Broken pt 1a (a batman beyond elseworlds)PG-13

[The_NewCatwoman]

**These characters aren't mine, also, I don't follow the shows continuity that closely in here. Also: DoE just incase your wondering, I got tired of only working on one story at a time, there's no high-stress factor, which are perfect working conditions:D**

**2024**
Harley lay cold between the sheets of her full-sized bed, waiting, eyes open wide, ears strained for the tell-tale turn of the lock.

Waiting for her "Puddin'" to come busting agrily through the door.

No doubt, he'd had another run-in with the Batman.

She reached down and clutched the burgandy comforter, pulling it up roughly under her chin.

Maybe he wouldn't bother her if she played dead, pretended she was asleep.

*click*, the front door groaned in protest as Joker opened it.

A heaving of the couch as he threw his rainsoaked body onto the dusty cushions.

Mumbling, and the sound of his footsteps as he neared the closed bedroom door.

Harley winced, then sighed silently in relief as he went towards the bathroom instead.

She listened as he growled in pain, dabbing peroxide on his cuts, and the tear of the medical tape.

The click of the bathroom light, and the sound of his footsteps stopping outside of the door.

He turned the knob, and the hall-light fell across Harley's deathly still body.

Harley held her breath, clutching the small gold Star of David that hung tenderly around her neck.

Joker didn't bother to close the door, and begin to undress, throwing his clothes down onto the floor, and around the small, ill-furnished bedroom.

"I know your awake Harley." he said cooly, Harley sighed again before turning over to face him.

"Hiya Puddin'," she said in a high, squeaky, Jewish accented voice.

Joker didn't respond, just proceeded to force her nightgown off of her body.

"Puddin', w-what a-are you d-doing?" Harley asked in a shaky voice, reaching for Joker's arm.

Joker back-handed her down onto the covers, silencing her.

Harley looked to the doorway, small blue eyes peered terrified, blond hair like her mother's, why it was curly, no one knew, hanging loosely around her face.

She bit her lip, as he entered her, and lip-synched for the little girl to go back to her room.

Her eyes disappeared, and small feet plodded quickly down the hallway, back to false-safety.

**

Terry paced, breath floating like a cloud in front of him outside of the club entrance.

He wondered if he should go back inside, try to make peace with Dana, apologize for being late again.

They'd made a scene, she'd told him she was done, tired of waiting for him, tired of half-assed excuses that didn't explain anything, and worst done with him.

"I guess it had to end sometime." he said frowning lightly.

He began to walk, where he didn't know, guess there was only one place to go, back to the cave.

It took him an hour to get to the far-north end of the city, he'd have taken bus, but he didn't have any creds.

He looked up, studying the sharp line that was a border to Wayne manor.

Where the pavement ended, and the long dirt-lane driveway began to wind up to the front gates.

Like a modern day Mason Dixon line, Bruce, the courageous north, Gotham, the human-rights-less south.

He looked up to Bruce's house, majestic, surrounded by trees like a castle.

"How fitting, oh Dark Knight." he said bitterly.

He began to trudge up the driveway, realizing he was becomming more and more like Bruce, destined for a lonely existance in a house with a dog.

"What are you doing here?" a deep, painful voice asked.

It belonged to Bruce Wayne, out on a midnight stroll.

Terry jumped, "So now I'm not allowed to come to work is that it, are you done with me too?!" Terry shrugged, feeling defeated, "Sorry, bad day."

Bruce didn't answer, eyebrows arching, feining intrest.

"She's tired of my excuses, tired of me leaving her out in the cold all the time. She's right though,... You know alot about women, maybe you can help m,.." Terry was well aware of Bruce's status as a young man. Able to get any woman he wanted.

Bruce raised his hand, stopping Terry mid-sentence.

"Oh come on Bruce, you mean to tell me, all those girls and you didn't learn a thing?"

Bruce shook his head, "You'll learn."

"Learn what?!" Terry asked confused.

"The only thing a man needs to know about a women is that she can give you everything you may want, but she can also take everything you need."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"I'll tell you the day you become a man." Bruce said smiling slyly.

"What are you talking about? I'm a man!"

"A seventeen-year-old boy is not a man." Bruce said turning around, and beginning to walk away.

"Hey, come on!" Terry yelled after him.

Terry waiting, becoming more angry as Bruce walked away.

The harsh face of silence, was even worse when you were freezing.

"Fine!" he said, turning around and leaving, he didn't care if Wayne fired him.

**

Melanie sat on a bench in the park, head bent over the newest installment of Fearless, hunched down to ward off the cold.

Swearing up and down with every word that she was just like Gaia.

The only difference was her father was there, very much there.

She wondered if she could spend the night at Max's house again.

She knew it wasn't an issue with Max's parents, they were divorced, and her mother was never home.

Now what to tell her own mother,... She'd have to think of that when she got there.

Gathering her bag, and placing a fallen leaf between the pages to hold her sheet, Melanie stood to leave.

She walked while putting her book in her bag, she walked headfirst into another kid.

"Oops, sorry." she said, reaching down to pick up her books.

"That's alright, my fault." he responded, handing her her book.

Gotta go.

[Daughterof_Evil]

Hiya, NC! Didn't know you were starting another fic. All hail the queen of Elseworlds!!

Noticed that Harley and Misteh J have a little girl in this one. How cute! I wonder what the little one's name is. My first "version" of Hollye was her as Joker and Harley's daughter, but there were too many plot holes for that to go well. Oh, well. It's more dysfunctional this way anyway.

I can't wait to see where this one is going. It's always a surprise with you...

[The_NewCatwoman]

Melanie rubbed the tender spot on her forehead where she'd clumsily walked into another person. Looking up, she began to blush furiously as he smiled. He had nice Raven hair, cut into a chili-bowl, and sharp blue eyes that sparkled with the night. She sighed as she began to thank him again.

"Hey, no sweat. Besides, what's a girl as beautiful as you doing out here anyway, it's like 12:47 already."

"Anything just to avoid going home." Melanie answered quietly.

He frowned with concern, "Is there something going on between you and your folks?"

Melanie nodded, "Nothing that can't be put off for a few hours."

"Where are you headed? It wouldn't be very gentleman-like if I didn't walk you."

Melanie smiled appreciatively, "I was on my way to a friend's house, maybe you know her, Max, Max Gibson?"

He smiled, "You know Max? Wow, she's one of my best friend's."

"Strange, she never mentioned you before, what's your name?"

"Terrence McGennis, but everyone just calls me Terry." he said extending his hand. "Your's?"

"Melanie Quinn." she said with a small smile, excepting his hand.

"Any special nicknames?" Terry asked.

"Well, my mom calls me 'Sunny'..."

"Do you mind if I call you Sunny?" Terry asked, tilting his head.

"No, it can be our little secret." she said with a devious smile.

"My kinda secret!" Terry said smiling back.

The two turned out of the park, and headed Northeast towards Max's apartment together.

**

"Where is she?!" The Joker asked, his voice straining with rage.

Harley trembled in the corner, arms wrapped around her knees. Shrinking away from the horrifying figure across the room.

The Joker grabbed a bowl off the card table that doubled as a dining room table, and hurled it at the wall.

"I-I-I-I don't k-know, she hasn't been home all day." Harley offered.

The Joker suddenly took a deep breath, and walked calmly towards Harley, a soothing smile on his face. "Gee Harl, why am I yelling at you, it's not your fault Melanie's missing."

Harley shrank back further into the corner, she'd learned long ago not to let her guard down.

The Joker stopped in front of her and stooped down onto his haunches, reaching out, he began to stroke Harley's cheek.

Harley closed her eyes immediately. Calling his bluff, her head smacked loudly against the wall as the Joker punched her. Without wasting any time, she let her body go limp as he grabbed her by the arms and threw her violently into the wall.

Harley crumpled to the floor unconcious, blood dribbling from her nose and lip, a blackeye forming.

The Joker bit his lip and walked away, still seething. He collapsed onto the couch and decided that he'd deal with his daughter whenever she decided to make an appearance.

[Batgirl_2005]

wow. that was really cool. I definitely wasn't expecting that. It was really good. I am really very impressed...

[The Game]

Joker's daughter... Not sure if I like that idea... Poor Harley. Keep going New Catwoman! :)

[Panther]

My jaw dropped when she said ehr name was Melanie /Quinn/. Is she an elseworlds Ten or is it just the same name?

opps, gotta go

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Alright, I haven't written a story with already fully established characters (except for a few changes) since Breakdown, so don't be mad if it takes me longer to get posts up. Also, check out the date differences, that's just how busy I've been with school, and my other story**

Bruce sat by himself in the cave, staring at the expansive screen before. McGennis obviously had someone up in heaven looking out for him, as there was nothing going on that needed Batman's attention. But that could always change, and that's what made Bruce severely consider cutting his pay. The only reason that he didn't was because Terry's mother needed all the help she could get, now that she couldn't depend on Terry's father for child support.

Bruce sighed, where the hell was that boy?

Bruce placed the heel of his hand under his chin and thought about the conversation he'd had with Terry earlier. When Terry had suggested that Bruce knew anything about women. That in-turn led to thoughts about his failed marriages. The first was with predictably Selina Kyle. They'd had a daughter, naming her Aidia. She was the most beautiful baby girl he'd ever seen, with eyes that sparkled like diamonds, and the softest brown hair.

Bruce took a deep breath, the last thing he wanted to think about was how things had ended with Selina and Aidia.

The second marriage had been strained, but much more fruitful, as he'd reestablished a relationship with, and married Helena Bertinelli. They'd had three boys, two of which were full grown with their own children.

The youngest was Thomas Wayne Jr., whom they all called Thomas J. like the character from the movie My Girl. He'd been born with gray eyes that shined so brightly and penetrated so deeply, they could only be described as silver. He was 21 now, and was almost ready to graduate from Art school.

Bruce was incredibly proud of his sons, but hardly got the chance to speak to them. When they'd gotten divorced, Helena had taken their second son Issac along with Thomas J. and moved back to New York City. Back in Gotham, Bruce had been forced to watch them grow up through letters, and on the phone. He'd plunged into depression.

His relationship with Isaac had been lost, as Isaac had blamed Bruce for the divorce. That along with the loss of Aidia had been practically intolerable. But somehow through it all, he'd managed to hold onto his oldest son Shane, and Thomas J. Giving them everything he could during the few weeks they'd spent together every six months.

Bruce reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Unfolding it, he pulled out the four pictures of his children that he kept behind his credit cards.

Aidia smiling brightly in front of the Great Wall of China at the age of two.

Shane standing next to his surf board on Anini Beach in Hawaii, flashing a large smile and a peace sign. His pale-blond hair shining in the sunlight.

Isaac looking sleepy on the morning of the last birthday he'd spent at Wayne Manor.

And Thomas J. smiling mischeiviously as he held up one of his 10th grade report cards, on which he'd made a 3.986.

Bruce stared sadly at the pictures, running his fingers across the glossed surface of each. These were just pictures, not flesh and blood. He smiled grimly, and wished his children blessings that he couldn't give them.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Thanks for all the replies before, sorry I didn't say it on the last post.**

Terry opened his eyes and looked around, reality slowly filtering into his early morning mindset.

"Oh my God!" he said quickly realizing where he was, on the floor in the middle of Max's living room. Max lay asleep, arms draped across her still-on laptop. Melanie lay across the couch Terry's jacket substituting as a blanket, popcorn was scattered across the floor, product of a very productive food-fight.

Terry ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit, and quickly slipped on his shoes.

Tip-toeing over to the desk, he gently proded Maxine awake. "What time is it?" he asked her, as his eyes flashed to his bare wrist.

Max wiped the small line of drool from the corner of her mouth, and looked at the clock in the right corner of her screen. "Geez, Terry it's only four-thirty!" she whispered in a croaky voice.

"Ay, I've got to get back to Wayne's,... he's gonna use me for kindling!"

"Kndling?" Max asked confusedly.

"Firewood, before our time, Bruce says it every now and then. Did you the fireplace's at his house actually burn wood?"

"Whoa, get outta here, but then, that's kinda what one would expect when the house has been in the family since like colonial times."

"Actually, his great-great Grandfather Jack bought it for his wife Jane and their growing family right before the Civil war." Terry said as he yawned.

Max shrugged, "Hmmmm, who'd have thunk it?" she said with a smile.

Terry looked over to Melanie, "Just tell her she can borrow it 'til I see her next, I gotta go back to work, man I'm fried." he groaned.

"It's saturday, we can all sleep 'til nine and watch some cartoons, come on, it'll be fun!" she said.

"I'm not paying you to sleep!" Terry said, imitating Bruce deep, irritated tone.

"Alright, see ya." Max said laughing lightly, before settling onto the couch Terry had just occupied, as Terry left and closed the door behind himself.

**

Bruce sat in the kitchen enjoying his second cup of coffee, rubbing his tired eyes, but ignoring the stabbing fatigue of sleeplessness.

Ace lay at his feet, padding a chew bone back and forth between each paw boredly.

Bruce's eyebrows rose, as the wall phone rang, it's shrill tone echoing throughout the kitchen.

"Yes." he said sighing silently.

"Hey Pop!" came an excited voice from the other end. "It's your favorite!"

Bruce rubbed his temple, trying to hold back his smile. "What is it Thomas?" he asked trying to sound irritated.

"Well, um... I'd like to get in, as I've managed to loose my key for the sixth..."

"Your outside?!" Bruce asked standing quickly. Marching to the window, he looked down the path, and saw the strong frame standing before the front gates.

"How many times have I told you about leaving your keys everywhere?" Bruce said entering the lock code into the panel by the door.

"Must be the twentieth time, at least." Thomas J. said with a smile as the gates slowly slid open. Rushing quickly up the path, he closed his cell phone.

Ace scratched at the oak double-doors, anxious for the arriving youngest son.

Bruce opened the door, and applied a stern look as his son quickly hugged him and stepped back.

"What?!" Thomas J. asked exasperatedly.

"What are you doing here?" Bruce asked, suspicion tightening his throat.

Thomas J. scratched the back of his neck and began to look everywhere but at his father.

"I'm waiting." Bruce stated impatiently.

"Jesus, can't I just come visit my Papa, without the third-freakin'-degree."

"No." Bruce said crossing his arms.

"Man it's dark in here, maybe we should open up a few of those windows, maybe let a little air in..." Thomas J. said trying to side-step his father.

Bruce quickly grabbed him by the arm and dragged him back to his original place.

"Why?"

Thomas groaned angrily, his face reddening in shame. "I'm been suspended indefinitely." he said quietly, refusing to look his father in the eye.

Bruce stepped back, face frozen in thoughtful shock. Taking a few seconds to let it process he readied hiimself for his next question. "Why?"

Thomas sighed defeatedly, "They found drugs in my bag, and I was unable to prove they weren't mine."

"Are they?!" Bruce asked angrily.

Thomas winced, not from the question, but from the tone, "No way! Someone's framed me, I swear, I mean I'm at the top of my class, what the heck do I need drugs for?"

Bruce considered his son's words, "How were they discovered?"

"Someone called in with an anonymus tip, they totally stormed me at like three in the morning, and had me out by four, they didn't even give me a gosh-dang drug test!"

"Gosh-dang?" Bruce asked with a hint of a smile.

Thomas shrugged, "I don't like the other word, so I modified it for my use."

The two entered the kitchen, where Bruce offered him a seat at the breakfast table. "Have you told your mother?"

"God, no! She'd come all the way down here just to put her foot up my ass!"

"You don't tell her yourself, I will." Bruce said eyes flashing to the phone.

"You're not going to call her now are you, I mean it's only four-" he quickly looked at his watch, "fifty-six."

"Why wouldn't I?" Bruce asked, taking another sip of his coffee.

Thomas J. scratched behind Ace's ears as he thought, "Just give me a few days, then I'll tell her myself."

Bruce nodded, and the two of them sat in comfortable silence, as the grandfather clock struck five, it's harmonious chimes, echoing throughout the first floor.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**December 24th, 2008**

Bruce sat in the back of his black sudan, calmly brushing the stray pieces of lint that clung to the frabic of his fedora to the floor. He placed it back on his head, and tucked it lower, shielding his eyes in a shadow.

He subconciously began to hum, his low baritone voice resonating through his eardrums at a smooth, cheerful tone. His thoughts on his young daughter at home.

Aidia had been throughly excited for the past two weeks, counting down the days to Christmas, as her mother placed large red X's on each of the respective days.

They'd all sat together infront of the television, watching all the little Christmas specials that came on ABC, and Fox. Aidia asking if Santa Claus was going to bring her presents.

Selina had quickly corrected her on the proper pronunciation of Saint Nicholas, and he himself went into the whole history behind the celebrated Saint, and how the name "Santa Klaus" came into use. Then the both of them quickly told her that Santa Claus wasn't real, just a folk tale that people told their kids in the spirit of the original. Aidia had appeared slightly crushed, but had gotten over it by the time the commercials had ended.

Selina had bought Aidia a Spanish children's book called "Feliz Navidad!" and used it to teach her the history behind the celebrations.

Then Bruce had read her The Night Before Christmas, using the same pop-up book that his father had given him as a young boy.

Aidia had helped her mother, and Alfred decorate the house in garish design the entire week, and marveled at the large trees that had been put up in the more frequented rooms. Large mounds of presents sat under the biggest tree, adressed to several of Bruce and Selina's closest friends, but the majority were as expected for Aidia.

Bruce looked at his watch, it was only 6:20. He smiled, Selina and Aidia weren't expecting him for a few more hours. But he'd let everyone off early in anticipation for the coming holiday.

His smile widened considerably, for him at least, as the car pulled into the long driveway that lead up to Wayne Manor, his father's house.

After all this time, even now as he raised his own familia inside it's secure walls, he still thought of it as his father's house.

Quickly he thanked Alfred with a nod as the aging butler opened his door for him, and pulled the last of his Christmas shopping bags from the trunk. He turned startled,as Alfred called out in concern.

Bruce stared at the front steps of his home, the double-doors ajar. He dropped the bags and rushed into the house. Alfred right behind him.

He balled his hands into fists, and quickly punched the splintered frame of the door as he surveyed the scene before him. The trees had been knocked over, and the gift contents had been strewn haphazardly across the great room floor. Furniture had been broken into pieces, and the hanging decorations had been pulled down, and shredded into shards of evergreen and plaid red.

Bruce's eyes scanned over the remains of the house, cursing under his breath severely. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he caught sight of his parent's portrait. A long slash divided the two, and several sections had been ripped from the painting all together.

Bruce clutched his temples and closed his eyes, trying to cast away the glaring red pain growing behind his forehead. He raised his eyes to Alfred, small tears forming at the corners. "Who would...?" he asked hopelessly.

Alfred rested his hands on Bruce's shoulders, but remained silent, not sure what he could say to soften the moment. Suddenly realization flashed in his charge's eyes, and the worried man rushed up to the second floor of house without turning back around.

Alfred looked over the chaos sadly, himself without the slightest idea who would have the intense hatred in his heart capable of causing such unjustified pain in his master's life. He found himself jolted unpleasantly from his thoughts as a totured cry swallowed the house in it's hollow, raw conviction.

Alfred was soon at the younger man's side, his hand stiffling his comments, eyes glazed over with wonder.

At their feet lay the lifeless body of Selina, cuts and bruises covered her exposed skin. Bruce sank to his knees, and took her into his arms, burying his head into the nape of her neck. He sobbed furiously, only calming slightly as her bloodied hand caressed his cheek. He raised his head, and looked at her, their silence filling the room with uncertainty.

"Bruce," she said weakly, "They came out of nowhere, they took our baby, there were so many of them, the bastards." she choked out.

"Shhh," Bruce said placing his finger to her lips, before cradling her, holding her protectively against his chest. "I'll find them, I'll make them pay for what they've done."

Alfred quietly excused himself out of the room and went about the task of cleaning up the great room. His brow creased in determination, and worry. There were few men who had the... need... to do something like this, particularly to Master Bruce. But there was only one man, who had the actual resources, the means to do such a dastardly act...

[Panther]

I'm having a hard time imaging Bruce as the father of three boys. But Thomas is so adorable!

"They didn't even give me a gosh-dang drug test!"

"Gosh-dang?" Bruce asked with a hint of a smile.

Thomas shrugged, "I don't like the other word, so I modified it for my use."


Cute!

I'm also enjoying how you skip back and forth between time, space and characters - Max and Terry to Selina and Bruce, etc. - yet no one gets slighted in developemnt.

I /know/ this will only end in tears - but who kidnapped Aida (with a name like that who expects anything /but/ tragedy? , since this ain't the Disney version) and why and /who/? Who wants to hurt /Bruce/ so bad?

keep up the good writing!

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Panther- thanks for replying, I can understand about the three sons thing. The thing is I've always wanted Bruce to have a huge family of his own, with Selina or whoever, it just kinda developed this way.**

**flashback continues**

A small trembling form crouched in the corner of her the bed, her legs pulled up to her chest, tears streaming miserably down her small face.

Before her stood three figures, one large and musclebound with a bald head, another a woman with long hair that obscured one of her eyes, and the last a man with black hair streaked in white, and eyes so cold they made her shiver.

"I want my Daddy." the young girl whispered, wiping the hot tears from her eyes.

The last man spoke first, "Oh come now, I've saved you from mediocracy, growing up under the misguided efforts of The Detective and his wife The Catwoman." His voice was thick with an accent she'd never heard before, his was different than her mother's and she could only half understand what he said.

"What is your name?" the woman asked, her voice was also tinged with a similar accent, but was thick with some unknown emotion. Maybe hate?

The girl shook her head back and forth, "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers." she said, burying her face in her knees.

The last man spoke again, "I am Ra's Al Ghul, this is my daughter Talia, and my assistant Ubu, you are a very fortunate young girl, to think you were almost brought up in such a wretched existence in Gotham."

"I don't want to talk to you, I want my Daddy!" she screamed suddenly, erupting into another round of tears.

Ra's sighed, "I don't think you understand my dear, I suppose I should explain it in a way that would make sense to you, as your father has done nothing to develop your mind as it seems..."

He walked to her bedside and stared down at her, she proceeded to scoot as close to the opposite bedpost as possible. "Your father, The Detective was already a good man, but he was to become a great man, he was to become my heir and rule after me, finalizing my dream to a utopian earth, but he foolishly rejected my offer as well as my daughter. You," he said reaching over, and taking her chin, "are the child they should have had together, and are rightfully my heir. I will raise you as my granddaughter, and Talia will become as your mother, Ubu as your uncle and godfather." he paused, "Now tell us child, what is your name?"

"Aidia." she whispered quietly.

"Now get some sleep my precious child, you will rise in the morning for your first lessons."

[Panther]

:eek:

Well that just made me come up with half a dozen /new/ guesses to how we get from point a to b in this story. You picked Aida's name on purpose, didn't you? Have you seen the musical? I hope to get tickets next time it comes to my town. I liked the way you introduced Ras and crew in this post. He's even more scary from a child's pov!

good luck with this story!

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

*11:47pm, Christmas Day*

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I've gone over this entire house from top to bottom, four times Alfred!" Bruce said collapsing into a heap on the floor.

Alfred stood nearby, worry etched into his face, genuinely afraid for his charge's mental health. Master Bruce hadn't slept for the past fourt-five or more hours. Twenty-eight of which had been spent turning the Manor over half in rage, and half in desperation. Master Bruce had denied continually the possiblilty that he wouldn't find their child, but now it was becoming more and more apparent that their Angel was gone forever.

Alfred reassigned his attention to Master Bruce who had crawled into a ball on the floor, with his face in the rug. He let out a low wail, and punched the floor savagely, his fingers burning against the friction.

"Master Bruce, perhaps a hot shower, a meal, and a good night's sleep would make for a renewed spirit in the morning." Alfred said, well aware that Bruce was hardly ready to sleep.

To his surprise Bruce relented, standing slowly, his face unshaven, eyes wild with stress. Alfred watched with a small reassurance as he turned for the stairway, then new anxiety as Bruce instead tore for the cave.

"Master Bruce, you really should get some rest." Alfred pleaded.

Bruce rushed towards the changing room, and stopped just short of entering. Staring in anger at his various suits, and the trophies he'd acquired through his years of rigorous training.

"Sir, maybe it is too soon to say, we really shouldn't give up hope that young Aidi," he started as he joined Bruce.

"There's nothing there Alfred," Bruce moaned, "Not fingerprints, not footprints, fragments of clothing, hair,... NOTHING!"

"We do know it was Ra's Al Ghul don't we sir?" Alfred asked timidly.

"Yes, of course, but that doesn't tell me where he is, what he's doing, why it is he's doing this. I--know--absolutely--NOTHING!"

Alfred remained silent, stepping back a few paces to allow Bruce room incase he ran through his fist through the wall. Instead Bruce grabbed the nearest suit, a lightweight summer get-up, and raced back up the stairs, Alfred trying desperately to keep up.

He soon found the troubled man outside of his home, in the middle of the commodious front yard, the suit at his feet. He also found Bruce had managed to grab a gasoline can and a book of matches on the way outside before Alfred had even made it to the first step.

"Master Bruce..."

"Quiet Alfred." Bruce said in a unnervingly even voice.

Alfred watched as Bruce poured gasoline over the suit and struck a match.

"Alfred, what is he doing?" came the tired voice of Selina, Bruce's wife, Aidia's mother behind him. Alfred didn't have the will to answer, locked in awe at the sight.

They heard, back in the great room, the Grandfather clock strike twelve, it's chime ringing harmoniously through the three figures ears. Bruce waited a tense moment with uncaring eyes, and threw the match onto the suit. The entire thing went up instantly in a fiery haze, the heat enough to drive both Alfred and Selina back a few paces.

Bruce stayed put, tears streaming torturously down his cold, expressionless face. His knees began to shake, and gave out, lowering him to the grass.

He raised his face to the heavens and let out a horrible scream.

Alfred and Selina looked up suddenly as a swarm of bats appeared over them, blanketing the sky. Their wings flapping thuderously across the great expanse.

Before them stood something more than a man, he was the master of something they could never concieve, the bats themselves respected him, and he had been broken.

Selina took a few steps forward, then slowly, unsure of his reaction, wrapped her arms around his neck and lowered herself to her knees

Bruce turned slightly and buried his face in the nape of her neck, as she stroked his hair. "I can't be Batman anymore Selina..."

"Shhh." she insisted quietly, kissing his forehead.

"No, how can I be expected to protect an entire city, if I can't even keep my daughter out of harm's reach?"

Selina closed her eyes, leaning against him for support, unable to answer the question.

**Present Day**

Thomas J. sat lazily on the couch, pressing the television remote control over and over, each channel blinking before him for only a second before he changed it again. A long line of drool purposely sliding down his chin, and spotting his shirt.

Bruce sat next to him staring in facination. His son was a master at improvitization. They could be just sitting there having a conversation, and all of a sudden, Thomas J. would just zone out, letting his eyes blur, and face become blank. The first few times he had done it, at age twelve, he'd scared his mother half to death and proceeded to get himself grounded for the entire summer. Bruce had later convinced Helena to overturn the sentence, claiming he meant no harm, and that she was just a bad sport.

Shane had jokingly accused him of favoring Thomas J. which they all knew wasn't actually true.

Not entirely anyway.

It was now a little after ten o' clock at night, and Thomas had made a big show out of watching Blue's Clues, and Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. the next morning. Something they'd done regularly when he was a toddler. They'd both slept past it that morning, and Thomas was determined not to let it happen again.

Across from them sat a barely awake Terry, his eyes fluttering up and down, for the most part unresponsive to Bruce's calls.

Thomas snapped out of his trance and stared at the teenager, just four years younger than him. He didn't really have that good of an impression of the guy, as he'd only broken into the batcave and stolen his father's batsuit. But Thomas wasn't one to let prejudices get in the way of potential friendships, so he had given Terry the benefit of the doubt that morning when they'd finally met. He turned to his father, "A bit of a late start isn't it?"

Bruce nodded, and stood. Raising his cane a few feet, he whacked Terry on the shins, causing him to wake up quite suddenly and irritably. Just the perfect combination for crimefighting, as one can't fight crime without some sense of drive.

"Good morning Sunshine!" Thomas sang with a chuckle. Terry stared at them both angrily, he'd been having a great dream about putting in a guest appearance on The Man Show on Comedy Central. He'd even convinced Dana to get on the trampoline. "Dammit." he cursed, rising from his seat.

He yawned, then looked back and forth from Senior to Junior Wayne, and for the life of him couldn't imagine how the two of them could be related. Sure, they posessed similar features, but their personalities were completely flipped. Thomas J. had to be the goofiest guy over twenty he had ever met, the guy laughed at everything. And Bruce... As it appeared didn't even know what a laugh was anymore. But it was also apparent that Bruce thoroughly enjoyed his son's company. He hadn't seen the guy so at ease at any time since he'd met him. He obviously adored his children, and Terry was happy for him for that.

He turned to Thomas, "So are you joining me or what?"

"Whoa, oh no, I don't do the vengence thing. Besides when you come from a family of superheroes, it's a little 'old hat' if you know what I mean."

"Family of superheroes?" Terry asked, noting Bruce's sudden aggitation. Terry had never inquired as to the scope of Bruce's reach when it came to the people around him. All he knew was there were two Robin's, and he was satisfied.

"Yeah, uh gee... Dick and Tim of course. My mom, my godmother and father..."

"Your mom?" Terry asked surprised.

"Yeah, Helena Bertinelli, school teacher by day, ass-kicker by night...?"

Terry's face remained blank.

"Geez, doesn't this kid know anything?" he asked rolling his eyes.

"No." Bruce said in a flat tone, indicating the conversation was over.

The three of them headed towards the clock. Bruce turned and stared at Thomas expectantly.

"What?" Thomas asked, as if there was nothing out of place.

"I thought you don't do the 'vengence thing'?"

"I never said I didn't want to watch, besides seeing Terry get kicked in the balls sounds like such fun!' Thomas answered enthusiasticly.

"Thanks." Terry called up the stairs.

"Your welcome." Thomas said ginuinely as he started down the stairs, Bruce following, rolling his eyes at the comment.

--#--

A young woman sat reading a french magazine, and enjoying a small gin on her trans-atlantic flight, smiling pleasantly as the p.a. system announced the plane's decent into Gotham Internation Airport, gate 327-B.

Her soft, wavy brown hair, flowing from under a custom made fedora, curved over her shoulders, accentuating the button-down shirt she wore, cuffs un-done, first three buttons as well. Her clevage was showcased nicely by the outfit, which when complete included her pinstripe skirt, and the matching jacket, which lay folded across the seat next to her. She replaced the magazine into her carry-on, and finished her drink, handing the empty glass to a passing flight-attendent. Buckling her seatbelt, she prepared for the landing, tensing her body, and checking her earplugs to make sure they were lodged firmly in her ear canal.

Upon landing, she regained the rest of her luggage at the baggage claim including the cage that held her infant pet tiger Ali-Aamir, and caught a taxi to the Gotham Plaza, across the street from Wayne International, the newly established Wayne Enterprises world headquarters. Upon reaching her room, she immediately let Ali out of his cage, and cradled him. The plane ride had made him cranky, and he now moaned insatisfiably. She fed him and eventually he calmed down, falling asleep on one of the many pillows atop her bed. Walking to the window, she stared at the Gold monogram labeling the Wayne building, the name ringing a distinct and rather nagging bell in her memory. But she couldn't place it. Shrugging, she undressed, save for her underwear and set up her laptop. After finally finding a phone jack, she logged onto the internet and checked her e-mail. There were a few letters from her brother Jean-Xavier about their grandfather's health. She read them quickly, then decided to reply later on.

Now Relaxed, she changed completely out of her clothes, showered, and laid down to take a short nap. Setting the bedside alarm clock for 2:30am, she kissed Ali on the top of his fuzzy head and settled down to sleep. She had a busy night ahead of her.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
:eek:

Well that just made me come up with half a dozen /new/ guesses to how we get from point a to b in this story. You picked Aida's name on purpose, didn't you? Have you seen the musical? I hope to get tickets next time it comes to my town. I liked the way you introduced Ras and crew in this post. He's even more scary from a child's pov!

good luck with this story!

later,

Ummmm, what musical. I swear I'm so sheltered, I have no real concept of that kind of stuff. I guess I'm more interested in drugs and the 60s. Che Guevera and Nikki Giovanni kick ass! The only musical I guess I'd really be interested in would be uhhh, WestSide Story, I guess. I've never seen it. Thanks for the reply, it's greatly appreciated.

Love, Peace, and Hairgrease,

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Batman sat boredly atop the Wayne International building, staring vacantly at the stars. Yawning, he looked at his watch, only 2:28am. The city had been completely devoid of crime for the past two nights, it was as if the crooks had all gone on some kind of unscheduled holiday or something. Oh well, he should be happy there was nothing going on, he could get home earlier.

--#--

The alarm clock slashed through her sleepy dreams like a sharpened machete. Groaning, one hand went to her forehead, the other to her alarm clock. She quickly cut it's shrill cry before Ali had a chance to pounce on it. Turning over, she kicked the covers back and picked Ali's groggy form up, holding him over her. He croaned softly, startled by the sudden movement.

"Hey cutie, how's about you and I get going?" she asked, her american tone accented by the french and arabic she'd become accustomed to speaking for the past few years.

Ali of course eyed her silently. She sighed setting him back down, watched as he curled back into a little ball.

Rising, she began to set out two separate outfits. One she was going out in tonight, which consisted of a black kevlar catsuit, with an invisible zipper that ran up the front, and a white screenprint of a tiger on the back and a light-weight utility belt holding all the tools she would need for her job. Finished off by a pair of googles, that would allow her to see in the dark. The other was a Hotkiss clipped-sleeveless shirt whose sides were purposely accentuated with about fifteen safety pins each, and a shin length dirty-denim Diesel skirt. She also pulled out a pair of aviator glasses in the shade of her skirt. This outfit was for tommorow of course.

Quickly she got dressed, and grabbed a reluctant Ali, placing him across her neck He began to cry out in protest, digging one of his tiny claws into her shoulder.

She cired out, ignoring the urge to throw him from her, and picked him up. Holding him away from her, she shared a few harsh words in french with him that she had used during his house-breaking to symbolize he'd done something wrong.

He cried out fearfully, never liking the position, and she relented, placing him back on her shoulders. Smiling, she pulled the goggles up to her forehead, and checked her e-mail once more.

Jean-Xavier was now stateside as well, staying the night in New York, before he would join her the next afternoon. She was to spend all of her time until then concentrating on finding the Batman, and detailing his actions.

Exiting through the window, she used the grooves between the bricks to climb to the roof. Looking out over the city, she was surprised to find her quarry sitting not but fifty feet away.

Snorting with annoyance, she remembered her grandfather's many words on the Batman, and how he was not easily belittled in his glory days. When he'd surfaced, she'd been called on to confront him for some reason or another, she hadn't needed an answer. She'd spent the last few years training non-stop for the encounter.

Walking to the edge of the roof, she calculated the distance between her building and the next, deciding that it was too far to jump. Instead, she reached into a pocket on her belt, and pulled out a single hook grappling hook, and threw it across the mostly empty street below her. Pulling it, to check it's security, she latched her end to the ledge below her, and tight-roped across.

--#--

Batman leaned back, and sighed. Absolutely nothing was going on, this was a complete waste of time. He pressed his comm-link, "Come on Bruce, this is fruitless. I think it's pretty safe to say, the freaks aren't coming out tonight."

He chuckled, as he heard Thomas J. go into his own rendition of "The freaks come out at night!" and Bruce hush him quickly.

"Stay out for another thirty minutes just to be sure, it's still pretty early."

"*groan* Alright, as you wish your majesty. Over."

"You said Bruce, tell me, who is this Bruce you speak of, his name sounds familiar to me." a feminine voice said from behind him.

"Ahhhh!" Batman yelped nearly falling over. Turning around, he stared at the figure before him. Thinking quickly he blurted, "I didn't say Bruce, I said uh,... er..."

"You said Bruce, I heard you, those were your exact words." she said quietly. "Don't worry, I have no desire to pry into that which is not my business."

"Who are you speaking to?" Bruce asked through the comm-link.

"Uhhh, I don't know, I didn't even hear her come up." Batman rubbed the back of his neck nervously, searching for the right words to say. "Who are you?"

"I am not obliged to say, I am on business for my grandfather, your presence is needed at his estate, that is all I know."

"Whoa, uhh I don't even know your grandfather, let alone you."

"Don't worry, the time is not at hand just yet, I will take leave now, and contact you later with more details." she said quickly leaving.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Selina Kyle lay half-asleep in her bed. Coming to her senses fully as a shadow fell across her from the window. She tensed her body, feigning slumber, as the shadow opened her window and crept inside. Springing up, she ran at the assailant, striking them on the shoulder. The attacker recovered quickly, and turned, ducking under her other arm, and grasping both wrists, drawing them behind her.

Selina growled, "There's only one person I've ever let hold me like this, and they're not a part of my life anymore!"

"Shhh, I have not come with any threat against you or your possessions."

Selina pulled surprised that as small as the figure was, their grip was unbelievably sure. "Fine!" she relented angrily, as they released her instantly and stepped back.

"Who are you?" she asked, staring at the shadow before her, surprised to see they wore an outfit similar to her's as Catwoman, and that at their feet was a baby tiger. She smiled adoringly, at the little warrior who stood in a protective stance, growling as much and as loud as it's little voice box could take.

"As I told someone else tonight, I am not obliged to say, I am here on the behalf of my grandfather who requests your presence at his estate. It is with great regret that his health is failing and he is on his deathbed." she finished with strain.

Selina stared at her, it was obvious that she was hurting, and she was almost sad to tell her there was nothing she could do. "I'm sorry sweetie, but I don't know you or your grandfather, and hardly know why he needs me there."

"He told me that you were owed an explanation to an event in your past involving myself, but he wouldn't say anymore. He said to take it up with a man named Wayne."

Selina shuddered at the sound of the name "Wayne". She knew who her grandfather was referring to: her ex-husband Bruce Wayne.

Selina turned away from the young woman, "What does he need with Bruce and I? Especially together, one would think he doesn't know that we're divorced." Selina remarked solemnly, her eyebrows raising with emotion.

The young woman stepped back, "I-I did not know, he just gave instructions that I find Batman and yourself. And that I tell you to give consultation with a man named Wayne. I have received no other instructions pertaining your visit."

"Do you know why he wants me there." Selina asked, wrapping her arms around herself.

"That was not my concern, my only duty was to-"

"What a minute," Selina interrupted, "you said you had to find the Batman. What does he have to do with this?"

The figure stepped back, "As I told you, I do not know. My brother will see you tomorrow, he knows much more than I, as I have other duties on my own to attend to. Good night Ms. Kyle." and with that she and the tiger were gone.

--#--

She sat down on the ledge outside Ms. Kyle's window and sighed, that had been hard work. Sliding off the narrow space, she took to the air, Ali clinging to her shoulder blades, enjoying the rush of wind on her face as she sped towards the ground. At the last possible moment, she produced another grappling hook and latched onto a building. Swinging upward, she arched her body, and sailed through the air, coming to a graceful landing on a rooftop not far from Ms. Kyle's.

"What exactly are you up to?"

She spun quickly, surprised to find the Batman behind her.

"I saw you leave that apartment, what were you doing in there?" he asked in a slightly menacing voice, not at all as scary as her mother had boasted.

"That is none of your business!"

"And here I thought you were harmless, silly me. I followed you, I saw you go in, and I saw you leave. Now, where's the stash?"

"I beg your pardon?" she asked angrily, "Are you placing me on the same level as a common criminal?"

"You said it." he remarked sarcastically.

Her back went rigid and she stared at him, her bosom heaving in anger, "How dare you! I am NEVER to be placed on the level as a crook! I--under absolutely NO circumstances--EVER steal!"

Batman stared ahead cluelessly, taken aback by her outburst, she hadn't struck him as having a temperament. Taking a moment to recover he tried a new line of questioning: "Ummm, fine, what are you doing here?"

"I was on my way back to my hotel room." she said as if it were obvious to any fool.

"No, I meant in Gotham. What're you doing here."

"I already told you, now if you excuse me, I have appointments to keep."

He reached out and grabbed her arm, "Look, as long as you're willing to play by the rules. I figure I can help you out a little."

She turned, finding herself strangely calmed by his touch. Of course, she reasoned to herself, the Batman had had that same effect on her mother. Her grandfather often spoke of him with a tone of pride, as if he were his own son. Unfortunately, the Batman and her grandfather had come onto bad terms when he'd refused the opportunity to live the life of a king, married to her mother. She was told that she was the child of the original Batman, and her mother. Knowing this, she pulled out of his grip, this was by far not the original. This was not her father.

"You have no say in the affairs of my life. Your only concern is that of my grandfather."

"Just who is your grandfather anyway?" Batman asked.

She sighed, knowing that he wouldn't let her leave until she told him that much. "Why Ra's Al Ghul of course."

--#--

Bruce began to cough painfully, grasping his chest.

"Dad, are you okay?" Thomas asked coming to his side.

"Yes, yes. Terry, ask her to repeat herself."

--#--

Batman cocked his eyebrow in confusion, "Uhhh, okay. Hey, um could you repeat that, I'm not sure I heard you correctly."

She huffed annoyedly, "As I stated, Ra's Al Ghul."

--#--

Bruce leaned back in shock, staring at the screen blankly.

"Dad, what, what is it?!' Thomas asked bewilderedly.

"Terry, give me visual, ask her to take off her goggles so I can see her face."

--#--

"Ummm," Batman said switching to visual for his employer, "This might sound really odd, but could you kinda take off your goggles?"

She groaned impatiently, "I really don't see why that's necessary..." she said reaching for the eye wear that obstructed her face.

Just as she began to pull them up, a deafening explosion sounded a few blocks away.

Bruce, Thomas J., Batman, and the young woman all cursed at the same time.

Batman took off in the direction, "Just when I thought it was safe to call it a night." he threw out as he jumped from the ledge and let out the wings tucked under his arms. Enjoying the kick the jet packs in his feet gave him as they burst on.

Hearing a soft growling noise, he turned to see the woman, with her tiger in her arms, rushing over the rooftops not far behind him. "Hey, what the hell are you doing?!" he asked.

She didn't answer, instead choosing to concentrate on her destination.

Batman smirked staring appreciatively at her form as it raced across the tarmac roofs of the many Gotham apartment buildings. She had no problem whatsoever keeping up with him. The catsuit fit her perfectly in all the right places.

"Terry, quit staring at her, and look at where you're going!" Bruce barked into his comm-link.

"Yeah, yeah ok--Oomp!" Batman said as he flew into a billboard.

--#--

Thomas J. stared forward at the screen as Terry's body fell away from the billboard. After a few seconds of disbelief, a few snickers formed in his throat, until he could no longer hold them in. He began to cry as he guffawed unashamedly on the floor. Letting the laughter roll out of him like water. He... hit the..." he said unable to finish.

--#--

Batman groaned opening his eyes, the young woman stood above him, turning away to hide her smile.

"Owww!" he groaned.

She raised her eyebrows, and pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh.

Batman sat up, placing his arms over his knees.

Finally, she managed to squish them down long enough to make a comment, "Ummm, while you were slumbering, I took care of the situation, calling both the fire department, and the police." She said pointing over her shoulder at two goons who hung unconscious from a streetlight.

"I guess you've more than proven yourself." Batman said, coughing, and rubbing his throbbing head.

"Well, I guess this means you'll be buying Krest toothpaste hmmm?"

"What?" he asked still disorientated.

She pointed over her shoulder at the sign he'd crashed into, an advertisement for the toothpaste she'd spoke of."

Batman sighed as he heard Thomas J. go into another fit of laughter, he knew he wouldn't be living this down anytime soon.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Melanie opened her eyes, squinting in the darkness of her bedroom. She turned over, finding herself in a tangle of sheets. Cursing to herself, she kicked her way out of the entrapment, and crept to the mirror. Without turning on the lights, she examined her bruised eye. It wasn't swollen anymore, but it was still an odd chocolate pudding color. Frowning deeply, she turned away and began to get dressed, periodically recalling the days activites: She'd arrived home from Max's around five, at which her father had preceeded to knock her unconcious. She then remembered being shaken awake by her equally bruised mother, who'd helped her to bed. Harley had then proceeded to stroke her daughter's hair until she fell back asleep.

Melanie looked in the mirror, a t-shirt, a gray hooded Triple 5 Soul sweatshirt, and a pair of jeans she'd found under the bed. "Yeah, you'd fit right in at Teen Vogue." she remarked, as she began to bite her fingernails.

Turning away, she used her left hand to fish around for a pair of socks. Finally becoming fed up, she threw on a yellow striped one, and a red one she'd found next to her nightstand. Reaching into her dresser drawer, she pulled out a few creds and a folded piece of paper, hiding the rest of her creds under a few old shirts. Going to her window, she lifted it slowly, weary of any creaking the old frame might do. Reaching out, she tested the weather, finding it to be comfortably cool. Throwing her leg over, she hoisted herself over the sil, and placed the folded piece of paper between the closed window so as not to lock herself out. Creaping along the fire escape, she slowly climbed down ladder after ladder until she reached the sidewalk, finding comfort in once again being outside her father's reach.

Walking down the street, she began to smell the distinct scent of shrimp. She rubbed her stomach, noticing for the first time that her tummy was growling quite painfully. Looking across the street she saw the source of the smell, a Miley and Miley Shrimp Shack. Given she lived in Gotham, she was grateful for the abundance of twenty-four hour establishments all over the city. Running across the mildly busy street, she ducked inside and ordered chicken tenders and fries. Turning around to find a table, she noticed the ancient Mrs. Pac-Man upright in the corner. Next to it stood a converter machine, which would easily exchange her creds for the quarters that funded the video game. Deciding that a fast game was in order, she made quick work of gaining quarters and set to work on the first level.

***

Selina took a deep breath, and cut the engine. Stepping out of her car, she brought her sunglasses down slightly to get a better look at Wayne Manor. It wasn't quite as neat as she remembered. For one thing the term "crab-grass" was being nice. It looked like Bruce was cultivating a small rainforest on his property. Smirking to herself, she attempted to steady her nerves. This was the first time she'd been up here since the divorce, which had been twenty-four years ago last month. Sighing, she told herself to chill, and walked to the intercom. Pressing the button for service, she waited for someone to acknowledge her presence. She took the time to reminisce, back to when she and Bruce were just part-time lovers at best, and Alfred ran the household with a strict intolerance for the unorderly. During their many on and off again relationships she'd made time to visit the house, often unnanounced, to surprise Bruce. The lawn had seemed to sprawl into oblivion, miles of healthy green in all directions, bathed in sunlight. Every now and then, she'd managed to talk Bruce into taking naps in the soft blanket.

"Hello?" came a young voice jarring her back to reality.

"Yes," she said, "I'm hear to speak to Mr. Wayne, who is this?"

"This is his son, Thomas, may I ask who you are?"

Selina looked at the intercom in shock for a moment, not quite remembering that Bruce had remarried, and had had three more children. This must have been the youngest Thomas.

"Hellllloooo?" he asked, confused by the sudden silence.

"Yes, I'm still here, just tell him 'The cat in the cowl,' he'll know what that means."

"Hold on a moment please." Thomas said.

Selina drummed her fingers against her thigh, not quite remembering ever being this nervous back when they were younger.

Again she was shocked from her thoughts by interruption, this time it was the sliding of the manor gates. Selina took her time walking up the path, smiling to herself as she noticed particular spots where she and Bruce had shared intimate moments. By the time she reached the giant oak doors, her smile was a large as a cheshire. Raising the knocker, she waited a few moments until the door opened. She had expected to find Thomas waiting for her, but instead, she was greeted by Bruce. Although Bruce clearly looked like he had seen better days, there was a glint in his eyes that had been missing for what she knew to be a very long time.

"Selina." he greeted kindly, stepping aside to let her pass.

"Bruce," she greeted in turn, stopping just inside the foyer, "You're up rather early aren't you, being a nightowl and everything."

Bruce smiled, rather pleasantly for the moment, and nodded. "Thomas wanted to watch Blue's Clues."

Selina cocked her eyebrow, "He sounded much older than that..."

"He is, I assure you, he just hasn't let go of his love for cartoons and the like yet." Bruce said, taking her coat, which he hung up for her.

Selina nodded in thanks, and waited for him to lead her to the family room.

Sitting across from each other, they both sat in comfortable silence, not in any rush to say anything just yet. Finally their eyes met and Selina began:

"I had a bit of a encounter last night."

"Oh, the close kind, or was it far?"

Selina smirked, Bruce had always been a bit on the sarcastic side with her, "Anyway, a woman came to see me, she looked rather young, dressed in all black, I thought you might know a little something, since you know,... you keep up with that kind of thing."

Bruce smiled, the second time since she'd arrived. "Well, as you know Selina, a lot of people in this city wear black."

Selina frowned slightly, "I've never known you to be an ass Bruce, don't start now."

Bruce leaned back, folding his hands over his upright cane, "Alright Selina what happened."

"Well, as to be expected, I thought she was there to steal from me, so I defended myself..."

"And?"

"it was amazing, she was soooo... Like you, she even pulled nearly the same moves. She locked my arms behind me, I've never met anyone besides you who could do that." Selina said in awe, noticing slightly how easy it was to say all this, she'd been scared of nothing.

"Did she have a pair of goggles and a tiger cub?" Bruce asked tilting his head and narrowing his eyes.

"Yes, see I knew you knew!"

"I don't know anything, before Terrence could get her to take off her goggles, we had a bit of interference."

"Terrence?" Selina asked puzzled.

"My gopher, the new 'Batman'."

"Well, I never thought I'd ever hear you readily refering to someone else as the Batman."

"My subconcious seems to agree with you, but he's earned it, he's hardheaded, but he's earned it." Bruce said smiling for the third time, this had to be a record!

"So what about the girl, what did she do?"

"The right thing it seems, while Terry was unconscious on the roof, she dismantled a bank robbery all on her own."

Selina's eyebrows raised, "Thinking of recruiting her?" she asked with a smile.

"That's not my worry." Bruce said, all of a sudden becoming serious again.

Selina wasn't at all shaken, this was how she was used to him, and felt the most comfortable around him. "What, there's something else?"

Bruce raised his eyes to her's, the flame that was his presence burning as brightly as she'd ever seen it. "Did she speak to you about her grandfather?"

"Yes, she said my presence is requested, apparently he's on his deathbed or something."

Bruce reached out and took Selina's hand, "There was something else, something she didn't tell you."

Selina frowned, suddenly uncomfortable again. "What? What did she say?"

"Did you ask her who her grandfather was?"

"Yes, she wouldn't tell me, or maybe I didn't ask, I backtracked when she mentioned the Batman."

"His name is Ra's Al Ghul." Bruce said, never taking his eyes or hand from hers.

Selina felt her insides freeze, it was Christmas 2008 that she'd finally found what it was in her that could hate someone. That name had been like a poison to her, toxic to her mind and spirit. Ra's had taken and disappeared with their daughter Aidia the night before. They had never been able to find her. The lack of balance in their lives, yet another emotional shift, had eaten through their hearts, and eventually their marriage. They'd begun to take the ever mounting pressure and stress out on each other. Eventually deciding that their relationship was not something they wanted Aidia to return to should she be found. They'd divorced away from the media, bidding each other adieu.

Ra's Al Ghul was the man responsible for the ruination of the most stable and beautiful thing either had encountered since their early childhood's. There was a new meaning in the word hate when his name was mentioned.

Selina pulled her hand from Bruce's and cradled her face in her palms, willing herself not to sob.

That man had pulled tears from the both of them, single-handedly destroying Bruce's career as the Batman, and their life as a whole. They both had eventually learned to live with the increasingly bigger holes being cut into their sanity. But for what he'd done to her, Selina had wanted more than to put her foot up his ass, she'd wanted to kill him. A part of her still did.

[Panther]

I love how you're handeling all the different plotlines and can't wait to see how they weave together. Also, I must say I cracked up when Terry flew into the bilbord. Classic, absolutely classic. :D And I was so pleased when Ali turned out to be a tiger cub - I had him pegged as a monkey when he was first introduced - but this is sooooo much cuter! Are you a Calvin and Hobbes fan too? This is all geting very interesting - this is certianly going to be no ordinary family reunion!

Also, about the muscial I mentioned. It's called 'Aida', pretty close to Aidia, but... NEway; very breifly, it's a tragedy about Egyptians, Ethiopians, loyalty, and young love. I have a summary of it that's too long to put in a reply. E-mail if you want it. (side note - I strongly suspect Batgirl saw the musical and got a lot of her ideas for the flashbacsk in Link to the Past from Aida.)

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

*Panther*
My cousin is a HUGE fan of them, mostly because his name is Calvin too, I on the other hand enjoy them when I see them. Calvin was such a cutie.


--

Bruce rose from his seat, and strolled into the study, taking his usual stance in front of the window. He wringed his hands, mind jumping from one thought to the other:

Judging from her build, she's anywhere from twenty-three, to twenty-eight years, but I can't determine her height until I see her myself. Aidia will be twenty-eight on her next birthday. Damn, this really could be her...

A hand on his shoulder interrupted his thoughts.

Bruce turned to find Selina's shorter frame behind him, pleasantly surprised at how her touch still calmed him. He turned slightly as she resumed a place next to him, her gaze before her out to the water.

"I keep thinking back to last night," she said sadly, "She's so much like you and she doesn't even know it."

"We don't know if it's really her Selina, we cannot get our hopes too high."

"You weren't there Bruce, last night, I didn't take the time to really listen, I've been replaying her words, the way she moved over an over. How can it not be?"

"How can it not be who?"

Bruce and Selina turned to find Thomas standing in the threshold. His hands moved nervously against his pants legs on either side, Bruce took this to mean he was holding back his urgency.

Bruce sighed and turned to his youngest, Selina doing the same, soaking in the features of the young raven haired man. Right down to the laugh lines in the corners of his mouth.

"You remember long ago, when you were about six, and you wandered into the room you were forbidden to visit don't you?" Bruce asked.

Thomas nodded.

"And I told you that that room was very dear to me, do you remember why?"

Thomas bowed his head, "That was my sister's room." he answered quietly.

Selina bit her lip, and turned back to the window.

"You must be Selina then, her mother." Thomas said, looking to Selina's back.

Selina begrudgedly turned back around, "Yes." she answered.

"I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce myself at the door, I was eating, but that is still a poor excuse..."

"No, no, it's alright."

Thomas pursed his lips and extended his hand tenatively, surprising Selina with his sudden shyness, he had sounded quite open on the intercom. "Thomas Wayne Jr."

"Selina Kyle." Selina said stepping forward and shaking his hand.

Thomas turned to his father, "Do you think you've finally found her?"

Bruce huffed slightly, and aimed his eyes at the floor, "Last night, when I had that coughing fit, you asked me what was wrong. That woman Terry was talking to, she said her grandfather's name was Ra's Al Ghul, does that mean anything special to you?"

Thomas wrinkled his brow, "Is he the man that kidnapped Aidia?"

Bruce and Selina both shook their heads at the same time.

Thomas balled his fist and averted his glance to the window. "So why don't we go get her, bring her back here, and tell her the real deal?"

"Because it's not that simple, first, we don't even know if it's her or not, and second, she obviously doesn't remember us." Bruce noted Selina flinching at the comment. "And she was taken from us when she was two, it's most likely that because she was so young, Ra's convinced her that he was her grandfather, Talia her mother, that Bruce Wayne didn't exist, and that she was rightfully his."

"You've spent a lot of time thinking about this, haven't you?" Thomas asked.

"When all you can do is sit there thinking about what you could have done, and how you're not there, you find a lot of different ideas become plausible."

Thomas nodded, feeling that Bruce wasn't just referring to Aidia anymore, but himself and his brothers as well.

Thomas opened his mouth to speak, turning to Selina to find her gone. Wide-eyed, he turned looking frantically around the room to where she could have gone.

Bruce grabbed his shoulder, and told him to calm down, then led him out of the study, up the double-staircase, and down the left hallway. They stopped at a door that was cracked, Bruce slowly nudged it open with his cane.

Selina stood in the middle of the large bedroom, tears sliding down her fair skinned cheeks. Her eyes scanned the many reminders of her daugter, the hundreds of drawings taped to the bulletin board showcasing everything from Mama and Daddy, to Elmo from Sesame Street. Her box of Crayola's still sat on the drawing table, a few spilling out, waiting for an owner who had yet to return. The wind-up carnival horse sculptures that sat on the shelves next to her collection of china figurines. The giant doll house that sat atop another table in the middle of the room. Her twin-sized canopy bed. Bruce and Thomas each sat down on a side of the bed, waiting in silence.

Selina brought her head down and bit her lip, more tears streaming down, and dripping off her angular chin. She balled her fists and shuddered.

Bruce's face softened as he beheld her trembling figure, anxious to go to her. He would have if Thomas hadn't been there.

Thomas, sensing the tension, stood and left.

Bruce mouthed 'thank you' to the door and rose from the bedside. Taking her into his arms, pleased that she did not object, he held her, transfering all his long neglected feelings for her into their embrace.

Although he and Selina had divorced, their reasons weren't because they couldn't stand the sight of each other, but more so because they realized that for the meantime their marriage was becoming an obstacle. They were becoming too insecure with each other, worried sick that they might leave one day only to return to find the other gone too. They were fighting constantly, driving each other mad with complaint. Bruce had alway found comfort in their decision by assuring himself that Selina was no longer a target, and that Ra's could not use her to get to him. Even in passing, they never found it hard to be civil to each other, the direct opposite of most of the other high-society divorcees at the time.

Selina wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest. Bruce ran his hand down her shoulder and made circles on her back, burying his face in her neck, something he had always loved to do. As they rocked back in forth, he whipsered encouragement into the tender spot between her ear and the slope of her chin. "Don't worry, we'll find a way through this."

Just as he finished the statement, he realized something. What had been missing from his second marriage. It had always amazed him at how poorly that relationship was, until it was absolutely no surprise that they were contacting their lawyers and drawing up custody forms. There was no element of intimacy, sure there was sex, and there was even the sharing of children, but no intimacy. No connection. No feeling of something being shared only between the two of them. They were both no excuses, hard-headed, and stubborn. They bounced off each other like rubber bands, usually not agreeing on anything. Selina and himself on the other hand, had complimented each other well. It was almost as if they could be made a available in a box set. They were like peanut butter and chocolate, green eggs and ham, three-year olds and tricycles. Perfectly completing the other. A cypher if you will. A never ending three-hundred and sixty degree wheel of love. For the first time in twenty-four years, Bruce felt ginuinely sorry that they'd divorced.

Selina lay her head on Bruce's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Here was the man who could make the skies erupt in black. A horrific frenzy of wings and claws, and screaming things that called the night their home. No matter how dark life became for him, he'd always possessed a heart of light, leading him through his troubles. There was nothing like a man completely sure of his actions, and every action of his ensured some kind of good outcome. She shifted slightly, to lean against him a bit more, enjoying the gentle slope of his digits as they massaged her. The sequencial sentence or two uttered in his beautiful voice catching her ears, and sliding slowly down her ear canals, soaking them with sound.

Finally she looked up at him, "Bruce, what if... What if it isn't her, what if Talia finally made another child, and he just... Ra's just killed..."

"Shhhh." Bruce said, quieting her immediately. "Believe me, Ra's would settle for nothing less than our child. No one elses will come before our own."

Selina nodded, as Bruce used his thumb to wipe away her tears. They both offered weak smiles to each other, "Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this before it becomes too much for either of us."

**October 2006**

Ra's Al Ghul paced impatiently infront of the double doors leading to his daughter's quarters, listening as she cried out in labor. She'd been having contractions since three that morning, and now it was after midnight. It wasn't long before he'd have a grandchild on his hands.

Not far away stood another figure, much calmer, although their expressions still portrayed concern. This earth knew him as Clark, this universe knew him as Superman, and a select few knew him as Kal-El, the son of Krypton. He was dressed in a newer form of his old uniform, a black and red suit, that had done away with the cape completely. Thick lead gloves and boots finished off the outfit.

Ra's glanced at him periodically, biding his time between worrying for his possible future heir and the strange man himself.

After Batman had rejected her in true finality by marrying the Catwoman, Talia had turned her sights to the other champion of earth, Superman. He'd been embroiled in proving himself to the world again, after some undisclosed event during which he'd attacked the earth's various military groups. Ra's had become intrigued by the man's actions as he watched the meelee unfold on television, struck by how much the man wanted to make ammends. Unfortunately, he was never again accepted near any degree of his former popularity, and had become bitter because of it. When Ra's had offered him the chance to save the earth from humanity's sins, he'd jumped at the opportunity. He and Talia had been married, and they'd promptly conceived a child.

That very child was now being born in the next room.

Finally a shrill cry cut through the air, and both men turned to each other.

Clark's face although reserved, was clearly over-joyed at the sound of his baby's voice.

The door burst open, and two nurses ermerged from the room, with smiles and deep blushes in their plump cheeks.

"What's the sex?" Ra's asked simply.

Clark frowned, slightly disturbed that whether Ra's was pleased with the birth or not depended on if the baby was a boy.

"It's a boy." The nurse on the left said, stepping aside to let the two men pass.

Inside the bedroom, Talia lay in her bed, sheets soaked with birth, holding her son in her arms. Clark stepped tenatively to the bed, eyes glazed with happiness.

"Your heir father, your son my love." she said referring to both men.

"What will his name be?" Ra's asked smiling proudly.

"We've decided on Jean-Xavier." Clark said, finally speaking.

"Jean-Xavier Head it is then!" Ra's said, proclaiming the child's name to everyone within earshot. "Tonight we rest, tommorow we celebrate!"

[Kali]

Oooh, the plot thickens! :D Talia and Clark had a son! Does Bruce know? And that evil, dastardly Ra's stealing Bruce and Selina's baby on Christmas Eve. I hope they nail him but good. I also like the twist of Helena being Bruce's other ex. I'm really looking forward to the next part! :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

:D You'll just have to wait and see......

[Panther]

I agree with Kali (btw Kali - cute avatar) this is such a great twist in the plot! I hardly paid any attention to the fact she said she had a brother, and wow, that revelation of his parentage surprised me. That Ra's certainly settles for nothing but the best - the children of Batman /and/ Superman as his grandchildren. (Not to kill the seriousness of the situation or anything - but did you ever read the essay Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex?) I love how you re-told the events of Legacy from Ra's point of view. Given those events, it does seem possible for Clark to be won over by Ra's. Although, whatever happened to his undying love for Lois? I also must congratulate you as THE CHAMPION of the descriptions of Selina and Bruce's complicated, tragic, star crossed and incredibly romantic relationship. One other thing - when do we see more of Miss Quinn?

Don't leave us in suspense for long!

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Panther**

No, I've never read it, but it sounds interesting. Is it a trade paperback? And yes, that catch with the planets remark is coming back to haunt me. Just watch. And which Quinn are you speaking of, Harley or Melanie?


PG-13 for very mild, non explicit, non discriptive sex


Disclaimer: No offense about the Catholic school girls remark. And everybody basically belongs to DC/WB/Time Warner except Jean-Xavier, Aidia, the Wayne Brothers, and the young woman. And Tigger belongs to Disney.

*that afternoon*

Terry unlocked the door of the apartment he shared with his little brother Matt and his mother Mary. Falling back over the arm of the couch he undid his suit jacket and threw his tie across the room. Why did his mother insist on waking him at seven that morning for church?! Then she'd persisted to go shopping at the mall for a new outfit for Matt, as all his clothing was "practically in threads". She was too much of an exaggerator in his opinion. So what if one of his shirts had a tear in it, he was eight, what did it matter? He'd only just now convinced her that he should get home, so he could get to work early and all.

Sighing, Terry rose from the couch and dragged himself to his bedroom, and entered without turning on the lights. Stripping quickly, he found himself unbelieveably thankful that he'd invested in such heavy blinds. They blocked out the daylight so efficiently.

Crawling under the covers, he buried his head under his pillow and waited for comforting sleep. "Terry?" a voice asked somewhere behind him.

Terry jumped, bumping his head on the shelf above him, causing his alarm clock, and various little space-takers to fall on him. Turning over, he groped in the darkness, his hand catching what distinctly felt like a leg. "Who are you?!" he asked falling out of the bed and crawling backward. Trying desperately to get up, he somehow half-crawled, half-stumbled to the lightswitch.

"It's me Melanie." the voice replied just as he turned the lights on. "Nice boxers." she said refering to the Tigger boxers he wore.

Terry blinked painfully in the sudden brightness, and stared at the young girl before him. She was sitting in the corner of his bed, with her arms wrapped around her knees. The remainders of a bruise slowly melting away from her face. "Max told me where you lived so I could give you back your jacket." she said, the jacket lay next to her.

"What happened to you?" he asked, coming forward and reaching for the colored mark around her eye.

Melanie ducked under his arm, and sat back on the wall. "Got into a fight with some Catholic school chicks that's all. You know those girls are real b****es sometimes."

Terry nodded with a small smile, not really believing her but not letting it show either. Quickly he sat down, and covered himself with his blanket.

"So what's been going on?" she asked with a bright smile, "You left so early yesterday, missed all the fun."

"I had to work." Terry said with a shrug.

"On a saturday?" she asked cocking her eyebrow.

"Yeah, the guy's a total grouch, but he beats hanging out at home all day making nothing you know?"

"Yeah, I guess. So who do you work for?"

"Bruce Wayne." Terry said shrugging again.

"Really?! The billionaire? Geez, what I wouldn't give to be in your shoes."

"On the contrary, you're in a much better position in my opinion."

"Contrary?" she said biting her lip in a smile. "My aren't we proper."

"That's what I get for hanging out with him all day." Terry said leaning back.

"What's he like? Any kids, that whole thing? I heard he was a real slut back in the day."

Terry laughed heartily, "Well I wouldn't say slut exactly, but he had his far share of chicks running around for him. He once discribed it as 'chickens with their heads cut off' at how excited they were when he was around."

Melanie laughed, "So he's not married your saying."

"Actually, he's divorced, that much I read. He used to be married to Selina Kyle, and then to Helena Bertinelli. I don't know much about those though. He has sons, three, I met the youngest yesterday."

"What's he like?"

"Goofy. A complete three-sixty from his dad. But they get along well. Bruce is a lot more relaxed when he's around."

"Ohhhhh, any chance of my meeting him?"

"For what?" Terry asked raising an eyebrow.

"Ohhhh, we're not jealous are we?" she asked tapping his mouth with her forefinger.

Terry relaxed, then sighed. "I don't know." he answered his smile returning.

Melanie leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "I don't think you'll have to worry about him stealing me away, he can't be half as sweet as you."

Terry blushed and bowed his head. Melanie took his chin into her hand and turned his face. Gently she pressed her lips to his, relaxing inch by inch into the kiss.

Terry was obviously nervous, his entire body was rigid. Melanie pulled away and pushed him down onto the covers. "Relax." she said as she stradled him.

Terry stared up at her, his face blank, mind racing. Was she trying to do what he thought she was? What if she could tell that he'd never done anything like this before?

He watched as she pulled her shirt over her head, and threw it to the floor. Yeah, she was, she definitely was going to try to have sex with him.

Terry felt his mind go numb, as she took his hands and placed them on her waist. Slowly his fingers trailed over her waist band, and then to her belt buckle. He was surprised to find she wore crisp white boxers over her briefs.

She quickly climbed off of him and went to his door. Locking it, she flicked off the light and rejoined him.

"You've never done this before have you?" she asked, not to be mean, but merely to find out his status.

"No, no I haven't." Terry said with a nervous laugh.

"Do you have any condoms?"

"Actually, yeah, my dad used to drag me to the store every now and then and make me buy them. He wanted to make sure I was being safe when the time came."

He felt her smile without being able to see her face, as he reached into the nightstand drawer.

She waited patiently as he unwrapped, and took a few minutes to get it on. She took the time to finish undressing, and then crawled under the covers with him.

She waited again as he pulled his underwear all the way off, then she slowly guided him into her.

Then for the next few hours she introduced him to the wonderfully frowned upon world of teenage sex.

[Panther]

the wonderfully frowned upon world of teenage sex.
I'm so glad you put that last line in there. It made me laugh at the fact I actaully /was/ frowning a few lines before that.

Wonderful details in this post - loved the Tigger boxers! I also like how you sutbly changed pov's so now we see Terry's vewpoint on Bruce's family. Or at least as much as he will relate to Melanie. And yes, that was the Miss Quinn I was referring to. I have a feeling this tyst 'tween her and Ter is gonna lead to Trouble-with-a-capital-T.

And 'Man of Steel, Woman of Klenex' is an essay of about two to three pages in length. You can find it posted on the internet if you look around a bit. I think one of the mods could piont you in the right direction. It's /very/ funny - but only if you don't mind errr, well, bathroom isn't the right word - maybe bedroom humur would work better.

Later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Glad I could provide release of tension. Thanks for the reply, although I'm no advocate for teenage sex, it just seemed right here for some reason or another. Giving Terry and Melanie a connection that can't be duplicated really appeals to me.

[The_NewCatwoman]

***Disclaimer: If anyone has any complaints as to why Superman can breathe in space, well too bad:D, it's an elseworlds. Also Superman's thoughts on God aren't meant to offend either.***

**May 2013**

Jean-Xavier sat on in a chair on the balcony overlooking the vast ice desert his grandfather's complex sat on. He had spent the last hour pouting and sighing and basically anything to symbolize how bored and lonely he was. There was nothing a seven-year-old could do for fun around the place. Everything was for the grown-ups, and Aidia wasn't much company. She was a girl, and girls were gross and stupid and just about anything that could be considered icky.

"What'cha doing?" asked a calm smooth voice behind him.

"Father!" Jean-Xavier exclaimed, standing immediately, then bowing his head.

"What's the matter, you look sad young friend." Clark said with a tired smile.

Jean-Xavier raised his head, meeting his father's eyes, "You are always away, I'm bored."

Clark scooped the young boy up into his arms and set him down on his right shoulder. "Why don't we go for a ride huh?"

"Where?" Jean-Xavier asked sounding as if he didn't much care.

"Hold on tight chum." Clark said as he took flight.

Jean-Xavier looked worriedly about himself as they climbed higher and higher. Although he knew his father would never harm him, he still felt scared.

Despite his fear, he still laughed as the freezing altitude air tickled his exposed flesh.

Soon the two found themselves floating high above the earth, the great sphere riding the belt of gravity the sun posessed. Jean-Xavier watched enthusiasticly as massive swirls of clouds enveloped the atmosphere, and the blue waters darkened and lightened throughout their perspective oceans.

"I brought you up here when you were a baby Jean." Clark said suddenly, his voice filling the vast infinite gap of space.

Jean smiled, his eyes shing as brightly as any of the stars that surrounded them in all directions for infintismal distances.

"I wanted you to know that the only thing greater than yourself is universe, and God."

"Father, I thought God was in the clouds, but we're up here, where is he?"

Clark shrugged, "I can't really say, all I know is someone put this great wonder up here don't you think?"

Jean nodded, "Grandfather says that God put the three of us on earth to cleanse it of humanity's ignorance. Is that true?"

"I'd rather say we're saving humanity from it's own sins. But of course, your grandfather and myself don't always see eye to eye on that subject." Clark said casting his gaze onto the earth below. "But I don't want you worrying about that. Just enjoy this. This is our special place, just the two of us okay. No one else comes up here. Is that agreed chum?"

"Yes sir." Jean said with a smile.

[witness]

I am loving everything about this story. Especially this latest chapter! Girls were all gross and icky! LOL!!! That made me laugh. I also love the fact that Superman and Jean have a special place all their own. That scene in space was very heart-warming.

I'll keep reading this one!

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Disclaimer: I do not intend to be blasphemous in the use of the commandment, I merely am immitating something hilarious I saw on Adult Swim last night. Genius, pure genius!**


Jean-Xavier quickly ran his eyes over his surroundings, large fluffy bed, thick carpet floor, mohoghany this, gold that... Yes, this was the kind of room his dear sister loved to spend the night in. He stood barrel-chested, bearing the sheild of his father embroidered into the kevlar frabric of his suit. He smiled warmly as he beheld her slim figure, legs spread, arms over and under her pillow, sheets twisted almost violently around her torso. And of course Ali lay on his back slumbering right next to her. She never went anywhere without the little puff-ball.

The one thing she persisted to do every night, whether she was expecting someone or not, the thing that bothered him the most about her personality: was that she always slept nude. Thank God for comforters, he only knows what a shock people might come across without them.

Smirking, he turned away from her and took a deep breath. Letting out in a rather large yell, he said, "Top of the afternoon to you sister!"

He smiled as he listened to her react, he could almost feel the jolt in her bones as she tumbled out of sleep. He quietly sidestepped a pillow, then turned to see her bundled nicely in her bedlinen.

<"What is the matter with you brother, I know you have more sense than that!"> she said in french, watching as Jean doubled over laughing to himself.

Luckily for her, and the rest of the hotel, he had a rather soft, beautiful laugh. But if a joke got too funny, he let his vocal cords go, quite thunderously. His father Clark often joked that he could shatter a mountain with the force of his laugh.

She huffed and climbed out of the bed, gathering the sheets behind her, and taking them with her into the bathroom along with her already assembled outfit.

Jean walked to the bathroom door, and listened to the shower water run, imagining the condensation as it stuck slick to the mirror, just ready for childish fingers.

"What time is it?" his sister called from the showerstall.

"Oh I'd readily say about six or so. What'd you do? Stay up 'til ten this morning?" he didn't much care for using fully proper english when he was in the company of his sis'.

"It is not your concern dear brother." she said through the door as she turned off the water.

He waited outside the door for several more minutes, noticing out the corner of his eye that Ali still had awoke, and almost falling backward as the door suddenly opened behind him.

"So," she said leaning against the doorframe, "did you fly here, or did you fly here?"

"Actually the former, it's hard to get a hotel when you look like this." he said taking the stretchable frabric between his forefinger and thumb.

She smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "I missed you dear brother."

"Missed you too." he said with a broad smile. "So, what're we doin' huh? I mean, why's Grandfather got us hunting around this mammoth proportioned city looking for three specks in the paint?"

"I do not know, I thought you had a better idea than I." she said as she found a pair of sandal heels that matched her outfit.

"Where're you going dressed like that?" he asked knitting his brow in surprise.

"You and I never have any fun, I thought maybe we could go out and see what american clubs are like. The last one we went to was frrench, and that was three years ago. It will be fun, I promise."

"If I remember correctly, and I think I do, I have business to attend to. Besides, you're too proper for clubs. They'll sniff you out like a drug dog to marijuana."

"Where do you get those expressions from?" she asked as she pulled a waist-length Calvin Klein dirty-denim jacket out of her suitcase.

Jean twisted his face, "Who did you speak with already?"

"Selina Kyle and Batman, although he's kind of... silly?"

"Silly? I thought the almighty Batman was supposed to be the greatest thing since palm pilots? There shall be no other gods before Batman is supposed to be the only man other than my father to be at Grandfather's side?" Jean spat bitterly, "Grandfather only went on about him to us every single second of the f**king day."

She stared at him, eyes cut, face reddened with anger, "That boy is not my father! He only knocked himself unconscious on a bloody poster last night!"

Jean turned away towards the window, "So if he's not the great bloody Batman, who is he?"

"He's some kind of replacement or something, I don't know. I think he might be working for him."

"But you said in the e-mail this morning that he was working for a guy named Bruce, who may or may not be Bruce Wayne."

"I knowwwww. You are really starting to get on my nerves. I have done my part, all I have to wait is for their consent, and I'm done. You on the other hand have to speak with Wayne. Today."

Jean turned and nodded his goodbye, then left out of the large bay window his sister had used the night before.

[Daughterof_Evil]

Ah, that was humorous. I liked that Superman and Jean are very closely bonded. The little get-together between Melanie and Terry was interesting, as well. Don't suppose their employers will be too happy. Alltogether great, tNC.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Jean looked down at his body, frowning at his outfit. Sure he was the more outgoing of the two, but between his sister and himself, she was a much better dresser. He'd picked out a white baseball tee with a black collar, black sleeve ends, and the team name: "Zero's" splayed across the chest. Over that he wore a black button down cowboy shirt with black and gray embroidered flowers on a white background, separated by cordal thread barriers from the solid black torso. His cuffs were unbuttoned just like his sister prefered to do. Below that, he wore black dickies pants, and converse allstars, black aswell. Finishing the outfit was a bucket hat, predictably black also.

Pressing the button to the intercom, he began to feel even more self-concious. Even though he knew it was just some old man that for some reason his grandfather had demanded be at his side in his final hour, he also knew that in his prime Bruce Wayne had been the man in Gotham. The guy probably had every shirt made by Versace tailor made for him and all that crap. Jean-Xavier sighed as a voice came over the intercom:

"Party central?" said a young voice.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, *ahem* Wayne Manor?"

"This is Jean-Xavier Head-Kent, I was asked to speak to your father, by my grandfather, may I come in?"

"Hold on, I'll ask the DJ."

"What?"

"I'll ask my dad!" the voice said with a laugh.

Jean tapped his foot against the clay earth impatiently, waiting for the voice to come back."

His answer came in the form of sliding gates, "Well, here goes old boy." Jean said trying to calm himself down. "It's all riding on you."

[Panther]

I bet Jean-Xavier and Tomas could get along great. They both seem to have a strong immature streak.

"Silly? I thought the almighty Batman was supposed to be the greatest thing since palm pilots?"
LOL!

I really like all of the dialogue, especilly that between Jean-Xavier and Aidia.

PLease post more soon!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
I bet Jean-Xavier and Tomas could get along great. They both seem to have a strong immature streak.

LOL!

I really like all of the dialogue, especilly that between Jean-Xavier and Aidia.

PLease post more soon!

Panther: Whooo, ummm thanks for the reply, glad ya like, but I really would've liked it if you hadn't just used her name just yet, I don't want to acknowledge whether or not that's her, because Talia and Supes could've had a daughter too you know? I won't say that's the case or not cause I don't want to tell too much okay?

DoE: Hey, I don't know if you can tell, but I'm not really good at Supes kind of stuff, kinda why I killed him off the last time. It's just kinda... odd. Hmmmm, well thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed their dialogue.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by witness
I am loving everything about this story. Especially this latest chapter! Girls were all gross and icky! LOL!!! That made me laugh. I also love the fact that Superman and Jean have a special place all their own. That scene in space was very heart-warming.

I'll keep reading this one!

How it izzzz? I'm glad you enjoyed that part. Like I told DoE, I have a hard time writing about Superman. I'm used to the dark psycho stuff that goes on in Bruce's head. Glad you're feeling my story so far, thanks.

[Calico]

Well I finally got a chance to sit down and read through this. Whoa! Great stuff. Really rich in backstory. I'm really looking forward to how you pull it all together.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Jean walked timidly through the double door entrance to Wayne Manor, finding himself become even more nervous. Although the manor was dwarfed considerably by his grandfather's complex, it was soaked in an aura of suffering and despair. Jean removed his hat and nodded at the young man who had answered the door. "Hello, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." he said, his deep voice trembling slightly.

"That's because I didn't throw it." the young man returned, his voice cold and unwelcoming.

Jean shivered, he sounded no where near like he had on the intercom. "I'm sorry, did I do something to upset you?"

The young man just frowned at him and walked away, Jean noticed he was cletching his fists. The manner in which he did so suggested it was a reflex to anger. "Where am I supposed to go?" he asked.

"The dining room, there are two people in there who would like very much to have a word with you." the man said as he disappeared down a hallway.

Jean scratched the top of his head, worry etching across his face, he'd known this was going to be a bad idea. What did they want to speak with him about, he didn't know anything. And besides, the guy hadn't even told him where the dining room was.

After several minutes of searching, he found a large room, it's curtains drawn, bathed in the shadows. From what he could make out in the dense darkness, there was a huge mahoghany banquet table that took up a good amount of the room. Hundreds of framed portraits and photographs lined the wall on one side, and the wall parallel to that held four bay windows. Another wall held a large fireplace. At the far end of the table sat two figures, opposite to each other, a larger figure he guessed was Wayne, and a smaller, womanly figure. The man's left hand was resting on the table, the woman's right lay inside. Their faces were hidden in the lack of light.

Jean swallowed, and shifted uncomfortably, the intensity of the moment doing nothing to calm him.

"Why are you here?" asked a cold, harsh voice, obviously Wayne's.

Jean jumped, shaken by the disdain he felt felt Wayne automatically held for him. "I was asked by my grandfa-"

"I know that!" Wayne snapped, "What business does your grandfather have with me, what exactly does Ra's Al Ghul want, hasn't he taken enough?!"

"Uh, I-I don't understand, what do you mean 'hasn't he taken enough?' I don't know what you speak of." Jean said, becoming violently afraid that he might vomit.

The figure stood in the darkness, making his way slowly across the room. Jean stepped back, afraid that Wayne might come and strike him. Instead the older man went to the fireplace, he pulled a box of matches from the mantel and lit one. Jean felt himself shiver again at the shadows cast across the old man's face, defining every wrinkle and frown line. Wayne threw the match down onto the wood, watching unaffectedly as it burst into flame. He replaced the matches, and leaned against his cane, silent for the moment.

Jean began to breath fast, wondering somewhere in the back of his mind when the woman was going to speak, and what the old man had to say. It never occured to him that he had never said his grandfather's name.

"Sit." Wayne demanded, never turning from the fire. Jean gasped in fear at the sudden jarring, but quickly complied, eager to relieve himself of his anxiety.

"Your grandfather, Ra's Al Ghul, he took something from me, something from us," he said guesturing to the woman, "That can never be replaced. Our daughter, Aidia Ava Wayne. He stole her from us. From this house!"

Jean's mouth fell agape, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "There must be some kind of mis-"

"SILENCE! You will NEVER interuppt me, especially to defend that man!" Bruce roared, turning and pointing directly at Jean's heart to illustrate his anger. "That man took away everything that made me who I am, my family, my life. All of it! Gone! I missed being able to raise my little girl. My child! That, I will NEVER forgive." he growled.

Jean sat frozen in horror, doubt and all kinds of emotions rushing through his brain. He'd known Aidia had mysteriously appeared at the complex when he was two. She was but a month younger than him, and horribly shy. They told him she was his half-sister, and at his young age, he didn't ask any questions, soon forgetting that she hadn't been there all along. His father made no moves to treat her as a daughter, but never harshly either. It was as if everybody knew something he didn't. It all made sense now, but for some reason his mind wouldn't acknowledge it as truth. "You're lying." he stated simply.

Bruce's face went stone still, and expressionless. He stood straight, and bore his eyes into the man before him. "I beg your pardon?" his tone unidentifiable.

"Bruce..." the woman said, finally speaking, "He doesn't know what your talking about, this is all coming as a shock to him."

Bruce ignored her, and walked up to Jean's chair. Leaning down to him, "I beg your pardon?" he insisted, all color gone from his face.

Jean heard himself talking, but didn't know where the words were coming from, "You're obviously mistaken, you must be speaking of another child, and besides, you can hardly prove it was my grandfather who kidnapped her. What would he want with your kid?" Jean said, his mind screaming 'You idiot!'

Bruce's hand grasped the shoulder of the chair harshly causing it to tilt back off the floor. "You come to my house and DARE call me a liar?! You sonofa*****..."

Jean stayed sure, staring unblinkingly into the man's eyes, feeling himself becoming more and more aware of the truth.

"Bruce!" the woman insisted appearing at his side. She took his arm and pulled him away.

Jean watched as he calmed considerably, suggesting that she had an influence over him that few had. He was glad at that moment for his gift at reading behavior, he knew that the man was no longer angry enough to hurt him. Jean stood and took up his hat, which had fallen to the floor. Placing it on his head he turned to them, "You're just a crazy old fool you know that?!"

Bruce stared back at him, expressionless once again, then turned back around to the woman. He said something Jean didn't bother to overhear, and went back to the table to sit.

The woman gave him a fleeting look then went to the window, staring vacantly out over the waters of Gotham Bay.

Jean felt someone tap him on the shoulder. Turning around, a hard fist collided with his nose. Being half-human, he of course fell to the floor. Jean heard the woman and Bruce gasp in surprise. Gritting his teeth, he reached up and wiped blood from his nose. He knew without looking up that it was the young man from before.

The man jerked him to his feet by his cowboy shirt, and held him a few inches away from his face. "Don't you EVER speak to my father that way again!" he said, his voice near a whisper.

Jean didn't move, he could easily knock this guy through four walls easy, but he knew he'd crossed a line, he'd do the same for his dad.

"Tell your grandfather we want her back, NOW!" the guy said, his eyes tearing.

Jean's face softened, the guy was hurting bad. "Look, I really don't know what you're talking about. I-I-I've gotta go..." he said, pulling away, and running past.

Once reaching outside, he ripped the clothing off of his body, exposing the skintight suit. Taking to the air, he rushed faster and faster through the atmosphere. Feeling the heated friction of ions, and the desperate freezing of the zero gravity air errupting on his skin. Curling into a ball, he fell through the last protective layer, and into the space around him. His tears slid from his eyes, floating around him. He was alone in this place, not sure of anything he'd ever been told.

Not sure if he was himself.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Calico
Well I finally got a chance to sit down and read through this. Whoa! Great stuff. Really rich in backstory. I'm really looking forward to how you pull it all together.

Gee, thanks. I don't know what to call this story. It's not /too/ dark, but it's not happy either. NEway, thanks for taking an intrest.

[Coran]

Awesome... just plain awesome. I have nothing else to really say about the story. I loved how you showed Jean's nervousness, and then the deep knowledge that Bruce was telling the truth. Powerful stuff. Keep up the great work.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Coran
Awesome... just plain awesome. I have nothing else to really say about the story. I loved how you showed Jean's nervousness, and then the deep knowledge that Bruce was telling the truth. Powerful stuff. Keep up the great work.

Golly, gee whiz, goshhhhh. Okay, now that I'm all dorked-out, I want to thank you for the sweet reply. I'm getting all kinds of positive feedback about this story, and I'm just in awe. Thanks for adding yourself to the list of people I'm eternally grateful to.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
I agree with Kali (btw Kali - cute avatar) this is such a great twist in the plot! I hardly paid any attention to the fact she said she had a brother, and wow, that revelation of his parentage surprised me. That Ra's certainly settles for nothing but the best - the children of Batman /and/ Superman as his grandchildren. (Not to kill the seriousness of the situation or anything - but did you ever read the essay Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex?) I love how you re-told the events of Legacy from Ra's point of view. Given those events, it does seem possible for Clark to be won over by Ra's. Although, whatever happened to his undying love for Lois? I also must congratulate you as THE CHAMPION of the descriptions of Selina and Bruce's complicated, tragic, star crossed and incredibly romantic relationship. One other thing - when do we see more of Miss Quinn?

Don't leave us in suspense for long!

I /finally/ read the essay, it was hilarious! But for the sake of this story, let's just say that his DNA isn't that off kilter, and Kryptonians are just humans born on another planet. 'kay?

-tNC

[Daughterof_Evil]

Ack! Poor Jean-Xavier! Getting beaten up while learning his sister is really Bruce Wayne's daughter! That's enough to really screw someone up, you know?

I really liked the descriptions of the darkness in the room, what Jean-Xavier was wearing, how Wayne's son reacted to it. It's touching to see that Aidia's family still grieves for her loss, and I just loved it when Jean-Xavier flew out into space just to be alone. That was an awesome part.

More, please!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Hi DoE, thanks so much for the feedback. I don't know if I'll be writting too much of my story. My grandfather died of a heart attack last night, and I need some time to myself, I guess.

Bless you all, and thanks for enjoying my story so far. I'm very much thankful.

c-ya

-tNC

[Daughterof_Evil]

My condolences, tNC. I'm very sorry about your grandfather. I hope you and your family will be all right. Take all the time you want, we'll be waiting here for you no matter what.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Daughterof_Evil
My condolences, tNC. I'm very sorry about your grandfather. I hope you and your family will be all right. Take all the time you want, we'll be waiting here for you no matter what.

Thanks, I don't even know if I'll be going to school or anything. My mom was crying and all that this morning at like 3' or so, and she was like "Something is wrong with my daddy, I gotta go, Somethin's wrong..."

I was at home for three hours before she called, she didn't tell me on the phone or anything, then about an hour later she got back home and told me what happened.

She started describing what happened and all that, and I didn't want to hear it. I still don't. We all came over their house, and I'm there now.

He was a very great guy, a really great guy. Later on I have to go see my other grandparents who I haven't been speaking to because of my father.

I really miss him. It was the first time I ever cried for someone in my family that died. I just really never expected it to happen. It feels like he's still here. :(

[Panther]

My deepest condolances. :( I'm very sorry about what happened. I really don't know what to say.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**I feel that it is time to get off my bumpy log and see about my story. Thanks for being patient.**

Terry walked through the front door of Wayne Manor with a blank face. Although he'd been unusually happy the whole way there, once he'd reached the gates, he become quite paranoid that Bruce would read, "I just had casual sex with a girl I hardly know!" all over his forehead.

Tip-toeing through the foyer out to the great room he noticed Thomas J. standing infront of the window in the study. Terry stared at him, his stance all but said, "Don't mess with me today." Terry also noticed that from behind Thomas J. looked alot like Bruce did when he was younger, except with bedhead of course.

Terry took a few cautious steps forward, nearly jumping out of his skin when Thomas addressed him.

"What are you doing here Terry?" he said, his voice sounding oddly sad, instead of angry.

"Uhhh, I work here, besides it's already eight. Where's the old man?"

"Downstairs in the cave--" Thomas J. started, turning around to find Terry rushing to the clock.

Terry grabbed the clocktails and was halfway down the stairs before Thomas could finish his sentence. Stopping at the bottom of the steps, he was caught completely off guard by the presence of a woman. Not knowing what to do, he stared at her with his mouth agape, half wondering who she was, and if he should be alarmed or not.

"Terry," Bruce started from somewhere beside him, "This is Selina Kyle."

"The Catwoman." Terry added floored by her intense beauty. 'How did Bruce let this one get away?' he asked himself.

Selina smiled, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Terrence, Bruce has told me a lot about you."

Terry's eyebrows raised suspiciously, "Really? He talks about me? What'd he say?!" he asked enthusiastically

"Terry, Selina is here on business concerning the woman that was with you last night." Bruce interrupted before Selina could answer.

Terry frowned, "You really had to mention that one didn't you?"

"Terry," Bruce said ignoring his complaint, "*sigh* We, Selina and I, have reason to believe that she is our daughter."

Terry coughed in surprise then began to piece things together, "Your daughter? That's why you wanted me to ask her to take off her goggles!"

Bruce nodded.

"I didn't know you to had a daughter,... I didn't know you had any children at all." Terry said frowning.

This time it was Selina's turn to sigh, "When she was kidnapped, we kept it out of the papers, records... Anything that could hurt our chances of finding her. Most people just believe we've kept her out of the limelight as a result of our divorce."

"So her grandfather..." Terry started to ask.

"Isn't really her grandfather at all. My parents both passed when I was a child. Bruce's aswell." Selina stated sadly.

"Does she know?" Terry asked as knots began to form in his stomach.

"She was only two years old, I doubt very seriously she even remembers." Selina said her voice cracking with emotion.

"So you two want me to find her and bring her here." Terry said as more of a statement than a question.

"Yes." They both said in unison.

Terry quickly excused himself and suited up. Returning to the room, "Don't worry, I promise I'll do whatever I can to help." he swore.

"Thank you Terry." Selina said with a small smile.

As soon as he left Selina turned to Bruce, "You know that look don't you?" she asked with a sexy smile, "The one plastered all over his face?"

Bruce smiled in return, "Yes I do, I recall I wore it myself back when I was seventeen."

Selina's smile widened at the recognition, "You do think they used protection don't you?"

Bruce chuckled lightly, "I don't think he's dumb enough not to."

Bruce then took Selina's hand in his and they went back upstairs to wait until Terry's return, hopefully with their daughter in tow.

[witness]

heh. Quite amusing, the whole "will Bruce find out?" look on Terry's face. Obviously, this whole thing is going to tear at everyone's heartstrings. Even the happy camper, Thomas J. Here's to hoping Terry can give some happiness to this by finding the girl.

[Panther]

Terry also noticed that from behind Thomas J. looked alot like Bruce did when he was younger, except with bedhead of course.
:p giggle

When are we going to see Jean again? It was amazing to read the descriptions of his reactions to Bruce's anger and information. So very, for lack of any other word, /human/. I feel sorry for him. Despite all his strength, power, and good humur, in a lot of ways he strikes me as being the most vulnrable and definitly the most innocent.
later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Batman sat hunched over on a park bench, chin in hand, feeling very sorry for Bruce and Selina at the moment. He'd accosted two would be rapists, five muggers, and three jokerz looking to pull a prank. No girl in tight black catsuit.

He bit his lip, and drummed his fingers against his hairline. Come on Terry, think! Bruce'd probably found her by now, except... that he didn't...

Then Terry's eyes brightened behind the opague lenses. She's young, she could be at Club Four, that new club downtown. And who better to be at a club than a seventeen year old guy?

Batman pressed the call button on his utility belt, and jumped into the arriving batmobile.

Speeding through the air at a hundred and twenty miles per hour, he made it back to the cave in record time.

Hopping out, Batman looked around, saddened to find the cave empty. Sighing sadly, he decided to rest for a second in the computer chair, just to get his composure together. He could be compared to a sattelite, he felt so buzzed on adrenaline.

Turning the chair around, he nearly screamed, upon finding Thomas J. asleep in the chair. Batman gasped and stepped back. Okay, now he was on the moon. He grabbed Thomas's shoulder and gave it a shake, "Hey Tommy, come on wake up."

Geez, he thought, This guy sleeps like a rock! Batman shook Thomas harder, smiling as he woke up.

"Wwwwwhat?!" A very irritated Thomas asked, grabbing Batman's shoulders and shaking them in a harsh manner.

"Man, you wake up horrible..." Batman said pulling down the cowl to expose his face. "Anyway, where's Bruce and Selina, I have an idea."

Thomas rubbed his head and leaned back in the chair, "Their upstairs, they sent me down here to wait for you. I think they needed some alone time."

"And you're okay with that? Ewww." Terry said making a face.

"They love each other, you can tell when they look at each other, besides how is that to talk when you just got some yourself?" Thomas said with a cocky smile.

Terry froze, then decided to ignore the last bit for now. "Aren't you Helena's son?"

"I thought you didn't know who she was?" Thomas said turning back to the computer.

"I didn't know she was a superhero, anyway you're getting off subject."

Thomas sighed, "My parents loved each other, but not like that, they couldn't have ever worked out. I was glad when they got a divorce so that they could stop torturing each other. Pop and Selina belong together, and I don't have a problem with that, besides there's this thing with my sister, and they need each other. I can't put it any other way."

Terry raised his eyebrows unable to find anything to say.

"So what's this plan you have, I'm in charge 'til the big man on campus comes back."

"I was thinking I could go to Club Four downtown and see if she's there. It's brand new, and she's young, she's bound to show up."

"I'm going with you." Thomas said standing.

"Uhhhh, are you sure, I mean, trouble follows me, and if I get into a fight, I don't want to have to put up the dukes for you."

"Are you kidding? Who's my dad, you think he let me outside without teaching me how to defend myself? The only dukes going up for me are 'this' and 'that'." he said raising his fist animatedly and sticking out his lower lip.

"I warned you." Terry said shaking his head.

"Wait a minute, you'd actually admit to being a trouble maker?"

"I'm honest." Terry said, walking towards the changing room, while Thomas went back upstairs to change his own clothes.

**

Melanie laid, feet on one pillow at the top of her bed, head on another pillow propped up on her footboard, staring at the ceiling. Dressed in jean shorts, another white t-shirt, and the same sweatjacket. The light of a neon sign hanging across the street fell across her torso, and Jimmy Eat World blared on her stereo.

She'd managed to get back in the house without her dad being there and decided to take advantage of the quiet time. She guessed she'd have hours, he was probably at the dog track or something picking up women.

Sighing, she picked up the telephone on the floor next to her. Lugging the heavy base up with her left hand, she placed it on her stomach. Placing the receiver to her ear and dialed Max's number. Three rings later Max picked up, "Hey?" the voice greeted.

"Hey," Melanie said sitting up, "Guess what?"

"Ummm, you found a hundred on a manhole cover?"

"That was a stupid guess." Melanie said with a light voice.

"Okay, I can't guess, what?"

"You're pathetic. Anyway, you know how Terry, you and I hung out the night before last?"

"Yeah."

"I went to give him his jacket but he wasn't home. Sooo, I decided to wait it out."

"You sat outside his doorstep?!"

"No! I kinda... broke in."

"Are you serious?! No, duh, of course you're serious, nobody jokes like that." Max ended sensably.

"Yeah well, that's not all." Melanie said.

"Something else happened?" Max said, clearly curious.

Melanie went on to tell her everything that happened in great detail.

"Ohhh myyyy Goddddd." Max said after a long pause, before cracking up into a fit of laughter.

Melanie smiled weakly, "I should've known you'd find this funny."

"Well come on, it's not like you're pregnant or anything lighten up, besides, I just always thought Terry and Dana had gotten around to... you know."

Melanie scrunched up her face, "Who's Dana?"

"Terry's old girlfriend, they broke up a few days ago." Max said, "He didn't tell you?"

"Nooooo! Max, what if I was just some rebound, and he goes back to her tommorow?"

"Trust me, I talked to Dana the night it happened, they're not getting back together anytime soon. Their through."

Melanie brought her knees up to her chest, "Now I'm going to have this over my head until tommorow."

"What're you doing tommorow?"

"Terry's taking me to the movies, we're going to see Don Saltanpepper's new movie Attack of the Clones IV."

"You're wasting your money."

"Who says we'll be watching the movie?"

Max burst into another fit of giggles. Finally calming down she responded, "Well, I can't have my girl sulking around her room all night, let's go out, Club Four just opened last weekend. Who knows, you might find a distraction."

Melanie could feel Max's smile radiating through the phone, "All rightttt." she agreed rolling her eyes.

"Great! I'll be there in an hour, gotta have time to make myself sexy!"

"Bye." Melanie said hanging up the phone.

**

Nelson Nash wrapped his arms around his girlfriend Blade's waist and hugged her close, rocking to the fast beat of the music that throbbed above.

He looked at Blade's face and was pleased to find her eyes closed. Good thing, or she would've seen him checking out the brunette across the room.

Her hair had red streaks in it, matching her tight dress to a T. He smiled as she blew him a kiss, he quickly signaled that she meet him upstairs at the end of the song.

She nodded flashing a bright smile, and wiggled past, and up the stairs.

Nelson then continued to grind against Blade's backside as if nothing had happened. He'd make it an initiative to hook up with her before the night ended as well.

Thankful that the song had finally ended, Nelson turned Blade around, and whispered in her ear, "Hey babe, I see one of my old football camp bros, I'm gonna go say 'hi' okay?"

Blade nodded, and began dancing to the next song.

Nelson turned from her, and made his way to the stairs, almost missing the older woman in the corner, dancing quite well by herself.

Deciding this was worth a slight detour, he instead elbowed his way to her.

He studied her profile, Long, cascading hair, a perfectly matching jean outfit, and matching shoes. And he had to admit, she filled out her outfit appreciatively. He snuck up to her, then gently took her hand into his, "Hey sweet thing, remind me to thank your mother will you?"

"Whatever for?" she asked, sounding barely interested.

"Why, for creating such a beautiful thing such as yourself." he said smoothly, as if he couldn't understand why she'd even ask.

He frowned lightly as she rolled her eyes, and pulled her hand away, "I'm sorry, I have no interest in a little boy like you."

Nelson's face contorted in anger, "Hey, don't you know how lucky you are that I'm even talking to you?!" he said grabbing her wrists tightly.

The girl licked her lips, and grabbed his lapels with the other, "I'm sorry, I should've known..."

Nelson smiled, "That's better."

"That you were such a jerk!" she said angrily, hitting him in the windpipe, and watching cooly as he fell to the ground unconcious.

Stepping over his lifeless body, she pushed through the crowd ready to leave, but instead deciding to just stay on the other side of the club. She'd deal with him again if she needed to.

--#--

"Do you remember what she looked like?" Terry asked as he and Thomas walked through the entrance past the block long line.

"Barely. Man, I can't believe that I saw my sister..."

"We don't know if that's really her or not, I mean, we could be wrong." Terry said scanning the room.

"Just describe her to me, maybe I can spot her."

"Okay, long brown hair, wavy and full. Gorgeous as hell, ummm lilthe."

"Lilthe?" Thomas questioned, wrinkling his brow.

"Yeah, that's how all the chick magazines describe girls her size."

"You read chick magazines?"

"No! my friend Max gave me a quiz out of one a couple of months ago."

"Oh. Hmmm, let's see. If I know my dad, and somewhat know Selina, and the kinda kids they'd so happily produce... and I think I do. She wouldn't be in a crowd, maybe off to the side drumming to her own beat. Like her." Thomas theorized, pointing at a woman who fit their criteria dancing in the corner.

Terry looked in that direction then felt his heart fall in his shoes, "Oh my God, you're great at this, now I really don't understand why you're not in the family business."

"I told you it's not my thing." Thomas answered in a small voice, staring dazed at the figure before him.

"Well, let's go make daddy happy!" Terry said pushing Thomas's frozen body towards her.

"Terry!" two voices called from over their shoulders.

Terry spun around, taking a reluctant Thomas with him. Melanie, and Max came running up to him.

"Hey Ter, who's the hottie?" Max asked eyeing the preoccupied Thomas, who'd lost sight of his sister, and was trying desperately to find her through the thickening crowd.

"Max, Melanie, this is Thomas Wayne Jr." Terry said elbowing Thomas so he'd get the point.

"Hello." Thomas greeted in sad voice, even now he seemed distracted.

"Hey handsome." Melanie said tickling his strong chin.

Terry huffed and pulled her into his arms, "Hey, I thought you called me?"

"Chill, you already know the deal, come on let's dance." Melanie said trying to pull him out to the dance floor.

"Uhhh, sorry Mel, I can't, I'm working."

"That's pretty lame ass Terry, you're at a club!"

"No, see I'm here looking for somebody for Mr. Wayne, maybe you've seen her."

"What does she look like?" Melanie asked letting go of his arm.

"Long, wavy brown hair, blue jean outfit, about five, five."

"Nope, but maybe she's on the floor."

Terry took a moment to think back to how bad things had gone with Dana. He din't want to make the same mistake again... "Okay." he said with a smile. "But keep an eye out for her."

"Sure." Melanie agreed.

Thomas stared angrily at Terry, "That doofus!" he said, his frown deepening.

"What's wrong, you guys supposed to be working right now?"

"What?" Thomas snapped, only having heard half.

Max ignored his mood and pulled him closer, whispering in his ear, "Is Terry supposed to be working right now?"

Catching on Thomas' frown only deepened, "How do you know about that?"

Max cringed slightly, his voice had quite an edge to it, and was deep too. "I figured it out myself, your dad knows already if that's what you're all scary about." Max returned with bite.

Thomas only turned back around and scanned the crowd more. She had been right there, now she was gone again.

"What's the matter sexy, you don't look like you're having fun."

"I had a bad day." Thomas said in a 'leave me alone' tone.

"Hmmm, there seems to be plenty of those floating around Wayne Manor, come on, dance with me."

"I can't, I'm looking for somebody." Thomas said, sounding sad again.

"What? You don't like me?"

Thomas eyed her up and down, "No, you look great, I'm just..."

"Following in the footsteps of you're father and ignoring women." Max finished for him.

"No." Thomas said shortly. "I'm busy."

"Uh-huh, I know a brush off when I hear one." she said turning to a guy who'd come up to ask her to dance.

Thomas turned and watched her walk away, feeling sorry that he hadn't taken the opportunity, but his sister came first. She dominated the thoughts in his head. Too bad Terry didn't know his head from his...

--#-- **right as Terry turned around earlier**

Jean walked calmly up to his sister and tapped her on the shoulder.

She turned to him and smiled wide, he was sorry he had to tell her what Wayne had told him.

"Come on, we'll talk outside." he said in a grim voice.


*To be continued*

[Daughterof_Evil]

I loved the scene in the club when Nelson is trying to hook up with three chicks at once! And then when Terry admits he reads girl magazines...that was a riot. You really have a handle on teenaged humor, I gotta tell you.

Oh, and Attack of the Clones VI...that was hilarious. Great job!

[witness]

Too bad Thomas' mood shunned Max. That would have been interesting! Heh. I sort of wished that they would have Found her, but then the story would be almost over. Gotta drag it out as much as you can. Though I don't know if Jean is the right person to tell him where she really comes from, why she was abducted, etc. Hope to see the next chapter soon!

[The_NewCatwoman]

DoE- Thanks, I wouldn't be a teenager if I didn't have a handle on teenage humor. Besides, it always bothered me that BB was mostly about teens, but was written so four year old's could understand it. With a few exceptions of course. Oh and I just tried to think of the dumbest title I could name, and the new Star Wars title came to mind. Now I /know/ I'll never be able to get into that stuff!

Witness- Yes, I did consider having Thomas date Max but then his priorities wouldn't be in the right place, besides that's Terry's job.

And don't worry, even if Jean did tell her, I'm really not trying to rush this story. I had that problem on Son of Batman, and even Breakdown. It's pretty bad for business. So from now on I'm taking my time and writing as it comes to me. I can only pray that in the end, it all makes sense.

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther



When are we going to see Jean again? It was amazing to read the descriptions of his reactions to Bruce's anger and information. So very, for lack of any other word, /human/. I feel sorry for him. Despite all his strength, power, and good humur, in a lot of ways he strikes me as being the most vulnrable and definitly the most innocent.
later,

Don't worry, Jean's not going anywhere, he'd never let me push him out of the limelight. He's my little sweetie pie, along with Aidia and Shane and Issac, cause their my creations. My kids if you will.

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go to bed, and maybe actually fall asleep by four, if I'm lucky. Darn ADHD!

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Jean stared with softened eyes at his dear sister who sat across from him, also staring although cautiously. They'd been leaning against the metal railing that ran around the side of the club for ten minutes now, neither saying anything. Jean hadn't quite found the words he wanted to use, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to know. But unfortunately, she had a strong curious streak that didn't match the traits of her mother, grandfather, or supposedly her father's. She'd often wondered as to whom she'd acquired the cursed blessing from that got her into so much trouble. And even now, as she told herself that she didn't want to know, that same curiosity got the better of her. "Brother-" she started, "Did you speak with Wayne tonight as you said?"

Jean noticably winced and averted his gaze to the ground, a nervous expression haunting his face.

"Jean-Xavier." she said reaching for his arm which he let her grasp within her slender hand, her neatly cut un-polished nails making impressions in the kevlar material.

He knew she wanted an answer now, they rarely called one another by name, especially when either was suited up. There were too many risks involved with names.

"I-I-I..." Jean started, unable to look her in the eye, mostly because he was afraid that he might not see the same person he had for the last twenty-six years. That he might see Wayne or the woman that was with him piercing his soul.

"You!" came a familiar voice from off to the side.

Both turned their heads, Jean thinking it was the young man from Wayne Manor, his dear sister thinking it was the idiot boy from before. But the elder child, if only by twenty-eight days was correct in his prejudice.

He turned quickly, preparing to take his sister with him, and save them both from the rigid accusations, but she stepped forward with grim determination.

"Cat!" called the voice running up to her, choosing to use the pet name his father had given her.

She stared at him, eyebrows raised quizzically as he stopped in front of her and stared in disbelief. That pet name he'd used had struck a chord in her memory, now it reverberated throughout her brain like a musical note. Cat,... cat... cat... CAT! her mind screamed, You have heard this before, so long ago... Oh remember, damn you, remember!

She gasped in surprise as Jean stepped in front of her, "You've got the wrong idea I'm afraid." he said, his voice as cold and uninviting as the young man's had been earlier.

"I don't think I do." the man said before looking over Jean's shoulder, "I need to talk to you, I swear, it's crucial."

The tone he used with her was much softer, and his deep voice made it sound as if his throat was coated in velvet. She found herself being drawn to him instantly, as if he was a familiar, if not family.

"She's not talking with you, I'm sorry, but as I said earlier, your father is wrong, and as of now we have no interest in your companionship any further."

"I can speak for myself dear brother if you please!" she said annoyedly before coming to the forefront, much to Jean's dismay.

"Whatever is it you wish to speak with me about?"

"Are you sure he won't mind?" the young man said, his voice becoming edgy as he referred to her brother.

"He seems to forget sometimes that I am a grown woman now and do not need him to fight my battles." she said smiling. "By the way, what is your name so that we might no longer be strangers in each other's company?"

The young man's eyebrow went up and he smiled, "My name is Thomas Wayne Jr."

"You mean you are Bruce Wayne's son? My brother spoke with him this evening, is that why you two are having such a problem with one another?" she said with a large smile that micmicked her mother's.

Thomas felt his heart stop, but fell back into bad spirits when Jean huffed behind her. Coupled with the fact that she was unknowingly saying her father's name, and he was grief stricken.

"Yes, certain things have come to light that I feel you should know about. It would be helpful if you came to Wayne Manor tommorow so that we could discuss this with civility." Thomas said, his eyes cutting to Jean's with his last word.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." she said, smile widening.

"Sister!" Jean said insistantly from behind her.

"I've made my decision, now whether you come or not is under your own discretion!" she said turning to him.

Upon turning back around, she was surprised to find Thomas gone with no trace. Shrugging, she decided to go back into the club. Whatever her brother had to say, it could wait a few hours.

[Panther]

Youth culture in the mid 21st century - I love it! Everyone and everthing is so close and yet so far! Aidia's so tantilizingly close to the truth - and yet she doesn't have a clue!

The club scene was great - although I'm beginning to wonder if I'll need a score card to keep track of all these teenagers. :p

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Thanks Panther for the great comments**

*2008*

Bruce stared, eyebrows raised, heart racing, at the tiny body below him. Various tubes ran down her throat and through her navel. They were VAC lines actually.

He stuck his hand through the opening on the side of the ventilator and smiled slightly as a much smaller hand grasped his finger tightly. He shook the finger up and down slowly, and formally introduced himself to his little girl. "Hello Aidia. I'm sorry this is the first time that you have seen me, but the doctors wouldn't let me see you until now."

He felt himself tearing, and used his other hand to wipe away the moisture from the corner of his eyes.

Aidia had been born two and a half months premature. Her lungs weren't fully developed and she was on a ventilator.

He watched as her little chest rose up and down, air being measured and eased into her lungs bit by bit. He smiled appreciatively. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

"Dr. Carmichael said that soon your mother and I could hold you, just as soon as you can breathe on your own. My little angel, my little penny candy, my baby star, the brightest thing in my world. My dearest Aidia. One day we will sit around and talk about how close you came to... we'll laugh maybe, or maybe just smile."

He didn't jump as hands traveled over his shoulders and found each other against his stomach. He knew it was Selina. He was glad that she didn't speak to him, that she only wanted to enjoy the silence.

They both stared at their daughter, each silently swearing not to stray too far from her side.

They both knew how hard everything had been. What with everyone up and walking out of their separate lives, all they had had was each other. They had fallen deeper in love with each other than they ever had at any other time in their on again off again relationship. They'd married, and then had been told that because of the ridiculous stress in their lives that having children was unlikely.

They had both agreed that that was fine, and had tried to convince themselves of such. But it was hard walking hand in hand at the park and seeing all the children run past. No one could truly understand the elation they had felt when Selina had missed her period and had been confirmed pregnant. And now no one could understand their dispair at having almost lost that same miracle child. No one could sense the desperation of their nightly prayers and discussions with their priest as they worried over her. And now there was nothing left but to leave it to fate or chance. Bruce didn't believe in fate, and Selina didn't believe in chance. But both had found life again and were determined to hold onto it with a deathly grip if only for Aidia.

If only for their little penny candy.

Their little Cat.

[Panther]

What a touching flashback!! It was so tender and sweet and touching and and...! And even though I know she lives it was still so sad to see what Bruce and Selina were going through! :(

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Thanks Panther, that post hit very close to home**

Their love swirled around them, magnifying every desprate urge times infinity. Thoughts of encounters past melted into one another as they became young lovers then bitter foes then contented married folk all at once. Reconstructing the complicated dance of many nights and urgent slashes being offered. Reminders of the bruises caused by a quick strike here, and the excruciating pain of a knee or elbow there. Cries sounded with grunts as each fight became more passionate and heartfelt to even be called sexual. Until their efforts became improvident, and the morning dissolved into hours spent in each other's naked arms, bodies pressed together the evening a distant memory. Jewels returned, millions donated to charity, apologies made and accepted became a white gold diamond band left at home so as not to be made a target, and the announcement of a wedding. Wayne and Kyle on the registry, no gifts twice, eight months of planning and one fantastic starry night the scene of the blessed event. Three years of the two of them and a butler, patience a must, the tensity of the household almost suffocating giving way to the relief of their first and only child. A girl named Aidia.

--#--

Selina gently pressed her lips to a exaggeratedly long scar that ran down Bruce's back. She'd placed it there decades before with her own whip. She felt him shift in his sleep, and chose to stay still. The promise of her own dreams comforting her weren't far away when she chose to stay quiet. Her eyes roamed over his torso. Her eyes had softened to the sight after so many years, but it never ceased to amaze her how much he sacrificed his body for their city. Various raised lacerations, now healed, crisscrossed his bronze skin. She ran her fingers through his hair and found even more concealed scars, no doubt caused by a few good shots to the head with blunt objects. She grimaced, it was a wonder how he withstood it all, especially since she had made it her aim to cut him everytime she saw him. The last straw had been when she shot him in the arm with an bolt from a borrowed crossbow. That had truly been an accident, and she'd even helped him remove it. From that moment on they had sworn not to cause any unnecessary harm to each other. It also didn't hurt that he never found out that the crossbow had been stolen from Helena Bertinelli's apartment that very same night, and returned just as descretely the next afternoon. Selina smiled and closed her eyes, nope it didn't hurt at all.

**

Thomas sat drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair his sat in. The sitting room was silent as he comtemplated his next move. Should he go upstairs and tell his dad and Selina that he thought he found Aidia or let them sleep or whatever they were doing? He hadn't been entirely truthful earlier that night when he'd told Terry how he felt. To put it straight the thought of his dad, as old as he was, doing anything with anybody gave him the heebie jeebies. He shivered.

He himself hadn't taken that plunge yet, much to his brothers' surprise. He'd even broken it off with his high school sweetheart Valencia Kravitz-Hall because she wasn't willing to wait for marriage. He smiled, what a complete turn-around. He'd known Valencia since he was two years old, her grandfather was Lucius Fox, his father's old business partner. Her father was Jaden Hall, Paxton Powers half-brother. Her mother was Taina Kravitz, Lucius' daughter by his first marriage. Valencia had spanish, french, english, african-american, and jewish roots, and didn't disclude herself from anything. They'd been best friends all through elementary and middle school before upgrading to exclusive couple in the ninth. Everyone had expected them to get married and all that white picket-fence crap, but it hadn't turned out that way. She'd gone to a fashion design school in California, and he to an art design school in New York. "All the better to avoid you my dear." he thought ruefully.

Most thought he was taking a cue from his father, ditching you right when things got interesting. That whole "if it gets too hot, get your ass out of the kitchen" mess. But honestly, it had felt more like a freezer. He'd wanted her to be as devoted to him as he was to her, and she felt that they weren't really exclusive until they slept together. What a bust! Soooo, until he made it "official" she was quite openly hanging out with all the other playboys of his stature. He'd been so love struck that he let her do it for a whole year before finally telling her it was over.

That had done it, he had never had so many objects chucked at him at such close range. She thrown everything from a blow dryer to a hello kitty figurine to a toaster. He'd managed to duck everything short of the toaster and had been knocked unconcious. When he awoke, she was sobbing over him and apologizing and the whole nine yards, but he didn't want to hear it, and left.

Now he sat, in his father's house, accused of drug possession, caught up in the most stressful yet relieving drama of his life yet, and had no idea of what to do.

Picking up the telephone, he decided that things could get no worse nor better and dialed the number to his mother's apartment in SoHo.

**

Helena sat with her twin grandson and granddaughter Nathaniel and Marla on her lap bouncing them enthusiastically. Her oldest Shane sat across from her, his wife Eva Prisinzano-Wayne leaning against his chest. The telephone rang loudly, causing all five to jump.

"Answer that for me Shane, my hands are full." Helena said redirecting her attention to the hyper two-year-olds.

"Sure thing." Shane said reaching over and picking the crying thing up off of the receiver and pressing it do his ear. "Yeah?" he answered.

"Shane! Oh my god, I'm so glad I got you on the line." said the excited voice on the other end.

"Tommy?" Shane asked motioning for Eva to sit up and let him stand.

"Who is it?" asked Helena.

"It's Tommy." Shane said placing his hand over the mouthpiece, and walking to the opposite side of the room.

"What does he want?" she asked.

"What do you want?" Shane said irritatedly, it had been over a month since they'd last spoken, and he was sore about the lack of contact.

"Geez, is that anyway to speak to me? Besides, I'm in a lot of trouble."

"What'd you do?" Shane hissed, trying to make sure his mother didn't hear.

"I got suspended indefinitely for drug possession."

"You're kidding me!" Shane said, keeping his voice lowered. "You dumbass!"

"No, someone set me up I swear!"

"Where are you?"

"Pop's house."

"How'd he take it?" Shane asked, as he began to pace. Things like this always made him nervous.

"He threatened to call mom, look you gotta cover for me until I can get this straightened out. That way, I can say I called mom, and she doesn't actually have to know."

"You're skating on thin ice pal, but fine, I'll cover for you. You just better hold up you're end of the bargain." Shane said running his other hand through his light blond hair.

"Thanks buddy, oh and guess what?!"

"What?" Shane said flatly.

"We found Aidia."

Shane almost dropped the phone in disbelief. "You better not be s**tting me. Or I swear to God that I'll make you disappear!"

"That's a sin." Thomas said laughing.

"Yeah yeah, okay altar boy, what's going on out there?"

"She just appeared in the city, she invited Batman, Dad, and her mom to come to Ra's Al Ghul's complex. She doesn't even remember who Dad is to her, let alone Selina."

"So what exactly is going on, are they going, are you going?"

"I don't know what their going to do. But I invited her over to the manor tommorow so we can break the news to her. Now I just gotta tell Dad and Selina."

Shane ground his teeth back and forth, a nervous habit, and contemplated. "Tell Dad I'm coming down. I'll leave the kids with Mom, and Eva and I'll come down there. We should all handle this together."

"What about Issac?"

Shane sighed, "I'll try him, but I doubt he comes."

"Alright! Hey, thanks bro!"

"You're welcome, bye." Shane said hanging up the phone.

"What did he want?" Helena asked for the second time, this one more pressing.

"Oh nothing really, just your basic Tommy jibberish."

"Oh." Helena said not really believing him. Shane was becoming more and more like Bruce each day. Preferring not to tell the whole story until he got his facts together. She'd let him get away with it for now, but sooner or later he was going to have to spill it.

Shane groaned. Just when life had settled down a little.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Lyrics from "Duck and Run" by 3 Doors Down**


All my work and endless measures
Never seem to get me very far
Walk a mile just to move an inch
Now even though I’m trying so
Damn hard
I’m trying so hard

Jean-Xavier sat placidly on the dark side of the moon, eyes roaming over craters and the like, tracing stick figures in the dust.

He recalled, when he was a child, his father used to bring him up here and play hide and seek with him. Hours of fun for free.

He frowned and lay back across the cold ground. This was getting harder and harder each second.

"I don't want to deal with this!" he said bitterly as he instead cast his gaze to the heavens.

He observed a "teardrop" star as it fell from it's place into the inky black of the sky. He felt something cold stick to his cheeks and reached up to wipe them off only to find it was his frozen tears. He stared at the ice particles as they clung to his fingers.

"Why did you let her stay Father?" he asked out loud as if Clark was standing right before him.

"You knew she didn't belong with any of us! You KNEW she wasn't ours! But did you say anything?! Huh?! NO!" he screamed angrily, his voice lost amongst the cosmos.

Jean slammed his hand into the rocky crust in anger and noted the large imprint it made.

Rising from his place, he kicked a rock before leaping into the still space. Propelling himself forward with his legs as if underwater he pushed himself through the earth's atmosphere and let himself freefall towards earth, not quite caring where he landed.

[Panther]

Poor Jean. I feel so bad for him, all confused and upset and sad like that! :( Although - he does rasie some good questions. Why did Supes go along with all that? What's going on here?

Wonderful descriptions of Jean on the moon - sounds like a wonderful place to vent and then cool off.

The dance of Bruce and Selina's love plays on. Very touching, especilly the decription of events leading to the wedding.

I like the background on Thomas. What an old fashioned romantic! Just like his dad! And Thomas's phone conversation - that was... intersestng: 'Hi, I got busted for drugs that weren't mine, and, oh, by the way, our long lost sister is coming over'!?!? I guesss that's Thomas for you.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Ra's stared at the table before him, lavished with any kind of food a man could desire. To his left sat his second in command since Ubu's death at the hands of Quayin. (Pronouced: Cain.) Clark Kent, or The Superman. A man strong enough as to knock the moon out of orbit.

To his right sat his beautiful daughter, growing older and older by the days. Not too much later will she not join the rest of his children from past relationships in the world beyond. Archemdies was the last to die only thirty years before at the age of one hundred and forty.

Ahhhh, he stared at her, contemplated the look on her face. He could sense a hint of disappointment, could it possibly be that she hasn't yet gotten over the Detective.

She had his child so long ago, but the baby was lost due to stress. Soon afterward, the Detective had claimed he wanted nothing more to do with either one of them. Their, or rather his ideals were too much.

Then he had gone on and married that damn Catwoman, but who could fault him on that? The woman had eyes like a aqua flame, and a body like a goddess.

He drove his fork into the table in rage, much to the surprise of his company.

Where was his life headed now?

"Tell Jean-Xavier to get back here right now, we have business to discuss."

[Panther]

Hmmmm...

So Talia hasn't taken a dip in the lazarus pool? And still no explantation as to how the man of steel became Ra's right hand man.

Hmmmm...

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Wahoo four pages! Okay, now that I've gotten over this, I'll continue. Oh and Panther, now for that long overdue perception courtesy of Clark**

Clark quirked his eyebrow and switched his gaze from his lovely wife to his father in law. The man had just shoved his butter knife into the table's smooth exterior. He pursed his lips and shook his head.

"Tell Jean-Xavier to get back here right now, we have business to discuss." the old man said rather nastily.

Clark nodded half-impressed, the man was a shadow of his former self. He had to constantly remind himself to bide his time and be patient. But it was becoming harder and harder to watch this man go on about the impurities and sins of man. Clark had once shared his notion, having been completely betrayed by everyone around him.

He closed his eyes at the thought. Darkseid and Granny Goodness had completely posessed his brain. They'd used him to attack the earth in such a brutal manner that he was exiled from the United States. Ra's had found him and took advantage of his fragile state of being, molding him into his fanatical image.

For a long while it had worked, but slowly and surely his sanity had returned. Then Ra's had done something that made Clark hate him.

He'd kidnapped Bruce Wayne, the Batman's, child. A little girl of two with brown hair and sharp blue eyes.

Clark had then retired to his quarters, separate from Talia's, and turned everything in his sight into ashes. They'd found him the next morning asleep in a corner. He'd told them he was fine, and was just letting off a little stress, and thankfully they had believed him. He'd let Ra's do his dirty work of raising the child himself. She wasn't his first concern. He had to wait until it was absolutely clear that Ra's was insane, when he had everything he needed and wanted short of his dreams at close hand. Then he would step in and kill the man, with his bare hands.

He'd already talked with Talia about it several times, and she'd confided in him that she too had grown tired of his endless pursuits and exploits. She was ready to help her mate in everyway possible, so that her father could finally have peace. Or chaos if it was so decided by the Most High.

Clark smiled thinly and excused himself from the table. It was time to let his son in on their plans.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Aidia stood over Ali as he chowed down on a steak, smiling at the little puff of fur. He was as close to a son as she was willing to have right now. She laughed as she thought back to when she was a kid and wanted to have a mess a kids. Now one seemed just right, if that. She wasn't doing too well in the husband department. But it was depressing to think of that, so she switched over to the dinner she was going to tonight.

She thought back to the young man in the alley. What had he said his name was? Tim... Timmy... Tommy... Thomas! That's it! Thomas Wayne Jr. Heir to the Wayne family billions and Bertinelli millions. The boy was swimming in proverbial dough. And he was a sweetheart if she ever met one, Jean's anger had been more than misdirected.

There was something about him that was nagging her though. She knew that no one in her family had blue eyes. They were all brown with deep black hair that reflected the sun and appeared blue in low lighting. And it certainly wasn't wavy like her's.

**To be continued.**

[The_NewCatwoman]

She held a knee length dress before her, Ruffled hem, ties at one side, and one strap instead of two. She smiled appreciatively, she'd bought it this morning at the mall for two hundred and sixty dollars.

Going back to her closet, she picked out a pair of strapless heels to wear with it and started to change.

**

Thomas paced nervously back and forth in front of the main fireplace, mumbling to himself. He was wearing a black suit, white dress shirt, with a two-tone black and white, satin long-tie. His hair was for once combed to the back.

Shane and Eva sat tiredly in each of the large chairs to his left. They'd caught the earliest plane, leaving Helena with the twins and a dodgy explanation. Both were struggling to keep their eyes open.

Bruce and Selina sat silently on the couch, their eyes following his movement like spectators at a tennis match. Bruce was getting fed up, he wanted to tell Thomas to sit down and calm down, but snapping at him wouldn't help, so he stayed quiet. He snuck a look at Selina, she rubbing the inside of her index fingers with her thumb. He ached to tell her how cute she looked staring forward in tense thought, but that too he kept to himself.

**

She slowly slipped the sleeping Ali into his cage. She couldn't take him with her, and he certainly couldn't be trusted not to ransack the hotel room while she was gone so this was the only alternative.

She locked the door behind her and took the elevator to the lobby. Greeting the doorman, she hailed a cab and instructed him to the outskirts of the city.

--#-- thirty-nine minutes of car ride later:

Aidia paid the cab driver and stared up at the old house totally unsure of herself. Her stomach felt like she'd swallowed worms, and her throat was dry.

Come on, you've been through worse, like that time in Egypt. You can do this! she said to herself as she started up the path.

**

Thomas was the first one to catch the cab's headlights as they bathed the wall. He turned sharply and rushed to the window, "She's here!" Thomas exclaimed sounding like a kid looking for Santa.

Shane bolted up and they raced each other to the door pushing and swating at each other immaturely.

They had purposely left the gates open for her, so neither was surprised when the doorbell chimed.

Thomas twisted the doorknob violently and swung the door open. Before him stood Aidia with an odd look on her face.

The two men stood there with goofy grins on their own countances, each too chicken to actually invite her in.

"Errrrmmmm, Hello." she said waving her fingers at them.

[Panther]

So now things come to head. Suspense suspense! I'm glad Supes is coming to his senses. Sounds like Ra's is really going round the bend, and is losing all his supporters to boot. Hmph, he deserves no less, evil man.


Aidia stood over Ali as he chowed down on a steak, smiling at the little puff of fur.
He sounds so adorable!


Come on, you've been through worse, like that time in Egypt.

I wonder what happended there...

later,

[Coran]

Then he would step in and kill the man, with his bare hands.

Sounds to me like Supes still isn't back to himself. Where is that belief in the sanctity of human life, even the life of a criminal? Has he really gone so far that he would be willing to kill a human?

[The_NewCatwoman]

Panther:

I'd like to go into her background later on, but this part is a lot more important. Thanks for the reply.

one,
-tNC

Coran:

Well Supes was pretty damaged psychologically by the repeated attacks against his well being, it only makes sense that he's a little off from his old self. That and that fact that on JL he killed off quite a few of those aliens. NEway, thanks for the praise.

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Jean landed softly on the outer balcony of his mother's room, wondering absently if he should just storm in or wait like his father told him to. He chose to wait, his father was still his father even if he'd only sat by and watch as Aidia's mind was corrupted.

Jean turned around and stared out at the great expanse. He'd found comfort out on this balcony through his childhood and adolesence having been completely sheltered from contact with other children.

He noticed an ice storm was coming in from the west, he'd be stuck here for a while.

"Jean?" came a soft but strong voice from behind him.

Jean jumped and turned around, finding his mother alone. His anger lessened and he hugged her, it had been a whole month since he'd last seen her.

He pulled away and Talia frowned at him, "You are angry with me, no?"

Jean took a moment to consider his mother's words, he loved her voice, it was always spoken eloquently in her russian accented tongue having been raised in St. Petersburg.

Finally he turned around deciding that that natural anger in his heart would get him the answers he desired. "Mother, why didn't yo--"

"Jean-Xavier, I'm in good spirits once again now that you have returned. Tell me, have you suceeded in getting The Detective and the other's to come here?" came the loud almost calmly demanding voice of Ra's Al Ghul from behind the both of them.

Jean stepped back as he turned around, afraid that the sight of his grandfather might cause him to throttle the ancient man. He found great comfort and sadness that his father had joined them as well.

"Now Ra's I'm sure there will be time for that later, I think we have other things to discuss." Clark said with a tight smile.

"Yes! That is true! I want to show you all the real reason I requested the Detective's presence at the complex." Ra's said spreading his arms in a grand gesture.

Jean cocked an eyebrow, "Grandfather, I thought that it was because you are ill."

"Yes and no. Yes I am ill but not to the extent that I will let it foil my plans."

"What plans do you speak of father?" Talia asked confusedly.

Ra's motioned for them to follow him. They were lead down numerous halls and tunnels, then and entirely different labrinyth of corridors and passages until they reached a room deep in the core of the complex. Ra's paused before two steel doors and typed into a keypad camoflagued in the wall.

Everyone else watched in silent shock as the doors parted and Ra's instructed them through.

"This I have been working on for the better part of the last thrity years, it is even older than you my dear heir." Ra's said a large proud smile appearing on his face.

"What is this?" Jean asked, his stomach tightening with dread.

Around the four figures were giant towers of computer equipment and long arches of tubes filled with unidentifiable liquids heading every which way. In the middle of the room was a large glass capsule filled with fluid. It was bathed in a golden yellow light and whatever was inside was obscured by a smoke like haze.

"Oh my god." Jean said eyebrows raising in fear. "Please tell me this is not what I think it is."

"Oh no my son, it is all quite real." Ra's said placing a boney hand on Jean's shoulder. He knew Jean had used his X-ray vision to see inside. "Just what until you see what it can do."

[Coran]

Ok... WHAT IS IT JEAN SAW?! Man... do you have to leave us hanging like this tNC? Post again soon. I can't wait to find out what Jean saw, and what exactly is goign to happen back at Wayne Manor?

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Coran
Ok... WHAT IS IT JEAN SAW?! Man... do you have to leave us hanging like this tNC? Post again soon. I can't wait to find out what Jean saw, and what exactly is goign to happen back at Wayne Manor?

Well I've just come across your reply and I have to say I'm flattered, and yes it's a doozy. My gosh! But I will warn you and everyone else if you thought my posting was a little scarce before, now I'm at the Upward Bound summer academy all week. We're scheduled all day long with just some free time from 9:00 to 10:30, and then I'll probably be at Bumper's (arcade). So, basically I'll try to post but, the only time I'll really have time is on the weekends when I'm home. NEway, thanks Coran.

[Panther]

Oh man! I'm still reeling from that awful cut off!!!! Someone should rename this bord 'world's finest cliffhangers!' But serioulsy - excellant job keeping everyone guessing. Looks like Ra's still has a few tricks up his old sleeve. So much for an easy coup. Excellant decriptions here - can't wait for the next post! :D

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Orléans, Centre-Val-de-Loire, France, 1998**

Ra's stared coldly at Talia's unresponsive body. He'd given her a tranquilzer in her coffee and now was preparing to take her downtown for surgery.

He'd spent the last few years devising the plan, and this was just the first in a long line of complicated moves. He had commissioned the help of a french surgeon indebted to him named Algernon Baginton. Dr. Baginton had been reluctant to do the surgery but seeing no other way to settle up, he agreed.

He was to leave no more of a scar than she'd notice and was to retreive as few eggs from her womb as possible. He'd then send them to a fertility lab in Brussels that would keep them preserved.

When Talia awoke he would tell her that she fell ill and fainted and that the doctor had performed surgery that had saved her life. Simple child's play in his opinion. His daughter was raised not to question his word and he got what he wanted without a problem.


**2003 Somewhere in the middle of Antartica, very early January**

"So you've made your decision?" Batman asked while feeling in his heart he already knew the answer.

Talia nodded and glanced at the portrait above the mantel.

She and the Batman had just returned from a very "productive" New Year's in South America tracking an elusive terrorist who was a very serious threat to Ra's operation.

Batman felt his heart heave with emotion as he turned away from the wretchedly gorgeous sight and stared out the balcony window. He felt rage flow throughout his veins as he prepared to speak.

"Talia I--" he started as a blunt object connected with the back of his skull.

--#--

Ra's smiled as he stared at Batman's prone body on the stretcher. The dark knight detective looked rather smaller than himself unconscious and stripped of his frightening atire.

"Ahhh, one would very much compare this to the conquering of Aslan the Lion wouldn't it my dear?" Ra's said to Talia who was behind him in the shadows.

"Yes father." Talia said not looking at either her father nor her lover strapped to the table.

"Yes, now that his wonderfully full 'mane' of sorts has been shaved we find our dear friend here to be nothing more than a pussycat, yes a very large pussycat, but a pussycat nontheless."

Talia remained silent.

Ra's noticed her lack of enthusiasm and turned to her, "Is there a problem daughter?"

"I don't understand why we need to do this father, especially when he has done so much for our cause."

"Reluctantly." Ra's said

"But still--"

"Listen now daughter, you will neither worry for this man nor concern yourself of my business with him, is that clear?"

"Yes father."

Ra's turned to her and produced a syringe. "You will retrieve his semen now. I will give you your privacy."

Talia's face melted in sadness and for a moment Ra's thought of doing it himself, but he above all appreciated the irony of the situation. He chose instead to offer her a kind thought: "Do not worry, I have given him a syrum, he will not remember anything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours."

Talia's insides seized, they'd made the most passionate, complete love the night before on the beachfront in Rio De Janiero.

Ra's opened the door, leaving Talia with the dreaded task.

**early 2006 the same vacant place in Antartica**

Ra's smiled proudly as he observed his daughter's swollen belly as she settled into her place at the dinner table. Not too much later would he have a grandson on his hands. He could tell it was a boy just by the way Talia carried herself.

Across from her sat his second Kal-El. Ra's had chosen to use his birthname as that was what was most natural to him.

Their courses were served and eaten without much conversation and each retired to their separate quarters.

Ra's waited excitedly for the hour of eleven to strike. He'd had one of his cooks slip a ridiculously strong tranquilizer into Kal-El's meal, but because of the man's foreign body it would take a few hours for it to run it's course.

Finally the clock struck the prescribed hour and Ra's made a hasty leave to Kal-El's bed chamber to retrieve his commrade's falled body.

--#--

This time Ra's did not call his daughter to his side, he'd seen the pain on her face the last time he'd administered the needle to one of her 'acquaintances'. No, he thought best to do it himself this time as there wasn't quite so much amusement in the process this time. It to him had finally become a mundane scientific act that would come to fruition too far in the future to even consider emotions now.

He performed the procedure with some discomfort as he found handling the man to be less than desirable, then took the contents and deposited them into a capsule. He then replaced the capsule next to one labeled with full imformation on a man named Bruce Wayne.

He, out of pure boredom, picked up the vile and read it's label:

Name: Bruce Wayne
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 216 Ilbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Count: 623 million

That last bit was the amount of sperm counted in the sample. Ra's sighed and replaced the capsule leaving the laboratory.

Everything would be fine in a few years. Fine indeed

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Back in the present: Wayne Manor**

"Uhhhhh, do you want to come in?" Thomas asked backing up so that she could come through the door.

"Yes of course." she said smiling.

Thomas smiled briefly before he looked to his dumbstruck brother across from him.

"Uh, Aidia?"

"Yes?"

"This my older brother Shane, he lives in New York."

"Oh hi, my name's Aidia." she said outstretching her hand.

Shane took it still in a daze and tried to say something but the words wouldn't come.

"How about you meet my father and step-mother?" Thomas said trying not to accidently say anything Bruce might've wanted to say on his own.

He took Aidia's hand and led her to the large living room struggling to keep the enormous smile down. This was too good to be true.

--#--

Bruce watched as his youngest son led his oldest daughter to the archway and stopped, letting both of them get a good look at her.

It was as if he breath had been taken away, she was so beautiful, just as he remembered her, except with a now womanish figure and hair that hung down to her mid-back. He continued staring silently until he felt Selina's grip tighten around his hand dangerously. He turned to look at her and was surprised to find her crying.

"I'm sorry, did I do something to upset you?" she asked her face melting in concern.

Selina didn't respond, instead she stood and walked over to the woman. Placing her hands tenderly on each cheek she pulled Aidia into a hug. "Oh my, you're so beautiful." she said softly.

Bruce stood and smiled inwardly as he observed Aidia's flattered but confused face as she conceeded to hugging her back.

Finally after what seemed like hours, Selina pulled back and wiped her face. Bruce stepped up to spare her any awkwardness and suggested they eat. They all congregated to the massive dining room and sat around that same banquet table.

Selina had spent hours in the kitchen cooking what she knew to be Aidia's favorite meals as a toddler, Pollos al chilindrón or chicken with tomato and pepper, and Arroz Abanda or seafood rice.

Thomas and Shane went with Selina to help bring the meal out, leaving Bruce and Aidia alone for a few minutes.

"Mr. Bruce Wayne I presume?"

Bruce nodded observing her face for traces of himself. She had his eyes, hair but everything else was Selina's.

Aidia smiled and continued, "I like your house, it just feels so... familiar."

"Oh?" Bruce said steepling his fingers. He and Selina had agreed to wait to break the news until after dinner.

"Yeah, I feel like I've been here before, but I don't remember ever seeing this place really."

Bruce sat back into his chair wondering if he should speak but was cut off my the arriving dishes of food. He inhaled and smiled, Selina was still the excellent cook he remembered her to be.

"This smells wonderful, I can't wait." Aidia said smiling fully.

Bruce felt a memory from a different era flash before his mind's eye. She had his smile, the one he wore as an innocent, unsuspecting, secure child in his parent's home. He frowned and pushed the memory back, not caring to remember the emotions that came along with it.

"Well let's say grace." Selina said smiling and bowing her head.

Bruce led them in a quick prayer before everyone began eating their meals. Shane and Thomas each helped themselves to third's and fourth's before Selina denied them anymore fearing they'd eat every last bit. Bruce smiled on the inside again, the two of them had always had enormous appetites.

Finally dinner was over and the two men disappeared within the cavernous manor. Only Selina, Bruce and Aidia remained in the silence.

"It's been a long time Aidia." Bruce started. Both of them had also agreed that Bruce would do the better job of breaking the news to her being he was in much more emotional control than her.

Aidia's eyebrows shot up instantly, "I'm not sure what you mean Mr. Wayne."

Bruce sighed, "I searched this house top to bottom looking for any signs that might point me in the right direction, but you were gone... It seemed as if forever."

Aidia was speechless, unsure how to reply to his strange barrage of confusing information.

"Do you know who I am?" Bruce asked rising from his seat and choosing to pace before the window.

"Yes, you are the principal shareholder once again in Wayne Enterprises after Paxton Power's abrupt incarceration."

"No Aidia, do you know who I am to you?" he implored gently.

Aidia appeared put out by his line of questioning. "I'm not sure what you mean Mr. Wayne."

"I would appreciate it if you didn't call me that." he said drawing his lips into a tight line.

Aidia's sat confused in her seat for several minutes trying to process what this man could possibly be trying to tell her.

Bruce sighed and looked to Selina before saying, "Follow me Aidia."

He then led her to the study where he paused before a large grandfather clock. "What I am about to show you doesn't leave your lips except in the company of friends. Do you understand me?" he asked.

Aidia nodded, her perplexed state of mind nevering ceasing for a moment.

Bruce pulled on the clocktails and watched as the clock slid to the side a doorway appearing from behind it. Bruce took both Selina's and Aidia's hands and led them down the stairway. Selina and Bruce both stopped at the bottom and looked behind themselves at Aidia.

"You're the Batman aren't you?" she asked quietly more as a statement than a question.

Bruce nodded.

"Then you're my father." Aidia stated just as quietly, "Grandfather never told me that you were Bruce Wayne, he always said--"

"He's not your grandfather." Bruce stated firmly.

"Yes he is, because his daughter is my mother and--" Aidia started indignantly.

"No, I know what they told you, Talia is NOT your mother, she never will be."

"You're lying." Aidia said angrily, her brow furrowing.

"No I am not. They took you from us when you were two." Bruce said. It was taking his all to stay calm.

"And who exactly is 'us'?" Aidia asked.

"Myself and Selina." Bruce said his grip on Selina's hand tightening.

"What are you talking about, Grandfather would never do such a despicable deed."

"He would and a did." Selina said.

Bruce glanced at her from out of the corner of his eye, she was shaking. He couldn't tell if it was nerves or rage.

"I wanted to KILL that man for what he did to us. Not only did he take you, but he destroyed our marriage for whatever nonexistant little reason he could." Selina said closing her eyes, and reminding herself of that pain.

"Jean tried to warn me, I can't believe I didn't listen to him, he tried to tell me that you were going to say this. I bet you aren't my real father at all. This is all probably some stupid little museum you started when your company went belly up." Aidia said as tears formed and her voice became emotional."

Bruce's face went hard as stone. "I'm only going to tell you this once Aidia Ava Wayne, and you will not question me again, I am your father, and Selina is your mother, Ra's al Ghul kidnapped you when you were two years old."

"Nooooo." Aidia moaned, her voice near silent.

"Didn't you ever wonder why you had blue eyes and black hair when everyone else's was brown?"

"No--no--no." Aidia sank to the ground and wrapped her arms around her knees. "Whyyyy would he do that?"

Selina knelt down on the floor next to her and pulled her into a hug. "To get back at us, he was resentful that Bruce married me instead of Talia, and that I married Bruce instead of him."

"That doesn't make sense."

"It's mostly because men like Ra's don't understand love over obligation. Or anything else emotional for that matter."

"What did he want with me?"

"If he couldn't have us, he knew he could get to you. You're our child, everything he wanted out of us most of all. I thank God you weren't born a boy, who know's what could have happened then."

"So Jean isn't my brother?"

"No baby, but Shane, and Thomas are."

"I'm sooo sorry Sel-- I mean, Mommy. I had no idea." she looked up, "I'm sorry Daddy, I-- I didn't mean what I said."

Bruce smiled and lifted them both to their feet into an embrace, "That not important, what's important is that you know that truth."

"Yes, the truth." Aidia said burying her head into Bruce's chest.

[witness]

So Aidia finally knows the truth! Will she accept it though? If so, what will the repurcussions be? And what in the world is Ra's up to exactly? I don't like what you've implied in the previous chapter. Things should be really interesting from here on out! Woohoo! Can't wait to read some more! Please post soon!

[Daughterof_Evil]

Oh, dear, poor Aidia. She's hit with so much imformation at once! I can't help but think what Jean will think of this...he seemed so protective of his sister. Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see...

[Panther]

I absolutly LOVED the reference to Narnia!!!!!!!!!

>calms down and somehow manages to stop squecking with excitment<

Wonderful posts. A very interstinf chain of events just revealed. Ra's is just plain evil. But I have to admire him on some level for refising to settle for less than the absolute best.

And - YEAH - Aidia has been reuinited with her family at last! I'm sure she'll coope but think it'll take a while for her to adjust. You do such a great job making reader care about your characters. Can't wait to see more!

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

**One October evening 2008**

Bruce drummed his fingers along the countertop absently, eyes glued on the spectacle before him. Across from him Selina was breastfeeding Aidia, casually glancing his way every now and then before returning her attention to their child.

It had been seven up and down months since she was born, filled with sorrow, excitement, and almost surprisingly content. He smiled, he'd expected that atleast someone would be interested in kidnapping their joy, or any other random stunt, given the city they lived in and his surname. But the last four months, finally with her at home, had been heavenly bliss.

Selina motioned for Bruce to pass her Aidia's diaper which lay on the counter before her, so that she could wipe the baby's mouth. Bruce smiled and handed it to her, his eyes never leaving her's.

"What?" she asked finally, a look of mischief flashing across the cheerful orbs.

"Hmm?" Bruce asked lightly, his smile widening even more.

"You've been staring at me for the past thirty minutes, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were getting ideas." she said as she burped Aidia.

His smile disappeared and for a second she thought she was mistaken, but then his mouth turned in a devilish smirk, and for that moment he was every bit the reprobate he pretended to be.

Selina's mouth fell open slightly and she cocked her head in curiosity, feeling herself flush from his full on stare she turned away and tried not to smile. She'd forgotten in the all consuming worries of parenthood how darkly handsome and downright naughty her husband could be. "Don't make me have to spank you..." she said smiling fully.

"Ah-hem!" came the appropriately stern voice of Alfred to their left.

Both turned to the stiff figure in the kitchen doorway. "Your company is requested in the living room sir, a Mr. Clark Kent to see you."

Selina looked at Bruce whose face was frozen in and embarassingly blank position, his already tan face an alarming shade of red. She laughed to herself and gathered Aidia, who had fallen asleep quickly after being left to herself, and left.

Bruce's face frowned suddenly as he stood to join Alfred and Clark. He hadn't made love to his wife in months, what with his responsibilities at Wayne Enterprises, and going back and forth to the hospital, and finally the Batman. It was all he could do to find the strength to kiss her goodnight before collapsing into the bed each night.

Both figures turned to him as he appeared in the doorway. "Clark." he growled in his bad mood.

"Bruce." Clark greeted pleasantly, light reflecting off of his wire-frame glasses.

**to be continued**

[Calico]

That was just a sweet, sweet chapter. :) Well, bittersweet knowing what eventually happens. Very interested to see what's up with Clark.

[Kali]

Oh yeah, interesting developments with Clark, and what's that meanie Ra's up to?

:)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Calico
That was just a sweet, sweet chapter. :) Well, bittersweet knowing what eventually happens. Very interested to see what's up with Clark.

Thank you, thank you *bows*

As if everybody can't tell, I like writing about the home stuff alot, good or bad.

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Kali
Oh yeah, interesting developments with Clark, and what's that meanie Ra's up to?

:)

Believe me, I'm getting to it as fast as I can.

And if I'm correct, this is now five pages long, wow in little over a month.

Thanks you guys, you're what keeps me going.

-tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**flashback cont.**

Bruce sat down as Alfred took Clark's coat and left the room, closing the hallway doors behind him.

Clark looked back to Bruce's increasingly agitated expression, raising his eyes slightly in consideration, and taking a seat across from the man. "How's Selina?"

Bruce grunted and leaned back into the chair, "I wouldn't know, I haven't been able to touch her in months."

"Marriage troubles?" Clark asked.

"No, just inconsiderate acquaintances." Bruce growled, wondering if Clark would take the hint or not and hurry it along.

Clark just nodded and smiled, his cornflower colored eyes sparkling.

"There must be some reason why you'd grace my home with your presence. You're exiled if I remember correctly." Bruce said sourly, dropping all politeness in his anger.

Clark's face went stone and he tensed up, "I've already explained to you what happened, I don't think we should have to go over that."

"I wasn't aware that I said anything remotely doubtful."

Clark remained silent. Bruce groaned and put his head back, feeling the beginning of a migraine coming along.

"How's the baby?" Clark asked suddenly.

Bruce snapped his head up, he hadn't exactly announced to the superhero world the birth of his first blood child. He and Selina had decided to keep it to themselves to attract as little attention as possible to Aidia. "How do you..."

"The Justice Society announced it for you, they had a bit of a 'shower' if you will. To celebrate your turn for the normal I suppose."

Clark laughed lightly to himself, Bruce's expression was somewhere between confusion and anger. "I just came by to congratulate you."

Bruce blinked several times before rising and going to the wet bar.

"I thought you don't drink." Clark said over his shoulder.

"If you'd been through what I've been through in the past few months, you'd drink too." Bruce said pouring a minuscle amount of vodka into a shot glass and sipping it slowly. "And you?"

Clark nodded, "I don't touch the stuff, I guess I don't hold it very well. I drank sparkling white grape juice at my own wedding because I didn't want to risk it."

Bruce returned to his seat and finished his drink, setting the glass on the small table beside him.

"Who'd've thought huh?" Clark asked eyes flashing behind his glasses.

"Thought what?" Bruce asked, feeling himself grow impatient again.

"That us, the so called 'World's Finest' would ever settle down... Raise a family... be... normal?"

Bruce cocked his eyebrow, but remained silent. Clark was right, just five years ago this scenario would've been as remote to him as Pluto. Now he had everything he yearned for in his private dreams. A wife he loved with a passion that couldn't be rivaled, a darling baby daughter...

"Kind of makes everything else seem sooo..." Clark started.

"Unimportant." Bruce finished quietly. He could slowly feel the Batman becoming less and less a part of him, and more and more of Bruce Wayne taking it's place. It was becoming a mask again, no longer an exention of him.

"Exactly." Clark said rising and offering his hand.

Bruce looked up at him and stood to shake.

Clark smiled, "You've never excepted my offer before. Welcome back to the land of the living Bruce, I'm sure a lot of people have missed you."

Bruce knitted his brow and pulled his hand away.

Clark chuckled quietly, turning to leave. "That really is a beautiful family you've got there Bruce. You deserve it. You really do."

Bruce watched as Clark disappeared down the hallway before heading upstairs. That hadn't been what he expected at all.

Upstairs he found that the bedroom was empty but that the bathroom light was on down the hall.

Slowly he pushed the door open, light spilling out into the hallway. Selina sat in the footed bathtub, water up to her chest, Aidia in her arms.

Bruce sat on the toilet lid, content to just watch. He smiled as Aidia tried to eat the suds.

"Who was that?" Selina asked smiling proudly.

"No one really."

Selina smirked before adding, "I love you Bruce."

Bruce felt his insides grow warm. "I love you too."

[Kali]

Originally posted by The_NewCatwoman


Believe me, I'm getting to it as fast as I can.


-tNC


Aw, you're doing great. :)

It usually takes me several months to write continuing chapters to stories. :(


The last flashback chapter was so sweet and somewhat tragic (given what eventually happens) with the Bruce and Clark conversation, and the bit at the end with Bruce, Selina, and Aida.

[The_NewCatwoman]

***Yet another flashback***

**May 23, 2000**

*Annan, Southwest Scotland, the Powfoot holiday resort*

Selina sat staring out of a window at the great golf course, wondering how she ended up in such a place in her life. Not only had she found herself dating Ra's Al Ghul, but she was also trapped someplace far off from Gotham with no sign of return.

She couldn't remember how she even got to this place. All she knew was that a few days ago, she woke up here, and the first thing that she saw was Ra's. He had a rather strange self-satisfied smile on his face and was going on and on about how she taken ill and hadn't risen for days. Apparently they had been engaged for months before this, and on the eve of their wedding, she had developed food poisoning.

In this position she had no choice but to take what he said at heart until she could figure things out on her own.

She groaned and leaned back into the chair, this might take awhile, and she was getting sick and tired of Ra's constant imploring on her state of health and other things. Everything was fuzzy and it made her head ache to think about it too much. She just needed some time to figure this all out.

**Northeast Gotham City**

Batman sat frustratedly at the top of the Gotham Business Affairs Building, every few minutes radioing back and forth to Robin and Batgirl about the status of their search.

The Catwoman had been expected to rendezvous with him the week before about a smuggling deal going down in exchange for a chance to join the bat team. She'd since given up larceny and for the past few months had been helping them solve crimes that required an experienced outlook.

When she didn't show Batman had expected the worse from her and gone about the plan as usual. But now that the ring had been shut down and everything in the clear, she still hadn't appeared. Nothing of her caliber had come up missing, nor had Selina Kyle been seen around the city or at her uptown apartment.

Batman felt a knot of dread catch in his stomach making his eyes water. He quickly willed the feeling away and shot a line towards her apartment building. Sometimes he couldn't stand the way she made him feel. It was a harsh physical pain that rivaled his sadness over his parents deaths. The sooner he found her and was assured her safety, the sooner the feeling would cease.

Landing on the balcony outside, he picked the lock on her glass patio doors and opened them. Pulling a flashlight out of his utility belt he scanned the floor and walls. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Everything was in order and neat as he knew she liked it to be. He felt something rub against his calf causing him to jump forward and turn ready to attack. A small silverish-gray cat mewwed at him with lonely, hungry eyes. He relaxed and picked the animal up and carried him to the kitchen.

Searching through the cabinets he found a can of Fancy Feast (tm). Retrieving a can opener from the dish rack, he opened the can and spooned it into a dish. Feeling self-satisfied he stood straight and watched admirably as it ate. Turning around to continue his search he was surprised to find fifteen more pairs of eyes staring at him through the darkness. "You mean to tell me you left sixteen cats here to starve?" he angrily asked the air.

After preparing their meals as well, he went back into the living room to continue his investigation. After dusting for fingerprints, footprints, hair samples, or anything that could lead him to her whereabouts, he felt the frustration welling up in his being all over again. Growling in anger he brought his hands down against the front door.

Turning around, his eyes caught the VCR and tv. Maybe there was something there. Rushing across the room he caught hold of the tapes and sifted through each. One was labeled "Sex and the City (tm)" another was labeled "Great Expectations" and the last was labeled "To the Detective." Batman felt his stomach drop through the floor as he recognized the distinct handwriting of one Ra's Al Ghul.

Whipping out the tape, he pushed it into the waiting VCR and turned on the tv. Onto the screen came the smiling face of Ra's Al Ghul in a place he recognized as Southwest Scotland. The ancient man was standing at the Jubilee Brigde.

Batman found his way to the couch and sat down, turning up the volume at the same time.

"Good evening Detective. By now you are probably wondering where your lovely Catwoman is. Meet me here in Scotland and find out what wonderful plans I have in store for her. I'm sure you will more than enjoy your stay."

Batman turned the television off, and stalked back to the balcony. Pressing his first two fingers to his temple he radioed to the batcave. "Alfred, prepare the plane for take-off in the morning, I'm on my way back."

**to be continued**

[The_NewCatwoman]

*cont*

Alfred stood a little ways away from his frantic employer, knowing full and well it wasn't in his best judgement to question the troubled man. But then again, it also wasn't in his best judgement to let him fly half-way around the world all by himself without more consideration. "What is it exactly that you found at Ms. Kyle's apartment sir?"

"A tape Alfred." Batman growled impatiently as he checked the bat-plane's fuel tanks for the fifth time.

"And who was-- Sir, I already made sure everything was prepared for the flight-- now who was the tape from?"

Batman paused restlessly, "I already told you Alfred."

"No, as I recall you mumbled something about fifteen hungry cats and began racing to and fro aimlessly." Alfred corrected gently but sternly.

Batman crossed the cave floor, rested his hands against the computer's console and took a deep breath. "It was Ra's. He took her to Scotland, and I have no idea what he wants to do with her." he said steadily.

"I see." Alfred answered, "Well you've done everything to prepare for your journey. I'll call Master Dick about filling in for you while you're away. Now upstairs you shall go and wait for me to draw you a bath and prepare a light meal."

Batman decided not to argue with his old friend and instead went to the changing room to get out of his suit and into something a little more appropriate for a civilian.

Not soon later he sat in the master bedroom. His parents had never used the room, they'd chosen more intimate quarters down the hall. When he'd come of age Alfred had had the neglected room fitted with new furniture and the existing pieces burnished for his use. But that intended use was never exactly carried out. He had yet to take a wife and his duties as the Batman left his bed many a night vacant. He looked to the large feather matress king size bed. He couldn't recall actually sleeping in it more than a few dozen times. Either he slept in the cave, or was stuck at some debutante's boudoir trying desperately to convince her that he needed to get home. "--don't want to worry Alfred." he recalled himself saying nervously.

Unlike what many a tabloid thought, he wasn't some immoral jerk looking for his next big conquest. Early in his adolescent life he'd employed the use of breathing exercises to help him tame his rampant desires. These same excercises had helped him when women pressed themselves against him, trying to proposition him. The basic man in him had screamed 'take them dammit!' but his inner man, the one that reminded him rather remotely of his father, asked him in a calm voice 'what would your mother think?' and then the feeling was dead in the water.

There had been very few women he actually slept with, those women were the one's he truly cared about. Not in that remote 'I have to keep them alive' way, but that 'I want to make sure that their happy as well as alive' way. The list was incredibly short but well meaning. So far there were three people, in order of first encounter, Talia, Silver St. Cloud, and Vesper Fairchild. But two of those relationships had run their course, and the first was increasingly becoming just a 'I have to keep them alive'. The happy was starting to matter much less and less. Everytime Talia turned her back on him for her father he felt just one more icicle stab that special place in his heart that she had warmed.

But where did that leave Selina?

He had to admit that these last few months had been unbelieveable. She'd not only completely turned her back on her old ways, but had suceeded in forming a kind of working friendship with everyone throughout the group. Even Dick, who had been on the receiving end of a few of her two-faced agendas. Everyone had welcomed her into the bat-family and she'd accepted it willingly. She'd made an effort that had endeared to him like nothing else. She'd done what Talia couldn't do, forsake her past and embrace a positive future without looking back. And then she'd done what Silver couldn't do, and that was accept the Batman for what it was, and accept the man behind that mask. The remarkable thing was that she still didn't even know who that man was.

He felt that familiar feeling come back. What did that mean? Was he making room for her in his heart? Was she warming that space that the other three women had over time chipped away at and broke off? Was she rebuilding the long-thought-dead emotion in him?

Did he find himself in an early kind of love with her?

He had to admit, she was the first woman who hadn't tried to change him despite his trying to change her, or atleast accept another way of thinking.

But before it had always been flirting and the usuals. Her providing the flirting and he the usuals. She told him how sexy it was when his eyes narrowed to little slits and he slapped the cuffs on her. Then she'd say something about how she loved it when he got tempermental and kissed him. Then it was all he could do to tell that same basic man to shut up and let him do his job. At the end of the night, his bed was still empty.

"Your bath is ready sir. Do try to relax. This has got you in a state of panic." came Alfred out of nowhere, startling him out of his thoughts.

Bruce rose slowly then took his towel and excused himself.

"Heaven help him." Alfred said looking to the ceiling. "And now that you mention it, me as well."

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Not to cause confusion, but this is a completely separate flashback that happened about the same time as this other one. This idea popped in my head and wouldn't leave, so as it appears I'm just going to make this story as complicated as possible for lack of anything other to do until Thursday, when I'll be trapped more or less in another school year. Alas, enjoy.**

**Apokolips. The den of Granny Goodness**

"Oh push, do push harder dear." Granny cooed evily, enjoying the young woman's pain as she writhed on the table.

"AhhhHHHHH! When I get this thing out of me, I'm going to rip it's head off!!!!" Lashina screeched, her face burning a harsh red color and dripping with sweat.

Granny only laughed more watching as the baby's head crowned. "Well what does one expect when they sleep around, especially with traitor's hmmmm?"

Lashina frowned enraged, thankful that her legs were strapped to the table, feeling that if they were free she would have kicked Granny's head clear off those flabby yet muscular shoulders.

"Just a few more should do it." Granny said sadly, she was rather let down that Lashina had only been in labor for the past sixty hours.

Finally she pulled the small pink body of the child from it's mother's birth canal and cut the umbilical cord. Handing the child to a servant to be cared for, she took the severed cord and drained the blood into a cup. As customary with Apokolips law, the parents had to drink the child's blood.

Lashina looked as the cup disdainfully before downing it. Granny watched with a wicked smile as the woman blanched with disgust.

"Now if only the father were here he could take his half,... oh but silly me! I forget that the child's father is a traitor."

"Just how many times are you going to remind me of that hrmm, you know just so I can find a comfortable position to lie in before you start up again."

Granny drew her hand back and brought it down on Lashina's stomach.

Lashina collapsed back onto the table in pain, grunting curses at the old woman.

"I'm taking the man-child to Darkseid to see if he could possibly be of some use where his father failed." Granny said leaving the woman bleeding and strapped to the table.

When she knew that Granny and anyone of any importance was well out of hearing range Lashina let her head back and screamed. "Wherever you are you m**********r, I'll pull from you ten times the amount of blood you just pulled from me!"

Finally calming herself down, she turned her head and fell asleep, hair soaked in the birth of her and Kal-El's child.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**In this short dossier, I borrow from the movie Valentine, and heavily from a site called mentalhealth.com**

Name: Dresden
Age: 35
Weight: 296 lbs.
Height: 6'1"
Base of Operations: Apokolips
Known relatives and Guardians: Kal-El (father), Lashina (mother), Jean-Xavier (brother), Talia (step-mother), Granny Goodness (head of the orphanage and guardian)

Psychological abnormalities: (One thing to be mentioned beforehand is that when subject is confronted with distressful event, he numbs to his feelings and suffers an acute nosebleed.) Dresden suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder, in that he is acutely afraid of re-abandonment, and also shows signs of

1. "a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation"

2. "affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)"

Also shows signs of Dependent Personality Disorder:

1. "A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

- has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
- has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Note: Do not include realistic fears of retribution.
- has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
- goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
- feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
- is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself."

(It is assumed this disorder itself results from abandonment by father before birth and little if any contact with mother during childhood and adolescence.)

As of now, his mental instabilty is being used to the fullest extent as a tool for the Military institutions of Apokolips. Should be considered a hazard to himself and others if placed in a bad situation.

[Panther]

Yes, I am now COMPLETLY and UTTERLY confused in your tangled plotlines, flashbacks, flashforwards, and geometricly expanding cast of characters.

However, it is a very GOOD feeling of confusion, like the kind you get from an awesome roller coaster ride.

I loooooove the added tension of a deranged child resulting from Supes time as Darkseid's "son". Adding on family memebers always does wonders for a plot, for the best stories are tales of friction, and nothing will bring out true rage like one's own family.

Good luck with this fairly knotty tale.

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Thank you for the kind reply.

Sorry If I confused you, I'm honestly questioning if I can pull this off. But I'm pretty sure I can do it. I mean what do I have to lose... except all the support that you all have given me over all this time and... Oh, I'm being a downer. I better just get on with it then and hope it doesn't crash in flames.

Buh-by-ee

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**would you believe that I had already had this part just about completed. I got up to let someone check their e-mail, and lo and behold the son of a gun closed me out of my window. Completely erasing the entire thing. Frankly, I really didn't feel like coming here and typing this whole thing over, but I feel obliged to. *groan***


*again!*

Batman paced back and forth across the marble floor of the banquet room, awaiting Ra's arrival. He hadn't come all this way just to stand around, he wanted answers now! Sparringly servants darted from the kitchen and back in preparation for that evening's meal. Seemingly oblivious to the man dressed mostly in black grumbling and cursing to himself by the windows.

"Ahhh, detective so good of you to join me here. Needless to say your concern for the Catwoman is unquestionable isn't it?" Ra's said appearing from nowhere.

"Where is she?!" Batman asked furiously.

"By the way your reacting, one would guess you are in knots over this. Well I suppose you should be, after all she only managed to disappear from right under your nose and remained unmissed for over a week before you even grew suspicious..."

Batman ignored the urge to place his hands on the man reminding himself that he wouldn't find Selina if Ra's was incapacitated. Instead he crossed his arms across his chest impatiently. "What is this about Ra's, I told you the last time that I was through with you, Talia and the company you keep."

"Oh no detective, I predict that you are far from being 'through' with any of us. I'll have you know, not only have I impregnated her, but we shall be married tommorow afternoon at five. That is ten o' clock your time." Ra's said with a satisfied smile.

Batman stared at him incredulously before allowing the corner of his mouth to twitch.

Ra's took it for what it was. "Is there something amusing about this situation detective?"

"If you think for a moment that I will believe Selina let you get her pregnant, you are sadly mistaken."

"Not only is she carrying my child, but she has allowed me into the innermost private areas of her life." Ra's said with a devilish smile, which truthfully wasn't a far stretch.

"But, it has been called to my attention that it would be dishonorable to take another man's woman from him--"

"She not my 'woman'." Batman interrupted.

"Nevertheless," Ra's continued unabatedly, "if you can get the Catwoman away from my property by four tommorow, then she is your's. Although when my child is born, I request that he be returned to me. Quite similar to King Solomon I would say, and the Catwoman is truly not unlike the Queen of Sheba."

Batman's face was stone now. He had no choice but to believe the madman. He had to get Selina as far from here as possible and just as soon. But not for a second would he even entertain the idea that she was pregnant. Especially with Ra's child. He thought on it some more and found that somewhere in the back of his mind he's always suspected that if she got pregnant, not only would it be within the confines of marriage, but also that the child would be his... Wait a minute, he knew damn well that that wasn't in the plan. But that had to wait until later, right now the plan was to get her out of this resort.

He roused himself from his thoughts to find that Ra's had gone and left in his stead a servant. The young man couldn't have been any older than eighteen and posessed harsh painfully sad gray eyes and deeply dark hair that clung to his head. "I'm Arnold, I'm supposed to take you to Ms. Selina's room." he said in a calm controlled voice.

Batman wordlessly followed the young man out of the room and down a long corridor into the bowels of the establishment. Batman wondered distantly what kind of condition she'd be in, and found himself intensely regretful of having waited so long to look for her.

**

Selina pinched her fingertips anxiously. She'd been waiting for the Batman for so long now. They'd told her of his arrival over an hour ago and still he wasn't here.

She thought instead about what she had remembered since the first day. She no longer believed that she and Ra's had been engaged. She could tell somewhat from the bits and pieces of memory she was recovering ever so slowly. But even more convincing was when he touched her. The feeling of his hands felt foreign to the slopes of her thighs. The heaviness of his body was new to her.

Often in the night she awoke to a more comfortable feeling fleeing from her consciousness. A more familiar touch as it were. At first she'd tried desperately to hold onto the fleeting images and sensations but found that the harder she clutched at them the faster and more completely they disappeared. So lately she'd taken to laying there feeling what she could and imagining the rest.

Lately she'd begun associating the Batman with these feelings. A shock of them had first come to her when one of the servants, a nice young boy named Arnold, had mentioned him to her. She'd barely gotten the boy out of the room when she'd almost been overcome with emotion. A sudden mix of longing and preference that she didn't feel from Ra's. And not soon after had Ra's arrived and noticed her blush, asking her if she felt aroused. She, still under the impression that she was his intended, told him the truth. Ra's had immeadiately brought her close to him and with the sudden movement, that same fire of longing had all but extinguished. Unfortunately it had been too late to tell him no, and she had quite uncharacteristically submitted to his will.

She shuddered, it wasn't like Ra's was disgusting or anything. But she didn't know him, or feel that there had ever been anything between them and that worried her.

She jumped as there was a knock at the door. It was Arnold, he smiled timidly as he introduced the Batman to her. Selina felt her whole body light on fire. She knew this man!

Batman stepped into the room, waiting until Arnold closed the door to exhale loudly. "Selina," he started, "have you any idea how much you worried me?"

Selina knitted her brow, "No, I haven't much of an idea about anything. I've lost my memory. Ra's told me that we were engaged and that during the before service dinner I fell ill with food poisoning, but I don't believe him anymore."

Batman resisted the need to take her into his arms, "That's good, that's very good." was all he said.

"Batman, I don't know where I am, why I'm here, what this man wants with me..." then she hung her head appearing to cry.

This time Batman obliged to his instinct and brought her to him. Selina noticed instantaneously how perfectly her body felt against his. This was right, this was the feeling she'd dreamed of when Ra's wasn't around. "I don't want to marry him, I don't know him..."

"I know. You're Selina Kyle, you live at 535 Sebastian Ave. in apartment 313. You like vegetarian pizza and thai food. You have sixteen cats, and watch Sesame Street. And you've driven me crazy for the last nine years. You've read 1984 by George Orwell fifty-six times and play chess like no one I've met in a while. Your father is Carmine Falcone, he, your brother Alberto and your sister Sofia are dead, but your brother Mario is alive and well. He is very worried about you Selina... As am I."

Selina looked up at the Batman's dark cowl. "I barely remember you, but I know that I know you. I also feel that I've caused you alot of trouble."

Batman smirked, "You're right. You have."

"And you still came out here to get me?"

"I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and I've decided I must have fallen in love with you." Batman said smiling akwardly.

Selina smiled, "That's nice to hear."

Batman reached up to the base of his cowl, "You've more than proven yourself to me, even if you don't remember."

With that he pulled the mask off and kissed Selina as gently and passionately as he could manage.

[Panther]

Dang nab it!! Now I'm gonna have to go back and read the whole thing over agin to see if I can figure out this ever increasingly tangled family tree. Excellant twist! And of course you can pull it off, and in a style and flare all your own which always rivets attention.

I loved how caring Batman was in this post, but Ra's was very... easy going. That worries me. If he didn't want Batman to get Selina, i don't think it would have been that easy. What IS he up too?

must go,

[AceOfKnaves]

I'm still taking lessons from your writing. I love a good story that you can sink into. :)
As usual, wonderful job!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
Dang nab it!! Now I'm gonna have to go back and read the whole thing over agin to see if I can figure out this ever increasingly tangled family tree. Excellant twist! And of course you can pull it off, and in a style and flare all your own which always rivets attention.

I loved how caring Batman was in this post, but Ra's was very... easy going. That worries me. If he didn't want Batman to get Selina, i don't think it would have been that easy. What IS he up too?

must go,

Oh, it's not what you think. Trust me. You'll be surprised. Now whether it's pleasant or not is another question. Thanks for the reply.


Gracias,

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
I'm still taking lessons from your writing. I love a good story that you can sink into. :)
As usual, wonderful job!

OMGosh, give me a second to recover from the flattery. I didn't realize my writing was anything to take lessons from. You do a pretty great job yourself. I'm really enjoying your story.

Gracias,

tNC

[AceOfKnaves]

The fluency you have with words and key plot lines really make your stories interesting, and a good read. You shouldn't be surprised by an honest compliment. :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
The fluency you have with words and key plot lines really make your stories interesting, and a good read. You shouldn't be surprised by an honest compliment. :)

Well then *bows*, let me extend my humblest apologies for the mistake, and thank you for the gracious compliment.

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
I might forgive you if you post more of your story soon. ;) (just teasing)

I can wait patiently like everyone else. :D

Well you asked for it, but I'm not sure how to write the next part. Give me a little time.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Okay like a second later I remembered what I was going to do originally and so I'll just write it.**

*The next afternoon, around six Scotland time*

Catwoman sat nervously in the cockpit of the batplane. She was already three hours away from from the retreat in Scotland and should have felt elated. She was going home to her old life and her new friends. But instead she was miserable. She'd left Batman struggling in a mass of guards and the like screaming for her to leave without him.

After forty-five minutes of frantic worrying as to how to steer, she found a note nestled behind the steering wheel:

Selina,

If you've found this it means you've had to leave without me. I guarantee you that I will make it make to Gotham, but right now I need you to say the words "nine fifty-two". These words are the passwords into the automatic pilot controls, they will take you back to Wayne Manor where you will explain to Alfred what has happened. He will take it from there.

-B.

Selina took a deep breath and said "Nine fifty-two."

Automatically she felt the plane bank left and settle in a new direction. She wondered how long it would take the plane to make it back to Gotham.

Eventually she began to feel rather lonely staring out at nothing but big blue ocean. Her mind began to wander. Would things with Batman be different now? According to him, she'd been on the Gotham's Most wanted list eight years running as a cat burglar. But as of late she'd been using her talents to put an end to crime instead of promoting it. For her willing change in personality she's been offered a position in the bat team. And in Batman's heart. He'd admitted to her his admiration for her efforts, and that for a long time, her crimes had been the only thing keeping him from being openly attracted to her. Now there was nothing in the way.

She smiled, "I certainly hope so."

And with that, she leaned back in the seat and tried to go to sleep.

[AceOfKnaves]

*Switches crossed legs, and lightly hums Batman*

Oh me? I am just patiently waiting for a little more of your wonderful story. :)

No seriously, I can wait, I was just giving your story a *bump*

[The_NewCatwoman]

Ohhh, yeah about that...

I decided I wasn't going to post until someone replied. I didn't want to greedily pop myself over to six pages. No offense anyone.

Peaches and Cream,

tNC

[AceOfKnaves]

lol, well now that you're on six pages there is nothing to stop you, except of course, if you need more time. *Kicks dirt lightly*

[The_NewCatwoman]

Well tell ya what, I promise to post more tommorow.

In the mean time can you go check out my first post on http://www.fanfiction.net/ . It's in the Comics>Batman section. It's called Baby Cat. Oh yeah. *Said like Uncle from Jackie Chan Adventures* Onee moree thinggg:

I'm The Huntress over there, which was also my handle at the DC comics message boards before I forgot my password. Oh the humanity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's along the lines of my regular stuff, but it's pretty short. Only two chapters so far, and those are letters from Selina to Bruce and back again.

thanks,

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

***As you can probably tell by now, I didn't post 'tommorow' I got swamped with homework, intended posts were erased (which seems to be an epidemic with me) and I went to the movies. Soooo sorry:p So I decided to make it up to you'll, here's a helping o' Broken. Also: Disclaimer, The Godfather and it's sequels and whatever has come of it belong to whoever made it. I have no idea and don't tease me about it.***

**Still in flashback mode**

When Selina had arrived at Wayne Manor several hours later she followed Bruce's instructions and told the thisclose to stoic butler what had happened.

The man, obviously used to a certain level of crisis with his master, only nodded, showed her to a room, and made sure she had the necessities she needed when she needed them.

Selina had spent the last two days trapped at the manor and was becoming increasingly worried for Bruce's safety. Not only was it a special kind of isolation rivaling that of her stay at the resort with Ra's. But here she was so close to home in the city and yet so far away. She was going mad with suffocation.

Stomping out of her room and down to the kitchen, she stopped short when she heard a voice she recognized as Nightwing's. She knew deep in her gut she wasn't the nosy, eavesdropping type so she merely turned around and went the other direction. The sparse words 'Bruce' and 'to get him back!' catching her ears.

Roaming through the household, she thought about what he had told her about having brothers and sisters. That two were dead but one was still living.

She went back to the doorway, this time knocking on the doorframe to announce her presence.

"Yes Ms. Kyle?" Alfred asked standing at attention in front of a young man she recognized but couldn't name.

"What're you doing here?!" he asked alarmed at her presence.

"Bruce sent me back here after he rescued me."

The young man scratched his head in what seemed like a common gesture for him and looked to Alfred. "She knows now." he said in finality.

Alfred shook his head at the two stared at her in silence.

Selina took a deep breath, "Okay that was wierd, anyway Bruce told me that I had a brother who was still living, Mario right?"

"Yeah..." the young man said, "I would like to think that you know already."

Selina frowned, "Well I'm sorry, I can't remember much of anything, Ra's had me drugged! Why do you think he had to tell me, huh?!"

"Geez, I'm sorry. I didn't know... So wait, that means you might not remember my name."

"I don't remember anything really."

"Richard Grayson, but you can call me 'Dick'. Richard is a little too formal for me."

Selina nodded, "So what about my brother?"

"You, Sofia Falcone-Gigante, Alberto Falcone and Mario Falcone were the children of Carmine 'The Roman' Falcone. A mafia crimelord straight out of 'The Godfather'. I never found out who your mother was, but I know that the three of them were born to his wife and you weren't."

"I see, an 'out of bond' baby."

"Now don't think like that. I told you I don't know everything. I guess you'll have to ask your brother."

"Do you know how I can get in touch with him?"

"Of course, we can head over there right now. You can catch up with your bro, and I can figure out how we're gonna--"

A staunch warning cough from Alfred cut him off. Dick scratched his head again and smiled. "Just let me worry about that... Soooo let's go!"

[AceOfKnaves]

I am driving myself crazy trying to find out what happens next!
Are you teaching me a lesson because of my posts on my story? Oh well, :D .

When I first read this story, it was already 3 pages long, but I didn't lose interest as I enjoyed it A LOT! Now I'm hooked and wanting more!

Can't wait for the next installment! :)

[Panther]

Again with the cliffhangers.. sigh...

Catwoman working with amnesia - this should be interesting. But what happened to Bruce? And what's going on in Batman Beyond time????

Please post more soon!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
I am driving myself crazy trying to find out what happens next!
Are you teaching me a lesson because of my posts on my story? Oh well, :D .

When I first read this story, it was already 3 pages long, but I didn't lose interest as I enjoyed it A LOT! Now I'm hooked and wanting more!

Can't wait for the next installment! :)

Whatever do you mean?

I'm glad you enjoy, and...

Ohhhhhh, do you mean how you keep leading us on, and making us think we're going to get a nice juicy piece o' story and then just... ending it.

Then no, that wasn't my intention. I only get so long to type when I'm ready to post more so what I really want to say doesn't get across all the time.

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
Again with the cliffhangers.. sigh...

Catwoman working with amnesia - this should be interesting. But what happened to Bruce? And what's going on in Batman Beyond time????

Please post more soon!

*always* with the cliffhangers. Come on, you know me.

I'm just a teenage dirtbag baby, I have nothing better to do than torture my readers. Ha ha ha hah.

Just kidding. Of course, I spend a lot of time thinking of how to please you all and still write stories the way I want to.

Hmmm, oh well. Do me a favor and go check out Baby Cat by me The Huntress at fanfiction.net will ya? It's still in its infancy but I love it just the same.

ever faithful,

tNC

[AceOfKnaves]

"Just let me worry about that... Soooo let's go!"


and......

;)

Just kidding, waiting is wonderful suspense. :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Okay, it's been awhile since I last posted and I thought I'd give you all a little more. Now I know that this has been the longest flashback I've ever done, but it's important to the story. Now I'm going to take a tiny break from that and go back to the other flashback I had. Enjoy:**

*Apokolips, thirty years ago*

"How are the young recruits doing on the outing?" asked a strong scaly voice from somewhere behind.

Granny jumped, and then laughed sadistically, "Everything's going fine Lord Darksied, the boys have been in the wilderness for the past few days without food or water. Several have died."

"What about that Dresden boy, how is he?"

"Clinging to life, but otherwise... He shows potential. He hasn't complained like the others, he might redeem his father afterall."

"Good, when he comes of age send him to see me."

*With that, the large figure disappears into the darkness of the shadows with a rare smile on his face.*

**to be continued later, sorry**

[AceOfKnaves]

That was it? *POINTS FINGER AT tNC* EVIL!!!!!!

;)

J/K, wow, I'd almost forgotten about them. :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
That was it? *POINTS FINGER AT tNC* EVIL!!!!!!

;)

J/K, wow, I'd almost forgotten about them. :D

Yeah, I know. I was all done with my work and set to post when she accused me of checking my e-mail. Needless to say, I was... irritated. My teacher Boyer, who's cool by the way, didn't jump on me, but it's going to be a second before I can post next as I've been bombarded with homework instead.

Sorry.:(

tNC

[Panther]

Ouch, that scene, more than anything I saw in the cartoon really drove home the point how cruel Darksied is. I shudder to think what an emotional wreck this Dresdon is, and at the damage he will undoubtably do when he is releashed in to the world. Trouble is coming...

post already!!!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
Ouch, that scene, more than anything I saw in the cartoon really drove home the point how cruel Darksied is. I shudder to think what an emotional wreck this Dresdon is, and at the damage he will undoubtably do when he is releashed in to the world. Trouble is coming...

post already!!!

Oh just wait and see... *evil laughter*

thanks for the reply

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Original flashback continues here, sorry it took so long. And yes Panther, more Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. I just love that book so much.**

The ride to Mario's apartment on the upper east side had been just this side of unbearable given Dick refused to answer any of Selina's questions. She'd only wanted to know about how her relationship with Batman--and more specifically Bruce-- had been before she lost her memory.

Instead of an answer, there was a lot of monosyllable spurts of words complete with mumbled filler, which only managed to prove that either the male half of the species had somehow devolved within a thirty minute span or that Dick was purposely being stingy with the goods.

"Oh come on! I think I have a right to know!" Selina protested.

"Off limits." Dick answered with a raise of the eyebrows.

"To who?!" Selina asked flabbergastedly.

"To all of us, me, Batgirl, Robin, even Alfred. Whatever happened between you two stayed between you two, no matter if anybody saw anything or not."

"Ah-ha. Something had to happen in order for it to be declared off limits, and I'd suspect that 'someone' saw at least something in order for it to have been brought up in the first place."

Dick sat stuck for a reply when they thankfully arrived at the large apartment building Mario called home.

Selina frowned dangerously as Dick opened the door for her, "You know something, and that-that man! He has some kind of hold on you, 'cause you're scared to tell me!"

"I. Am not scared of either Bruce OR Batman--"

Selina smiled brightly.

"--but I'm also aware of the fact that you're trying to manipulate me."

Selina pouted, "You're impossible!"

"Now there's the Selina we all know and love to hate." Dick said playfully.

Selina stopped, "You, meaning you all, hate me?"

"Noooo. We were once annoyed with you, but never hated you. Besides, it was refreshing to get someone other than the run of the mill psycho to chase around. Although it was frustrating because you chose to do what you did, some of the other's didn't."

Selina didn't respond.

Dick put his hands on her shoulders, "The Catwoman I know wouldn't let this all get to her. You're putting way too much stock into something that you've already left behind."

"You mean I don't do whatever I did anymore?"

"As in steal? Yup, you've told it to bite your dust."

"Why did I steal anyway, it seems kinda... pointless."

Dick laughed. "I don't know, only you know that."

"But I'm not the 'you' that you know anymore, I don't even remember what that was like, let alone why I did it."

"Maybe you losing your memory was like some kinda blessing from the cosmos that allowed you to leave all that behind. Maybe you needed to forget because it was the only way you could really defeat the feeling. The desire to do what you didn't need to do."

Selina bowed her head in anger, "This is sooo-- Frustrating!" She then let back her head and let out a scream.

When she looked back at Dick, she found he was staring at her with wide, startled eyes.

"Great. Now you probably think I'm crazy."

Dick blinked, "No, no... Everybody has to let it out sometimes. Bats hits things-- hard. Robin draws. Batgirl cooks. Me... I let out a bodacious yell."

With that Dick put his head back and followed suit. He smiled as some crows flew off with fright down the deserted street.

Selina looked at him with a small smile. "Thanks, I was feeling self-conscious for a minute there."

"I thought I recognized that scream." came the smooth italian accented voice of one Mario Falcone from behind them.

Selina turned to find her brother standing on the front steps with a large smile and open arms. "Selina! I was so worried about you." he finished as he came down the stairs and gathered her into a hug.

Selina at once felt at home in the embrace, comforted by the reassuredness of Mario's voice.

Selina looked up at Mario and felt the familiarity of his facial features. Although he had a unibrow, somehow the way his face was put together managed to make it look attractive instead of disgusting. His deep brown eyes, roman nose, and pouty lips turned in a smile comforted her. Finally someone in her corner!

"Well, shall we go upstairs? It's just a little chilly today." Mario said directing his attention to both figures.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Selina said, "This is Dick Grayson."

Dick shook Mario's hand with yet another half smile.

"Nice to meet you Dick, I'm Mario Falcone."

Dick nodded. Of course he knew who Mario was, everybody knew who Mario was. First son of the Falcone empire. The true "Good Son". The one everyone had missed because they were too busy putting his younger brother Alberto on a pedestal. It turned out that Mario was the one craving legitimacy and honor, while Alberto just wanted stake in his father's business.

Mario led them through the building and up the elevator to the fifty-sixth floor. There was a single apartment on every floor, his being at the top, the most expensive. Mario characteristically hadn't chosen it for it's price tag, but because it had enough room to house his mother, who'd since reappeared since his siblings deaths, and his wife Isabella who was pregnant with twins.

Upon entering the sprawling apartment, Dick was reminded somehow of Holden Caulfield's parent's home. With all the bedrooms, and the hangers in the closet that "rattled like madmen." He took a deep breath of wonderful smelling italian food and wondered if he could finagle a chance to come down here more often.

"Take a seat." Mario said guesturing towards a modest leather sofa and footstool. "I'll have Isabella make us some Chai Tea to warm us up a bit."

"Thanks. Hey, when is she due exactly?" Dick asked sinking back into the cushions.

"Two weeks. Oh man I can't wait. I'm going to be a father. A real caring, loving father!"

"Congratulations." Dick said with a smile, the guy was gushing over this.

"Oh Selina." Mario said seriously all of a sudden, "I was so worried about you. No one knew what had happened to you. You even had Bruce Wayne calling over here to see if I had any idea of where you could've been."

"I'm sorry. I don't know how else to explain it to you except with the truth. Which truthfully, sounds outrageous even for me to believe." Selina said, sounding forlorn.

"Well hold on, let me get my tea and we can talk. Whatever you want, I'm just glad you're okay Lil' Sister." Mario said with a grateful smile.

Selina melted, 'Lil' Sister...' All she had memories of was being alone. With no one to call her own. Now Mario could explain things as they were. He could reassure her that she was indeed far from being alone.

[AceOfKnaves]

YAY!!! More story!!! I just wish I had the time to pay you back with more on mine. *SIGH* Maybe this weekend.....

Love this section as well hon! I just wish I had the kind of talent, for writing structural sentences, as you do.
Will the wait for the next piece be as long this time? ;) (I know, I have no room to complain)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
YAY!!! More story!!! I just wish I had the time to pay you back with more on mine. *SIGH* Maybe this weekend.....

Love this section as well hon! I just wish I had the kind of talent, for writing structural sentences, as you do.
Will the wait for the next piece be as long this time? ;) (I know, I have no room to complain)

Oh thank you for the compliment!

And now here's some more...

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

Mario leaned back into the couch, his half-finished cup of tea sitting on the coffee table before him. "--and that's basically all of what you told me, and what I told you."

"So my mother's name is Austine Camille de Abbaneio. She met Carmine when he was traveling the world as a young man, and he continued to see her even when he married your mother..."

"Yes." Mario said looking slightly ashamed, "I'm sorry he wasn't more... considerate of his women's feelings. Both of our mother's were... taken advantage of."

Selina waved her hand to shush him and continued, "And neither had any idea about the other until she was pregnant with me."

Mario nodded, "Poppa gave her an undisclosed amount to be used to take care of you and keep her quiet about the whole thing. Being a woman in such a... delicate situation, there wasn't much she could do."

"I vaguely remember wondering who my father was and why he wasn't around. I remember how desperately I wanted to prove that Carmine was my father, and how hopeless I felt when I couldn't find the proof I needed."

"He burned the documents, anything linking you to him went into the fireplace and was swept out the following morning as ashes. I only pieced things together from what I could get from my mother and my her sisters."

Selina bit her lip in concentration. "Woman submits to her fate; man makes his. Emile Gaboriau."

Mario shook his head sadly, "I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm sorry, I really am."

"Don't apologize for him, he had his responsibility as a man and he didn't live up to it. So screw him."

Mario's eyes rose with surprise and then a smile began to tickle his lips. "You're one of a kind sis'."

Selina allowed a small smile in return, "Yes, I suppose I am."

** A few days later**

Some way, some how, Batman had managed to escape Ra's compound and stowaway on a plane heading to Metropolis. Once there, he boarded a commercial flight to Gotham disguised as a man named Ronald Jordan. Upon reaching Gotham, he continued the charrade long enough to get to Wayne Manor before marching straight to his bedroom and collapsing into a seventeen-hour bout of fitfull sleep.

Whenever he awoke from a new nightmare with the screams of his parents fresh in his memory, he found Selina at his side.

In between the naps she lay his head in her lap and listened as he mumbled whatever was on his mind. Whether it was how he escaped or what he dreamed about or even how much he wanted some scrambled eggs, until he fell asleep.

Given his disorganized ramblings and all around inability to focus his thoughts for even a second, she guessed Ra's had tortured him in some way. Or atleast his men had. And Bruce had taken all of that for her.

She stroked his hair and calmed him when he thrashed in his sleep, only sleeping herself every so often.

The rest of the bat clan watched from afar with a kind of fascination, occasionally they even came and sat with her.

None of the other women Bruce had ever been with had had the patience for this part of his life, the part where he experienced the dreams by himself and placed the burdens of his reactions on those around him. Silver had left after only one night. Bruce had been... indescribable. No one had any idea as to how Talia reacted as she had never been invited back to the Manor. Vesper hadn't dealt with it at all, having gone back to her own apartment as soon as he fell asleep.

Only Selina stayed... the entire time. She never left the room, even to relieve herself. She didn't complain, she just patiently reminded him of his surroundings when he came to and lulled him back to sleep always anticipating the storm that followed.

[Batgirl_2005]

*sniffle* That's so sweet. I love this story. COnfusing as it is (especially for the klutz queen myself) It's absolutely beautiful.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Ohhhh thank you *gushes* I had no intentions for it to be so confusing, but in order to understand what's going on in the future, you have to know what happened in the past.

[AceOfKnaves]

Simply wonderful hon! Another awesome piece to the puzzle.
Though, you're making me feel guilty for not posting on mine. :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Thank youuuuuuuu!

You're words are appreciated, now hurry up and add some to your story!!!

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Lyrics by Luther Vandross**

Bruce opened his eyes in a panic, where was he? Where were his parents? Why was it so dark?

Then he remembered.

He was at home in his bed. His parents were dead. He was alone.

Then he felt something beside him. Turning on the light, he squinted as his eyes stung. Then he beheld her sleeping face. It was Selina! Then all of the past week had come flooding back to him along with a headache. She'd made it back safely, and so had he.

He reached over and gently shook her awake. "Ehhhmmm, what time is it?" she asked without opening her eyes.

Bruce spied the bedside clock, "It's four in the morning Selina. Listen, I need you to wake up."

"It can't wait 'til morning?" she asked in a groggy, whiny voice.

"No Selina. You have to wake up now, I have to tell you something."

Selina reluctantly pulled herself up and stared at him at first with irritated eyes and then teary ones as her expression softened. She pulled him into an embrace, "You're awake Bruce, and you're okay."

"Yes, listen Selina, you need to know--"

"Stop." Selina had interrupted by placing two fingers over his mouth, "I need to make sure you're okay. Bruce you were having nightmares, punching at the sheets. Darling, whatever were they about."

Bruce cut his eyes towards the floor, "My parents."

"Did they hurt you?"

Bruce stared at her in amazement before remembering Selina Kyle had no recollection of Bruce Wayne or his past. This would all be new to her again.

"No Selina, the exact opposite. They were wonderful. Even, perfect."

"Nobody's perfect Bruce, I should know."

Bruce frowned, "I can't think of anyone else I would know that's as close... other than you."

Selina rolled her eyes with a smile, "Flattery will get you no where, now tell me. Is there something I'm missing?"

Bruce pulled away from her and sat at the edge of the bed. "They were taken from me. Killed when I was seven. I was right there."

Selina pulled him back to her and rested his head against her shoulder. She began stroking his hair. "I'm sorry Bruce, I guess that's all I can say."

"Selina, I still haven't told you what I wanted to say."

"What is it baby?"

"Ra's... He said that while you were at the compound, he impregnated you. He says that you're carrying his child."

Selina froze in her action. Bruce looked up at her, her face had gone pale and she was staring ahead. "Selina?" he asked as he pulled away again and began to shake her.

She snapped out of her shock and stared at him. "No! I refuse! I won't be that child's mother! I can't be pregnant! Not with his!"

"Okay, okay. Listen, I'll take you somewhere tommorow where you can get a pregnancy test taken, just don't worry yourself. Just go to sleep now."

"How am I supposed to sleep?!" she asked angrily.

Bruce looked uncertain, "I'll... ...sing to you?"

Selina looked at him like he'd grown an extra eye, but instead of protesting, she shrugged and lay back down.

Bruce took a deep breath and lay next to her, wrapping his arms around her tense frame.

"When I look in your eyes, there I'll see... All that a love should really be... And I need you more and more each day... Nothin' can take your love away... More than I dare to dream... I need you."

Selina relaxed against him, surprised to find that his deep baritone voice made for wonderful singing indeed. He sounded absolutely amazing.

Slowly she drifted off to sleep, fully convinced that she would be fine as long as Bruce was with her.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Agostino Baptiste was a name known to many as that excellent baker on 34th and Farswell St., but to Gotham's elite, his name elicited far more than a discussion about Ciambelle with Fennel or Pandoro di Verona. Those who needed the confidentiality of no name service went directly to him. What gossip monger would think to look for a little italian bread shop owner as a major OBGYN to the rich and the famous?

Bruce himself had come across the name when Veronica Vreeland, god knows how he'd come to be such great friends with her in the first place, had had a pregnancy scare a few years back. She hadn't gotten the nerve to tell her then boyfriend Gavin, so she'd begged Bruce to occupany her to the little-known place. He had relented to go if only to keep her from driving herself, and he, insane with worry.

When they'd arrived--through the back of course-- the short cheery man at the counter with the sharp pencil mustache and beady eyes had quickly wiped his hands, instructed his son to handle the customer he'd been seeing, and wordlessly led them upstairs.

Above the store was quite a different story, although modest, it housed the latest in medical technology where this was concerned. After Veronica had changed into a cloth gown, he'd washed, told her to get up on the examination table, and pulled a curtain around to separate Bruce from the actual process.

Bruce feeling a little put off caught the hush-hush tone of the doctor as he asked questions about different womanly things he preferred not to discuss unless severely provoked, and made inquiries as to whether Bruce was the father or not. He listened slightly angry when Baptiste laughed at Veronica not telling him and when the short man assured her their secret was safe with him.

After an hour of staring at the teal green curtain, Bruce was delighted to know that the examination was over and that they could leave. Unfortunately there was that little tidbit about it taking forty-eight hours to get the results. He didn't even want to remember how Veronica had terrorized him with erratic emotions only a woman with an unwanted pregnancy could stir up.

Now he sat in the same little "waiting room" listening as Baptiste asked the same questions with the same unchanged bedside manner and once again openly wondered if Bruce was the father. Nothing had changed except the circumstance of their arrival and perhaps the expansion of the shop into a bistro.

[AceOfKnaves]

Oh, I missed you had posted! *SMACKS SELF*

Funny, I have problems seeing Bruce singing. I guess Kevin Conroy probably does have a nice voice. :D

Selina carrying Ra's baby, just not something that either of them would handle too well, or me! lol. Another set of great chapters for your fanfic. Considering the wait I put you through on mine, I won't ask for more so soon. :)

[Freakame]

Well, I think there's only one thing that can be said about your story so far Catwoman. WOW!!! I would never be able to weave such a complex story the way you do. So many character, so amny flashbacks, and yet, it works. The style reminds me somewhat of the Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker style of flashbacks. It worked then, it most certainly works here.

Some questions:
1) When do we get to see what's going on in Batman Beyond time again? That is the part of the story which appealed to me the most. I'm loving the flashbacks, but the suspense is killing me!

2) This story occurs as if the Justice League was neevr introduced in Batman Beyond, correct?

3) Will Thomas and Max get together? They would make a great couple!

Okay, I think that's all my questions. Thanks for such a wonderful story, and keep it coming!

freakame

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Freakame
Well, I think there's only one thing that can be said about your story so far Catwoman. WOW!!! I would never be able to weave such a complex story the way you do. So many character, so amny flashbacks, and yet, it works. The style reminds me somewhat of the Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker style of flashbacks. It worked then, it most certainly works here.

Some questions:
1) When do we get to see what's going on in Batman Beyond time again? That is the part of the story which appealed to me the most. I'm loving the flashbacks, but the suspense is killing me!

2) This story occurs as if the Justice League was neevr introduced in Batman Beyond, correct?

3) Will Thomas and Max get together? They would make a great couple!

Okay, I think that's all my questions. Thanks for such a wonderful story, and keep it coming!

freakame


Whoaaaa, thanks for the lengthy reply.

1.) I'll get back to BB time as soon as I establish everything that made things the way they are in BB time. Believe me, I want to write about it some more, but I need to get through this first.

2.) Yes, I wrote this according to the BB episode Dead Man's hand, with everything that happened after that completely different from the show. Also, everything that happens in flashbacks is based off of the ROTJ, TPB Dark Victory, TNBA, and my imagination.

3.) That would be telling wouldn't it? :D

And your welcome, I'll definitely keep it coming.

[Batgirl_2005]

*shudder* selina with ra's baby... odd.. ick factor 10...

This story keeps getting better and better AND I understand it now! (i read throuhg it again.. I had missed a couple parts... doh... :o ).

My cousin read this story as well. he says that amazing does not even begin to cover this story.

Wow again!!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Thank you, thank you, thank you... and your cousin, for the wonderful, amazing praise. I'm glad it's not confusing for you, sometimes I have to go back myself just to make sure everything's straight. Both of your comments were greatly appreciated.

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

"How do you say, "Thank God almighty I'm not pregnant in french my dear?!" Selina said happily leaping into Bruce's waiting arms.

It had been quite the tense walk to the mailbox to get the results of her test, but the second she ripped open the envelope and saw in beautiful calligraphy, courtesy of a very sweet doctor Baptiste, the word "negative" she'd practically fainted with joy.

Bruce of course hugged her back tightly, kissing her forehead, "I'm sorry I actually believed the old man."

"Hmmmm, what did he say to you exactly."

"Oh nothing, just a bit about sending him his heir whenever he was born. I guess his plans have been placed on hold some what."

"Mm-hmm." Selina said again while kissing him on the forehead.

"Say, why don't we go out to eat? I know a wonderful place downtown."

"Of course I'll go with you, but not to any place 'Bruce Wayne' knows, god knows how many other women he's had there."

Bruce frowned a bit, "You're getting your memory back."

"Little by little."

"How much do you remember about 'Bruce Wayne'?"

"That he's stood me up just a few times past too many..."

Bruce frowned, his cheeks reddening in shame, "Selina you know it was just a part of the act."

"You didn't let me finish." She said placing a finger to his lips, something she found herself doing frequently, "I was going to say that I would be greatly intrigued if on the other hand Batman took me out instead."

Bruce smiled in that cocky half-smile way that he knew by now that Selina adored. She obligingly gripped his cheeks with her fingers and pulled him in for another kiss.

"I'll pick you up at twelve." he said winking and then returning down the path towards the house.

Selina smiled mischieviously before thinking to herself: "I guess this means Catwoman will be making a long awaited appearance afterall."

[I_am_scifi]

Yayeeee! Thank God she's not pregnant! I wouldn't have been able to keep track of all the children! Plus, Ra's and Selina's baby is a no-no since Selina is too cool for that! lol

~I_am_scifi
"SPOON!!"

[Batgirl_2005]

YAY!!! She isn't pregnant.. I can breathe again... It's all ok now... Great story, can't wait for more.

[AceOfKnaves]

*DANCES A LITTLE JIG*

Like already stated, I'm SO happy she isn't carrying the baby of R'as.

Awww, Bruce and Selina are so cute..... :)

Awaiting more!

[The_NewCatwoman]

OMGosh, I'm blushing from the replies. I guess I didn't realize how much you were hanging on to this whole pregnancy thing. But just a warning, you might want to hold on with the celebrating. I'm almost finished with this flashback.

bwa hahah haha

*snaps fingers*

Now I said I'd stop doing that...

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

He knew that by now it had to be cliche. Just about every other "superhero" he knew had surprised some lucky girl--or guy-- with dinner on a apartment building rooftop. It never failed. But that was the problem. It was cliche. It was tried and true. And if there was one thing he had, he at least had a damn imagination, and a woman of equal measure to use it on. So instead of dinner on just any old rooftop, he'd created a new scenario. Something completely original, unexpected by either her or anyone else for that manner.

--#--

Catwoman laughed nervously as Batman's strong hands led her about. Her eyes were blindfolded and she was completely at his mercy.

Water splashed and tickled her face as they walked along. She knew they had to be by the ocean, and on some kind of structure because the ground or floor or whatever was moving slowly side to side as they went along.

After going for a long while without Batman offering any kind of explanation for his actions they came to a stop. "Are we there yet?"

"Yes." came the single reply as gloved hands reached up and removed her blindfold.

Catwoman gasped. They were on an abandoned offshore drilling rig. Set up on one of the main decks was a candlelight dinner.

Catwoman looked around and then smiled to herself. She'd expected a candlelight on the rooftop type thing. This was so much better. Private, intimate, romantic. Anyone could throw a rooftop picnic. It was Batman who had thought to give her a date where no one could find them and they had each other to themselves.

"How is it?" he asked with a tone of self-consciousness that she wasn't used to.

"It's perfect Batman. I couldn't have asked for anything more." she answered pulling him into a kiss.

He smiled and took her hand, leading her to the table he pulled out her chair for her and pushed her chair in. Then after taking his seat he made a hand gesture to somewhere over her shoulder.

Catwoman's eyebrows went up in surprise. "I thought you said we were alone?"

"I never said that, you assumed that. Besides, I think you'll like this." he said pointing in that general direction.

Catwoman frowned but turned anyway to find a brightly smiling Nightwing, Batgirl and Robin appearing from out of nowhere. In Batgirl's arms was a furry ball of black. "She missed you." Batgirl said letting the thing down into Catwoman's lap.

Catwoman instinctively felt the urge to hug the cat to her, "I don't remember you, but I feel that you mean a great deal to me." she said down to the purring thing.

"Her name's Isis, she was a gift from an admirer of your's named Asia."

"That sounds like a woman's name."

"It is," Nightwing cut in with a laugh, "But since you're not bi or anything, nothing came of it. Bats over there was going nuts."

Catwoman stared blankly at them for a moment before smiling. "I don't know what to say. I guess that 'I'm sorry' is a start, and so is 'thank you'. You all didn't have to do any of this for me."

"Oh yes we do." Robin began, "Anyone who can bring out the romanticism in that guy, deserves a medal or something. He's sprung!"

Catwoman looked back to Batman who was an odd red color under his mask.

"Thank you all, now I'll take it from here." Batman said standing up, while simultaneously giving them their cue to leave.

From nowhere the song You don't know what Love is by John Coltrane began to play, and Batman extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Catwoman giggled despite herself and took his offer, holding herself tight against them as they swayed to the smooth notes, wishing the night could go on forever. "I love you Bruce." she whispered in his ear.

"I love you too Selina." he whispered back.

[AceOfKnaves]

Man, why can't I find a guy like that.

He's everything I want in a man, he's tall, handsome, strong.....saves lives, wears a mask....and to top it all off, he's rich. :D Did I just say that last part outloud? :o :)

Love this part. Wonderful character expansion. Can't wait for the next part. Though it's probably not as sweet as what's going on right now. ;)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
Man, why can't I find a guy like that.

He's everything I want in a man, he's tall, handsome, strong.....saves lives, wears a mask....and to top it all off, he's rich. :D Did I just say that last part outloud? :o :)

Love this part. Wonderful character expansion. Can't wait for the next part. Though it's probably not as sweet as what's going on right now. ;)

I love your avatar. I'm still kicking myself for missing that premiere. Arghh! You wait all summer and the damn power goes out!!

NEway, thank you for the comments. There was someone I had in mind when I wrote that, but he doesn't know. Nope, not a bit.

Oh well.

C'est la vie

tNC

[I_am_scifi]

awww!!!! Bruce is the man! ya know, if I had money and fame and a cape, I'd be able to be suave like that with my girlfriend. Ah well, maybe someday! ;) You rock my world Catwoman, the story is so great!!!

~I_am_scifi
"SPOON!!!"

[The_NewCatwoman]

Your wishing you could be suave and all that is more than enough scifi. :D Your comments are greatly appreciated as always. Peace

tNC

[Batgirl_2005]

I am officially marrying Batman.

*is poked and someone reminds her he isn't real*

SHHHH!!!! Don't tell ME that!!! :D

Very awesome. I think I have to go cry over the fact that the man of my dreams is a bloody comic book character. *sniff*

[The_NewCatwoman]

It seems Bruce is a pretty popular guy right now. Thank you.

Your words are inspiring and hilarious. Thanks.

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

It had all been planned of course. From beginning to end. From the moment he considered using Catwoman to lure Batman to Scotland to allowing a breech in security long enough for Batman to "escape" by plane. He'd gotten what he needed from the Catwoman, which was quite easy by all accounts. He'd harvested her ovums, and stored them in his lab. He'd even gotten a chance to have her in bed. Ahhhh, it was child's play.

Now that the women in his complicated web were taken care of all he needed was the Detective, and the Man of Steel's worthy DNA offerings and he'd begin to build what he nonaffectionately called "Adam and Eve".

First he'd merge his daughter's ovums with that of Catwoman, creating the greatest offering womankind had to offer to science. Then he would combine the Detective's sperm with that of the Superman, creating the same uncomparable blend.

Then with the help of his fertility and genetics experts, he'd use invitro fertilization to join them together and allow the results to develop inside of a specially modified glass "womb". Unfortunately because he still didn't have the male contribution to his plan he couldn't began for years, and then he guessed that because of the unnatural combination, the embryo would take years to grow. But he had patience to spare, and was willing to wait.

For when he got his final results, there wasn't a force in the natural world that could stop him.

[The_NewCatwoman]

I figured with this being the end of the flashback (finally!) I would just post a little disclaimer:

Those characters that belong to parties beyond: Batman/Bruce Wayne, Catwoman/Selina Kyle, Nightwing/Dick Grayson, Batgirl/Barbara Gordon, Robin/Tim Drake,The Huntress/Helena Bertinelli, Mario Falcone, Alberto Falcone, Sofia Falcone, Carmine Falcone, Ra's Al Ghul, Talia Head, Darkseid, Granny Goodness, Lashina and the Female Furies, Superman/Clark Kent, Alfred, Batman/Terry McGennis, Dana Tan, Maxine Gibson, Ten/Melanie Walker (Quinn), Harley Quinn, The Joker, Nelson Nash, Blade, Mary McGennis, Matt McGennis, Lucius Fox, Paxton Powers, Sliver St. Cloud, Vesper Fairchild, errrr.... I think that's all. Now for my characters:

Black Cat (non Marvel version)/ Aidia Wayne, Shane Wayne, Issac Wayne, Thomas Wayne Jr., Dresden, Dr. Agostino Baptiste, Dr. Algernon Baginton, Jean-Xavier Head-Kent, Eva Prisinzano-Wayne, Nathaniel and Marla Wayne, Austine de Abbaneio, Ali the Tiger Cub, Valencia Kravitz-Hall, Taina Kravitz, Jaden Hall, Issac's wife Ramona and their daughter Rosamaria, Arnold, various nameless faces, and the identity of Ronald Jordan, that's also all I can think of.

Too many licenses borrowed to remember, here are some of the major ones: Disney, The Godfather, Catcher in the Rye, Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, The Man Show, various places around globe.

Thank you.

tNC

[AceOfKnaves]

*HEARS A BUM BUM BUM* ;)

Man -o- man. The plot really thickens here. I really don't want to know how lethal that child will be. :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
*HEARS A BUM BUM BUM* ;)

Man -o- man. The plot really thickens here. I really don't want to know how lethal that child will be. :D

*grins evily*

Oh, you'll see... ;)

[Panther]

Ra's is evil! Evil! Evil! Evil!!! :mad:

NEway, Bruce is such a sweetie, Selena is damn lucky, it s*cks we know how some of this is going to end up, it s*cks we don't know how the rest turns out since we haven't been to Beyond timeframe in quite a while, and Ra's is EVIL!

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Well, it's too late to write now as I've still got some studying to do, but I'll definitely try to post tommorow (in BB time!!!)

tNC

[Batgirl_2005]

I'm just glad it's you writing it and not me.. I'd have too hard a time trying to write all of those people along with differing personalities and... so forth and so on..... fooooooo.... anyhoo...

I officially hate Ra's, love Bruce and..... hate Selina for GETTING Bruce (actually it's like love to hate because she's like... awesome...)

ANyhoo... Can't wait to read more. Bye!!!

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Batgirl_2005
I'm just glad it's you writing it and not me.. I'd have too hard a time trying to write all of those people along with differing personalities and... so forth and so on..... fooooooo.... anyhoo...

I officially hate Ra's, love Bruce and..... hate Selina for GETTING Bruce (actually it's like love to hate because she's like... awesome...)

ANyhoo... Can't wait to read more. Bye!!!

Yeah I guess but somehow I manage to get most of it straight.

Yes, I'm tolerating Ra's, Blushing over Bruce, and Beaming over Selina!!! :D

[Calico]

Well finally taking the time to catch up! Wow is my head spinning. Glad Selina is not having Ra's baby, but did they really...? *shudder*

Bruce and Selina are just too adorable. I loved it when the 'kids' brought her cat :D Of course she'd feel something special for her.

Anyway, looking forward to more and having all these strings pulled together! :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Calico
Well finally taking the time to catch up! Wow is my head spinning. Glad Selina is not having Ra's baby, but did they really...? *shudder*

Bruce and Selina are just too adorable. I loved it when the 'kids' brought her cat :D Of course she'd feel something special for her.

Anyway, looking forward to more and having all these strings pulled together! :D

Yeah, they really... *shudder*


I'm glad too if that makes sense.

thanks for the wonderful reply,

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**I know you all are probably horrified with me right now so forget the excuses and on with the story**

Selina sat placidly at the kitchen counter, steaming mug of cocoa on the counter, fingers at temples, massaging herself lightly.

"What's the matter?" asked the concerned voice of Bruce from behind her.

Selina gasped then turned to face him with a smirk, "You scared me. You haven't been able to do that in years."

"Don't remind me." he said returning the expression, while taking a seat across from her.

"I remember," he started.

"Hm?" Selina said taking a sip of cocoa.

"I remember you sitting there, Aidia was in your arms, and I hadn't made love to you since your fifth month."

Selina laughed lightly, "Stress does a number on a marriage, does it not?"

The two of them were silent for a long moment, taking in the room and each other. Letting their minds wander.

"Selina, marry me."

Selina paused and let her eyes slowly travel back to Bruce's face. The years had not been kind, his handsome face had been weathered by stress and more pain than one should ever have to feel alone. But underneath all of the age she saw the same man that had supported her since they had met that first year. She smiled, nothing had changed between them, nor should it ever. Marriage would just be a natural expression of their love for one another. It would be the right thing to do now that Aidia was back in their lives. Leaving the past in the past. "Yes Bruce, for the second time, I'll marry you."

His smirk returned, "It's late Selina, maybe you should get to bed."

Selina laughed again, "Only if you join me darling."

Bruce of course could only oblige.

**

Thomas paced back and forth across his bedroom, it was freaking three in the morning, and his brother and sister-in-law had the nerve to be keeping him awake-- sharing marital bliss.

He had half a mind to go in their room, cut on the lights and throw cold water on them. ANYTHING, to get some sleep.

He giggled at the thought, "Cold water." he whispered to himself before collapsing into the arm chair that doubled as a desk chair.

Taking a deep breath he picked up his remote and started tossing it into the air over and over again. There was no point in turning on the tv, he didn't want cable in his room, and nothing was on broadcast at that hour. Computer was out too, his father had had the internet disconnected when he last left for his fall term.

He jumped suddenly when his phone rang. Gasping for breath, he grabbed the stupid thing and put it to his ear before Shane and Eva could hear it. "Hello?!" he hissed sharply into the receiver.

"Tommy?" came a beautifully feminine voice from the other end. The same voice that always put him in mind of the Queen of Sheba.

"Lenny?" he asked in a tentative voice, "Is that you?"

"Who else could it be?" Valencia Kravitz returned from the other end, unfortunately without the characteristic bite that he was so fond of.

"What's the matter, you sound like something's wrong. Where are you?"

"I'm in my dorm room."

"What's wrong?"

"Tommy, can you come on a plane over here, I need you." she said in a whimpery voice.

"Why?" he asked in a soft voice.

"I'm pregnant." Valencia said in a final shocked tone.

[AceOfKnaves]

All of these babies!!! ;)

YAY!!!! And more story! I love your writing, it's so easy for the mind to flow over. Great work again tNC!!! :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
All of these babies!!! ;)

YAY!!!! And more story! I love your writing, it's so easy for the mind to flow over. Great work again tNC!!! :)

Yeah it's quite a bit isn't it? And thanks for the wonderful compliments as always.

tNC

[I_am_scifi]

Ahh, I think there have been more pregnanies in this story than there have been avatar changes in the past week! :-P Why the change Cat, me likey the old one!

Ah well, can't win 'em all. I do love the story though, and can't wait to see how Thomas reacts to the news. Plus, Selena and Bruce are back together again, YAYEEEE!!!! They belong together, don't they? I just hope it lasts. Anywho, now that all the questions are outta the way, there's only one thing left to say: Keep writing you! :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by I_am_scifi
Ahh, I think there have been more pregnanies in this story than there have been avatar changes in the past week! :-P Why the change Cat, me likey the old one!

Ah well, can't win 'em all. I do love the story though, and can't wait to see how Thomas reacts to the news. Plus, Selena and Bruce are back together again, YAYEEEE!!!! They belong together, don't they? I just hope it lasts. Anywho, now that all the questions are outta the way, there's only one thing left to say: Keep writing you! :D

how could I /not/ change it, Bruce is super sexy Tim Sale style. Come on. But I'll definitely consider changing it back.

And yeah, lotta pregnancies, maybe it's my way of getting this whole 'I wanna lotta kids' thing outta my system. I want like 7 of the little mini-me's and that might not be so ideal. Hmmmm...

NEway, thanks for the lovely dovely reply. And /of course/ Bruce and Selina belong together, too bad WB doesn't really see it that way.

tNC

[Panther]

Yeah! Selina and Bruce are back together!

And may I repeat how awesome I think Thomas is? He's so cool in the best goofy kind of way.

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
Yeah! Selina and Bruce are back together!

And may I repeat how awesome I think Thomas is? He's so cool in the best goofy kind of way.

later,

Yeah well it is a pet peeve of mine to have family members in the room next to your's, "having fun" as we shall call it here. Come ON, I have to sleep! Bad, embarassing experiences with that one that won't be discussed here. And be patient about City of Masks. It's long, and I only have so much time to read before I'm forced off. It's either the computer or sleep, and tonight I might actually get to bed before twelve. Something to consider as I step off. Glad you enjoying Bruce using some common sense and getting back with Selina. It's an honor to do what's wanted.

ta-ta,

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

I'm sorry I've neglected to post more on this story, but as you can guess it is a little time consuming. Time permiting I'll add some more later tonight, but don't chew me out if I don't.

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Very beautiful lyrics courtesy of Musiq and DefSoul, by DefJam Productions, blah blah blah**

Lately you've been questioning
If I still see you the same way
We gonna both physically change
Now don't you know you you'll always be
The most beautiful woman I know
So let me reassure you darlin that
My feelings are truly unconditional

See I'll love you when your hair turns gray
I'll still want you if you gain a little weight
The way I feel for you will always be the same
Just as long as your love don't change, No

I was meant for you and you was meant for me yeah
And I'll make sure that I'll be everything you need
Girl the way we are is how its gonna be
Just as long as your love don't change

Verse 2-

Cause I'm not impressed, more or less
By them girls in the T.V and magazines
Cause honestly I believe that your beauty
Is way more than skin deep
Cause everything about you makes me feel
I have the greatest gift in the world
And even when you get on my last nerve
I couldn't see myself being with another girl

**

Thomas stood in the terminal of the Gotham City Airport waiting for Valencia's plane to land. They'd decided it would raise too many question for him to come all the way over there, so she came to him instead. The entire time that he waited he tried to remember the name of the guy his brother Issac had told him about. The OBGYN/bakery place that serviced people of his family's caliber without too much noise.

His eyes glazed over as he finally spotted her, just they way he remembered her to be. Smooth caramel skin, naturally blond wavy hair, and the most impressive green eyes he'd seen on anybody besides Selina.

They moved wordlessly through the airport, to his car, through the city, and finally to the back doorstep of the address his brother had given him earlier that night when he'd called.

Issac, who was living in Spain at the moment, wouldn't divulge exactly why he'd known about the place, but only that he better get going. Now it was about 9:00am and his father would probably be wondering about what it was that got him out of bed so early.

Thomas knocked on the door and waited until a very handsome young man not much older than him answered the door. The guy did a quick full body scan before yelling something in italian too fast for Thomas to understand to someone they couldn't see, and motioned for them to come in.

The man smiled casually and introduced himself, "Hello, I am Adriano Baptiste. I assume you heard about our unique services from your father, no?"

Thomas' brow crinkled, "What? No, my father has nothing to do with this. We're here for her."

Adriano let out a small laugh, "You have had a problem with the condom packaging, no?"

Valencia snorted angrily and Thomas quickly interjected before she opened her mouth to reply, "It's not what you're thinking. I'm not the father, she just needed someone to bring her here that's all."

Adriano nodded empathetically, "Yes, I see that from time to time. You are very noble you know."

"Yeah yeah, so where's the guy who's gonna do this?"

Adriano smiled and called to the back, "Poppa, your clients are waiting."

"Clients?" Thomas questioned more to himself than to Adriano.

A short man with signs of osteoporosis, small beady eyes, and a white pencil mustache appeared from behind a curtain almost instantly. He took one look at Thomas and immediately decided of what he needed to do. "Follow me." he said before leading them upstairs.

He introduced himself, showed Thomas to a seat, instructed Valencia to undress and change into a gown, pulled the curtain, and began the exam. Thomas studied the little room indifferently before starting to hear little snatches of their conversation, particularly Dr. Baptiste's half.

"Yes-- his father came to me a few times-- different women-- he's not the father?-- how long since your last-- did the condom break-- you'll feel a little pressure-- there we go--"

Thomas leaned his head back on the wall and began to drift asleep. Some time later he felt himself being roused from his dreams by Valencia. "Dr. Baptiste said that I could expect my results within a few days and that he would send them to your house."

Thomas nodded, thanked and tried to pay Dr. Baptiste who staunchly refused. He always did the examinations for free. Unfortunately, Thomas knew the price actually paid was in his habit of gossiping.

Together they headed back to the manor to explain their most unique predicament to his parents. Thomas hoping that maybe if his father had had his coffee, he'd only be in a semi-grouchy mood.

[I_am_scifi]

Oy, I can't wait to see how Bruce reacts to this sticky situation. Oh, and I'm confused here. Valencia's baby belongs to who now? And I loved the condom lines by the doctor, very subtle, realistic jokes. Yayee, keep the good ones coming Cat! :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by I_am_scifi
Oy, I can't wait to see how Bruce reacts to this sticky situation. Oh, and I'm confused here. Valencia's baby belongs to who now? And I loved the condom lines by the doctor, very subtle, realistic jokes. Yayee, keep the good ones coming Cat! :D

Thanks, can't tell you how Bruce reacts. You'll have to wait and see. Same for Valencia's possible baby's father. And yes, if you're gonna do it, do it with a condom.

Peace.

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

*Disclaimer: Pony is a really sweet shoe company. I don't own the Sphinx, nor the Arc de Triomphe*


**9:39am, Gotham Square Park**

"I'm glad you came to see me." Jean said sheepishly.

Aidia sighed, "Where were you last night? I called the hotel, you were gone."

"I went to see grandfather... ...It wasn't a pleasant experience. I couldn't get a straight answer for anything... ...He showed me things, things you, and Bruce, Selina, everybody... you all need to see what I saw."

Aidia's eyebrows arched but she stayed silent, instead choosing to study the scenery. The park looked a lot like the Washington Square Park in New York, except instead of a minature Arc de Triomphe, it housed a georgeous replica of the Sphinx done in marble. "It's beautiful here." she said finally.

Jean nodded, "You aren't speaking in 'proper english'. Any particular reason?"

Aidia shrugged.

"That's not much of an answer." Jean said feeling impatience grow in his throat.

"I know." Aidia answered distractedly.

Jean sighed angrily before turning and stalking to the chess tables. Dressed in simple black pants, matching Pony sneakers and a black t-shirt with "The Steins" scrawled in white screen across the front, he looked like any Gotham University student out for a morning cool down in the park. None of the usual chess players even gave him a passing glance as he dropped into a seat and put his head down.

He groaned as he felt Aidia take a place opposite him. "Jean?" she asked timidly.

He looked up hesitantly, he hadn't heard her use a tone like that in so long he'd forgotten that she could. "Yeah?"

"Are we still brother and sister now? I mean... you know that I know what you know that I know..."

He held up his hand, "Calm down Aidia, you're rambling."

Quickly he stood, went around the table, and pulled her into his arms. "You'll always be my baby sister, even if the genetics aren't there. I guess I'll just have to share you with the other's now."

Aidia smiled sadly, "Thanks Jean." before returning the embrace.

Jean was the first to pull away. Sighing again he looked down at her, "I guess I've got some apologizing to do. Although I'm sure Bruce won't want to hear it."

"He'll listen. I'm sure he will." Aidia said. "Now let us see about schooling some of these Gothamites on the art of real chess shall we?"

Jean smiled, "Now there's the Aidia we all know and love!"

[I_am_scifi]

Awww, touching moments like these are hard to find. I'm glad to see that Aida and Jean are okay with one another, and that they still consider one another brother and sister. All Aida did was gain a few more relatives in the Wayne family. This proves that you do not have to be blood to be brother and sister. All you need is a loving, caring relationship. However, it will most certainly be interesting to see how Aida will act when she finally meets with her "Grandfather" once again. I can't wait to see how things turn out. Keep the hits coming Catwoman! :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by I_am_scifi
Awww, touching moments like these are hard to find. I'm glad to see that Aida and Jean are okay with one another, and that they still consider one another brother and sister. All Aida did was gain a few more relatives in the Wayne family. This proves that you do not have to be blood to be brother and sister. All you need is a loving, caring relationship. However, it will most certainly be interesting to see how Aida will act when she finally meets with her "Grandfather" once again. I can't wait to see how things turn out. Keep the hits coming Catwoman! :)

Yes, family is not hard to find, even if they aren't blood. I'm glad you like Aidia and Jean's relationship. Thanks for replying.

tNC

[AceOfKnaves]

*DANCES*

More story, more story! Not enough!

Man am I a hypocrite. :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
*DANCES*

More story, more story! Not enough!

Man am I a hypocrite. :D

yeah, but i can't talk either, maybe i'll write some more by tomorrow, i've got studying to do today.

tNC

[Panther]

Ditto to what I_am_scifi said. Obviously its going to be very, very, VERY interesting the next time "the family" is gathered together with dear old grandfather Ghoul. I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.

BTW - when are we going to see that cute little kitty again?

[The_NewCatwoman]

I still don't feel sorry for the old guy, he's just EVIL, and considers it his duty instead of his choice. What kind of mess is that?

[Panther]

In this case "almost" means "not at all"; I'm actaully looking forward to a confrontation and Ra's getting what he deserves, the evil man.

And you didn't answer my question! Where's that cute little tiger cub?

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
In this case "almost" means "not at all"; I'm actaully looking forward to a confrontation and Ra's getting what he deserves, the evil man.

And you didn't answer my question! Where's that cute little tiger cub?

later,


oops, my memory is pretty sour right now, i forgot to answer. yeah, it'd be a good idea to go get the poor baby, he's still in that stupid little cage isn't he?

[The_NewCatwoman]

"Where've you been all day?" Thomas asked from his position on the couch, legs draped over the arm, head under a pillow.

"Aagh!" Terry gasped visibly shaken. "School. That's where people my age go during the day."

"Oh." Thomas answered. "It's been so long since I had to go there that I forgot others still do."

"I thought you were in college." Terry said taking a seat across from him.

"Seems like years ago now." Thomas said boredly.

"What's the matter with you?" Terry asked while letting his body relax into a slouch.

Thomas shrugged, "Valencia's pregnant. Aidia's here with her 'brother'. And my father is remarrying Selina."

"What?! Who's Valencia? Why did Aidia bring her brother here? Bruce is getting remarried?!"


"Valencia's my ex-girlfriend. Aidia brought Jean-Xavier--that's her brother-- here to apologize for something that happened the other day. And yeah, I guess they want to give it another shot."

"Did you get her pregnant?"

"NO! Why does everybody keep thinking that?! First Baptiste and his son, then Pops, then Shane and now you!"

Terry cringed, "Geez, sorry. I've never seen you pissed before. Chill out."

"Sooo," Terry continued. "Who's the father?"

"Some guy named Eric Follsworth. The Follsworth's are the west-coast version of the Wayne's. They're also my father's direct competition." Thomas paused.

"Kinda fitting that Landis Follsworth's son would get Thomas Wayne Jr.'s ex pregnant huh?" Thomas asked bitterly.

"Uhhhhh..." Terry started.

"Then Aidia comes back here with that dolt so that he can apologize for being an idiot. And after all of that, my father announces their engagment!"

"Are you mad about it or something?" Terry asked feeling increasingly sorry he'd come in to work so early.

"NO! I'm stinking delighted! Couldn't be more f**king thrilled you know?!"

"Maybe I should go see what the old man's doin' you know...?" Terry said uneasily while trying to get to his feet.

"You go do that." Thomas said in an eerily nasty voice.

"Yeahhh." Terry said as he quickly made his way out of the room and went searching for Bruce.

[Batgirl_2005]

Dude... Thomas needs to take a deep breath... bloody hell... Actually, he's got a lot going on, so i guess it's understandable but don't take it out on Terry! Anyhoo.... i can't wait for more, so post soon!!

[AceOfKnaves]

Terry said it perfectly...

"Uhhhh..." :D

Only it's something everyone does, taking their anger or mood out on others....I never do...*WHISTLES* ;)

You simply must post more! Make you a deal, if I post a long one, will you? :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Batgirl_2005
Dude... Thomas needs to take a deep breath... bloody hell... Actually, he's got a lot going on, so i guess it's understandable but don't take it out on Terry! Anyhoo.... i can't wait for more, so post soon!!

Your words are appreciated fully. Thank you. And don't be too peeved with Tommy, he's got a good reason for being angry.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
Terry said it perfectly...

"Uhhhh..." :D

Only it's something everyone does, taking their anger or mood out on others....I never do...*WHISTLES* ;)

You simply must post more! Make you a deal, if I post a long one, will you? :)

LOL. Well that whole 'no new posts until December' kinda turned me off somewhat. But nontheless I'm working on a long post, I'm tired of these short ones too.

Thanks.

tNC

[I_am_scifi]

Whoa!!! Talk about unexpected, I didn't expect to see Thomas react in such a way to the new of Selina and Bruce getting back together. I guess maybe he feels his mother and Bruce didn't belong together, or something along those lines. This shows the extremes one can go through as well, as Thomas seems to have been forced to mature a lot in a short time. Here's hoping he deosn't do anything drastic like going over to the wrong side.

Oh, and btw, great job as always! :)

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by I_am_scifi
Whoa!!! Talk about unexpected, I didn't expect to see Thomas react in such a way to the new of Selina and Bruce getting back together. I guess maybe he feels his mother and Bruce didn't belong together, or something along those lines. This shows the extremes one can go through as well, as Thomas seems to have been forced to mature a lot in a short time. Here's hoping he deosn't do anything drastic like going over to the wrong side.

Oh, and btw, great job as always! :)

I haven't even touched the surface of this guy. Pay close attention. He's one of my favorites.

Thanks for the reveiw.

As always,

tNC

[The_NewCatwoman]

**Franny and Zooey is by JD Salinger, and The Art of War's author is Sun Tzu. Robotech is owned by Harmony Gold USA, Inc.**


He could hear her a mile away. Gently calling him out of his sleep. He loved the sound of her tiny little feet as they padded across the floor outside of the master bedroom.

He stole a look at Selina. Good, she was still asleep. It was these early hours that he loved to spend with Aidia. He quickly settled down and closed his eyes as she turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

He fought the urge to smile as she climbed onto his chest. His face twitched slightly. He could feel her staring down at him. "Daddy." she whispered, "Wake up." She pressed her hands into his chest and pushed.

Bruce slowly opened his eyes and smiled, "Bom dia, Aidia."

Aidia smiled, "Bom dia."

Suddenly Terry's voice came barrelling into the memory. "Bruce!"

Bruce snapped to attention. "What?!"

"You zoned out on me, I asked you to explain what was going on and you just... stared into space."

"How long have you been here Terry?"

"About thirty minu--"

"And you haven't asked anyone by now?!"

"Yes! I asked Thomas and he's like, nuts! You wouldn't guess that he can get so angry but..."

"Ask him about abortion, then watch him get angry." Bruce offered.

Terry's eyebrows went up. "Okay that makes sense, look... I think he's like really stressed out here. I mean, it's only been like a day and a half and he's completely different."

"No he's not. You just don't know him."

"What don't I know, I'm supposed to watch this kind of stuff right? I mean, okay... He's goofy, he's smart, he's a hit with the ladies, and his last name's Wayne."

Bruce smirked, "The name makes the man with you, hm?"

"Well, yeah!"

"Well here are ten things you don't know about my son: He's an anarchist, almost semi-socialist, earned a scholarship to school because he refused to let me pay for it, wears reading glasses, plans to become vegan, his favorite books are Franny and Zooey and The Art of War, he plays chess, cites Samauri Jack and Che Guevara as his heroes, he burnt his draft card, and he watches the entire Robotech saga once a month."

Terry stared momentarily, blinking with shock, "Do you know everything about the people around you?"

Bruce nodded, "I told someone else a very long time ago, 'I make it my business to know.'"

"What about me?"

Bruce smirked again, "You eat too much pizza for your own good, should pay more attention to where you're going given you're so clumsy, watch too much television, and you lost your virginity recently."

Terry shifted in his seat with a look of extreme unease, "Uhhhh, you are freaking me out. And how the hell would you know about Melanie?"

"I didn't know a who, just a what-- until now." Bruce said with a smile. "Don't get into trouble, there seems to be enough of that around here."

"Okay, I'm going out now, and I'm not coming back until I've gotten this memory knocked out of my head."

"In that case I should send someone after you, that can be dangerous."

"Ha-ha very funny." Terry said flatly.

"You first." Bruce stated while turning to the computer. "Hurry and go now, there's been a break-in on Dillinger St."

"I'm on it." Terry said as he began to suit up. "You know, you're a really creepy guy!"

"You're not the first to say that."

"Why aren't I surprised?"

[AceOfKnaves]

lol, I love Bruce. :)

Aidia and him are so cute! *HUGGLES* MORE MORE MORE!!! :D

[I_am_scifi]

Note to self: Erase all personal information about myself from the internet, or Bruce will know everything!!! Wonderful job Cat.

[Panther]

Ohhhhhh, I LOVE Thomas! May I have him? As, say, an early Christmas present? Pleeeeease?

Also, I loved your not so gentle reminder that Bruce/Batman IS the world's greatest detective. Keep on writing - this is an excellant, and incredibly complex - tale.

later,

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Panther
Ohhhhhh, I LOVE Thomas! May I have him? As, say, an early Christmas present? Pleeeeease?

Also, I loved your not so gentle reminder that Bruce/Batman IS the world's greatest detective. Keep on writing - this is an excellant, and incredibly complex - tale.

later,

Sure take him, he's your's. Thank you for the praise, Bruce is the man and I want everybody to know it!

As for the length of this story as of yet. Would anyone be angry if I just started a new thread all together. This is getting kinda long. Or is it easier to have the whole story in the same place in case you want to check something. I just want to make sure.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
lol, I love Bruce. :)

Aidia and him are so cute! *HUGGLES* MORE MORE MORE!!! :D

Yeahhhhh, Aidia was a little cutie. Which reminds me that I should get her back in the story. And Ali too for that matter...

[The_NewCatwoman]

Originally posted by I_am_scifi
Note to self: Erase all personal information about myself from the internet, or Bruce will know everything!!! Wonderful job Cat.

:D :p Yeah, I should probably do the same. Then again he's a pretty observant person...