Author's Note: Hello again, everyone! Sorry about the last chapter being so short, but I tried to write this one as soon as possible. Enjoy, and feel free to leave comments or questions! Thank you!
Chapter 5: Batman
The girl retreated a few steps back into the alley, fists clenching and eyes hardening. Batman noticed the atmosphere seemed heavier all of sudden. There was something else about her; now that he had a better look at her face, something seemed eerily familiar about her eyes. It wasn't just the shape and the color that appeared familiar, but also the cold, icy stare. Batman knew he had seen those eyes somewhere…but where?
"Leave me alone, Bats," the girl threatened. Her stance changed slightly, preparing to fight.
"You know who I am?" Batman said steadily.
"Of course," the girl said briskly, "everyone does."
"I'm not here to hurt you," Batman said firmly. "Relax."
"Oh, well, if you say so," the girl spat. Her fearful gaze slowly turned into a defiant glare. "I've seen what you can do and I'm just supposed to trust you?"
"For your own sake, yes," Batman answered nonchalantly. This seemed to take the girl by surprise.
"What do you mean?"
"I've done my homework, too," Batman said, his tone threatening. The girl's eyes widened slightly in fear, as if he was about to reveal one of her darkest secrets. "I know what you're capable of. You're undisciplined and a danger to yourself and everyone around you." The girl's fearful expression, again, turned into one of anger and defiance. Where have I seen those eyes? Batman thought to himself before sighing, then continuing, "It doesn't have to stay like that, though."
"What do you want?" the girl demanded.
"You have two options," Batman said. "You can either come with me and let me train you, or you can stay in solitary confinement for everyone's safety."
"Sounds like you're not really giving me a choice," the girl practically hissed, eyes narrowing.
Suddenly, it hit Batman like a train. All it took was the narrowing of her eyes and he knew exactly where he had seen those eyes: they were the same eyes that sneered at him behind a black and orange mask.
He didn't let this revelation show, though. He remained the stoic dark knight as he spoke, "You always have a choice. You may be a bit rough around the edges, but you have some amazing potential; more than I can say for numerous Justice League candidates. Think of it this way: I'm not just giving you a choice, I'm giving you an opportunity."
The girl's expression softened and she stared at the ground, deep in thought. A few moments passed in silence before the girl turned and faced Batman.
"I'll go with you," she announced, "but under one condition: I'm not a Justice League "candidate." I'm not a costume-clad vigilante. I'm your student. Nothing more, nothing less."
Batman nodded. "Fine by me. Does my student have a name?"
The girl paused slightly before answering, "Sam Gray."
"Then let's go." Batman turned away and led her to the Batmobile. While Batman was relieved that Sam Gray did not share her predecessor's moral compass, he couldn't help but wonder if she had more in common with them than just their eye color.