i have no heart, just ice and stone

[bodilesswarrior]

WHO:Shadow Oracle, Barbara Gordon, OTA
WHERE:Everywhere.
WHEN:The 20th to the 26th.
WHAT:Barbara's shadow self decides to solve some problems, in her own way.
WARNINGS:Violence, NPC deaths

She doesn't think of herself as Barbara, and most people won't recognise her as such, unless they're deeply familiar with the shape of her features. The rest of her is completely transformed. Her voice is similar, but there's an added reverberation to it, and an utter lack of warmth.

Sometimes, her face morphs into a mask; sometimes, she's carrying a sword that gleams with the same gold as her eyes, its hilt adorned with bat wings.

She fights with brutally efficient grace, a seamless blend of Batgirl and Oracle - except for any concern about collateral damage.

[Starters in the comments! If you want something specific, let me know.]

Comments

[the_caped_crusader]

[ an oddly shaped batarang and pale fist erupt from the monstrous statue's chest, growls gurgling from its throat until the light leaves its eyes and it falls to the ground. behind it? batman, only... not. ]

Barbara Gordon! As I live and breathe! I love what you've done with yourself. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[bodilesswarrior]

[Her head cocks, as her brows furrow beneath the mask. She's not sickened or terrified, but she does step back, and her sword shimmers into her hand.]

My name is Oracle. Yours? [If this was the real Barbara, her brain would supply "Jokeman" and she'd have to suppress an appalled chuckle.]

[the_caped_crusader]

Oracle! I love it. Nothing like a little cognitive dissonance to get you through a boring day. I'm hurt you don't recognize me, though.

[ he feigns shock, hand to his chest. his grin widens. ]

I'm Batman. Only now I'm the one who laughs.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Distantly, she appreciates the irony; she remembers wanting Batman to laugh more.]

Does that mean you have no real objective, or has it just changed? [Either is dangerous, and needs to be dealt with. She has access to Barbara's communication network, but she doesn't call for backup. The Bats would be squeamish about it.]

How long were you waiting behind that statue? [There's something more in her voice now, at least; callous amusement.]

[the_caped_crusader]

Waiting? No, no, no, my dear Bar-- Oracle. [ he smiles. ]

I was watching. You know, I never trusted all of those gargoyles around Gotham. And how fortunate that I didn't! Otherwise you would be nothing but...

[ his lanky, pale hand waggles idly. ]

Scrap metal!

[bodilesswarrior]

You underestimate my reflexes. [Gratitude? Nah.] Why did you want to save me?

[the_caped_crusader]

I don't underestimate anything anymore, Oracle. Hahahaha...

[ his voice is lower. darker. his laugh menacing. and just like that? he's back! ]

But you're family! I wanted to know a little bit more about you! Whether we should work together or... if I just need to kill you myself! HAHAHAHAHA!

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara has becoming slowly desensitised to that laugh, but hearing it in Bruce's voice would chill her to the bone. It doesn't affect Oracle at all.]

That depends on the objective. [She doubts it will align with hers, but if she can use him in the meantime...]

[the_caped_crusader]

What, mine?

[ the smile never leaves, and he demurely sets his hand on his chest. ]

I only want to protect the world... from itself.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Her head cocks again, because that is her mission in a nutshell.]

How do you intend to do this?

[the_caped_crusader]

No matter the cost.

[ and there's that low voice again. his smile sits in silence for an uncomfortably long time afterward. the only way to protect the world from themselves was to destroy everything. ]

[bodilesswarrior]

[She agrees with that, in theory.]

I assume you're being vague on purpose.

[How long can she risk playing that kind of game with him?]

[the_caped_crusader]

Of course! [ he throws out his arms. ] I don't know anything about you, my dear.

[ he creeps closer. ]

But I also know that you haven't said no yet.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara wouldn't have backed up, either, but she probably would have grimaced. Oracle remains unfazed.]

I prefer to know all of the facts before I make any decisions.