Silence

Chapter 23

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I lay in my bed, waiting for my parents to fall asleep. I made sure Pine wasn't sleeping in my room tonight. All falls silent a little after eleven.

I quietly rise from my bed and head for my chest of drawers. I kneel down and pull out the bottom drawer until it falls out. I reach into the empty space and pull out a bundle of clothes.

I get dressed quickly. When I'm finished, I open my closet door to look at the mirror. I see a red-headed girl in a slim black hoodie, the dark sleeves meeting the wrists at the thumb cuffs. My sports leggings are as black as the hoodie, with combat boots to match. I tie my hair into a ponytail and put on my wig cap. Out of my closet I retrieve a dark wig. I slip it on and tie it into a tight braid. It's not perfect, but my ginger hair is a dead giveaway.

I did my makeup before I went to bed. I didn't use much, only some red lipstick and dark eyeshadow. I also added a hint of blush. I might as well look good while crimefighting.

Only one piece left. Out of a pocket in the hoodie, I grab a black domino mask. I slip it over my eyes. It doesn't obscure my vision much. What I wouldn't give for better resources. I pull my hood on.

I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

I zip the pocket of my hoodie that's filled with the few things I'll need. I resent myself as I make a dumb lump of pillows in the shape of a person in case my parents wake up. Better safe than sorry, but I can't help but feeling incredibly dumb for it.

I open the window next to my bed and look down at the two story fall. I'm glad my parents installed a fire ladder.

Soon I'm on the sidewalk, headed for the city. It seems a lot farther away than it really is. It only takes me about fifteen minutes to walk to the city's edge. Before long, I'm traversing the streets of Gotham.

My heart is about to beat out of my chest as I climb the fire ladder of a building. I stand on the roof, scanning for any sign of trouble. Gotham being what it is, it doesn't take me long to find it.

From an alleyway below, I see three men in dark clothing and ski masks emerge. The memory sends me staggering back. My breath catches as my mind deciphers what's past and what's present.

I snap myself out of it and focus my attention on their movements. They look like common burglars, but I can't act until I know what they're up to. I have a hunch when I see a jewelry store not far from them. I watch them carefully.

My hunch is proven right when one of them pulls out a device and places it on the locked door. A few moments later, and door clicks and the thug pushes it open. They sneak into the shadows of the store.

I make quick work of climbing down the fire ladder and crossing the street. Before I reach the door, however, I decide to go for a more dramatic approach. This is the city that tolerates the Dark Knight, after all.

I walk to a small alley beside the store. I take a deep breath and walk through the false brick wall. Darkness consumes me for a moment, then I emerge from the wall. I stand back for a moment to watch them. They carefully break the glass, taking whatever they please. They look like they're having fun.

I can't wait to punch them in the face.

I fully emerge from the wall, retaining a slight transparency. I'm covered in shadow for a moment. My heartbeat quickens, and I take a deep breath. Their greedy smiles drop as I walk slowly towards them. Their eyes widen in shock. The one closest to me is the first to draw his gun, and his companions soon follow.