Tell me what you want to hear
Something that'll light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
-Secrets by One Repbublic
If Bruce Wayne wasn't also Batman, I don't think he would've kept his composure so well. They removed the blindfold they had put on me due to Nighwing's insistence. He went on and on about protecting the location of the Batcave, and I had only agreed to shut him up. I think Damian suffered the most, because not only had Nightwing also succeeded in irritating him, but his cape also suffered for the plan. They tore a piece of it and used it to wrap my eyes, making me sigh in exasperation. Maybe protecting Damian would be more challenging than I thought.
So there I sat, after being not-so- gently guided by the three boys with me. The metal stool I was placed on was a bit uncomfortable, but I wasn't one for complaining. In front of me stood Bruce Wayne in his full Batman ensemble- the cowl, the cape and the bat symbol. It was a bit intimidating, to be honest. After all, this man was not only my best friend's father. He also happened to be the man Ra's wanted as his successor before Damian came along.
I grinned at him. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Wayne. Not everyone can say 'no' to Ra's al Ghul and live."
If he was bothered that I knew who he really was, he didn't show it. Nightwing, Impulse and Damian took their places beside him. Impulse and Damian had already removed their masks, so only Nightwing and Batman were left in concealing their identities (which was sort of pointless since I already knew).
Finally, Batman spoke. "Is there any reason why there's a girl I don't know in my Batcave right now?" he asked, looking around at the young protégés by his side. They all squirmed under the scrutiny, and a snort escaped my lips at their reaction to Batman.
Since none of them could answer, Batman turned to me. "Would you care to explain?" he asked me.
"I'm Asteria Woods, and I've been sent to protect Damian," I replied dutifully. If I wanted them to trust me, I had to be completely honest and forthcoming.
"Sent by who?" the masked detective continued to interrogate me.
"His mother- Talia."
Though Batman's expression remained impassive, I could see his body had tensed up. "And is there any reason Talia thinks Damian is in danger, when he's been safe for the past three years?"
I had to hand it to him. He asked the right questions. "Ever since the great Ra's al Ghul passed away, the League has tried it's best to rebuild itself without letting our enemies know that our master is dead. Unfortunately, one of Ra's former servants betrayed the League and is now looking for Damian, though we have yet to determine the reason. We know his intentions aren't good though. Talia overheard him saying Damian would not survive what was coming"
"Him?" Batman asked.
"Ra's former servant named White Ghost," I explained.
This time, I could see it was Damian who reacted. His face morphed into a frown and his fists clenched at his sides. I knew he would recognize the name.
Batman was quiet for a few seconds as he processed the information. Finally, "And Talia thinks you can protect Damian?" he asked. There was no judgement in his voice, just plain curiosity.
"She doesn't think. She knows," I replied coolly back. Before he could ask another question, I decided to add. "I've been training with the League since I was six, and I've been by Damian's side ever since he was born. Talia sent me not only because she knows I have the capabilities to protect him, but also because Damian can and does trust me."
This time, Batman turned back to his son. "Is it true?" he inquired.
Damian nodded. "Yes. I trust her."
Before Batman could reply, Nightwing cut in. "Well I don't. If she's really here to protect Damian, then why did she attack us on the rooftops?"
"I was surprising Damian," I defended myself.
Nightwing gave me an incredulous look. I think there was also disbelief in his expression, though it was hard to tell with his mask on. "Surprises don't usually involve killing."
"She wasn't even trying to hurt me," this time it was Damian who came to my defense, and I threw him a grateful smile. He was too busy glaring at Nightwing to notice.
Nightwing returned the glare. "Well she wasn't so restrained when it came to me," he shot back.
"Get over yourself," I muttered. "Nobody said I couldn't kill you. Besides, you're the one who attacked me with your eskrima sticks while my daggers were with Damian. And I still would've kicked your ass if Impulse hadn't arrived."
Nightwing opened his mouth to reply, but Batman finally interrupted us. He had remained quiet as we argued, but now I could see there was a small smile on his face. "You almost beat him weapon-less?" he sounded almost... impressed.
"I still don't trust her," Nightwing interjected.
"And nobody still cares," I retorted.
At my reply, Impulse snickered. A glance from all of use made him stop though. "Sorry," he apologized after clearing his throat.
I sighed, turning to Batman. "Don't you think this interrogation has gone on long enough? If you don't trust me enough to let me stay near Damian, fine. I don't have to be near him to protect him, anyway."
"Father, you have to let her stay," Damian interjected.
Batman glanced at Damian's pleading face, then back at me. Then he looked at Nightwing, who had his arms crossed over his chest and a sour expression on his face. "She can stay," Batman finally announced.
The only thing that made me happier than being able to stay with Damian was the look on Nightwing's face after Batman allowed me to stay. I could've sworn I almost heard his jaw hit the ground in shock. It was priceless. My glee was short- lived though. While I was finally able to stand up from my chair and Damian gave me another hug, Batman cleared his throat.
"Impulse and Robin, go meet up with the rest of the team. I just have to talk to Nightwing and Asteria for a few more minutes," he ordered.
Impulse and Damian immediately obeyed. Damian threw me a worried glance, as if the thought of leaving me alone with his father and Nightwing wasn't a good one. In all honesty, even I felt apprehension blossom inside my chest. Once they disappeared, Nightwing began speaking.
"You can't be serious about letting her stay, are you? It will put the safety of the whole team in jeopardy," he said as if I wasn't there.
"I am serious, Dick," Batman said. He finally removed his cowl, and for the first time I saw Bruce Wayne in person. Damian looked a lot like his father, except for his green eyes, which he inherited from Talia. While Damian's eyes were like emeralds, Bruce's eyes were a light and clear blue.
"So you trust me?" I asked hesitantly.
"No," Bruce replied bluntly. "I don't trust people easily. But Damian trusts you, and I trust him. Besides, I would rather have you under my roof, where I can keep track of what you're up to."
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, huh?" I asked jokingly.
Bruce shrugged. "In a way, yes. But you're not an enemy, Asteir. You're a stranger."
"Not to Damian," I pointed out.
"Even if she stays here, there's no saying she won't harm the team," came Nightwing's annoying opinion. I had a feeling this boy did not like me very much. Then again I didn't think twice about killing him.
"I'll stay away from your precious team, okay?" I said angrily. "The only one I'm concerned about is Damian."
Bruce sighed, and for the first time, I could read his expression very well. It was on of exasperation. "I need you two to stop fighting. If you can't do that, then just stay out of each other's way. While I agree that we can't trust you yet, I am willing to give you one chance. So don't mess it up." He emphasized the word one. I guess not everybody gets second chances.
Nightwing still seemed unhappy, so Bruce turned back to him. "If Asteria betrays Damian or the team, you have my permission to go after her, alright?" he said.
"I'm right here you know," I muttered.
They both ignored me, but what Bruce said seemed to appease Nightwing. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "If anyone gets hurt, it's on you, though."
Bruce simply nodded. "Now go take her to meet the team," he ordered.
"But I thought-"Nightwing began.
"She'll run into them eventually. Better get introductions over with now," Bruce interrupted.
Instead of replying, Nightwing walked away without another word.
"You should follow him," Bruce said with a small smile.
I nodded and turned to go after my worst enemy. After taking a few steps, I realized something and turned back to Bruce. He was still watching me, and a look of confusion crossed his face momentarily. "Thank you," I said.
"For what?" he asked. And for the second time that night, I could read his expression clearly. He was surprised by my gratitude.
"Giving me a chance," I replied before turning away and running after Nightwing.
-------------------------------
So here's Chapter 2 as promised!
We get to know a little bit about Asteria and see Bruce Wayne/ Batman. So what do you guys think? Will Asteria earn their trust? Or will she make a mistake and mess up her chance? :)
Thank you for all of those who gave this story a chance and for the one vote! OMG I love you. It actually inspired me to write more. And I may just put up Chapter 3 in awhile, because the creative juices are on over drive.
Next chapter: Asteria meets the whole team and sees Nightwing without his mask for the first time.
Love always,
Angel
(inspired)