Figments of the Imagination PG/PG-13

[Batgirl]

Batman looked over his city, sighing heavily. It had been thirty years since that night. Thirty desolate, god forsaken years since that horrible night. Each passing day only increased the pain. The burden becoming more and more unbearable. He had often wondered if it was even worth it. Why did he try so hard? A scream rang through the night and he grunted softly. Hero time... again. He shot out a line and swung into action. In a mere second he was at street level, slamming feet first into one of the thugs. Another came from behind, nailing the Knight over the head with a lead pipe. Batman winced, but swung around and slammed his fist into the man's face. He smiled as the man fell to the ground unconscious. He turned to face the frightened blond haired woman, cowering in the shadows.

"It's alright Miss... They won't be bothering you any more" He turned to go, the woman crying out with joy- the usual.

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you so much!" She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him back. He faltered, surprised. At that moment a third, larger thug appeared from the shadows. His eyes widened as he realized it was a set up. He threw the woman to the ground, but the man was too quick. A shaft of light glimmered across a metal surface and Batman felt something sharp plung deep into his heart. He staggered and fell back, clutching the blade. The thugs laughed.

"Aw, what's the matter Batfreak? Gotta a chest pain?" Batman staggered into the shadows, and sirens filled the night. The thugs looked toward the street, suddenly nervous. "Cops! Let's go! I don't think the Batman will be anymore trouble us!"

"Yea, we taught him not to mess with the Vipers!" Batman collasped into a pile of trash, his breathing becoming irregular and his vison fading.

"Vipers..." He muttered weakly. He knew he should have wiped out the gang when he had the chance. Now he wouldn't have another chance. The light before his eyes grew dim and with a final, shallow breath- Batman passed out of the world.

[Batgirl]

What if one day all you ever worked for was in vain? What if one day you woke up and discovered that all you ever knew was a lie? What if something happened to change your life forever?

[Panther]

Did... did you just kill Batman?

I am shocked and appalled - but also intrigued. What's gonna happen /now/?

later,

[Batgirl]

Bruce felt odd. He had personally wondered for years what death felt like- what his parents had felt. Now he knew. He slid his hand over a smooth area where he had fallen. He could feel another's presence.

"Thomas! Come quick!" A middle aged woman's voice sounded delicately through his mind and vibrated in his ears. It was quite pleasant and surprisingly soothing. It almost seemed familiar- as if he had heard it long ago... "Thomas! He moved! I saw it with my own eye! He actually moved!"

"Now Martha, you and I both know that he moves. It was probably just another subconscious movement" An older man's voice replied gently.

"I'm telling you he's waking up!"

"Martha, love- we've been through this before" Bruce heard movement and a soft sound, like that of a mother trying to stifle a sob. An odd feeling of familiarity again came over him... Thomas? Martha? Those were his- no. It couldn't be. They were dead. They had died thirty years ago. He had seen it with his own eyes.

"Oh Thomas, I'm sorry- it's just- it's just" The woman burst into tears. Bruce shifted again, debating whether or not to open his eyes. The desire to figure out his surroundings and see the afterlife finally won out.

"I know darling. I want him to wake up too, but we just have to accept the fact that-" The man stopped dead in his sentence as Bruce's eyes slipped open. Bruce found himself immediately blinded by a white light. He frowned. How typical. "Martha! Martha look! He opened his eyes!"

"Thomas, call the nurse!" An older woman suddenly appeared at Bruce's side, surrounded by light. His eyes widened as he recognized her features. He felt himself draw in a sudden breath and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Mom?!"

[Panther]

Wah???

I'm impressed. Two posts into the story and you've not only pulled out all the stops, you've left the audience wondering what the heck is going on!

Waiting for more,

[witness]

Wow, like Panther said, two posts and you're re-writing history! This is a great beginning, I can't wait to see where you'll go with this next.

[Coran]

This makes me think of the Batman animated tv show where the Mad Hatter put a chip on Bruce that made him think his parents had never died and that he had never become Batman. I can't wait to see exactly how this goes.

[Kali]

Very interesting story. I hope you continue on with it.

[Batgirl]

Hi all! I'm so sorry it's taking so long. School's been tough and I;ve been sick and looking for a prom dress and all... I promise to have more soon. Oh, and Coran, I got the idea from that episode (Perchanse to Dream?) and the comic Batman no more. It's just my spin on things in an elseworld...

[Panther]

I hope you feel better soon so that we may see more of this story and 'Link to the Past'. Of course, school always come first, but plase don't make us wait too long...

later,

[Batgirl]

Ok, I have the next few parts written, hopefully (if time allows), then I'll type them up and post. Sorry for the wait.

[Batgirl]

Ok, I deserve to be... oh, put in your torture of choice. I actually have the next three parts written, but I've been unable to type them up and same thing with my friend. I promise work will continue... Thank God for summer.

[Panther]

Ok, I deserve to be... oh, put in your torture of choice.

Well, there's always being stabbed with your pen, but I think the absolutly worst would probably be meeting your #1 Fan - and if you don't think that's torture then I suggest you read 'Misery' by Micheal Criton(yes, I know I'm butchering his name, sorry)

Sorry you're so swamped with work roll on summer!

later

[Batgirl]

"Thomas! He's awake! Our little boy is awake!" The woman near his side began to cry. Bruce assumed it was with joy. He looked about his room warily. At that moment an older man appeared at the door.

"Praise God! He's come back to us!" The man smiled and went to the bedside. There was no denying it. Bruce and the man were related. Bruce had his jaw. "How do you feel son?"

"Other then in shock I'm fine... My head just hurts a little..." Bruce replied softly. His mind was reeling with a thousand different thoughts and sensations. His parents chuckled softly and his mother gently took his hand. Bruce felt his eyes. "Mom... It's so good to see you...."

"Oh Bruce" Martha Wayne replied, her voice a soft, gentle whisper. She wiped away a tear from her eye and smiled warmly- the same warm smile he remembered in his dreams, only now it was a reality. "I missed you so much..."

"Mom... You have no idea..." Bruce said weakly. He wrapped his hands around hers and sighed contently. His eyes drifted to the man who stood tall and silent by his side. "Dad?"

"How do you- wait, I already said that..." Thomas Wayne drifted off. Bruce reached out a hand and clasped his father's hand gently. A tear trickled down the old man's face as it lit with a brilliant smile.

"It's okay Dad... I'm happy too" For a moment the silence hung as a family was once again reunited, the perfect pose for a portrait. A soft knock on the door caused the moment to pass and the family looked at the guest.
A tall young man stood at the door wearing a white robe over a pair of beige khakis and a clean pressed blue shirt. His long raven colored hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail. His blue eyes seemed to shimmer with a playful, child like air in the light and an all too casual grin added an almost mischievous feel to his persona. Bruce felt his heart lurch foreword, Martha smiled warmly.

"Good Evening Mr. and Mrs. Wayne. I heard there was some commotion and decided to check on my patient" The doctor's gaze fell on the man in the bed. the grin faded for a moment, giving way to a look of astonishment. Bruce took in a slow breath, Thomas chuckled.

"Commotion indeed... Our son is awake!"

"Isn't it wonderful?" Martha said, her eyes shining with delight. The doctor approached the bedside, holding Bruce's gaze.

"Wonderful? More like a miracle... Mrs. Wayne, I can't tell you what the others will think..." The doctor smiled again. Bruce detected true sincerity from the doctor and also a hint of sadness "if only Leslie could have been here..."

"Leslie? What happened to Leslie?" Bruce asked frantically. His heart hit the floor. Both of his parents looked at their son uncomfortably. The doctor's mood suddenly became foul.

"She had an accident a little over a year ago. I was a resident, just ready to get my first case... I was her assistant..." The Doctor's eyes flashed angrily. "Then the board made me your doctor"

"What kind of accident?" Bruce asked softly. The doctor turned away and Martha decided to jump in before things went any further.

"We'll tell you later... There's so much to catch up on... Of course, we'll need to find a tutor" Martha said nervously, she looked at her husband.

"I'm sure Alfred can help" Thomas added in. Bruce gave his parents a puzzled look. The doctor watched the man in the bed intently.

"Why do I need to attend school?" Bruce asked innocently. He caught the doctor's curious gaze. His parents laughed lightly. The doctor gave him a half smile.

"Honey, you were only eight when-" Martha's voice broke off and her shining eyes became sad and filled with pain. She looked away and shook her head. Bruce looked at her questioningly.

"What happened?"

"You don't remember son?" Thomas asked gently. Bruce shook his head, his eyes filled with wonder. The doctor cleared his throat.

"Perhaps you should both get some rest. I'm sure Bruce will be fine... I have some tests to run and you both look tired" The parents nodded and looked at their son. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out they didn't want to leave. The doctor smiled. "I'll let you know what I find as soon as possible... I'll take good care of your son, no need to worry"

"Thank you Doctor Grayson" Martha said softly, her eyes shining again.

"Hey, don't thank me, thank your son. He's the one who decided to wake up..."

"Honey," Martha turned to her son. "We'll be on the first floor... Good night honey"

After several more good nights and a few I love you's, Thomas and Martha reluctantly left their son. The doctor silently ran an average check up. Bruce took note of how gentle he doctor was being. As the doctor was busy scribbling down his findings on his note pad, Bruce spoke.

"What happened?"

"Hm?" The doctor looked up, startled out of his deep thoughts. Bruce's face was grim and his tone was solemn. The doctor looked at Bruce curiously.

"What happened?"

"When?" The doctor asked flatly. He continued, his voice becoming colder. "You've been in coma for nearly thirty years? A lot happened... If you want to know, you're parents will fill you in tomorrow"

"I detect a hint of sarcasm in your voice Richard" Bruce replied equally cold, a brief memory stirring from his long sleep. The clipboard clattered to the floor. The doctor was staring at him. "I may have been out but by all means I have not been idle..."

"How did you know my name?"

"Your name tag"

"I'm not wearing a name tag" The doctor replied uneasily. Bruce thought quick.

"I overheard my Mom before..." Bruce watched as the doctor grabbed his clipboard. Bruce continued on hoping the incident would pass. The doctor gave him an odd look, but let it go. "Will you please answer a few things for me? There's some things I need to know"

"I really think your parents should answer-"

"Look, it will only take a minute" Bruce persisted. The doctor sighed. "Please... Put yourself in my place- wouldn't you want to know what happened?"

"Yea, but put yourself in my place. I haven't had five consecutive hours of sleep for at least a week, I have about ten other patients with more to come, and a curious patient whose parents don't want him to know too much" Dr. Richard Grayson looked slightly upset at the last part, slamming the clipboard down on a table next to Bruce.

"I'm sorry" Bruce said quietly. He patted the bedside. The doctor sat down, putting his hand to his head and rubbing. "I didn't know, I'm-"

"No, it's okay. I understand... It's just... Leslie would be so happy..."

"Please tell me what happened" Bruce said softly. The doctor sighed.

"About a year ago we had some trouble..."

"Trouble?"

"Leslie was sure that she was close to finding a way to wake you, that she had finally come up with the right combination of chemicals to stir that area of the brain... I was sent home early that night..." The doctor's eyes turned to cold blue steel. "She was on her way home... The weather was bad, it had been storming for two days. The chemical was to be tried the next day, she had it with her, and all her files- to make sure nothing happened to it. Odd things had been happening... She was almost home when a 'drunk' ran a red-light... The car was totaled, she was killed upon impact. Then the gas tank exploded..."

"Poor Leslie..." Bruce said softly. The doctor looked ready to cry. The two became silent, and the doctor ook a deep breath.

"Now there's going to be trouble again. There's a lot of people who profit when a rich man sleeps" The doctor looked at the man at his side. The doctor's eyes were cold, but at the same time, concerned.

"I understand..." Bruce replied, drumming his fingers on the bed. The doctor looked at him. It was sad, but at the same time truthful.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure no harm comes to you- I'll give my life if I have to" The doctor replied firmly, his voice filled with emotion. Bruce smiled and put a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Hopefully it won't come to that" Bruce replied good naturally. The doctor smiled.

"I owe everything to Leslie and your parents... I won't let them down"

"Really?" Bruce looked at the doctor with interest.

"My parents were circus performers... They were also killed by an 'accident'... Your parents took me in, Leslie helped raise me... No one else cared..." Dick's eyes again shown with anger, but at the same time a mix of pride. "It's not fair- they- she deserved better..."

"I know it's hard, but you'll get your chance to make them pay" Bruce said firmly.

"How?" The Dr. Grayson looked at him almost desperately. "The police are overwhelmed, there's no evidence! There's aren't even any suspects!"

"There's always a way Richard- er, Dr. Grayson" Bruce caught himself.

"Call me Dick. Please... Richard sounds too formal" Dick smiled at Bruce.

"All right Dick..."

"Anything else?"

"How did I end up in a coma?" Bruce asked softly. Dick's face turned serious again. He seemed uncomfortable again.

"Your parents took you to see the Mask of Zorro... On your way home a guy tried to mug you in the alley. Your father went after him, he fired a gun... The shot hit you in the shoulder and you fell back, hitting your head on a sharp edge. The loss of blood was great and you fell into a coma... Until tonight" Dick replied softly. Bruce felt ill. If he had been in coma for thirty years, then- no. He couldn't believe it.

"I see... " Bruce had to know. "Dick, have you ever heard of Batman?"

"Who?" Dick asked with a raised eyebrow. Bruce's heart dropped.

"Sorry... Nevermind... Just...." The fact hit Bruce like a ton of bricks. He had been dreaming in a coma for thirty years- there WAS no Batman... A dull pain started in the back of his head. The doctor gave Bruce another odd look and shrugged it off. Suddenly Bruce yawned. Dick smiled.

"It's late, I better let you sleep Mr. Wayne" Dick got up.

"Do me a favor. Call me Bruce"

"All right Bruce..." Dick smiled and headed for the door. "There's going to be some tests in the morning, to see what's going on inside you... I'll be in the children's ward if you need me, I have another patient to attend to- great kid... Maybe you can meet him sometime"

"Maybe" Bruce answered with a smile. he leaned back. "See you in the morning Dick... Good night"

"Night Bruce" Dick shut off the lights and closed the door. Bruce lay back, his eyes open in the darkness. Outside thunder rolled and lightning flashed. A thought had been troubling him since he realized that his life was forever altered. If he was in coma for thirty years, then there was no Batman.
But why? Could this have been a second chance? And if so, why? Was it to correct his mistakes, to lead a normal life, to see his parents? Or was this simply a chance to see what could have been? Bruce sighed and tried to relax himself. He closed his eyes. A faint outline of a man in a trench coat and hat faded out of view as he went into dreams, and a voice seemed to span time to reach his ears.

"The roads may be many yet there is but one course for each and it has a single end..." The voice was deep and powerful, yet calming. As he pondered the meaning of the words, Bruce drifted into dreams again.

[witness]

This is totally amazing. First of all, I must congradulate you on trying to re-write Bruce's history. You're doing a nice job so far. As for the story, when you gave a descrpition of the doctor, I knew it was going to be Grayson. Absolutely brilliant! Even though Bruce was in a coma, Dick still was taken in by the Waynes after his trauma. Dick also mentioned a kid that he liked from the hospital. Could that be Tim Drake that he was speaking of? Oh! and the reason that Bruce was in the coma in the first place...again brilliant using the night of his parent's "murder" to be the cause. I'll be interested to see who the guy in the trenchcoat and hat is. This is a really great story! Write more soon!

[Coran]

Obviously Bruce still remember all the learning he had when he was Batman, meaning that in this new world, he probably won't need a tutor, but that does bring up some interesting questions... will he give in to the call of the Bat once again? Will he once again done the persona of Batman to help bring justice to the streets? Post more soon! Please!

[Panther]

Wow! Three posts and three major /major/ twists! I agree with everything Coran and Witness said. I loved Grayson as a doctor! How incredibly cool is that?!?!? But it seems so sad to think of those 30 years of Bruce's being wasted. I can't even begin to dream what twists are in store for the readers. Keep 'em coming!

later,

[Batgirl]

The door to Bruce's room clicked open softly and a shadowy figure slipping inside, quiet as a mouse. The years of training in his dreams had not betrayed him, and Bruce's eyes slide open. The shadowy figure slipped closer in the darkness. He tensed, waiting for the right moment. He felt a small hand take his wrist and made his move. Using his free hand he grabbed the intruder's wrist and twisted it.

"HEY!" A cold feminine voice yelled angrily. He felt a stinging sensation in his cheek as something smooth and hard ran across it. Bruce released, not from the sting, but from the voice itself. It was one he would never forget...

"So- sorry miss..." He stammered, his eyes wide. Two green eyes seemed to dissolve from the darkness, flashing with anger. Bruce fumbled around for the cord to the light. After he found it, he pulled, lighting the room with the small lamp above his bed. The nurse crossed her arms over her chest, glaring meanly at the patient.

"I was trying to get a pulse!" She snarled bitterly. She obviously hadn't been having a good night, and things weren't getting better. Bruce felt his face flush.

"Sorry... Had trouble sleeping... I heard you come in- sorry, but I'm kind of jumpy... Um... Here" Bruce finally decided to shut up and offered her his wrist as a token of penitence. The nurse glared, then slowly, a small smile began to tug at the corners of her mouth. She gently put two fingers to his wrist, holding the man's arm. After a few moments she scribbled something down on a notepad near the bed.

"You're forgiven... Just don't do it again" To add emphasis to the last part, the nurse wagged the end of the pencil at Bruce. He smiled weakly, and she laughed. "Now back to sleep with you or Dic- er, Doctor Grayson will have my head"

"Right..." Bruce couldn't take his eyes off the stunning woman. Beautiful, full rose hued lips, short back hair, neatly combed back, a smooth light complexion... "Will you be in to check on me later?"

"Well, I will around ten in the morning, how does that sound?" The nurse giggled, her green eyes dancing in the light. Bruce grinned widely.

"Far too long to be away from such great beauty" Bruce replied smoothly, with a poetic flare. The nurse blushed and giggled again. She walked to the door and opened it, clipping the chart to the door.

"My, quite the charmer aren't you? Not the kid everyone expected... Well, Mr. Wayne, I'll check up on you in the morning..."

"I'll see you then. Oh- and call me Bruce" He added as an after thought. The nurse smiled sweetly, her green eyes shining. Bruce's eyes were radiating blue.

"Good night Bruce. I'm Nurse Kyle, but you can call me Selina"

"All right... Selina..." Bruce smiled back at her, feeling as if he were walking on air. She waved and then walked out the door, closing it behind her. Bruce stared after her, then he turned out his light. He smiled and leaned back.

* * *

Dick looked up from his papers as a knock sounded at the door. He cleared his throat and put down the pen he was writing with. "Come in"

"Good morning Dick" Selina opened the door and smiled at the hard working doctor. The doctor laughed bitterly and rubbed his temples.

"What's so good about it? It's three a.m.!" Dick put his face in his hands, propping his arms up by the elbows on the desk. Selina smiled sweetly at him.

"Hey... it's ok, we've all had tough nights..." She came around the oak wood desk piled high with papers and took a seat on an open corner. She gently patted his shoulder. Dick looked up and smiled at her.

"Thanks, good to know I have a friend" Dick leaned back and closed his eyes, trying to relax for a moment. Selina looked down at the desk, eyeing the various papers. One was a report on a patient's condition, though she couldn't see the name. She looked concerned, taking in a sharp breath. Dick opened his eyes.

"Please don't tell me-"

"It's Tim. He needs the transplant... And he needs one soon" Dick sighed loudly and shook his head. A deafening silence filled the room. Time seemed to stand still. Selina sniffled softly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

"Poor Tim..."

"What about him?" The voice startled the two in the room. It resembled a voice that belonged to gangster's doll, or the main squeeze of a mad clown. Selina bit her lip to avoid cursing out loud. She forgot to close the door... At the door was a nurse in her early twenties, with two bright blue eyes, her fiery red hair was slipped over her shoulders like a fall of fire. On her lovely face was filled with concern. Dr. Grayson sighed and rose to his feet. Selina glared at the new arrival. The nurse's expression changed immediately to disgust and she glared at the doctor. "Gee, hope I wasn't interrupting anything"

"Why you-" Selina sprang from the desk, prepared to pummel the lights out of her.
Dick reached out and grabbed her shoulder, stopping her.

"Good morning Nurse Gordon... We're glad to see you back" Dick replied casually.

"Speak for yourself" Selina muttered under her breath, crossing her arms over her chest, putting on a defiant air. The doctor gave her a sharp glance.

"Good to be back sir" The Nurse chirped, with a bright smile, her eyes shining. She sounded like a perky cheerleader. Selina made a face and groaned. Dick gave her another sharp glance.

"Barbara, I'd like you to check in on Tim, ok?"

"Sure thing Doc" The nurse smiled and gave a small salute. She turned and headed out the door. Selina stuck out her tongue and then muttered something under her breath. Dick gave her an odd look.

"What was that?"

"Stupid cheerleader should have been born BLOND!" Selina hissed bitterly. The doctor smiled, surpressing a chuckle. The nurse gave him a look of disgust. "I don't know what you see in her... She's got the mind of a third grader! She's a clueless brat who's been nothing but a pain in my side!"

"Well, despite her third grade level she works well with Tim...That's all I care about" Dick said, taking a seat. Selina shook her head.

"Well, all I care about is her staying out of my way! I'll see you later, I don't want that- that- cheerleader anywhere near my patient" Selina said with a snort. She turned and stormed out of the room, the door slamming behind her. The doctor sighed and shook his head. Personally, he'd love to see a face off between the two. Nurse Gordon had quite the temper he heard, and word was that she wasn't half bad at fighting either. Dick picked up his pen and smiled ear to ear. She didn't have a figure that was half bad either. Now, if only he knew her name...

* * *

A young boy around thirteen was reclining in his hospital bed. His eyes were glued to the t.v., a newsreport about Superman coming in from Metropolis. A soft knock sounded from the door. He turned to see who is was.

"Come in" He chimed brightly. The door opened and the guest entered. His blue eyes shone as he saw who it was. "Barbara!"

"Hey Tim" She replied sweetly. The nurse took a seat near the boy on his bed. Gone was the dumb, gangster doll voice. Instead, it was soft, sweet, and kind. The boy smiled and gave her a hug. "How are you feeling today?"

"My side hurts a little, but no big deal" Tim said casually. He didn't like admitting there was much pain, especially to her. He had never met a more intelligent, gentle, or more beautiful nurse. Barbara smiled and ruffled the boy's raven hair.

"Should I call the doctor?" She asked softly. Tim shook his head and put his head on her shoulder. The nurse kissed his head gingerly. "Are you sure you're ok? If you're in pain, then I should really-"

"It's all right... I'm just tired... It doesn't hurt now..." Tim looked up at her with his big blue eyes and a warm smile. He snuggled close. She was almost like a sister to him, always looking out for his needs...

"Do you need anything?" Barbara asked softly. It broke her heart to see such a lively child, his whole life ahead of him, confined to the hospital walls.

"Nah, I'm good..." The boy gave her a quick squeeze, and leaned back against his bed. He didn't want to tell her that his side was hurting again. An idea occurred to him. "Um... Babs?"

"Yea?"

"Will you sing for me? It helps me sleep..." He replied quietly.

"Anything for you Tim..." Barbara cleared her throat. He relaxed, his eyes settled on her contently. She took a small breath, and smiled. Then she began. "You are my sunshine, my only sun shine- You make me happy, when skies are gray- You never know dear, how much I love you-"

"Please don't take, my sunshine away" Tim joined in the final line. Barbara took a deep breath, holding back the tears. His father was a reformed thug. He was currently working in the mail room of Wayne Enterprises. His mother had died of pneumonia when he was three. Then about two years ago, he began having a pain in his side. It didn't take long for the doctor to see that the boy had a rare kidney disease. His back would hurt too. Hopefully the boy would get a transplant- but as the days went on, his time was running out. "Hey Babs... can you sing the one that you sang the other day? The sweetheart one?"

"If it helps you sleep, why not?" Barbara took a moment to think it through, then she began to hum the last verse. Then she went into the song. "Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you. Let me hear you whisper, that you love, me too... Keep that bright light glowing, in your eyes so blue... Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love, with, you"

Tim gave a lazy smile and closed his eyes. "That was nice... Thanks..."

Barbara got up and made her way to the door, flipping the light off. She smiled sadly. "I'll see you around ten, ok Tim? Sleep well"

"See ya" The boy muttered half asleep. He shifted to ease the pain that had started in his back. Barbara hummed softly, breaking into the last line once again.

"Keep that bright light glowing, in your eyes so blue- Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love, with, you" The door closed, the boy now sound asleep. Barbara wiped away several tears from her cheeks. It wasn't fair... She started down the hall, when her watch went off. She bit her lip, looked around, then headed for the elevator. She had an important meeting on the fifth floor of Gotham Memorial in a conference room.

[The Guitar Slayer]

Selina Kyle, a nurse? Barb Gordon, an airhead? Dick Grayson, a professional doctor? Boy, this is a rewrite! And good one, too.

[Batgirl]

A man with a sharp nose, with glasses perched on top of it flipped through several papers. His black eyes glittered with hidden dark desires, and a huge grin spread across his face.

"What are you grinning about?" A cold, harsh voice asked. The man looked up gleefully, holding in the urge to laugh. He held up a paper.

"Harvey my boy, we hit the jackpot! All we have to do it unplug that little brat and the money's ours! We're going to be rich!" He let out a chilling cackle.

"And the parents?" The cold voice replied. The man with the glasses stopped laughing, his eyes growing dull, the disturbing grin faded.

"Oh yea... Them... I forgot about that..."

"That's the trouble with you Jack... You forget small details- always skipping to the middle" Harvey leaned back in a comfy lounge chair in Conference room 12. He took out a quarter and began to flip it.

"Hardy, har, har, old boy... That's funny..." Jack swiped at the papers lining his desk, scattering them everywhere. He sighed in frustration and put his chin in his hand, throwing the glasses down. "So... Now what?"

"Jack, Jack, Jack... You're impatient... That's why I'm here..." Harvey glanced at his friend, and he snickered. He grinned cruelly. "With my connections, the small details you left out won't be there for long... And then we're rich"

"Harv, my boy... I like the way you think" Jack began to laugh, sending out a high pitched, chilling shriek. A knock sounded at the door. Jack stopped laughing, startled by the sound. Harvey looked at the door nervously. Jack cleared his throat. "Come in"

"Hey Jack. Hi honey" Barbara smiled warmly and waved to Harvey. Harvey smiled and got up, going to meet the lovely nurse.

"Baby, good to see you... How was your day?"

"It was all right... Poor Tim is still in pain" The dumb, gangster doll voice had returned. Harvey put on a mock understanding look and nodded. The woman's blue eyes shone with compassion. "Poor dear..."

"Yea, poor dear, just like that poor Bruce Wayne..." Harvey remarked rather dryly. Jack held in the urge to laugh again, surpressing even the smallest grin. Instead he nodded, as if sympathizing.

"Mr. Wayne? Then you haven't heard?" Barbara grinned at him. "He's awake!"

"HE'S WHAT?!?!" Harvey screamed, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head.

"He's awake!" Barbara chirped happily. "Isn't it great?"

"Great?! What's so..." Harvey took a deep breath, controlling his temper. The nurse looked at him curiously. Jack stared at his partner wide eyed. "Yea... Peachy..."

"What's the matter honey? You look pale" The nurse gently made her way over to Harvey and put a hand to his head. He glared at her, grabbing her wrist and twisting it. She cried out in pain. "HARVEY!"

"Look, if I want feel ill I'll tell you! Keep your paws off me!" He smacked the woman, causing her to hit the floor. She trembled, looking up at him in fear.

"Sorry hon, I just..." Barbara looked down, falling silent. She didn't want to make it any worse. Harvey sighed and rubbed his temples. He pulled her up roughly.

"No baby... I'm sorry... I should be better... Forgive me?" Harvey's eyes were wide and innocent, begging for forgiveness. Barbara took a breath, wincing.

"Yea..." She looked down, praying he'd let her go.

"That's my good girl..." Harvey pulled her close, grabbing her chin with his hand and forcing them to see eye to eye. She smiled weakly. He kissed her forehead roughly and chuckled, trying to hide his anger. He smiled at her coldly. "Hey baby, I'll see you later... You have work don't you?"

"Yea... Bye honey... See you later Jack" Barbara waved and scampered out of the room quickly, glad to get away. Harvey sighed loudly and looked down, deep in thought. He walked over to his chair and flopped down.

"Nice chick ya got there... Pretty too"

"Whatever" Harvey muttered, still thinking. Jack leaned back in his chair. His eyes were dancing with light again and he chuckled.

"My, my... Quite the looker... She open Saturday night?"

"You have your own doll Napiar" Harvey growled softly, his eyes flashing.

"I know, but I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about that dashing doctor of Wayne's... Several times I've seen his eyes on her..."

"So?"

"Just think... She could get all the information we need... You don't think the doctor will just tell us what's wrong do you?" Jack leaned forward intently.

"Hm... Not a bad point..." Harvey rubbed his chin thoughtfully, grinning. "Not a bad point at all... I like your idea... That way we don't have to kill him- right away anyhow... And his parents can have a nice night on the town..."

"Followed by an unfortunate accident... You know... Drunk driver... That will get that pesky butler out of the way too" Jack added. The two burst out laughing.

* * *

Bruce looked up from his ten a.m. check up as his parents entered, grinning ear to ear. Selina looked over her shoulder and smiled at the older couple. She was glad to see them so happy... Thomas and Martha were followed by two all too familiar figures. Bruce felt a large fit in his stomach.

"Bruce honey, I'd like you two meet two very important people... This is Jack Napiar" Martha gestured to the man on her left, who was tall and skinny. A small pair of glasses sat upon his sharp nose. Jack smiled politely and nodded. "He's our personal accountant..."

"Pleased to meet you Bruce" Jack said respectably.

"And this is Harvey Dent" Thomas announced proudly, gesturing to the well built man on his right. The man was tall, dark haired, and had a powerful presence. "He's our attorney... And the District Attorney..."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Wayne" Harvey said, his voice cool and calm, a pleasant smile on his face. He put out his hand in a friendly manner. Bruce nodded and shook. He could see in Harvey's eyes a trace of malice. Selina looked down, not wanting to make eye contact with the lawyer.

"Likewise..." Bruce replied softly. The attorney turned back to his parents and they talked of how to handle the press. While they were talking, Dick entered and conferred with Selina. Bruce just watched. Selina handed Dick the chart and then left, to take care of another patient on the floor. The doctor smiled warmly at Bruce.

"So, how ya feeling this morning?"

"Good, thank you..." Bruce smiled back at the doctor. Even if his accountant and lawyer were unpleasant, he still had a great doctor- and nurse for that matter.... The thought of Selina caused Bruce's smile to widen slightly. The doctor gave him an "I know who you're thinking of" look and chuckled. "She's a nice nurse"

"Yea... We have a lot of nice nurses here" Dr. Grayson grinned slightly and clipped the chart to the bed. Bruce blushed. "Did the tests go well?"

"Yes, there wasn't any pain and it seemed to help the other doctors"

"That's good to hear-"

"So, Doc, what's the prognosis?" Harvey butted in suddenly. Dick scowled at the man. Bruce could tell that there was bad blood between the two. Barbara entered the room, keeping close to the door.

"That's between the patient and me... And don't think flowery language impresses me Mr. Dent..." Dick replied venomously. Bruce saw anger flicker in Dent's eyes.

"I'm just looking out for the well being of my client"

"Well being my-" Dick looked at Bruce's parents and stopped, keeping himself in check. He was a professional... He could handle this... "If 'your client' wants to tell you, then he can. But this is confidential... You should know all about that type of information.... You know, you being a lawyer and all"

"Of course..." Harvey said coolly, his eyes flickering at the Doctor. Dick held his ground. Bruce took a deep breath, this wasn't good... Suddenly Barbara piped up.

"Excuse me Dr. Grayson, but you're late for Tim's appointment... He's not been feeling so good, even if he puts on a good show... I really would appreciate it if you'd hurry" Barbara said, her voice soft and worried. Dick turned to her, and for a split second Bruce saw Dick's shields drop. Bruce grinned, for the moment letting the name of the patient slip. Barbara looked at the doctor pleadingly. "Please?"

"Uh, sure... Bruce" Dick looked at his patient, who nodded, still smiling. Barbara went to the doctor's side and smiled at Bruce. "Thank you nurse Gordon"

"Anytime" Her voice in the gangster doll manner again. Dick scribbled one last thing on the chart and looked up- directly into the nurse's eyes. He suddenly lost his voice and was froze. Barbara grinned, her eyes shining. She handed him the chart. "You'll need this"

"Yea..." Dick took the chart, and after a moment regained his ability to function properly. Bruce snickered softly. Dent watched the situation carefully, taking in every detail. The doctor shook his head and then left the room. Barbara giggled softly and turned to the man in the bed.

"Nice to see ya back Mr. Wayne" She chirped brightly. He smiled weakly and nodded. Her voice reminded him too much of Harley Quinn...

"Mr. Dent, I'm so sorry, but Dr. Grayson has had a hard night..." Martha began. Bruce turned back to the conversation. Barbara slipped out of the room quietly to attend to her duties.

"It's all right Mrs. Wayne... Doctors and lawyers never get along- It's a fact of nature" Harvey said matter-of-factly. The joke caused laughter between the parents and employees, but Bruce kept his eyes on the door. Jack engaged his parents further in conversation, and Harvey slipped out the door. Several minutes later he returned. Bruce watched him go into the group and join in the socializing, as if nothing had happened. Bruce's eyes narrowed. He wondered what Dent was up to and where he had gone. No doubt Dick was right in warning him. There was an old saying that said a rich man, was a dead man...

* * *

Barbara waited for the elevator patiently, humming "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," her thoughts back on the boy she adored. Suddenly she felt a hand over her mouth, and something tight grasping her shoulder. She was dragged off into an unused side room and thrown into a wall. She whimpered softly and turned. Harvey was glaring at her. She smiled weakly.

"Harvey honey.... What's the matter?"

"I saw the way you looked at that Doctor..." He drew closer, Barbara trembled and looked at him fearfully. She cowered against the wall.

"Please Harvey, he's nice but I promise you're my guy... I haven't been untrue" Harvey put his arms over her shoulder, so that he was towering above her. She whimpered and closed her eyes. She knew all too well about his temper. She cowered and looked down. "Please... please don't hurt me..."

"Do you like him? Come on baby... Just be honest" He said softly.

"No.... You're my-' Barbara cried out as she felt Harvey grab her shoulders. Her eyes opened, wide with terror. She cried out in fear. He smiled coldly.

"No... You like the doctor... You like him, understand?" Barbara just nodded, too frightened to do anything else but agree. Harvey smiled cruelly, his voice deepening. "That's my girl... Now, this is what my girl's gonna do- You're gonna get the doctor to like you... Got it?"

"Yea I got it" Barbara replied weakly.

"And then you're gonna get him to tell you everything. Anything that will help us find out what's wrong with Bruce, and anything that will keep that pesky doc out of our way, understand?"

"Sure thing hon..."

"And then... When this is over, we'll get married, and be rich. Understand? Rich..." Dent growled softly. Barbara shook her head, comprehending what he wanted to do. He smiled coldly. "Good... I'll see you later baby"

Harvey released her and Barbara slipped down against the wall, shaking. She waited for several minutes, frozen with terror. Then, making sure he was out of ear shot, she curled into a ball and began to cry. She was beginning to wish she had never met Harvey Dent...