Welcome, one and all! This is the second story in a series, so I recommend that any new readers read "The Tempest" first. Thank you!
Helena Bertinelli was a vigilante and she loved her work. She went by the codename Huntress and she loved doing just that, hunting down scum. Her home was Gotham City, and though the batty Bat Squad didn't like it, they couldn't drive her out. She'd underestimated the ole Bat Boy though. This was a new low even for him.
"You want me to WHAT!"
Batman shook his head as if to remove any memories of that screech. "I'm extending an invitation from the Justice League of membership to you."
"What's the catch?"
He quirked an eyebrow (which she could only tell because the black eye make-up around his eye moved) (what kind of man wears make-up?). "There is no catch. I believe it will be an opportunity for you to learn."
"To learn what?"
"Control."
"Why do I need control?" Huntress asked, slightly offended. She considered her skills masterful.
Batman gestured to the three thugs surrounding them, one with an arrow in the arm and knocked unconscious, another with a broken arm, a cracked skull, and a pitiful whine, and the third...dead...he never should have tried to stab her. How was she supposed to know there was a jagged pole sticking out of that wall? She didn't have eyes in the back of her head.
"Ooooooooh...that? I guess I got a little carried away."
"Just a little."
"Why would the big bad Justice League accept a little human girl like me?"
Batman smiled a bit. "'Little human girl'?"
"Well you have to admit that metahumans and aliens are far more likely to be found there. Or immortal beings like your girlfriend."
He wasn't smiling anymore. Somehow, that made Helena feel good. "I'm human. I'm a member."
"You're a pseudo-member who is rarely seen. Maybe you're lying and this is all a trick."
"Why would I lie to you?"
"Because you're Batdude and you've got a problem with me in our city."
"I can admit that I've been averse to your patrolling here in the past. However, I think joining the Justice League could be good for you."
Helena considered that, then gave her answer. "No." She turned and started to climb the fire escape up to the roof. He followed.
"No?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Cause I don't trust you, and I certainly don't trust a bunch of freaks who wear their underwear on the outside."
"Says the woman wearing a bikini..."
"Hey! This allows optimal movement. I have a valid reason for wearing this. Plus it distracts guys and allows me to kick their ass." Huntress walked over to the edge of the roof, and with a small push off, somersaulted onto the roof next to it. Batman followed.
"I don't doubt it."
Helena stopped and turned around. "Was that a back-handed compliment?"
"If I back hand you, compliment or no, you'd know."
"It was." She turned and continued on her way home. It was almost dawn, and she had a job to get to. "Why is this so important to you?"
"Why are you so nonchalant about it?"
"It doesn't matter to me."
"It doesn't matter to me."
"Have you talked to Dick?" Helena asked as they reached her balcony, where she dropped down and changed the subject. If possible, Batman's face darkened.
"No."
"Well, I have. You hurt him, you and Batbitch. Maybe you should try giving him a call."
"I don't know where he is."
"I do. If you tell me why you want me to join the Justice League so damn bad, maybe I'll tell you."
"When did you and he become such good friends?"
"When he walked in on his girlfriend wrapped around you. He was the only one of the Bat Crew who was remotely nice. Plus, he's the only one with a sense of humor."
Batman nodded. "Consider it. The offer."
Helena turned and unlocked her balcony door, while replying, "I ain't considering nothing." She turned to say another smart ass comment, but Batman had disappeared. Typical. The conversation is just getting fun and the big boy disappears.
The phone was ringing when she swung inside, pulling her headband out of her thick dark hair; she picked up the cordless and answered. "Hello?"
"Heya, ducky!"
"Dick! Why are you calling so early?" Helena asked; even as she started to strip down to take a bath. Normally, she'd have taken a shower, however she had the time and the aches to appreciate a bath. Dicky wouldn't mind listening to her frolic naked in the water.
"I heard a crazy rumor about you..."
"All the way in Bludhaven?"
"Yep. Something about...the Justice League?"
"Ooooooooh...yeah...Bat Dick invited me to be a member."
"Really? I thought only Metas were allowed in the League."
"Apparently not. When you gonna be all set up over there?" Helena was easing her way into the hot steaming bath. All her aches and pains faded away, though the scratch on her upper thigh still hurt like a bitch.
"Another week. Then I'll be Nightwing-ing my way around over here."
"It should be fun. I hear Bludhaven has gotten really bad. You need help over there, don't hesitate to call me. You know I love hearing your sexy voice in my ear."
"Speaking of voices...what are you doing tonight?"
"Probably patrolling."
"Blow that off, and come have dinner in my new apartment."
"This isn't an excuse to get me naked and christen your apartment bed is it?"
"Uuhhh..."
"Cause if it is, I'll bring the handcuffs and we'll have a real good time..."
"Uuuuuuh..."
"Just kidding...I'll bring the silk scarves. Handcuffs are so déclassé..."
"Sounds good. I'll see you at eight."
The phone clicked in her ear, and Helena laughed. Dick was so easy to mess with. Despite their teasing, there was a real connection between them. It had only been a month ago that she and Nightwing had had a weekend of passion, partly to heal him from the pain Batman and Batgirl had caused. Things had been said that weekend, but they didn't matter now. They were still friends. Occasionally lovers.
Helena dipped her hands in the warm water and watched as small drops of it fell down and caused ripples. The real question of the night was, why the hell would she join the Justice League?
Okay, chickies! There it is! I hope we enjoy where this new story goes!