Chapter 39: Broken Beliefs part 5 

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

"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, from now on both of you are on standby within Gotham. This new law can and will have you labelled 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 without her notice. After that Robin no longer argued as he could see what Batman meant.

Since vigilante work was now a serious crime in Gotham, Barbara's identity being known placed both her and them in danger. Without knowing Arias well, they couldn't risk it.

"Fine, I get it. Then what will you have us do until then?" Robin asked impatiently.

"Like I said, you'll be on standby. 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."

Normally Robin would have protested at Batman's suggestions but after knowing why, he could understand the logic behind them.

"Alright, I get it." Robin reluctantly agreed while Barbara remained silent, but deep down she was relieved about the decision.

She knew that if they continued to fight crime then they'd be at great risk since Arias knew her identity and could reveal it anytime he wanted.

'I have to fix this before we're off standby.' Barbara thought to herself, worried that her crime fighting days would be over otherwise.

…

Her idea to fix the situation began the following day when she went over to the Iceberg Lounge on her accord and asked Arias to meet.

Arias was surprised she took initiative to contact him since he hadn't yet begun any plans involving her.

He was currently seated in his office, wondering what the purpose of contacting her could be.

[ Is that strange for her to contact you early?]

Apeiro's voice appeared within Arias's mind while he was lost in thought.

"Not the strangest thing to be honest, I'm more concerned that she might've informed batman and they're planning something."

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

"It's the attention that I don't want at the moment, 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, you need to stop thinking like an inferior life form. There's nothing you can't attain in this world should you want it, remember that.]

Apeiro shifted her tone to a stricter and domineering one, something that was now a habit whenever Arias concerned himself with lower beings.

"I have you to remind me every now and then so I think I will do fine." Arias replied with a small smile, knowing full well she enjoyed praise and compliments now.

[Well… fine. Until you adjust into your role well, 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 just as she was leaving. Then in the next moment 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 for taking the time to meet me." She walked in and gave a formal greeting.

Arias cast her an odd glance for a moment and decided to ignore her odd behavior and just get to the point. "Is there something I can do for you?"

Barbara stood awkwardly upon being asked that question but then stepped forward and placed a folder she had been holding behind her back on the table.

"What's this?" Arias reached out and picked the folder before scanning its contents.

Inside he found a CV, recommendations, job history, academic record and an application.

"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 and tossed the folder back onto the table.

Barbara frowned and crossed her arms at that action before revealing the real reason she came.

"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 at her reason but didn't show it on his face. "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 became more apparent and she looked lost for answer before finally muttering. "Then what do you want?"

Judging by her awkward standing posture and tone, she knew what dire results that question might bring and yet she said it still. She was smart enough to know what some men would ask of a girl in a similar position as herself.

'She's must be desperate if she's willing to go that far. Let's not push her for now.'

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

Barbara was surprised to hear Arias say that and an expression of relief took over.

'Maybe I was wrong about him.' She thought to herself, having prepared herself for much worse mentally.

Little did she know of the plans he had for her ahead and that her hope for a happy ending would be broken.