Out of My League

Chapter 2: Secrets

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."