Daughter of the Demon, Part 1 (Complete)

[Batman (Bruce Wayne)]

#2 Daughter of the Demon, part 1


Story By: Batman and Talia
Heroes: Batman
Villains: Ra's Al Ghul, Henri Ducard, Ubu, Darkk, David Cain, Talia Al Ghul, Lady Shiva

Plot: Memories of Bruce Wayne's past training in the League of Assassins returns to haunt him with the memory of a mysterious woman who is somehow connected to a mystery that Batman is now involved in.


Perfection


China, Northern country land, 2004….The voice spoke in a familiar language; English.- “Steady…” –It was alien to most around here. Bruce was cold; he had been freezing ever since he had gotten to China, hair upon his jaw and chin were growing as he was left out in the wilderness for three days to hunt. Precious time in a greater scheme, but it was necessary that Bruce learn survival outside the city. The man with him was his teacher, David Cain; both wearing arctic clothing, coupled with three layers of it, Bruce clung to a sniper rifle aiming it towards a snow leopard, the predator searched for its own target. Bruce’s half grown beard was wet and he felt water from above him drip down his cheek and towards his chin.- “Steady…See your enemy. Look them in the eye.” –Bruce’s hand shivered until suddenly the image of Joe Chill filled his crosshair, Bruce went to squeeze when suddenly the David sighed.- “You’re not getting it.” –Bruce looked at David and said.- “I didn’t fire yet.” –David shook his head.- “No, we’re done here.” <c>

-Bruce and David made their way back from their three day training, Bruce walked into the large training ground his cheek flushed red where he began pulling off his equipment, David sighed and went off to speak to “Ra’s” as Henri Ducard came to.- “David is a powerful assassin, there is no better than him on this planet. Come. Tell me what you’ve learned.” –Bruce’s gaze looked around the wooden temple, the training palace was gigantic with many rooms while it settled on the side of a mountain. They came to a large dining room with an outdoor balcony. Bruce had often spent his nights here speaking with Henri about the lessons learned, two months into training and Bruce had displayed much promise in yielding a sword, Javelin, Nunchaku, Martial arts in Judo, and Tai Kwon Do. Bruce sat down on the wooden floor, crossing his legs underneath his body and spoke.- “I…uh…I saw vengeance…” –Henri smirked.- “And?” –Bruce looked down as if ashamed.- “I saw the man who killed my parents. I wanted shoot him…” <c>

-Henri then tilted his head.- “Did you?” –Bruce shook his head.- “I couldn’t. David stopped me.” –Henri nodded his head and began explaining to Bruce about vengeance, hesitation, and anticipation. Finally Henri stood up and said.- “This will be all for the night. I will speak to David myself and find out his evaluation.” –Henri stood up and began leaving as Bruce adjusted his shirt collar to loosen up the moist cloth. Bruce’s mind flashed to the leopard, and then Joe Chill, as he went to squeeze the trigger his body began taking posture, forming as if he was holding the rifle again, aiming it steadily. A fireplace nearby crackled while creating a large shadow of himself, the shadow appearing much like a hideous demon sprawled out along the floor with its hands raised into the air as Bruce held an imaginary weapon very steady and with a lot of patience.-

Talia Al Ghul :: In the shadows that the fire makes, a voice calls out and echos threw the room:: " Bruce Wayne..." :: Only seeing a dark figure leaning up against the wall, she crosses her arms and talks slowly and still, watching him sitting near the fire, making shadows and practicing with his imaginary weapon.:: " How did your training go?"

-Bruce held his breath staring with intensity when suddenly he clutched his teeth to squeeze the trigger the grin of Joe Chill changed when suddenly a horde of bats screamed at him and charged towards him. Bruce snapped back to reality and heard his name, turning his head he saw the shadow and took a deep breath. He saw the shadowy figure of a female causing him to squint. The young heir to the Wayne fortune, College graduate of Gotham City University in Chemistry, Computer science, Physics, Mathematics, Business, and Criminal Psychology. His resume spelled out that he was to be a police officer or FBI agent. At the age of 24 he was incredibly smart and now understood martial arts and weapon finesse. Bruce black hair was combed to his side while his outfit was a gray robe wrapped completely around him. His feet were bare and his hands were red slowly fading to become a white color as they recovered within the heat.-

Talia Al Ghul :: She leaned off the wall and slowly walked towards him with one foot after another. stepping out the shadows with her hair down, Long light brown, wave locks driven to one side of her shoulder. Her feet bare and soft tipping out into the light. Her eyes gazed upon him with her hands by her side. She was wearing a long greek-like sleeveless robe, pearl white with a golden tinted belt and V-shape neck line showing her delicate skin. She paused with half her body out of the darkness and raised her head, smiling with a slight curve that sits on the corner of her mouth, she pressed her lips together and slowly opened with still warm words:: " I hope I am not disturbing you, I wanted to meet the man everyone is talking about in these quaters. Especially, my father."

-Bruce took in her appearance, unaware that there were women on the premise due to the fact they were distracting and broke discipline in men. Bruce’s lips parted hearing her.- “Well, I’m nothing too special. Not much different than the others. We work hard, we fight for Justice.- “I wasn’t aware that-uh…Women were allowed here.” –Bruce pushed himself off the floor and stood before her holding his hands at his sides showing a bit of his discipline and training. His eyes would make the shadow’s behind her move before he spoke again.- “I’m-…I was Bruce Wayne…Can I help you?” –Bruce’s blue eyes didn’t share his tired expression and face. His eyes were fearless, aggressive, hungry for vengeance, and it didn’t matter how much pain he would go through to get it.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Talia began walking a little closer so the light of the fire could shine upon her face. She stopped just a foot away from him and put her hand up move the hair that was blocking her eye:: " You are correct Mr. Wayne..Women are not allowed her for the training of the men. But I am not just any woman. :: Talia put her hand out, reaching for Bruce's hand, she stood there very still and can see his discipline and agression. Smiling softly, she spoke with her words flowing gracefully and friendly. :: " My name is Talia Al Ghul. I am Ra's only daughter and I been watching you ,Mr. Wayne. Your skill as I been told are up to excellence performance and my Father adores you. I had to met the man he talks so much about." :: Talia's eyes never leave his and she watches him, looking deep and trying to figure out who Bruce Wayne is.::


-Bruce took her hand without hesitation and shook it.- “Bruce Wayne.” –His voice spoke filled with a bit of sorrow, a side of him he hadn’t exposed in over six years, he found himself coming back, since meeting Henri Ducard, to the point of his parent’s death. Their trial, the sentence for justice was gone. The jury of Gotham found Joe Chill innocent and reduced the collateral damage of Gotham’s wealthiest family by attempting to lock up Carmine Falcone. Bruce took in her brown eyes as the shadows caused by the fire danced across the room.- “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miranda, I’m not sure what you’d expect. I’m not who anyone thinks I am. I’m just looking for answers and a means to pursue justice…” –He wasn’t sure about her, if she was allowed her, perhaps she was exalted by Ra’s. She was beautiful and very attractive. He would choose between remaining a soldier and answering her questions or break rank and find out more about her. He had considered that made she was sent by Henri, to seduce or tempt him. Such methods weren’t outside Henri’s elusive plan for training Bruce. Bruce saw that his training was more extensive and difficult than any of the soldiers present. Bruce didn’t question the why, he hadn’t noticed the extensiveness of the training until recently, when he noticed that none of the soldiers weren’t a master of anything and Bruce was training to complete multiple masteries such as Tai Kwon Do, Ninjitsu, and jujitsu.-

Talia Al Ghul :: (Miranda) Shook his hand and smiled. She walked past him, floating to the fire. Standing there for a moment, she breathed deep and looked over to Bruce standing still and alert. :: " Justice? I like that. And if your not who people say you are, Than who are you Mr. Wayne?" :: She paused and turned back to the fire. She gazed at it and crotched down placing her hands in front of the flames. Warming her finger tips, her hair moved down to her shoulders and hid on of her eyes. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep again, feeling her body warm up. She smiled again and looked up at Bruce, nodding him to sit down next to her:: " Come, sit down. Please...Tell me more about yourself Mr. Wayne. Its very rare that I get to meet a man who pursues his life for Justice."

-Bruce listened to her response watching her move to the fire; she seemed surprised by his answer. Everyone in the facility was here for vengeance, was Bruce really that much different? To kill and survive, slay the fearless that prey on the fearful. Henri Ducard had explained all too well that in order to become head of the demon, one must first slay the demon itself; the ruler of the throne. To Bruce it was a lesson to be learned, the subtly of his words meant nothing to Bruce. To Bruce the ‘demon’ none other than Gotham’s justice system, its own cycle of back and forth twists of yin and yang. Bruce found himself slowly drifting apart from them, realizing his growing strength and intellect could be put to use as something more meaningful than killing. He sat down respecting her wishes.- ‘She wants to know about me?’ –He thought taking a moment to respond.- “What is it that you would like to know?” ‘The tragedy? The pain…? My hunger? My anger?’ “What is it that you would like to know about me, Miranda?” –Bruce then saw it in her single eye as her hair fell in front of her face concealing a single eye. He would break his soldier like discipline and say.- <c>

“You have beautiful eyes. They…remind me of my friend, Rachel…” –He looked into her eyes for a moment before looking at the flames, hoping to distract himself.-

Talia Al Ghul :: (Miranda smiled and looked at him, She moved her hair that was covering her eye to the back of her ear. She twisted her body facing him and sat down with her legs tucked underneth her. She placed one hand on her knee and the other to her side balancing her shift to the right side of her. She looked in his eyes and spoke:: " I want to know everything there is to know about you Mr. Wayne. When I look at you, you seem like you have more to tell than you say you do. In yet....Maybe your story behind your eyes should be kept as a secret. To block out some things, that are better left alone." :: She paused and looked in the fire as she spoke in a drift voice:: " We all have things we wish to not discuss, but I would like to know, what you want me to know Mr. Wayne." :: She looked back and hearing his comment about her eyes, she sent out a smile to him and looked into his eyes. She felt his pain of secrets. She knew what is was like to have pain and hunger in their lives. She spoke slowly:: " Thank you Mr. Wayne, Who is your friend Rachel? Is she back home where you live? " :: Miranda fixed her eyes at him and listen carefully for his response. ::

-She wanted to know everything about him? That was a vague response, but perhaps she was giving him the sign that there was no wrong answer. He would be cautious with his response, but thinking of Rachel he nodded.- “She’s one of my few childhood friends…I didn’t have many friends growing up. The two that were closest to me drifted. Rachel and Thomas were special to me. Rachel and I used to play games around my house. As we grew older we all went off the college. She pursued a career as a DA, she right now working as an Assistant in the DA’s office as a prosecuting attorney. Thomas wanted to be a doctor, he admired my dad. I lost touch with him after college. I imagine he’s pursuing a career in medicine. What about yourself, Miranda? Do you have any friend?”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda listened carefully and grew fastinated by his stories. She grinned like a child would while getting a story read to her at night. She focused on his lips, smoothly talking about his childhood of his Friend Rachel and Thomas. When Miranda heard him ask about her friends she looked away into the fire again, hearing it spark and crackle. The flames lite her face and she looked deep in the orange flames, pressing her lips and speaking slowly:: " No, I am afraid not. My father and I traveled alot...He...He..." :: She paused for a moment thinking up a way to make sure he didnt know the exact truth about her and her life. How she was alone and the only true friend she had was only her father. He took her every where with him and taught her how to live and survive the harsh times of life. She was never around children her age. Always around her fathers work. Miranda looked at Bruce and focused on his eyes, speaking clear and sure of herself:: " I was home schooled and my father was a traveler. He has to travel for work and I liked to tag along with him. I felt..safer that way." ::

-Bruce looked over her, noticing that she was troubled, her loneliness wasn’t excessive, and his understanding of psychology told him that she was lonely and seeking companionship and that she also loved her father. There didn’t seem to be any distress other than a very basic human need to meet new people and socialize. Bruce offered his upright hand to he, his palm open and revealed to her as flames seemed to dance over his open hand.- “Well, now you can consider me a friend…Call me Bruce. I-…” “Ahem…Bruce, it is late. You should rest.” –The voice of Henri Ducard spoke from the shadows as he stood in the doorway, Bruce looked at the man before standing up immediately. He wasn’t fearful of Henri, but he had come to respect him; he was a loyal and caring friend.- “You’re right. Goodnight, Miranda.” –Bruce looked at her for a second before walking past Henri who stood his ground with his hands folded in front of him.

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda gazed at him and smiled as the sweet words of friendship entered her ears. Something that was so rare and unheard of in her world. She smiled and was about to speak until the sound of a voice came from the door way. Looking over she saw Henri standing there calling for Bruce to rest. Watching him quickly stand up, she follows Bruces figure and watches his lips speak sweet words of " Goodnight, Miranda." She slowly speaks in a quiet voice and puts her hand up to a small wave :: " Good night Mr. Wanye.." :: Her eyes follow him until he passes Henri. She fixes her eyes for a moment on Henri and gazes back at the fire sparkling in her eyes. Miranda smiles thinking about Bruce and whispers to herself..:: " Until we met again Bruce.." :: She smiles and closes her eyes in thought of those words. ::-

-Henri took a few steps forward and spoke curiously, his tone calm and even a little amused seeing his daughter acting in such a way. He wouldn’t comment on it, Bruce needed to focus on training and not get carried away with the weight of their destiny; that would come later.- “I trust you have found your meeting of Mr. Wayne to be satisfactory…He only has a few more months of training and then we will make our move to begin our final crusade…I believe he is a worthy general, far more competent than his predecessors.” –Henri approached the balcony to peer at the night sky, submerged in twilight and a sea of stars.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda turned her head around listening to her father and slowly got up. She nodded to him and smiled bowing her head down speaking slowly and respectfully:: " Yes father. He is a very...interesting man. I wanted to know what has you so amused, father. I am sorry. " :: She followed her father and stood behind him, looking into the moonlight and gazing at the sky. She looked back in the door way and wished Bruce would come out of the shadows of the hall. But she knew is was off to sleep by now. Turning back around she spoke softly and fixed her eyes on Henri.:: " Father, Mr. Wayne is going to please you. I can tell by.. by the way he spoke to me today. I saw it in his eyes. ..He is a great man, father. He will make you proud." :: Miranda smiled and looked down thinking about Bruce, her face grew flushed and she couldn't control her smile as she thought of him, but trying to control herself, so her father would not see.::

-Henri’s eyes squinted towards the stars.- “He will be an asset to my empire. You may remain for a little longer, but do not distract him from his trials. He must prove himself. My chamber is suited for your needs…I trust, Ubu has kept you safe?” –Henri spoke of a large 6 foot, 6 inch giant Arabian man made of pure muscle and weight, also Ra’s personal bodyguard who was capable of defeating most in combat who would potentially threaten Ra’s rule from within the organization. The next morning Bruce was standing before a dojo where an Asian woman practiced with a partner what Bruce would do, Bruce noted that she was the 2nd woman he had seen in the past two dance, but unlike Miranda…Lady Shiva deflected her partner’s fist grabbing his wrist and pinning his arm behind his back, she would grin snapping his shoulder out of place causing the ninja soldier to grunt in agony while also attempting to hide the pain. Bruce wasn’t surprised by the technique, but Shiva’s speed was incredible. She glared at Bruce looking at him like he was fresh meat.- <c>

-Bruce cleared his throat when she spoke.- “Do you want seek to challenge me? Choose your weapon.” -She raised his fists, Bruce buttered his lips and looked at the weapons rack and then reached to his back to arm his katana. Henri Ducard entered the room, attempting to be subtle, but his height was outstanding in a room full of Asians. Bruce slashed at Shiva, but she twisted her torso, flexing her spine to dodge, she would display her speed to Bruce by tapping the back of his blade while he swung it, Bruce’s eyes widened before realizing Shiva swung her leg attempting to break Bruce’s neck. Instinctively Bruce ducked his head and lifted his arm and shoulder to endure the hit. She stood up and growled, Bruce then charged at her swinging his sword rapidly at her, cutting left and right attempting to narrow her options, she spun around again and kicked Bruce in the side throwing him into a wall, causing Bruce to groan. Sweat began formulating on his brow while Shiva didn’t seem impressed.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda nodded to her father that was focused on the sky. She spoke slowly and quickly:: " Father I do not know why Ubu has to watch me. I was trained by the best and I can take care of myself. With all do respect, Father. " :: Miranda quietly turned around and spoke back to her father one last time when she stood between the door frame that lead into the hall.:: " Goodnight Father. "::
<c>

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda was in her fathers chambers when she became bored. She got off the bed and walked into the halls of the quaters. She over heard the people talking about Bruce trianing with Shiva today. One man said, " Its going to be a great fight, I dont want to miss it, lets go." Miranda followed the men into the training quarters were it was packed but warriors and men. She notice her father on the opposite side of the room and remembered he didnt want her around Bruce to distract him. She hid behind a pillar and put her cloak over her head so she would not be seen. Miranda fixed her eyes on Bruce as he trained. She gazed at him in a trans and smiled watching his skill and speed. When she saw him down on the ground with the last blow, Miranda eyes grew wide and she was cletching her sides to not say a word but watch. Her body was shaking to help Bruce but she knew her place was to stay away. She whispered to herself:: " Bruce, I know you can do this. " :: Miranda watched and waited::

-Bruce gathered himself as Lady Shiva took a relaxed stance and spoke.- “Yield?” –Bruce grinned excitedly.- “Not yet…” –Shiva raised her stance as Bruce swung his blade, she raised her bracers and blocked the hits simply enough. Henri smirked, amused by Bruce’s inexperience with a sword, Henri would call out in Chinese.- “Rage won’t bring you closer to victory…” –Bruce pulled back and spun to slash Shiva’s side, but she crossed her wrists and blocked the blade, trapping it before spinning to kick Bruce. He crashed into the ground and took a moment gathering his thoughts as Shiva maintained stance glaring at Bruce. Bruce would grin.- “Finally, a challenge…” –Bruce stood up and swung at Shiva’s waist, she blocked and then Bruce jabbed at her thigh, she blocked again, deflecting his blade away from her. Bruce was pushed back and began winding his blade back bringing it to his side and pointing towards her, he lifted the blade over his shoulder to appear like a Scorpion tail over his head. Shiva was not amused as Bruce was attempting a master swordsmen technique that was very lethal. <c>

-Bruce swung to stab for her head, but naturally she would block with her wrists and attempt to kick Bruce, but this time Bruce forced her arms away and gave a side kick to her stomach throwing her backwards and into a group of spectators, Shiva glared at Bruce, clearly not happy with the deception, Bruce held a boastful smile. Shiva was ready to fight when Henri’s voice spoke out through the room.- “Enough!” –Bruce looked at Henri and nodded moving to follow Henri as the two would begin leaving the room. Bruce would be lead outside where they would see a stone ridge covered in snow. Henr looked at Bruce.- “Your next challenge awaits you…” –Bruce narrowed his eyes trying to study it when Henri used his cane to stabilize his person while he walked.- “I told when you arrived that you can fight ten men, and we would teach you to fight 100. I am here to fulfill that promise.” –As they reached the ridge, Bruce saw groups of ninja stepping out into the area, at least twenty five men. Henri’s gaze would look behind them to see if Miranda was watching, knowing that his daughter was spying, this was his first glance at letting her know that he knew. A subtle smirk gave her a sign of approval for her actions of keeping stealth, of course the ego of Ra’s thought of only himself capable of spotting a master assassin such as Talia.

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda watched as Bruce spoke to Shiva of persistants. She smiled under her cloak, thinking that his ego was very wise and settle. Soemthing she liked. She watch Bruce and Shive go at it again. The skills we expert and she was fixed on Bruce and his moments. With the final blow, She saw Shiva fly to the people standing in the crowd. Miranda smiled and saw that everyone was impressed and eger for more. Than she hear a strong voice shout above the others "ENOUGH!" Miranda fixed her eyes on her father and notice he lead Bruce out the room. Miranda quickly fleed the scene to follow her father and Bruce. She jumped up to a high roof top and laid down gazing at Bruce's next task. She was in amazment about him. Watching Bruce eagerness to learn. She heard her Fathers words, "I told when you arrived that you can fight ten men, and we would teach you to fight 100. I am here to fulfill that promise.” Miranda looked at the men walking out into sight and circled Bruce. Miranda eyes fixed again on Bruce until she felt someone starring at her. She looked to her Father and saw him grinning. Displeased that she was spotted, she nodded to her Father letting him know that he spotted her. She rolled off the roof top and headed back inside. ::

-It would be a mere few moments before Bruce began fighting using his fists to take down twenty five men charging at him, Bruce blocked his with his forearms and shoulders. Studying how he could’ve broken limbs, snapped, and kill his opponents. He kicked and punched, grabbing one man he leaped over them as he swung around them to land on the ground. He turned and slammed his fist into another, their numbers were endless as four recovered from the blows Bruce was landing, the others were fighting in their stead. Ra’s paused a moment before waving for another group of fifteen men to join the swarm of men, Bruce would collapse roughly around sixty takedowns. Bruce would be dragged to follow Henri as his legs were weak and bruised.- “Quite impressive.” –Bruce smiled.- “You think?” Henri’s face humored a smirk.- “It wasn’t a hundred…” Bruce nodded.- “It felt like it. When do I do this again?” –As they entered the quartered room with a balcony and fire, the men placed Bruce on the floor in front of the fire to warm up and once more Henri reflected on the lessons learned.- “You may have struck, Lady Shiva, you did not achieve victory.” <c>

“I achieved a goal. I hit her, that’s good enough.” –Henri entertained the idea in his head.- “Doing what is necessary to achieve your goal is never a bad strategy. You will require more training before you may fight lady Shiva, again.” –Henri stood up and left the room, allowing Bruce to settle before the fire.-

Talia Al Ghul: Miranda lingered in the hallway, until she notice her father leaving Bruce alone again by the fire. She slipped her cloak over her head and hid behind a wall until her father was no where to be seen. She walked passed the room where Bruce was and notice he was bruised up with bumps and blood. Miranda walked to the well, fetching water in a bowl and towels. She walked again passed the room again, this time lingering in the door frame, looking at Bruce warming by the fire. She spoke softly:: " Well, they really didnt go easy on you did they Mr. Wayne?" :: Miranda stood there and started walking towards him with slow steps. ::

-Bruce stared at the fire, his body in pain, numb, cold, and bruised, when his attention was brought to a female’s voice, his alertness raised afraid that Shiva might’ve returned for revenge, but it was Miranda. He smiled.- “Hey….No, they gave me quite the beating…” –He watched her approach him, his eyes tracing her curved body as she approached, noting her movement and beauty. He parted his lips to mention it, but decided not to. He rubbed his shoulder before adjusting his stance to sit straight, his knees bent in front of him to support his posture. He propped his right elbow onto his right knee as he smiled seeing her.- “How was your day? I imagine a lot more productive than being beat up by sixty men.” –The crackling of fire drew his attention briefly before he looked at her once more and the bowl.- “What’s the bowl for?”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda smiled and walked to him with the bowl steady in her hands. She stood next to me and sat down with her legs underneth her again. She spoke softly:: " My day was not as eventful as your Mr. Wayne. But I wouldnt like the thought of having sixty-men circle me, and attack." :: She smiled and placed the towel in the bowl in fron tof her. When she heard Bruce's question she placed her finger to his lips and spoke:: " Shhh....the bowl is for you. ":: She ringed out the water from the towel and began damping him on his forehead and down the side of his face. Cleaning off the dirt and blood he had. :: " I wanted to help you be in your best for another training day Mr. Wayne. I know how hard they can be, but they only want the best....":: She paused and looked into his eyes, speaking again. :: " ..and I know you are the best. " :: Miranda looked down and put the towel back in the water. ::

-Bruce felt her towel touch him, a sting hit an open cut, but he tolerated it by smiling at her.- “So, I’m guessing you don’t have a boyfriend?” –Bruce’s smile faded as he watched her seriously, thoughts of Rachel came back to him as he looked at Miranda. Miranda wasn’t like Rachel; who was strong, bold, fearless, and unafraid to do what was right. Miranda seemed soft, compassionate, warming. Those thoughts of women faded, never really having a relationship with a woman outside of Rachel. In college he never had a girlfriend found the need for one, they would only distract him. He knew this and tried to keep his interactions with them at a distance.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda drained the towel again and listening to Bruce's words, she paused and looked up at him. She placed the towel again on his face, patting him softly and cleaning his cheeks. She spoke softly again:: " No, Mr. Wayne. I am afraid not again. My father would not allow me to have relations." :: She paused while patting his face..moving down to the corner of his mouth..Than on his lips, slowly, she fixed on this lips and spoke again:: " No man to my father is worthy enough to be with me. Of course that is every father to their daughter...But maybe one day, my knight will appear for me...And take me away...like the fairy tales."::..Miranda looked in his eyes with softness and still. She never felt this way to a person that her father brought here to train. She grew to respect this man...To be drawn in by some kind of force. She was fond of who he was. Miranda spoke again with a small laugh:: " But those are just fairy tales Mr. Wayne. There is no such thing as Happy ever after in our world." :: Miranda grinned. ::

-Bruce nodded thinking about his own fairytale ending. Listening to her speaking, he found it amusing to hear about her father.- “Your father sounds like a wise man. It’s dangerous out there…” –As she brought her towel to his lips he grabbed her hand and held it before she could touch him, his speed was quick but, his movements were smooth. His grip was gently and very calm as he looked at her.- “You can call me Bruce, Miranda…” –Bruce stared at her, his expression was blank, empty, before releasing her hand and releasing a soft groan of pain. He would grumble some.- “My arms and legs hurt like hell…It’ll be a few days before I recover, but tomorrow I have to go out again. Thank you for helping me, here and now.”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda looked at her hand when he touched it and it sent shivers donw her spine. She gazed in his eyes as he spoke to her. When Bruce released her hand, she put the towel back in the bowl and looked in the fire. She spoke softly:: " It is my pleasure helping you. I wish I could only do more. Henri I know has much more for you in store. I just hope you can handle all this...":: Miranda paused and looked at Bruce in his eyes. She moved her hand to her head, feathering his hair in her finger tips, she lead her hand down the side of his face and placed it on this cheek. She spoke again:: " ...But I know, you will be great , Bruce. I can feel it. " :: She pressed her lips and smiled looking at him. Her eyes glowing by the fire sparking in the background.::

-Bruce nodded some closing his eyes as he felt her hands running through his hair, he turned his attention back towards the fire as she did. The fire whispering nearby them gave them a certain feeling of privacy despite in a building where every shadow could’ve lurked a ninja or assassin looking to gain information or attempt to assassinate a victim.- “I try not to think about my old life. This, new one; seems fitting. I feel like this is necessary. A form of punishment.”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda smiled and she watched him close his eyes to her touch. She listened to Bruce talk about his new life. She titled her head in confusion and pressed her lips to speak:: " Punishment? But..wh.":: Before she could speak, Miranda eyes fixed to the door as if she heard someone coming. She threw on her cloak and covered her head with her hoodie. She jumped up and twisted to the window near by, she paused for a second and crotched down to Bruce, so close were the noses almost touched. She whisped.:: " Get some rest Bruce. Until next time. ":: Miranda pressed her soft lips on his cheek and smiled. She rushed to the window and disappeared in seconds. Miranda knew she heard her father down the hall. ::

-Bruce’s mouth fell open as Miranda fled; the kiss caused him to be stunned even longer. When Henri walked into the room to look around casually.- “I presume your recovery is going well?” –His gaze shifted around the room, looking for something, but his words were an excuse. Two men entered the room and helped pick Bruce up off the floor to carry him, but Bruce stood up on his own and nodded to Henri.- “Yes. I was just getting warm…” “The ice will help the bruising. Get some rest.” –Henri shifted his gaze around the room once more before leaving. He would notice the bowl and towel, but he would speak with her tomorrow, while Bruce was training.-

Talia Al Ghul ::The next morning, Miranda was restless. She made her way down to the training grounds early when no one was wake yet. She grabbed one of the combat rods and began to train by herself. In her mind, all she could think about was Bruce.How long was the training going to last? Was he going to make it? Who really is Bruce Wayne. Her mind was going 100 miles a sec. She stopped and bent over holding her knees. Breathing in deep to catch her breathe, she sat down in the middle of the training room and poundered to herself. She whispered his name:: " Bruce....What are you doing to me. If father knew...." :: Miranda looked down and breathed in again deep.::

“If I knew what, my daughter?” –Henri Ducard approached Miranda from behind, one of the many sliding doors throughout the palace.- “That you have your eye on him? That you are disobeying my instructions? Permitted the first conversation, my beloved daughter, but Bruce Wayne will be raised to a level of battalion leader in a few months. If you have any respect for the man and *any* love for your father, you will leave these grounds until I summon for you again. Do I make myself clear?” –Henri’s voice was tactful, sharp, and very polite, though Talia would know that if it were any other person he might not have been so polite.- “When he has graduated and proven himself as a masterwork Assassin, then you may proceed your wishes with him…” –Henri’s last words were spoke as he left giving her no time to respond and spoken with agitation.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda stood up and bowed her head to her father. She listened and kept her head down, knowing she must obey his wishes. She spoke softly and respectful.::" Yes, father. I am sorry. I will leave with morning. But may I say goodbye to Mr. Wayne..., father?" :: She spoke to him gently and looked in his eyes, pleding on her face expressions. She was fond of Bruce and wanted to say one last Goodbye until she sees him again for many months to come. Miranda waited for his response, eagerly::

-Henri listened to her plea and he weighed the thought.- “No, you will see him soon enough. Good things come to those who wait.” –Ubu would enter the room and gesture to her.- “Your vehicle is ready to take you to your plane.” –Ubu spoke strict Arabic as he stood in attention waiting for her. Bruce would wake up shivering suddenly sitting up from his bunk bed, a fellow assassin looking at him.- “A nightmare?” –Bruce shook his head.- “No…it’s just a mild fear of ba-…“ –Henri Ducard would enter the room.- “Are you ready, Bruce?” –Bruce nodded as he pulled himself up and prepared to train.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda was in her room, packing her things slowly thinking about the man her father was training. Who is this man. Why is she so fond of him as her father? Miranda saw Ubu standing in the corner, keeping her in sight without blinking. Miranda zipped her bags up and stood up.:: " Ok..I am ready, lets go before I change my mind." :: Miranda walked out the doors and down the halls of the chambers. She heard Bruce's voice in another room somewhere beyond the building. Miranda closed her eyes and kept walking::


A Dark deed


-Talia would be given a plane to board. It would be months later that she would hear of Bruce’s graduation, the ceremony a mere two days. The Chinese stronghold Talia was in seemed typical full of guards and loyalists to the League of Assassins. It was on this day that Darkk came to approach Talia.- “Mistress Talia, have you heard any word of your father regarding the plans to attack Gotham? I must insist that *I* lead the attack and not this amateur. Give me another chance and I will prove worthy of our cause, could you persuade your father in reconsidering? My seniority should outweigh my past flaw. I have studied Gotham and my strategy will be most effective.”

Talia Al Ghul :: Talia, stood outside a window and looked outside, she pressed her lips softly and shook her head. Without a word she placed her hand over her head turned around. She spoke softly and stern:: " I havent heard from my Father...The plans go as followed....Bruce Wayne is the one I want...If you hear from my Father, I am too be notified at once. Where is Ubu..? Tell him I must leave at once." :: Talia turned back around at the window and thought about Bruce, she spoke to herself softly:: " Finally, after so long of waiting, I can see you again Bruce. "::

-Darkk watched as she ignored him and then looked around to see where Ubu was, but he was absent. Darkk placed on a ring and then swung to smack Talia on the side of the head, if she was struck she would feel a burst of electrical energy shock that would incapacitate her, if she was struck he would immediately catch her and look around to make sure no one was around to see him abduct her. Meanwhile Ra’s took steps and spoke to Bruce.- “Your training is almost complete. Bruce, what did you feel for Miranda’s wear about?” –Bruce adjusted his sleeve to his robe and stroked his chin.- “I-uh…don’t feel anything. She…was nice. She’s different from everyone around here.” –Henri smirked some to himself.- “I see. You must be aware that everything can be a distraction, including her presence. You have battled fear, the need for vengeance, the thirst for justice. Your next trial will be your hardest. As you will be forced to put all of your skill into action.”

Talia Al Ghul :: Talia felt the swift hand of Darkk go by her head. She douged the first blow and moved quickly to one side. Starring at him with anger and disgrace she crouched down and spoke stern and loud:: " What are you doing?? How dare you try and defile me!!Ubu!! " :: Talia called for Ubu the only one who was able to help her. Dark swung again but this time hitting her perfect and making Talia fall to the floor. Dazed from the blow, Talia looked up at Darkk from the ground and spoke soft until she fell to a deep unconsciencous sleep:: " Darkk.....My father....will have your...head for this..." :: Talia was out cold on the ground, below Darkks feet. ::

-Darkk knelt and smirked as she was left useless, he placed a hand at her throat to feel her pulse and then he whistled for ninja’s to arrive and scoop her up and drag Talia off. Darkk would flee with the men. When Talia awoke she would be handcuffed to a chair, she was left in a brown brick room, apparently a dungeon of some kind. There was a door in front of her made of wood, the furniture would seemingly be made of wood. The prison she was held in wasn’t too difficult to escape, but perhaps too simple for a reason. However a day was passed and Ra’s had gotten wind that Henri Ducard had given Bruce the assignment to rescue Miranda. Bruce would approach the mansion placed out in the middle of a forest, tall gates reaching twenty feet high. Bruce stopped and looked up at the iron gates to jump and climb it, slipping over to the other side he landed, crouched wearing his full suit of ninja battle armor.

Talia Al Ghul :: Talia (Miranda) open her eyes to a dark place. She looked around and felt her body hooked to the chair by handcuffs. Looking to see if there was a way to get out, she knew this was not the first time she was taken. Miranda put her head down in disappointment. How could she have been so easy to capture with all her years of training. This was unacceptable. Miranda heard voices outside the doors. She knew it must be a handful of guards keeping her safe in her cell. Miranda thought to herself. What will happen now? Will her father notice that she has been missing now? Where is Bruce Wayne? Miranda sat in the dark thinking about all this, and what she would do when she gets her hands on Darkk for his betrayal and lies. She waited there now, thinking dark thoughts. ::

-Bruce moved through the brush when he stopped just a moment before reaching a trip wire, he front flipped over it and landed on his feet, looking around Bruce armed his katana and stepped forward, the unsheathing of swords perked his attention forcing him to look to his side and spot five ninja’s intercepting him. Bruce grunted spinning to slash the men across the face with his arm guard, knocking one ninja down, he parried and clashed against the remaining, before slashing one man on the thigh and then cutting their bicep forcing them to tumble and roll onto the ground. Bruce kicked backwards and then spun around slashing the ninja across the face forcing them to squeal in agony. He was then knocked over and tackled by the remaining ninja fighter, Bruce dropped his sword and blocked with his arm guards, grunting as sweat began falling down his face, and Bruce kicked the ninja in the stomach and flipped him over his body and dropped the ninja onto the trip wire. The wire would snap to release darts into the ninja knocking them unconscious.

Talia Al Ghul: -Miranda moved the chair with the momentum of her body. She lift the wooden chair to the brick wall. Gaining her balance, she slammed her body against the wall, breaking the chair in small pieces. Her hands were still behind her back from the handcuffs. Swooping her arms under her legs, she was able to bring them to the front. Hearing the voices outside her cell, she can see that all the noise caused a scene. Standing in attention, she gazed at the door and was ready to try and defend herself to whatever or whoever entered. Patiently...she waited, whispering to herself- "come on...." -In her mind she wished it was Darkk so she can get her revenege-

-Bruce continued on when the sound of a whistle caught Bruce’s attention, turning his head a dart struck him in the neck causing Bruce to crash into the ground where he fell unconscious. The assassins would surround Bruce and lift him off the ground and usher him into the fortress. Miranda’s cell would open and Bruce would be thrown into the room.- “Lord Darkk shall have you both executed within the hour.” –The Assassin spoke before locking the door and leaving. Bruce groaned against the floor feeling his arms cuffed behind him, his mouth hung open. Bruce struggled a bit while unconscious, but he seemed a bit beat up.-

Talia Al Ghul: -Miranda heard the door swing open and saw a dark body get thrown inside. She heard the voice of the assassin and saw the door slam again. She looked down and saw a man rolled on his stomach, Reaching down turning him over, she dicovered it was Bruce. Her eyes widen as she held up Bruce's head to her lap- Bruce...What are you doing here? What did they do to you? - She looked over his body and saw the dart to the side of his neck. She took it out and examined it. - Fentanyl filled Dart. This would only last for a two, three hours tops...Oh come on Bruce..You have to snap out of it. Breathe deep. Concentrate.- She propped Bruce up and tried to get him to open his eyes. She looked around for something to uncuff them. She took both her hands and placed them on the sides of his neck, she spoke clear and slow- Bruce, Do you have anything small like a paper clip, or something sharp? -she gazed at him with happiness in her eyes to see him but not in the particular place.-

-Bruce’s armor was stripped of him, leaving him in a black gee ninja uniform, but he felt the chill of Talia’s hands caused him to moan some.- “Mm…” –He shivered, his eyes opening some,- “I’m...drug…drugged.” –Bruce knew it was a powerful agent, but somehow he had survived, adapted from the training the League of Assassins had given him. Exposures to such chemicals allowed him to adjust quickly.- “Wher…where are…we?” –Bruce whispered not struggling with his arms and allowed Miranda to hold him up with her hands. His eyes were shut as he spoke, trying to think and calculate his next move, his eyes were draining too much of his brain function, it was best to close his eyes and listen.- “Are….Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” –He bobbed his head some trying to use his strength to hold it up.-

Talia Al Ghul :: She holds on to him, placeing her hands over his face. She looks into his eyes and sees that they are well dilated. She whispered to him softly:: " Shhh, I am ok Bruce. They didnt harm me. We need to get out of here. " She pulled him close to a wall and leaned him against it. She placed her ear to the door to count how many voices she can hear threw the walls.:: " Hmm...I hear about 4...I think I can handle them.":: She walked over to Bruce kneeling down in front of him. She ripped a piece of her sleeve off and tied it around his eyes.:: " You need to use your other senses right now. Remember your training." :: She placed her hand on his face again and looked at him. She missed him so much, but couldnt let the feeling out at this moment. She wished their first incounter again was a blissful one..but this will have to do.::

-Bruce felt the cloth wrap around his head, his hands would lift and adjust it to perfectly blind him and not straight his eye lids to see pure darkness. He took a few breathes before placing his hand on the wall and using it to guide him to stand.- “I’m still weak. “ –Bruce held onto her shoulder for support and then he began sliding his boots along the floor to gain an idea of his surroundings. He looked up and spoke.- “I wonder how tall the walls are…” –He paused for a split second.- “The room is about 8 feet across, twelve back…” –Bruce’s mind flashed to a memory, the sound of leathery and muscular wings snapping up and down at 200 flaps per minute. Bruce felt anxiety as fear began to follow in his shadow. Bruce then spoke to Miranda.- “I’m ready…”

Talia Al Ghul :: "Miranda" left his hand on the wall to balance him, she spoke softly to him:: " Stay right here." :: She put her back to the wall and knocked on the door 3 times. The guard was outside shouting "WHat do you want?" She spoke:: " PLease come quick, I dont think he is breathing." :: The foolish guard open the door, Miranda swung around him, back kicking him against the way and jabbing him straight in the throat. Falling to his knees, she kneed him and out he went.:: "One down.." :: Miranda walked up to Bruce and held on to him, she guided him to the door and whispered to him:: " Ok, here we go, follow your senses Bruce, I know you can. Feel your surroundings." :: She guiding him down the dark hall, she can hear voices further down, she gripped his hand tight and took a deep breathe:: " Lets go" ::

-Bruce followed her, listening to her voice to calm him. His lips were sealed tight like the soldier he was trained to be. The slightest misstep or sound could give away their position. He stepped over the man knocked out by Miranda, his ears perked out keeping their senses alert and prepared to react. It was fortunate that most of these men didn’t believe in using guns, otherwise this might’ve been a lot harder than anticipated. Bruce would ask.- “Did that last guard have a weapon or a key?” –Bruce yanked on Miranda to prevent her from moving too far ahead and away from the man. His thinking was different from most assassins, survival was his focus not escape.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda stopped and thought about what the man looked like. She remembered he opened the door with keys.:: "Damn it, keys." :: She places Bruce to the side and ducks him down.She looks down the hall and notice she is only a few feet away.:: " Bruce, stay here, I didnt think about the keys, I need to get these cuffs off as well and see if there is a way out. Please dont move. Ill be right back." :: She kissed his cheek, and stood up, rushing silently back to the room. She saw the man still unconsciencous. She searched him quickly and found a small blade, keys and access card. Uncuffing her hands free, she could hear the sound of men down the hall. She stood up, eyes widen and dashed to the doorway, the voices grew louder:: "Oh no, Bruce" :: She whispered to herself. ::

-Bruce heard the men coming and began felling around the area, their voices echoing, bouncing through the walls, allowing him to pin point their location. He felt the space he was in and began pressing his back against the wall while also using his feet to stand on the opposing wall. His hands applied gently pressure underneath his back which allowed him to climb up the wall towards the ceiling. He waited a moment as the men passed, he listed to hear them moving in Miranda’s direction, it was at this point Bruce used his only primary weapon. He dropped down slamming his body onto the group of four men. Bruce slammed his fist into one man’s nose, his wrists bound together prevented him from have free moment with them. He heard silence to his right both arms to deflect a punch aimed for his face, at which point Bruce’s fist bashed across the guards face knocking him back. He rolled backwards to take composure of himself as the remaining men stood up and raised their swords to come after Bruce.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda heard the commotion down the hall, running in full sprint, she grabbed the small knife and threw it arcoss the hall, hitting one of the men in the back. Falling to his knees, she sprinted towards Bruce, 3 men down, 1 men standing. She bounced her foot on the wall, pushing off and kicking the other man down. She was crotched on the ground when he stood up, turning his attention to her, with his sword to her throat. She looked at him, 3 men down ...1 man to go. She counted in her head. Backing up against the wall, the man smiled as he pointed the sword to her. She looked at Bruce, with calm eyes and than..she closed them, whispering under her breath.:: " Foolish mistake, if I were you, I get that sword out of my face" :: The man laughed and shouted " Or what?" Miranda knew Bruce was still a deadly threat that he left unguarded::

-Bruce picked up the man’s voice, noting the sound of Talia’s foot work as well the body dropping against the ground struggling with the pain of a knife in his back. Bruce grabbed the man’s throat from behind and spoke in Chinese.- “<Ra’s Al Ghul will bring you to justice, traitor.>” –The guard growled and replied back.- “<Ra’s al Ghul is a fool. As are you, blind man.>” –The guard reversed his sword around and stabbed himself in the stomach, the long blade punctured through his stomach almost hitting Bruce but, somehow he knew the man would suicide. Upon hearing the man drop, Bruce looked in Miranda’s direction.- “This way.” –He gestured towards the long hallway where the four men were heading.- “They said something about Darkk.” –Bruce reached down and dropped hold of a sword quickly grabbing a knife as well, he offered it to Miranda when suddenly his hand froze.- <c>

The image of a bat flying towards him caused him to clear his throat. Suddenly he was eight years old again; the round barrel of a revolver .38 pointed at his face, the copper colored tip of each bullet could be seen within the chamber and the wheel. Thomas Wayne would accidentally drop his wallet forcing the gun away from Bruce’s face. Bruce felt his hand holding a gun that the guard had carried. He held it out towards Miranda with his hand shaking some. The sound of leathery wings beating once more in his ears.-

Talia Al Ghul: “Bruce, Bruce…Are you ok? :: Miranda held out her hand to his face before grabbing the knife. She can feel his heart rising and his hand shaking. She placed her hand in his, taking the knife with the other. :: “ Where are we going? Where can we find Darkk?” :: Her voice was mean when the sound of Darkk came threw her lips. She gripped the knife hard and followed Bruce down the long hall. Keeping quiet, she could think of where her father was. Why was Darkk doing this? What was there to prove? As they reached the end of the hall, she can feel Bruce’s hand shaking in hers. She pulled him to her, making him stop for a moment. She crouched him down with her and looked at him. Reaching her hands to his face, she removed the cloth from his eyes. She spoke::” Bruce, open your eyes. Slowly…adjust to the surroundings again. “ :: She waited for him to responded and watched him closely, rubbing his eyes with her finger tips. ::

-Bruce took a few breaths and nodded his head to calm down.- “It’s the…poison.” –He stood up dropping the revolver onto the ground.- “The poison has some fear agent in it…I feel a bit of anxiety.” –A voice would then speak.- “Come minions of Ra’s Al Ghul…” –Darkk’s voice echoed through the halls, the hallway they followed revealed a dining room setup with candles and a full feast, torches lighting the walls while Darkk sat upon a throne. Bruce felt Miranda’s hands moving along his eyes, he began opening his eyes slowly as he peeled away the cloth. Sudden blindness occurred as his eyes adjusted and revealed that they were operating.- “Darkk…” –Darkk smiled standing up, wearing a stripped down uniform exactly like Bruce and other ninja from the League of Assassins.- “Why you ask? Because it should be me who is leading the assault on Gotham…To prove my worth, I have taken Ra’s most prized into possession. I will kill you and take my place as the heir and ruler of the new world.” –Bruce narrowed his eyes.- “I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda stood up and stood beside Bruce, her eyes glaring at Darkk with her hands clenched in a fist. She had the small knife gripped to her side, shaking in her grip of the words that Darkk was saying. Finally, she spoke:: “ How dare you even speak of Ra’s and the league so casually. You will never be worthy.” :: She closed her mouth tight, forgetting her place, she watched as Darkk smiled. She placed her eyes on Bruce. She knew he was worthy of Ra’s intentions, and proving his skills today during her capture, she knew he was a great man, leader and heir. She turned her attention back at Darkk and walked forward to him. Making her body stand still and not to charge, she walked slowly and quietly listening to what he has to say about his foolishness to Ra’s and the League of Assassins. ::


-Darkk growled and dismissed his hand.- “I may have failed initially, but to have one failure wipe away all of my success? It is irrational, especially from a man who hides himself in plain sight.” –Bruce followed alongside Miranda, his wrists were still bound, but held onto the sword he obtained earlier. Bruce’s gaze studied Darkk’s stance and posture, when Darkk finally armed his sword and began waving it around his body to practice and adapt himself to the weight of the weapon. Bruce’s grip clutched the blade and took a stance. Darkk smirked with his gaze eyeing Miranda, at which point, somewhat distracted Bruce’s attention to look at her, knowing there was something between them or something they weren’t saying.- “Bruce Wayne…You will be the death of our organization. Can’t any of you see it? His very name sake challenges our existence.” –Bruce then growled.- “Miranda. Look away.” –Bruce charged swinging his sword multiple times aiming to chop down on Darkk’s head. The sword was manipulated swiftly in Darkk’s hand allowing him to parry each strike from Bruce, silver crafted katanas shrieked as their metals began grinding against each curved blade.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda kept her eyes on Bruce. Once he jumped up and swung at Darkk, she watched with wide eyes and clenched the knife in her hand waiting to strike. She discovered that Bruce was bounded and Darkk would have the advantage. She barked at Dark angrily:: “ GET AWAY FROM HIM DARKK. How dare you attack a man who is tied? Don’t you have any honor to fight with dignity? “ :: Hoping to make Darkk mad and distracted him for a moment, she rushed behind Bruce and aiming the small knife to the ropes binding Bruce’s hands. She threw the knife between them, cutting it just enough for Bruce to break free. Miranda stepped back and smiled. She didn’t want to give away her identity too much so she backed off to let Bruce fight Darkk. She spoke:: “ Bruce, teach this unworthy man what it means to be a leader. Show him why you are worthy. Show him your training. “ She crossed her arms and watched Bruce grow with strengthen.::

-Darkk seemed agitated by her words.- “Death does not wait for you to have your hands undone! If he is to be chosen he must fight regardless of the circumstances!” –Darkk spun on his heels bearing his blade to slash Bruce across the stomach, however; Miranda’s arrival behind him caused Bruce to angle his arms in an open space allowing Miranda to slice between his wrists cutting the cuffs with moderate damage to their chains at the cost of snapping half of her dagger. Bruce and Darkk clashed at which point Bruce grunted and struggled to push against Darkk. The voice of the man wearing a black ninja uniform, covered head to toe.- “You’re too weak. You are in no condition to fight me. You’re just an angry child with a sword.” –Bruce’s face scrunched with frustration and anger. Their bodies locked in pushing their swords against each other with a scream of steel against steel, Darkk finally swept Bruce’s leg causing Bruce to hit the ground, but Bruce’s other leg kicked into Darkk’s hip throwing him backwards. <c>

Bruce rolled backwards and onto his feet before whipping his wrists a part snapping the cuffs. Darkk regained balance and charged towards Bruce swinging his katana while Bruce twirled his own. Bruce’s speed began picking up, both men slashed furiously at each others’ arms, chest, and head, with no success outside of parried attacks causing a shrill of metal. Another lock occurred between both men but then it was cut short by Bruce suddenly falling backwards and crashing into the dining table. Darkk leaped closer to Bruce.- “Too weak. Pathetic…A wiser man wouldn’t have fought in your condition. A stronger man would’ve protected her. A better man would rule the world. You are none of those because you can’t kill me.” –Bruce then groaned.- “I don’t want to kill you…I’m protecting her and Ra’s Al Ghul’s legacy.” –Darkk Spat at Bruce.- “You don’t KNOW his legacy!” –Darkk pressured Bruce’s blade against Bruce’s neck.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda watched as Bruce and Darkk went at it. She notice that Bruce was getting weaker and could barely hold on from the poison inside him. She turned around looking for some type of weapon. Looking at the walls, she saw two swords bound to a mantel. She turned to Bruce with worried eyes and turned back to the wall. She rushed over, pulling the sword hard to get it down. She put her foot up against the wall, gripped the sword with to hands and released it from the mantel. She held the sword, looking down at it. Hearing the words of her fathers name from Darkk made her angry. How dare him to think he can honor Ra’s name. She thought about her training. The training that her father gave her of showing the opponent no mercy. With her eyes closed, she saw flash backs, swirling in her mind. Finally, she opened, eyes drawn to Darkk as his blade was near Bruce’s throat. She put the sword up to her face and charged at Darkk. Leaping on the table, she ran towards him and jumped over Darkk and Bruce, slashing Darkk’s back with one swipe. She landed with her sword to her side and crouched down with her back facing them. She didn’t know if she hit him good enough to make him fall to the ground and giving Bruce a chance. She slowly stood up and turned around to see what she done. The first eyes she met..was Bruce. ::

-Darkk gasped feeling the open gash across his back, Bruce would feel his strength gaining as Darkk was rapidly losing his, Bruce pushed the dying man off and dropped him onto the ground where he stared at the ceiling. Bruce’s gaze looked worried towards Talia.- “I…” –He glanced at Darkk.- “…I tried to save him…” –Bruce dropped his katana seeing Dark’s eyes wide and empty as he continued to stare at the ceiling. Bruce stiffened his jaw and glanced at Miranda.- “Are you alright?” –He reached to hold her hand.- “Thank you, for saving my life…” –Bruce looked over her features as she studied Darkk’s body.-

Talia Al Ghul: :: Miranda kept her eyes on Darkk. She turned to Bruce for a moment and placed her hand on his face. :: “ I am ok Bruce, Are you ok? “ :: She turned her attention back on Darkk. He laid there looking weak and helpless. She spoke to Bruce softly and calmly:: “ Bruce, the way outside is just down that hall. Go. I will meet you there. “ :: Once she saw Bruce walking away, she picked up the Katana and stood over Darkk. Her eyes were filled with rage and death. Thinking Bruce was nowhere in sight, she placed the sword to Darkk’s neck. She spoke:: “ You are pathetic and dishonored Ra’s and the league. What did you think would happen for kidnapping me? You fool. I will show you the same mercy you were going to show me. “ :: She placed both her hands on the katana, swiftly raised it to her head and swung down with one swipe. Feeling the blood splatter on her clothes, she impaled the sword on the ground next to Darkk’s body. Wiping her face, looking at the head of Darkk, she smiled and turned around, thinking that her work was done without notice. She did what she was trained to do…no mercy.::

-Bruce wouldn’t have left Miranda, watching her stab Darkk and splattering of blood as another pool of blood formed around his body. Bruce’s jaw stiffened, he seemed lifelessly, emotionless. Images of Joe Chill lying before him. Bruce wanted to smirk and as the sensation teased at his lip, he felt, for the moment, satisfied. A small voice in his head told him to stop her, but that was of a frightened child begging for sanity and rational thinking. This was justice in purest form, he had kidnapped and almost killed both of them, it was only justice that would evidently fall upon Darkk and his foolish transgressions. Bruce looked at Miranda and gave her a gentle nod, when his attention turned to Henri Ducard entering the room with a gentle nod.- “Well done…You’ve managed to stop Darkk and rescue Ms. Tate.” –Bruce bowed his head once more like a soldier. Henri smiled at Miranda and waved for both of them to follow.- “Come. There is a helicopter waiting outside. Tonight we prepare and celebrate our new champion.” –Bruce went to follow Henri when he almost collapsed and grabbed onto Miranda.- “Whoa…Sorry. A little dizzy.” –Bruce glanced at Darkk’s dead body the image of his father flashed over the body, Bruce blinked and the image was gone; the image of a ghost. Darkk’s black gee couldn’t have been a tuxedo…and Thomas Wayne wasn’t masked. Bruce stood up right and said.- “I need to walk a little slower.”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda’s eyes were wide as she turned and saw Bruce was watching her. Once she saw Bruce was ok just still, she walked over to him and nodded. She looked over him and saw Henri was there. As he spoke to them both of them, Miranda saw one of the guards handing her cloth to wipe her face. She looked over at Bruce who was watching Henri. She walked past Bruce until he collapsed on her side. She quickly held him and put his arm around her neck. :: “ Steady Bruce, we can walk slow, I am here with you.” :: She walked with Bruce to the chopper and placed him in first. She Climbed in after him and closed the door shut. Looking at her reflection in the glass, she felt embarrassed to have blood all over her. She looked down away from Bruce and focused on getting him in the infirmary and ready for the celebration. Finally, she can be with Bruce without leaving him. Miranda formed a smile and sat quietly on the chopper ride. ::

Demonic Will

-Once they returned to the training grounds, Bruce would be treated with an antidote and prepared for a dining room toast. Bruce had taken his time with recovery, using it to spend time with Miranda. Henri nor Ra’s seemed to mind their forming bond that didn’t require words to form. He had arrived solely with the mission of rescuing Miranda , ignorant that this too was a test for Miranda. Henri hadn’t sent any other assassins except Bruce out of confidence that Bruce and her would kill Darkk, his plans were succeeding with an additional perk of a relationship forming between them. Bruce was wearing a white robe with a bit of his bare chest exposed underneath it its folding front. A belt wrapped around his waist kept the robe from slipping open. The celebration was an unusual one to a Gotham social party, everyone was quiet and merely enjoying a dinner together with quality grilled food, Bruce had to admit that he had grown to like food that was cooked rather than processed back home in Gotham. Thoughts of Alfred’s own cooking came to mind, a man he hadn’t spoken to since attending the court of Joe Chill’s deal that cut him from prison. The table was round and everyone sat on their legs with their feet folded beneath them in some style or another. Ra’s Al Ghul’s Asian eyes studied Bruce, judging with every fiber of his being.- <c>

-Bruce was nervous under the man’s gaze typically, but Miranda next to him made the judgmental gaze easier to handle. Bruce lifted a piece of bread to his lips and bit into it as he stared at a glass of red wine in front of him. Henri took note sitting on the other side of Miranda.- “You have had but a taste of vengeance today, Bruce…Satisfying?” –Bruce thought for a moment and nodded his head slowly.- “It was…for a moment. I think about it more and more…” –Henri would inject.- “But it wasn’t enough. There must something more you can do…” –Bruce nodded his head slowly.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda once back at the grounds, rushed to get cleaned up and to spend time with Bruce, talking in the infirmary. The night of the celebration, Miranda headed down to the dining area and swiftly talking with guards, “Ra’s” and Henri. She sat down and waited for Bruce to join and for the celebration to beginning. Miranda couldn’t stop looking at him the whole night. Teasing him with her eyes and lips. She could only be more attracted to him. Seeing the warrior side come out of him, the strength, it aroused her and knowing that he could possible be the perfect heir. Miranda was giving Bruce eye signals to come see her. For them to sneak away and be alone. She made sure she was not being watched by Henri or Ra’s while giving the innocent gestures. Once the night was coming to an end, Henri had Miranda escorted back to her room. She rolled her eyes and followed the guard back to the living quarters. She looked at the guard, annoyed and nodded “ I don’t want you standing here all night. I will be fine. “ She closed the door and undressed to a robe. She released her hair and let it flow down her back. Thinking of Bruce, she sat on her bed with her legs crossed, waiting for the night to die down to silence.::

-Henri walked with Bruce to his sleeping quarters explaining.- “What do you think about her?” –Bruce frozen outside his room, feeling caught.- “She’s…An enchanting woman.” –Bruce spoke clearing his throat and standing in attention. Henri smirked.- “You two may one day inherit the world, Bruce. Vengeance is powerful, but second to it is love, together they are undefeated. Don’t shy away from your true emotions; embrace them for what they are. And don’t let *fear* stop you from doing anything.” –Henri nodded to Bruce before walking away. Bruce opened the door to his room when he glanced to see that Henri wasn’t in the hallway anymore. He closed the door and began making his way to Miranda’s room where he knocked before gently opening the door.- “Miranda? Can we talk?” –Bruce would see if she was okay with his intrusion before entering and closing the door behind him.-

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda was sitting in a candle lit room. She was in deep thought about Bruce and Henri intentions. She heard the door crack open and slowly raised her head to see whom it was. Once hearing Bruce voice she smiled and spoke sweetly:: “ Yes, of course, please come in and have a seat. “ :: She stood up and smiled at Bruce, offering him to sit down on the chairs she had towards the balcony. Walking to a small desk, she lit more candles to light up the room a little more. Watching Bruce take a seat, she walked towards him, playing with her hair and pulling it to one side. Slowly approaching the chair, she sat down and crossed her legs, looking at him. She pressed her lips slowly, her head tilted to one side and proceeded to speak:: “ So, what did you want to talk to me about Mr. Wayne? “ ::

-Bruce took in the lighting of the room before taking a seat in one of the two chairs.- “I was speaking to Henri about tomorrow…I will have my ceremony and join with the League and fight against injustice. And he asked me about you. I told him that I thought you were an enchanting woman, an amazing woman…” –Bruce glanced at his hands settled in his lap, entangling his fingers with each other he spoke.- “He reminded me to not be afraid. To not let fear stand between me and what is destiny…I’m meant for something bigger I would like for you to be with me…I’ve never had a serious girlfriend before…” –He lifted his head to look at her.- “If something doesn’t work out tomorrow, I just wanted to thank you for helping me. And I don’t want to have the regret of you not knowing that there could be more between us…”

Talia Al Ghul :: Miranda sat in the chair, twiddling her fingers and looking down. With every word he was saying, the smile on her face grew bigger and bigger. She looked up with her eyes and spoke softly:: “ Henri thinks you and I are meant for each other Bruce. We have the same goals, with the League, with the future…” :: She hovered over to him, kneeling down in front of him. She reached her soft hands to his and entwined them. She looked in his eyes, and gripped his hands tight. :: “ Bruce, the moment I saw you, I felt a connection with you as well. The night when I addressed your wounds, I knew I would see you again. We have fought side by side, and my feelings grown stronger. ..” :: She placed one hand to his face and moved closer to him:: “ You are going to do great things with Henri, Ra’s and the league…And I want to be the woman by your side.” :: she whispered the last words and felt her hands trembling. She gazed at him, mouth partial open and breathing softly:: “ Don’t be afraid Bruce, because, suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of….Let go..tonight…let go of fear." ::

-Miranda’s words struck home to Bruce, thoughts of his father.- ‘The bats aren’t monsters. They were scared by you, they were protecting their home. Everyone experiences fear.’ Bruce: ‘Even the scary monsters?’ Father: ‘Especially the scary monsters…’ –Bruce exhaled deflating his lungs as his mind noticed Miranda in front of him, he placed his hand onto her cheek and leaned into her and pressed his lips against hers, massaging and rubbing his tiers against hers while his right hand’s thumb brushed her cheek softly. Her words seemed to make sense as he was destined to do something greater than this, she would be an asset to help guide him. Fear began building with each passing moment of their lips pressing against each other. The back of his neck and shoulders would feel an intense heat growing from guilt, the taste of wine on Miranda’s lips teased him like a demon asking him to break the rules just this once. Her words were ever more encouraging as he couldn’t help but to give in, his heart beat began to pound in his chest drowning out the fear and guilt. He settled that she would be the beacon to guide him out of the darkness and shadows that surrounded him.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda pulled away slowly and looked deep into his eyes. She knew he was in control of the moment. Still wanting to keep his composer and training embedded in his mind. She stood up and walked to the fireplace, reaching for her glass for wine. She pressed it to her lips and spoke:: “ I know its getting late, Bruce. I can feel your tremble upon your lips when you kissed me of getting caught…. Alone…with me. What would Henri say? What about your training? “ :: She turned around with one hand crossed over under her chest and the other with her wine to her lips. Miranda looked at Bruce, tempted to let go. She wanted to push him to the edge to teach him a new experience of fear and excitement. The thought of guards all over the place, the thought of getting caught alone with him, it excited her. She smiled a devilish grin, licking the wine from her lips, :: “ What are you thinking about Bruce? What is running threw your head at this very moment? I want you to tell me…in full detail. “ :: She teased him with her words and waiting to see if he had the ability to let himself go for one night…or for that matter….for her. ::

-He stared for a moment, watching her pull away when he finally stood up and began looking around the room.- “He hasn’t said anything. All this training to make me something…I feel stronger. I’m faster, I’m an expert in combat…but what good will it do? Tonight I saw the eyes of a man lying on the floor dead not because of Justice, but from vengeance.” –Bruce turned to look at her and crossed his hands over his stomach.- “What do you feel after all that has happened? I…I just feel excitement, thrill, thirsty; hunger…but I know that when all of it leaves. All that will remain after the flames will be fear…I don’t want to live in fear and I don’t want to live knowing that in a moment I had a chance to make the difference, I chose not to make that move.” –Bruce’s soft blue eyes held a mirror of flames of the fireplace dancing within his eyes, shadows flourishing over his body cascading it in a mixture of red, orange, gray, and black.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda looked down thinking about Darkk and what Bruce thought was an injustice kill. The blood splatter on her face when she killed Darkk was something she wanted to see after his betrayal to her father and to herself. Her lips curled to a small smile, to hide what she really felt. She was upset, not because of Darkk and his death, but because Bruce will now have the nightmare of seeing her slay him. She took one more sip of her wine before answering Bruce, :: “ I feel nothing Bruce. That man was going to kill you, I was not going to let that happen. Right now, we are safe… free and there should be no more fear for tonight. You continue on with your journey, and I will be right by your side, watching your blind spot.“ :: She teased as she took another sip, walking towards the window and leaning into the wall. :: “Bruce, fear is something that will be in this world forever, its our job as a human to know how deep we want that fear to intrude in our life. I don’t see you having fear Bruce, I see you being feared. “ :: Smiling and turning around, she took her last sip of wine and licked her lips. Gazing at Bruce with sweet eyes placing the empty glass to her side::

-He paused listening to her, absorbing what she was saying and then nodding his head slowly.- “I understand…” –He walked over to her and looked out at the stars in the sky, submerged deep within the ocean of twilight and space.- “Henri told me that I had traveled the world to understand others, I know everything there is about them, and no matter what it doesn’t change the fate of my parents. But maybe I can change the fate for others, prevent them from losing those close to them.” –Bruce looked at Talia, his eyes falling o her chin only to rise and look at her eyes.- “Once again. Thank you…” –His gaze went back to the stars and he said.- “They’re beautiful aren’t they? As people we look up to them, searching for something to save us, something or someone to change our lives. Someone special to just…drop out of the sky.” –He looked at her.- “And they don’t exist. It’s just us. We have to make our own fate.”

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda’s eyes shift to him for a moment and back outside. She crossed her arms over one another with her empty glass in one hand. She looked down for a moment to speak.:: “ So then Bruce, you talk about fate, what now? What is Bruce Wayne going to do right now?” :: She smiled and tilted her head to him, with a grin. Miranda shifted her weight to one side and looked up at the stars once more.:: “So many choices to choose. So many things to think of. I sometimes stumble on the path I want to take. A part of me loves seeing the light, even though my world is in darkness. “ :: She stopped suddenly and shook her head, trying to change the subject. :: “ But that is another story now. What will you do tomorrow? What are the plans for you? “ :: She looked at the side table and walked to it, placing her glass at the edge softly.::

“Henri and Ra’s are going to exalt me. A graduation tomorrow…Tonight, I won’t let fear stop me…” –His hand reached out to her free hand while her main hand placed the glass down. He would softly pull her into an embrace where his blue eyes would rush over her facial features. His lips parted to speak, but quickly shut. If she would allow his embrace he would have his right hand holding her left close to his chest, while his left hand sat ease on her lower back. His breathe smelled of the dinner, his scent was still fresh from a shower.- “…and what are your plans…for tonight?” –His blue eyes were soft looking into hers, it was rare that they could be such way, it only occurred when he looked into her eyes. Though it was unconscious of him, a natural reaction that was subtle, their bodies were lit only by the fire place in her bedroom while a veil of stars blanketed their other side.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda let her hands become free, as she was pulled into his embrace. She looked up into his eyes with fire glowing in them. She kept her face stern and spoke quietly:: “I know fear will never stop you Bruce, I will be at the celebration tomorrow…if they don’t have plans for me already. “ :: Her body was still as she let him take control, she glanced at the sky, pushing her body into his a bit more. Keeping her breathe in rhythm, she slowly pressed her lips together, with wine on her breath, she spoke with no hesitation.:: “ I have nothing going on tonight. I will most likely stay up and sit in thought…..or sneak out to get some freedom.” :: She teased and nudged him:: “Why, was there something you planned for tonight?”::

-Bruce smirked, shyly.- “I…You...you wanted me to be here, with you. I’m not blinded by the way you look at me, Miranda…My focus has been on completing myself…but inside there’s a part of me that’s missing. And I think it’s you. I get this feeling that there is more to us…I feel protective and I feel fear of losing you. I don’t want to let you go tonight because if they find out we’re here…they may separate us.” –Bruce softly whispered to her, a taste of her breath filled with a sweet wine. He wanted to be quiet, even amongst “allies” they both knew there were eyes and ears everywhere. –

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda looked over to the window. She walked there slow and opened it with a smirk. Looking around, she knew it could be so easy for her to escape. She turned back around and smiled at Bruce playfully.:: “Want to go on an adventure Bruce? This could be our last time together alone. I want to make it…fun.” ::She moved the robe out of her way, exposing her thigh while straddling the window ledge. Moving her other leg out, she turned to Bruce placing her finger to her lips and winking.:: “Come with me Bruce. I know a place were we can be alone.” ::She jumped out the window, landing softly and hiding waiting to see if he would have the nerves to follow the woman into the darkness of the training grounds. She knew he wanted her, just as much as she did him. It was time for him to prove it.::

-Bruce’s eyes followed her as she slipped onto the ledge, a soft smile perked from his lips when watched her exposed leg, and his eyes were barely able to make out the wink of her eyes.- “Now? It’s freezing cold outside…Where could we possibly go-…” –He was cut off when she dropped into the shadows over the ledge.- “Miranda.” –He called out softly rushing to the ledge to look down at her. His heart beat was pounding in his chest, but not from panic rather an uneasy feeling he was getting from this woman. He looked around the ledge, examining its dimensions before bracing his hands and flipping his body over it. His black ninja robe remained around his body as his chest and legs seem bulky while his waist was firmly pressed against his form by the belt wrapped around him twice. He landed next to her causing the snow around them to shuffle quietly. Bruce could see his breath fogging in front of him, the winters bite pecked at his skin, but somehow he was feeling hot while his eyes held her in them.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda turned around, crouched to him and placed her finger on his lips, she pointed to a guard that was standing near the gate they had to pass to get out the training grounds. She breathed in deep and smiled. The cold didn’t bother her as much. Their training was excessive to deal with harsh environments. She licks her lips and spoke:: “We have to pass him, I know how. I am going to make a diversion and you sneak out the doors. There is a cavern just a mile from here. It has a hot spring that will keep us warm, and other things…” ::She snickered:: “Its my personal escape from the duties here. I will see you, on the other side.” ::She kissed him before running off to make noises so the guard left his post for just a second, giving Bruce plenty of time to get away and hide. Miranda hit a barrel causing the guards attention to her. She ran hiding for cover and praying Bruce would get passed. With a smile, she couldn’t wait to be alone with him.::


-There was something in the air that changed, but Bruce felt himself smirk feeling her lips press against his and then she ran off again. He amazed by her speed and the thought of catching her to stop her crept into his thought, this would be interrupted by the swift movement of a guard, their own ninja like reflexes moving to intercept Miranda, giving Bruce the opportunity to move. His footsteps leaping onto rocks that were creating a stepping stone pattern to avoid leaving tracks in the snow, when he finally arrive at the cavern he could feel a bit more oxygen than that of the light atmosphere of the training grounds, which had made it difficult to do everything the training required. He waited patiently as he could, unsure that she was safe. He began to question about her, how much to her was surface level and how much was buried underneath her beautiful eyes.-


Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda was smiling the whole way to the cavern. She was excited and finally free from her father and Ubu. She walked in, looking at Bruce sitting and waiting. She smiled and spoke:: “Did I keep you waiting long? “ ::She smiled as she approached him. She reached for his hand and led him deeper in the cavern. There was a point where a sheet was covering something. She stopped him and opened the sheet out the way, smiling. :: “ Welcome to my get away Bruce, make yourself at home.” ::Miranda’s hideout was wonderful. There were rugs covering the ground and lanterns above their heads. Pillows, books and soft blankets scattered the ground as artifacts that she gathered from her journeys were on the walls. There was a place she can set a fire and a hot spring just to the side. It was her own little place of paradise. Some were she can feel more safe, alive and away from her normal life. She walked in and made a quick fire in the pit. She smiled and pushed her books away to make a space for Bruce to sit.:: “Come here, get warm. Its going to be a long night for you and I.” ::



-Bruce came walking to her, his blank expression followed her.- “Miranda…” –He said coming to sit down next to her.- “This place is wonderful. And you hide here alone?” –Bruce’s eyes held her once more before looking to the warm fire place. Her being around him once more ignited a fire within him that clashed with thunder in his chest.- “So, what are we going to do?” –Bruce said looking at the books for a moment and then to her. He cleared his throat just from watching her beauty as the light from the fire danced across her skin while shadows tickled at their backs. An underlying sensation of thrill from this whole situation…She was like a forbidden fruit to him, but he wasn’t sure why that was. Why did she feel so important?-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda sat close by him and teased him with view of her bare thigh. She pressed her lips watching the fire and speaking low and cunning.:: “Yes, this is my get a way. I come here to think and meditate. But enough about training, Ra’s and the grounds….::She lend in closer to him. Her body was hot and now there was no one to control her. Miranda was wild on the inside and she could not be tamed once released. She wanted Bruce all to herself. She placed her hand on his leg and moved in closer to him, letting her robe fall over her shoulders.:: “Bruce, you know we are not watched here. We are free to do what we want. And I know what I want. What I crave. What I been waiting for.” :: She pressed her lips on his and kissed him hard and passionately. Pulling back and smiling:: “You know, you saved me from Darkk, that was how I knew you were going to be important to me. My protector. My …beloved. “ ::

-Bruce relaxed some hearing her words that they were alone, when her lips pressed against his she would feel him push against hers calmly, free of trouble or time. When she pulled back his hand reached to cup her cheek and hold her closer to his face. His nose against hers to hear her speak.- “…Beloved…” –He whispered, repeating her words just as she spoke them. He inhaled her breath as he leaned into her to kiss her again, softly and gently kissing her lips as his eyes were closed to imagine an intimate connection building between them. Their bodies spoke for them, in a manner that was unique to them, no matter what would happen tonight or after, this bond would remain and felt so unbreakable. He felt stronger with her, while the shadow of doubt, the Criminal science educated man within him fell silent as his questions were brushed off, he didn’t need to know more about her. He was bonding with her well enough that words couldn’t describe.-

The shadows of the couple danced within the cavern, moans echoed throughout the hidden location within the moutains, the temperature within the hideout had risen to levels of passion. As two shadows exchanged lip contact with suckling and massaging. Their noses came docked alongside each other as one shadows legs wrapped around the hips of the other. Arms of a masculine figure wrapped around the torso of his partner's bare skin to embrace and hold them close. The moans of a passion released from the woman's mouth and soon the couple would find themselves embracing each other in an after glowing sensation as they cuddled each other for what felt like their last night alive.

He began to slow feeling himself winded from constant movement against her, sighing for that moment as he looked down at her to hear her words once more.- “Miranda…I love you…” -Bruce leaned down to her kissed her pushing his chest away from hers as his hands propped himself above her as if performing a push-up. Her hands would be able to feel his large muscles, solid and firm enough that her nails and grip would have to apply a significant amount of pressure to dig in and form a grip, however; his muscles would stand up as a firm wall that she could feel was just as rigid as concrete within her grasp. It would be minutes later that they found themselves tangled amongst sheets, his arms were wrapped around her holding her closely to him. His hand held hers and gently massaged her left hand with his on as he rested on her right side, his right arm was resting underneath her, wrapped around her shoulders.- “I hope they aren’t looking for us…might get into trouble.” -Bruce whispered to her.-


Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda listen to his sweet words of “I love you” The only thing that got to her was the name. Miranda. She knew she had to lie to him about who she really was but somewhat inside her, she felt the loveable Miranda is better than the Assassin Talia. Miranda laid her head down on his chest and interlaced her fingers to his. She breathed deep and looked up at the cavern walls, glistening with the fire’s reflection. She smiled when Bruce talked about the guards might be looking for them. She knew they been gone for hours and her father kept a close watch. She didn’t care of the punishment she would face. She looked up at him and smiled. :: “ Oh let them look. They wont ever find us Beloved. This is my place to hide from the duties of Ra’s and his men. You are perfectly safe with me here.” :: She reached for a small kiss on his lips and laid her head back down. What is Ra’s was watching right now? She knew that with his blood hounds (assassins) they could scope out Talia in a heartbeat. She closed her eyes trying not to think about it. Her life of secretive motives made her wonder if Bruce would accept her once he found out who she was.


To kill a Demon

-Bruce closed his eyes and leaned against her to sigh and coo.- “Tell me something…What were you thinking when you killed that man? Darkk. Did you ever think that maybe there was another way? We’re trained to kill, but where’s the justice in that? To be judge, jury, and prosecutor, you know? I’m just unsure…” -His hand slid over her bicep to gently stroke and massage the tiny hairs on her skin. As his eyes stared out towards the ceiling of the cavern, the cool breeze that washed over them but, soon faded. He closed his eyes while listening to her response, embracing her voice as he found soothing comfort in it.-

Talia Al Ghul ::Miranda listen to his question and couldn’t think of a proper way to response. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep, remembering the face of Darkk and what he done. In her years of training there was no such thing as justice or mercy. She knew she did what Ra’s wanted her to do. She followed her father orders for many years and knew no weakness. But when it came to Bruce, she felt different. Something he did sparked goodness inside her. She saw Darkk’s face and knew that she did take a mans life. She saw the face he made when she killed him. She felt sick to her stomach now. What have she done? Bruce was not that kind of man. She nuzzled her face in his side and spoke softly:: “I regret what I did. It was how I was trained. But I had to do it for the League and Ra’s. My loyalties lies with them…..in yet….:: She paused and breathed deep. :: “ I am feeling more loyal to you as well Beloved.” :: She looked up at him and rested her head. She knew she would never betray her father but this man was part of her life now. What was she gong to do? ::

-Bruce nodded some to her.- “I don’t blame you for what you did…You saved my life. Thank you, beloved.”-He snuggled close to her, his hands welcoming her closer to him to grasp for comfort. Meanwhile in the distance, Henri stood with his arms folded behind his back watching the cavern, his expression calculating and holding a small smirk of content as he waited for his next move on the next day. It would be in the next morning when Talia woke up alone that she would realize Bruce had left, with her was his Katana sheathed and fashioned as a present. A loud explosion would echo through the mountains and signs of any survivors of the training facility would seem few and far between. Injured assassins crawled and struggled to escape the burning palace that crumbled on the mountain side. None of the assassins knew of Henri Ducard or Ra’s Al Ghul’s state, even Ubu was concerned, not for Ra’s, rather Henri Ducard who seemed to have vanished amidst the betrayal of Bruce Wayne.


To be continued...