Because of You

Chapter 4 - Kept Under the Wraps

The Bat-cave was a sacred place. And Tim would definitely not have called them there for an early morning chit-chat. No way!

It's been months since the last time the Bat-family got a call to gather in their Cave. The last time was when Tim was drunk on coffee and the caffeine plagued his way of thinking.

Regardless, Damian dragged his restless self to their basement.
"I swear to God, Replacement," Jason started, "If this is another scheme of yours for a prank or something, I will drag your sleepless self through mud," he threatened high on sleep.

While the family gathered for the third time the same day, they were startled by the sight of Tim frantically typing into the system and Barbara standing in front of the big screen in a tank top and pajamas.

"Barbs," Dick called out, "What's going on?"

She remained silent, still analyzing data on the big screen.
"Barbara," Bruce tried, "Is there something-"

"It's a Code Red, Bruce," Barbara stated, panicking slightly.
Hearing this most of the family froze in surprise.

"Code Red?" Helena asked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, "What's a Code Red?" She asked.

"We discussed this before, Hal," Dick chided.

"Stop patronizing the girl, she's only nineteen," Stephanie commented then turned to the girl, "After the Day of the Fallen the police had deviced Emergency Colour Codes. Code Blue for any kind of suspicious activities. Code Green for confirmation of a suspicious activity and Code Red for the highest risk: rise of a new Villain," the Red head explained.

"So what you're saying is the Bat-family is needed?" Helena asked, losing her sleep all at once.
"Yes sister," a pale Damian croaked, "We are needed again."

"Tim," Bruce addressed, having the presence of mind to inquire about the situation, "What has happened?"

At this question, a frantic Barbara turned to look at Bruce, her fingers in her hair and her eyes red-rimmed. 

"It is horrible, Bruce," she explained, "Dad called a few hours ago. Apparently they got a Code Blue in an alley behind Judith Theater. They went there to find a man dead, killed by someone who calls herself Lady Justice."

"What?" Iris exclaimed, " She seems new. We haven't dealt with someone with that name before."

"Do you have more information about this?" Cassandra asked.

Tim, finally looked up, "I hacked into the security data base of the Parliament."

They all stared at him, "I thought we agreed on no use of vigilante skills," Stephanie spoke.

"Steph, didn't you just hear them?" Cassandra asked, "A new Villain?!"

"Show the footage," Bruce instructed, ignoring the rest of the family.

Tim nodded, displaying the video feed on the big screen.

The family saw a black figure limp away leaving behind traces of blood.

"Oh my God!" Carrie exclaimed, "Is that a woman?"

"It seems like it," Jason spoke, fumbling with his bracelet, that Marinette had given him earlier.

"What else have you got, Drake?" Damian asked.

Tim visibly gulped, then proceeded to open the case file and display the pictures of the crime scene.