Gotham's Penguin Problem

by Windrises

Meet Penny Meredith. She's the daughter of two rich parents, who compete with Black Mask. After a tragedy happens, Penny decides to get revenge and become the Penguin.

Note: Batman is owned by DC Comics and was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane.

Meet Penny Meredith. She was a young, black-haired woman, who was very wealthy. Her parents, Tom and Cara Meredith, were rich people, who were part of the Meredith family business. For years, the Merediths were at the top of the business in Gotham City. However, as the years kept going, more rival businesses came and started getting the honor, of having Gotham's top business.

At first, the Meredith's biggest business rival was the Falcone family, led by Carmine Falcone. The Falcones practically owned Gotham, until Bruce Wayne became Batman and put an end to their operations. Although the Merediths had a few more rivals along the way, including Sal Maroni, Rupert Thorne, and Black Mask, they still matinee their wealthy reputation and were incredibly successful.

Penny still lived at her parents' house, since they lived in a mansion. Although Penny had a caring soft side, it often became hard to tell that. She was quite fond of how easy her life is, that she became a bit spoiled. She often had the family butler take care of her chores. Also, she often spent lots of money on absurd purchases, like statues and paintings of her favorite animal, penguins.

When Penny was a little girl, the first film her parents showed her was a documentary about penguins. Although Penny thought the overdramatic narrator was a bit much, she quickly became interested in penguins. She thought they had a unique look and lifestyle, that was different from the other animals. Being a penguin fangirl wasn't something, that was easy for her to deal with. She was frequently bullied and made fun of, for being such a big fan of penguins. She had dressed as a penguin so many times, that she had a closet of penguin Halloween costumes.

One day, Penny was in her bedroom, while watching a penguin documentary. The butler knocked on the door. Penny paused the film, sighed, and said, "You can come in."

The butler entered the room and said, "Your parents would like you to come to the living room."

Penny replied, "Very well then."

A few minutes later, Penny climbed down the stairs and went to the living room. She was wearing a penguin t-shirt and a normal pair of jeans, which was awkward to her parents, who were both wearing tuxedos. Penny sat on the couch and asked, "What's going on?"

Tom said, "We have sparkling news."

Penny sighed and asked, "What is it?"

Cara answered, "We are Gotham's richest family."

Penny asked, "What about Black Mask and the others?"

Tom had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "Those losers used to challenge us, but not anymore. Your mother and I made a business deal with Bruce Wayne, that put millions into our pockets. We're well ahead of those other guys."

Cara looked at Penny and asked, "Isn't this the best of news?" Penny shrugged her shoulders.

Tom had a confused look on his face, while asking, "Why aren't you more thrilled?"

Penny answered, "It's hard to be excited, about having more money. Don't get me wrong, I love buying lots of cool and all, but I think we have all the money we could ever need."

Tom disapprovingly shook his head and replied, "Penny, you don't seem to understand the importance, that comes from being Gotham's richest citizens. It's not about being able to buy tons of cars, toys, and crap like that. It's about having the wealthiest reputation, that's humanly possible."

Penny failed to see what her dad was trying to say. She did go through a spoiled-brat phase, when she was a teenager. However, she eventually got over that and stopped being so money-crazy. She still loved money, but she didn't any of kind of need, in becoming Gotham's richest daughter. She asked, "What's so important about our family's reputation?"

Tom had an amused look on his face, while saying, "Wow, you're really not comprehending this. I'm going to have to explain it, in further detail."

Cara got up and said, "I'll get some tea." She started heading to the kitchen.

Tom straightened his monocle, while saying, "Penny, a family's reputation is a key factor, in becoming relevant and popular. You see, by being one of Gotham's richest families, you'll get some attention, but nothing that huge. However, by becoming Gotham's richest family, you become something far more iconic and far more special. By being Gotham's richest family, everybody will know us. You don't have to make small-talk or do any favors, in order to earn other peoples' respect and friendship."

Penny asked, "Isn't working for respect better, than buying it?"

Tom shook his head and said, "Respect may seem like a worthwhile concept, but that's a drafty rumor. If you want something, just buy it. For example, instead of wasting time making friendships, I just pay a butler. It's much easier. Plus, servants do things that friends would never agree to."

Cara returned, with a bottle of tea. She looked at Penny and asked, "Are you starting to realize the importance of money?"

Penny casually answered, "You could say that."

Meanwhile, Rupert Thorne and Sal Maroni were having a meeting with Black Mask, at Black Mask's company. The three corrupt businessmen were very upset, because the Meredith family was making a lot more money than them. Out of the three of them, Black Mask was the most crafty and dangerous, so Rupert Thorne and Sal Maroni put their trust in them.

Black Mask said, "Gentlemen, the Meredith family has been a real problem, for years. Now that they're officially called Gotham's richest family, we're starting to look bad."

Rupert replied, "You can say that again."

Black Mask frowned at him and said, "I don't do repeats. What I do is great results."

Sal looked at him and said, "We're aware of that. That's why we went directly to you."

Black Mask had an intimidating look on his face, while asking, "What do you guys want?"

Rupert was surprised he had to explain it. He said, "I think it's rather clear, when it comes to what we need. We need the Merediths to lose some business."

Black Mask got up and started pacing the around, while asking, "Lose some business? This is why I'm the top mob boss in Gotham, rather than you two dorks. If we want the Merediths out of our hair, we need to ruin their entire business."

Sal replied, "Fair enough. How are we going to make that happen?"

Black Mask calmly said, "I have the resources and guts, to make that happen. However, you know I have a price."

Rupert and Sal knew this was coming. They assumed Black Mask would ask for money. However, they hoped he wouldn't ask for too much. Rupert asked, "How much do you want?"

Black Mask said, "Two million, from both of you."

Sal said, "Excuse me?"

Black Mask replied, "The Merediths are run by a couple. In order to get the couple of the way, you need to cough up two million."

Rupert responded, "That's asking quite a lot, especially for one job."

Black Mask punched his desk and said, "Don't be idiots, no matter how easily you can do that. If you don't pay me, to get the Merediths out of the way, they're going to dominate your business. In fact, they could put you out of business. If your common sense ever turns on, you'll agree to my little offer." Rupert and Sal nodded, while Black Mask had an evil smile on his face.

The next day, Penny spent several hours shopping, going to the mall, and goofing around. She also went to the zoo, so she could see the penguins. She took several pictures, including some selfies. She also bought some penguin-related merchandise, including a few action figures and stuffed animals.

After Penny finished her shopping, she headed home. However, she saw that several police officers were standing outside the mansion. She looked nervous and confused, while trying to find the butler. After a few minutes of searching around, she found him. She asked, "What's going on?"

The butler answered, "Rather grim things, I'm afraid."

Penny tapped Commissioner Gordon's shoulder and said, "Sir, what's going on?"

Commissioner Gordon let out a sad sigh. It was clear, that he didn't want to be doing this. He said, "Penny Meredith, I have some sad news."

Penny asked, "What is it?"

Commissioner Gordon said, "Your parents have been murdered."

Penny had a devastated look on her face, while asking, "Who did it and why would someone do such a despicable thing?"

Commissioner Gordon answered, "Some people are so corrupt and messed-up in the head, that they'll do this type of stuff. I'm truly sorry for your loss."

Penny put her hands over her face. Although her parents were greedy, they loved her and cared for her. A few tears came out of her eyes. She felt confused, so she asked, "What am I supposed to do?"

Commissioner Gordon was hoping there was some way, that he could help her out. Suddenly, thought popped into his head. He looked at her and said, "You're not the only person, whose had to deal with this kind of tragedy. One of Gotham's richest citizens, Bruce Wayne, lost his parents, because of Joe Chill. Perhaps, he can comfort you."

Commissioner Gordon drove to Bruce Wayne's mansion, while having Penny in his car. He explained the situation to Bruce, who agreed to help her out.

Penny walked into Bruce Wayne's mansion. Alfred Pennyworth poured some tea, for her and Bruce. Bruce Wayne often tried to act like an immature playboy, to disguise his Batman identity. However, since Penny was dealing with a much more serious situation, he tried to act more proper. He said, "Greetings, Penny Meredith. It's nice to meet you. I'm really sorry, about what's happened."

Penny shook Bruce's hand and replied, "Thank you. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with my life. My parents were like my bosses. I felt like they controlled my destiny and my future."

Bruce asked, "Can't you follow your own path?"

Penny shook her head and said, "Things aren't that simplistic, Mr. Wayne. You see, my parents were obsessed with their reputation. They loved being known, as being Gotham's richest family. With my parents gone, the family's supply of wealth will likely go down. Several people, like Black Mask, Sal Maroni, and Rupert Thorne, will become richer than my family, which will affect their reputation. If I don't come up with some grand money-making scheme, my parents' legacy will plummet and I'll have the worst reputation of them all."

Bruce could relate, to how Penny felt. After Thomas and Martha Wayne got shot, the Wayne family was still rich, but it didn't have the same legacy and impact, that it used to have. In order to save it, Bruce played a pivotal role at Wayne Industries and brought proudness and honor, to the Wayne family's legacy. Since Penny was in a very similar situation, Bruce thought he'd be able to help. Bruce suggested, "Maybe you could go into business, make some deals, sell a few companies."

Penny had a guilty look on her face, while saying, "I'm no expert, when it comes to that kind of stuff. My parents often wanted me to pay attention to their business meetings, but it was to hard for me. I was a kid, so I played with dolls and watched cartoons. I'm no businesswoman. I'm also no professional." She put her hands over face, while saying, "I'm doomed."

Bruce calmly replied, "I don't think you are. I also didn't know anything about business. However, I took the time and did the research, that was needed."

Penny responded, "I don't have that kind of time, Mr. Wayne. In a few weeks, Black Mask and the others will probably find a way, to take over Gotham's business." Suddenly, a thought popped in her head. Whoever got rid of her parents, must of been one of their competitors. Since Black Mask was their most ruthless and persistent, Penny knew he was the one responsible. She got up and said, "I need to get going, Mr. Wayne."

Bruce had a guilty look on his face, while saying, "I'm sorry I wasn't a bigger help."

Penny replied, "No need to worry about that. In fact, you kind of helped me." She walked out and started backing to her mansion.

Alfred walked up to Bruce and asked, "How did things go?"

Bruce said, "I guess things went okay, but I feel really bad about the situation. Being a detective, I figured out Black Mask's the one who had her parents killed. However, I couldn't share that information with her. Thankfully, as Batman, I'll be able to bring Black Mask to justice."

Penny went into her bedroom. In order to get revenge on Black Mask, she was planning on becoming more like him. She wanted to take on a new identity, in order to show she was a new type of person. She dug around her closet and found a black tuxedo, with a top hat, a monocle, and an umbrella. She changed into the outfit and carried the umbrella. Her umbrella was meant for self-defense, rather than protecting her from the rain. By pressing a button, a sword would pop out, which Penny planned on using.

In order to reflect her new lifestyle, Penny figured she needed a new film. Since penguins played such a big and nostalgic role in her, Penny decided to call herself the Penguin.

Meanwhile, Rupert Thorne and Sal Maroni came into Black Mask's building. They both looked a bit annoyed, since they had to pay Black Mask so much money. Black Mask had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "Gentlemen, it's lovely to see you."

Rupert sighed and said, "You did a great job, than we could of ever expected."

Sal said, "There's no chance, that the Meredith can stop, at this point."

Rupert said, "Well done, Black Mask."

Black Mask replied, "Thank you. When it comes to getting down to business, I'm the best."

A few hours later, Penny, now called the Penguin, burst into Black Mask's building. She was wearing her the tuxedo and was carrying the umbrella. She walked into the building, while having a smug smile on her face. The Penguin said, "Greetings, Black Mask. Perhaps you're not aware of who I am, but let me guarantee you something: I'm about to change your reputation."

Black Mask frowned at her and replied, "You're right, about me not knowing who you are. I assume you're a fellow businessman or something like that. I don't allow people in here, without an exception." A smug look came upon his face, while saying, "However, if you're an extremely rich person, who wants to give your cash to me, appointments aren't needed."

The Penguin pressed her umbrella's button, which unleashed the sword. She had an evil smile on her face, while saying, "I'm not here to go into business with you. In fact, I'm going to put you out of business." She started walking closer to Black Mask. Black Mask tried to run away, but the Penguin used the umbrella, to knock him to the ground. Penguin stepped on Black Mask, while saying, "Now, I'm going to put an end, to all of your shady business."

Batman burst into building. He was planning on beating up Black Mask and having him arrested, but he saw that Penguin had much different plans. Batman strongly frowned upon destroying others, even villains, so he hoped he could stop the Penguin. He ran up to her and punched her, so he could take her umbrella away.

Black Mask had a confused look on his face, while asking, "Batman saved my life? Gotham keeps getting nuttier."

Batman took a closer look at the Penguin and knew who she was. Batman said, "Penny, I understand why you'd hate Black Mask, but killing others is never the answer."

Black Mask asked, "Who's Penny?"

The Penguin angrily said, "I'm the daughter of the Merediths."

Black Mask replied, "Eliminating me won't restore your parents' precious reputation."

Batman responded, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Black Mask." Hearing Batman say that made Black Mask get a sneaky grin, on his face. Batman looked at the Penguin and said, "If you destroy Black Mask, your parents' reputation will become more infamous and shady. If anything, it'd be disrespectful to your parents."

The Penguin thought about what Batman was saying and she struggled to find a compelling argument. She sighed and said, "It seems like you're right, Mr. Batman. I want my parents to have a respectable reputation, not a shady one. However, Black Mask must be brought to justice."

Batman replied, "I agree with you." Batman grabbed Black Mask and started fighting him, along with the Penguin's help. Although Black Mask was a successful businessman, his physical strength wasn't that impressive. Thanks to that and because of Batman and Penguin's teamwork, Black Mask got defeated and passed-out.

After the fight was over, Batman smiled at the Penguin and said, "You live to your parents' legacy, incredibly well. In the afterlife, I know they're proud of you."

The Penguin replied, "And your parents are proud of you." Batman nodded and took Black Mask away. For the first time in years, Penguin felt proud of herself. She smiled, while squawking.