So I wrote this excerpt over four years ago, when I was 12. I have recently taken slight interest in it again and I kindly ask for anyone intrigued to read it and review with constructive criticism or suggestions to continue the story. The general idea I had was to have elements of mystery and secrets like in the Gotham Academy comic series (and possibly include some of the characters as well). It would also involve Damian Wayne as a very, very key character (beginning as a fellow student in the school), and maybe eventually, romantically pair him with Sonia, the main character. Of course, it would then include other members of the Bat family quite often. Please be kind, as this was the first and only thing I ever took the time to write :) (also reading back on it, I can tell that is is slightly cringe lmao)
Jab.
Punch.
Uppercut.
Hook.
Jab. Punch. Uppercut. Hook. Jab punch uppercut hook. Jab-punch-uppercut-hook-jab-punch-uppercut-hook-jab-
"Assassin 168 is required to go to Lord Ra's al Ghul's study, now."
The man bringing the message is dressed purely in black, his whole body covered except for his upper face. There are two glistening katanas on either side of his belt, and by no doubt are there more weapons hidden elsewhere on his body. She feels his eyes following her warily as she takes a swing of water from her canteen and unwraps her hands. Her knuckles are red and raw despite the tape protecting them.
As she walks through the hallway, she can't help but feel nervous. What would the Ra's al Ghul want her for? Maybe he has made some sort of mistake. No, of course not. Ra's al Ghul never makes mistakes. She feels all eyes on her as she passes people by, making her skin itch. Her clammy hands are shaking, and her heart is beating wildly. Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum.
She stops at two grand doors, polished mahogany with iron bolts, like they are from a mediaeval castle. She knocks, then hears the words "come in" ring through. She pushes the left door, and the 12-foot piece of wood swings open. She's never been in here before, but oh, is it a sight to behold. Shining blades and other ornaments are spread through the room, the high ceiling holds a colossal golden chandelier. Across from her are windows, so large that they cover the area of the whole wall. A tall man is standing there, his back to her. His hands are clasped behind as he looks out of the glass. His hair is a mix of silvery grey and black, and he wears a floor length emerald robe.
As he turns around to face her, she immediately falls to the ground in a kneeling position.
"My lord."
"Rise, child. Join me."
She gets back up and walks over to him. The closer she gets, the more she feels shivers travel down her spine from his stoney grey eyes. She looks out into the distance from the wall of glass. The Himalayas are spread out in front of her, towering, looming, intimidating. Snow covers the abundance of peaks like powdered sugar on a cupcake. It is around eight in the evening, and the setting sun sends a warm golden glow across the landscape.
"I have heard much about you, Sonia." He says.
Sonia. It's the first time in years she hears her real name spoken out loud. According to the men who brought her here when she was just a baby, her parents named her Sonia. But in the whole 16 years she has spent training in the facility, she has only ever been known to others as Assassin 168.
He then says, "Lady Shiva tells me that you are her most talented student."
Ah. Lady Shiva. One of, if not the most dangerous woman in the world. Also the head instructor of Sonia's rank in the League of Shadows. Lady Shiva is tall with dark eyes and a strong believer in discipline. Sonia's rank are the under-eighteens, the 'juniors' to put it simply. All members of the league, aged 13 to 17, are in this group. They are trained to be the best warriors, ruthless, strong, smart, stealthy.
"Yes, my Lord." She answers back, not knowing what else to say.
"I have a mission for you, in Gotham,"
She breathes in sharply and turns to face him. His hard eyes still roll over the landscape in front of them. A mission? She thinks. Surely, I'm not ready? As if he read her mind, Ra's al Ghul faces her and explains.
"We need someone young enough to enrol in a boarding school. Gotham Academy holds many secrets about the founding of the city, and we need much of that information."
Ah.
"Do you accept?"
She doesn't hesitate before replying.
"Yes. I do."
She would do anything to get out and see the world, even if it's only for a mission.
"Great". He clasps his hands together and the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly, but it's hardly noticeable.
"You will have a partner for this mission. He is one of the best assassins in the rank above you, and this will be his second mission. He will pose as your older brother, and work as a mechanic in Gotham Heights. You will attend Gotham Academy, a prestigious boarding school in the upper east side of Gotham. There is a group forming in that city, and we do not yet know much but they are a threat to the league of shadows. There is vital information hidden in the school that is key to removing the threat. There are some confirmed members of the cult that know a little too much about the league for my liking, so you and your partner will need to eliminate them, but also without getting the attention of the Batman. You will leave for Gotham City in three days, so prepare yourself. Is everything clear?"
There is a lot to remember, but she grasps the main points. She nods.
"you will meet your partner and have a cover identity given to you on the day of your leave. Now, I shall not keep you here any longer, so I suggest you get yourself ready for the mission."
"Yes sir."
She sees a small fond smirk play on his lips, not unlike one an old man would give to his grandchild, though there is something slightly sinister about the glint in his eyes. When she is dismissed she turns around and walks out, letting out a breath she didn't realise she was holding.