10
The Shadow Files – Origin
"Tiger! Tiger! burning bright. In the forests of the night, what immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?" – The Tiger, William Blake
Catarena Davis was a normal girl, whose parents were stolen from her at an early age. She was now under the care of her parent's dear friend Bruce Wayne who they had deemed her godfather. Her life with Bruce was routine yet exciting. A boy had lived with them since Cat were ten, Dick Grayson. He had lived with his parents who worked for a circus as The Flying Graysons, but tragedy struck when a man sabotaged their trapezes wire leaving Dick an orphan.
This strange family, along with Alfred Pennyworth, shared in their past nightmares. Though Cat among them was the only one who did not know about Bruce's secret life. Things were about to change…
It started out like any other day. But this day was special. It was Catarena's seventeenth birthday. Bruce and Dick had promised to take her out for a special night out in the city. Though things weren't going exactly as planned. Catarena was going to meet Dick at the mansion and he was going to drive her to Wayne Tech where they were going to meet Bruce. As Cat walked to her car in the parking lot of her high school she was ambushed by two shrouded beings. She couldn't make out their faces in the dull evening light. The parking lot was dark and deserted so no one would hear Cat even if she screamed. She tried to get away but they managed to drug her and soon she was being carried off.
She didn't awaken until much later, strapped to a metal table wearing a hospital gown. She started to panic and struggle but she noticed some movement in the shadows and she stopped as a man in a lab coat walked into the light that was beaming down on her.
"Ahh Miss Catarena Davis I see you've finally awoken. I am Dr. Dorian; it's a pleasure to meet you. How's your uncle?"
"What are you going to do to me?" Cat asked fearfully.
"Relax my dear. I'm going to change your life! I'll make your reflexes quicker, your body stronger, your eyes sharper, and your life longer."
"Well, I'm sorry but I like my life the way it is. Why me? What makes me so special? Is it my uncle? Is it money you want?" Cat asked.
"No my dear it was your name. Catarena is a very beautiful name." He told her.
"I… don't understand."
"Ah well you see I'm very fond of cats, and you are the perfect candidate for my first human experiment of my human-cat mutagen. Now… lets get started, shall we?"
The mad Doctor told her and Cat became terrified and started to squirm.
Back in Gotham Batman and Robin were extremely worried about Catarena and the leads were scarce. But soon they were able to make someone talk. Some one had spotted two men carrying a young girl onto a boat and travel to a small deserted island. Though it wasn't exactly deserted. The duo entered a dark dank warehouse and a man was waiting for them.
"Ah Batman and Robin. I was wondering when you two would arrive. I expect you are looking for the sweet Miss Catarena Davis." He said as he stepped into the dim light.
"Where is she?" Batman asked darkly, and the Doctor grinned.
"Why she's right here. You two will be the first to see the improvements I've made upon her." He said and he turned on a light that hung in the center of a thick bared cage.
Batman and Robin watched in horror as Catarena stepped into the circle of light and up to the cage bars. Batman became enraged and lunged for the Doctor.
"What have you done to her! You've made her into a monster!" Batman yelled and Cat became frightened.
She didn't know what was happening to her. There was a mirror to one side of the cage and Cat walked up to it, but when she saw her self she gasped in horror. Her arms, legs and back were covered in fur and her finger nails were now sharp pointed claws. Large cat ears sat atop her head, they twitched and moved to the sounds around her as did her long tail behind her. Her canine teeth were longer and sharper and the pupils of her eyes were thin like a cat's. Catarena was in utter shock as she continued to listen to Batman interrogate the Doctor.
"Change her back!" Batman demanded but the Doctor laughed nervously.
"I can't. I haven't created the antigen yet, the transformation is complete."
Batman glared.
"Wrong answer." Batman said as he roughed the Doctor up a bit.
"AH! Stop! There's nothing I can do! It could take years to create and antigen and after a year or two she won't be able to be changed back. But I've made her what her name implies! I've made her better stronger, quicker, sharper! I've given her almost eternal youth! The perfect human being!"
Batman had heard enough and he knocked the man out. A few of the Doctor's mutant cat creatures tried to attack but Batman and Robin took them out easily. Catarena was scared and confused; she cowered at the back of the cage as Batman walked in. He took off his cape to give to Cat for something warm to wear but Cat backed away from him.
"I won't hurt you Catarena. We're going to take you home to Bruce. He's been very concerned for you." Batman said; he could barely keep it together.
Catarena shook her head.
"No, I can't go home looking like this. I'm a freak." She told him as she started to cry.
Batman placed his cape over her shoulders and kneeled next to her. Cat held the cape around her self.
"We can help you. We can find an antigen. Please let us take you home." Batman said but Catarena was becoming angry.
"NO! I can't go home anymore! I heard what that psycho said. There is no antigen and before too long I'll be stuck like this! I can't go home looking like this. How could anyone love something like this!" Catarena said.
"I'm sure he won't care what you look like, just as long as he has you back. So let us take you home."
Something in Catarena snapped and she pushed Batman with all her might, knocking him against the cell bars.
"I said NO! I can never go home!" Cat yelled as she tore from the cage, pushing Robin to the ground as well.
"Batman!" Robin said but he stopped Robin.
"I'm fine. Go after her!" He said and Robin took off, but he couldn't catch up and by the time he reached the dock to the island Catarena was already halfway back to Gotham's shore. Robin jumped into the water and tried to swim to the boat but he became tired and swam back. Batman was at the shore holding the tied up Doctor.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't catch her." Robin said breathlessly as he climbed back onto the dock.
"We have to find her."
Batman said and they immediately went in search of Catarena.
Batman found the row boat she had taken but Cat was no where in sight, but Batman was not giving up and he took off.
Batman searched until dawn but he could not find Cat and Robin was urging him to go home and rest.
"I'm sure she'll turn up or come home on her own." Robin told him and Batman reluctantly returned to the Batcave.
"We have to find her, she could get killed. If I hold her the truth… I'm going to find her and tell her." Bruce said sadly.
Robin placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder. Alfred had entered the cave and walked up to them.
"Master Bruce will you really tell her the truth about everything?" He asked.
Bruce looked up and frowned slightly at Alfred. Dick was confused.
"The truth about everything? Is there more than this?" Dick asked, indicating the Batcave.
By Bruce's silence Dick could tell there was something more.
"There is. What is it?"
"It doesn't matter, it's in the past." Bruce said as he got up from the chair he was sitting in, but Dick stopped him.
"Tell me. Bruce, we're partners there shouldn't be any more secrets."
Bruce sighed and turned to Dick.
"Catarena is my daughter." Bruce told him and Dick was speechless.
"What?"
"Her mother and I… it was one night that never should have happened, but it did and there's nothing I can do about it." Bruce said.
"And Cat doesn't know this?"
"No, and it's going to stay that way."
"But why? She has a right to know."
"I know that! But we have more important things to do than discuss this now." Bruce said and he stalked off to listen to the police scanner and the news for any sightings of Catarena.
The search for Catarena went on for weeks but they knew she wasn't dead. There were sightings all over the city of a cat-creature wearing a long cape. This flood of news and sightings even brought the Catwoman into the search for the cat-creature. Catwoman had seen Cat but Catwoman had no luck at catching her. Though Catwoman had told Batman she wasn't looking too good.
Soon a month went by and the sightings were becoming less and less. Batman was beyond desperate. He hadn't slept in days and when ever he did it was only for a few hours at a time.
Catarena had been running around the city for weeks; alone, depressed, and confused. She was afraid to go home and she was afraid to let Batman help her. Though, she still had his cape. It comforted her in some odd way, aside from keeping her dry the scent that lingered on it was soothing to her and she did not know why. She could smell, see, hear, and feel everything more than she ever had in her whole life. Every nerve was alive and it excited her as much as it frightened her and so she was torn between two thoughts. She wanted to go home to Bruce's big safe house but she was afraid of what he'd think of her. She knew he'd be ashamed and angry that Batman couldn't save her, but she knew it wasn't Batman's fault… She knew he was just a man under that cowl.
After a month of wandering Catarena was becoming too weak to go any where. She wasn't even sure where she was in the city most of the time. She was beginning to wish she would be found, but most nights she had to fight to stay alive. She wasn't going to last much longer…
Batman searched endlessly and it was about the only thing he did. He wasn't going to give up even if he had to proclaim his secret identity to the whole city. Catarena knew the Batman was looking for her but she never came out of hiding.
One night Catarena was wandering the streets of crime alley. No one bothered her and if they did she would hiss or growl at them and they'd run off scared. It pleased Catarena. That night her wandering had caught the eye of Robin and he contacted Batman who came immediately. Their attempts to find her had become more tactical. For a little while they followed her until she was cornered in a dead end alley. Cat knew it was Batman and that Robin was on the roof above the alley.
"Go away." Catarena said to Batman.
Her eyes glowed blue, reflecting what little light came from the street.
"I'm not leaving until you agree to go home."
Catarena leaned against the wall and slumped to the ground.
"I have no home. There's nothing for me now. Just leave me to die Batman."
Batman kneeled by her and tried to touch her arm but Cat pathetically swiped at his hand with her claws. She barely scratched the fabric of his glove but Batman withdrew his hand.
"You're wrong. You can have a home with us." He told her but she gave no response.
Batman slowly pulled back his cowl, but still Cat didn't look at him.
"Please Catarena come home."
He said and suddenly Catarena recognized his voice. She turned her head to see his face and when she saw Bruce crouched before her she started to cry. She was now more thoroughly confused than ever.
"I'm sorry I never told you."
Bruce said and Cat slowly turned her body to him, but she was afraid to get closer.
"Bruce…"
Cat said as she broke down crying in shame for making him worry so much. Bruce grasped her arm and pulled her to him. Her cat ears fell flat against her head as she nuzzled her head against his chest and sobbed. Bruce held her close for a moment before he lifted her into his strong arms.
"Let's go home." He said and Robin jumped off the roof to the street.
In moments the Batmobile rolled up to them with its engine giving off a deep rumble. Robin jumped into the passenger seat and Batman handed Catarena over to him, so Cat could sit in his lap for the ride home. Catarena did not like the situation very much. She now realized he was Dick and thought he would think differently of her, but he did no such thing. He pulled a blanket from the space by his feet and placed it over her and he wrapped his arms comfortingly around her.
"It's good to have you back."
He told her softly as Batman got into the car. The hatch then closed and they were off home, to the Batcave.
As Cat got out of the Batmobile she stared in awe at how vast the cave was. She never imagined it would be like this. Alfred came into the cave; he was pleased to finally see Catarena with them.
"Shall I draw a bath for Miss Catarena and then possibly some dinner?" He asked and Bruce nodded.
Bruce walked up to Cat and placed a hand on her shoulder and she followed him up to the mansion.
- Birth of a Hero -
Catarena slept the days away for almost a week. She hardly ate or left the room. At first Bruce sympathized with Catarena but when they learned she changed back to human when she was sleeping Bruce began to think she may be able to control her transformation, but Catarena wouldn't listen and she continued to shut out the world. Bruce wasn't going to stand for it and early one morning he burst into her room. Dick was hot on his tail to watch the event. Bruce went to her bed side and picked her up into his arms. She lay limp, as if passed out, but she was fully awake. Bruce carried her out of the room to his room and into the bathroom where he had filled the tub with cold water and ice cubes. Just as Bruce were to drop Cat into the freezing bath Cat's eyes snapped open and she twisted from Bruce's arms, trying to plant all fours on the edges of the tub but she slipped and fell into the ice bath. She screeched and flailed about trying to get out, but Bruce forced her to stay in. From her terror she had transformed and sat in the tub a cold wet cat.
"You're going to stay in there until you wake up!" Bruce told her.
"Are you crazy?" Cat asked as she shivered in the water.
"No, this is for your own good. You may not believe it but you have changed back from time to time. You can control your transformation and I'm going to take you to a place that can help you." Bruce said.
"And just where might that be?" Cat asked.
"The Fortress of Solitude." Bruce replied and Cat raised an eyebrow at him, "Get dressed and pack some clothes we have a long flight." He said and left the room.
Cat blinked and reluctantly went back to her room to change and pack. She was thoroughly confused yet again but trusted him.
They had taken the Batwing and Catarena guessed they were going to an ally Bruce had as Batman, but Cat had no idea who it could be. Cat sat silently in the copilot's seat, where she imagined Dick normally sat. She was reluctant to speak but finally got up the courage.
"So… who are you taking me to see?" Catarena asked.
"Superman. His fortress and his technology will be useful. We'll be able to find out more about… what that doctor did to you." Batman went on to say, but Catarena was lost in memory playing in her mind from a long time ago…
She was around the age of seven and Bruce had decided to take her along on one of his short trips to Metropolis. Things had been going well until they started walking the streets from the hotel they were staying at to a business building near by, The Daily Planet, which Cat now knew was a news paper distributor. Their walk had been pleasant and exciting for Catarena up until the moment they were close to their destination. The crowd of people walking got denser and Catarena got separated from Bruce and snatched up by a fowl man who quickly carried her off. Catarena tried to get away but she was too small and helpless. By the time they were a block away Cat could hear Bruce calling for her. Catarena squirmed and managed to get her mouth free from the man's hand and she bit him hard. The man yelled and dropped her. Catarena fell to the ground and screamed as she tried to run away but the man snatched her and she screamed again. She was scared and crying, but before anything else happened Cat felt a gust of wind as something flew past her. Before she knew what had happened someone had apprehended the villain, rendering him unconscious. Cat turned and saw a very tall man with black hair, blue eyes and a huge letter 'S' on his chest. Catarena started crying and the man kneeled by her.
"It's alright you're safe now."
He told her and his calm caring voice comforted her. She started to calm down.
"Can you tell me what happened?" He asked.
Cat sniffed and nodded.
"I got separated from my uncle and that bad man carried me off. But my uncle told me never to talk to strangers, so I should be talking to you." Catarena told him and he gave a light laugh.
"I'm Superman. I can help you find your uncle." Superman said and Cat's eyes lit up.
"I saw you on the television! My uncle told me you're a superhero!" Catarena said and Superman smiled.
"So, what's your name?" He asked as he picked her up.
"Catarena." She replied.
"Catarena, that's a beautiful name. What's your uncle's name?"
"Bruce Wayne."
Catarena replied and as if on cue he came running around the corner looking panicked but he didn't seem surprised to see Superman. Catarena was so happy to see Bruce.
"Uncle Bruce!" She said happily.
Superman let her down and she ran to Bruce, who picked her up. Catarena was so happy to see Bruce she didn't she wasn't even paying attention to what was passing between the two men. She heard Bruce say.
"Thank you."
And Superman nodded.
"Just doing my job."
He said and Catarena turned back to see Superman.
"It was nice to meet you Catarena." Superman said and Cat smiled as he took off.
"It was nice to meet you too Mr. Superman!"
Cat called after him…
"We're here." Batman said, breaking into her thoughts.
She looked out of the cockpit's window and saw they were in the middle of nowhere. They landed on an ice flat in front of a huge iceberg. Batman opened the hatch and they got out. It was deathly cold but Catarena didn't seem to mind as they walked toward the great iceberg's front face. When they reached it a door opened and Batman motioned for Cat to go in. the door closed behind them and an elevator took them deep into the base of the iceberg. It was then that Cat realized it was not iceberg at all, only made to look like one. When the elevator came to a stop they walked into a large room. In the center was a large platform where a holographic image of two people holding up a planet, which looked like the earth but Cat could tell it wasn't the earth. Standing next to the platform was the man Catarena recognized as Superman. He turned and smiled at them as they walked over. Superman extended his hand to Catarena and she took it.
"It's nice to meet you Catarena. Welcome to the Fortress of Solitude."
"Thank you, but we've met before." Cat replied with a grin.
Superman laughed.
"Wow that was a long time ago. I wasn't sure you'd remember."
Cat nodded and Batman cleared his throat. Superman frowned slightly at Batman.
"Right, there'll be plenty of time to get acquainted later. I imagine you want to get right to work as usual." Superman said and sighed, not really needing a reply from Batman the answer was always the same.
Cat was a little nervous about all the tests the were doing but hey assured her none of them would hurt and she was surprised she was able to stay human for most of the time, until she just couldn't sit still any longer. Her tail hung off the edge of the table she was on and twitched with nerves. Every time Batman looked at her tail she stopped and before long he sighed and turned to Superman.
"That's enough for today." Batman said.
"So I can get off this thing?" Cat asked happily.
"Yes."
Batman replied and Cat jumped off the table and over to them standing by the computer which had a lot of stuff Cat wasn't interested in.
"So, what did you learn?" Cat asked.
"Well, it's not enough to create an antidote and even if we did it could be too late even this early." Superman began.
"Your body has already begun to bond with the mutagen cells, but when you transformed we learned that the way your body reacts to it is that it's like a reflex or a muscle. The more you transform willingly the more you'll strengthen the ability to stay human or change into the human-cat." Batman told her.
She understood what he meant was that she'd have to learn to live with her new abilities. Cat nodded but her ears picked up on muffled noises from the hall and they were coming closer by the second. It sounded like barking.
"I hear barking." Cat said.
Just then there was a loud clang as something hit the door to the room they were in. Before Superman could react a hole was melted through the door and in flew a white dog with a red cape and gold dog collar with a gold Superman emblem for a dog tag. The dog went right for Catarena, growling and bearing its teeth. Cat instinctively hissed, preparing to fight the dog but she caught her self and tried to get away from the dog but he was all over her. Cat ran all over the room with speed Superman and Batman didn't know she had, but the dog was still able to keep up with her, and on instinct Cat managed to scratch the dog's face. It didn't faze him but she knew he had gotten madder and Superman could see the dog's eyes glowing red as he went after Cat again. Superman managed to pull the dog away but his heat vision still managed to graze Cat's arm.
"Ow!" Cat said as she grabbed her arm.
Batman pulled her out of the way incase the dog got away from Superman.
"No! Bad dog Krypto!" Superman scolded and the dog looked sad, floated to the ground and sat at Superman's feet with his ears back.
"I'm sorry." Superman said.
"She's fine he only grazed her arm." Batman said as he turned to Catarena who was still clutching her arm.
She watched the dog fearfully, but he only looked at her sadly.
"Cat are you alright?" Batman asked and she looked at him.
"Oh yeah. It doesn't hurt anymore."
Cat said as she removed her hand but what they saw surprised them all. The wound had bleed a little but there was no scratch left.
"Dorian's words make sense now." Batman said.
Cat and Superman looked at him.
"He said 'I've given her almost eternal youth'."
"He's created some way to speed up her body's metabolism?"
Batman nodded.
"And possibly slow how fast her body ages." Batman replied.
"And that means?" Cat asked.
"More tests, but for now it means you heal faster than a normal human being." Batman said, "It can wait until tomorrow." He added and Superman nodded as he, Cat and Krypto followed Batman out of the room back to the large room they had arrived in.
"I'll be back tomorrow." Batman said and Cat frowned.
"You're not staying?"
"No, Gotham never sleeps, you know that."
Cat sighed and nodded and Batman got back onto the elevator.
"Well, why don't I show you to your room and then give you the tour." Superman said and Cat gave him a half smile with a nod.
Catarena was amazed at how big the fortress was, each room was different and Superman and Cat talked for a long time about themselves. Catarena found friendship in Superman. She knew she could trust him. Cat learned that Superman and Krypto were aliens and he told her his Kryptonian name. It all fascinated Catarena very much, and Cat was so surprised at how much Superman was the complete opposite of Batman. Not that she didn't enjoy his company it was just a nice change for her.
Though something was bothering her and try as she might she couldn't hid it from Superman.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Superman said and Cat seemed to come out of her trance.
"Um huh?" Cat said.
"It's something my mom would ask when ever I'd zone out with something on my mind." He replied, Cat gave a laugh.
"Oh yeah… I just… I'm beginning to understand that I'll have to live with this ability. I'm just not sure how I should live with it." Cat told him.
Superman sighed.
"Well, what does your heart want to do?"
"I… I'm not sure. For years I thought about taking down the villain who took my parents, I realize this ability will allow me to do that. I also realize the pursuit of one man for revenge hardly seems worth it now. It was so long ago. I was even younger than Bruce. The past cant be changed. Doesn't he know that?" Cat stated.
"Of course he does, but his way of dealing with the rage in his heart is to fight for a better future. What you do with your abilities is your choice."
Cat grinned.
"Hmm… tomorrow can we run test on what my abilities are? I mean besides healing fast and changing into a cat-creature."
Superman grinned.
"I'll run it by Bruce tomorrow. It's getting late I should return to Metropolis."
Cat frowned.
"You're leaving too! So I'm going to be stuck here alone with that dog who wants to kill me!"
"Krypto won't hurt you I promise, but I've got obligations as I'm sure Bruce did as well. We'll both be back tomorrow, and if you have any trouble we're only a call away and I can be here in under a minute. There's plenty to eat, there's a gym or the pool if you want to relax. I'm really sorry to leave you here alone on your first night."
Cat sighed.
"It's alright I understand. I'll be fine." Cat said and Superman smiled.
He made sure she was settled and he left for the city. Within minutes Cat began to understand the true meaning of The Fortress of Solitude.
Cat couldn't sleep and wandered most of the night in the fortress until she finally decided to sit in Superman's Galactic zoo room. She sat and thought about what Superman had told her about following her heart. She was also concerned about what Bruce had said about her ageing differently. Sure it would be great to live longer but Cat didn't want to live forever alone. Strong emotions were running through her over the day's events and she found her self crying. Overwhelmed by this emotion Cat hugged her knees and bowed her head sobbing. Suddenly the door to the room came open and Krypto stood in the door frame. Catarena looked at the dog, tears still falling.
"Yes, I know you don't like me, but I'm not bothering you. So why don't you leave me alone." Cat said sadly and she rested her head on her knees again.
Krypto flew into the room and the door shut behind him. He flew over to Catarena, who was crying again. Krypto seemed to know she was sad and his ears drooped as he sat on the bench in front of her. Cat's hand was in front of him and he licked it which cased Cat to jump in shock. She stared at the dog in confusion and he nudged his nose under her arm as if to apologize to her and try to comfort her. Cat sat up straight, crossing her legs in front of her and she cautiously held her hand out to Krypto, who nudged it over his nose and onto his head. Cat gave a small smile and petted the dog. Krypto got closer to Cat and stood so he could lick the tears off Cat's face. Cat started laughing and objected. Krypto sat before Cat again, wagging his tail as Cat whipped her face off. She sniffed and petted Krypto.
"Thanks Krypto. So you don't hate me?" She asked and Krypto gave a small bark. Cat laughed and then sighed, she was still feeling down and Krypto gave a small whine as if asking her what was wrong. Cat petted him and he wagged his tail.
"I don't know what I should do boy… Do you like being Superdog, being a hero?"
Krypto gave two great barks.
"Well, what do you think… Should I become a superhero too?"
Cat asked and yet again Krypto gave two great barks. Cat sighed, seriously considering the idea. Cat knew this would take much thought so she decided to work off some energy.
"Hey, Krypto, can you show me to the pool?" Cat asked the dog.
Krypto seemed interested and floated in the air. Cat stood and followed him. Sure enough he lead her to the pool which had the work out room next door with the locker rooms next to that. Cat went in and found there were swimsuits for just about anyone. Once she found one she went through the workout room where Krypto was waiting for her. As she passed of the weight sets she saw an extreme amount of weight on it and wondered if Superman even needed to lift weights. Cat looked at it with curiosity. There was about 500lbs on it. Krypto floated next to her with a look of wonderment in his eyes.
"What do ya think… I bet I cant even budge that thing, but just for kicks…"
Cat said as she readied her self to lift the mega amount of weight. But much to her surprise and astonishment she was able to lift the weight with ease above her head. She quickly returned the weight to its position and turned to Krypto with shock on her face.
"Holy mega weight Batman…" Cat said under her breath, "Well, scratch an ability off the list." Cat said and she went to the pool for a vigorous swim.
Cat didn't return to her room until 7am where she crashed on her bed. Krypto too even curled up next to her and fell asleep. They didn't even wake up when Batman and Superman arrived several hours later. They decided to let Cat sleep, figuring she must have had a long night.
When Cat awoke she could tell Batman and Superman had been in the room by smelling their scents. Her sleep had calmed her mind and she was now looking upon the world with new eyes. She was now ready to make the biggest decision of her life.
Cat made her way to where Superman and Batman were, in the lab. When she entered the room they looked at her.
"I've made a decision." She told them and they listened closely, "After the tests are done I want to put my abilities to good use. I want to train. I want to be a superhero." Cat said with determination.
The two heroes did not seem surprised by her declaration.
"And what will they call you?" Batman asked.
Cat looked at him and grinned proudly.
"Shadow."
