Death Wish

First Day

    I couldn't believe it, Batman didn't kill me. Sure, training was harder and I lost patrol that night but when Batman told me about agreeing to our terms and actually getting on board with us, I was surprised to say the least. 

I pulled my red hoodie over my head as Alfred announced that breakfast was ready.

"Coming, Alfred, I'll be out in a second," I called as I quickly pulled on my shoes. I was out of my room in record time and hurried down to breakfast, sliding on the railing to get downstairs faster. Bruce had told me all about us being the League's new covert team located in their old base, despite its location being compromised. We would be hiding in plain sight, the idea was genius. 

"Master Bruce will not be joining you today, Miss Rachelle, he has urgent business at Wayne Enterprises," Alfred informed me as I slid into my usual spot at the table.  Of Course Bruce wasn't here, he rarely was, but today I had hoped he would come with me to the mountain.I guess he'd just meet me there.

"Thank you, Alfred." I replied before beginning my light meal. I never ate much for breakfast, as it always lead to me feeling sick after morning training. I only ate enough to sustain me with energy until lunch and to please Alfred. That morning, I ate in  an uncomfortable silence until Alfred decided that I had eaten enough and was allowed to leave for the mountain. 

"Does this outfit look alright?" I asked my elder friend as the thought of not dressing right had crossed my mind. I hadn't given my outfit much thought that morning, but because I'd never been seen in civics clothing with my friends before, I wanted to look presentable and not look feminine in any way.

"Miss Rachelle, you look rather dashing, but I do believe you are missing a few essential parts of your attire," My eyes widened in surprise as I racked my brain for what I had missed. My appearance alteration gear was in place and I was wearing boy clothing. 

"What did I forget?" I nearly panicked, if Bruce found out I forgot a piece of glamour, he would have my head. Alfred replied by handing me a pair of sunglasses. Of course, I was forgetting the sunglasses Bruce said would be coming in today.

"What do these do again?" I asked Alfred as we headed to the Batcave.

"It hides your hair and feminine features, while keeping your identity a secret from your new teammates."  He replied, handing me my classic Dick Grayson jacket. "It would be wise to keep this on for the entirety of your visit to the mountain."

"Don't worry, Alfred, I don't plan on revealing any secrets today," I reassured the elderly butler as I slipped into the Batcave where Batman was arriving through the Zeta-tube. He didn't say anything, but I knew what he wanted to tell me. 

Without a word I stepped into the Zeta-tube with him and we were transported into the mountain. 

It was breathtaking for a lack of a better word. Not in the way a waterfall or sunrise is but in the way where you can't help but look around and try to take everything in, as if you'd never see it again. The mountain was almost completely hollowed out to provide maximum space for all the interior that was put into it. Batman had told me about a kitchen, gym, living room, and rooms for each team member, including me, but he had left out the details as to how big it was in person. 

I don't remember how long I spaced out as I ran mental situations through my head, but the next thing I remember was the heat of someone's breath by my ear. This caused my reflexes to kick in and I turned partially around and judo flipped the person over my shoulder. Then I positioned myself on top of the person so I was holding their legs down with my own and I was holding their hands above their head with one hand as I pulled the other back for a punch. I was about to throw my punch when I recognized the person I was fighting. It was a certain red-head I had grown fond of over the years  that we'ed known each other. Almost immediately an odd feeling I recognized as nerves began to form in my gut.