Chapter 9: Head of the Demon.
-Lauren Winters-
Vicki: "You know, Lauren? This is random even for you. Why would I go to the trouble of booking an appointment to see an inmate at Arkham Asylum that hasn't got anything to do with anything?"
Lauren: "You booked it, didn't you? You want to know what's going on."
Vicki: "Yeah. I did because so far you haven't let me down, but I do want to know why you think that this Tom Edwards is actually Thomas Elliot."
I couldn't tell Miss Vale that Riley told me. She'll realise that Riley Rivers and Avenger are the same person if i do.
Lauren: "I had an inkling. What if Thomas Elliot knew who Batman was?"
Vicki: "Why would he?"
Come on, Lauren! Come up with a convincing story!
Lauren: "Well... I heard rumors that Doctor Elliot was a criminal on the side. What if Doctor Elliot knew who Batman was, and to ensure he'd never talk,
created a false identity so that he couldn't talk?"
Vicki: "Lauren. That's a rather far-fetched theory. One that would say Batman is manipulating the system... And that's a serious allegation."
Lauren: "That's why I ran it by you. I want to find out for sure."
I was worried that Miss Vale wouldn't buy my story. She's made a career out of finding the truth out from people who don't want to talk.
Vicki: "You got me intrigued, Lauren. Okay, let's see if you're theory is true."
Phew... Safe. This is the best way I can help both Riley and the city. If Batman really is changing the rules of the system, then me and Vicki can do what Avenger can't and that's stop Batman with the force of the Gotham Gazette.
Me and Miss Vale drove to Arkham Asylum. I've always been scared of this place since I first heard of it. It's the worst insane asylum in the history of the world.
The patients are ill-treated, the asylum can't keep it's inmates in, and when was the last time a patient was rehabilitated?
Both me and Miss Vale went through the main gate of Arkham.
Guards came up to us. They had guns in their holsters... Does an insane asylum really get that bad that you need guns to keep inmates at bay?
Vicki: "Hello. We're here to see a Mr Tom Edwards."
Guard: "Tom Edwards? He was released 20 minutes ago."
Lauren: "Released?! How?"
Guard: "His cousin decided that treatment at Arkham wasn't enough, so she bailed him out. It's too bad that none of the more violent inmates can just leave and not come back."
How could they just release an inmate?! No wonder people escape from this place?
Vicki: "Who bailed out Edwards?"
Guard: "I don't know. Some girl with these men. White suit, blond, barely legal."
I-I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that, but I think I know who he's talking about.
Me and Miss Vale went to the car.
Vicki: "Emma Grace. Gotham's newest crime boss."
Lauren: "Isn't she just a child? How can she run a criminal empire?"
Vicki: "Well, she is running one. Lauren, i think your theory could be onto something big."
Lauren: "Well, I was expecting something, but not like this."
Vicki: "Let's track down Elliot. We'll see if you're right or not."
We drove off from Arkham. I'm glad to get away from that strange place, but now we're going to find a dangerous criminal that's been bailed out by seventeen year old crime boss... That's a new level of crazy.
-Third Person-
Back at the Rivers' household, Kerry is still reeling from the relevation that Charlotte Troy is her actual daughter.
She was in the living room drinking vodka and coke. Next to her is a photo of Michael.
Kerry: "Oh God. I'm so sorry, Michael. I don't know why I would ever cheat. Especially with Kieran... I want to throw up."
Kerry drank down the remaining of her drink. She then sat up and went into the kitchen where she was cooking spaghetti bolognese and the bolognese was starting to burn.
Kerry: "Oh, the bolognese is still on."
As Kerry turned off the stove, someone appeared behind her.
He walked up to Kerry and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Kerry: "M-Michael?"
Assassin: "Not quite."
Kerry turned around to see the skull mask of Assassin.
Kerry: "AHHH!"
Kerry stumbled backwards falling on the floor, knocking over the bolognese to the floor.
Assassin: "A waste of food, Kerry."
Kerry: "W-Who are you?!"
Assassin: "I'm here to kill you."
Kerry felt so afraid. She felt that Michael was punishing her from beyond the grave for cheating on him and even having a child.
Assassin stalked Kerry who started to crawl away.
Kerry: "Please! Leave me alone!"
Assassin followed Kerry into the hallway where Kerry got back up and ran for the door, but she had trouble opening it. She looked back to see Assassin standing there aiming a crossbow at her.
Assassin: "Farewell."
FWIP!
The arrow was fired, but it went past Kerry and through the door.
KRASH!
The sound of something made of glass smashing on the ground outside.
Kerry slowly looked back and saw that Assassin was gone. She didn't know if he was really gone or not, but wanted to get out of the door as quickly as possible.
But, when she opened the door...
She saw Kieran Troy on the ground with an arrow through his chest. There was a lot of blood pouring out of his body. Next to him was a bottle of vodka and coke that was smashed on the ground.
Kerry's eyes widened and she placed her hands over her mouth as the feeling of throwing up rushed through her body.
-Riley Rivers-
I was on my way home from the cemetary and my meeting with Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ra's al Ghul.
Ra's al Ghul wants to meet with me and he's threatening my friends and family if I don't come.
Batman told me that Ra's al Ghul is an environmental extremist who believes that humanity is so dangerous to the planet. That means he could be a man who has no regard for human life what so ever.
I don't know what to expect from this enemy, but Ra's may have answers to who my dad really was... But, what is his plan? Just to take me as his heir?
There has to be more to this.
It doesn't matter for now. I intend on meeting with him, i don't really have a choice in the manner.
When I got to the house, there was an ambulance and a police car there!
Did something happen to mom?!
I quickly ran to the ambulance and I found mom giving a report to a police officer.
Officer: "You say that the man had a skull mask and a long black coat?"
Kerry: "Yes! H-Have you checked the place out?! He might still be here!"
Officer: "Relax, ma'am. We checked. There's no sign of anyone here."
Riley: "Mom! What happened?!"
Mom came towards me and hugged me tightly.
Kerry: "Riley! Thank God you're home!"
Riley: "What happened?! Why is there an ambulance and police here?"
Kerry: "There was someone here! He tried to kill me and he shot Kieran with a arrow!"
Riley: "Kieran?! Is he okay?!"
Kerry: "I don't know. I have to go with him to the hospital! You just go down a friend's house or go to Rick apartment and stay there, okay?"
Riley: "Mom..."
Kerry: "Promise me!"
Riley: "I promise, mom."
After I said that, Mom got into the back of the ambulance and it drove off.
It was the assassins. I know it was.
I'm going to see Ra's al Ghul. And it will be a meeting he'll never forget.
*That Night*
-Batman-
Superman. Wonder Woman. Flash. Cyborg. Aquaman. Green Lantern. All members of the Justice League and they disappear overnight?
What kind of enemy would be strong enough to subdue Superman of all people?
I've tried contacting Cyborg, but I can't find a trace of him.
Alfred: "Master Bruce, there are few foes that can defeat the Justice League in battle, yet even fewer can contain them for long."
Batman: "That leaves a very short list. Could it be Darkseid? No... If it was him,
we would have seen Apokolips invasion forces by now. Who else can it be?"
Alfred: "Have you checked that data that other sites may have taken?"
Batman: "The fact that the Justice League has vanished is world-wide news. It won't be long before all hell breaks loose in their absence. But, I've checked satellite feed. No signs of them leaving the planet... All of them are still on Earth somewhere."
I checked the sites where the Justice League were last seen using Waynetech satellites. Using the ultraviolet telescope, i noticed something... There was trace amounts of ash there.
Lazarus pit ash.
Batman: "Ra's."
-Harper Row-
After the craziness last night, I wanted to just sit back and relax for tonight. Stephanie is at home. I think she said that her mom is at home for tonight so she can't sneak out until later on.
Cass has been here the whole day with me and Cullen.
Cassandra: "18th birthday."
Harper: "Is today your birthday, Cass?"
Cassandra: "No... Riley."
Harper: "It's Riley's 18th?! I didn't know. We should invite him over for dinner."
Cullen: "Yeah, I'm sure he'll enjoy it."
Cullen spoke sarcastically. I know we don't have much, but it's the thought that counts, right?
I wasn't sure what I was going to do with Cass. She's welcome to stay, but she really uses the shower a lot... We're gonna rack up a large water bill at this rate.
KNOCK KNOCK!
There was a knock at the door. I went over and opened it...
Cain: "Hello. Is my daughter home?"
I didn't know who this man was, but he wasn't friendly. He kicked me right in the stomach and sent me flying into the living room. It took the wind out of me and I could barely see straight.
Cain: "Cassandra. It's time. Rivers will be on his way to us soon."
Cassandra: "Dad..."
This man is really Cass' dad?! What kind of father greets his daughter like this...
Oh wait, mine.
The man takes a swing at Cass, but she dodges and punches her dad in the face.
Yeah, Cass! Kick ass!
Cullen: "Harper!"
Cullen came up to me and helped me off the ground.
Harper: "Cullen! Get my shock gun!"
Cullen got me behind the sofa and ran into my tech room to get my shock gun.
Meanwhile, Cass was punched in the stomach and thrown to the ground by this man!
Cain: "Don't forget who taught you to fight."
Cass responded by kicking the man in the stomach.
Cullen ran out of the room and tossed me my shock gun, but Cass and her dad were fighting too close to each other.
Harper: "Cass, move!"
Cass kicked the man away, but he noticed me and dived for me. I tried to shoot him,
but it was too late. He held me by the neck and held a gun to my head.
Cain: "Cass, come home with me. Or... You know what will happen."
I was being used as a hostage. Cass looked at me and at Cullen... I know her enough to know that she won't risk me. She'd rather risk her own life before anyone elses.
Harper: "Cass. Don't listen to him, just get out of here."
Cain: "She won't. She can't. She doesn't want innocent blood on her hands. Now...
Will you come with me?"
Cass hesitated, but she nodded.
Harper: "No, don't!"
The man threw me to the ground and then he pulled out another gun.
FTT
He shot Cass with it and she went down!
Harper: "You bastard! What did you do?!"
Cain: "Simply knocked her out with tranqs. So I can deliver her as promised."
I tried to go for my shock gun again, but he used his other gun. The more lethal one and almost shot my hand.
Cain: "Stay down. I'll be taking Cassandra to fulfil her destiny. If I see you again, I'll kill you. Understand?"
I couldn't do anything as Cass was taken. He took her out the window and he was soon out of sight.
I tried to contact Riley, but he wasn't answering! Where is he?!
I put on my costume and mask, but Cullen stopped me.
Cullen: "Harper! You can't go after him! You'll be killed for sure!"
Bluebird: "What else should I do?! Let Cass be kidnapped?!"
Cullen: "There's nothing you can do. You can't fight someone like that. You know that?"
But to leave Cass? How can I just let this happen?
I haven't felt more helpless in my life.
-Avenger-
According the card that Talia gave me, the League of Assassins should be based in one of the newly reconstructed high-rise buildings in Chinatown.
Most of Chinatown is still under construction, most there are a few buildings that have been rebuilt quickly thanks to Wayne Enterprises and a few other reconstruction services. One of them must have worked for the League.
The area around is too open. Stealth may not be an option, plus Ra's is expecting me. The only thing to do would be to just walk in the front door.
I need to be very careful. Ra's al Ghul could be the most dangerous man I'll ever face, so I better stay sharp.
I go through the door and I walk through the large lobby. The place is empty, except for an elevator on the other side of the room. I'll take it to the top floor.
That's where Ra's must be.
I went into the elevator, but there wasn't any buttons. Just a keycard slot...
I still had the card that Talia gave me. I wonder...
I put the card into the slot and the elevator started moving. They gave me a card to access the elevator... But, where is the elevator going?
The lights in the elevator then started to flicker and go out. The elevator stopped soon afterwards.
This was a trap. I expected it, but what could I do?
The lights then lit back up.
Cain: "Riley Rivers. Son of Michael Rivers."
I heard a voice through the speaker.
Avenger: "Who is this?"
Cain: "My name is David Cain."
David Cain. Cassandra's dad. The one who trained her.
Avenger: "Why are you here? Where's Ra's?"
Cain: "Only those worthy may speak to Ra's al Ghul. He still has one more trial for you."
Avenger: "Trial? What are you talking about?!"
Cain: "Think about it, Rivers. Your battle against the Order of St. Dumas wasn't mere luck. We had been warring with them over Gotham. All we had to do was remain in hiding and you defeated their champion and pushed them from Gotham. You proved yourself even more worthy when you defeated the Batman."
This was why the Order of St. Dumas was trying to fully take over Gotham. They wanted to have a firm hold over the city to fight the League of Assassins. I pretty much did the League's dirty work for them.
Avenger: "What about Cassandra? What's her role in all this?"
Cain: "You mean my daughter? She was supposed to be my finest student. She would have made a great bodyguard for Ra's al Ghul. And then she was to be your wife and you two would create a family that would forever lead the League and the world to a new age... But, she decided that she didn't want that."
Avenger: "So you drugged her and made her a slave instead."
Cain: "She told you? I tried to ensure that she was taught how to use violence instead of words, but I must have done something wrong."
Avenger: "You're a sick person, Cain."
Cain: "If you think I'm sick, you should have known who your father really was."
Avenger: "Don't you talk about him."
Cain: "I was your father's best friend. We trained together here in the League.
He was the best warrior I've ever fought alongside. We decided to make a deal.
The first son of Rivers would marry the first daughter of Cain and the male would take over the League."
Avenger: "My dad really did make such a deal with you? But, I don't understand."
There's so many questions that I want to ask. Why did my dad join the league in the first place? Why make that deal with Cain?
Cain: "If you pass the final trial, you'll be able to meet the Demon's Head.
Your questions can be answered then."
The door of the elevator opens. It opened to a small room where there was a chalice... What is that?
I walk over to it and I look inside. It was a green liquid with a mist coming out of it.
?: "Welcome, son of Rivers."
I hear a voice. It's in my head, yet it isn't. I didn't know how to explain.
?: "Before you lies your final trial. Drink from the chalice. It is that simple."
I don't know what's in this chalice, but it looks like if I'm going to meet Ra's al Ghul, i don't have a choice but to drink it.
I pick up the chalice and i drink every drop of this green liquid.
I start to feel strange and i can feel my mind boiling! What was that liquid?!
However, my body felt better than usual. I felt as good as new. I had several wounds before I came here from my battle with Batman last night, they were still aching and painful, but when i check the wounds on my stomach, they were gone.
The small room then started to distort and fade. I felt like the world was spinning...
When the entire room faded, i found myself in some kind of desert wasteland.
W-Where am I? How did I get here?
No. This must be some kind of illusion brought on by the drink...
That was went I heard something roll towards me.
BOOM!
I was knocked back a few feet by an explosion! As soon as I opened my eyes, a man with claws tried to dive on me! I rolled out of the way and when he tried to lunge at me again, I kicked him in the head.
I got back to my feet and a man with blue hair and white face paint started attacking me with knifes! I dodged the slashes and I elbowed him in the chest and sweeped his legs.
He managed to get back up and he threw one of his knifes at me, but i managed to catch it and I threw it back at him, hitting him in the leg.
That's when i noticed a man pull a pin out of a grenade! I quickly ran up and kicked the man with the knife in his leg towards the man with the grenade. They banged heads and knocked each other down and the grenade gets thrown a distance away before exploding.
The next thing i hear is a whip cracking. I turn around and I see a brown haired woman with a whip. She wrapped her whip around my leg and dragged me down! She started to pull me towards her, but i grabbed the whip and pulled her towards me instead. I quickly kneed her in the stomach with my free leg, knocking her out.
Hook: "Rahhhh!"
I heard a war cry from someone running towards me. A man with a hook for his left hand.
He swiped at my head with the hook and tried to kick me, but I caught it and kicked his leg out from underneath him. I mounted him and started to hit him over and over again to make sure he was down.
I then started to hear footsteps behind me... And the click of the gun behind my head.
BLAM!
I had quickly turned around and twisted the gun out of the man's hands before he put a bullet in my skull. He wore a black mask with a skull and crossbones.
I flipped him to the ground and I kneed him in the head, knocking him out.
TWIP!
I heard a noise and an arrow flies past my head! An arrow? Kieran was shot with an arrow...
I turned around and saw an archer in black with a goatee.
Could that be the man who shot Kieran?!
He shot more arrows at me so I had to take cover behind a rock... This entire landscape feels too real. This can't be real. But, now I was too focused on the archer. I took out my dad's baton and threw it at the archer at it hit him in the leg. It knocked down the archer and I ran towards him.
If this man was the one who killed Kieran, I was going to make him regret it.
He managed to get back up and he fired an arrow at my head, but i moved my head slightly and it grazed my neck. I jumped on him and started hitting him over and over again!
Avenger: "You shot someone today! Did Ra's al Ghul tell you to kill Kieran Troy?!"
Merlyn: "W-Who is Kieran Troy?!"
I didn't care about his excuses and I beat him into unconsciousness. Even if he didn't shoot Kieran with an arrow or even know who he was, he's probably killed many people with that bow and arrow.
I looked around. No more attackers in sight.
Is it over? No more games?
As i think that, a blinding flash of light envelops me.
When I next open my eyes, I am back in that little room again...
Was that all an illusion?.. I check my neck and the graze was there. Whatever that was,
it was no illusion. I was concerned about Ra's al Ghul before, but I think even then I underestimated him.
?: "You have done well, Rivers. Now, come and find me. We will finally meet."
Finally meet? Was that voice Ra's al Ghul?!
The elevator door opens and I step inside. When I look at the control panel, the buttons are there... These people aren't magicians, are they?
I press the button for the top floor and the elevator door closes.
I'm finally about to meet that man himself.
The Demon's Head.
-Lauren Winters-
Me and Miss Vale heard a rumor that Emma Grace's manor was burned down last night. The cause of the fire was unexplained.
We tracked her down to the Diamond District. She was staying in the Gotham Tower apartments at their penthouse.
Lauren: "I do feel a bit sorry for Emma. Losing everything must be hard, even for a crime lord."
Vicki: "Start thinking like that; you'll become like a criminal yourself."
Lauren: "Does it really work like that?"
Vicki: "95% of the time."
We were just outside the tower apartments, I knew that Grace was in there, but what I didn't know how we'd get inside.
Vicki: "There are some uniforms in the trunk. We can put them on in the car."
Lauren: "Uniforms?"
Vicki: "We can't get to the penthouse without a reservation. But, janitors are allowed to use the service elevator. So we disguise ourselves and we use the service elevator,
simple."
Lauren: "Can we just make a reservation?"
Vicki: "Can you afford this place?"
Vicki: "I thought so. We better change in the car."
Lauren: "Why in the car?"
Vicki: "Less chance of being seen. Besides, we can't go change in the restroom.
The staff will recognise us."
Miss Vale's reasoning made sense. Besides, I didn't want to change in the alley...
Just thinking about it creeps me out.
So I changed in the uniform with Miss Vale... She really has nice skin. I bet men would drool over her if they could. I don't hold a candle to her. I wonder if Riley finds me attractive. I mean, I know there are people like Batgirl, Catwoman, and other female superheroes wearing skin-tight outfits... How can a oridany girl compete with that?
Once we were changed, we went into the alley around the side of the tower building.
We made sure to tie up out hair and wear caps to ensure that we weren't recongisable.
We took a cleaning cart and we took it to the service elevator.
Vicki: "Lauren. When the doors close, hide inside the cart."
Lauren: "Why?!"
Vicki: "It'll look suspicious with two janitors, beside you're smaller than me.
You'll fit."
I'm a bit smaller than Miss Vale. I could fit, but I don't like being inside a bin.
We got inside the elevator and the doors closed. I opened the bin and saw it was empty, but it smells a bit.
Lauren: "Oh, man. We better get something useful."
I got inside. It was a tight fit, but I just managed. Once Miss Vale closed the lid and all I could see was dark.
Vicki: "This will work, Lauren. Don't worry."
Lauren: "I don't feel confident in this plan at all."
I made my opinion known as I felt the vibrations of the moving cart flow through my body. I tried to remain as silent as possible. If anyone looked into this bin at this point, I could die... I mean, these are organised gangsters we're dealing with here.
Gangster: "What are you doing here?!"
I heard running footsteps coming towards this cart! My heart almost stopped as I heard each steps. Don't open the lid, don't open the lid!
Vicki: "We're here to clean the apartment. We were sent up by management."
Gangster: "Tell management to come when we call them. This is a private party."
?: "AHHHHHH!"
We heard a scream coming from the room. I mean, I know I heard it, so Miss Vale heard it! That means the gangster heard it.
KILK!
I heard a click... Is that a gun?!
Vicki: "What was that?"
Gangster: "You heard too much."
Is he gonna shoot Miss Vale?! I-I have to do something!
I quickly opened the lid! And the lid hit the man's gun out of his hand!
Miss Vale then hit the man with a broom! I quickly got out of the bin and me and Miss Vale ran for it! We ran all the way back to the service elevator and we closed the doors. Miss Vale pressed the button which would take the elevator to ground level.
Lauren: "That scream! Who was that?!"
Vicki: "Not sure. Could have been Elliot."
Lauren: "Shouldn't we call the police?"
Vicki: "Focus on staying alive first!"
Once the doors opened...
KILK.
A group of black suited men stood in front of the elevator with guns. All of them were aimed at us.
Lauren: "This was the reason i didn't feel confident..."
-Avenger-
The elevator finally reaches the top floor. I enter the large penthouse room and the first thing I see are men and women in assassin garb holding their swords as if to salute me.
To meet me is Talia. She walks up to me.
Talia: "Impressive. Many men have faced the Seven Men of Death, while very few live to tell the tale. especially a child."
Avenger: "I'm not here for applause, Miss al Ghul. I've jumped through enough hoops.
Where's Ra's? I think he owes me an audience by now."
Talia: "Why of course."
Talia points to a man sitting in a chair on the other side of the room. He had green eyes and grey hair with white at the sides.
He stood up.
Ra's: "Greetings at last, Avenger. I am the one known as Ra's al Ghul."
So this is him. This is the Demon's Head.
Avenger: "We finally meet at last. Considering what I just went through, I'm surprised anyone has even gotten this close to you."
Ra's: "Ah, that last trial. I have been... Rather spectical of you and Cassandra Cain when David Cain told me of the deal made between himself and Michael Rivers.
I would like to say that I'm sorry for his loss."
Avenger: "You knew my dad directly?"
Ra's: "He was one of the best assassins I ever seen. When he first came to me,
his skills were unmatched. The fact that such a man is now no longer amongst the living... It is a great loss for us all."
My dad. An assassin. The man I knew as an officer of the law. Nothing but a killer...
Avenger: "I don't understand. Why would my dad join the League of ASSASSINS?
My dad valued justice, not murder. Yet, everything I've heard thus far tells the opposite!"
Ra's: "Calm yourself, Riley. Getting angry will not help you here. But, I understand your delima."
Avenger: "Do you? I find that hard to believe. You sent an assassin to kill my mother today, Ra's. Someone is in the hospital right now, because an arrow was shot into an innocent man. Why would I trust what you say?"
Ra's looked puzzled at my accusation.
Ra's: "I never sent an assassin to kill anyone. Talia told you that rejection will not be tolerated, but you gave me no reason to send assassins."
Avenger: "Then how is Kieran Troy, the Assistant District Attorney, in a hospital?"
Ra's: "Whoever it was, I assure you that it never came from me."
I don't know if he's lying or not. He seems sincere, but a man with a name like 'Demon's Head' could fool even the smartest of men. I'll play along with his story.
Besides, if Ra's really did know my dad, this is my opportunity to find out.
Avenger: "Okay, say i believe you. That you didn't send an assassin to kill my mother, who else could have done it?"
Ra's: "That is a question I cannot answer, for I'm not aware of another assassin in my League that uses arrows."
Then... Who could have tried to kill Kieran?
Ra's then walked over to me.
Ra's: "I hope we can leave such ugliness behind us and get down to business."
Ra's walked over to the elevator. I guess he wants me to follow him, which I do.
Talia also follows us in. Ra's pulls out a card from his card from his pocket and swipes it over the buttons. When he does, they all light up red.
Avenger: "Where are we going?"
Ra's: "Your future, Riley."
I didn't know what he meant by that, but i was certain I would find out.
The elevator reached to the lower levels, but it kept going. We passed the ground level.
Avenger: "How far does this go?"
Talia: "Deep underground. There is something that has helped my father survive for over 600 years."
600 years?! This man has lived for 600 years?! How could that be possible?
Avenger: "What could allow a human being to live that long?"
As I said that, the elevator door opens.
As I look out, I see that we are now underground inside a cave. In the centre of the cave is a pool of green, bubbling liquid. Similar to the stuff that I drank during the final trial.
Avenger: "What is this?"
Ra's: "What you are seeing is the substance that has kept me alive for over 600 years. This is the Lazarus Pit."
Avenger: "This is what's been keeping you alive? Why would you need an heir unless it's effect were temporary?"
Ra's: "That is precisely what they are. The Lazarus Pit has kept me alive for many centuries. You tasted it's waters during your trial. You'll find that all wounds that you suffered have been healed."
He's right. All the injuries I had went I entered this building have vanished.
Ra's: "But my body cannot take much more. There will come a day when I will leave the Earth."
Avenger: "That's why you need an heir. Once you go, the League would fall as well.
But, Talia seems capable. Why don't you just have her take over the League?"
Ra's: "My daughter is perfect in every way. However, I need a male heir. Someone to take my place."
Avenger: "And you think I'll take your place? Surely a man like you must have many men willing to take your place."
Ra's: "All are inferior. I did have an heir chosen. A man who demonstrated great power and will. And a man that my daughter loved dearly."
I remember what Damian Wayne told me back in the Batcave. Ra's al Ghul was his grandfather.
Avenger: "You're talking about Bruce Wayne. Talia had a son with him, right? Damian Wayne."
Ra's: "You're correct. Batman was my most favoured option, however he chose to become my enemy. Over the years, he had thwarted my attempts to cleanse the Earth."
Avenger: "Cleanse the Earth?"
Depending on the next answer, everything that Batman said about Ra's al Ghul may be proven true or false.
Ra's: "Humanity has caused the Earth to suffer from disease, corruption, and destruction. In order to safeguard humanity as a whole, the unworthy must be removed from the equation."
Avenger: "And who decides who's worthy? You?"
Ra's: "I am qualified."
I shook my head.
Avenger: "So far, all your would-be successors ave failed you, Ra's. What makes you think that I'll be any different? You're asking me to help you destroy the world to save it. This is a situation where the solution is worse than the problem."
Ra's: "What would be a 'correct' solution, Riley Rivers? You would have me create a charity to aid those in need? Charity is nothing but a lie to please fools."
Avenger: "So the only way is to bring death to those you deem unworthy?!"
Ra's: "Only using death can the world be set into perfect balance once more.
Only through perfect balance can the world truly begin anew."
I had finally heard enough from Ra's. He was a sick extremist like Batman told me.
I decided I would leave Ra's to his devices. Fighting him wouldn't do any good right now.
He hasn't done any crimes that he can be convicted of or that I can prove.
Talia: "Where are you going?"
Avenger: "Leaving. I can't believe that my dad would have ever joined with a terrorist like the League of assassins. I won't either."
I heard a click behind me. The click of a gun.
Talia: "I'm afraid that you cannot leave. If you are refusing to lead the League of assassins, you know too much about us to leave this place."
I turn around and face Talia.
Avenger: "I wondered why Damian didn't stay with the League. Now I know why."
I could see that what I said made Talia's expression change to angry. She was about to pull the trigger, but Ra's stopped her by placing his hand on the gun.
Ra's: "There is no need for this, Talia."
Avenger: "You're letting me leave."
Ra's: "I want you to listen to what I have to say."
Avenger: "What more have you got to share with me, Ra's?"
Ra's: "You came here to learn about your father. You want to know why he was here with the League."
I do. I want to know why dad would join these people. What happened in life that lead him here?
Ra's: "I will tell you all I know about Michael Rivers. Then, you can make your decision."
Chapter 9 end.