Daughter

[Batgirl_2005]

Yes... I know... It's a strange title... perhaps it'll change... we'll just have to wait and see ^^

Legal Disclaimer

Ok... the only character I own is Cathryn. I don't own Batman... Robin... so forth and so on. ^^

Here ya go!

Chapter I

A family of five walks down the street after eating dinner at their favorite restaurant. The smallest, a girl of four, danced around in front of them, leading the way. Her blonde hair shone in the moonlight. Her eyes were a pale aqua blue. They were so pale at first glance a person would think her irises had no pigment to them.

The mother smiled, pleased her daughter had found interest in something other than fighting. The father on the other hand merely rolled his eyes. His daughter was a trained fighter. She shouldn’t be dancing around, but training.

"Cathryn!" The father shouted, "Seven deadly pressure points."

The girl rattled them of quickly, not stopping her dance. The father pursed his lips.

"Come on, Dad. Let her do her thing. By tomorrow she’ll be back to training anyway." The older son said.

"Yeah dad. What’s one night of happiness going to do to her training?" The younger son asked.

"Jason, Aaron. You don’t know what you…" The father said, before being cut off by his wife.

"Daniel. Calm down, please. Let Cathryn dance. Tomorrow," His wife hesitated, then continued, "tomorrow you can get her up even earlier than usual and train her all day. With no complaints from me."

"Tina. One night could make all the difference." Daniel said, "What if I am ill tomorrow. How will I train her?"

"You think too negative…" Tina was cut off as a dark figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Hello Mr. Mitchell." The person’s deep voice said.

Cathryn turned around and looked at the man standing in front of her father. She stepped into the shadows and moved stealthily toward her family.

"Who are you?" Daniel asked. He pulled his wife and sons behind him.

The person didn’t answer, just drew a gun from his pocket.

Daniel fought in vain. It wasn’t enough. The man pulled the trigger twice, firing two shots into his head.

Within four minutes, Aaron, Jason and Tina were both dead as well. The man aimed the gun toward where Cathryn was.

Something black hit his hand, knocking the gun from his grasp. The Dark Knight flew down knocking the man down. He slammed a fist into the man’s face and tied him up. He stood up and walked over to where Cathryn stood. She cowered away in fear. But after a moment looked back up at Batman, a mixture of fear, anger, and hatred in her eyes.

"Why?" She growled wiping a tear off her cheek angrily.

"I’m sorry… I didn’t… I couldn’t…" Batman stammered, losing his cool for a moment. After he calmed down he kneeled down in front of her. "Come on. I’m going to take you home with me." He took her hand.

Cathryn drew back, "No. I want to go home."

"You can’t. There’s no one there." Batman said as soothingly as he could manage. His throat was beginning to tighten with emotion.

"Batman? What happened?" An officer said from the end of the alleyway. He was standing there, his gun drawn. His female partner stood behind him. Batman stood up and stepped away from the girl.

"Obviously there was a multiple murder and the girl is the only one that wasn’t shot." His female partner said, hitting him over the back of the head.

She put her gun back in its holster and ran over to the little girl. She kneeled down and stroked the girl’s hair.

"Hi there! I’m Stephanie. What’s your name?" She said. Cathryn looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"I’m Cathryn Mitchell." She stated calmly.

Batman stepped into the shadows to watch. He would leave, after finding out if the girl had any family to stay with. If not, he would take her. Tears blurred his vision but he blinked them away. The girl was so much like he had been, right after his parents’ death.

"Is that your mommy and daddy over there?" Stephanie asked. Cathryn nodded sadly. "What are their names?"

"Tina Lynn Mitchell and Daniel Christopher Mitchell." She said quietly.

"Tina Mitchell? The newscaster?" Stephanie asked.

"Yep! We used to see mommy on the news all the time!" said Cathryn. She paused and frowned, "Well… me Jason and Aaron did. Daddy was never home."

"Jason and Aaron? Are those the two boys over there?" Stephanie asked. Cathryn nodded, a tear streamed down her cheek. She didn’t bother to wipe it away.

"They’re dead." Stephanie’s partner said quietly, walking back over to Stephanie and the four-year-old girl.

"I figured as much." Stephanie said. She stroked the girl’s hair again. "It’ll be ok. Don’t worry. Do you have any other family? Aunts… Uncles… Grandparents?"

Cathryn shook her head, "Well I have Auntie Sammy. But mommy said-"

"Where does she live?" Stephanie interrupted.

"Here in town. But Mommy said-"

"What’s her full name?" Stephanie’s partner asked.

"Samantha Copper." Cathryn answered. She sat down and pulled her knees to her chest. It seemed what had happened that night finally struck her. She began sobbing quietly in to her knees.

Batman watched the girl, completely torn between staying and going. He began to walk forward as Stephanie stood up. Then shook his head and fired a grappling hook. The girl had family.

Batman disappeared into the night.

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce walked several feet in front of his parents. He pretended to sword fight with his invisible adversary.

Then it was like someone hit the fast forward button on Bruce’s past.

Two shots rang out and Bruce watched his parents, as he had so many times before, fall to the ground in a pool of oozing red liquid.

And again Bruce watched it in his dream. And again. And again. Before he sat up in his bed yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Master Bruce?!" Alfred said as he ran into the room, Dick on his heels.

"Are you alright Bruce?" Dick asked.

"She’s so young…" Bruce muttered, "Younger than I was…" He sat up in his bed and put his face in his hands.

"I should have gone out tonight." Dick said.

"You couldn’t have helped. I should have tried harder. I should have been there."

"But you were there, Master Bruce." Alfred said. "Had you not come when you did, the girl would have died."

Bruce shook his head and stood up out of the bed. He ran his hands through his hair and headed down into the cave.

"What are you going to do?" Dick asked, running up behind Bruce.

"I’m going to keep an eye on Cathryn." Bruce replied.

"Didn’t you say that she was going to be taken in by her Aunt… Sammy?" Dick said.

"Yes." Bruce said, bringing a few things up on the screen. He was still drenched with sweat from his nightmare.

"Like…" Dick prompted.

"The address of her aunt." Bruce answered. Dick nodded. "I’m going to keep an eye on her. I have a feeling she’ll need it.

*~*~*~*~*

[Batgirl_2005]

Let me know if you like it or not! :D Criticism is always welcome...

ta-ta

*Batgirl*

[Coran]

Well I see your previous story idea has come to fruition. I can't wait to see how you take this one.

[Panther]

How tragically bittersweet was that! :( I could totally see the whole sceane in my mind's eye, right down to a little girl dancing on the sidewalk reciting the seven deadly pressure points. Now i am very intrigued to what kind of family she came form, why exactly they were murdered and what her future holds. Poor Cathryn. Poor Bruce.


P.S.

You said the title might change. For some reason the title "Lost Daughter" popped in my head. >shrugs< just a thought.

[The Game]

Hmm...

Very good start, I'm intrigued to see where you're going with this!

[Batgirl_2005]

Here's the second chapter... because it was finished months ago... I mean... jeez. I'm working on the sixth chapter right now... I do not know why I said that... but I did... heh... anyhoo... before people start throwing stuff at me here ya go!!!!

Chapter II

*~Two Years Later~*

Bruce Wayne stepped up to the podium and readied himself for his welcome speech. The crowd stared up at him from their seats in the banquet hall. Bruce was holding a Christmas Dinner for his employees.

"Hi everyone!" He said, giving a fake smile. This was the last place he wanted to be. He should have been out on the streets fighting. Not holding a banquet. "I’m very pleased to invite you all here tonight. Now, I’m not going to give some long boring speech like you all expect…"

Jeez… This guy is so boring. A small blonde girl thought.

Her clothes were dirty, ripped, and fading. Bruises and cuts covered her body. Still, her aqua eyes shone brighter than they ever had. She felt so right, here preparing to steal wallets and food from every person here. Her aunt had taught her how to be the perfect pickpocket and stealth. And only at six-years-old.

As Bruce sat down at his table, Cathryn crawled along the ground. She came to the first person at the table, a man with an especially thick back pocket.

He doesn’t need all of that. Not at all. Carefully, she relieved him of his weight and moved on to the next person.

"Thank you all for coming. Drive carefully." Bruce said at the end of his farewell speech. Cathryn looked through her duffel bag full of her loot.

This won’t make Aunt Sammy happy. Cathryn thought sighing.

She looked around wondering where else she could find money. Finally her eyes fell upon Bruce Wayne. She walked along, finally catching up with him.

As he waved goodbye to some of his employees she started to remove his wallet. Cathryn took a deep breath calming herself. Bruce spun around as the people left. He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from his wallet. She gave a little shriek and tried to pull away.

*~*~*~*~*

What is she doing here? Bruce thought as he stammered for the right words. Quickly he regained his cool and gave the girl a glare.

"What all did you take?" Bruce asked. His mind was going a thousand miles an hour. Why is she here?

"They don’t need it! Please let me go! Auntie Sammy is waiting for me! Please! She’ll be angry if I don’t meet her outside to give her this! Please!" Cathryn shouted.

"Let her go." A calm deep female voice said. Bruce turned to see a woman standing there holding a gun pointed at Bruce.

"Auntie Sammy?" Bruce asked Cathryn. The girl nodded fear registering in her eyes. Bruce sighed and let the six-year-old go.

"Good job." Sammy said. She waved to the little girl and she got up and ran off to the waiting car. "Goodbye Mr. Wayne. It’s been great." She followed her niece and drove off.

Bruce nearly ran to the waiting limousine. He ducked inside. Dick was sitting there in the back seat and Alfred sat in the drivers seat ready to leave.

Bruce had a look in his eyes that told the world he was angry and he was not a force to be reckoned with. Also mixed in there, there was sadness and memories.

Dick frowned. "Bruce? What is it?"

"That girl is in trouble." Bruce muttered, looking out the window. In the reflection, Dick could see a tear fall down his cheek.

"We’re home, Master Bruce." Alfred said a few minutes later.

"I’m going out tonight Alfred. You’re staying behind, Dick." Bruce said.

"What? But why?" Dick asked.

"This is something I have to do myself." Bruce responded.

He got out of the car and in a flash was down in the cave. He slipped quickly into the Batman suit and was out in the night in five minutes tops.

*~*~*~*~*

"I told you not to let anyone see you! Didn’t I!" Sammy screamed her niece.

She backhanded the blonde girl, and sent her flying right into the wall. She hit her head, and made a cut above her right eyebrow.

"You aren’t ever going to do that again! You have to learn how to make it in this business. That’s what I’m going to teach you. Do you understand me?!" She picked the little girl up by the front collar of her shirt.

"I asked you a question!" Sammy shouted in the girl’s face.

Cathryn was crying to hard to give a response, tears were streaming down her face mixing with the blood spilling from the cut above her forehead. Sammy slapped her across the face.

"Don’t you know how to talk to me girl!?" She yelled. When Cathryn still didn’t answer Sammy threw the six-year-old across the room.

A man stepped out of the shadows. He pulled a knife out of his pocket and sent it soaring toward Sammy. It embedded itself in the left side of her chest.

A grunt escaped Sammy’s lips. The last thing Cathryn saw before she blacked out was her last relative falling to the ground. Dead.

*~*~*~*~*

The first thing Batman saw as he finally arrived at the girl’s house was the girl’s aunt dying. He gritted his teeth in anger as the murderer drew another knife out.

Batman crashed through the window. He slammed his shoulder into the attacker sending him sailing to the ground.

The knife in his hand flew over and planted itself in Cathryn’s right shoulder.

The man kicked Batman off of him and pulled out a gun. Batman kicked it out of his hand, but the man just pulled out another one, flipped over Batman and held it to his cheek.

"The girl is my job. I was hired to kill her. Now back o-hunh!" The man flew to the side as someone kicked him to the ground.

Robin stood beside Batman and grinned at him.

"I thought I told you to stay behind." Batman stated.

"How long has it been since I actually listened to anything you say?!" Robin retorted smirking.

The man stood up and knocked Robin over. Robin punched him off and started to go after him.

Batman put his arm out to hold back Robin. "He’s mine." He growled.

He tackled the man. Within five minutes the assassin was barely breathing.

Batman went to send one more punch when Robin put his hand on his mentor’s shoulder.

"Batman, he’s finished. Tie him up and let the cops take care of him." Robin said. "Let’s just get the girl and take her to the hospital."

"Not the hospital." Batman said, his voice thick and heavy.

"The cave?! Batman…" Robin said, looking shocked.

"No. She doesn’t have any family left. She is coming with us." Batman replied.

Robin started to argue but stopped, shaking his head in defeat.

Batman stood up and gingerly scooped the girl into his arms, the knife still sticking out of her shoulder. He walked outside and straight to the batmobile.

*~*~*~*~*

"I don’t know if she’ll make it Master Bruce." Alfred said, his voice full of sorrow.

Bruce closed his eyes and took a deep shaky breath. "Thank you Alfred." He said obviously holding back tears.

Alfred started to say something, but stopped himself and went upstairs, leaving Bruce alone with his thoughts.

Bruce touched the girl’s forehead, gingerly tracing one of the cuts. A shot rang out in his head and he withdrew his hand, shaking his head.

"You’re going to be ok…" Bruce muttered.

Pictures flashed in his memory. His parents, the blood… He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to force the images out of his head.

A groan passed by Cathryn’s lips she writhed around slightly, and Bruce saw a tear stream down her cheek. She sobbed quietly, but didn’t wake. She allowed a cry of anguish out and whimpered quietly. She thrashed around on the medical table, nearly tearing the IVs from her arms.

Bruce put his hands on Cathryn’s shoulders. The girl didn’t stop she was still sobbing. Dick ran over from his seat at the computer and pressed down on her legs holding her in place. Slowly she calmed down.

*~*~*~*~*

‘Mommy… Daddy… Don’t leave me!’ Cathryn thought as she watched her parents fall to the ground. ‘JJ… Arrow!’ She nearly yelled as her brothers followed her parents.

‘Batman… The lady… none of ‘em understand… Auntie Sammy…’

Suddenly her aunt stood in front of her holding her by the neck. Cathryn fought as well as she could. She flailed and writhed in pain as her aunt tried her best to break Cathryn’s neck.

Suddenly a pair of strong hands pressed down on her shoulders. Soon another pair pressed on her legs. Still she twisted and turned trying to escape their grasp.

She couldn’t handle it anymore. She relaxed and let fate become her.

Cathryn slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurred as she laid eyes on the man’s face hovering above her.

"Daddy?" She asked weakly. Her father stepped back seeming surprised.

Before her eyes could adjust she slipped back into the abyss of unconsciousness.

*~*~*~*~*

Dick stood watching over Cathryn days later. He was home alone now as Alfred was shopping… or something of that sort… and Bruce was working.

Cathryn had been here for two days and had only woken up once. Alfred said that the chances of the little girl surviving were slim to none. Bruce had told him that he refused to believe that she wouldn’t live.

Dick walked over to the computer and sat down. He leaned back in the chair. Perhaps a bit too far. He crashed over backwards.

With the noise of his chair falling to the ground Dick failed to hear the nearly silent moan that Cathryn emitted. As he righted his chair and sat back down, the little girl moaned again.

"Daddy…" She groaned.

Dick jumped out of his chair, more cautiously this time, and ran over to Cathryn.

"Hey… Wake up… Come on… Wake up." Dick said, shaking her shoulders.

Suddenly Bruce stood beside Dick. Dick stepped back.

"She is starting to wake up Bruce!" Dick exclaimed.

"I noticed," Bruce muttered.

Bruce now stood over Cathryn looking at her absently, as though remembering a memory from a long time ago.

*~*~*~*~*

ps... It's a good thing when a perrson can see what's happening in a story in their mind right?

[SuperBoy]

This sounds really good.I like it can't wait to hear more.

[Batgirl_2005]

OOOOOHHH!!! A newbie! A newbie read MY story!!! I feel so loved!!!! I'm glad you like!!!

[SuperBoy]

Your welcome.Like i said can't wait to read more.

[The Guitar Slayer]

Can't wait til Cathryn wakes up. Great job so far in telling this tale of woe. :)

Peace and Rock 'n' Roll
The Guitar Slayer :cool:

[Batgirl_2005]

Chapter III

Cathryn pulled herself out of the canyon into the light to see her parents standing above her. She stood up, feeling quite weak, and tried to hug them. Just as she lunged forward they disappeared she collapsed to the ground crying.

Cathryn felt wetness on her cheeks as she opened her eyes. He father stood over her again.

"Daddy? Am I… in heaven?" She muttered. Her father’s eyes went wide in shock.

"Daddy? I’m not-" Someone out of Cathryn’s range of vision cut her father off.

"Master Bruce? What’s happened?" Bruce? Who was Bruce? Her father’s name was Daniel.

"She’s awake." Her father said.

"Really? I’m surprised." The voice had a thick English accent, making him sound quite elegant.

An elderly man stepped into view. Cathryn didn’t recognize him, and it didn’t help that her vision was blurry.

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce looked at Cathryn as she tried to sit up. He expected her to collapse back in pain, but she sat completely up and blinked at him with her wide aqua eyes.

"Daddy? Why am I all hooked up to stuff?" She asked.

"I’m not your father." Bruce replied.

"’Course you are! Now where am I Daddy?"

Bruce opened his mouth to tell her that her father was dead but instead replied to her question. "You’re in the bat cave. Batman saved your life. Someone killed your aunt and stabbed you."

Cathryn blinked again. "Auntie Sammy really died?" Bruce nodded. "Oh… She was mean. She made me take stuff that wasn’t mine and if I didn’t get it she would hurt me real bad. It was kinda fun though… But more scary than that.. she hit me a lot…"

Bruce stroked Cathryn’s hair soothingly, "Don’t worry. She can’t hurt you ever again."

Cathryn leaned forward, resting her head on the man – who she thought to be her father – on his chest. She sobbed quietly.

"Thank you daddy…" She sobbed.

Bruce looked at Dick and Alfred with a confused look, they responded only by trying to conceal smiles.

*~*~*~*~*

A day later Cathryn surprised everyone.

Bruce walked into the cave and nearly screamed when he saw the table Cathryn had been on was empty.

"Dick! Alfred!" He shouted. He walked around the cave toward the training area soon followed by Dick and Alfred.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn bowed, not taking her eyes off her opponent - a punching bag. She slid into a fighting position and began throwing well-calculated punches at the large bag.

The petite six-year-old ended the display with a roundhouse kick that sent the bag flying off the hook it was held up by.

Suddenly applause burst out on the other end of the room. Cathryn jumped and looked over to see her father and his friends standing there. Only the youngest of the three was clapping.

She gasped and backed away from the punching bag that was now lying on the ground.

"I’m sorry daddy. I was just bored." She said, her body shaking.

"I’m not angry." Her father said.

"Where’d you learn how to fight like that." The oldest man asked.

"Daddy taught me." Cathryn said.

"But you’re only six. How are you that strong?" The youngest asked.

"I dunno." She said, shrugging her shoulders.

*~Two Weeks Later~*

Cathryn ran upstairs and sat down in front of Dick who was working his homework. She grinned at him. He had begun to feel like her real older brother.

"Whatcha doin’?" She asked him. He looked up at her with a strange look.

"Homework." He growled.

"Why for?" She asked.

"Because I have to, squirt." He said.

"How come you have to?" asked the six-year-old. Dick put down the pencil he was using and looked her in the eye.

"Why are you bothering me, squirt?" He said. He had begun calling her squirt when she told him that her older brothers called her Sport and Squirt.

"’Cause I’m bored. Why else?" She said simply.

"Well I’ve got work to do so-" Cathryn cut him off by tackling him.

For several minutes they wrestled before Bruce pulled Cathryn off of the top of Dick by the hood of the shirt.

"It’s really pathetic when a six-year-old can pin you down Dick." He said, setting the girl down on the ground. Cathryn stuck her tongue out at Dick and he smirked in return.

"Come on. All four of us need to have a talk." Bruce said. Dick nodded and jumped up.

A few minutes later Dick, Bruce, Alfred, and Cathryn sat around the cave.

"We looked you up in the government files." Bruce said. Cathryn gave him an innocent look, trying to tell him she didn’t know anything. "Your file was labeled classified. Do you know why?"

Cathryn shook her head. Bruce gave her a skeptical look. She began to slowly nod.

"Why?" Alfred asked. Cathryn looked at the ground not wanting to answer. Bruce took her hand in an almost fatherly way.

"Daddy-" Bruce cut her off.

"Stop. You need to realize something. I’m not your father." Bruce said.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn looked at her father like he was insane.

"Well, duh. I know that." She said. Bruce blinked at her.

"Then why do you call me Daddy?" He asked.

"Because my real daddy died and I need someone to call daddy, so since you’re sort of my daddy now so I call you daddy." She responded.

Bruce blinked again, looking at her absently.

"Continue. Why is everything about you classified." Dick said.

"My real daddy said it was something that was easier to show than tell… So if you can get me to my file’s password I can get you in and you can answer your own questions. You can even find out all six of my names!"

"Six!" Alfred exclaimed.

"Or… I suppose I could tell you… My full name is Cathryn Tina Mitchell Project Phoenix 679752145."

"Project Phoenix?" Bruce repeated. Cathryn nodded.

Dick walked over to the computer and brought up a screen where it asked for a password to gain entrance to a file.

Cathryn walked over, her hands clasped behind her back. She bit her lower lip.

"Umm… Could you look away? My first daddy said never to let anyone know the password." Cathryn said.

The three men rolled their eyes and turned their backs on the girl.

She once again bit her lower lip and squeezed her eyes shut trying to remember the word to allow her to gain passage to her own file.

Slowly she typed out f-l-a-m-e-b-i-r-d, which came up as asterisks on the screen. She grinned when a female voice said, "Access allowed,"

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce, Dick, and Alfred spun around.

"This’ll tell you everything you need to know." Cathryn said. Bruce nodded his head.

"Thank you Cathryn." He said.

"Come on, Squirt. Let’s go watch a movie." Dick said. He scooped the girl up from behind and carried her upstairs.

*~*~*~*~*

January 7, 1993. Journal Entry #1.

Our experiment was a success. My wife and I created the perfect child. Cathryn Tina Mitchell a.k.a. Project Phoenix, Serial Number 679752145. She is cloned from our daughter who is dying. We don’t want to give our first daughter up, so we are recreating her.

We have tweaked her tolerance and her immune system some. She now heals at an incredibly fast rate and can’t become ill. As much as this would help the world, this information must never get out. Human cloning is supposed to be impossible. Much less genetic engineering in this form.

We tested this. We cur the girl’s vein. Not a large cut just enough that would kill a normal person.

Within a half-hour, the cut was almost completely vanished and the girl was perfectly fine.

I keep referring to her as ‘the girl’ Tina says that’s wrong. This is our daughter. She’s right.

Bruce read the entries in Cathryn’s file that night after he got back from his nightly routine. He ran his hands through his hair almost nervously.

He pressed the down button and went to the next entry. It was dated exactly two months later. They had run several more tests. Each one more extreme than the last.

They had poisoned Cathryn for their last and most extreme experiment. It was a quick acting fatal poison. It had absolutely no effect on Cathryn. They had waited for three weeks for any side effects, when there were none they decided the whole experiment was a success. They gave her the antidote, just in case, though.

"That’s impossible," muttered Bruce. He shook his head and pressed the down button again to read the next entry.

It was four years later.

July 10, 1997. Journal Entry #3.

Cathryn has shown great promise as a fighter. At only four-years-old she got in a fight with her two brothers Jason, who is fourteen, and Aaron, twelve. Both of them are badly bruised. Jason’s right eye is swollen shut and as well as Aaron’s left. They are badly beaten. Cathryn, on the other hand, is perfectly fine. Not a scratch.

This frightens me. Cathryn is too strong for her own good. By the time she is thirteen she will have nearly superhuman strength if our calculations are correct.

Bruce nodded. He understood now. Project Phoenix came from the bird who rose from the ashes. Cathryn had some sort of healing powers and extreme strength.

*~*~*~*~*

The next morning Bruce walked into Cathryn’s room and shook her gently awake.

"We are continuing your training today." He said. Cathryn nodded.

*~Five Years Later~*

Eleven-year-old Cathryn bounded down the stairs into the batcave quietly. She sneaked up behind the man she still called ‘Daddy’ and tackled him.

"Cat! Get off of me!" He exclaimed, chuckling. Cathryn jumped off and did a back handspring. She grinned at him.

"Hi Daddy!" She exclaimed. "Are we training today?" She asked, excitedly.

Bruce shook his head, "No. I thought I’d give you a day off."

Cathryn paused. Memories flooded over her. The last time her first father had given her a day off, he had been shot. She shook her head. This was her father now. He was different. He wasn’t going to be shot.

"If you are giving me a day off can Dick take me to the museum?" Cathryn asked. Bruce nodded. Cathryn hugged him and bounded

*~*~*~*~*

That night Cathryn lay in her bed fast asleep. A cold wind suddenly blew through the room as though someone had opened a window.

Cathryn pulled her blankets up around her neck, not waking up. A dark figure watched her for a moment before moving closer and placing a cloth over her mouth.

Cathryn’s eyes popped open and were filled with fear. When the chloroform had no effect the figure slammed their hand into Cathryn’s throat, collapsing the air passage. She slipped into darkness.

The figure scooped the unconscious girl into his arms and was gone. He left no trace of his presence and the only thing the small child left were many priceless memories.

*~*~*~*~*

ta-da!!! ok.. just in case you have any questions... The "entries" on Cathryn are Journal entries made by her father... anything else?

[Batgirl_2005]

I know it was an odd chapter... but it gets better... did anybody read it? I don't want to put up anoher chapter until I know people are reading it...:o

[The Game]

This is really good so far, and certainly a breath of fresh air! Keep it up! :)

How old is Dick in the story? Just curious.

[Batgirl_2005]

Well... I guess... by now he's about 18? I never really thought about ages... hmmmm......


certainly a breath of fresh air

what do you mean? not that I'm complaining about compliments or anything... just didn't understand... -.-;

[The Game]

what do you mean? not that I'm complaining about compliments or anything... just didn't understand... -.-;

I mean its something different then I'm used to, it's an orignial idea, thus a breath of fresh air. ;)

[Batgirl_2005]

oh coolies!!! thank you!! That's cool that you like it! Well... I want to give you the fourth chapter so here it is... enjoy and criticize...

Chapter IV

Cathryn awoke the next day to stare up at a bright light. She winced and tried to look away, only to find that her head was strapped down. She couldn’t move her head no matter how hard she tried.

Two men walked in. Each one wore a white lab coat. They looked her over and took quick notes on the clipboards they held.

Cathryn labored to pull out of her restraints. The men looked at each other. One nodded to the other and he put a syringe in her arm. He pressed the end and filled her full of a sedative.

Cathryn spat in the man’s face, the medication seemingly not taking effect. The man slapped her upside the head and pumped more sedative into her arm.

It took both men to hold her down. Very slowly she calmed down. After ten minutes she slipped back into unconsciousness.

*~*~*~*~*

Two hours later Cathryn awoke to find herself staring into pitch-blackness. Carefully she started to sit up not sure if she was still pinned down or not.

"Daddy…?" She muttered, as she sat up. The only response was silence. "Daddy… Where are you?"

A high pitched beep came, splitting through the silence. Several more followed it. This continued until it was a continuous high-pitched whine.

Cathryn put her hands over her ears and growled in annoyance. Nothing could drown the sound out. She began screaming trying to get the sound out of her ears. Still nothing could kill the sound.

Suddenly someone hit her over the head.

*~*~*~*~*

*~Five Years Later~*

Cathryn lay in her cell staring up at the ceiling. Her cell was unlike any cell in a prison. It was merely a glass bubble, which she would lie in the bottom of and stare at the ceiling.

She had been here for six years. The place had come as close to home as it most possibly could.

Everyday Cathryn would be dragged from the bubble and into various and sundry places throughout the facility. She had found out, by paying very close attention to what happened around her that she was in Metropolis. She had been kidnapped by the same people who had tried to kill her throughout her entire life. The government.

Cathryn stretched out as much as she could. She had fit in the bubble perfectly when she was eleven. Now she was sixteen. It’s a lot different now. She wouldn’t be able to stretch out no matter how hard she tried.

Suddenly the door on the other side of the room opened. Her two doctors walked in and pulled her roughly through the exit of her cell.

"Come along Cathryn." He said, he dragged her to a familiar room.

*~*~*~*~*

Once a week the doctors made Cathryn sit in the pitch dark room with the high buzz. Cathryn sat with her ears covered singing a song at the top of her lungs. The buzzing only got louder.

Cathryn stood up and wandered in a straight line her arms stretched out in front of her. Soon she hit a wall.

She focused her hearing and walked along the wall keeping her hands on the wall. After several minutes she found an area where the sound was the loudest.

She slipped into a fighting stance. She slammed her hand into the wall.

Her hand crashed through and she pulled out a tape recorder. She threw it against the wall with her other hand and the buzzing stopped immediately.

Cathryn’s mind finally registered the fact that her hand was bleeding and broken and searing hot pain was running up and down her arm.

Suddenly a light turned on and Cathryn’s doctors dragged her to her cell. They did nothing to help her hand. Just stuffed her back in the cell.

That day Cathryn not only broke her hand, but her spirit as well. It had taken four years but the doctors had finally made her lose all hope.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn lay in her cell stroking her broken hand gently. It was a day after her hand – and her hopes – had been crushed.

Suddenly something burst through the door. Cathryn gasped when she saw Superman fly through the door. He flew over and destroyed the glass bubble. Cathryn collapsed out on to the ground, not realizing how weak she really was from loss of blood along with fatigue.

Superman flew over and picked the girl up off the ground. He cradled her in his arms and flew quickly to the top of a tall apartment building.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Cathryn shied away and tried to run to the other side, but was so unused to walking on her own, her knees gave out underneath her.

Superman ran over and caught her just before she fell. "Come on. Let’s get you to a hospital."

"No… No hospitals…" Exclaimed the blonde-haired girl. "I just want to go home… I want to see Dad again."

"Are you or are you not Cathryn Tina Mitchell, a.k.a. Project Phoenix? If you are you’re parents are-"

"Dead." Cathryn finished for him. "I know. I want to go to my new father."

"New father?" Superman repeated.

"My father is Bruce Wayne." Cathryn said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

Superman hesitated as a shocked look washed over his face, "Bruce Wayne?"

"I just said that." Cathryn said. "Look can you take me there or not?"

"I suppose I could…" Superman said.

"Good. Take me now." Cathryn said.

"You’re a rather demanding little girl, aren’t you?" Superman said.

Cathryn barely let Superman finish his sentence when she did the best jump kick she could in her weakened stage. He wasn’t even phased. Cathryn, on the other hand, was looking up at him from the flat of her back.

Superman reached down and scooped her back up into his arms.

"Next stop, Wayne Manor." Superman said, as he flew off.

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce sat in the cave, rubbing his temples. Suddenly Tim came leaping down the stairs.

"Hey Bruce!" He exclaimed.

"Hello Tim. What can I do for you?" He asked.

"Alfred wanted me to come down and check on you. I think I heard him say something about the little Mitchell girl?"

Bruce nodded. "Tell him I’m fine." Tim shrugged and went back upstairs.

"Five years," Bruce muttered.

"Yes Master Bruce. Five years." Alfred said as he walked up behind Bruce.

"What do you think really happened to her, Alfred?" Bruce asked, not really expecting an answer.

"Sir she may have just ran away. She could have been taken. There are many possibilities. But I very much doubt that she would still be alive, no matter what happened to her." Alfred said calmly.

"I suppose you’re right." Bruce sighed.

The doorbell upstairs rang. "I’ll go get the door, Master Bruce."

"Thank you Alfred."

*~*~*~*~*

Superman set the sixteen-year-old on the ground. "Do you want me to stay here with you?" Cathryn looked up at him. Nervousness was apparent in her eyes. She nodded as she took a deep breath. Superman reached forward to ring the doorbell.

"Wait…" She said. Superman paused, looking at the girl. "What if they don’t recognize me? What if Dad doesn’t know me…"

"He will. Trust me. I’m thinking Mr. Wayne has a good memory." Superman said. He rang the doorbell without waiting for Cathryn’s protest.

Five minutes later Alfred answered the door. His eyes were far away and he didn’t really see the two people in front of him. "Hello. How can I help you?"

All of Cathryn’s nervousness was gone in a flash. "Alfred!" She exclaimed. She hugged him, in the process knocking him over. "I thought I was never going to see you again!"

Alfred looked at the girl, frowning. "Miss… No… It couldn’t be."

"Alfred… It’s me… Cathryn. Cathryn Mitchell." She got off of Alfred.

"Miss Mitchell… But we assumed you wouldn’t be coming back… We assumed you were… dead." Alfred said. The he glanced at her hand. Blood was still dripping and it was badly mangled. "Whatever happened?"

"It’s a long story…" Cathryn said, stroking one of the cuts. "It doesn’t really hurt though… One thing about my… Er… Condition is that it’s a natural pain reliever. When I’m badly hurt like this… it masks the pain."

Alfred gave her a sympathetic look. "Well I suppose you’d like to see Master Bruce, am I right?"

"See kid. I told ya they’d remember ya!" Superman said. He smiled, "Good bye Cathryn."

Cathryn waved as Superman flew off.

"Shall we go see Master Bruce?" Alfred asked. Cathryn took a deep breath and looked at Alfred with a sad look.

"Does he even remember me Alfred?" Cathryn asked, her voice shaking.

"That I can assure you of." Alfred said. "Now come along." Cathryn followed obediently behind the old butler.

"Stay here." Alfred said when they reached the stairs to the cave. Cathryn nodded and watched intently as Alfred went downstairs.

"Master Bruce? Someone here to see you." Alfred said, successfully hiding a grin.

"I’m busy, Alfred. Tell them to come back later." Bruce said from where he sat with his face in his hands.

Alfred started to say something else but Cathryn put a hand on his shoulder. Alfred frowned at her Cathryn responded by winking at him.

Cathryn got down on her knees and crawled along the ground quietly, not wanting Bruce to hear or see her. She got up on her knees and covered Bruce’s eyes.

"Guess who, daddy." She said quietly.

[Coran]

Good story Batgirl-2005. I can't wait to see where exactly you're heading. Obviously the villian in this story is the government, but will there really be some kind of epic battle, or could it simply end with tragedy?

[SuperBoy]

Batgirl this is a good story can't wait to read more keep up the good work.

[Panther]

I am impressed. This story has some great twists! I like how you took this story past the typical orphan waif tale and turned Cathryn into a truly unique character. And a very sweet one.

I was SO shocked when five years in a cell passed >snap of fingers< just like that. But - phew - Supes to the rescue! I like your manipulation of time.

opps - gotta go

[Batgirl_2005]

(it's not very suspenseful as of yet, but I hope it will get better ^^)

Chapter V

Every muscle in Bruce’s body seized up when two smooth hands placed themselves over his eyes.

"Guess who daddy." A voice said behind him. He jumped and spun around, grabbing a girl’s wrists.

"Alfred?! Why did you bring some girl down here!" Bruce asked the aging butler.

"Master Bruce… Perhaps you should ask her for her name." Alfred prompted.

"What?" He looked the girl in the eyes frowning. "What’s your name?"

The girl looked up at him, fright apparent in her aqua eyes. "C-Cathryn… Cathryn…M-M-Mitchell…"

The grip Bruce had on Cathryn’s wrists loosened and quickly he dropped her hands completely. He looked at her, not knowing what to say.

"I thought you were… dead…" Bruce mumbled. "How are you… here?"

Cathryn suddenly started sobbing and jumped up giving her father a hug. She sobbed into his chest telling him everything they had done to her.

"They took… lot’s of blood… and the black room… and the buzzing… and my hand…" Everything was jumbled, Bruce was unable to make any sense of it. Then he saw her hand.

Bruce lifted up her mangled hand. "What in the world…" He shook his head and carried his daughter over to one of the medical tables.

"What can you do for it Alfred?" Bruce asked, looking at the hand.

Dried blood was caked in streaks up and down her arm. Fresh blood still dripped from the deep cuts. It seemed that the joint of her middle finger was pushed back an inch and a half. The same thing seemed to have happened to her index finger.

"It doesn’t… need anything… my…. Condition will fix it… It’s already started…" Cathryn choked out between the sobs that were still coming. "I’m so sorry I… let them take me… daddy… I didn’t want to! They… kidnapped me… They hurt… me… and… they… could have… killed me…"

Bruce placed a hand to Cathryn’s mouth. "You can tell me later… Alfred is going to work on your hand."

"I don’t… need it. It will… do everything itself…" Cathryn sobbed.

"We’re just going to help it along the way. Don’t worry, Cat."

"But I’m not…" Cathryn stopped herself and sighed, knowing she couldn’t change her father’s mind. She sniffled and allowed Alfred to do his work.

*~*~*~*~*

A day later Cathryn walked down into the cave with Bruce. She sat down on the bottom step and waited for Bruce to change into the bat suit.

She heard footsteps behind her and knew they weren’t Alfred’s. She stepped into the shadows. When a young man, about her age stepped into her range of view, she tackled him with all her might. Even with a cast on her hand and her strength really only at seventy-five percent, she was able to hold the boy down.

"Dad! Dad! Look! I caught something! It’s a trespasser!" Cathryn shouted.

Batman ran in. When he saw Cathryn holding Tim Drake pinned to the ground, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Looks like Cathryn here has you pinned. That’s pretty sad. Cathryn hasn’t really walked on her own for five years and yet she’s got your face down to the ground. It seems we need to train you more." Bruce said.

"Oh shut up Bruce and call your guard dog off!" Tim growled as he struggled against Cathryn.

"Guard dog!" Exclaimed the sixteen-year-old blonde.

She jumped up long enough for Tim to turn around, then tackled him again landing a swift knee to the groin. Tim cried out in pain and Bruce pulled Cathryn off of Tim.

"Who is he Daddy?" Cathryn said.

"Tim Drake." Tim responded for himself.

"Robin." Added Bruce.

"What… What happened to Dick?" Cathryn said, confused.

"He left, Miss Cathryn." Alfred said as he walked down the stairs. "Come along, time for supper Miss Cathryn."

"I’m not hungry…" Cathryn muttered, her eyes confused.

"Miss Cathryn… You have to eat, it will help you recover your strength." Alfred said.

Cathryn paused then sighed, nodding her head. She and Alfred headed upstairs.

*~*~*~*~*

"Alfred? Where’d Dick go?" asked the sixteen-year-old.

"He was on a trip for a while for a couple years… He came back and is living in another city." Alfred explained as he filled Cathryn’s plate with spaghetti. He set the plate in front of her along with a plate with three pieces of garlic bread.

"What city?" Dawn asked as she twisted her fork in the strands of spaghetti.

"Bludhaven." Responded Alfred.

"Could I go see him?" Cathryn asked, as nonchalantly as she could manage.

Alfred hesitated. "You would have to ask Master Bruce. But Miss Cathryn I wouldn’t get your hopes up."

Cathryn sighed. "Couldn’t you call him… and he could come here?"

Alfred wasn’t sure how to respond to this. "I suppose I could."

Cathryn smiled at Alfred and finished her dinner. "Thank you Alfred. I’ll be in my room."

*~*~*~*~*

Alfred waited until Bruce and Tim were gone then picked up the phone. As he had guessed, no one was home.

When the answering machine came on Alfred left a message. "Master Richard, this is Alfred. There is someone in town who I suspect you would like to see. If you would like you could come to the manor and see her or we could bring her to Bludhaven. Please call back."

Alfred hung up the phone and headed upstairs to see if Cathryn needed anything.

Twenty minutes later Dick arrived at home. He threw his bag onto the table and pressed the button to play his messages. Alfred’s message was the only one Dick really paid attention to.

"Who’s in town that I would want to see?" Dick thought aloud. He picked up the phone and dialed Wayne Manor.

"Wayne Manor, how may I help you?" Alfred’s voice came over the receiver.

"Hey Alfred. You called?" Dick said.

"Yes Master Richard. There’s someone here who has been asking about you."

"What? Does Tim need help on his homework again?" Dick asked, sitting down in his chair.

"No, no. There’s a lit…"He stopped himself then continued, "A young woman here who has been asking about you."

"A young woman, eh?" Dick said, wiggling his eyebrows. Alfred was silent, perhaps trying to hold in laughter.

"Would you be coming over and seeing her?" Alfred asked.

Dick stopped himself. "Does Bruce approve?" Yes, it was true, he and Bruce no longer got along well, but that wasn’t to say that Dick didn’t respect him.

"I don’t know. We haven’t talked to Master Bruce about it."

"Ah… I see. Well I suppose I could stop by. I’d like to see everyone." Dick responded. "I’ll be by sometime in the next couple of days. See you Alfred."

They said their farewells and Dick hung up.

"Who do I know that would want to see me?" Dick muttered.

*~*~*~*~*

Alfred walked around the house dusting everything as he went days later. When the doorbell rang, he grinned and answered the door. Not surprisingly Dick stood there.

"Master Richard! It’s fabulous to see you." Alfred said happily.

"I said I would, did you think I wouldn’t?" Dick said. Alfred allowed him inside.

"No… No… I’ll go get her." Alfred started upstairs.

As Alfred reached only the second step before a sixteen-year-old blonde tackled him.

"Alfred! I figured it out again! I haven’t been able to do it since I was eleven! Watch!" The girl shouted, then jumped up and slipped into a fighting stance.

After a moment of concentration. She began performing various and sundry attacks into the air. She ended the routine with a one handed back walkover into a fighting position.

Alfred’s eyes went wide and Dick applauded. The girl jumped, not realizing anyone else had been in the room. Not recognizing Dick, she jumped behind Alfred, as though Dick were here to kidnap her.

"It’s alright Miss Cathryn. As per your request I called Master Richard. And here he is."

Cathryn walked over to Dick cautiously. She looked at him and frowned for a moment. Slowly the frown widened into a grin. She tackled Dick sending him straight to the ground.

Alfred was standing up on the other side of the room. "It seems, Miss Cathryn, that your strength is back."

"Did you just notice that, Alfred?" Dick muttered trying to pry Cathryn’s arms from around his neck. "Hey Squirt."

"When Dad told me that that bozo Tim had replaced you… I was EXTREMELY unhappy."

Finally Dick pulled Cathryn from him.

"You are still acting like you’re eleven." Dick teased. Cathryn gave him a hurt look.

"I cannot believe you just said that! You try being in a glass bubble for five years and see how much your personality improves." Cathryn hesitated for a moment, "No… Wait… That would help your personality."

Dick smirked at her and smacked her upside the head. They glared at each other for a moment before hugging again.

"So… What happened? Why did you leave? You know we searched for you for six months… but… we never found you… We even had Superman and most of the Justice League on the lookout for you."

"I feel so loved!" Cathryn exclaimed. Dick laughed. Cathryn sighed and launched into her whole story.

*~*~*~*~*

"That’s horrible Cathryn…" Dick wrapped his arm around Cathryn’s shoulders. She was crying softly now. "We thought you had… had… died…"

"I did."

[Livewire]

I just wanted to let you know I'm reading your story. :) What a tragic story! How can people treat poor Catherine that way? Now that she's back with Bruce, I hope things get better.

Waiting for more! :) -L-

[The_NewCatwoman]

I started reading it this morning and finished reading it just now, it's amazing. I really enjoy how Bruce's more gentle side is explored in this story. Keep up the good work!

[Panther]

Such sweet reunions! :) Its was so wonderful how she was reuinted with both Bruce and Dick! And hysterical how she treats Tim.


"Dad! Dad! Look! I caught something! It’s a trespasser!" Cathryn shouted.
LOL!


But, wow, she's been out of it for quite some time; it'll be intersting to watch her catch up.

later,

[The Game]

Whoo! That was pretty funny. I'm interested to see where this is going- I'm a little suspicious of Cathryn for some reason...

Post more soon Batgirl 2005! :)

[Batgirl_2005]

(it's pretty short... but It's starting to have an actual plot! woo hoo! SOrry it took so long, I've been really busy lately.)

(and thanks for all the compliments!)

Chapter VI

Cathryn leaped down into the cave and did a one handed cartwheel. It was several days later now. And the cast Cathryn wore was beginning to bother her.

"Alfred!?" She shouted. She looked around the cave. Alfred walked down into the cave.

"Yes, Miss Cathryn?" He asked.

"Could you get this wretched thing off my arm. Please?" She asked, excitedly.

"I was actually going to check on that today. Come along and we’ll check up on your hand."

Ten minutes later, Alfred stared in amazement at Cathryn’s hand. If a person were to look at it quickly they would find absolutely nothing wrong with it. After further inspection, Alfred found that it had several scars in various places, but none were very visible.

"You never cease to amaze me, Miss Cathryn."

*~*~*~*~*

Nightwing stood looking over the city. With the help of his binoculars he could see someone leap from building to building. Firing his grappling hook he was soon following behind the person.

Suddenly the person dropped down and disappeared. Nightwing followed close behind.

The girl stood in an alleyway wide open, ready for an attack. She wore a black long-sleeved leotard, which seemed to have red flames going up the sleeves. A black utility belt hung low on her hips and a short, deep red and black cape hung from shoulders. The entire costume seemed to glitter in the moonlight.

Nightwing came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. She jumped slightly and moved away from him. She did a back walk over ending in a good strong fighting stance.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" He asked. The girl adjusted the deep red mask that graced her face.

"I’m The Phoenix. I’m just out here… Following in footsteps." Cathryn said.

Nightwing paused, "The Phoenix?" He repeated.

He reached forward and swiped at The Phoenix’s mask. She grabbed his hand and spun, throwing him over her shoulder. He flew several feet before executing a back handspring and coming to a soft landing.

"Squirt?" Nightwing whispered. An evil grin passed over The Phoenix’s face.

"Hello." She responded.

"What the heck are you doing out here? Jeez… If Batman knew you were out here… He’d kill you!" Nightwing exclaimed.

"That’s why he isn’t going to find out, is he." Phoenix said smirking. She fired a grappling hook and soared up to the roof of a building. She didn’t hear him, but she knew Nightwing had followed her. "I lived with you and Batman for how many years? Exactly how did you expect me to turn out?"

Nightwing sighed. Without even asking, The Phoenix knew he wouldn't tell.

"Thanks. So… Since Batman has the bozo… and Batgirl. So…I was thinking," Her voice trailed off.

"Oh no… Oh no… oh no, no, no! I so am not doing the whole partner thing again. I went through that once already." Nightwing said, throwing his hands in the air and walking away.

"So I wouldn’t really be your partner… A sidekick… Sort of your apprentice… Your student. That type of thing! Please Dick! I’m going to need this! I can’t go out on my own… not yet! I'm not strong enough!"

Nightwing pursed his lips. He looked over his shoulder at The Phoenix. She looked at him, her lips stuck out in a pout. Nightwing threw his arms in the air again.

"Fine. But only temporarily. Once you’re strong enough to leave, you go."

"Oh thank you!" Phoenix exclaimed jumping into Nightwing’s arms. "You’re are so the best big brother a girl could ask for!"

"Yeah, yeah." Nightwing muttered putting Phoenix on the ground.

"So? When do we start?" Phoenix asked.

A scream ripped through the cold night air.

"Right now." Responded Nightwing.

The Phoenix nodded and shot her grappling hook. Five minutes later she stood in an alleyway hidden by shadow. A man held a woman at gunpoint and seemed to be sliding off his black jeans. Phoenix curled her upper lip in disgust and anger.

Out of her utility belt she pulled what resembled a batarang, but wasn’t shaped so much like a bat. She threw it and it knocked the gun out of the man’s hand.

"Hey!" He shouted. He began puling his pants up as he searched for his gun.

The Phoenix prepared herself, coiling her legs up like springs. Then she pounced on the man just as he reached the gun. She planted one knee in the man’s groin, with the other leg kicked the gun further away. She then sprung off the man who struggled to a standing position and staggered toward his gun, Phoenix threw a bola and the man fell.

She shot her grappling hook and arrived back up on the roof of the building. Nightwing stood there. She looked at him, a curious look in her eyes. He nodded approvingly and she grinned.

"So what now?" Asked The Phoenix, running her hands through her long silky blonde hair.

"We fight crime and the forces of evil!" Exclaimed Nightwing, sounding like a fool.

The Phoenix looked at him for a moment before smacking the idiot upside the head.

*~*~*~*~*

*~Meanwhile, Back in Metropolis, in the same Government building~*
"Drake?" Asked a tall man.

"Yes, Stephen?" Responded a shorter man who sat in a chair.

"Our sources have confirmed that Project Phoenix was taken back to Gotham." Stephen said.

"Really? Well then. I suppose we should go pick her up." Drake said. He stood up from his seat and walked toward the door. "Well, what are you waiting for? As we speak Project Phoenix is getting stronger and stronger. If we wait much longer, we won’t have a cell strong enough to hold her."

"Drake, is the girl really that important?" Asked Stephen.

"That girl holds the key to the cure from everything from the common cold to cancer. Along with the secret to cloning, and you just want to leave her out there in Gotham where she could easily be tainted?"

"No. I suppose not. But be reasonable. Gotham is a big city, it will take forever to find her."

"That’s one of the reasons we’re stopping at Arkham."

"What’s the other reason?" Asked Stephen, fear somewhat evident in his voice.

"You'll see. You'lll see."

*~*~*~*~*

[Livewire]

Another great chapter! ( Why am I not surprised? :rolleyes: ) You're a great writer! I hope you post more soon!! :)





Waiting for more! :) -L-

[The Game]

Ooh! Yay, they're going to Arkham... I just wonder who they're gonna get there! ;) I don't want to put up any possible spoilers, but I have my own theories. This story is really good, keep the chapters coming! :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

The idea of Dick taking on a protege tickled me elmo! That was a brilliantly simple yet totally engrossing story. Without involving half the multi-faceted plot lines I usually use. I guess you just get used to doing things the hard way... NEway, excellent, this story just keeps getting better and better.

[Batgirl_2005]

wow! people like my story! =) I'm happy! :D well after I finish this story I'm starting another one... bwahaha... although I don't know when this story will be finished... hmmm... ~goes to work on Chapter VII some more since she feels as though she's falling behind~

[witness]

For not responding to this story before! I am enjoying it very much and I also think that it's funny to see Nightwing take on a sidekick. hehehe...

One thing that I cannot believe no one else has mentioned yet is who works at the government facility. Stephen Drake? Would he be the father of Tim Drake? I think so! I do, I do! Now that could bring up a whole slew of possibilities!!!

Also, I wanted to say I enjoyed your story before this one with Dawn-Star. It was just as cool! Especially the Catwoman cameo.

You're a great writer, Batgirl. Don't sell yourself short just because you don't think you can do plot twists and all that. Some great stories don't need them. I will continue to read and enjoy your stories. Keep on posting!

[Batgirl_2005]

(D'oh! I knew I had heard Drake somewhere before... Unfortunately, I didn't think that far ahead, witness. That would have made an awesome story line...d'oh... (maybe fortunately.... that could have made my head hurt...) But ah well...)

(PS... I've put up the prologue to the sequel for Dawn-Star's story(A Loaded Pistol) The Other Side of the Family If you're interested :D)

Chapter VII

*~A week Later~*

Cathryn sat on the top step of the stairs waiting for Batman and Robin to leave. As soon as they were gone and Alfred was back upstairs she came down and changed into her own costume. She grinned as she placed the mask over her eyes. With a swish of her cape she out in the night.

Nightwing arrived on the roof he and Cathryn had been meeting on. He walked over to the edge and crouched down, pulling out his binoculars.

Suddenly The Phoenix stood beside him. Her own binoculars out, her vision was trained on one spot.

Suddenly the binoculars fell from her hands and began plummeting toward the ground. Nightwing looked at her quizzically.

"What’s up?" He asked, standing from his crouch.

"They’re headed this way. Oh God… They’re going to take me again…I’ll die…" The Phoenix stuttered.

Nightwing looked at her, suddenly seeing more of the six-year-old Cathryn than The Phoenix. She was suddenly on her knees sobbing. Nightwing looked at her helplessly. He kneeled down next to her.

"What is it? Cat what’s wrong?"

"It’s them… It’s the people that kidnapped me! They’re here…. They’re going to take me back…. They’ll kill me… Don’t let them take me…. Oh Dick… Please don’t let them take me!" She sobbed.

Nightwin got a helpless look to his face, he seemed to be in a trance until he realized that the people Cathryn was so scared of were less than two roofs away. He scooped his little sister into his arms and soared off the roof.

*~*~*~*~*

After a group of people had passed by Nightwing, still holding the sobbing Phoenix in his arm got back onto the roof.

"Don’t worry Squirt, They’re not going to take you, I’m making sure of that."

As Nightwing watched the group realization washed over his face.

"Arkham." He growled.

The Phoenix was slowly calming down. She looked at Nightwing curiously.

"Dr. Heath wouldn’t care about anything in Arkham. Why would they be headed there?" She asked, blinking away the last of her tears.

"That’s what we’re going to find out." Responded Nightwing.

"Wait a second… You mean you want me to follow the people that tortured me for five years? I’m leaning towards no."

"Do you want to know what they’re doing here?"

"Not if it’s going to get me killed!"

Nightwing sighed, "Would you do it if Batman were with us?"

The Phoenix had to pause at this. While she would feel safer if her father were with her, she didn’t want him to be mad at her for leaving the manor every night. She rubbed her temple with two fingers, contemplating over this.

"Yes. If Daddy were here I would feel safer about going." She said quietly.

"But?" Nightwing prompted. She took a deep shaky breath.

"But… I don’t want him to be angry with me." she said. Nightwing smiled at his little sister.

"Don’t worry about it Squirt. If he’s angry, he’s angry. But I know he’ll help." Phoenix nodded. "I’ll contact him right now, you head toward Arkham." She took a deep breath and fired her grappling hook in the direction of her torturers.

*~*~*~*~*

Batman stood over two burglars who had been shoplifting from a jewelry store. They cowered away in fear as he drew near. He heard a car pull up behind him and spun around, his cape whipping in the night. Two more men stood there holding their guns with a shaky grip.

In a flash all of the men lay in a heap unconscious. Batman shot up to the roof to see a group of men rush by.

"What’s this?" He muttered.

He followed the group several roofs behind. After merely a moment of tailing he realized where the group was headed. Why any sane person would want to go there was beyond him but he continued following.

His radio caught his attention a moment later.

"Batman? Come in Batman." It was Nightwing.

"What is it Nightwing." Growled Batman.

"Something you aren’t going to be happy about." Nightwing responded.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Well you know Cath-" He was cut off as Batman’s radio went plummeting toward the ground along with him and another body.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn’s eyes went wide and what little training she had received so far washed away as it was replaced with fear. The man she had run in suddenly put a strong arm around her waist she soared upward for what seemed like an eternity until she landed on the roof.

The man she had run into dropped her to the ground and held his hand to her throat. She couldn’t see his face, but from his silhouette she knew.

"Hey dad." She said, looking at him nervously.

"Cathryn?" He asked, jumping off of her. She kipped up and smiled at him.

"I suppose you want an explanation, correct?" Batman nodded. "Well… It’s a long story… But the people that kidnapped me are back and headed that way," She pointed toward Arkham. "I’m sorry ran into you but Nightwing said to follow them. He said he would contact you to get your help, so can we go and I’ll explain later?"

Without waiting for an answer she fired her grappling hook and soared off, Batman catching up quickly.

*~*~*~*~*

Drake, Stephen, and their crew of six other men arrived at Arkham. The gates were opened upon their arrival.

"Dr. Drake Jones and Dr. Stephen Heath to see Mr. Jervis Tetch." Said one of the nurses to a doctor.

"Of course. Let them see him."

The men were guided to a door labeled, Tetch, Jervis. The nurse let’s them in, looking nervous.

"Hello sirs." Jervis stated from a dark corner of his cell.

"Tetch. We have a business proposition for you." Drake said.

*~*~*~*~*

"And what’s in it for me?" Asked Jervis several minutes later after he had the whole ordeal explained to him.

"We can get you out of here. Until your next conviction, that is." Drake said.

"Curiouser and curiouser…" Muttered the Hatter under his breath. "You’ve got yourself a deal sirs."

"Good! Fabulous doing business with you Mr. Tetch." Drake said. He motioned for Stephen and the men to stand up, "We’ll contact you as soon as you’re needed."

The men left the room. Drake said as they reached another door, "Now gentlemen, prepare yourself."

"For what, Drake?" Stephen asked, ignorantly.

"Absolute horror."

[witness]

Color me embarrased! Actually, I think I will. ~~~> :o
So Drake was a first name!!! Heh heh, well can't win 'em all. I'm still enjoying it anyways. So, Mad Hatter, huh? One can only guess who the doctors are visiting next, but I have a pretty good idea.

[Panther]

>sings< : Nightwing has a sidekick ~ Nightwing has a sidekick!
:D

How cute is that, helpin' out his little sis?

But - ohh - what further 'horrors' await us from Arkham?

PLease post soon!

[Batgirl_2005]

Chapter VIII

Drake stepped inside the dark dank cell; Stephen and the others close behind.
"Hello gentlemen." Came an evil voice on the other end of the room.

Stephen eyes widened as he realized where Drake had just brought them.

"Are youtrying to get us killed, Drake? Or is it just happening naturally?" He exclaimed in fear. The other men seemed to be realizing it as well.

"Calm down gentlemen." Growled the voice.

A form could be made out of the other end of the room. A man was leaning on the wall in almost a GQ pose.

"I wouldn’t hurt a fly." Then the man paused, and a maniacal cackle left his throat.

He stepped into the light. The man’s dead white skin, bright red smile and God awful green hair made one of the men run toward the door trying to jar it open. Drake shot him a look and the man stood quivering in front of the door, ready to make a get away.

"Hello Joker." Said Drake. Joker gave him a curt nod.

"What can I do for you gent…" He glanced at the man still quivering in front of the door, and noticed several of the other men were congregating in that general direction. "Sissies?"

"We’d like to strike a bargain with you."

Joker raised an eyebrow at his visitors. "Hmmm… How amusing. But before we get into anything. What do I get out of it?"

"You get out of here. And the tools necessary to destroy the bat." Drake said.

"Hmmm…. I’m listening." Said the Joker, his smile becoming wider.

*~*~*~*~*

Batman stood, pacing on the roof of Arkham. Nightwing was watching his every move only taking his eyes off of his mentor to glance at his little sister who sat on the edge one leg dangling off the edge of the roof, and the other drawn up to her chest.

They had been unable to get inside to listen to the Dr.’s conversation with Tetch, all they knew now was that they had moved to the Joker’s cell.

Batman noticed the sixteen-year-olds shoulders shaking as she sobbed quietly. He would never admit it aloud but he did think of her as a daughter. He sighed and walked over to The Phoenix and kneeled by her.

"I don’t want to go back, dad…" She sobbed quietly. "Please don’t let them take me again."

"Don’t worry, I promise I won’t let them get to you again."

The Phoenix nodded slowly and gratefully. Batman frowned slightly. Something was tugging at the back of his mind.

"What is it?" asked the petite sixteen-year-old. She sniffled quietly.

"I was just wondering if these are the same men who were trying to kill you when you were little, then why did they suddenly kidnap you and are wanting to keep you alive."

The Phoenix stood up shaking her head muttering something about it being her fault. She turned her back on her father, sobbing. He came up to her and, in a fatherly way, put his hands on her shoulders. She sighed.

"You remember when I was little and I opened up my files for you?" She said quietly. "Well… somehow it opened up my files for everyone. And they read my dad – my first dad’s – entries for everyone to see… and Dr. Jones and Dr. Heath read them and convinced the FBI… or the CIA… or… something or that something like that… well… anyway they convinced them that I was very much an asset to society than a menace. So they decided that if they could kidnap me they could make perfect soldier or something like that. They stopped trying to kill me and started trying to kidnap me.

"They finally succeeded and took me back to the place." She started crying, "I do not want to go back. I WON’T go back. Please… don’t let them take me!"

"They’re not going to take you." Stated Nightwing who was listening to the conversation.

"What do you mean they, finally succeeded?" asked Batman.

"Well…There was one time while I was at day care that they came and told my teacher that they were here to take me home because I was sick. We got as far as the borders of the city before I finally escaped and got back to the school. After that Alfred would drop me off, leave and I would go hide. When day care was over I would come out while everyone else was as well. You never seemed to suspect a thing. Then they came while I was asleep and took me." The Phoenix spun around and planted her face into Batman’s chest and began sobbing.

"Maybe we should go back to the manor?" offered Nightwing.

"Why don’t you - "

"Look! It’s them!" exclaimed The Phoenix as she peered over the edge.

"I’ll follow them. Take her back to the cave, and tell Batgirl and Robin to come with me. Get her calmed down." Nightwing nodded and grabbed his little sister’s arm. They both shot their grappling hooks as Batman soared off in the other direction.

*~*~*~*~*

Ten minutes later Batgirl and Robin caught up with Batman.

"All Dick would tell us was that we needed to help tail someone." Batgirl said.

Batman filled them in quickly.

"Is that that brat that tackled me the other day? My back still hurts from that." Robin said. Batman smirked slightly and Batgirl grinned.

"That’s horrible. How could they treat her like that? They did all of those tests on her? Even her parents? Her real parents, I mean. And you’re the one that she calls daddy now?"

Batman didn’t answer, he just stopped as he reached a roof.

"There they are." He growled as the men sneaked into a hotel. Batman watched with hatred as they went inside.

"Robin. You stay here and watch them, if they leave contact me. Batgirl stay with him." Batman ordered, then prepared his grappling hook.

"What are you going to do?" Asked Robin, running a hand through his hair. Batgirl hit him over the back of the head.

"Things," muttered Batman. He soared off the roof.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn sat on top of the dining room table in her pajamas talking to Dick.

"Dr. Stephen was actually really nice, but Dr. Drake was rude. He was a cruel persun and I think Stephen was scared of him, because he always went along with everything he said. But…" Without warning Cathryn cut herself off, falling into t a fit of coughs.

"Squirt… I thought you couldn’t get sick?" Dick asked, several minutes later after Cathryn had stopped.

"I can’t… unless…" She shook her head.

"Unless what, Squirt? What didn’t you tell us?" Dick asked.

"Well my first mother and father - who ran tests on me - created one poison that my system would react to. They called the JJ poison, because my first older brother, Jason, had figured it out. They didn’t record in the normal journal, for fear that someone would find it and try to kill me. But they never figured out an antidote before they died."

"So there’s a poison out there that can kill you." Dick said, concerned for his little sister.

"Not exactly out there."

"What do you mean?"

"They put it in to my system and ran test after test... then... they died. That was... when I was three."

"How long does it take to kill you?" Asked Dick.

"Well they weren't sure, but they estimated I would begin feeling the effects for about 14 years. Then only a few weeks after that and I'll die."

[Panther]

She's DYING?!?!?! :eek:

Well, don't leave us hanging!


"Are youtrying to get us killed, Drake? Or is it just happening naturally?"
All of Joker's lines were good - but that was just hystercial. :D

later,

[Livewire]

This story just keeps on getting better and better! What do those guys want with the Joker? And how can you leave us in such suspense with Catherine's life hanging in the balance? Please post soon!


Waiting for more! :) -L-

[Batgirl_2005]

(Well here you go! Sorry it's short, but u just have to wait until next time for more!)

Chapter IX

JOKER AND HATTER RELEASED

‘The Joker and Jervis Tetch, A.K.A The Mad Hatter were released from Arkham Asylum today. No reason was given. While Mr. Tetch only said, ‘Curiouser things have happened.’ The Joker had much news for the press. A short bit explaining why he was released said, ‘I’ll just say that certain divinities intervened.’ Joker said he has many plans, one of which is to find his ‘poo,’ and get back to his criminal activities.

His poo…’

Bruce threw the newspaper across the room, slammed his hands on the table and stormed into the cave. His body was nearly shaking with rage.

Cathryn came bounding down after him; she stifled a cough and jumped on his back.

"It’ll be ok daddy. I’ll help you catch ’em!" She exclaimed.

"No. You won’t. From now on, you are staying in the manor. You shall be in Alfred’s, mine; Barbara’s or Tim’s sight at all times. You won’t be going anywhere where The Joker or Tetch can reach you."

Cathryn sighed, "Alright…" She muttered, then shuffled away, with Alfred on her heels.

Bruce didn’t even think about how quickly his stubborn little girl had given in.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn lay there, staring at her ceiling; Tim was sitting outside her door. She had convinced Bruce that she was just going to go to sleep and that Tim could stay outside.

"I’m locked up in a tower, how am I supposed to get down?" She’d said.

Cathryn grinned to herself. There were a few times when her dad, THE DARK KNIGHT, could almost be gullible and trusting. It only happened one every… million times. But it still happened.

After several minutes of careful concentration, Cathryn heard Tim stand from his chair. She looked under her bed and pulled out the glittering black and red costume.

She slipped into the bodice and clasped the utility belt around her hips. The Phoenix then soared out the window.

*~*~*~*~*

The Phoenix ran up to the roof she and Nightwing had been meeting on. She walked up as quietly as she could behind her older brother.

"Batman is going to kill you." Nightwing said as she came nearer.

"Well… He doesn’t know I’m out-"

"Oh yes I do." A dark voice said behind them.

"I’m gonna die." The Phoenix muttered as she turned around.

"I told you not to leave didn’t I." Batman said, as he loomed over his sixteen-year-old daughter. She shied away toward the edge, not answering, "Didn’t I!" He bellowed.

A quiet sob escaped her lips as she took another step toward the edge of the building. A large, fat tear dripped from her eye.

Batman took a step forward, and realized he sounded like the girl’s aunt had so many years ago. He raised one gloved hand and began to place it on his daughter’s shoulder.

"No! Don’t hit me!" She cowered away, not really thinking Bruce would hit her, but it was instinct, really.

Batman cringed, but in the dark, Phoenix was unable to see it. "Go back to the cave, Phoenix." He ordered.

"I…" She sighed, glancing at Nightwing for a little support. He gave her a look that told her she was on her own. "Yes sir." She fired her grappling hook and soared toward the manor.

*~*~*~*~*

"She just wants to impress you." Nightwing said, not looking at Batman.

"I don’t want to talk about this." Batman stated. "Any sign of the Joker tonight."

"Not so far."

"We’re going to keep him under close surveillance. Once he’s found, we’re not going to take our eyes off him."

*~*~*~*~*

~Meanwhile across town in a random run down hotel~

"HARL!" Bellowed the Clown Prince.

Harley came skipping into the room.

"Yes, puddin’?"" She asked, gleefully.

"Where are my folders full of blue prints?"

"Right here, Mistah Jay!" She pointed to a sealed folder on the desk next to Joker.

"Thank you poo." He said, grabbing the folder.

He ripped it open and pulled out the papers. He looked at the top one and read over it.

"Gotham City Police… Not big enough…" He tossed the top paper over his shoulder. He thumbed through throwing several more over his shoulder. "GothCorp? Big… But not what I’m looking for. Gotham City Hospital? Lots of smiles there… But not enough influence…" Finally he stopped and grinned at the paper before him. "Wayne Enterprises! Perfect"

[The Game]

Wayne Enterprises! Oh no! :( ;)

I'm really beginning to like this Cathryn character- she's really... Oh, what's the right word... Spunky! :D

[The_NewCatwoman]

NEway, sorry I didn't reply sooner, I thought this was just the best! Cathryn is one of the coolest junior vigilante's I know of, not all bitter, and 'all work no play' like some of them can get. I can tell Bruce really cares for her. I hope everything works out for the better for this troop.

[Panther]

Omigod - what's Joker up to now? That was very omnious the way he critiqued the different blueprints...

And Cathryn - exscuse me - The Phoenix - is SUCH a COOL character. She's got some real depth, which I think makes her very interesting. One minute I'm laughinhg the next cringing the next on the edge of my seat wondering what's gonna happen /now/?

So post already!

[Batgirl_2005]

(OK... this is rated a bit higher than the others... but here you go! enjoy!)

(And yes I know it's not too creative... gimme a break!)

Chapter X

Four days later Cathryn sat on the edge of her bed. Bruce stood behind her, pacing and lecturing her as he spoke. He was still in his costume with the cowl hanging down his back. Cathryn still wore her Phoenix costume, but she held her mask in her hand.

"I told you not to go out again, didn’t I." Bruce said. His voice was intense but calm.

"Yes daddy." Cathryn said quietly, staring at her hands and playing with her mask.

"I told you that days ago. And what did you do?"

"I went out again." Cathryn muttered.

She sniffed and wiped a tear from her cheek. Bruce looked down at his daughter and knelt by her.

"I’m just trying to keep you safe. If I don’t know where you are I can’t do that."

"I’m sorry daddy… I just wanted to help… I didn’t realize it would hurt anyone… And it really didn’t so you can’t really be mad."

Bruce sighed, standing up. He left the room and let Cathryn get ready to sleep.

*~*~*~*~*

The next day Bruce had meetings all day so Cathryn and Dick were going to eat out then go see a movie.

"Thanks Dick." Cathryn said as he bought her something that she hadn’t had since she was eleven; chocolate.

"No problem. I figured you have been having withdrawal symptoms from not having chocolate…"

"No, you idiot!" Cathryn said shaking her head, "Not about that. For bringing me out today. It’s probably not a good idea since Stephen and Drake are in the city but it got my mind off everything. And I’m really scared… I just don’t want to go back! I don’t want to die…"

"You’re not going to die, you aren’t going back. Bruce and I are making sure of that."

"I don’t think daddy really cares. He always lectures me about going out…"

"That’s because he does care. If he didn’t care he wouldn’t do anything to keep you safe."

"Really?"

"Really Squirt."

"Good. With my big brother and my dad keeping me safe, nobody’s take-"

Explosions from around Gotham cut her words off. A Wayne Enterprises building down the street exploded and Dick covered Cathryn’s head to keep her safe but Cathryn tore away and ran toward the building. Before she came too close she could already hear laughter from inside.

"Wait… laughing?" She muttered as she ran.

Dick was right on her heels calling for her to stay back. Suddenly a police officer caught her by the arm.

"Slow down there miss, you can’t go in there!"

"But… my dad could be in there!" Cathryn cried out. Dick put his hands on her shoulders.

"Sorry officer." He said, he put his arm around Cathryn’s shoulder and dragged her off.

"But what about daddy!" She shouted, wailing like a six-year-old.

"That’s not the building his meetings were in." Dick explained calmly, but Cathryn thought she could hear his voice waver a bit.

"Which one?" She asked loudly, now getting ready to run again.

"It’s about 15 blocks away, come on." He grabbed her wrist and ran with her away from the rubble that was once a Wayne Tech building.

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce Wayne sat in his office watching the men who wanted to merge with Wayne Enterprises and make it YamamotoWayne Incorporated.

Suddenly green gas poured in through the vents. Before Bruce knew for sure what was happening, the men were laughing and leaning on each other, tears streaming down their cheeks. Soon he was laughing too. He tried to stop the gas from overtaking him, but it didn’t work.

Soon he lay on the ground, barely conscious, but still laughing maniacally.

*~*~*~*~*

This had been one of the few buildings that had not been demolished, but it still had been filled with Joker Gas like all the others.

Sickening laughter filtered from around Cathryn as she started to sprint into the building Dick puled her back with one hand, holding a cloth over his mouth and nose with the other.

"You’ll die!" He said, though his words were muffled, Cathryn still understood.

"No I won’t, it won’t affect me!" She shouted, then tore away from him. She sprinted into the building and began her search for her father.

Soon she found him trying to stand up from where he lay, laughing hysterically. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she ran to him. She took his hand and gripped it tightly.

"Where’s the antidote!" She shouted through her tears. It thoroughly

"HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! LIMO!!! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! Under back seat!!! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!!!!"

Cathryn dropped His hand and raced downstairs. Along the way she passed Dick who had began laughing from the gas. A sob escaped her throat, but she kept running. She ran into the limousine and kicked the door, she didn’t have time to worry about it being locked or unlocked. The handle fell off and she ripped the door open.

She searched through the backseat and found to canisters of the antidote she sprinted back to Dick and injected one into his arm then she ran back up to her father and injected him.

As soon as he was unconscious she dragged him outside and across the street into the building there. She then collapsed from sheer exhaustion and cried into Bruce chest. She slowly drifted to sleep.

*~*~*~*~*

A half hour later Cathryn awoke and realized she had left Dick. She started to sit up but someone pushed her back down. She looked around to find herself in the batcave. She frowned as her eyes focused and she saw Barbara and Tim standing over her.

"Wha…?" Was all she could utter.

"You saved Bruce," Barbara said.

"Then you almost killed yourself! You like broke your legs in like a million pieces and your foot and your ankle and your kn-" Barbara smacked Tim and he shut up.

"You badly sprained your ankle and you have shin splints. You must have done a lot of running, according to Alfred your lungs are like raw…" Barbara said.

"Is Dick ok?" Cathryn asked hastily.

"Yeah. We found him and brought him back here, he’s right over there." She pointed to where Dick lay fast asleep.

"And Dad?" She asked.

"He’s upstairs resting. He’s going to be confined to his bed for a couple of days, but he’ll be fine."

Cathryn nodded slowly. "Can I see him?" The girl asked.

"He’s not awake yet, but I guess so." Barbara said, she held a pair of crutches out to Cathryn, she took them and headed upstairs to see her father.

*~*~*~*~*

*~Two days later~*

The Phoenix limped through the rubble of the last Wayne Enterprises building left she hadn’t gone to. She knew there was something to find, she just didn’t know what.

Suddenly a light caught her eye. Something was glowing in the corner of what used to be a sanitary facility. She picked up a small video camera.

"Hello Cathryn!" An evil voice said off screen. The camera panned to show the Joker. "I’ve made a wonderful video for you! I hope you enjoy it!"

The camera zoomed in on a computer screen where her parents faces had been pasted on to bodies from a clip art file. Suddenly another figure appeared on the screen. This one held a little computer drawn gun. It raised the gun and the screen washed over with blood red. This happened over and over.

Suddenly when Cathryn’s parents should have appeared, Bruce appeared instead. Her body began shaking but her eyes stayed fixed on the screen.

After a moment of the same thing happening to Bruce Joker came back on.

"Get the picture?" He said.

Cathryn’s tears fell onto the screen as she cried. She threw the screen into a wall and hobbled from the building.

[Batgirl_2005]

hmmmm.... Is anybody out there reading? I feel loved.... That last chapter wasn't fabulous... but I at least expected a response... :( Ah well.. I'll wait.

[The Game]

Oooh! I'm so sorry I didn't reply sooner! :o I've been so busy with my own stories, and there have been so many great ones going on this board, I forgot to reply to this!

Another great edition, Batgirl 2005! Very interesting, and touching. :) Although it's still weird to hear someone call Batman "daddy"... Keep going, this story is great! :)

-The Game

[Panther]

Opps! Sorry I didn't respond sooner!

This was a very /very/ good chapter. I liked the mixing of humur and drama - Babs smaking Tim for instance, lightening the fact Gothma is once again under attack by the Joker. It seems like the stakes just got higher. I agree with thegame that its wierd to hear someone call Batman 'daddy' but it realy shows how vulernable she is and how much she depends on him for emotional support.

later,

[Batgirl_2005]

Chapter XI

Cathryn hobbled out of her room a while later after she had returned. Tears were still streaming down her cheeks. She pushed past Tim and into the cave. She got down the stairs easily until the last one, then she tripped clumsily and fell flat on her face. She didn’t even try to stand up, she just lay there quivering and sobbing.

Alfred walked down into the cave and knelt by her.

"Miss Cathryn?" Alfred said calmly, stroking Cathryn’s long blonde hair. She looked up at him, her tears making the green in her aqua eyes come out even more. "What’s happened?"

"I went out again… Joker… Daddy…"

"Shall I take you to Master Bruce?" Asked Alfred.

"No…" She wiped her eyes, "don’t wake him up."

"I’m awake." Said a deep voice. Alfred looked up to see Bruce coming down the stairs. He looked like death.

"Master Bruce. How are ." Alfred said.

"I’m fine, Alfred." He said, "I’ll take it from here." He now stood next to Cathryn. Alfred nodded and walked off.

Cathryn looked up at Bruce a mixture of anger, fear, sadness, and admiration apparent in her eyes. She stood up slowly, but her entire body was still quaking. She looked at Bruce for a moment before pain shot through her heart. She fell forward and cried into Bruce’s chest.

"Tell me what happened." Said Bruce in a fatherly way.

*~*~*~*~*

Cathryn sat on the edge of her bed, her mind replaying the Joker’s message. Tim walked in and looked at her.

"Ummm… Hi…" He said carefully. Cathryn looked up at him and rolled her eyes.

"Hello bozo." She growled, hiding the confusion and the pain that fled through her soul.

"Ummm… Alfred told me to come tell you that dinner’s ready and that Dick is coming over to see you."

"Thanks… Tell him I’m not hungry, but to have Dick come see when he gets here." Cathryn said. Tim nodded, waved, and left.

As soon as he was gone pain seared through her body and she began coughing uncontrollably. She collapsed to her knees and finally when it was over she wiped a bit of blood away from her mouth and curled up in bed. After a few minutes she slipped into a deep sleep.

Half an hour later the windows opened and moonlight flooded the room. A man stepped inside and placed a hand over Cathryn’s mouth. Then left with the struggling girl in his arms.

*~*~*~*~*

Bruce heard Dick’s motorcycle speed up the drive before anyone else. He waited and a moment later he walked inside.

"Hey Bruce, Alfred, Timmy." He said as he waved to everyone. "Where’s Squirt?"

"Upstairs." Tim responded. Dick nodded and bounded up to the room Cathryn slept in…

Only to find it empty. He clenched his hands into fists and stormed back downstairs.

"Where’s Cathryn?" He asked.

"Upstairs in her room. I alread-" Tim started.

"NO! She’s not in her room!" Dick shouted.

Bruce stood up and raced upstairs. When he too found the found the room empty he spun toward the wall and slammed his fist through it.

*~*~*~*~*

For three days Bruce had a virtual army out looking for his daughter. His temper rose after every day when she didn’t show up.

"How did they get her?" Growled Bruce to Dick. Bruce’s hair was messed up and his eyes were red rimmed.

"I don’t know, Bruce. But we’ll find her. I’m going out right now." He placed his Nightwing mask on his face and left the cave to search for his little sister.

*~*~*~*~*

Nightwing ran over the rooftops an hour later, headed to meet his contact.

He stopped for a moment and looked over the city and tears welled up in his eyes as he saw the smoke that still billowed from the rubble of the Wayne Enterprises buildings.

A flash of blonde hair caught his eye. He skidded to a stop and looked over the edge of the eighteen-story building he stood on. Even from this distance he could tell who the blonde girl was.

Her clothes were torn and her body was beaten and bruised. Her blonde was dirty and blood matted. His eyes filled with anger as he tried to figure out who would do this.

As he started down to the ground a purple car stopped right beside her. He stopped mid step and watched with hate filled eyes as a familiar purple zoot suit stepped out and dragged the girl violently inside the car.

He threw a tracer on the car and followed it.

*~*~*~*~*

"OK puddin’ why do we need this girlie anyway?" Asked Harley.

"It’s part of my affable plans to kill the bat." Responded the Joker.

"And where do I come in?" Asked the other man sitting in the car.

"Don’t worry about it Hatter, my friend. We just need one of your fabulous little microchips." The car echoed with maniacal laughter as they drove away.

*~*~*~*~*

The next night Nightwing returned to the place he had followed Joker to the night before.

"Oh poo! Bring me our new recruit, Kitten!" The Joker yelled.

Harley lead out a sixteen-year-old girl out. She had long purple hair and was clad in a skin tight green unitard. Purple cuffs were around her neck, wrists, and ankles. A purple diamond covered her right breast and the same diamonds were on her left thigh. Her skin was painted white and dark purple eye shadow covered her upper eyelid. She had the same huge smile as the Joker painted on her face except it was purple.

"OOOHH!!!! I love it!" Joker squealed. "So who are you my pretty little grape?"

"I’m Kitten! The Joker’s new henchwoman!" Responded a familiar feminine voice. Nightwing nearly started hyperventilating when he realized who the sixteen-year-old girl was. The Joker began cackling maniacally.

Nightwing gritted his teeth in rage and jumped down so he stood behind The Joker. Harley pointed a shaking hand to the man who stood behind her pudding. The Joker stood around and laughed even harder.

Nightwing pounded his fist into the Joker’s face sending him to the ground. Nightwing bent down and straddled over the man in the purple suit. He continued pounding Joker until he was thoroughly pleased that he wasn’t waking up anytime soon.

As he began standing up Harley Quinn raced over holding her mallet high above her head. She screamed a violent war cry at the top of her lungs as she ran forward.

Nightwing dropped down and did a spin kick and she flew to the ground. He wasn’t going to waste his time on her though. ‘Kitten’ came running over and was ready to attack Nightwing.

She feigned a kick to the right and instead switched her weight to the right leg and slammed her left foot into his head.

"I don’t want to fight you Squirt!" shouted Nightwing. He blocked her next punch and spun her arm around he forced her to the ground. He took her other arm and tied her wrists together. "Sorry about this Squirt." He tied her ankles together and lifted her up. As he carried her off she shouted a chain of obscenities into the cool night air.

[Panther]

How many times is this poor girl going to be kidnapped? :(

And what the [swear word deleted] has Joker done to her!!!!!!???!?!!?!?

I love the realationship you've laid out between Bruce, Dick and Cathyrn. It's nice to see Bruce acting so fatherly and Dick is, of course, perfect big brother material. Also like the running gag of how Cathyrn treats Tim. :D

later,

[Batgirl_2005]

(Well... I was going to wait... but... I couldn't.... Only one chapter after this... I need feedback. Sequel or no?)

Chapter XII

Nightwing slammed on the brakes as soon as he entered the cave.

"LET ME GO! WHERE ARE WE?!" Cathryn squealed at the top of her lungs.

Alfred looked over from where he sat at the batcomputer.

"Master Richard!" He exclaimed. "Miss Cathryn!" He jumped up and raced over.

"WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?!" Screamed Cathryn, trying to pull away from Nightwing’s grasp.

"Cathryn… It’s us… Nightwing and Alf-"

"LET ME GO! I’M NOT CATHRYN! I’M KITTEN!" She screamed.

"Kitten?" Repeated Alfred in shock.

"The Joker did something to her." Nightwing grunted as he tried to keep her in his grasp.

"I think perhaps I should call Master Bruce." Alfred said, he picked up the radio.

"Come on Cathryn!" Nightwing growled as he tried to get Cathryn to lie down on one of the medical tables in the cave. "This is not the time to be a stubborn little b…."

Suddenly Batman was holding her legs down on the table. Batgirl and Robin were tying her down.

Cathryn began laughing. Batman’s eyes went wide as he finally took in her whole get up. The make-up, the clothes, the hair. Everything was crystal clear.

"What did Joker do to her?" He growled darkly. He turned to Nightwing. "What happened?"

"I don’t know! I saw her in a gutter last night and Joker picked her up and then tonight and found her like this!" Nightwing explained.

"Why didn’t you tell us you had found her?" Batman asked. Nightwing paused. He didn’t have an answer.

"I can tell you that. It was his pride." Batgirl said, as she helped Robin tie the girl to the table. Dick glared at her, then turned back to his little sister.

"Hey Squirt! Look at me!" He commanded.

He pulled off his mask and turned the girl’s aqua eyes toward him. He looked her in the eyes.

"It’s Dick." He said soothingly.

"This has to be what they wanted The Hatter for." Batman growled. "Alfred see if you can get the microchip out. I’m going to get the Joker and take him back to Arkham." With that Batman was gone.

*~*~*~*~*

Anger and pure hatred surged through Batman’s veins as he arrived at the same place Dick had been only an hour before. He wasn’t surprised to see that the place was empty. He found skid marks Harley must have left. As he followed them he knew exactly where she was headed.

*~*~*~*~*

Harley dragged her pudding up the stairs of the hotel where the guys who had employed him were staying. She grunted as she pulled him up one more step and pounded on the door.

The door slowly opened and Harley turned up her nose at the stench the invaded her nostrils. She let go of Mr. J. and walked in side.

"Dr. J.?!" She shouted. "Dr. H.?!" She noticed a lump underneath the deep red sheets of one of the beds. She smirked and pulled back the sheets.

A scream escaped her lips as simultaneously a black figure crashed through the window. He looked at Harley and then at the figure lying in the bed.

Dr. Drake Jones lay there… dead.

Harley began to sneak away from the Dark Knight and back toward the Joker. He threw a bola and she fell to the ground.

As he moved toward her and the Joker he noticed blood coming from the shower. Without looking he knew that it was Dr. Stephen Heath.

He tied Harley up and gagged her, he did the same to the unconscious Joker.

He carried the pair out the window and back to Arkham.

*~*~*~*~*

Alfred stood over the now unconscious Cathryn. It had taken three hours for the anesthesia to take effect. But finally she was out.

Alfred removed the Hatter’s chip from the her neck now she was just resting. He held a washcloth in his hand and was wiping the chalk white make up from her face. They had washed her hair but the purple dye wouldn’t come out.

"She looked better with the make up on." Grumbled Tim.

"Better watch what you say about me." The muffled voice came from Cathryn. Dick ran over and turned her over.

"Squirt… How do you feel?" Asked Dick, stroking her purple locks.

"What happened? The last thing I remember is-"

"Drake and Stephen are dead." Announced a dark voice.

"Yep… that’s the last thing I remember…" Cathryn said, smiling wryly at Dick.

"Master Bruce, Miss Cathryn is awake." Alfred said. Batman raced over as he removed his cowl.

"Cathryn… What happened." He said.

"Well… I started to explain… When I was so interrupted…"

"Just tell us what happened already!" Exclaimed Tim in an exasperated tone.

"I’m getting to it you stupid clown!"

"Oh [I]I’m a clown? Look at your hair!" Shouted Tim. Cathryn frowned and pulled a bit of her hair down in front of her face.

"I’m going to kill whoever messed with my hair!" She shouted. She turned to Tim. "It was you! I’ll bet you messed with my hair!" She jumped off the table, but just as she started to tackle him, she began coughing violently.

Several minutes later she was sitting back on the table wiping a bit of blood from her lower lip. Everyone stood in a circle around her, their faces etched with worry.

"Are you alright?" Bruce asked calmly. While his voice was firm and steady his eyes were shining with unshed tears.

"I’m fine." She said. Her voice was raspy and cracked. "The other day I was in bed waiting for Dick because I needed to tell him I was getting worse. But suddenly someone came in through the window and took me to the Doctors.

"They started taking blood, but when I wouldn’t cooperate they beat me. I found a gun… and the next time they tried to hurt me… I…" Finally tears began falling from her eyes. "I shot them… I didn’t want to… but… it just happened… and…" She shook her head to clear it. Tears stopped flowing from her eyes and she calmed down a bit. "Then their men attacked me. I fought most of them off… but… the last one snuck up on me. He knocked me out and now I’m here."

*~*~*~*~*

She’s a murderer. Bruce thought. She was protecting herself. His own mind countered.

Cathryn looked at him, shame was apparent in her eyes. Her face told him she was sorry. Suddenly her pain was etched with pain. She began coughing harshly.

After she was finished Bruce helped her lie back down. He stroked her purple hair. He wiped up the blood from around her mouth gingerly.

"I’m so sorry… daddy…" She said weakly. She had lost all color from her face.

"What’s wrong?" Bruce asked, no longer hiding the worry in his voice.

"I’m sorry… I should have told you."

"Told me what?"

Before Cathryn could respond another coughing fit racked her body. As Alfred pressed a cold washcloth to her forehead Dick pulled Bruce upstairs.

"Bruce, Cathryn’s getting really sick." Dick announced.

"That I can see. Now how is she getting sick?"

"Her parents created a poison before they died. It’s just now taking affect. It’ll only take a few weeks before she… before she…" Dick’s voice broke off. Bruce raced down into the cave and took Cathryn right into his arms.

Cathryn looked helplessly around the room as her father hugged her tightly. She patted his back, confused.

"Umm… Daddy? Urk… Mind letting me go?" She said. Bruce stepped back.

"Why didn’t you tell me you were…"

"Dying?" Provided Cathryn. She coughed slightly and smiled at Bruce, "I wasn’t sure you’d care…"

Bruce wasn’t sure how to respond to that so he avoided it. "Is there an antidote?"

"No. My first parents never…" she shook her head as a wave of dizziness washed over her, "never created one…" She laid back and relaxed.

"Master Bruce she needs to rest." Alfred stated.

"Alright… Dick take her upstairs…" Bruce said, his face was suddenly tired and weary. Dick carried his little sister upstairs.

*~*~*~*~*

Dick laid Cathryn in her bed.

"I told you he didn’t care." She said, just as he started to leave.

"He does care. He just isn’t good at showing it." Dick stated.

"Am I going to die?" Asked the sixteen-year-old.

Dick sat down on the edge of her bed. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. He knew that if he told her yes then she would never believe him…

"I don’t know Squirt. I hope so. I really hope so."

[Coran]

To live or to die... that is the question. I can't wait to see how this one ends, especially with what happens to Cathryn. Keep up the good work!

[Panther]

How can she doubt he loves her???? It's sooo obvious he cares so much for her!!! This is such a tear jerker! This girl just can't seem to get a single break!

Don't leave us all hanging!!

[Batgirl_2005]

(IT's really short, so I guess it's more of an epilogue but oh well... if anyone & everyone would respond on the whole story I would apreciate it greatly. and if you want me to write a sequel or not.)

Chapter XIII

Bruce Wayne stormed into the last remaining Wayne Enterprises building in Gotham. He smirked slightly as he saw the headline on the front page of a newspaper someone was reading.

Joker and Quinn back in Arkham

He walked past his office and into a conference room. The best scientists Gotham had to offer were here. He knew that for a fact, he had told them to be here the night before. They were all seated around a table confused and curious looks on all of their faces.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen. I haven’t much time to explain this so I’ll be brief. As some of you may know I have adopted a daughter. Her name is Cathryn." A few of the scientists nodded, "She has been poisoned." He stated it bluntly.

He put his briefcase on the table and opened it. A few of Cathryn’s blood samples were there.

"If you can find the antidote. I will pay each of you $1,000,000."

*~*~*~*~*

A week later, the billionaire’s scientists had come up with anything. It was obvious to Bruce that Cathryn’s time was running out.

"What can I do?" Asked Bruce of Dick.

"Well.. I don’t know Bruce… I just don’t know…" Dick said.

"Pull a Freeze!!!" Exclaimed Tim, jumping up from where he sat. Bruce and Dick frowned at him, Barbara merely raised an eyebrow.

"What? Kidnap Babs here for an organ transplant?" Dick mused. Barb stuck her tongue out at him and Tim followed suit.

"No!!! Freeze her! Do the whole cryogenics thingie…" Tim explained.

"It’s not a bad idea…" Bruce said quietly.

"MASTER BRUCE!!!!!" Alfred yelled from the cave.

A moment later everyone was congregated around Cathryn’s still form.

"She died?!" Tim yelled.

"Not yet… She’s slipped into a coma." Alfred explained.

"I’m freezing her." Bruce stated. "I can’t let her die."

*~*~*~*~*

A week later Cathryn was submerged in the tank and placed in a restricted area of a Wayne Enterprises Building. Until Bruce could find a way to save her, she would stay there.

[The_NewCatwoman]

Dammit, and I was really hoping they'd find an anidote! This story was beyond excellent. You did a great job with Cathryn and Bruce's relationship. Good Luck with your next story!:p

[Panther]

I liked how it was Tim's idea to freeze her after how clumsy he's been lately and all the grief she put him thrugh. I sincerely hope you consider a sequal!

Good luck!