Avenger: Silent War

by Buck Ink

Both Avenger and Batman are at odds with each other after Chinatown's destruction in Blind Justice. However, a dangerous enemy has come to Gotham, with an even greater evil close behind that brings with it a shocking revelation that may change Riley Rivers' life forever as well as have ramifications for the entire world. I don't own anything from DC/Marvel or the name "Bullet Club"

8. Chapter 8: Avenger vs Batman 2

Chapter 8: Avenger vs Batman 2.

-Stephanie Brown-

Tonight, me, Harper, and Cassandra are having a slumber party at Harper's apartment!

It would be so awesome if Cullen wasn't running around with my mask!

Stephanie: "Cullen! Give me back my mask!"

Cullen: "But, I look so cool in this!"

Harper and Cassandra were watching us. Harper was laughing while Cass was just looking on with a small smile. Every since I started this whole 'hero' thing,
I've been having a lot of fun.

I managed to get my mask back from Cullen.

Harper: "Cass, you doing okay?"

Cassandra nods.

Stephanie: "You know something? This is like out first superhero meeting! We can start doing plans and things like that!"

Harper: "You're getting a bit ahead of yourself. We're not Batman and his group."

Stephanie: "But that would be so cool. We should start calling ourselves something."

I started to ponder names... What shall we call ourselves? Team Spoiler? No. The Avengers? I think that's already taken.

Cassandra: "Riley..."

Harper: "Nah, I tried calling him. He isn't picking up. He might be busy doing something."

When I heard that, my mind went somewhere else. I wonder what Riley's doing right now?

-Avenger-

How to I even begin to explain? Right now, I'm trapped in this glass cage inside the Batcave. I was invited here by Batman to discuss my dad, where he told me that he massacred a bunch of crime lords... Which I don't know if I believe or not.

It turns out that dad was a member of the League of Assassins, a group of murderous eco-terrorists led by Ra's al Ghul.

Apparently, Batman suspects that Ra's may be considering me to be an heir to his organisation and that Cassandra Cain was being groomed to be my wife... I had my first kiss only a few hours ago and, now something stranger happens.

I think that during my 18th birthday which is tomorrow, Ra's may send his assassins after me to force me to join the League. When I refused Batman's request to go to a safehouse, he and the entire bat family beat me until they could get me into this cage. Afterwards, Batman himself left with Red Hood and Red Robin to go after Cassandra.

I tried contacting Harper, but I don't think my comms work in here. Besides,
Robin is watching me and Batman told him that if I show any signs of trying to escape, he'll gas the chamber I'm in.

I wouldn't be able to escape on my own. The glass is reinforced. My dad's baton wouldn't be able to break through unless there was a fracture.

During the fight, I injured Nightwing's leg. Mr Pennyworth is right now taking a look at it.

Robin is sitting on a chair in front of my cage and he's just taunting me right now.

Robin: "I don't know why Father is worried about you. You're not even a challenge."

I'm not gonna give this ten year old child any satisfaction. I need to find a way out of here, but the door is electronically sealed. Only members of the Bat Family can unlock it. I can't break the glass either, it's too thick.

If only I could contact Harper... It looks like I have to find my own way out, but how?

Robin: "Have you given up? Good. It's not like you can do anything anyway."

Avenger: "You know, Damian? I'm curious. Does your mom even know what you're doing? Jumping across rooftops every night, beating up bad guys?"

Robin: "She does. She doesn't care."

Avenger: "Really? You seem to have it rough. This isn't a normal childhood."

Robin: "Don't patronize me, Rivers."

Avenger: "I'm not. Besides, you're alone here with me. Why don't you just gas the chamber and go after your dad?"

Robin: "Pennyworth and Richard would get in my way. Besides, I want to see what makes Riley Rivers tick. Your father was a member of the League of Assassins and he was killed by a corrupt cop. Instead of killing him, you had him sent to prison where he was killed anyway. And then you went after the man who ordered the killing. You spared his life only for him to get killed anyway. You seem to prefer justice over vengeance."

Avenger: "If you start to give into vengeance, then we become no different from the monsters we take down. Surely Batman has told you this."

Robin: "He has. Grandfather would disagree however."

Avenger: "Grandfather?"

Robin: "My grandfather is Ra's al Ghul."

Damian Wayne is Batman's son. That would make Batman, Ra's son-in-law...

Batman is working for the League of Assassins!

Avenger: "Is that so? You were trained by assassins and now you're a watchman for your father. How pathetic."

Robin: "Are you trying to make me angry? You're not doing a good job."

Avenger: "Of course. The ten year old can control his rage. How stupid of me to believe that I could trick the great Damian Wayne."

Robin: "I'm bored with you. I'm just gonna gas the chamber."

Robin got off his chair and was walking towards the control panel for the cage.
I've got him.

Avenger: "Go ahead. It's the only way you could hope to knock me out."

Robin stopped in his tracks.

Robin: "What did you say?"

Avenger: "What? That gas was the only way you could knock me out? Well, it is.
We've fought twice and both times, I've clearly bested you. That's why your dad didn't let you come with him. If you can't beat me, you would stand no chance against Cassandra."

Robin: "I'm light years ahead of Drake and Todd in both skill and training.
Do you think some girl is a threat to me?"

Avenger: "Yes. I do."

Robin walked over to the door to my cage.

Robin: "Computer, open the door."

He stepped inside the cage.

Robin: "Now I'm gonna break your face."

Robin shut the door behind him. He dove at me, but I ducked down and planted my feet into his stomach.

Avenger: "No, Damian. I tricked you again."

I tossed Robin against the glass. Once he got up, he tossed a batarang at me which I narrowly dodged and it hit the glass. The point of the batarang stuck into the glass and caused a minor crack.

Robin: "You can't escape. Just give up."

Avenger: "You first."

Robin came up to me and started punching. I wondered how Damian could be so well-trained despite being a ten year old boy. If he is a member of the League,
then I wondered what else the League was capable of.

Robin brings out another batarang to use as a weapon. In response, I bring out the baton and I block his strikes.

Robin: "I underestimated you, Rivers. You're better than I thought. Not good enough though."

Robin pulled another batarang and plunged it into my leg!

Avenger: "Argh!"

I then kneed Robin in the stomach and winded him before pulling the batarang out of my leg. I tossed the batarang into one of the cracks that were created from the first batarang.

I grabbed Robin by his collar, but he punched me in the face again. So I tossed him against the glass wall.

Of all the crimes I've committed since becoming Avenger, I never thought that child abuse would be one of them. That's basically what it is.

Nightwing: "Damian!"

I saw Nightwing and Mr Pennyworth standing at the Batcomputer. Darn it!

Gas started pumping into the cage. I held my breath, but it was starting to feel effects anyway. It must have penetrated my pores.

I grabbed the batarang out of Damian's hand. The gas is clearly non-lethal otherwise they wouldn't dare flood this cage with gas.

I start bashing the batarang and baton against the cracks in the glass. Bit by bit, more cracks started appearing. I'm breaking through...

Muscles cramping. I can feel each motion sending shockwaves throughout my entire body. But, I can take it.

I'm Avenger.

With one thunderous kick...

KRASH!

I break through the glass cage. I quickly drag Robin out, who knows if prolonged exposure could do long-term harm.

I stumble for a bit. I must have been affected by the gas... But, I have to fight through it.

Nightwing: "You just have to make things difficult, don't you?"

Nightwing runs up to me with his two baton sticks. I could tell that his leg was still damaged goods from earlier, so I sidestepped him and I elbowed him in the side of the head.

It didn't knock Nightwing straight out, it stunned him.

Avenger: "I can't believe that I let you lie to me from the start."

Nightwing: "What... Do you mean?"

Avenger: "You've been working for the League! Damian just told me!"

I picked up Nightwing.

Avenger: "I'm going to take down Batman. When I do, I'm coming back here with the police and I'll personally drag you and your entire Bat Family to Arkham!"

Nightwing: "Rivers, wait!"

I elbowed Nightwing in the head again, knocking him out.

I turned around and I was face to face with Alfred Pennyworth.

Alfred: "Master Rivers. I don't appreciate that you're beating on my family."

Mr Pennyworth looked furious at me, but I didn't care. I do have genuine respect for Mr Pennyworth, but that's out the window now.

Avenger: "I don't appreciate terrorists threatening Gotham."

Alfred looked puzzled.

Alfred: "What on earth do you mean, 'terrorists'?"

Avenger: "Why don't you ask Ra's al Ghul's son-in-law?"

Mr Pennyworth looked at me with an understanding yet stern expression.

Alfred: "You don't understand."

Avenger: "Save your breath, Mr Pennyworth. I have to go stop your boss."

I try to walk past Mr Pennyworth, but he grabbed me.

Avenger: "What are you..."

He headbutts me in the face! I was dazed for a second, but I felt a clubbing blow to the back of my head. P-Pennyworth actually has some skills.

Alfred: "I can't let you leave."

Avenger: "Then I'll have to 'convince' you."

I got back up and grabbed Mr Pennyworth in a chokehold.

Avenger: "Don't fight it."

I started choking Mr Pennyworth until he faded into unconsciousness.

Child abuse, knocking out an injured man, choking the elderly. I've racked up quite a rap sheet I'm sure.

But, I'm gonna go stop Batman. I won't let him hurt my friends or this city.

I steal one of Batman's bikes and I ride out of the cave.

I have to reach Cassandra fast. She's likely going to be at Harper's apartment, but Batman's got a head start on me... If he isn't already there.

Avenger: "Harper?"

-Harper Row-

Avenger: "Harper! Are you there?!"

I could hear Riley's voice coming from my computer! And he sounded out of breath!

Cassandra stood up and ran into the computer room and I followed with Stephanie behind me.

I got into the seat and put on my headset.

Harper: "Riley? What's happened?"

Avenger: "Get out of there now!"

Harper: "Hang on, slow down! What's happened?"

Avenger: "Batman's on his way! He's after Cassandra! He got a head start on me, you can't let him take Cassandra!"

I didn't understand. Why would Batman be after Cassandra?

Avenger: "Get Cassandra out of there! I'll join you as soon as I can."

I didn't know what to think. Batman's a hero. I know that Riley and Batman don't get along, but what would make Riley think that Batman's coming for Cass?

Cullen: "Uhh, Harper?"

I went into the living room with Stephanie...

Red Robin: "Where's Cassandra Cain?"

It was one of Batman's group. Red Robin.

Stephanie: "It's cute Batman!"

Stephanie just stared at Red Robin after that, but we had something else to worry about. The man next to him... With guns.

Red Hood: "You have an admirer, Red Robin."

Red Robin: "We don't have time for this, Red Hood."

The man with the red helmet pointed his gun at us.

Red Hood: "Look, just hand over Cain and we'll leave."

Riley was right. They are after Cass. But, my equipment is in the next room...

Red Robin: "There's someone in that room there."

Red Robin went over to the computer room. That's where Cass is!

BREAK!

Cass came out of the door, kicking Red Robin down! Red Hood aimed his gun at Cass, but Cullen grabs onto him.

Cullen: "Harper, run!"

No! I didn't want to leave Cullen in the room with some guy with a gun, but the bats don't kill, right?

Stephanie: "Harper! Come on!"

Steph and Cass ran out the door. I was hesitant, but I hoped that Cullen would be alright, they weren't after him.

I quickly followed Steph and Cass out and we ran down the hall in the apartment building.

Red Robin: "Wait! Stop!"

Behind us, Red Robin was chasing us! Steph didn't have any of her gear, and I didn't either. The only choice was to run until Avenger gets here.

We ran down the stairs with Red Robin chasing us.

BLAM BLAM!

At the top of the stairs, Red Hood was shooting at us!

Stephanie: "Ahhhh!"

Red Robin: "Red Hood! Don't shoot! We're trying to capture them!"

Red Hood: "Relax. I'm using rubber bullets."

I don't know if that makes me feel any safer...

We ran out onto the street and we ran into an alleyway, we knew there was no way we'd lose them without our grapple guns. We can't outrun them either. We were then forced to stop since Red Hood somehow got in front of us and Red Robin was behind us.

Red Robin: "Harper, Stephanie. Be reasonable. Batman sent us ahead so that we could talk without starting a fight. Just hand Cassandra Cain over and we'll leave."

Harper: "What do you want with her?"

Red Robin: "She's working with terrorists. We need to take her for interrogation."

Stephanie: "Terrorists?! You're cute, but you're out of your Goddamned mind!"

Red Hood: "What about me? I'm better looking than he is."

Red Robin: "Shut up, Hood! Look, just hand her over. You don't want Batman to get involved."

Damn it! Even Batman's here somewhere? He's the head hauncho of crime fighters in Gotham!

Harper: "We won't hand her over!"

Stephanie: "Yeah, we'd rather die first!"

Yeah... What?

Harper: "Uhh, Steph?"

Stephanie: "What? It was a cool line to use."

I looked at the nearby fire escape. We would be trapped on the roof, but it would buy some time.

Harper: "The fire escape!"

I jumped up the fire escape with Cass and Steph close behind. Red Hood was shooting rubber bullets at us, but lucky for us, he only hit the railings.

We made it to the roof, but the nearest roof top was too far to jump.

Red Hood: "Thanks for the exercise. But, there's no way out."

Harper: "Uhh... Avenger? We really could use some help here."

Red Robin: "Avenger isn't coming. We had to lock him up somewhere. This is your last chance,
hand over Cassandra Cain."

I wasn't about to step aside. Cass was our friend, so I would help her however i can...

But, Cass stepped forward.

Harper: "Cass?"

Cassandra: "Go with them..."

Stephanie: "What? You can't! You don't know what they'll do to you!"

Cassandra: "Don't want... Hurt friends."

I stood next to Cass along with Steph.

Harper: "I'm not gonna abandon you, Cass."

Stephanie: "Me neither. BFFs right?"

Harper: "Right, Steph."

Red Robin sighed.

Red Robin: "Hard way, then?"

Red Hood: "Okay, hard way."

Red Hood put his guns up to shoot at us, but...

BOOM!

An explosion!? Not even that far from here as well!

Red Robin: "Batman! What was that?!. Batman?"

*Before the Explosion*
-Batman-

Sending Tim and Jason to speak to Harper Row about handing over Cassandra Cain isn't going to work. Harper Row is too young to understand the threat fully,
she won't hand over Cassandra Cain willingly.

I said that I would give them a chance to resolve this peacefully. Besides, I wanted to check in on Damian and Dick.

Batman: "Alfred? Come in."

There wasn't a response.

Batman: "Alfred?"

There wasn't a response.

What's going on?! Why isn't anyone at the cave responding?!

Ahead of me, I could see a bike. It was one of mine, but the person on it.

Avenger: "You think I'm done with you, Batman?"

It was Rivers! How did he escape from the cave?!

Batman: "What did you do to Damian?"

Avenger: "Nothing much. He told me some interesting things though."

Batman: "What?"

Avenger: "Did Ra's al Ghul marry you to someone? Is that why you're doing his bidding by kidnapping me and Cassandra?"

Damian must have told Rivers about his relation to Ra's. He's misunderstood the situation.

Batman: "You don't..."

Avenger: "Understand? I understand perfectly."

Avenger then started to rev the bike.

Avenger: "You're working for the League!"

He then started to accelerate towards me. There wasn't enough time to lock the bike down. He was going to ram the bike into me.

Avenger jumped off the bike and he used his grapple gun to get away, but the bike rammed straight into the Batmobile!

BOOM!

-Avenger-

I wasn't expecting that explosion to do any good, but it should slow Batman down.

It'll give me enough time to help Harper, Stephanie, and Cassandra.

I quickly spotted them. They were cornered by Red Robin and Red Hood.

Using my grapple gun, I swung onto the rooftop they were on and I landed in front of Harper, Stephanie, and Cassandra.

Red Hood: "How did he get out of the cage?!"

Red Robin: "I don't know. That explosion was you, Avenger?"

Avenger: "Just a little something to slow your boss down. Now the two of you are next."

Cassandra came up beside me.

Cassandra: "You didn't kill?"

Avenger: "I don't kill. It's not my place to kill. Batman survived that explosion."

Harper: "What's going on?"

Avenger: "Batman and his bat family are working for the League of Assassins!"

When I said this, Red Hood and Red Robin showed stunned expressions like they didn't know what I was talking about.

Red Robin: "Have you lost your mind? You think we're working with Ra's?!"

Avenger: "Then you mind explaining how Robin is related to Ra's al Ghul?"

Red Hood: "Well, that's complicated..."

Avenger: "Batman had a child with the al Ghuls. The perfect way to gain someone's loyalty is to make them family. You've been trying to kidnap me and Cassandra and sell us to Ra's!"

Red Robin: "We're not working for the League!"

Cassandra tried to get my attention to tell me something, but that was interrupted by the appearance of...

Batman: "You've crossed a line, Rivers."

Avenger: "No. You've crossed your last one. I thought that Gotham did need you in some way, but now... You're nothing but another criminal that needs to be taken down."

Me and Batman approached one another until we were face to face with each other.

Batman: "You don't know the full story."

Avenger: "Save it! Nothing is gonna help you now."

Batman: "If you won't listen, then we'll do this the hard way."

Avenger: "Hard way it is."

-Batman-

Rivers believes that I'm working with Ra's al Ghul. Damian told him that he is the grandson of Ra's al Ghul and Riley's mind made a connection that I must be working with them to kidnap both Rivers and Cassandra Cain.

But, from experience there's no way I can convince Rivers otherwise.

From behind Rivers, I see Harper Row, Stephanie Brown, escaping with Cain. They run down the fire escape close to them.

Batman: "Don't let them escape."

Red Hood and Red Robin chase the girls, leaving me alone with Rivers.

Avenger: "Just you and me."

Rivers isn't even concerned. He trusts his friends to guard Cassandra Cain.

I trust mine to catch her.

Rivers makes the first move by quickly chopping me in the throat, taking me off my balance. I quickly regain myself and I block another strike.

I have to be careful with Avenger. The last time we fought in hand-to-hand combat,
I lost. He's fast and strong with his strikes. He knows how to hurt someone and keep them down for the count.

I kick Rivers in the stomach, but he blocks my second strike and counters with a kick to the ribcage.

I have to fight with more than my fists.

I toss a smoke pellet at Avenger's feet, creating a cloud of smoke.

Avenger: "Changing tactics? It won't help you."

Batman: "I disagree."

I start hitting Rivers as the smoke cloud obscures his vision, but I do my best work in the smoke.

However, Avenger stays still for a moment waiting for me to make a move. When I do, he catches my attack and punches me in the head.

Avenger: "Nice try."

Avenger dives out of the smoke towards me and thrusts both his feet into my chest.
I fall to the ground as Avenger approaches.

Avenger: "Enough! It's over, Dark Knight."

I throw a batarang which deploys a line which wraps around Avenger's feet and it trips him over. I get back up and I pick him up by the collar and throw him against the edge of the rooftop.

Batman: "Wake up! I am not a member of Ra's al Ghul's organisation. You're jumping to conclusions."

Avenger: "What makes you think I'll believe you, Batman?! I have more reasons to believe that you're a terrorist more than not!"

Avenger takes out his baton and throws it at my head. It hit me dead-on and it staggered me. Meanwhile. Avenger had undone his restraints and he ran at me and tackled me!

The both of us fell off the building and through the next building's window.

-Stephanie Brown-

We escaped the rooftop and left Riley to deal with Batman, however we had out own problems!

BLAM BLAM!

Harper went down! I think one of the rubber bullets got her in the leg!

I went to help her up.

Harper: "No! You have to go!"

Cassandra: "Not... Without you."

Stephanie: "What she said!"

Red Robin tried to jump on us since we couldn't hardly move, but Cassandra kicks him away.

Cassandra: "Take cover..."

Red Hood tried to shoot at Cassandra, but she zig zags and punches him.

Man... Cass kicks ass!

Stephanie: "Why didn't we think of fighting before?"

Harper: "Because we can't fight like Cass."

Stephanie: "Oh..."

Maybe I could get Riley and Cass to train me after

Cassandra: "Riley..."

Stephanie: "Where?"

KRASH!

We looked up and we saw both Riley and Batman crashing out of a window into the next building.

-Avenger-

I had finally had enough. Batman has done more than enough damage to this city. I thought that Batman does more good than harm.

But tonight, I take down The Batman.

Me and Batman had just went crashing through two windows and we landed inside a living room of some kind. The lights are out, so I guess the occupants are either asleep or gone.

Avenger: "How did Ra's get to you, huh? Did he offer you money? Is that how your family made it's fortune? A wife? Is that how Damian was born?"

Batman: "Don't speak about my family like that!"

Batman grabbed me and threw me, back first, into the TV!

Batman: "You judge me, yet you don't know anything. My family tried to bring Gotham out of the gutter. I've done everything I can to restore this city. You can't understand."

Batman picked me up and kneed me in the face and then threw me into the wall.
I feel tired, dazed, and completely out of it. I've been fighting all night against Batman and the family. How much do I even have left?

I was grabbed by the collar.

Batman: "This city needs the Batman. It needs a legend that will safeguard it for as long as Gotham exists."

Avenger: "That would make you a coward. You're nothing but a psychopath who dresses like a bat to scare people."

I pull Batman's head towards me and I headbutt him in the head.

Avenger: "You want to rule this city through fear? You want to be the big bad boogeyman?
Guess what, Wayne? I won't allow it!"

I punch Batman over and over.

Avenger: "This city doesn't deserve to be afraid. It deserves to be protected. You've taken completely control from this city from the people who need it the most. All you've done is prove that the system is flawed. That Gotham can't be protected."

Batman has trouble standing up, so I pick him up by his cape and I drag him towards the door.

Avenger: "You've made things worse!"

I swing and throw Batman through the door.

CRASH!

I walk out the apartment I was in and found Batman slumped against the wall.

I stand over him.

Avenger: "This is your legacy. What's happened since you've become Batman? Death, corruption, destruction? Winston Grace almost destroyed this city under your watch.
You know why? Because you have too much power. You're Batman. A founder of the Justice League and the Dark Knight of Gotham. You have all this power at your fingertips and it was turned against you. That's how Grace almost destroyed this city. Someone needs to keep you in check."

I once again picked Batman up by his cape and dragged him to the window. We're only on the second floor. A fall from here won't kill him but, it should knock anymore fight out of him.

I tossed Batman out the window.

KRASH!

I hear him land onto a dumpster below and I look down to see him roll onto the ground of the alleyway. Using my grapple gun, I jump down to the ground and I land in front of Batman.

Avenger: "Your reign of terror is over, Batman. You and your family are finished."

Batman: "Rivers... You don't understand."

That again? I had finally had it with Batman. He threatens this city, he threatens my friends, and has the nerve to tell me that I don't understand.

I grab Batman by the collar.

Avenger: "What don't I understand?!"

I pull my fist back, prepared to finish this once and for all...

Cassandra: "Riley."

A hand stops my fist. It was Cassandra.

Avenger: "He deserves this. He's tried to kidnap us, Cassandra. Just so he could deliver us to Ra's al Ghul!"

Cassandra shakes her head and points at Batman.

Cassandra: "He... Not assassin."

Avenger: "What?.."

Cassandra: "Batman isn't... One of them."

He isn't... One of the League?

Avenger: "No... His son told me! He's Ra's al Ghul's son-in-law!"

Cassandra: "Trust. He's not... One of them."

I... I... I let go of Batman and let him fall to the ground. I stared at my hands.
They were covered in Batman's blood.

I thought that he was a terrorist and I was about to... I didn't know what I was about to do to him.

I backed myself up against the wall of the alley and I slumped down to the ground.
Cassandra came up to me and kneeled down next to me.

Avenger: "I hated Batman so much that I was willing to believe that he was the enemy.
I lost sight of who the real enemy was."

Cassandra: "Mistake. It's okay now."

I trust Cassandra regardless of what anyone thinks. If she says that Batman isn't one of the League, then it must be the truth.

By now, Harper and Stephanie had caught up.

Harper: "What the hell happened here?"

Stephanie: "Is it me or did Riley kick Batman's ass?"

Harper: "Steph... Not the time."

Red Robin and Red Hood came into the alley and attended to Batman.

Red Robin: "Batman! Are you okay?! Talk to me!"

I stood up and walked over to them.

Avenger: "Take him back to the cave. Don't come after me or Cassandra again, or next time, he'll lose more than pride."

Red Hood aimed a gun at my head, but Red Robin pushed it down gently.

Red Robin: "We're done here."

They pick up Batman and they start taking him out of the alley.

Batman: "Avenger..."

I heard Batman speak.

Batman: "You've made a major mistake..."

I didn't even care to listen to what Batman said. He may not be a terrorist, but he's not my ally. Not even close.

After that, we all went back to Harper's apartment. We found Cullen there with Harper's shock gun.

Harper: "Cullen, why do you have my shock gun?"

Cullen: "In case that guy came back."

Cullen took one look at me and gasped.

Cullen: "What the hell happened to you?!"

Avenger: "I've had a really bad day."

I was bleeding from my mouth, my leg, and my arms were cut all over. Lucky I don't scar easy... I'll still have a few though.

Avenger: "I need to go patch myself up."

Harper: "Wait. Riley."

Harper asked me before I left.

Harper: "Is Batman a good guy?"

I don't know the answer to that question. Is Batman a good guy or a bad guy?

Avenger: "I'm not sure. I don't think we'll have to worry about him after tonight.
He can go back to dealing with whatever he's been dealing with."

Using my grapple gun, I leave Harper's apartment through the window.

-Third Person-

Outside the apartment, Assassin was watching Avenger swing away.

Assassin: "This proves without a shadow of a doubt that Riley Rivers is ready to lead the League of assassins. Just as Michael Rivers foretold."

Next to him, David Cain appeared.

Cain: "Talking to yourself again, Assassin?"

Assassin: "It's true, isn't it? Riley Rivers is stronger than even you predicted.
Defeating the champion of St. Dumas and the Batman twice. Ra's al Ghul will be pleased."

Cain: "You are aware that he has already been influenced by the Bat? He believes that the League are terrorists. With someone like Rivers who is fueled by Justice,
it may be just as difficult to sway his mind as Batman's."

Assassin: "Riley may be a great warrior, but he is still young. It will be a simple matter to sway his mind to see our cause as righteous."

Cain looks down at the apartment and looks at Cassandra Cain.

Cain: "She will finally fulfil her destiny. The destiny that was laid out for her."

Before Assassin leaves, Cain turns to him.

Cain: "What about the Batman? If he discovers where Ra's al Ghul is hiding,
he will attempt to interfere. Even with this defeat."

Assassin: "He will not be a problem."

-Batman-

Batgirl: "I should have been there."

Nightwing: "There would have been nothing you could have done."

I was taken back to the Batcave by Tim and Jason. Alfred was taking a look at my wounds. Rivers hurt me... Badly.

Alfred: "Sir, what do you plan to do now, regarding Riley Rivers and Cassandra Cain?"

Batman: "For now, I'll leave them be. Rivers doesn't want our help."

Red Hood: "Yeah. He made that VERY clear. I've never seen someone kick your ass so bad before."

Red Robin: "Jason!"

Red Hood: "What?"

As I looked around, I noticed that Damian wasn't here.

Batman: "Alfred. Where's Damian?"

Alfred: "Upstairs, sir."

Once Alfred patched me up, I got dressed and went upstairs into the Wayne Manor.
Damian was in his room, lying down.

Damian: "Welcome back, Father."

He didn't move. He just lied there, staring at the ceiling.

Bruce: "What's wrong, Damian?"

Damian: "... It's my fault that Rivers escaped. I told him about my relation to Grandfather and I let him bait me."

Damian must have inadvertently allowed Rivers to escape his cage. Dick told me that after Alfred looked at his leg, he saw Damian fighting with Rivers inside the cage.

I sat next to Damian's bed.

Damian: "If you're gonna try cheer me up, don't bother. I know I screwed up."

Bruce: "It isn't about screwing up, Damian. It's about getting back up afterwards."

Damian: "Really? How I was brought up, if you screwed up once, there is no getting back up."

Bruce: "There's a difference, Damian, between that and this."

Damian: "What?"

Bruce: "You're not dead."

I never even knew Damian existed until Talia brought him to me. At first he was a lot like Jason; Angry and had not that many ways to release it. He was trained to be a killer. An assassin. But, he's grown up in his own way.

KNOCK KNOCK.

Bruce: "Come in."

Alfred walks in and he looks concerned.

Bruce: "What's wrong, Alfred?"

Alfred: "Reports have just came in from around the world. There is no sign of the Justice League. It's as if they've gone missing!"

The Justice League? Missing? How can that be possible?

-Third Person-

In an undisclosed location, Ra's al Ghul sits on a chair with his daughter, Talia al Ghul in front of him.

Talia: "Father, do you really insist on this plan that Michael Rivers and David Cain proposed? Riley Rivers is no more than a mere child. He cannot hope to run your empire."

Ra's: "Dearest daughter. My time is growing shorter and shorter. When Assassin informed me of this deal made between Rivers and Cain, I doubted that it would work. To create two children whose sole purpose would be to ensure the League survival beyond my passing. Cassandra Cain proved to be an adept bodyguard."

Ra's stood from his chair and walked to a nearby window where he had a view of Gotham, but the surrounding area was under construction.

Ra's: "But, after seeing what Riley Rivers is capable of. He defeated the Order of St. Dumas for me without me having to lift one finger. Not only that, two consecutive victories over the Detective. This boy could be the leader that the League needs."

Talia: "But, how do you know he will accept? He may turn out to be another disappointment. Like Batman."

Ra's: "I thought that too. But, he is a child looking for guidance. All he needs is the correct guidance."

Ra's turned to face Talia.

Ra's: "I leave it in your hands to ensure Rivers is brought to face his final trial. Assassin and Cain are ill-suited to this task, and I can't risk the Detective discovering us. You must handle this with utmost discretion."

Talia: "As you wish, Father."

Ra's: "Also, have Cain recover his daughter. If Rivers does resist, then it can't help to have another bargaining chip."

-Riley Rivers-

After I went back to the office to patch myself up, I went straight home. My face still feels tenderised and every muscle in my body is screaming in pain. I did go head to head with Batman and the Bat Family not even 4 hours ago.

As soon as I got the strength to get up, I went into the bathroom and locked the door.

I checked my injuries. They seem to be fine for now. My face has a noticable cut and a bruise, but I can explain that away. But, there's no rest for the weary.

Today is my 18th birthday.

Today is when I think the League should be coming for me and Cassandra... If only I knew where Ra's al Ghul was, I could... I shouldn't assume that I can defeat Ra's al Ghul. If my dad trained with these people, I have to be very careful.

But, what should I do for today?

I haven't received any calls from clients since Crystal Brown. I guess I can close the firm for today. Surely after Gotham Harbor was demolished, someone would find a lawyer to settle claims or something similar.

I went downstairs. It's early, so I don't think Mom's awake yet...

Kerry: "Happy Birthday to you!"

Mom came out of the kitchen with a birthday cake! She must have got up earlier to surprise me.

Mom however stopped when she noticed my face.

Kerry: "Riley! What happened to your face?!"

Riley: "My face? Oh yeah, I hit my head on my desk last night while doing paperwork."

Kerry: "Did you get angry at the desk or something?!"

I laughed a bit at that.

Riley: "I guess so."

I should go and visit dad today... It's gonna be my first birthday after his death after all.

-Lauren Winters-

I had trouble going to sleep last night. My heart has been pounding so much.

That's because I kissed Riley.

I just went right ahead and done it.

Vicki: "You look like the best thing ever happened to you."

Miss Vale caught onto me. I forgot she was sitting next to me.

Lauren: "Oh, it's nothing..."

Vicki: "You have a smudge on your lips."

A-A smudge?! Did I not wipe my face this morning?! I went straight to bed last night.
Then I got dressed and came straight to work so I don't remember if I did.

Vicki: "I'm just kidding. I guessing you kissed someone."

I stopped panicking. She was joking to get information out of me?

Lauren: "That was mean."

Vicki: "When it comes to finding the truth, I pull no punches. It was Riley Rivers wasn't it?"

Lauren: "Y-Yes."

I couldn't even look Miss Vale in the eye. I've never gotten close enough to someone to kiss them before. But, I know Riley's a nice guy... Despite the fact that he is Avenger. I don't know if he's told anyone else, but knowing one of his personal secrets makes me feel so much closer to him.

Vicki: "Well, it's about time. You talk about him a lot and it seems you two really get along well."

Lauren: "Yeah, but... I don't know anything about being in a relationship. I don't even know if this is a relationship yet. I just went ahead and kissed him."

Vicki: "Did he resist?"

Lauren: "Well, no."

Vicki: "He must like you if that's the case. He would have pushed you away if he didn't."

A relationship. I-I don't know the first thing about a relationship. I don't even know how I'll face Riley next time I see him.

Vicki: "Enough relationship advice. After the expose on the Order of St. Dumas,
Warren's put the bar up high. He wants something on Batman. We haven't run many Batman related stories recently."

A Batman related story? I wonder if...

Lauren: "I've got an idea. Do you know a man named Thomas Elliot?"

Vicki: "Yes. He's a famous surgeon. Why? What's this got to do with Batman?"

Lauren: "I'll explain, but can you book an appointment at Arkham to see a mister Tom Edwards?"

If Riley's telling the truth about Thomas Elliot, that Batman trapped him inside Arkham Asylum, me and Miss Vale will find out.

-Kerry Rivers-

It's early in the afternoon and I'm cooking dinner for my special birthday boy. Today I'm gonna cook Spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread. One of his favourites.

Riley went out for the time being though. He wanted to go to Michael's tombstone.

Bless that boy, he loved his father so much. Maybe more than I did in a way.

I can't help but worry about him. He wants to be a good lawyer to help this city, but sometimes I think the city is beyond saving and we just have to deal with it.
What else can we do?

One of the few things that I had left of Michael, his bike, was stolen the other day and the police haven't found a trace of it. I'm sure Riley was upset that the bike was stolen. He helped his dad work on it once or twice.

I also have a feeling in the back of my head that I'm forgetting something about Riley. Something I found before I was attacked by some psycho weeks ago.

But, I'm sure it wasn't too important. If it was, I would remember it soon...

KNOCK KNOCK.

There was a knock on the door. Riley sure came home fast. Did he forget something?

I went to the door and It was Kieran Troy...

I didn't want to answer him. He mentioned some crazy BS last time he was here about me and him having sex before Charlotte was born and that Rick had seen it.

Kieran: "Kerry! Open the door! We really need to talk!"

Kerry: "Screw you. Get out of here!"

I heard the door unlock and Kieran stepped through! He must have known where the spare key was.

Kieran: "I got the results of the DNA test."

Kerry: "It's only been a day! How can you get an accurate result already?!"

Kieran: "I trust these doctors."

Kieran handed me the document and I took it from him. I read the document...
And I... No, it can't be.

Kerry: "No..."

Kieran: "It's positive. Charlotte is your daughter, Kerry."

It's not true. That would mean that I cheated on Michael. W-Why would I cheat on Michael?! I loved him!

Kieran: "I didn't want it to be true either, but those results are accurate."

Kerry: "You're lying! It's only been a day since you took my saliva! There's no way there can be accurate!"

Kieran: "Kerry, just stop. The doctors I went to see are the same doctors that delivered Rick and Riley. You went to one hospital to give birth! I went to those doctors and all they had to do was compare the samples I gave them of you and Charlotte. They found a match immediately."

Kerry: "It can't just work like that! I would remember if Charlotte was my daughter.
Heck, even you would remember if I gave birth to Charlotte!"

Kieran: "I don't know how, but neither of us knew that you were the mother. Michael didn't know either otherwise he would have killed me."

Kerry: "Just get out."

Kieran did as I asked and left.

I'm Charlotte's mother. How could this have happened?

I just cried. Cried and cried and cried.

Michael... Oh God. I'm sorry, Michael. I'm so sorry.

-Riley Rivers-

Michael Rivers. A great officer of the law. A great husband. A great father.

All these things describe Michael Rivers' existence. But, I'm not fully sure. Was he a great father? Was he a great husband?

Or was he really just an assassin?

I had so many question for him. Why would you join the League? Why would you arrange my future as an heir to an international terrorist organisation?

Riley: "What was your plan, dad? I thought you believed in justice. Where was justice in this?"

?: "He was a good man, your father."

Behind me stood a young woman with brown hair and eyes wearing a black low-cut shirt and jeans.

Riley: "How do you know who he was?"

I didn't know this woman at all, and she struck me as someone I should be weary of.

Talia: "I once worked alongside him."

Riley: "You don't look like a police officer."

Talia: "Perceptive. My name is Talia. Talia al Ghul."

al Ghul? As in Ra's al Ghul?

I looked around the area. The entrances and exits to the cemetary are blocked off by men in white suits.

This is the League of Assassins.

Talia: "I see that you are aware of my associates. I assume that Batman has told you about us?"

Riley: "I'm aware of you, yes. I also had a feeling that you were gonna show yourselves to me today. That's the deal my dad must have made, right?"

Talia: "I see. You know about the agreement that Michael Rivers and David Cain made."

Riley: "I don't know the specifics. It was a theory by Batman, but it's made a lot of sense."

Talia: "The Detective has always lived up to his name."

Detective? That must be what they call Batman.

Riley: "Is that why you're here, Miss al Ghul? To collect on my dad's agreement?"

Talia: "Not quite. My father, Ra's al Ghul wishes to meet you. He wants to see you for himself."

Riley: "And if I say no?"

Talia: "You won't be able to. Father doesn't take rejection well. And he may take it out on the people you hold dear. For example, you still have an existing parent."

Mom...

Talia: "He only wishes to speak with you. I've given you the message, so I will take my leave."

Talia hands me a card with an address on it.

Talia: "Come to this address tonight. Please don't keep Ra's al Ghul waiting."

Riley: "One question. What about Cassandra Cain? She is the second part of the deal."

Talia: "You won't have to concern yourself with her. It is you that my father wants.
We won't have a reason to find her if we have you."

At least, Cassandra is safe for now.

Talia then started to leave.

Talia: "Have a happy birthday, son of Rivers."

I look at the address on the card.

Looks like I have no choice.

I am going to meet with the Head of the Demon.

Chapter 8 end.