the single word sent a shock through her spine. it was based in fear, that was something even she knew at this young age, something planted, watered, and grown by her father. it was . . . unusual to hear, to long for something and then be simply handed it by a haunting image of a mother that stands before her. cassandra was taken aback by their offer, to simply train with no other strings attached ? but there was something shiva wanted, there was something shiva needed, it was palpable, as if it would answer an impossible riddle, as if something would click into place. the batgirl doesn't know, she doesn't understand and shiva makes it impossible to see it in their movements and actions. the girl simply stares at their back, silent, lips forming a tight line, and there's nothing in the world that makes her feel smaller.
but their next words snap her out of the trance she was in -- share a meal ? they can't remember the last time she actually sat down to eat. yet her feet are moving before she can even open her mouth, before she can even think. cassandra is following slowly behind, as if that were answer enough. fingers brush the hair in her face away, and then she hesitantly tucks it behind her ears, in hopes to make herself look slightly more presentable. it's happens without notice, almost unconsciously after hearing the smack of the compact mirror, and she glances quickly at shiva's face to see her grin. that's odd. ❛❛ . . . yes. ❜❜ oracle would want to know everything about their meeting today, but cassandra is unsure what to say to not disappoint anyone -- it's all just another distraction. ❛❛ you live . . . alone ? ❜❜
/
Shiva had only come to verify the rumors of the new Batgirl. Under the full-face mask was a glimpse of the One Who Is All. The girl was quiet, but her discomfort was loud, the tense static of a harsh white noise. “You will know when I intend to kill you, child.” Affirmation of a mutual goal and a call to relax. “I have no interest in mortal combat with you until then.”
The girl flowed poorly from moment to moment, lethal guards down to fidget with her hair. Shiva’s brow neatly furrowed at the unfulfilled potential. If they recognized the girl's internal desire for validation, they did not care like a good mother likely should. “Appearance is a weapon. I suspect you hide your entire self for that reason. I show mine.” It simply what what it was.
They led the Batgirl down the private rooftop access hatch to their suite on the thirteenth floor, a safehouse hidden in plain sight. Batgirl asked if they lived alone. “Of course I live alone, dear. Companionship is very far from the stimulation I desire.” In the kitchen, Shiva retrieved two cartons of coconut water and placed one for the Batgirl by a seat on the island counter. "I am curious," they began, callousness subdued behind a warm, velvet voice, "what is so much better about dying for the Tengu than living for the Head of the Demon?"