Batman: The Mythos

Batman: The Beginning Of The Caped Crusader

Chapter Three - Gotham's Finest

"Are you sure it's necessary to throw a party, Master Bruce? Don't you think it's a bit overkill?" Alfred said while handling Bruce his suit jacket.

"I think it's just enough for a party loving, playboy millionaire. I have to make myself known with the wealthiest people in Gotham." Bruce said. His party was about to start and Wayne Manor was full of servants who were busy getting everything ready for the party.

"Most of them are corrupt, as you well know, sir." Alfred reminded.

"True. More reason to get to a feel of them. Besides I left most controversial names out of the guest list." Bruce said. He was ready for the party not a moment too early. He still had to make a quick stop-by.

"Are you sure you can manage here without me, Alfred?" Bruce asked with a hint of a smile.

"Do I have to remind, sir that unlike you I have spent all these years managing Gotham's finest while you were having your little holiday." Alfred said with a hint of usual sharpness in his voice.

"Thank you, Alfred." Bruce said rolling his eyes. "I'll be back soon as I can."

Bruce had ordered Wayne Helicopter to bring him to the Wayne Tower. It was flashy and expensive, perfect for Bruce Wayne. When Bruce arrived to his destination he quickly moved to one of the lower floors. He had upgraded his tech and Lucius had started to help him around making the process much faster.

"Lucius?" Bruce asked. The lights were on so he must be there.

"Bruce. I was just about to call you. Your new toy is ready for field testing. I have developed a new tracer for you to use. It's smaller than your old one and more difficult to detect." Lucius said turning to Bruce. He was holding out a small tracking devise that Bruce could slip easily to possible targets.

"Thank you, Lucius. You have been a huge help." Bruce thanked. "Can I take it on the go?"

"Of course. Do you have a special target in mind already?" Lucius said when Bruce picked the tracking devise up.

"Nothing special yet. So this connects the signal to my main computer automatically when activated." Bruce said.

"Yes, at least it should be. Anything else you need?" Lucius asked.

"Yes, how is the car coming together?" Bruce asked while walking along the desks to properly view all of the new unfinished tech and gadgets.

"Almost ready. I would estimate that it will be ready in two to three days." Lucius said. "I am very busy running your company for you, Bruce." He smiled.

"Thank you for that." Bruce said. He appreciated that he wouldn't have to keep up the act of Bruce Wayne and he could truly be himself around Lucius.

"No problem, I am payed quite well." Lucius laughed. "Anything else for this evening?"

"No thanks, Lucius. I have to get going." Bruce said already half way out.

"It was nice to see you." Lucius said. He picked up a photo of himself, his wife and his two lovely daughters and his youngest son. The whole family looked happy and it caused Lucius to smile.

Selina had decided to move her career up. She had stolen a pretty dress for herself and was ready to visit charity party that Bruce Wayne was throwing. A big mansion full of foolish people who had too much money in their hands. Selina was going to help with that.

"Do you need anything else?" Holly asked. She was staying for some while at Selina's place taking care of the cats. Cats did love Selina. They always had. Since a young street orphan cats always kept her company. Sometimes even helped Selina with her thievery and surviving. It was quite fitting that papers had started to call her "The Cat".

"No need, Holly. I believe I have everything I need." Selina smiled. She was wearing a simple black dress, flattering her figure. The dress had been ridiculously expensive, but it looked the same as any other black dress for Selina. Of course it felt luxurious to wear, Selina gave the dress that.

"When will you be coming back?" Holly asked while petting a grey cat in her arms. The cat purred softly. It was Holly's favorite cat. She had started to call it Myrtle. Selina thought it was a silly name but Holly didn't care. The cat stayed as Myrtle.

"I don't know yet. Let's see where the evening takes us." Selina smirked. Holly nodded from the bed. She already looked tired. Sometimes Selina forgot how young she was.

"Have fun. Show those assholes who's actually owning this city." Holly spitted. She always got angry when Gotham's finest was the topic. Selina couldn't blame her. She had first met Holly when the girl was sexually assaulted by some police officer. Selina had saved her and tried to keep Holly out of trouble as best as she could. Streets of Gotham were tough but so was Holly too.

"Will do. Don't stay up for me. See you later." Selina waved for good-bye and grabbed her coat before heading into the cold night of Gotham.

Selina took a gab and told the driver to drive her to Wayne Manor. Since her successful new career choice Selina had significantly more money in her hands so she was able to afford such luxuries as taxis.

"Pull up here." Selina said when she saw suitable prey.

"Excuse me, sir, yes you." Selina said. Her walk was little wobbling to sell the act.

"What now, oh." Man's voice softened when he saw Selina. "How can I help a lovely lady like you?" The man was in his thirties and he had quite forgettable face. Still, Selina knew who he was, Roman Sions. One of the richest men in Gotham.

"Oh, I was trying to get into Wayne's party but I had lost my invite. And now I don't get a ride back and I'm so sorry to ask you this but can I please borrow your phone?" Selina asked looking just enough innocent and apologetic.

"Oh, babydoll I can do more than that. You can be my date, the old one started to become boring anyway." Sions smiled. He looked disgusting to Selina but she hid her true feelings.

"Oh, this is much too kind. How can I thank you, please, just tell me." Selina hurried to Sions' side.

"I'm sure we will figure something out. Do you know who I am, doll?" Sions smiled. He probably thought he looked charming but to Selina he came off just as creepy.

Selina made one of her best ditsy looked before answering. "Aren't you the famous Roman Sions, one of the best business men in the city?" Selina faked wonder. "You seem much more interesting than rest of the business men I've met."

"Oh, is that so." Sions guided Selina to sit in his limo. He handed her a class to drink and took one for himself.

"Yes it is. All of them are so boring and dull. You on the other hand…" Selina had a higher pitch on her voice. She played the role of innocent damsel well.

"Hmm, I like your style, doll." Sions put his hand around Selina and pinched her. She pretended surprised and laughed with him. The laughter felt easier once she remembered robbing his private safe from Lacey Tower. Selina decided to ditch Sions as soon as she got the chance.

The Wayne Manor was full of people when Selina and Sions arrived. It was every bit as fancy as one would expect. Selina could spot most of Gotham's finest but Maronis and Falcones were noticeably gone. They had suffered more than Selina initially thought from rampage of Batman. Normally those two families ruled Gotham. She guessed that was no more. Selina was secretly kind of relieved. She always had to reason to suspect that she was Carmine Falcone's bastard daughter. She had no proof of this, of course but enough to cause herself to believe it.

"Doll, where are you going?" Sions sounded angry when Selina tried to part her ways from him.

"Oh, just going to visit the ladies room." She smiled thinking of different ways to skin the man.

"Well, let me lead you then. Or have you been in the Wayne Manor before?" Sions said more peacefully.

"No, have you?" Selina said with her ditsy voice.

Sions looked hungrily around the room. "I tried to buy the place after the Wayne kid disappeared. The butler wouldn't allow it though. What a shame. This place would have been fine add to my collection."

"Have you met him, Bruce Wayne I mean?" Selina said with a hint of actual curiosity in her voice.

"Never. Our families weren't really that close."

Selina could believe that. Waynes were loved and admired by the people of Gotham unlike Sions'. They were always too perfect that it seemed hollow. No doubt they fucked up their kid while keeping up with appearances.

"Ah, here it is." Sions pointed the bathroom for Selina. She smiled and thanked before closing the door behind her. She had to figure out a way out of here. Sions was clingier than she thought.

Selina was forced to return from the bathroom back into Sions' waiting arms. "Where's Mr. Wayne?" Selina asked trying to find her way out of this mess.

"I don't know. Late I think. Cocky bastard." Sions muttered under his breath.

As if Selina had summoned the man, chopper landed to the yard. Out of the chopper came Bruce Wayne with two pretty girls in his arms. He had a cocky grin on when he arrived getting everyone's attention.

"I hope I'm not too late from my own party." He said letting the two women go. "I am glad to see the fun began without me. Must be the free liquor." He smiled causing everyone laugh politely. "Anyways it is nice to finally see you all. I've been gone quite for a while. I'm sure everyone can imagine why." He kept a small break. "But it nice to be back. Have fun, everyone."

Wayne started to make his way in the crowd shaking arms with many. It didn't long for him to reach Selina and Sions.

"Ah, mister Sions, I assume?" Wayne said politely. His smile was too polite to be real.

"Please, call me Roman." Sions said offering his hand. Wayne didn't take it. Smart man.

"I prefer Sions. What are you doing here?" Selina could feel the iciness in his voice.

Sions looked offended but managed still to keep up the act. "Came to offer a potential partnership with Wayne Enterprises. I like the new name."

"There has been a misunderstanding. You weren't invited. I'm afraid to ask you leave. Human errors." Wayne said. Despite both men being the same height somehow Wayne looked taller of the two.

Sions seemed to be furious. "Excuse me?"

Selina saw her opportunity and she slipped away from Sions' arm. Before either Wayne or Sions could properly react she had disappeared to the crowd. Selina could hear how the security team forced Sions out causing some of the guests whisper to one another.

Right when Selina thought she was clear someone grabbed her arm. It was gentle but firm enough for Selina not to escape.

"Excuse me, can I have this dance?" Bruce Wayne himself was talking to her.

"Of course, Mr. Wayne. It is Mr. Wayne right? You have been gone for a while." Selina said pretending to be overly excited rather than annoyed.

"Yes, it is me. I don't think I have the pleasure to meet you before." Wayne said. He was good looking, Selina gave him that but many others were too.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Wayne." Selina smiled. He was a good dancer but Selina realized this was more of a talk than a dance.

"I didn't catch your name, miss…?"

"Ruth Steel." Selina smiled. She had multiple fake identities prepared. Sions was just interested enough to even ask her name.

"It's lovely to meet you, Ms. Steel. Although I don't believe I saw your name on the guest list." Wayne said casually.

"Oh I was plus one." Selina bluffed.

"Who is your date?" Wayne didn't seem to give up easily.

"Oh, I am not allowed to give that kind of information. But I can say he is married and his wife is not aware of me." Selina smiled. Her voice was still high pitched but she was prepared to drop the act if needed.

"Ah, I understand. I hope he doesn't mind me borrowing you." Somehow Selina doubted Wayne believed her lies. For some unknown reason he had not decided to kick her out yet so might as well keep up with the fun.

"If it's not too rude for me to ask, why did you come back?" Selina tilted her head slightly.

"I was born and raised in Gotham, well mostly." Wayne answered.

"I was too but if I had as much money as you do I wouldn't stay here." Selina said truthfully. Best lies were always close to the truth.

"Let's just say I made a promise that I intent to keep." Wayne said. Selina knew that there were so much more behind those words than Wayne let to see. She had a similar idea of the man himself.

"What about you, Ms. Steel? How did you end up here?" Don't you mean; what was I doing with Sions? Selina thought.

"I'm assuming you mean Mr. Sions. We were just talking." Selina laughed.

"Not greatest man to talk with." Wayne pointed out.

"And you are?" Selina looked directly to his eyes, trying to read every emotion that they gave to her.

"Well I like to be modest but I do have my way with people." Wayne flashed her a smile that let Selina to believe him.

"Yes, I saw your dates." Selina was still reading him. She knew there was something that she was missing but couldn't pin point what.

"They were lovely, but not as lovely as you." Wayne's eyes sharpened suddenly. "Lovely liar I mean."

Selina quickly went through her options. "Likewise, Mr. Wayne. You've been talking to people all night, keeping up the act, hiding something ugly beneath." Selina used her normal voice now and her mask was gone.

So was Wayne's. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"That's what you would like me to think. Well, you ain't fooling me. You were correct, I'm not like other people in this Manor. That's why you wanted to dance with me, isn't that correct, Mr. Wayne?" Selina smirked.

When Wayne didn't answer Selina added: "What, cat got your tongue?"

"Mr. Wayne? Excuse me but I would like to ask few questions?" Someone tapped Wayne on the shoulder. Selina saw her chance and stole his watch before disappearing before Wayne could turn back to look at her.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything important, Mr. Wayne." Vicki Vale said with a sharp voice to Bruce.

"No, not at all. I'm sorry it took this long. My mind was elsewhere." Bruce said. He couldn't see Ruth Steel anywhere. He doubted that was her real name but he would have to check that later. Now he had a new mission.

"I noticed. I hope I didn't scare your date away." Vale said little too politely.

"Well I can always find another one." Bruce said.

Vale tried not to look too disgusted. "Can we go somewhere more private?"

"Of course. Alfred?" Just as usual Alfred had appeared right when he was needed.

"This way Miss Vale." Alfred led them to another smaller room. He closed the door for the two to give them some privacy.

"So, Mr. Wayne." Vale started. She had pressed her recording devise active, the red light indicated. "There is much to talk about. Your company is re-branding, you have been missing for years… Where would you like to start?"

"It's a good thing that you brought up Wayne Enterprises. I am proud to announce that we are creating two new foundations to honor my parents that brought it to new glory. If you want, our CEO Lucius Fox can answer to more questions in better detail than I can." Bruce said.

"Ah yes, the Thomas Wayne Foundation for the medicine and the Martha Wayne Foundation for the arts, education and families. It was very noble of you, Mr. Wayne." Vale said. "What was behind the decision to name Lucius Fox as your new CEO? He has had a long career in Wayne Enterprises, am I correct?"

"Yes, though I wouldn't know much about it. Business is very dull to me, I'm sure you can understand. Lucius however is a brilliant business man. I trust him to handle my company better than I ever could." Bruce said. "In honor of the new foundations we are bringing the famed, second largest clear cut diamond in the world, Star of Egypt, to Gotham to the opening ceremony." Bruce announced.

Whatever Vale was expecting, it certainly wasn't that. "I thought it was sold to private investor."

"It was, until the owner kindly allowed us to borrow it for a great cause. We will have huge charity event with the opening of the foundations. I will donate of course and I hope to encourage others to do the same." Bruce said.

"Very noble of you. Wayne Enterprises certainly have a lot on their plate. What about your project to re-open the Arkham Asylum?" Vale asked.

"The building is almost ready and when the facility will open it will offer new jobs for the citizens of Gotham and much needed help for those who desire it." Bruce said. This had been his mother's dream. Bruce wanted to do at least this to his mother.

"Any other big plans for Gotham?" Vale asked.

Bruce thought of Batman. "No others as yet. This is quite lot to handle at the moment."

"You have been awfully quiet about your years away from Gotham. What were you doing during that time?"

"Well, after my parents died, I felt like I couldn't stay here. Everything felt too much at the time. I thought it would be best for me to take a break from all of it so I studied aboard. This happened in secret for my own safety. I was the only heir for Wayne's fortune. It was purely security reasons, you see." Bruce told.

"Where were you studying?" Vale asked.

"Mostly in Europe. I couldn't stay in one place for long in case I was discovered."

"And what were you studying?"

"Mainly business. I wasn't the best student, I have to admit." Bruce laughed.

Vale didn't seem too convinced. Bruce wasn't too worried. He had hacked and bribed his way to couple schools around the world. If someone wanted to check their records they would find Bruce Wayne's certificates and grades showing him as a student there.

"Why did you decide to return now?" Vale asked.

"Multiple reasons. Mainly I missed Gotham. I wanted to face our beloved city again. I really want to make my parents proud so I figured I could try to help re-build Gotham like they did." Bruce said with a more serious tone.

"It's a good cause Mr. Wayne." Vale commented.

There was a knock on the door. Alfred entered the small room again. "I'm sorry to interrupt but there is some people who want to meet you, sir."

"I'll be there a minute. Thank you, Alfred." Bruce turned to Vale. "Anything else you want to ask me?"

"Just one thing: What was Roman Sions doing here earlier? He is a notorious criminal in the eyes of regular citizens." Vale seemed very interested on this part of the interview.

"There was an unfortunate mistake with the invitations. Mr. Sions was mistaken to believe he would be welcomed here. Security took care of him." Bruce said coldly.

"Sounds like you plan to go to war with Sions Industries." Vale commended.

"I have no plans to start a war in here. My P.R. department just recommended me to stay away from Mr. Sions for the time being." Bruce said fully knowing what Sions thought of that. The man had a famously short temper and Bruce had just began to take action.

"Very well. Thank you for the interview, Mr. Wayne." Vale put her equipment to her back before standing up.

"Likewise, Ms. Vale." Bruce shook her hand.

"One more thing." Vale said hesitantly when she was almost out of the room. "I know you are new here, but be careful with Sions. He has a habit to make people disappear."

"Thank you for the advice." Bruce said. He parted ways with the reporter thankful for Alfred's interruption. The main mission was done. He had successfully set up a trap for the Cat thief.

Jim Gordon was still working with a tough the case. He had been recently promoted to Lieutenant, thanks for his good work at the force. It helped that the guy who had been before him left the city and the guy before him had been killed. Positions changed quickly in Gotham, Jim had noticed. Either they were moved up because of successful bribing or disappeared due to their honesty.

Jim was still stuck in his Bat-vigilante case. Harvey had recommended him to take a look on another cases because no new leads had appeared. Batman sightings were increasing but most of them were useless. They had narrowed the suspects down to young male, most likely to have some sort of militaristic training and access to notable amount of money. These were only suspicions however. There was nothing concreate on the case as far as Jim was concerned.

The guest list of witnesses that Loeb had given to Jim was also useless. All of the witnesses refused to give any details and Jim knew most of them were unreliable anyway leaving him nothing.

Batman had become more active which frustrated Jim even more than dead ends. He had successfully driven Gotham's biggest players into state of panic. So far Maronis were hit hardest. Falcones seemed to be his next target. Before long Batman would turn his attention to Sions and Cobblepot. Jim was not looking towards that. Falcones and Maronis were old Gotham, a dying breed. Sions and Cobblepot were the new Gotham, nastier and more ruthless than their predecessors. When Batman would hit them, Gordon suspected an all-out gang war.

Even though Batman seemed to have common goals with Jim, he couldn't still accept his methods. Beating criminals into a pulp and working out-side the law were not the ways to handle these situations. They had to work within the system. Jim had to admit that the system was broken but he still disliked Batman's methods.

"Working late again, Gordon." Nygma commented. He was a cocky bastard but excellent at his job. He mostly kept with himself occasionally dropping by late at nights to see what other departments were doing.

"Still here, Nygma." Jim said without lifting his gaze from his paper work.

"Any new developments?" To Jim's surprise, Nygma sat down next to him. Jim also noticed that they were the only ones left in the room. Others had probably headed home since it was so late at night.

"No. I'm stuck with this case." Jim had to admit. It was one of the replacements that Harvey had offered to him. Wave of thievery had hit Gotham. The person had stolen mostly only rare and well-known artifacts from rich people of Gotham leaving no signs of forced entry and no other evidence expect that the loot was gone.

The thief had made a one mistake though if Jim was correct. Recently they had broken into Lacey Tower and stolen property roughly worth of fifteen thousand dollars. The thief had angered Roman Sions by breaking into his personal penthouse. This caused him to constantly breathe into Jim's neck who tried to stay on his good side without letting go of his principals.

"Can I have a look at it? A fresh pair of eye can be useful." Nygma said smugly. Jim was so tired that he didn't even care. He pushed the case file loser to Nygma and mumbled something about getting more coffee. When he came back Nygma was still reading the details.

"So there were no signs of forced entry other than the broken window at the Lacey Tower?" Nygma made sure.

"None that we know of at least." Jim nodded. He took a long sip of his coffee. "There might be more breakings by this criminal. These are the only ones that called the police but since most of the victims are private owners I wouldn't be surprised if some cases were not reported. This is Gotham after all. Many seem to favor vigilantism."

"Are there any more cases that might be connected to this thief?" Nygma asked still reading the files.

"Not that I know of."

"So first thievery was committed according to this 30th of January. After that the thief had kept herself busy." Nygma said.

"Her? How do you know it's a she?" Jim felt doubtful.

"Well for one the Cat seems to use more pure skill rather than force and plan her crimes very carefully. This type of behavior is more common with women rather than men but of course this isn't only thing that leads me to believe she is female." Nygma adjusted his classes. "In case of Lacey Tower, the thief most likely entered through loosely guarded vents meaning that they had to be very small and agile. This again can be a man but it is less likely combined with rest of the evidence."

Jim waited for Nygma to continue. He was annoyed but pleased with him. He still was skeptical but Nygma's theory was enough to catch his attention.

"I suspect that the Cat decides her victims possessing knowledge of the victims that most don't know. Such as their schedules and where do they keep their valuables, possibly even things such as passwords and codes since there is no signs of breakings.

"My theory is that the Cat is some kind of social climber, getting to know her victims before striking by using seduction as their help. Of course the thief could access these kind of personal information by hacking but I doubt they would act for this level as long as they had if that was the case.

"Lastly, the main reason that leads me to believe that the Cat is female is that most of the stolen property has been some sort of a prize for them. A valuable necklace, a diamond, something like that. It seems that the thief is fixated to wanted and well-known artifacts, especially feminine ones." Nygma finished.

"It's a good theory, but I need evidence." Jim said.

"Well, I can check local criminal records of women that fit the profile and deliver it to your desk by tomorrow." Nygma suggested.

"Thanks, I really appreciate the help." Jim thanked.

"No problem. It was nice to stretch my brains for a while." Nygma was uncharacteristically humble.

"Though case?" Jim guessed.

"Nothing major. Just busy." Nygma said. "I'm heading home. You should too."

"I will soon. I'll just finish the paperwork first." Jim said. Nygma left the office heading to the lobby. Jim stretched his arms before filling in rest of the report and closing the computer. He put the files back to their places and took his coat. He thought of smoking one cigarette but decided it was late enough for already. Barbara was probably asleep already.

All the lights were out on the apartment. Jim tiptoed to the fridge and found carrot soup that Barbara had made earlier. He ate the rest of it before checking his daughter's room.

Barbara was sleeping peacefully. He noticed a frying pan tugged under the bed with Barbara's hand laying next to it. She had recently started to sleep with it. Jim felt guilty about causing his daughter to sleep with a weapon on her side. It was good that she had persuaded Jim to let her start judo. At least she could protect herself a little bit.

Jim padded her head and gave her a good night kiss to her forehead before silently leaving the room. He closed the door behind him and went to his own room. He was beyond exhausted from the long day of work but his brain was still too active to fell asleep so Jim ended up laying in the bed with his eyes wide open.

He had time to wonder about the current situation that he found himself in. A clean cop in county's most corrupted police force trying to rise to higher position. His eventual goal was clean the force of corruption. Impossible dream but Jim was used to face impossibilities in his job. And Gotham wasn't all bad. Harvey had proven himself to be a reliable friend and partner. Barbara had fitted right in without problems, causing relief for Jim. One less thing to worry about.

Sometimes it was hard for Jim to believe that Barbara really was his daughter. The girl was quickly growing to be a genius and beautiful young woman. She always made Jim proud. Her heart was in the right place also wanting to help as many people she could.

Jim hoped a different future to Barbara. He didn't want her to join the police force or anything similar to that. It was too dangerous but Barbara had always been headstrong. He knew she was gifted with computers and Jim tried to encourage a career I that department rather than police work. Barbara also enjoyed working with computers so it wasn't out of the realm of possibilities.

Jim turned to his side. His thoughts moved from Barbara to Batman. He knew that Barbara thought he was doing the right thing but Jim didn't share her view. He also knew that Barbara had started to avoid the topic so she wouldn't argue with him all the time. It was a conversation for the future, Jim thought.

New district attorney had also arrived to the scene. Jim didn't still know much about him. The man seemed to be motivated, that's for sure. He had made a career for himself on going after those who usually got away in Gotham. Even though Batman had caused many to go behind bars the new D.A. made sure that they stayed in there.

Harvey Dent, Jim tasted the name in his mouth. Hopefully the kid was onto something. Jim was worried for him. Good guys rarely stayed good in Gotham. It was unlikely that Dent would be any different from rest of the influential figures in Gotham.

Dent had started an investigation inside GCPD. This has caused him to be unpopular but Dent seemed to derive from that. Jim had heard ay bitch about him but that only meant that Dent was actually accomplishing something. Otherwise no-one would be worried or bothering with him. At least for now he seemed to be the white knight that Gotham so desperately needed.

White knight and dark knight. What next? A dragon, perhaps. Hard to believe Gotham as an innocent damsel in distress. Hopefully I don't end up as the jester. These were the last thoughts before Jim fell asleep.

A/N: What you mean Bruce and Selina dancing in a party is done before? I have no idea what you are talking about. Yes, Harvey Dent wasn't in this chapter but he is coming, my main focus was on Selina and introducing Sions.