As the Joker was breaking onto the crime scene, I was quickly and quietly leaving the science field. I packed up my belongings and bought another house on the other side of Gotham, away from the prying eyes of the high class wives of Gotham's biggest and brightest. I moved in with little fuss. My father had worked hard all his life to leave me well-off when he died. Of course, it was the hard work that killed him. Life is full of irony. I didn't even need it. Federal grants had funded my research, and I had worked on many a top secret government project. The big wigs in the white house paid well. I chose a modest two-story house in the middle of Gotham city. The first floor was made up of the kitchen, living room, and two other rooms which I quickly and efficiently had converted into a private work shop. Working for the government taught you who would keep their mouth closed…for a price.

I'll never forget the first time I met him. It was late night. Normally I rode my motorcycle, but since it was in the shop I had decided to walk home from the meeting with one of my suppliers. We had been finishing up the details of our deal, and my shipment of cyanide for my "privately funded chemical research" would be arriving in two days. I had noticed the gang of creeps hanging out in the alley I was about to pass but would have ignored them if I hadn't seen what one of them was tormenting.

"Oy!" I shouted, stopping in my tracks as my narrowed eyes focused on the man tying what looked to be a homemade firecracker to the cat's tail. The group quickly turned to me, because, I mean, who in their right mind starts shouting at a group of thugs late at night on Gotham's streets? I ignored the rest of them, saving my glare solely for the one still crouched by the poor feline.

"Release the cat or find yourself castrated, your choice," I growled out calmly. The man stood slowly, grinning, but his foot remained on the string connecting the cat to the explosive, effectively trapping it where it was.

"Am I supposed to be scared?" he asked, oblivious to the fact that my hand was slowly reaching into my pocket.

"Terrified," I ground out angrily. Did I mention that besides my obvious love of cats (because why else would I risk my life for a stray?), I also hate to be dismissed just because I'm a woman. Whether it be in brains or brawn, men are always discounting me just because I have female parts. He and his buddies laughed at that. Ah, yes, laugh it up, I thought, why don't I just give you something to laugh about, eh? Quick as a flash, I whipped the spring-loaded weapon out of my pocket. Taking only a millisecond to aim, I pressed the lever that launched the three-pronged dagger straight into his crotch. He doubled over instantly, slowly falling to the grimy street, hands clawing at his privates. All three of the dagger's prongs were six inches long, and it had gone in straight to the hilt. I liked to build my babies to pack a punch. The rest of the gang had scattered as I stalked into the alley, prompting an eye roll from myself. Ignoring the groaning thug, I quickly untangled the cat from the string and brought her into my arms. I don't know what it is, but cats, even strays, seem to instantly trust me. I can't say I mind. I gave a parting kick to the asshole's face, a blow for my dignity I suppose, before going to exit the alley and continue home, cat in my arms. I was stopped short by the eerie laugh echoing off the passage's walls.

"Ho, ho, ho, he, he, he, ha, ha, ha," bounced back and forth, assaulting my ears. I turned slowly, one hand immediately going to clutch the other knife in my pocket. There he stood before me, the face I had seen flashed across a dozen news channels. The purple suit, the creepy clown makeup, the scarred grin. For no reason at all, I was smitten. Maybe it was the perpetual smile, or the fact that even under the makeup I could tell he was handsome, or perhaps it was the cloud of genius that seemed to radiate 

off of him. Whatever it was, I didn't retreat as he advanced. Within seconds he was before me, hand reaching out towards me. My mind screamed at me to move, to do something, anything, to defend myself, to slice and run, but I did nothing. And I was rewarded. Do you know what the big bad Joker did, upon our first meeting? He reached out and began to scratch the head of the cat in my arms, causing her to break out into purrs. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

"That was a neat little toy you had," he said conversationally, ignoring the recipient of my "toy," who was at that moment trying to crawl away.

"I had some free time and a bit of metal lying about," I replied with a proud smirk.

"You made that, eh? Well aren't you the clever little pussy cat," he responded with a loud laugh. Looking up at his tall frame made my five foot three seem like a child's body, yet I felt inexplicably safe. That probably should have been my first warning, but I suppose love is a sickness of the brain, just as craziness is.

"Well, my dear, would you like a ride home?" he asked. His voice was gentle, kind even. In the months to come, I would find myself treasuring the rare moments when his voice took this tone. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, overcome by my newfound fascination, even when following it meant utter stupidity. Throwing an arm around my shoulder he led me to the black sedan that sat at the alley's mouth. Like a true gentleman, he opened the passenger door to allow me access. I sat on the black leather carefully, and then looked up at him in question as he continued to stand at the opening, staring at me.

"What's your name, kitty cat?" he asked suddenly.

"Lily," I responded automatically, not even considering lying.

"Tut, tut," he murmured to himself quietly, "that won't do at all." He stood there, leaning against the door, a frown creasing his forehead and causing the white paint to flake slightly. I watched him as his bright eyes took me in, watching me sit there as I unconsciously stroked the cat in my arms.

"Aha!" came his sudden exclamation, "I've got it. I shall name you Tiger Lily!"


Hello. My name is Tiger Lily. I am a scientist, a mechanic, a lover of cats. I am a woman only half-sane. I am in love with the Joker.