Hi, this is my first attempt at this and I'm really more of a scientist than a fiction writer so don't hesitate to tell me if I should just stick to science.

***

The rain pounded mercilessly on the pavement, it had been raining for days, no end in sight it seemed. He sat perched on the corner of one of the many shanty-like apartment buildings that cluttered the narrows silently keeping watch. It had been fairly quiet these days, likely due to the torrents of rain. Even drug dealers and pimps took a break in this horrid weather. Not the Batman, though. He couldn't risk it. Even if the common criminals that he put a stop to decided to opt for shelter, there was still something sinister lurking in the dark.

Out of the corner of his eye he caught the movement of a figure rushing to a vehicle from one of the narrows many free clinics. Moving to get a closer look he realized she was very much pregnant and fiddling with her keys. He watched as she finally unlocked the door and crawled inside to be on her way. Obviously not someone to pose any danger, he turned to make his way elsewhere. He turned too soon. A shot rang out and tires squealed as the car took off leaving her in a heap on the ground. He flew off of the ledge and rushed to her. So much blood. He pressed his gloved hand to the wound silently praying she'd be alright as her hand came up to grip his.

"It's alright. I'm here to help you." He tried to sound as comforting as he could "What's your name?"

"A-an-anna." She was breathing shallower by the moment. He'd sent a communication to Gordon, hopefully someone arrived soon, he couldn't risk moving her and causing more damage, but staying put him at substantial risk as well. He unwound her scarf from her neck and tied it firmly around her to keep some sort of pressure and moved to sink into the shadows just as the sound of sirens began to draw upon them. Suddenly with a strength that he was surprised she still possessed she gripped his hand "Don't leave me alone. I think I'm in labor." she pleaded

"I won't leave you. I'll be watching, I promise. Help is coming." He moved to the alleyway and remained a statue as the paramedics and Gordon arrived. He watched as they tried to save her and felt his heart lurch as the paramedics told Gordon they would have to make a choice as to who they saved, mother, or child. Both could not be spared.

"Sir," despite her pale skin, slackened limbs and generally weak appearance, her declaration was strong "save my baby." Gordon nodded mutely and the paramedics worked to deliver the baby as Gordon whispered comforts to Anna.

During all of this a car skidded to a halt beyond the police line and a woman rushed from the driver's side toward them only to be halted by patrolman.

"No! Please, she's my best friend! Let me go to her! Anna!" Gordon waved her in and she dropped to her knees in tears gripping Anna's hand as she struggled to bring her child into the world.

The woman turned to Gordon "What happened?!"

"Car-jacking" was his soft-spoken reply "she wants us to save the baby and she says that the baby is to go to you."

"One more Anna! You're almost there!" Anna took a deep breath and with what little she had left she pushed and the piercing sound of her baby girls' cry broke forth as the light left her eyes.

"No! Anna…"

That was all he could stand. He couldn't watch her break down at the loss of her friend any longer. He faded into the night vowing to do what he could for them as Bruce Wayne.