Chapter 8 True Selfs Revealed
Damian's POV

Rachel and I were walking through the streets of Gotham. We didn't speak to each other, and stayed in comfortable silence that I had gotten used to.

However, this comfortable silence came to an end when I suddenly felt someone watching us, and I immediately went on high alert.

I subtly turned my head, and noticed a black van that wasn't that far behind us. I also noticed that it wasn't parked, and was moving very slowly.

"I've heard that students from your school are being targeted by kidnappers in order to hold them for ransom."

After remembering these words, I surveyed my surroundings, and spotted an alleyway.

"Rachel", I started as I turned to look at her, "Let's head into that alley over there."

"How come", Rachel asked.

"It's a shortcut to my place", I lied.

"You know", Rachel started. "It's not a good idea for a girl to go into a dark alleyway with a guy she barely knows."

Rachel had a good point, but before I could come up with a good counter argument, I suddenly tensed up when I sensed someone walking towards us.

"Good day you two", they greeted.

I then turned around, and saw a man.

"Can we help you", I asked.

"Judging by those uniforms, I'd say you two attend Gotham Academy", the man said. "It's rare to see kids from there walking home."

"That's because students are sometimes kidnapped and held for ransom", I said to see if the man would react, and he did so by frowning.

"Is that so", he asked. "Then why are you two walking home?"

"My usual lift wasn't able to pick me up today", I replied.

"Well then", the man started. "In that case, why don't I give you kids a lift?"

"There's no need for that", I stated. "We've already almost reached our destination. Good day."

With this, I turned around…and immediately felt a hand grab onto my shoulder.

Reacting on instinct, I grabbed onto the man's hand, and flipped him onto the ground; knocking him out.

I then looked up at Rachel, who was staring at me in shock.

"Um…", I started, trying to think of an excuse.

But before I could, I heard frantic voices behind me.

I turned around, and saw a few men rush out of the truck.

"Let's go", I commanded.

Then, I grabbed onto Rachel's arm and pulled her into the alley.

However, the men were much taller than both of us, and one of them managed to grab onto Rachel!

"Rachel", I yelled.

"Let go of me", Rachel demanded angrily.

Then…a burst of black energy suddenly shot out of her, knocking the rest of the men out.

I looked down at them before looking up at Rachel, who realized she had just outed herself.

"Well, that confirms my suspicion", I said.

"What suspicion", Rachel asked.

"That you were the woman who stopped the robber in the bookstore."

"I…", Rachel started, probably trying to think of an excuse.

Then, she seemed to remember something.

"Damian, how were you able to flip a grown-ass man over your shoulder so easily?"

After Rachel asked this, I tried to think of an excuse, before coming up with something.

"I don't ask anymore questions, and neither do you. Deal?"

Rachel thought about my suggestion for a moment, before nodding.

"Deal", she replied.

"Great", I said. "Now if you excuse me."

With this, I walked up to the man I had knocked out. Then, I picked him up by his shirt, and threw him near the other men.

"Damian, you could've hurt him", Rachel scolded.

"He tried to kidnap two high schoolers. I think he deserved it."

After I said this, I took out my communicator from my uniform blazer and put it in my ear.

"Oracle, do you read me", I asked.

"I read you, Robin", Oracle replied. "What's your situation?"

"I was nearly just kidnapped", I revealed.

"What", Oracle exclaimed. "Are you okay, Damian?"

"Relax. I'm fine", I reassured. "But the police are going to wonder how a high school boy managed to take out four grown men on his own."

"Copy that", Oracle said. "I'll see whose closest to you and send them your way."

"Thanks Oracle", I said. "See you."

With this, I ended the call.

"Who was that", Rachel asked.

"That's not important", I stated. "But unless you want them to find out about you, you should probably get going."

"But, will you be okay here by yourself", Rachel asked in concern.

"I'll be fine", I replied. "Someone else will be here soon."

"Oh, okay", Rachel said. "I…guess I'll see you tomorrow at school, then?"

"See you tomorrow, Rachel", I greeted. "And be careful walking home."

"I will", Rachel reassured. "See you, Damian."

With this, Rachel turned around, and quickly ran off.