Batwoman/original character: Femslash. A/U. Not following any certain canon...maybe some bits and peices but it's an A/U. The hardest part is moving forward.

Chapter 1

Night time.

Gotham City.

Darkened Alley.

The young man ran desperately trying to out wit the shadowy figure chasing him. Making a sharp left he immediately regretted the move. He skidded to a stop and looked widely around and swore under his breath.

"That's not a very polite thing to say Jeremy."

Jeremy spun around and backed up slowly as the figure moved forward, matching him step for step. He felt his back against the brick wall; he had no escape. He began to tremble.

"Please. They'll kill them!" He begged. A gloved hand reached out of the shadows to gently cradle Jeremy's cheek making the young man shake even more.

"No they won't," the figure said gently. Shaking his head wildly, Jeremy's eyes darted around, afraid.

"I can't! They have my family!" He began to whimper as his knees started to buckle. The hand that had been cradling his cheek now cupped his chin in a firm grip.

"Tell me," the figure demanded quietly. Shaking his head, Jeremy continued to whimper and beg for his family's life.

Gripping his chin tighter, making Jeremy cry out, the figure finally stepped forward and leaned in to speak softly in his ear.

"Tell me and I will make them pay," the red head ordered. With tears in his eyes Jeremy whispered the address of a warehouse. Satisfied with his answer, Batwoman let go of his face and let the man sink to the ground. She stared at the whimpering man and shook her head sadly.

"Go home, Jeremy. You need to be there when your family arrives," she said gently. With that, she spun on her heal and disappeared into the night.

BWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBW

Wincing as she grabbed for her towel, Kate dried herself off then wrapped the towel around her as she stepped out of the shower. Wiping away the steam from the mirror, Kate studied herself. A dark bruise covered her upper right arm and another on her shoulder. The corner of her lip stung where someone had landed a right hook.

It was a long night. Jeremy's wife and twin girls were finally returned safely but the damage had been done. It would be a long time before any of them felt…normal.

Kate sighed as she ran a comb through her thick red hair. She quickly dressed and exited her bathroom.

"Good work soldier," Jake Kane said as he leaned against the door frame. Smiling tightly, Kate nodded.

"Thank you sir." Jake glanced at his daughter. And felt a wave of protectiveness crash down on him.

"Maybe you should have someone look at that," he suggested softly as he motioned at the bruises. Looking down at her arm then looking back up at her father, she shook her head.

"I'm fine sir." She turned away and headed for her bedroom. Jake ran a hand over his tired eyes and followed.

"Kate…," Jake said slowly.

Kate sighed as she heard the tone in her father's voice. She turned to look at him.

"I'm fine pop. Really," she said as she went over to him and gave him a hug. Not really convinced, Jake wrapped his arms around his daughter.

"Ok, sweetheart," he said as he kissed the top of Kate's head. Smiling softly, Kate stood on tip toe and lightly kissed her father's cheek.

"Good night dad." Realizing that Kate wasn't going to say no more, Jake nodded in defeat.

"G'night sweetheart."

BWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBW

Morning.

Gotham City.

Townhouse.

"Corey! Michelle! Time for breakfast!"

A muffled groan could be heard upstairs. Both women laughed as they looked at each other.

"You sound just like mom," said one of the women. The other woman laughed as she remembered.

"Funny you should say that," she said with a grin. They both turned to see a pair of ruffled twins.

"Why do we have to wake up so early?" Corey asked sleepily.

"Yeah. It's barely morning," Michelle said as she yawned. Both adults shared a quick glance before turning their attention to the two girls.

"It's eight in the morning, and I have to get to work," said their mother. The girls groaned and pouted as their mother got busy with their lunches. Their aunt just hopped up onto the counter and laughed.

"Yup, you totally sound like mom," she said with a grin. The twins laughed as their mother threw a dish towel at their aunt.

"You're not helping Shay," Jamie said with a smirk. Shay gave her twin sister an identical smirk.

"Yup you're right. I'm not helping," Shay said as she took a sip of her coffee. She quickly ducked as Jamie tossed a scrunched up napkin at her. The girls laughed as they watched their mother and aunt tease each other relentlessly. After a moment their mother seemed to have enough fun and turned to smile at her daughters.

"I gotta get going," she paused as her girls moaned. "I'll be in a meeting all morning so I need to leave early. Bobbie will take you to school, right?" Jamie glanced at her sister.

"Of course I will!" Shay smiled and threw a wink at her nieces. They laughed.

"I'm serious Shay, I'm tired of getting called in by the principle," Jamie said sternly. Holding up her hands, Shay nodded solemnly.

"I swear I'll get them to school."

"On time," Jamie added. Sighing dramatically, Shay threw her hands up playfully.

"Alright! Alright! I'll get them there on time."

Satisfied, Jamie just leaned over and hugged her sister. She leaned back a bit and playfully pointed her finger at her.

"I'm trusting you. Don't let me down," Jamie said with a teasing smile. Shay just nodded and laughed as her sister ruffled her hair. Jamie grabbed her brief case and kissed both her daughter's good bye.

"God…I hate these damn meetings," Jamie said over her shoulder. She quickly slipped on a pair of heels and slipped on her jacket.

"Yeah, but you're good at bossing people around," Shay said with a gentle smile. They watched as the girls ran up stairs to get their things ready for school.

"True. But I really hate wearing these damn suits! You on the other hand don't give a rat's ass how you look," Jamie said wistfully. Throwing her head back, Shay wrapped an arm around her sister's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"The joys of working from home." Just then the twins came barrelling down the stairs. They both hugged their mother before running off to the kitchen for breakfast.

Shaking her head, Jamie sighed sadly.

"Their growing up so fast."

Shay could see that her sister really wanted to be the one to spend time with her daughters. Unfortunately, her job just didn't allow it.

"Come on, the sooner you get that meeting over with; the sooner you'll be home with the twins. We can go to the park after diner – how's that sound?"

Jamie gave her sister a small smile and nodded.

"I'd love that."

With that Jamie gave her sister a kiss on the cheek and headed out the door.

BWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBW

After dropping the twins at school with the promise of after school practice in the park, Shay got herself ready for her morning 'job'.

Grabbing her coffee mug then refilling it, Shay made her way to her decent sized studio and sat down. She picked up the headset and pulled the mic towards her and flipped a few switches.

"He partner," Mike Reno asked as he slipped in his place across from Shay. He slipped on his headphones and pulled his mic to him. Shay nodded and smiled. Their manager gave them the signal and both switched on their mic's.

"Good morning Gotham City! It is now 9:15 and so glad you could join us. I'm Mike Reno and that was the latest single by Justin Beiber," Mike said in his deep voice.

"And I'm Shay Cooper. So, this morning after I dropped of the twins, I was flipping through the news paper like we normally do before the show -"

"How do you 'flip' through the paper?" Mike playfully interrupted. Shay gave her friend a smirk.

"Oh Mike, did the small school bus drop you off this morning," Shay asked teasingly. Mike laughed at that.

"No, no, no! I'm just asking 'cus most people, they say 'sift' through it or something like that. I've never heard anyone-"

"You don't 'sift' through a newspaper do you?" Then look over to their manager, Shay asked him, "General, do you sift through your paper?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. I also flip through it and a whole hoist of other things," he replied diplomatically. Teddy 'The General' Stewart was a long time friend of Shay's and manager of KISS FM 99.9 radio.

"Do we even wanna know what the other stuff is?" Mike teased.

"Mike!" Shay gasped. Mike laughed as did Teddy.

"That's a whole other show, guys!" Teddy replied in his defence. Everyone laughed as they continued the conversation.

"As I was saying, the headline caught my eye. Now everyone has heard about that terrible kidnapping of the Reed twins-"

"Oh yeah, that was…it's terrifying to know that there are people out there like that," Mike said seriously.

"The front page in big bold letters says that – if you haven't already heard – they have been found. Alive."

There was a collective sigh of relief that could be heard over the air waves.

"Thank God," Mike said solemnly.

Nodding Shay skimmed through the story and found what she was looking for.

"Apparently, Batwoman was the one who found not only the girls but the guys that took them. What? You're giving me this look," Shay asked when she saw Mike's expression.

"Nothing really-"

"You sure?" Teddy asked. Mike knew there was no way to avoid this.

"I am as much of a fan of Batwoman as you two are but-"

"I knew there was a butt in there," Shay said playfully. She knew this could turn explosive if they weren't careful.

"I'm just saying, I'm glad she's on our side, but what kind of example is she really setting for young girls? And the public in general?" Shay was silent for a moment. She looked over to Teddy who was pondering over his argument.

"How do you mean?"

"Now I'm not saying she's a bad influence or anything but the stuff she does. It's bordering on criminal… almost vigilantism." Everyone was silent. They weren't exactly sure how to answer that.

Teddy held up a sign for them to play a song. Shay announced the title and switched off her mic.

"What the hell are you doing?" She asked as she took off her headset. Mike just held his hands up.

"I love what she does. I'm all for what she stands for, but you gotta admit, how she gets her info is questionable."

"I can't believe you're doing this? My niece's love her and you're going to discredit her over not sharing certain info? Gimmie a break!"

"1 minute guys," Teddy informed them.

Shaking her head Shay slipped on her headphones and got ready for the next segment. It was gonna be a long morning.

BWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBW

"Personally, I think, she is the only one that can get into the criminal mind. She can anticipate what they will do next. Besides the cops, God love 'em, don't have that kind of…power or influence, whatever you wanna call it. She's doing what no one will or even can do. That includes the cops."

The DJ named Shay gave a convincing argument. The other named Mike was still sceptical.

"True. I'll give her that. But the truth of the matter is that she is breaking all kinds of laws by doing what she does-"

"I get that. But if you wanted a by-the-book hero, where was Wonder Woman? Superman? Where were they? It's all great when you're trying to defuse an explosive situation, negotiating…hell if you wanna stop a war, call Wonder Woman! Fine by me. But when you're racing against the clock, or dealing with the dirtiest scum of the earth, you call someone that is willing to bend a few rules and get their hands dirty.

You get yourself Batwoman. She will get results that Wonder Woman's lasso can't get."

Kate couldn't help but smile a little. Wonder Woman, eh? She cranked up the volume as she stopped for a red light. Mike had finished his spiel and Shay was going for another round.

"If that were my kid, God forbid, I would do everything and anything; I mean anything, to get them back. If it means cracking open a few heads, so be it-"

"So you're basically willing to throw yourself in jail to get your loved one-"

"Hell yeah! Batwoman is one of us. She get's it, she knows the darkest places that people can go to when they've been pushed to their limits. That's why she does what she does so we don't ever have to."

Kate let out a full blown smile. The station didn't play the greatest music, well not her kind of music, but it was always fun to listen to the debates and discussions the two DJ's had. And that Shay Cooper sounded sexy as hell, Kate thought with a smirk.

Kate had to hand it to Shay. The woman knew her stuff. She would love to meet DJ Cooper when she wasn't busy. I can pull some strings, Kate thought with a sly smile. She was interrupted when she heard DJ Cooper again.

"Alright, I think it's time to lighten up the mood. What do you think boss?"

"Sounds like a plan. The first 3 callers with the correct answer to today's trivia question will get tickets…"

Kate half listened as she drove to meet up with her cousin, Betty. It had been awhile since they did anything and Kate was feeling guilty for not spending as much time with the young blonde. As if reading her mind, her cell phone rang. Quickly answering it, Kate smiled at the voice on the other end.

"Hey Cousin! We still on?"

"Yup. I'm on my way there now," Kate replied with a chuckle. Just then an advertisement for some product came on the radio. Shay was the announcer. SEX was the first thing that popped into Kate's head when she heard that voice.

"Hello? Kate? You still there?"

Kate blinked and realized she was still on the phone.

"Uh…yeah. Sorry. I was listening to the radio-"

"Ohh! Is that the Coop and Reno Show? I love them!" Betty said excitedly. "GCU has them playing every morning. They're like, the unofficial DJ's for GCU!" Laughing at how animated her cousin got Kate just shook her head.

"I didn't realize they were that popular," Kate said with a chuckle.

"Ohmigod! Yeah! They even make appearances here at the campus from time to time. Which is totally wicked, right? Although, I have yet to meet them," Betty said disappointedly. "I heard that Shay Cooper is really sweet. She stayed longer then usual this one time, just to meet some of the students that couldn't make it out of their classes until later. She just, you know, hung out."

"Maybe I can pull some strings and maybe you can finally meet her," Kate suggested slowly, careful not to let on. Betty knew her cousins preference and she was absolutely cool with it. She also knew that Kate was nursing a broken heart. She knew all about Renee and Kate.

"Well, if it's not too much trouble," Betty Kane said slowly trying not to sound that desperate. Kate heard it and laughed a little.

"No trouble at all. I'll see what I can do. Gotta go, I'll see you in a bit," Kate said and hung up. She turned up the volume again and listened. She smiled at the jokes and the silly banter and couldn't feel a little excited herself. All to soon the show came to an end.

"Ok ladies and gents, it's time for us to head on outta here," Shay said cheerfully.

"Hold on a second, we've still got a little time for one more thing," Mike said mischievously. Kate could practically feel the uneasiness across the radio.

"What are you doing?" Shay said anxiously.

"I'm gonna play you all something. Now the first caller to recognize this voice gets a chance to meet the artist in person. Now don't rush to the phones just yet. We'll reveal the answer Monday morning – call then. I just want to give you some time to think about."

"Terry! Did you ok this?"

"Yes ma'am I did!"

"I can't believe this. I'm gonna-"

"Now don't give it away Shay!"

"Ok folks, have yourselves a great rest of the morning. Good luck and see you all next week!" Mike said as he started playing the song.

Kate instantly recognized the voice. Wow…she's good…she thought to herself. Hmm…maybe I don't need to pull any strings after all…Kate said with a sly smile. She continued to listen to the song. The beat and lyrics were pretty good.

She smiled brightly as she finally pulled up to the GCU resident campus. Betty waved and jogged up to the car and slid in.

"Do you know who that is?" Betty asked excitedly. Nodding and smiling at how her cousin's eye's sparkled.

"She's good," Kate said in reply. She started the car and off they drove.

"She's not good! She's amazing! I wonder why she decided to go into radio instead of a music career," Betty asked.

Kate wished she knew too. Shay Cooper, with her sexy voice and singing chops, could have made one hell of a living singing.

"I guess you'll have to ask her yourself," Kate said confidently as she winked at her cousin. Betty's eyes little like saucers. She squealed in delight and Kate laughed.

"But how are you gonna beat out half of Gotham City. I'm pretty sure they all know who it is," Betty said as uncertainty set in.

"Don't you worry about a thing," Kate said with a clever smile as she pulled up next to the restaurant. "I've got it all figured out."

Kate pulled out her cell phone and dialled. Betty just watched as she waited for things to unravel.

"Hello Mr. Stewart, this is Kate Kane," Kate glanced over at Betty who's mouth fell open and her eyes wide. Kate held up a finger to her lips as she spoke to Terry Stewart, manager of KISS FM's hottest morning DJ's.

"Yes, I was hoping we could get DJ Cooper to come out and play for a…uh…an event being held by my family next week. Yes, that's right…I'd love to meet you and discuss it more. Tomorrow sounds good with me. Let me write that down," Kate paused as she listened for the reply and smiled. She quickly scribbled the address then glanced at her cousin who was still wide eyed and winked.

"Thank you. See you tomorrow!" Kate hung up and smiled brightly at Betty.

"See, told you I figured it all out," Kate said as she got out of the car. Betty quickly followed suit.

"Kate you're gonna get in so much trouble!"

"That's never stopped me," Kate said over her shoulder. They sat at a table near the back of the restaurant.

Kate Kane always got what she wanted. And she wanted Shay Cooper.

BWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBWBW

"What was that all about?" Shay asked as she packed away the notes and newspapers they used that morning. Terry stuffed his hands into his pockets, smiled innocently and shrugged.

"Uh-oh…that's not a good sign," Mike said playfully. Shay just glared at her partner.

"You've gotta gig sometime next week," Terry replied as he walked out of the studio. Mike and Shay quickly glanced at each other before dashing out of the studio.

"Whoa! Whoa! Hold on! I have a what?" Shay demanded her heart pounding.

Sighing, Terry held his hands up in surrender.

"Next week you have a gig. We're gonna go over the details tomorrow."

Shay was still for a moment, letting everything hit her. In the next breath she was shaking her head just as she was waving her hands.

"No, no, no, no. What did you just do?" Shay asked, her voice rising slightly in desperation.

"Buddy, what are you talk-"

"Tomorrow, I have two little girls to look after! Tomorrow I have to take those two little girls down to the park! What the hell were you thinking?" Shay said frantically.

Mike placed a gentle hand on Shay's shoulder.

"Maybe I can pick them up. They've never seen you perform before," Mike said diplomatically.

"I haven't even seen my band in months! We've practiced even less!"

"Technically, you've played with them last weekend at that-"

Shay glared at their manager.

"Birthdays and Bar Mitzvahs don't count!"

Terry held up his hands, "Ok. I'm sorry. I'll just call Ms. Kane-"

"Wait! Ms. Kane? As in – flaming - hot - red - headed - Kane?" Mike asked, his eyes glassing over while his mouth watered. Rolling her eyes, Shay shook her head and stormed out and moved into the living room. Both men followed and Terry gave Mike an exasperated look.

"Yes, that Ms. Kane. I'd suggest you call her that. And for god sakes! Reign in that testosterone!" Terry said annoyingly.

"Why didn't you just talk to me before you said yes?" Shay asked, visibly upset. Taking a seat next to his friend, Terry threw an arm around Shay.

"Because I know how much you miss signing. I know what you gave up to take care of your nieces and sister," Terry said softly. Shay was quiet. "Maybe it's time to do something that makes you happy."

"Taking care of the girls…that makes me so happy," Shay replied softly. Terry nodded in agreement.

"I know how much you love making them happy. But do you know how completely psyched they'd be when they see you on stage? They'd go nuts," Mike added.

"What do ya say partner?" Terry asked. They sat patiently, waiting for Shay.

Nodding slowly, Shay finally agreed.

"I'll call the guys," she said tiredly.

Mike and Terry smiled brightly.

What do you think? Should I stay or should I go?