God Of The Omniverse

On the same night Arias had dinner with Vicki, Batman met with Batgirl and Robin within the Batcave.

"What?!" Robin's voice echoed through the cave as he angrily questioned what he had just been told by Batman.

"This isn't up for debate," Batman replied, his tone firm. "From now on, both of you are on standby within Gotham. This new law can and will have you labeled as criminals should you break it by fighting crime without the approval of the city. You should know exactly why it's too risky, Robin."

As Batman spoke, he cast a quick glance in Batgirl's direction, subtle enough that she didn't notice. Robin, however, caught it and began to understand the gravity of the situation. Barbara's identity being known put her, and by extension, all of them in serious danger. Without fully understanding Arias's intentions, they couldn't afford to take any risks.

"Fine, I get it. Then what will you have us do until then?" Robin asked, though his voice was laced with impatience.

"Like I said, you'll be on standby," Batman reiterated. "The other members of the League are still considering the idea of a younger Justice League team. Until then, you two aren't allowed here or access to your suits. It's also best you avoid making contact in public."

Robin would have normally protested, but he understood the logic behind Batman's decisions. The new law was a noose tightening around their necks, and any misstep could cost them dearly.

"Alright, I get it," Robin agreed reluctantly, while Barbara remained silent. Deep down, she was relieved by the decision. She knew that continuing to fight crime would put them at even greater risk, with Arias holding her identity over them like a sword of Damocles.

'I have to fix this before we're off standby,' Barbara thought to herself, feeling the weight of her situation. Her crime-fighting days might be over if she couldn't find a way to deal with Arias.

…

The next day, Barbara decided to take matters into her own hands. She went to the Iceberg Lounge on her own accord and asked to meet with Arias. Her initiative surprised him, as he hadn't yet begun any plans involving her. He sat in his office, wondering what she could possibly want.

[Is it strange for her to contact you this early?] Apeiro's voice echoed within Arias's mind as he mulled over the situation.

"Not the strangest thing," Arias replied, "but I'm concerned she might have informed Batman, and they're planning something."

[You're overthinking, Ari. Even if they were, you're not someone who could be dealt with easily.]

"It's the attention that I don't want at the moment," Arias explained, his tone calculated. "It could affect future plans. But overall, you're right. Even in the worst-case scenario where I'm found out and arrested, I could just experience the reconstruction in jail and proceed with force."

[Exactly,] Apeiro's tone shifted to a stricter and more commanding one. [You need to stop thinking like an inferior life form. There's nothing you can't attain in this world if you want it, remember that.]

Arias couldn't help but smile slightly. Apeiro had developed a habit of reminding him of his capabilities, especially when he concerned himself with what she saw as trivial matters.

"I have you to remind me every now and then, so I think I'll do fine," Arias responded, knowing she enjoyed the praise.

[Well… fine. Until you adjust into your role, I'll be sure to remind you of your capabilities and why you shouldn't show concern. Your guest is here, so I'll be taking my leave.]

Apeiro's voice softened as she faded from his consciousness. Moments later, a knock resounded on his door, and Barbara walked in, looking friendlier than last time, with a smile on her face.

"Good morning, Mr. Markovic. Thank you for taking the time to meet me," she greeted formally, though there was an underlying tension in her voice.

Arias cast her an odd glance, noting the shift in her demeanor, but decided to ignore it and get straight to the point. "Is there something I can do for you?"

Barbara hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and placed a folder on the table. "What's this?" Arias asked as he reached out and scanned the contents.

Inside, he found a CV, recommendations, job history, academic records, and an application. He raised an eyebrow. "A job application? Isn't it obvious?"

"I can see that, but why bring it to me? I don't handle these affairs," Arias replied bluntly, tossing the folder back onto the table.

Barbara frowned, her confidence wavering. "Okay, I'm not looking to get a normal job—just any position you need filled. In exchange, you continue to keep my identity a secret."

Arias smiled internally. 'She's desperate,' he thought, but his face remained unreadable. "That doesn't exactly seem like a fair trade. Even if you don't get paid, I lose nothing by not hiring you, whereas you lose everything if I reveal your identity."

Barbara's frown deepened. She was at a loss for words, knowing he was right. Finally, she muttered, "Then what do you want?"

Judging by her awkward stance and the apprehension in her voice, she knew the dire possibilities that question might lead to. She was smart enough to understand what some men would ask of a girl in her position.

'She must be desperate if she's willing to go that far. Let's not push her for now,' Arias thought, considering his next move carefully.

"Now you're making me seem like the bad guy here," Arias replied, feigning innocence. "Fine, you're hired. I'll be giving you odd jobs until we find something more adequate for your skillset."

Barbara was taken aback by his response, her expression shifting to one of relief. 'Maybe I was wrong about him,' she thought, having mentally prepared herself for much worse.

Little did she know that her hope for a peaceful resolution would be short-lived. Arias had plans for her that would shatter her beliefs and drag her deeper into his web.