Mercy of the Demon (Ra's)

It was like something out of a movie. Ra’s Al Ghul’s palace on Infinity Island was quite the masterpiece, reminiscent of a fortress from medieval times. In the throne room, it was dark to a degree. No natural light from the burning sun outside, instead light came from the many torches of fire hung up on the walls. Around the stairs leading up to the throne were many members of the League of Shadows, those not tasks with a mission or in training; simply watching over their master, bowing to his every whim.

If you were to glance up the stairs towards the throne, there you would see the Demon Head. He was regally dressed as always, the center of focus in the room. In his right hand, a goblet of wine, half empty, and nearby where the Demon sat was a collection of swords. Used for when he wanted to make a demonstration in front of those that had dedicated their lives to him. Ra’s had the same expression he always had, a look that was the culmination of experience, wisdom and ruthlessness.

”Cheshire”. Ra’s Al Ghul would say as he leaned forward slightly from his thone, looking down the steps towards the knelt assassin. ”To what reason do you find yourself in our company?”. Ra’s Al Ghul added, as he then sat back in his chair, upright, moving his right hand over his beard before dropping it down nonchalantly onto his lap. He clearly wasn’t expecting the assassin, but knew full well that she wouldn’t have entered these walls if she wasn’t after something, or had something to tell. ”Have you completed your end of the deal?”. There was still some amount of time left on the task set for Cheshire, though despite difficulties, Ra’s could believe that she may have finished by now. Cheshire was a good assassins, and good assassins never disappoint.

”Good”. Ra’s would say, speaking up, near cutting off Cheshire’s sentence before she finished. ”But if you’re here wanting more time, well, that’s just not possible”. Knowing of Cheshire’s talents, Ra’s had expected her to be finished with her task by now. No more time than what was given could be wasted on this task, it needed to be done. Once those individuals were no longer among the living, then the League could press ahead with what comes next.

Then came the mention of his name; Red Arrow. The one who was responsible for dragging this deal on far longer than it should have been. The one whose hands are riddled red with the blood of members of the Shadows. Ra’s eyes narrowed slightly at the sheer mention, a fierce grin appearing across his face. He wasn’t a fan of Red Arrow, but fortunately that pest would be gone soon. ”Go on”. Ra’s would say as he gestured for Jade to continue with what she had to say. Ra’s was playing his cards close to his chest, as always. Red Arrow was no longer a concern to him; he was being taken care of as they speak. Jade didn’t know that however, and the curious side of Ra’s Al Ghul wanted to see what she was getting at.

It was certainly a tempting idea. To have one of the Justice Leagues own within the ranks of the Shadows, and the Light. There was information to gain from that, knowledge from the inner workings of the Justice League that could prove fruitful to all members of the Light. Unfortunately, for as tempting an idea as it was, it was too late. Ra’s had already played his hand, and Red Arrow’s time was running out.

”I’m afraid there’s no time for that”. Ra’s said with an exasperating sigh following after. ”I’ve been patient, Cheshire. Offered the clone plenty of opportunities to take a step back, but, he seems determined to remain in my crosshairs”. In truth, Red Arrow was lucky to have survived this long. Ordinarily a person in his position would have been dealt with by now. But he didn’t appear keen on the offer, always returning and now biting off perhaps more than he could chew.

”Red Arrow is being dealt with”. He said, as he shifted forward on his throne, peering down at Cheshire. ”As you may be able to tell, not all of us are here”. Ra’s said as he gestured his right hand towards the room. By ‘us’, he meant ‘shadows’, of which he still counted Cheshire as one. ”He won’t be getting involved in our business anymore”. Ra’s Al Ghul would say confidently. He trusted that without the element of surprise that the clone wouldn’t prove bothersome and thus be dealt with in a swift manner.

It wasn’t often that someone would speak up and be so blunt with Ra’s. It was even rarer for that person to still be alive, even seconds after uttering a word. But Ra’s agreed with Cheshire. Red Arrow had been a thorn in the side of the Shadows, but a thorn in the side of Cheshire too. Blame laid solely with the crimson archer for Cheshire having not completed her task yet. In many ways, Cheshire was owed an opportunity to eliminate the arrow from proceedings.

”Perhaps it should have. But Red Arrow’s interference has disrupted your task for long enough”. In the eyes of the Demon, the task bestowed upon Cheshire was of a far more concern. Leaving her with the responsibility for dispatching the hero would only further delay things, by an unnecessary amount. ”It’s time you got to finishing it”.

”But I shan’t stop you, should you feel the need to take on Red Arrow’s elimination yourself”. Not that he could, anyway. Cheshire was no longer an active member of the Shadows, she could do as she pleased, within reason. ”I would simply advise that you leave now, so there may still be a Red Arrow for you to deal with”. Ra’s would say with something of a sly look about him, producing a faint smile. It was reasonable to assume that already as they speak, that the crimson archer had been disposed of.