Out of My League

Chapter 9: Trouble

I knew you were trouble when you walked in

So shame on me now

Flew me to places I'd never been

Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

-I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift

Messing with the Joker's mind didn't take too much power. But it still hurt.

Exhaustion made me collapse to my knees while Joker remained quiet. He sat staring into space, which made it obvious he would no longer be a problem. Sighing, I began crawling towards Dick. With fear in my heart, I could see he still hadn't moved since the last time Joker hit him with the crowbar. My throat felt thick and my chest felt tight as I made my way over to him.

When I was near enough to see he was still breathing, I released a sigh of relief. "Dick," I said, nudging him. He didn't respond though. "Oh great," I mumbled under my breath knowing what I had to do.

Summoning what little energy I had left, I began to do a healing spell. It took a few moments for Dick to regain consciousness. When he did, he stared at me with wide eyes. "Asteria, what are you doing? You can't use your powers on me. It'll make you weak and-," Dick began talking.

"Shut up and let me finish, Grayson. The cops will be here soon," I wheezed, rolling my eyes.

For once, Dick listened to what I was saying and let me finish healing him. "Where's Joker?" he asked instead.

"He's no longer problem," I assured him, passing my hand over the rib Joker broke. Dick cried out in pain, but I could hear the bones being put back together.

When I was finished, Dick was able to stand again. His Nightwing costume was completely torn and ruined. But luckily, most of his mask was still sticking to his bruised face. I remained sitting on the floor, completely drained. If I didn't get any food soon, I knew I was going to collapse again. My vision was already turning blurry, but I had no intention of fainting for a third time. Dick must've noticed my reluctance to get up, because he put an arm around me and tried to help me up.

Unfortunately, he didn't know about my dislocated shoulder. I hissed in pain as he pulled me to a standing position, making him worry. "What's wrong?' he asked.

"Dislocated shoulder," I murmured while he guided me to a crate where I could sit down more comfortably.

Instead of replying, Dick pulled out his phone and dialed a number. While he was busy talking to someone, I remembered Joker coming along and stepping on my phone. Damian and Bruce will not be happy about that. Well, they won't be happy about any of this. "I told Alfred to track my coordinates and pick us up," Dick said as he turned back to me. "Any more injuries I should know about?"

"I also broke both of my thumbs," I replied reluctantly.

"You did what?" he asked in surprise. "How did you manage that?"

I shrugged my good shoulder as if it was nothing. "Escaping from my handcuffs. It's okay, though," I reassured before Dick could start scolding me again. "I got the Joker."

I pointed behind Dick, making him turn around so he could see what was left of the Joker. He was still sitting where I left him. He looked completely terrified. His eyes were wide open and he kept looking around himself in paranoia. When Dick faced me again, he had a curious look on his face.

"What did you do to him?" he asked. He almost sounded amused. Then again, I was certain no body was worried about the Joker's health.

"I showed him something to be afraid of," I answered vaguely. But more specifically, I showed him someone.