The Silhouette and The Forge
Chapter 48

Jade should be living out a childhood fantasy that most kids in Gotham would have killed to have. Yet it felt hollow and like ash to her.

“Raise your right hand and say you solemnly swear to uphold the law to the best of your ability.” Batman whom she now had come to know as Bruce Wayne stood before her.

She never would have guessed he was Batman. Most kids in schools and on the streets liked to guess who they thought Batman was. Not a single one of them was even remotely close. Not a single one even guessed Bruce was him. Goes to show how good Bruce was at making himself look less imposing to distance himself from Batman.

Jade's right hand was held up like she was in a courtroom about to bear witness. “I solemnly swear I will do everything within my power to uphold the law.”

Bruce’s usually kind smiling or goofy face was the complete opposite in every way it almost gave her whiplash. Before he would have been a party boy, a bachelor, the embodiment of just having a good time. Now he was completely serious, his posture and demeanor screamed discipline. 

Jade held her suit after it had been thoroughly examined by Bruce in the Batcave where she held it folded in one hand while holding her right hand up.

She found it dumb but she was willing to do it if it meant her getting Artemis back. After what he did she felt a gaping void where her heart used to be. The only thing she had left by this point was Daniel and her resolve to make amends and atone for failing Artemis.

“To always try to do the right thing, to better those around you, to help Gotham and those in their time of need.”

“I swear to always try to do the right thing, to better those around me, to help Gotham and its people when they need me.” 

Jade made some adjustments to the vow but considering she was even willing to go through with this at all Bruce could let it slide.

He didn’t seem to mind before the edges of his mouth turned upward with him giving her a pleased nod.

“Then I accept you as my disciple in fighting crime.” He said, sounding proud of her. He walked forward placing his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, “I promise Jade I will help you get your sister back.”

Jade looked up into his eyes looking for any sign of deceit or trickery. Everything in his body language from his eyes to his facial expressions to the smallest of twitches she had learned under the thing that spawned her and Artemis. Using everything she had learned from him and Daniel.

She realized at that moment that Bruce wasn’t lying. He wasn’t tricking her or anything. He genuinely wanted to help her find Artemis.

She knew on some level he would help her. Even after all of Daniel’s lessons she still had that natural Gothamite in her that would scrutinize people who appeared to mean well but only wanted to use her.

She bowed her head refusing to let any more tears fall. “Thank you. For helping with this.” She regained her composure looking back up to Bruce. “For adopting me. I promise to repay you and Daniel for the kindness you both have shown me.”

Bruce’s smile developed an edge to it. “If anyone owes anyone I owe you for what happened to your sister. I failed to save her. I won’t fail you again Jade.” 

His hand squeezed her shoulder before he let go. She wanted to correct him about how if anyone failed it was her but she let it go. She followed him through the Batcave looking around in wonder. It was dark and gloomy, yet well-lit and cool at the same time. She even saw the Batmobile further in the cave facing a wall. 

Bruce took a seat at the Batcomputer with Jade hovering by his side. “Did your father--”

“Don’t call him my father. He is not my father.” 

Bruce gave her a gentle look that made Jade let go of the tension. At least some. He was trying to help her. 

“Alright. Did he ever tell you much about the League of Shadows?”

Jade had to think for a moment looking for anything that he may have let slip.

“Nothing. Beyond the organization's name. You sure no one is going to be able to help him escape?” Jade didn’t want him going anywhere especially when he was currently their only lead to the location the Shadows were at and where Artemis was likely to be.

“Escaping will prove incredibly difficult for him. Even with help.” Batman said but she didn’t fail to notice he didn’t say he wouldn’t escape. Batman pulled several images up each showing figures dressed like ninjas.

Along with an older man who didn’t match the others. He wore eastern robes that were mixed with Middle Eastern garb that was extravagant yet older than what people wear now. Older by several generations since they looked torn out of those old photos and paintings from over a hundred years ago.

“Ra’s Al Ghul. The Demon's Head and the leader of the League of Shadows.” Bruce said almost like he had read her mind. 

“You fought him before?” She said looking at another image of a beautiful woman next to him. She wore a tight-fitting black suit more for black ops work than to look nice.

“His daughter Talia Al Ghul. As you are now Jade you are not ready to face them.” Bruce said bringing up numerous pieces of information.

“What?! But I helped you with the Court's super talons!” She exclaimed, not liking that she couldn’t help him get her sister back directly.

“When we had the element of surprise. The first time they didn’t know what you had in your arsenal just as we were unsure of what they could do. You will be there when I get your sister back but you still need training.”

“Pardon me Mistress Nguyen but lunch is ready,” Alfred said getting her to turn around wary of the older man but relaxing when he gave her a questioning look followed by kind eyes lowering the tray for her to see.

Old Gotham habits indeed. Jade hesitated before scolding herself for being wary of a sandwich.

“… Thank you, Alfred.” She said in between bites. His cooking was even better than Daniel’s and he knew his way around a kitchen.

He smiled kindly down at her, “No need for thanks, Mistress Nguyen. It is my duty to help you both to the best of my ability. As for you Master Bruce I will let this lapse in schedule go just this once courtesy of current circumstances. Next time you will eat a good meal on time.” 

Jade had to fight off a smile at the image of this older butler scolding Batman of all people. Alfred gave her a little wink, somehow sensing she was taking amusement from this.

“Just as I expect you to take care of yourself as well. You can’t fight crime on an empty stomach or when you are too tired.” He told Jade gently but sternly.

She nodded with a small smile directed at the kind old man. “Sounds easy enough Alfred. How do you make something as simple as a sandwich so good?” 

“Plenty of time and experience. When catering for Gotham's elite for as long as I have you pick up plenty of tricks.”

Jade at first didn’t know what to think of Alfred when she first met him. But now she thinks she is going to like the man. He was kind and genuine, skilled at what he did, and took it seriously but also stern when he needed to be. He was almost like the grandfather figure of that old black and white show Mom liked to watch.

Jade's expression turned a little sour when she thought about her feelings towards her. She had been in prison taking the fall for him. She let him raise and teach her and Artemis as he saw fit keeping her distance from the two of them.

She wasn’t completely distant either. She did have some small moments with her and Artemis that stuck with the two of them even if she wasn’t exactly Mother of the Year. But when the alternative was the other one then she wasn’t all bad. Jade wondered if she even knew about Artemis being taken to become one of the League of Shadows members.

Would she even care?

“Something on your mind?” Alfred asked her as Bruce turned away from the Batcomputer. 

The image on the screen besides the League of Shadows files he had pulled up showed Silhouette with a picture of a dark skinned man looking like he was from one of those old westerns that used Native American actors while wearing a suit at a party.

He was talking with some rich people but he was next to the picture of Silhouette with a picture of Daniel posted under the unknown man. 

“I was just thinking of… my mother.” She managed to get out. Jade didn’t know if she was a mother to her. She didn’t know what to feel towards her. On one hand, she was leaning towards being neutral since she didn’t abuse herself or Artemis verbally or physically. 

On the other hand, she let him do what he wanted with them. They had some small moments between one another. Jade… she needed to think more about it. 

Alfred’s expression softened, “Master Bruce and I are always here if you wish to talk about it. Nothing can be more complicated than family or those we are related to when it comes to relationships bar only a few things in life.”

“I… appreciate it.” She turned to look at Bruce, “How long do you think it will take to find and get her back?”

Bruce didn’t even think it over; he just immediately gave his answer. “Anywhere from half a year to several years.”

Jade stood stock still before turning to look at him and the computer he was on. “Why would it take so long when you have dealt with the League of Shadows before?” 

Jade couldn’t wait that long. Artemis needed her now.

“Because I have fought against them when they were operating in Gotham. I don’t know the location of their base of operations, which is where they have taken your sister.”

“I don’t have years to wait. Every hour that goes by is more time for them to sink their claws into Artemis.” Jade said ready to leave and go find her on her own.

“Jade.” It wasn’t Bruce who called her by her first name but Alfred, “I understand your desire to save your younger sister. But you must understand the League of Shadows as you should know is difficult to find especially when it comes to where they train their people. Master Bruce is one of the few people if not the only one on Earth who could find them in a reasonable amount of time. Please do not do something rash that would put you at risk.”

Jade was at war with herself. A part of her wanted to storm past him and leave now and try her luck at finding Artemis on her own. Maybe even ask Daniel for help. She would rather avoid getting wrapped up in Silhouettes’ strings. 

She owed Daniel plenty as is even if he said he didn’t mind helping her. But he was her only friend in this city she could count on but she was wary of Silhouette hanging around and doing something that may come back to haunt Jade. And she didn’t want to use Daniel more than she already had.

Another part of her thought over what Alfred had told her. She remembered what little he had said about them along with Mom. How the shadows are not found. They find you. 

She had no resources or means to find out where their main base was located. She had grown by leaps and bounds in martial arts. She believed she was more than capable of handling a few well-trained assassins. But Jade wasn’t so arrogant as to believe she could handle all that the Shadows could throw at her.

Her time under Daniel had taught her to use her head and think things through. If the Shadows were still operating even back when the All-Star Squadron was around and leading up to the Justice League's creation then that means they were capable of hiding well enough that the League couldn’t find them but also dangerous enough that they could hold their own should they come to blows.

Jade believed it was more of the former but didn’t dismiss the latter.

She looked back at Alfred before giving him a small nod. She got a small sincere smile in return offering her another sandwich that she didn’t pass up. Alfred gave a knowing look directed towards Bruce who had his own sandwich which he was munching on.

“Well, I am glad to see someone in here has a healthy appetite and knows when to enjoy a good meal. Hopefully she rubs off on you Master Bruce.” Alfred said with Bruce pausing before giving him a look then looking towards Jade.

“Jade I know months to even years is not something you want to hear. But it isn’t something I want to say either when I can’t stomach knowing your sister, a little girl is stuck with the League of Shadows. Lawrence has proven hard to crack to get anything out of him so I have to do it the hard way.”

Jade suppressed a snort at the mention of him not cracking under pressure. She would acknowledge Bruce was intimidating as Batman, but he had his limits. Everyone knew Batman doesn’t kill and when he injures people some might be severe but it wasn’t anything that would crippled someone.

Only extreme cases when someone was crippled and those stories were never verified if they were true. So Bruce getting anything out of the man was a tall order.

“I… get it. Even if I don’t like it. Which means I’m stuck waiting while training for the day I can get her back.” Jade bit back a bitter laugh that wanted to escape from her.

The day she went to get her, she found out she wasn’t even there. Life had a twisted sense of humor. 

A hand rested on her shoulder but this time it wasn’t Alfred. It was Bruce with his cowl down showing his face, one of sympathy and pain. His eyes were soft looking at her hardened gaze. One that the streets of Gotham did a rather thorough job along with her supposed family.

“You won’t just be training. Jade, you have great potential and will do great things. You proved how capable you are when you helped both times against the Court. You showed me you had a heart and weren’t just another blade hidden in one of Gotham's allies.”

Jade felt some pride take form in her heart and something else she couldn’t quite describe when he spoke of her having a heart still. Something she had believed before all of this she had long since lost. Or maybe she never even had one.

She was thankful she still did. She couldn’t imagine not having one feeling nothing towards everything around her. She couldn’t live in a world where she felt nothing. Not feeling anything was a fate worse than death as far as Jade was concerned.

“With you taking that vow your training under me now begins. I don’t fully know what training Daniel had you undergo but I know that my training will push you to your limits and beyond them. Can you handle that? If not then this is your chance to walk away and leave finding your sister to me.”

Jade knew he was trying to be kind. Give her a chance to walk away. She wasn’t going anywhere. Artemis needed her and if she had to wait a year or two… it made her heart clench threatening to break at the thought of being here and not out there finding her.

But she had no means to find her let alone fight her way through an entire organization of assassins. She couldn’t bring Daniel into this simply because the Court was one thing. It was a local boogeyman. But this organization had roots going back over a thousand years. Maybe more.

She wouldn’t endanger her closest friend. 

“I can handle it. Who do you think you're talking to?” She said confidently.

Bruce saw through it. His eyes were like a hawk's as he seemed to somehow see the pain in her. 

“A young girl who lost someone she cared about. Someone very brave despite having an idea of what she is up against and willing to face it head-on. Someone I can count on.” 

Before Bruce could say anything further that made the pain in her heart ease knowing she had regained her soul the Batcomputer had some type of alarm go off. 

The two of them turned their heads to look at it before Bruce was back in his seat typing away. “You’re going to be getting your feet wet. Firefly has been reported near the docks causing fires. We need to stop him now before it gets out of hand.”

 Jade, despite wanting to find her sister knew it wasn’t going to happen in a day so she let it go for now knowing he would help her find her. But for now, the city needed them, and a part of her was excited to be doing this.

…

“Glad to see you're taking some time to enjoy yourself,” I said to Jaina who looked far better than she had after she had taken control of the Court.

After the dust had settled she had looked haggard. Bags under her eyes, her beautiful hair that was normally well-groomed stuck out in strands looking more unkempt.

She had barely any time to herself when she was swamped with work. From reorganizing the Court and keeping tabs on the members who might try to pull something. To both of our collective shock, they didn’t. 

They grumbled and didn’t like having to put their money on the table and help rebuild the city but they accepted it since they didn’t want to join the other members who got a taste of Gotham's equivalent to the French Revolution.

“We can both agree on that Will. It feels like it has been years since I properly sat down and enjoyed myself.” She said savoring the steak on her plate with the two of us enjoying the atmosphere in the restaurant that catered to Gotham's elite.

It wasn’t exactly one of those places you pictured as a snobbish business that only accepted the richest of the rich. If you're from a high-income family that wasn’t the top one percent then you were fine. I couldn’t stand places like that.

Not that I would be against trying their food just to see if the best money could buy was worth it. But other than that I couldn't care less about establishments like that.

I myself cut a nice tender piece off taking a bite and enjoying the succulent juices with the warm rich taste of the meat with spices and steak sauce adding to the flavor, all balanced out with none of the spices or sauce overpowering the other simply fusing to enhance the meat.

Eyes closed savoring the delicious meal, a warm laugh had me opening my eyes. “Enjoying yourself Will?” Jaina asked, her head leaning against her elbow on the table.

Her eyes half lidded enjoying the moment with me. “Naturally. The scenery is wonderful, we have a meal that wouldn’t be out of place amongst the heavens that the gods above would enjoy, and even better company.” 

Jaina shook her head. “Flatterer. The meal is good, isn't it?” She trailed off her fork moving some pieces of steak around while I continued eating.

“Thanks again, Will. For everything.”

I paused with the steak halfway to my mouth before I let out a sigh putting my fork down. “You’ve already thanked me multiple times, you don’t need to do it any further.” I gently reminded her.

“Most men would have killed to be in your position. You helped me with something that most men would have fled rather than stick around. If it wasn’t for you none of this would have been possible. So I firmly believe you should be rewarded far more than just being thanked. Not that I am not going to thank you to death for your help.” 

Taking the piece of steak popping it in my mouth savoring the tenderness and the flavor for a moment.

“Beyond helping with the city in our efforts to rebuild it, you helped me learn important information that changed my life and helped me get some closure. And you then give me an early Christmas present!” She said it so happily that it would fool someone who wasn’t aware of what she was referring to.

A contrast to the macabre nature of the gift she spoke of. The going-away present I gave Samantha in her fun ambulance ride. 

“Well, I am happy to hear you enjoyed it.”

“It was therapeutic.” She said gently, hand reaching towards mine softly holding it. Her stiletto-clad foot pressed into my shin under the table.

“How have things been going with the group club?” I asked about changing the topic and ensuring everything was running smoothly for Jaina with the Court.

She let out a long sigh but her eyes remained gentle. “It’s been an ordeal. Like herding cats. But it is worth it. Not as stressed as I thought I would be doing this. Surprised that the more stubborn members are listening to me.”

She talked about some of the members airing grievances or issues they have with the way things are changing. But they ultimately accepted it. The alternative was having the unwashed masses tear them apart like they did with the dead weight of the old Court.

A chuckle escaped me, “Realizing you don’t hold all the cards or the power you thought you did tends to do that for most people. They wouldn’t have gotten as far as they have without a few brain cells to rub together.”

My comment got a snort out of Jaina mid-sip of her wine making her choke and sputter, before placing the wine glass down.

Patting her back while Jaina laughed in between coughs. “Did you have to do that when I was drinking?” She questioned me, giving me a playful glare.

She looked beautiful tonight. She was dressed in a form-hugging backless black dress that had a silver moon embroidered near her bosom with stars across it expertly seamed into it without it clashing with the black. She wore a necklace laced with precious gems, mostly emeralds and rubies.

The exhaustion had mostly faded away this night for Jaina since she had managed to get some rest in finally after constantly working to fix the damage done to Gotham and help its people. 

Her beauty was almost enough for me to take my mind off what happened to Artemis. I was still kicking myself for letting that happen. I should have known better. But as some people like to say-- coulda, woulda, shoulda.

It didn’t do much to ease my guilt and failure at helping my friend. Jaina seemed to pick up on my mood changing despite my demeanor having remained the same. She was a perceptive one.

“Are you alright? Something on your mind?” Jaina asked now sounding far more serious with genuine concern bleeding into her tone.

“An acquaintance has had a tragedy befall them,” I told her while being vague. The image of Jade's face when Sportsmaster dropped that revelation still saddens me as much as it angered me. I should have killed him.

But I didn’t. Not because of Batman. At that point and even now I couldn't care less if he witnessed me kill him. It was because he is currently the only lead I have on the League of Shadows. If he gets rescued I will follow the trail.

So for now I must wait. The man was housed on an island in Gotham Bay. They have him in maximum security at Blackgate Penitentiary. The place had a surprising record of few breakouts beyond a few extreme cases. So it has that over the comics at least where it feels like every weekend is a breakout or riot party with a revolving door for the inmates.

Jaina’s expression softened. “I’m sorry to hear that Will. After that calamity, we will have a memorial built to remember all those who died in it.” 

“Thank you Jaina. But you misunderstand,” I said, making her head tilt as she listened intently, “The acquaintance is close to someone I care about. Their little sister is missing and the only person who has any knowledge of where she could be is the father and he is tight-lipped.”

Jaina’s eyes narrowed before air came out of her nose similar to a bull that was seeing red. “I know we are here to relax and enjoy one another’s company. I normally wouldn’t ask on an occasion like this but…”

Her finger pressed against my lips silencing me with her eyes half lidded yet it didn’t hide the intensity in them, a soft smile on her face. “Will you be fine and after hearing that there is a little girl involved I have but one question. What do you need?” Her finger slid away letting me speak.

“Well before I answer that I have a question of my own.” Jaina now curious perked up, “Are you familiar with the League of Shadows?”

My question made her go stock still looking like a lifelike statue more than she was an actual person. 

She gave me an intense stare before slowly answering me, “I am familiar with the group. Why?”

She sounded like she dreaded the answer she was going to get. “Because I have reason to believe the father sent the girl to them to be trained.”

Jaina stared long and hard at me. Her gaze bored into my own with an intensity I have never before seen in my life. She let out a quiet sigh, her hands steepled together in that classic villain pose.

“I see… What do you ask of me?”

Setting my fork down, giving her my best expression of I am so thankful you are hearing me out type. “All that I am asking is if you know the location of where they train their assassins and operate from or could give me some contact details it would be appreciated. But!” I held my finger up not done speaking with Jaina looking at me amused but the tension in her body was still there.

“If it puts you and the Court in a tough spot don’t do it. At the very least if what I have asked of you is too much then at the minimum you can reach out to them and let them know a shadowy figure would be interested in the girl.”

Jaina could only shake her head exasperatedly at me. “That’s one way to ask for a favor, Will. You're lucky I like you... A lot.” She tacked on at the end when I gave her a knowing look waggling my eyebrows with her giving me a little stink eye. “I can’t promise anything.”

I nodded in relief. “That’s all I can ask of you,” I said with a small smile, thankful she was at least willing to hear me out.

She relaxed in her chair like she had just had a hundred pounds taken off her back. “Are there any other requests you have for me?” She said bitterly but there was no heat behind it. 

Tilting my head side to side before I smiled as she slumped back in her seat. “Would you care to join me for the rest of the evening?” 

She froze before slowly looking at me. Her response was near instant. “Yes, I would love to.”

We both soon left the establishment with Jaina's arm wrapped around my own, her form pressed into my side.

“Got some tickets to a little soirée for this evening if you want to end the night on a high note.” My hand held two tickets waving them in the air before Jaina reached her hand up to grab one.

She looked it over until her eyes went wide. “These are tickets for the Black Masquerade Opera group! Where did you get these?! Even I couldn’t get any!” She exclaimed loudly, upset at how I managed to get them where she couldn’t.

Freemen contacts for the win. “I know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy who--”

Jaina just rolled her eyes at me. “Really Will?” 

“--knows someone who had some tickets. Figured it might be something you're interested in.” We walked along the sidewalk with plenty of other wealthy socialites pausing what they were doing or just turning their heads to follow us. 

Men observed envy etched into their faces and the woman did the same with Jaina. Whatever my power did, people still looked at me like a prime piece of meat and I can see why. Even a full genetic makeover couldn’t hide how attractive I had become.

Jaina herself was a thing of beauty even by the attractive women in this city’s standards. She was exotic enough to stand out, had class and style, along with being intelligent and having a personality.

“Well, you seem to know me enough to know that I very much would love to go with you.” She said leaning into my side even further. She all but wrapped herself around me claiming me in front of the women around us. 

It wasn’t long before we were ushered into the building with me presenting our tickets to the men up front. They directed us towards our private booth near the corner that gave us an amazing view of the performers while our booth would have had tinted glass not letting anyone see inside of it.

“So how popular is this performing group?” I asked her casually holding the door open for her like a true gentleman.

She scoffed before realizing I didn’t actually know. “You're serious?” 

“Yes. I am actually being honest.” 

“… so you bought incredibly expensive tickets to an unknown group that you didn’t know a thing about?” She asked while sounding stupefied. Like I was the last person she could imagine doing something like that. Or it could be that I am the only person she has seen do this.

“Yep. I am willing to try new things out and if it doesn't work then I know. Plus money for me is just a tool like any other. I had some extra and figured why not? Unless you don’t want to do this?” I waved my hand around the spacious booth that could easily fit a dozen people while all of whom would be quite comfortable.

“Of course not. Just find it rather odd that you of all people would take such a chance and risk. But I suppose it worked out. Just don’t go doing anything risky like that again. Please?” She asked me sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

“It wasn’t as risky as you make it out to be Jaina. Risky would be me deciding to stake my life and everything I care about on whether I could beat Superman in a boxing match. This was just a little splurging for something that might be nice. But I promise not to do anything risky.” 

She looked pleased at me doing as she asked. She did seem to understand my reasoning despite how it was still a waste of money and a needless risk in her eyes.

Soon the show got underway with a woman in a black Victorian-style dress singing in that high-pitched opera style of singing you would expect. Though it had an interesting twist to the singing that I hadn’t expected. It sounded like a mixture between classical opera from what I knew of it and the .Hack franchise's music.

It was beautiful. A nice mix between classic and newer music. The singers and dancers performed on the stage in dazzling displays of acrobatics and choreography.

The gentle caress of a hand on my thigh made me turn away from the show to see Jaina give me a look that I knew what was on her mind. Her hand reached further up my leg with me cupping her chin pulling her close to me. 

Change the future swapping Jades and Artemis’s positions +100
Help Jade become Batman’s first apprentice +100
Jaina falls in love with Will Hardigan +50