Dagger

XI

*3rd person *

Another day had passed. The team was coming back home today. The time between this day and the day of completing the mission was spend writing a mission report in thorough detail whilst back home, the lanterns and superman were working vigorously to rebuild the crumbling part of the building.

Phoebe was moved to Wayne Manor and put under care of Alfred over night, then (much to Alfred dismay), the girl stuck in the between phase of comatosis and consciousness was placed back under the Leagues care.

Phoebe stirred for the first time in months. Her eyes blinked open and slowly adjusted to the bright lights shining down on her. She waited, carefully looking around to try and figure out what happened to her. Her mind raced over her every thought, bringing her as far as two years ago (according to the difference on the clock).

She recalled herself being taken that faithful day, being dragged through that blood spattered building and thrown into a van.

She remembered how she woke up to the Huntsmen beating her into submission then training her to be a weapon.

She remembered how they 'gave' her their knowledge then sent her to be trained by Ra Sha Ghul and by the league of assassin's until they had jobs for her.

They kept tabs on her every move and controlled her every task. Then, one broken vase in a factory and time goes black.

As Phoebe rummaged through her memories, her heart beat quickened and Canary (being the only one in the building) heard the beeping on the monitor.

Both women were startled at the sight of one another's flustered faces.

Not knowing what was going on Phoebe screeched from beneath the muzzle and scrambled to rip the IV's from her body.

Black Canary quickly took action and held the girl down to her best ability, causing the girl to scream. But it wasn't her normal scream.

Even though it was silenced by the muzzle, Phoebe noticed the different feeling of this one, this scream held so much power, so much fear.

Startled by her new discovery, Phoebe stopped struggling and held her breath, awaiting some form of punishment. Nothing came. No lecture or slap, just arms pulling her into the embrace of another.

It was then she noticed her own tears and the difference in the room.

After Phoebe seemed stable enough, Canary pulled away to look the girl in the eyes.

"You're safe now Phoebe." Was the first thing Black Canary could think to say.

Those few words, the words that were so simple to say, those were the words Phoebe had wanted to hear for five years.

"I'm Black Canary. I work with the Justice League. Batman and The Flash have already been notified of you waking up."  This was so awkward for her, but at the same time, Canary knew what to say and in what order like an instinct.

Phoebe's eyes lit up at the names of the ones she considered her family.

" They should be here an about an hour. There are clothes in the cabinet and I'll help you with your hair if you like." Canary carefully removed all of the needles and wires connecting Phoebe to the monitors as she explained.

Phoebe flinched as she moved her stiff legs but the stretching on her muscles and limbs felt so good... until she tried to stretch her back and felt her broken ribs ache.

"Can you walk?" Black Canary once again spoke, her tone still as calm and concerned as before.

Phoebe nodded and slowly guided her feet across the floor, using the bed frame as a crutch. Once her body regained the familiarity of walking, she smiled and walked over to the closet and grabbed the white tee-shirt and ripped blue jeans awaiting her (along with a bra and panties that she questioned how her sizes were known).

"There's a bathroom through that door with a Toothbrush, soap, hair products and a few other things for your use. When your done, walk out of the room and head left until you reach the open gap leading to the briefing room." And with that, Canary left, sighing in relief once she closed the door behind her.

Phoebe was timid. Each step was gentle and silent like if she made a sound the ground would shatter. Old habits die hard.

After placing her things on the back of the toilet, Phoebe went searching through the cupboard until she found everything she needed.

Following Black Canarys instruction, she cleaned herself up. Washing her hair and conditioning it until it was soft. She scrubbed her body and shaved, finally feeling clean after so long.

Phoebe placed on the clothes and embraced the comforting feel of the texture of something besides an assassin's uniform.

Finally, she brushed her teeth and when she looked in the mirror for the first time, she couldn't help but stare. This girl wasn't her. She wasn't the girl Phoebe remembered.

This girl, or woman she should say, had extravagantly long hair and the clearest blue eyes she's ever seen. Her complexion was fair but still had an under lying tan. Her eyelashes were long and and lips full.

After covering the bruises on her face, Phoebe felt comfortable enough coming out of the bathroom. She blow dried her hair and brushed it until it was smooth then placed her muzzle back on, not knowing if she was supposed to take it off or not.

On the floor, were a pair of white sneakers with socks, a little big, but tightening the laces solved that.

Phoebe lead herself to the briefing room where Canary said she'd be and was greeted with a smile.

"Oh, sweety you don't have to wear that. Now while you're awake anyway." Canary gestured to the muzzle and then proceeded to unhook it herself.

Phoebe's hands shook with anticipation. She stood silently, wondering if anyone would be mad at her. She pondered if they missed her or if they looked for her. She wondered what she would do when she saw them.

And it was like the world answered her question right then, because in ran the Bat himself.