? Dick asks his daughter and goddaughter.
We just wanted to help, They say together You can help but you but will not actively engage the enemy, Batman says.
The girls nod and exit the plane. The heroes walk to Canal Street in regular We go though the back door. We don t know who s there besides Lau Shi, Bruce says when they are greeted by Clark Kent, also known as Superman.
Hello Clark, I hope you got the information about the case I sent you, Bruce tells his college. Yes. still, this doesn t seem like the kind of case you would normally take. The murders, yes; but not the magic elements, Clark says One of the murders took place in my city. The other was in my son s. I also owe the man we are going to meet a debt. He trained me. I always repay my debts., Bruce explains.
Clark nods. The door has been left unlocked. He s obviously expecting you, at least. They are greeted by Laushi.
This is the honorable Luong Lao Shi. Bruce introduces him and bows.
Hello, Bruce. It is good to see you again, even under these circumstances, Lau shi says. Thank you, Laushi. Bruce replies Would you like Breakfast? I brought enough to feed you all, even the ones with Fast metabolisms, Laushi says. The clerk stared at me. I told her I was expecting family, which in a way is true. I practically emptied the store preparing for your arrival, Grandpa says I m sure the others are hungry; I could eat also. We can discuss the case, Bruce says. It s ready, Grandpa says. They sit down to eat. Jake should be here soon. He s eager to met you and solve these murders. He was going to help Rose create an excuse to leave the hunts lair. I take it her leader is a suspicious man, Nightwing/Dick says. Yes, to say the least, G says. Do you trust her? Batman asks.
I ve grown to trust her, somewhat. My grandson trusts her with his life, which troubled me at first but she has helped on many missions, He says. Knowing what I know about the Huntsclan and how they treat their young members I wouldn t be surprised HE abused Rose. All of the heroes scowl at this announcement.
After the heroes finish eating, Superman/Clark insists they help wash the dishes. Some of the guys grumble but do it. With Wally s help, they re finished in no time. Thankfully, none of the dishes are broken.
As the last glass is put up, Jake and Rose come through the door. Both teens are carrying a huge box. Evidence. There s more where that came from, Rose says, putting down the box.
I ll help you, Clark says Thank you, Superman. She says Um, you re welcome, Clark says.
I m observant, Rose says. He just smiles and helps her carry the rest inside.
For a moment, they look at the strangers in G s living room then say Hello. My name s Rose. No last name for now. Hello, my name s Jake Long. I m Lau Shi s Grandson. Nice to meet you both, Clark says. Bruce pulls Lau Shi aside and says, I know you trust this girl, but I want to make sure she s trustworthy before we go through the boxes. I heard what you said, Rose says. I ll do anything you want me to do to prove you can trust me. Good. Laushi, may I use your Truth potion? the Dark knight asks. Yes you may, I know time is important to you so I ll get the fast acting potion. This will be the second time this week I ve used a truth Potion. Yes Batman mutters. A nurse found the body of one of the victims. She admitted she was a member of the Huntsclan who was hiding from them in plain sight. A nurse? Batman asks. I ll explain later, Grandpa says.
What is your name? Rose, she says.
Your full name, Batman insists. My school records say Rose Rhodes; but I doubt it s my real name, she says Why is that? Batman asks.
I thought I was being raised by the Huntsclan because my parents died soon after I was born; but my dreams revealed I was kidnapped from my real parents practically out of the womb. I think I have a twin sister too. Rose says . Cassandra says she never had a regular life; like me, her voice betrays the pity she has for a young girl raised so much like she was..
Rose, have you ever taken a life? Batman asks.
No, sir. I, however, have stolen for them but my conscience started developing. I returned as much I could and I haven t actually stolen much, especially since the American Dragon turned up. she tells Batman If you really are trying to reform, then I congratulate you; and I wish you well, he says.
I bet you enjoyed the chase from a certain teenaged dragon, Selena says. Rose blushes, and then says Yes. Jake blushes also.
I thought so, Selena says. Do you think you can remain objective when it comes to time fight the Huntsclan? Batman asks.
I hope so, Rose says Would you ever purposely harm Jake, Laushi, or any other good magic being? Batman asks. Absolutely not Rose says Now I think we can go through the box of evidence she brought, Batman then says. The first things they find are video tapes and DVDs. Laushi do you have a working VCR? Batman asks. Yes, I run an electronics shop, G says.
But he never sells ANYTHING, Fu says, laughing.
I did yesterday, G says.
That s just because she was there to tell you about the body she found, Fu says. A young girl, G Says. She saved my sister from a hunts jerk Jake says. A motive for murder, Batman remarks Batman puts a random tape in the VCR and adjusts the tracking. They see a young Huntsman fighting a dragon with dark blue and gold coloring. For a while the young dragon seems to winning but the Huntsman sticks his hunts stick in the dragon s underbelly. His prey turns back into a young boy of 13. The killer shows no pity for the young boy he just killed. Instead he slays the dragonmaster, shins him and hollows out his skull.
The heroes watch in horror. Rose runs to the bathroom, holding her mouth.
While she s gone, Batman inserts a tape labeled Spring Hunt/Feast 2000. In this, The Clan slays a mermaid and feasts on the fish half, then burns the human half. When the video finishes, most everyone else joins Rose in the bathroom.
That was sickening; the poor creature was alive and screaming though most of attack, Superman says.
We were taught pity was for the weak, Rose says sadly.
You were raised in the ways of the hardcore warrior, Donna says. Even the Amazons show compassion when it s warranted. I was raised to be the next huntsleader. You resisted the lure of the power, and rebelled, Donna remarks, amazed.
I had a great example, Rose says, smiling.
Did you, now? Jake says, smirking. Were a participant in this hunt, Rose? Nightwing asks.
No, I was a small child then. We don t participate in hunts until we re at least 12. I never really wanted to. I used all kinds of things to try to get out of the once-a-season hunts and feasts. ,worked till Halloween of last year. ,on , Ascension Day, I realized I had to at least act like I truly wanted to be like them, Rose explains An hour and half later, Roy says Let s go on to diaries and letters. These videos creep me out. Laushi or I give the orders to the team, but I agree. We ve gathered enough information from the videotapes. Batman says Batman gets out several files labeled Recruit Files: 1980 to 2000. He hands one to every adult in the Room. At this point, the heroes children can t stand it anymore. They head in the main room again.
Grandpa, I know you said No dangerous stuff, but can we at least help you with the files? Beth asks, looking like a begging cat.
Well, meow and yes, Dick tells Beth. Do the Rest of you want to help? Yes, we all want to help! Lian says. We didn t come to just watch. Yes, ma am, Roy says; amused at his daughter s determination.
Batman hands them all a file. Write down any identifying information on the recruits. Some may have living family they can be returned to, family out the clan, even, Batman says. Do you know how you came into the clan? He asks Rose.
Well, it s complicated. For most of my life I ve believed their story that my parents were killed by a dragon. Recently I found out the truth that I was kidnapped by the Huntsclan - to be specific, a nurse and the Huntsmaster himself - as newborn because the nurse was plant by the Huntsclan. She saw my birthmark. That birthmark cost me a loving family with my parents and twin sister. Rose says How did you obtain this information? Batman asks.
You might find my explanation hard to swallow, Rose says. Try me, Batman says. We do believe in aliens and such, so pretty much nothing would shock us, Robin says. I found out using a dream charm to return a magic creature to our mythology teacher s Dream Room in his subconscious, Rose tells him.
Laushi, do you know what she s talking about? The Dark Knight asks. Indeed I do, Bruce. Dream charms were first created on Atlantis before the Time of Christ just before the fall of the Greek Empire. After the fall, they were scattered among the leaders of the different types of magic beings in hopes of elevating the suffering of both magic and mundane beings. It is said only those of magic blood can unlock their true potential. Two were lost before the turn of the last century. One Belong to the Leader of NECKOs and one Belonging to The Changeling community. Sadly, the changelings died out not long after that. They were victims of the Huntsclan, of course, G finishes. Rose, how do you use the charm? Nightwing asks. I gave Jake one and we use it to communicate in dreams. Now I know it can be used for more. Boss, I just read something you should hear, Batgirl says. Birth name: Shelia Cartwright Born: about 1997 Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia Recruit number: 112 Code name: Dingo Liberated from: her Birthparents by planted baby sitter in the spring of 98. Oct 2003: Recruit shows great promise physically. Quick reflexes. Strong for her age, but has yet to show killer instinct. Has sibling. Born Katrina. Code name: Bobcat. Based In New Zealand. Must keep separated.
April 2011: recruit is eligible for breeding Program. In good health. Will produce fine warriors. Maybe this will curb her rebellious streak. Currently recruit is in her second trimester but doubts have been raised about fetus bloodline. May have to sacrifice both. Monsters! Donna rages, nearly leaving a hole in the plaster. Forget about trials; I can just put holes in them and save everyone trouble. They take children from their parents; kill their own, and breed children. Sounds familiar, Dick says in outrage. I m as angry as you are but we need to get information about these people so we need to continue. Here s another One, Beth says. Show us! Batman Birth name: Alison White Born: February 12 1995 Birth place: Trenton, New Jersey; US Recruit number: 05 Code Name: Lioness Liberated from: Cook Children s Hospital after Minor Surgery {tonsillectomy}; June 27, 1999 August 12th 1999: Parents continue to ask too many questions. They have to be taken care of.
August 19th: had a couple of eager apprentices arrange accident. October 1, 1999: Finally, the recruit seems to have accepted us as her new family unit. Her true reeducation can begin. February 12th, 2011: Recruit begins fertility rites. March 22: First attempt at insemination results in miscarriage. May 1, 2011: After many tries, Recruit is carrying Fetus of a high commander. May 20, Recruit is hiding something. Keeps under strict control. Rose, do you know any of these girls? Batman asks. Yes. All three of them. I know Ally from New York; Shelia and Kit from the Academy in the outback. They re all working for an end to the clan with me, Rose says. Did you know they were Pregnant? Donna asks.
Yes, Kit is pregnant too, that just increases their desire to be free and raise their babies in safety and love. Do you know what happens when a girl gives birth in the breeding program? Rose asks What do they do? Wally asks, doubting if he wants to know the answer.
From almost the moment the baby s born, he or she is handed off to a married senior Huntsman, his wife, and an approved nanny to rear until they go to the academy. The only children a huntsgirl is allowed to keep are the ones she bares for her arranged Husband. Arranged marriage? Roy asks, voice trembling.
Yes. Children unlucky enough to be born or given to hunts leaders were pledged in marriage to other hunts leaders at least twice their age when they were nine on Valentine s day, This is known as Ophelia's day, the Supposed Birthday of the daughter of the hunts founder; the first huntsgirl. Roses says You don t want to know what happens on St. George Day, known as Christmas to most normal people. The supposed saint, who was the hunts founder, Roseadds Figures they d pervert Christmas, Tim says. Do I want to know if you re pledged? Jake asks. I am, unfortunately; but I d rather be pledged to you. I m pledged to a piece of trash named Fredrick Jeager. She shows them a wooden looking ring with a skull. Did he try something? Jake asks.
Many many times. The first time when I was maybe eight, She says, looking down at her stomach. She feels like she s going to be sick. Do you know what killed Rochelle yet? Dick asks.
Yes. Ro and I planned to meet there that day but they sent me on a wild goose chase to fetch a magic object he already had. I know her body was found there, Rose says.
Batman pulls out a copy of the coroner s report he procured and reads: Jane Doe. Age: approximately 14. Height: 5feet. Weight: 120 pounds. Body condition: slightly malnourished. Bruised all over the torso. He skips comments on various organs and goes on to the cause of death. Blood loss; internal burns; Manner of Death: Probable homicide. The only good news is she wasn t pregnant. He says The manner of death matches them, Rose says. Her crime in their eyes was protecting a young dragon, Hayley, She says wistfully. Jake nods sadly and looks at his sister. Do you know her name? Batman asks. Only her first name for sure. Rochelle. All of the New York based recruits have the name Rhodes. We re only given a separate last name after they ve make a kill. Rose says.
Found her file, Boss, Tim says. It says she was born to two hunts recruits in October 1997. Her parents names were Julia Rhodes and Anthony Hunter. It says they died in 2002 and 2004. Died valiantly in battle . It also says a couple of weeks ago two recruits, 72 and 74, saw her protecting a Filthy dragon. Sorry, Hayley, that s what the file said.
The next morning, the heroes assemble. Unknown to them, there are two stowaways.
Dick is flying the jet when he hears a noise in the back That better not be who I think it is, Roy says Roy, go back there and check. He sees Lian and Beth asleep next to the heroes overnight bags.
It s just the Kids; just the kids. I thought Lian was home with our neighbors! Roy says, trying to not yell and wake them.
We re going to have to a talk with our self-rescuing Princesses when they wake up, Dick says; but he can t help but smile.
Beth becoming more and more like you and Barbara, Bruce says. Is that a compliment or complaint? Dick Asks.
Both, Bruce replies simply. Even he can t help but smile at the sight of his granddaughter in her Self-Rescuing Princess shirt, Lian next to her in her Shirt. How did they get on board? Wally asks his daughter Iris. I didn t see anything, she says They probably hid in equipment boxes, Jali says. No matter how they got here. I think it s too late to take them back, Dick says. They ll have to observe with Robert and the twins, Bruce says.
Amazons don t just observe, Robbie says. Robert Troy Long, Donna says. You ll do what adults tell you. Yes, ma am, he says sheepishly.
Dick receives a communication on the two way radio.
Short Parts, Do you happen to know our Daughter is? I went to wake her up for breakfast. All I saw at first was Snowflake wondering where her girl went. Then I saw her note.
I found a note: Dear mom, don t worry. I went with Grandpa, Dad and Uncle Roy to New York to save some dragons and some girls about my age. Please feed Snowflake and let her sleep on my blue coat. I ll be back soon, I m sure. They re the best. Love, Beth. What is your daughter talking about Dragons and girls her age in danger? Barbara asks I had no idea she and Lian were on the plane and there wasn t time to turn back, he says. He tries to explain the case to her; she still looks confused and angry. Please don t worry. She isn t going on the actual mission with us. She s probably going to stay with Bruce s Mentor. He s a grandpa. She ll be ok. Dick reassures his wife She better be there to just observe or you re sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future. the worried mom says Just as they land at a private strip, the girls wake up. Think we re there Yet, Lian? I think I felt us land, Beth asks. I did too, Lian says The girls look at the circle of adults. They try their best innocent looks.
What are you doing here Girls? Dick asks his daughter and goddaughter.
We just wanted to help, They say together You can help but you but will not actively engage the enemy, Batman says.
The girls nod and exit the plane. The heroes walk to Canal Street in regular We go though the back door. We don t know who s there besides Lau Shi, Bruce says when they are greeted by Clark Kent, also known as Superman.
Hello Clark, I hope you got the information about the case I sent you, Bruce tells his college. Yes. still, this doesn t seem like the kind of case you would normally take. The murders, yes; but not the magic elements, Clark says One of the murders took place in my city. The other was in my son s. I also owe the man we are going to meet a debt. He trained me. I always repay my debts., Bruce explains.
Clark nods. The door has been left unlocked. He s obviously expecting you, at least. They are greeted by Laushi.
This is the honorable Luong Lao Shi. Bruce introduces him and bows.
Hello, Bruce. It is good to see you again, even under these circumstances, Lau shi says. Thank you, Laushi. Bruce replies Would you like Breakfast? I brought enough to feed you all, even the ones with Fast metabolisms, Laushi says. The clerk stared at me. I told her I was expecting family, which in a way is true. I practically emptied the store preparing for your arrival, Grandpa says I m sure the others are hungry; I could eat also. We can discuss the case, Bruce says. It s ready, Grandpa says. They sit down to eat. Jake should be here soon. He s eager to met you and solve these murders. He was going to help Rose create an excuse to leave the hunts lair. I take it her leader is a suspicious man, Nightwing/Dick says. Yes, to say the least, G says. Do you trust her? Batman asks.
I ve grown to trust her, somewhat. My grandson trusts her with his life, which troubled me at first but she has helped on many missions, He says. Knowing what I know about the Huntsclan and how they treat their young members I wouldn t be surprised HE abused Rose. All of the heroes scowl at this announcement.
After the heroes finish eating, Superman/Clark insists they help wash the dishes. Some of the guys grumble but do it. With Wally s help, they re finished in no time. Thankfully, none of the dishes are broken.
As the last glass is put up, Jake and Rose come through the door. Both teens are carrying a huge box. Evidence. There s more where that came from, Rose says, putting down the box.
I ll help you, Clark says Thank you, Superman. She says Um, you re welcome, Clark says.
I m observant, Rose says. He just smiles and helps her carry the rest inside.
For a moment, they look at the strangers in G s living room then say Hello. My name s Rose. No last name for now. Hello, my name s Jake Long. I m Lau Shi s Grandson. Nice to meet you both, Clark says. Bruce pulls Lau Shi aside and says, I know you trust this girl, but I want to make sure she s trustworthy before we go through the boxes. I heard what you said, Rose says. I ll do anything you want me to do to prove you can trust me. Good. Laushi, may I use your Truth potion? the Dark knight asks. Yes you may, I know time is important to you so I ll get the fast acting potion. This will be the second time this week I ve used a truth Potion. Yes Batman mutters. A nurse found the body of one of the victims. She admitted she was a member of the Huntsclan who was hiding from them in plain sight. A nurse? Batman asks. I ll explain later, Grandpa says.
What is your name? Rose, she says.
Your full name, Batman insists. My school records say Rose Rhodes; but I doubt it s my real name, she says Why is that? Batman asks.
I thought I was being raised by the Huntsclan because my parents died soon after I was born; but my dreams revealed I was kidnapped from my real parents practically out of the womb. I think I have a twin sister too. Rose says . Cassandra says she never had a regular life; like me, her voice betrays the pity she has for a young girl raised so much like she was..
Rose, have you ever taken a life? Batman asks.
No, sir. I, however, have stolen for them but my conscience started developing. I returned as much I could and I haven t actually stolen much, especially since the American Dragon turned up. she tells Batman If you really are trying to reform, then I congratulate you; and I wish you well, he says.
I bet you enjoyed the chase from a certain teenaged dragon, Selena says. Rose blushes, and then says Yes. Jake blushes also.
I thought so, Selena says. Do you think you can remain objective when it comes to time fight the Huntsclan? Batman asks.
I hope so, Rose says Would you ever purposely harm Jake, Laushi, or any other good magic being? Batman asks. Absolutely not Rose says Now I think we can go through the box of evidence she brought, Batman then says. The first things they find are video tapes and DVDs. Laushi do you have a working VCR? Batman asks. Yes, I run an electronics shop, G says.
But he never sells ANYTHING, Fu says, laughing.
I did yesterday, G says.
That s just because she was there to tell you about the body she found, Fu says. A young girl, G Says. She saved my sister from a hunts jerk Jake says. A motive for murder, Batman remarks Batman puts a random tape in the VCR and adjusts the tracking. They see a young Huntsman fighting a dragon with dark blue and gold coloring. For a while the young dragon seems to winning but the Huntsman sticks his hunts stick in the dragon s underbelly. His prey turns back into a young boy of 13. The killer shows no pity for the young boy he just killed. Instead he slays the dragonmaster, shins him and hollows out his skull.
The heroes watch in horror. Rose runs to the bathroom, holding her mouth.
While she s gone, Batman inserts a tape labeled Spring Hunt/Feast 2000. In this, The Clan slays a mermaid and feasts on the fish half, then burns the human half. When the video finishes, most everyone else joins Rose in the bathroom.
That was sickening; the poor creature was alive and screaming though most of attack, Superman says.
We were taught pity was for the weak, Rose says sadly.
You were raised in the ways of the hardcore warrior, Donna says. Even the Amazons show compassion when it s warranted. I was raised to be the next huntsleader. You resisted the lure of the power, and rebelled, Donna remarks, amazed.
I had a great example, Rose says, smiling.
Did you, now? Jake says, smirking. Were a participant in this hunt, Rose? Nightwing asks.
No, I was a small child then. We don t participate in hunts until we re at least 12. I never really wanted to. I used all kinds of things to try to get out of the once-a-season hunts and feasts. ,worked till Halloween of last year. ,on , Ascension Day, I realized I had to at least act like I truly wanted to be like them, Rose explains An hour and half later, Roy says Let s go on to diaries and letters. These videos creep me out. Laushi or I give the orders to the team, but I agree. We ve gathered enough information from the videotapes. Batman says Batman gets out several files labeled Recruit Files: 1980 to 2000. He hands one to every adult in the Room. At this point, the heroes children can t stand it anymore. They head in the main room again.
Grandpa, I know you said No dangerous stuff, but can we at least help you with the files? Beth asks, looking like a begging cat.
Well, meow and yes, Dick tells Beth. Do the Rest of you want to help? Yes, we all want to help! Lian says. We didn t come to just watch. Yes, ma am, Roy says; amused at his daughter s determination.
Batman hands them all a file. Write down any identifying information on the recruits. Some may have living family they can be returned to, family out the clan, even, Batman says. Do you know how you came into the clan? He asks Rose.
Well, it s complicated. For most of my life I ve believed their story that my parents were killed by a dragon. Recently I found out the truth that I was kidnapped by the Huntsclan - to be specific, a nurse and the Huntsmaster himself - as newborn because the nurse was plant by the Huntsclan. She saw my birthmark. That birthmark cost me a loving family with my parents and twin sister. Rose says How did you obtain this information? Batman asks.
You might find my explanation hard to swallow, Rose says. Try me, Batman says. We do believe in aliens and such, so pretty much nothing would shock us, Robin says. I found out using a dream charm to return a magic creature to our mythology teacher s Dream Room in his subconscious, Rose tells him.
Laushi, do you know what she s talking about? The Dark Knight asks. Indeed I do, Bruce. Dream charms were first created on Atlantis before the Time of Christ just before the fall of the Greek Empire. After the fall, they were scattered among the leaders of the different types of magic beings in hopes of elevating the suffering of both magic and mundane beings. It is said only those of magic blood can unlock their true potential. Two were lost before the turn of the last century. One Belong to the Leader of NECKOs and one Belonging to The Changeling community. Sadly, the changelings died out not long after that. They were victims of the Huntsclan, of course, G finishes. Rose, how do you use the charm? Nightwing asks. I gave Jake one and we use it to communicate in dreams. Now I know it can be used for more. Boss, I just read something you should hear, Batgirl says. Birth name: Shelia Cartwright Born: about 1997 Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia Recruit number: 112 Code name: Dingo Liberated from: her Birthparents by planted baby sitter in the spring of 98. Oct 2003: Recruit shows great promise physically. Quick reflexes. Strong for her age, but has yet to show killer instinct. Has sibling. Born Katrina. Code name: Bobcat. Based In New Zealand. Must keep separated.
April 2011: recruit is eligible for breeding Program. In good health. Will produce fine warriors. Maybe this will curb her rebellious streak. Currently recruit is in her second trimester but doubts have been raised about fetus bloodline. May have to sacrifice both. Monsters! Donna rages, nearly leaving a hole in the plaster. Forget about trials; I can just put holes in them and save everyone trouble. They take children from their parents; kill their own, and breed children. Sounds familiar, Dick says in outrage. I m as angry as you are but we need to get information about these people so we need to continue. Here s another One, Beth says. Show us! Batman Birth name: Alison White Born: February 12 1995 Birth place: Trenton, New Jersey; US Recruit number: 05 Code Name: Lioness Liberated from: Cook Children s Hospital after Minor Surgery {tonsillectomy}; June 27, 1999 August 12th 1999: Parents continue to ask too many questions. They have to be taken care of.
August 19th: had a couple of eager apprentices arrange accident. October 1, 1999: Finally, the recruit seems to have accepted us as her new family unit. Her true reeducation can begin. February 12th, 2011: Recruit begins fertility rites. March 22: First attempt at insemination results in miscarriage. May 1, 2011: After many tries, Recruit is carrying Fetus of a high commander. May 20, Recruit is hiding something. Keeps under strict control. Rose, do you know any of these girls? Batman asks. Yes. All three of them. I know Ally from New York; Shelia and Kit from the Academy in the outback. They re all working for an end to the clan with me, Rose says. Did you know they were Pregnant? Donna asks.
Yes, Kit is pregnant too, that just increases their desire to be free and raise their babies in safety and love. Do you know what happens when a girl gives birth in the breeding program? Rose asks What do they do? Wally asks, doubting if he wants to know the answer.
From almost the moment the baby s born, he or she is handed off to a married senior Huntsman, his wife, and an approved nanny to rear until they go to the academy. The only children a huntsgirl is allowed to keep are the ones she bares for her arranged Husband. Arranged marriage? Roy asks, voice trembling.
Yes. Children unlucky enough to be born or given to hunts leaders were pledged in marriage to other hunts leaders at least twice their age when they were nine on Valentine s day, This is known as Ophelia's day, the Supposed Birthday of the daughter of the hunts founder; the first huntsgirl. Roses says You don t want to know what happens on St. George Day, known as Christmas to most normal people. The supposed saint, who was the hunts founder, Roseadds Figures they d pervert Christmas, Tim says. Do I want to know if you re pledged? Jake asks. I am, unfortunately; but I d rather be pledged to you. I m pledged to a piece of trash named Fredrick Jeager. She shows them a wooden looking ring with a skull. Did he try something? Jake asks.
Many many times. The first time when I was maybe eight, She says, looking down at her stomach. She feels like she s going to be sick. Do you know what killed Rochelle yet? Dick asks.
Yes. Ro and I planned to meet there that day but they sent me on a wild goose chase to fetch a magic object he already had. I know her body was found there, Rose says.
Batman pulls out a copy of the coroner s report he procured and reads: Jane Doe. Age: approximately 14. Height: 5feet. Weight: 120 pounds. Body condition: slightly malnourished. Bruised all over the torso. He skips comments on various organs and goes on to the cause of death. Blood loss; internal burns; Manner of Death: Probable homicide. The only good news is she wasn t pregnant. He says The manner of death matches them, Rose says. Her crime in their eyes was protecting a young dragon, Hayley, She says wistfully. Jake nods sadly and looks at his sister. Do you know her name? Batman asks. Only her first name for sure. Rochelle. All of the New York based recruits have the name Rhodes. We re only given a separate last name after they ve make a kill. Rose says.
Found her file, Boss, Tim says. It says she was born to two hunts recruits in October 1997. Her parents names were Julia Rhodes and Anthony Hunter. It says they died in 2002 and 2004. Died valiantly in battle . It also says a couple of weeks ago two recruits, 72 and 74, saw her protecting a Filthy dragon. Sorry, Hayley, that s what the file said.
Jake s cell tells him he has two text messages marked urgent Sorry got to take this, they re urgent. They both know what s going on here and wouldn t message me unless it was urgent, Jake says. A few minutes Jake returns looking ashen. The messages were from The Australian Dragon Fred Nerk and The New Zealand dragon Justin Carpenter. Their girlfriends are missing. Guess what their names are, he adds.
Shelia and Kit? ROSE asks Yes; and they re both pregnant. How do they know they re missing? Wally asks They kidnapped , them and hid them somewhere only they knew about, Jake says. Is it possible that the babies might be dragons and not of hunts blood? Batman asks.
I don t know one way or another if they re fathers. We never talked about their romantic lives, unlike lots of guys. I didn t know they had girlfriends, much less huntsgirls, until a few months ago. Jake says They obviously knew the girls were in danger, Batman says. He goes to the League communicator and says, Oracle, see who can travel to Australia and New Zealand, ASAP. Two pregnant girls lives are in danger! Will do, boss, a disembodied female voice says. Who or what is Oracle? Trixie asks. Oracle is the code name of a woman who helps us with Computer research, Nightwing tells her. She s my Mom, Beth lets slip.
Yes, she is my wife and her mom. I saw what looks to be a diary, Donna says.
Rose looks at it and confirms its owner. Yes, it s the Hunts master s journal. It looks like he started it just before he took over the clan in February of 93, she says Batman reads out loud: November 13, 1996. A Recruit called Nightshade abandoned her post, the Northern European Academy, in the dead of Night. If she survives the harsh weather and returns, she ll wish she had frozen to death in the forest. Any other references to this Nightshade? Superman asks. Yes, The Dark Knight says. November 29, 1996. An eye witness says Nightshade was not alone when she left. She was with a male her own age. adultery can be added to the charges she faces when she s found. She was to marry a top field commander the next full moon. The commander says he wants Heather Brown Returned; preferably alive November 30, 1996. Nightshade will face death when she is found, as will the dragon she fled with; according to our ancient law, no matter what her betrothed wishes. A recruit who fought him confirms the boy she betrayed us to run away with is the son Of the Norris Dragon. I doubt the commander will want her anymore since she has most likely committed Bestiality with the filthy dragon.
The next mention of her is on January 9th of 1998, Batman says, scanning the pages. One of our nurses at New Haven Maternity Hospital sent word that she has found the fugitive Heather Brown and she's about to give birth in her very hospital. I am leading a small squad of hunts warriors to access the situation. If we can t take back the fugitive it s hoped that her child is marked therefore OUR property! This angers everyone in the room, especially the parents. Batman shows the last entry to his team but not to Rose.
January 10, 1998. She gave birth to healthy identical twin females. Unfortunately, only one was of use to us, the second born. She had the mark on her palm. We could have taken both and killed the other, but time was of the essence. Maybe someday, she will grow up to kill her dragon sire and dragon twin. It s so delicious knowing we can use one of their own to wipe out their unholy species. This will be the runaway s punishment not knowing the fate of child until it s too late