My Ghost

sixteen

I stand in the bathroom, checking my appearance. The gash on my forehead has begun to scab over, and my hair hangs loose around it. I mess with it slightly, attempting to drape a strand or two over it to cover the wound some. Eventually I give up, returning my attention to the rest of my appearance. I turn to my side, admiring my suit. Despite all the bad things Roman had done to me, this was something to fall in love with.

It was entirely different from anything I had ever worn before. It was a tight black body suit that ended at my thighs, with long black sleeves. I match it with black fishnet tights underneath. Two utility belts crossed one another over my waist, a gun holstered on each side. My thigh holster held my grapple gun, and Roman had paired it with the most badass combat boots I had seen in my life. In it I hid my knife as always along with an emergency clip of ammo hidden in a compartment on the bottom of the shoe. To top it off I, of course, wore my classic black mask over my eyes. It was close enough to my older costumes so that I was recognizable, but different enough to make me feel brand new.

I step out of the room and into the hall. Cole stands across it, leaning against the wall with two assault rifles next to him. When he sees me he stands straight, stepping forward.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, annoyed.

"You really thought you were going after the Red Hood alone?" he teases, smiling at me slightly.

"I need a whole squad?"

He shrugs. "It's what Black Mask wants."

I nod, and he turns around, grabbing the rifles and handing me one. I pull the strap over my head so the weapon rests comfortably on my back. As I turn to walk away, he grabs my arm, his fingers wrapping carefully around my bicep.

"Ray I just wanted to say... I'm sorry," he whispers. "I didn't have a choice."

I turn my head to face him, my eyes looking into his. I search them and he seems to be telling the truth. But how could I trust him? He pointed a gun at me last night.

"There's always a choice," I hiss. Jesus Christ I sound like Bruce.

"Please just," he pauses, planning his next few words carefully. "Just trust me. I know it might be hard to but... trust in what I'm doing."

"Helping a crime lord take over the city," I state, my voice devoid of all emotion. "Genius."

I shrug him off of me and walk down the hall. I hear his footsteps echo as they follow me. I open the door and step outside, not bothering to hold it for him. I take a deep breath of the cool night air, feeling free for the first time since I opened my eyes again. A group of six men stand on the rooftop, all armed with the same rifles that Cole and I carry. This must've been a rendezvous point, no wonder Black Mask had told me to start here.

"Listen up," Cole speaks up, stepping in front of everyone. "We're gonna have to get this guys attention, and with that we'll probably attract the Bat as well. We've got some guys set up downtown on another rooftop. We're gonna make it look like a hostage situation, but be aware these are our men and they are armed. Do not shoot them, do you hear me?"

Mumbled yes sirs arise from the group of men as Cole speaks. Would Bruce actually show up tonight? Would we fight? Or would he side with me?

"Our target is the Hood, Batman and his buddy Nightwing are simply bonuses. Focus on keeping the two of them distracted while Shadow and I go after the Red Hood. Once the Hood is down we're good to go. And remember, the Bat won't kill you, so keep your heads on your shoulders," Cole commands. "We've got a chopper landing in approximately two minutes to take us over to the drop zone."