Tim Burton's Batman Triumphant

by Comp Ninja

Written as the concluding chapter of an imaginary trilogy that began in Batman and continued in Batman Returns, Tim Burton's Batman Triumphant tells the story of Catwoman's return, the rise of Scarecrow, a coin toss and the debut of a new vigilante.

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own DC Comics or its characters.

Tim Burton's Batman Triumphant (1995)

Dramatis Personae

Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton)
Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough)
Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer)
Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams)
Rupert Thorne (Jon Polito)
Jonathan Crane (Jeff Goldblum)
Helena Thorne (Jennifer Jason Leigh)

Thorne Industries Headquarters

"So, tell me about this big secret you have kept hidden for three years." Helena Thorne listened in through a bug from an adjacent room. Her father always held special meetings in his office at Thorne Industries. He hardly noticed when Helena invited herself over. Nor did he suspect that she had the room bugged with a device planted in the vase where he kept his prize roses. "I believe you said it would change all my plans for the better."

The almost inhuman cackling voice shrieked in reply. "Yes, it will. You scarred one of your greatest enemies for one reason and one reason only." Helena cranked up the volume. "Because you knew where to find him. But do you know where to find Batman. I do. And I will tell you for a price." Rupert asked the obvious. "One, I want the pleasure of killing Batman. Two, tell no one. We own this secret. Agreed." Rupert accepted. "I wrote it on this piece of paper."

A sound of shock escaped from her overweight father. Despite what he looked like, it took a lot to spook or surprise her father. The name on the paper must have came out of left field. "I can prove it if you want. I have files of evidence to verify that name. Now, I trust you know a couple places where I can find this man." Helena needed to get a hold of that piece of paper. At that moment, the door to the room bursted open. "It appears we have a spy."

Rupert Thorne, shocked twice in one day, stared transfixed. "Helena! Why?" She answered his question with a crossbow bolt. She missed. She didn't have to miss. She aimed at the Scarecrow. In a violent jerking motion, he evaded the bolt and ran at her. She barely managed to smash her fist into his gut. Rupert's hired guns busted in. Helena dove out the door and down the hall. She had blown her cover. His father knew her secret now.

Helena Thorne stripped off her outer clothing and let her purple costume show. Her father knew her daughter as the only legitimate thing he ever accomplished with his life. He raised her like a princess, thinking that would make all his crooky dealings straight. He thought he did it for her but he did it for himself, a convenient way to ease his conscience and allow him to indulge the only thing he ever did well. Manipulating others to serve his own ends.