I do not own the dark knight or any dc or marvel references.
Summary: At the age of 10, Claire Daring gets into an accident. When Claire wakes up she has years and knowledge she didn't have before.
Claire Daring portrayed by Jennifer Connelly
Chapter 1
Beep
Beep
Beep
The sound of a heartbeat monitor made to my ears.
A man brown haired man greets me with a woman with a bobbed hair.
They called her Claire Daring.
This body was 10 years old and injured.
It was an odd feeling being someone else and then waking up in a body not hers. She often contemplated if this was a dream or not.
She was involved in an accident. They told her that her parents were on their way to the hospital. Her mother, Lillian Daring was having labor pains. A drunk driver missed the red light and their car was hit.
Tale as old as time, rich basterd buys his ways out.
Mister Mathew Dent, the lawyer in charge of her case tried his best. He was able to get said rich basterds family to pay for the physiotherapy.
'It was better than what most people would get in my situation.' a social worker had commented.
Lillian and Daniel Daring died with her unborn baby brother that night and she had taken their daughters place.
Whoever she was before that- she didn't know.
The words, Amnesia and Trauma was thrown a lot at the hearing. Her apathetic blankness through those proceedings had also helped Mathew make her case more sympathetic.
She'd spend hours sitting at social service office waiting while people shouted through the phone, the sound of the AC giving off while the dirty woolen jersey scratched at her arms. An ice cream container with broken crayons of every color sat on an old shaky coffee table. Mathew had given her an exercise book to keep busy.
She'd spend hours drawing... Her therapist Jillian Smith said it was better for her to do it rather than stare at the cracked ceiling in a home unfamiliar to her.
The first thing she drew was the ocean... In her previous life- she had lived near the ocean. She loved the water... she drowned in the water.
She couldn't remember who she was before- her name, what she had done for a living, her family... All she knew was she loved art and water.
The next step after physiotherapy and her new living arrangements. Her mother had run away to be with her father and thus her maternal family wanted nothing to do with their daughter. Her father had been a poor orphan who became was a struggling English teacher in the Narrows.
It was decided she would be placed in an orphanage. The same one Daniel Daring had been in.
Joseph Reeds, the priest of the very catholic Saint Helen's orphanage. When she first met him, he smelt of wood and incense. He was dark skinned with rough hands that told a tail with scars decorating it. He had eyes that spoke a great deal but a smile and kindness to him that reassured her. Something that made a real difference to her compared to the suits around her.
His first words to her was: "I think you'll be an amazing artist when you're older." She wasn't sure if it was her 10 year old body or her past life but she preened at the praise and since that day he had become her favorite person.
The orphanage wasn't a drama. Couples wanted babies and she wasn't very childlike for her age which made her undesirable. Mentally her IQ got some people's attention but with help of Father Reed, she got out of being adopted by people who wanted to capitalize on her.
Also she found out she may be a meta-human...
Astonished? Wondering how? Well she had as well.
She had first thought about mutant but that was the wrong franchise.
She's in Gotham city.
Mutants was a term used in Marvel. Disappointingly- she wasn't in Marvel.
She wasn't sure how these abilities came to be when she had no interaction with any meteors or any history of being out of the city.
She didn't have some dramatic moment on where her abilities began to appear, her life wasn't endanger and neither was anyone close her. It happened in the bathtub.
She had cupped some water in her hands planning to splash it on her face when she was met with resistance. An orange hued shield in her hand.
She had created a shield around the water... In the beginning she wondered if she was dreaming or she was slipped some weed.
She had caught her reflection in a mirror and her eyes with glowing amber. Panic struck her next few days when she had difficulty seeing.
Whatever ability she had- it damaged her eye sight.
She couldn't damage her eye sight. Her hands and eyes was her living. She was going to create art.
She shouldn't be using these abilities.
She told herself if she took it upon herself to become a vigilante, then would Batman ever come to be? Could she perhaps change the course of the world where Bruce Wayne wouldn't take up the black cowl.
It's best to stay an extra and don't mess up with fate.
That's what she told herself.
She couldn't ignore two woman endanger of being raped though and she didn't regret saving them but it wasn't enough to make her take up a cape and become a superhero.
Anyway she was just being a dutiful human being. Anyone who is hurt or let others hurt people are psychos.
She couldn't ignore a person who screams for help.
She made one friend named Maria at the orphanage.
Maria was ambitious, so different from the children around her. Maria's dream was to be veterinarian and marry a good man.
At 21 Maria made true with that dream after meeting Logan Perry a fine cop at Gotham Police... one of the good ones.
A few years later, She had made her own dreams true by becoming an art dealer and being renowned and appreciated for her own work at Gotham's cultural art museum.
Her life had Father Reed, Maria, Logan and a nun by the name of Grace who revolved in her world. They were her new family. She neither had the memory to feel guilty over her previous or recently deceased families.
It wasn't until she saw an article with the picture of Christian Bale on the cover about the return of a Bruce Wayne- the crown Prince of Gotham return that everything became full circle.
So it's the Nolan-verse huh?
The gloomy world of dc... Honestly God should of chosen a happier franchise.
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Chapter 2
A loud noise of a door slamming into the wall echoed around the open spaced loft. Maria Perry looks out of breath and red faced.
Claire was sprawled on the floor with paint stains all over her clothes. She pondered over her decision to give her married friend the keys to her home and hideout.
"Maria, you're gonna chip the paint," she whines. Claire knew why her friend was mad. She hoped to distract Maria by it but she knew that was hoping for too much when Maria nudged her harshly.
"I can't believe you! I went and set you up with Logan's friend and you bail completely. You didn't even call Claire. The poor guy waited for you in the rain!"
She couldn't help but feel guilty. That was a douche' move.
"Is he okay?"
"He made it home safe but has the flu- he took leave for the next few days," explains Maria whose attention was now on painting near me.
"A little morbid."
She looks back at her friend's assessment.
It was.
A painted face with half of it melted behind him a mirror of the man with a perfect face. The picture is of as the man was seeing something brighter in his true form.
Harvey Dent- Two Face.
He was the inspiration of her piece not that anyone knew that. The imagine was grotesque and she didn't think anyone would buy it but she felt compelled to draw it. Her artwork had changed to post apocalyptic cities, darkened night skies and even shadows.
Lately she had read the papers and saw articles of the Batman. She thought back to her favorite movie of the trilogy and had a strong sense of guilt for ignoring the suffering about to befall Gotham.
She had yet to draw a picture that represented Batman in paranoia that she was giving herself away.
She wanted to live her life in peace after all. She couldn't draw attention to herself.
"So this was your new project that kept you away. Honestly I'm disappointed," comments Maria quiet bitingly.
"I don't think I would like a guy like him," she began to explain herself hesitantly.
"You're in your mid- twenties! You're so single. Paul was a good guy. You end up with assholes all the time- you start getting busy with work and they can't keep it in their pants and then they end up fucking some waitress on your couch... You didn't get rid of the couch!" Maria sends a disgusted look like she smelt something bad looking at the couch filled to the brim with art supplies, books and papers.
Her paintings rack a lot of money especially when they are commissioned art pieces. Her work was always unusual that got the riches attention. She was glad of her knowledge of her other life.
She could afford another couch but she was lazy.
"I like that couch."
"He fucked a waitress on that couch."
"...It's not like I sit on it anyway."
"That's not the point!"
"Look, Ria... I'm sorry about that Paul guy. I just well-" she pauses thinking about last night. She had taken out clothes to meet him and she then she felt a bit of anxiety and started painting... She really lost track of time. "I'm sorry." She repeats this lamely. She had no excuse for her actions.
Maria gaze softens. "This is definitely hedgehog dilemma-"
"Stop exercising your newly acquired psyche degree on me," she interrupts. She will always regret encouraging her neurotic friend to start some online classes.
"Fine, but you know Logan is pretty pissed too, Claire. I get you cause we've been through shit together and I'm a ride or die sort of bitch but other people aren't going to be that forgiving."
"I know I majorly fucked up last night. I'm sorry- I'll text Paul an apology and even reschedule," she amends.
"Just say sorry and don't make any promises you can't keep. You don't like being set up. Just tell me- I'll stop forcing blind dates down your throat-"
"We've never gotten that far," she couldn't help but quip.
Maria snorts. "How about we get some coffee... Is Alex coming later to pick up your work?"
"No, I'm not selling this one," she says as she reaches for her shoes.
Coffee was lovely addiction, life blood. On that thought she wonders if addictions can ever be 'lovely.'
She enjoyed coffee with Maria. Since her best friend's marriage to Logan Perry the local dog of the GPD, she rarely has moments to spend with her friend.
She almost chokes on said life blood as Maria waves to Aaron Eckhart. She loved him the movie No Reservations with Catherine Zeta Jones. One her favorite chick flicks next to the proposal with Ryan Reynolds. She then made a mental note to research on whether the Green Lantern exists.
Seeing Erkhart in real life, she couldn't help but see him as a perfect White Knight to Batman's Dark Knight.
Definitely a 'Golden boy' of Gotham.
"Maria!" the thousand watt smile on his face.
He could be part of a toothpaste commercial.
"Harvey! How's Gotham's up and coming District Attorney?"
Apparently Harvey Dent and Logan Perry lived on the same street. They played basketball together... 'small world' she couldn't help but think.
Her mind blanks then when Harvey looks at her curiously standing there like a star struck idiot. What does she say? Does she talk to him? Ignore him?
"-Oh this! This is thee Claire Daring before her coffee," breaks Maria's voice to her deep contemplation.
"Hey," I nod my head.
Okay she was lame. Like a lame stoner loser 'hey'.
"Hey, 'thee Claire Daring'. I'm sorry but I was unaware of Gotham's rising star," he turns to Maria curiously.
"She's an artist. Just started her own collection at Gotham's cultural gallery. Come on! She's a Narrows girl who has just broke through boundaries of the Gotham elites," Maria grins proudly.
Harvey Dent's expression dimmed, as interest seemed to leave him.
"You should come check out the gallery, unless art is not your thing," she speaks eyeing him critically.
"No disrespect. Art isn't my forte. I think I could never fit the whole suit and tie events," he comments. "Though my congratulations does go to you."
"Well, if you happen to find a suit and tie sort of girl. It's a good spot for dates," she offers smiling mischievously at the thought of him hooking up with Rachel Dawes.
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Chapter 3
It was pouring rain.
Rain slid down a metal pipe, racing and disappearing in the ground. She had taken cover in the only dry area under a tin roof in the Narrows. She was on her way to see Father Reed when she was forced to take cover.
It just so happened when she came across something black and on fire appears.
Her body froze but hearing a man's painful grunts spurred her to action. The familiar suit of Batman makes her hesitate once again.
'He'll be fine.' her brain assures.
Her heart aches though... It's guilt.
To run off while he's in trouble. He's brought down crime rates in Gotham. She was grateful because like it or not she considered herself part of Gotham now.
If she ran, it's like the people of Gotham don't appreciate what he has done. Perhaps she was over analyzing but she couldn't ignore someone in trouble.
He was getting up, fighting against some imaginary villain or terror and starts walking tripping over his feet and cape. As he gets further and further away in an alley way.
She makes her decision.
His eyes were wild and darting, pupils were dilated... Maybe poison.
She didn't remember much from the first Nolan film. She's watched the second one tons of times. The only thing she recalled was that he kills Ra's al Ghul as it has significance to the third movie.
"Are you okay?" she asks concern flitting through her.
He pushes her away hard. The hard ground scrapes her skin and the rain and mud stains her clothes.
He was babbling incoherently and was partly conscious.
"I'm not an enemy... ," she tries to explain. She was reluctant to give a name in case he remembers. "Look is there anyone I can call to get you help?"
She hears footsteps and see Micheal Caine. Her otherworldly self preferred the Jeremy Irons version since he was so sassy.
'Ah shit,' her mind halts in annoyance.
"Sorry, I found him like this. I first thought he was a drunk guy in trouble... ah um I didn't do this to him," she explains brokenly.
" I saw the scuffle from my car. I want to help. I could take over Miss..." the man effortlessly lies also trying to get her to slip her name in.
Not happening.
"I see, I don't have a car. You should take him," she insists. "Do you need help carrying him, sir?"
Alfred silences me as he lifts the Batman effortlessly. She was thinking of making a Chuck Norris comment but held back since he didn't exist in this world.
"I will take him to the closest clinic," he assures.
She manages to nod her head and watch him walk away with a delirious Batman in tow. Rain continued to pour heavily obstructing her view.
When she made it to the Saint Helen's Church, Father Reed greeted her with a towel and a lecture about walking in the Narrows in the rain.
She was made to stay the night and bath by Father Reed and Sister Grace.
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Chapter 4
It's been more or less a month since she had paid attention to the news. Apparently Bruce Wayne drunkenly burns down his house and Batman saves Gotham from a sort of gas takeover.
She had not seen hide or tail of Batman since that rainy day but she had seen Harvey Dent make an appearance with the beautiful and put together Rachel Dawes.
They were standing in front of her own works. It was a painting of a sunrise over a desolate city. The places where the sunlight hit had flowers being revived. It was titled Pandemonium.
"Harvey Dent- we meet again," she greets him.
It was harmless.
She couldn't help it. She wanted to gloat with her accurate prediction. Rachel Dawes was a cultured woman, this was exactly her type of fancy.
"Maria's friend ah um-" he stutters.
"Claire Daring," Rachel surprises me with a smile. "The artist from the Narrows. You made your debut this year."
"I'm honored, this is high praise from thee Rachel Dawes, the one to put Carmine Falcone in his place," she teases.
"She's brilliant, isn't she," smiles Harvey almost dotingly.
Harvey more expressive with his emotions than she thought. Around Rachel he was different than the uptight version she is use to seeing or the version he displays in front of Maria.
His shoulder's weren't ass stiff and his expression was no longer constipated.
A familiar pang of guilt ebbs her as she brings about thoughts of the future.
Rachel blushes at the compliment. "Well, there was help from Gotham's police and the Batman," was Rachel's pretty humble reply.
She sees Harvey's expression sour.
"So, any of the pieces caught your attention?" she asks. She doesn't want the two to be at odds so early in whatever is going on between them now.
"This painting." smiles Rachel looking at Pandemonium.
"It's a little gloomy," comments Harvey.
"Really?" she says going into art dealer mode. She looks at Rachel who looked a little put out. "Stand here."
Harvey stands as she indicates right in front of the painting. "Okay now look, but instead of focusing on what you're seeing focus on how you are feeling. The sun is rising," was her instruction.
Rachel stands back and watches interested. Harvey intensely stares and his gaze almost hazes.
"I feel hopeful," he says almost confused.
She smiles. "Well many people would feel differently about art depending on their own experience. This is a very obvious depiction on what I wanted to convey. It's suppose to demonstrate hope even in Pandemonium."
"I got that feeling as well," Rachel smiles at Harvey.
He shares the same love struck look and she felt like an extra between the pair.
"Others though do give me another interesting interpretation," she cuts their attention to her again.
"Some see this as the sun setting and Pandemonium had began to take over with last bits of the sun leaving the earth. It's been a feeling of dread for others. You would only see 'hope' because I said 'the sun is rising', the context changes if because of my words," she explains.
"Isn't that a manipulation then," asks Harvey
"Yes, it was," she leaves it at that as she begins to make her rounds to an interested buyer in a suit.
"Enjoy your date Mister Dent, Miss Dawes," she drawls.
"It's not a date." Harvey corrects red faced. "It's a business venture."
"Is that what they are calling it these days," she couldn't help but tease.
Rachel seems taken with Harvey but also a bit lonely than she'd expected.
She thought it would be last she sees of the pair but fate surprises her for her 'date meddling' when the two get the bright idea to impress sponsors by having their meetings at the art museum. There was no room to decline when these wealthy sponsors brought revenue to the museum itself.
She couldn't help but fall into the friendship trap of Rachel Dawes with Rachel's continuous presence on her domain.
She would probably be Rachel if she didn't grow up with Maria. Over worked, hard headed and exhausted. Rachel needed a friend. Someone on her side to hear her thoughts and someone to rely on other than Bruce Wayne.
They had became spa buddies once she convinced Rachel to not feel guilty to pamper herself every once in a while. It's one a few things she spurges on.
They started their campaign for Harvey Dent as the new District Attorney. She drew a few art works, helped spread the word and even sat through town meetings.
She really got political for the first time- a subject she usually use to avoid.
Claire Daring had always been an old soul at heart(quiet literally really), reading historical books, quoting literature and watching old movies old movies.
Nobody had the patients to watch the over 3 hour movie of Gone with the Wind her. She had come to believe that no one had the stamina that was until Rachel Dawes stayed the night at her loft.
Rachel was feeling down over something Bruce related by the way she was hinting about having feelings for an old friend and being confused about the whole thing. Then they had watched Gone with the Wind and after opening two boxes of microwave popcorn, a certain comradeship evolved between them.
The moment when they really clicked was when Harvey called Rachel at their metaphorical sleepover but not a sleepover because we were to adult for something so juvenile.
"Good afternoon Mister Dent," answers Rachel like a true Southern Bell probably high on the wine and fumes of burnt buttered popcorn.
"I think it's past afternoon Miss Dawes, It's clearly early morn'," she comments.
"What are you two up too," says an amused voice on the phone.
"Doing what young ladies do at a time like this," she answers.
"You two should get some rest," says Harvey.
"Why do I have to take a nap? I'm not tired," cries out Rachel like a spoilt Scarlet O' Hara
"Rachel! Well brought-up ladies take a nap at parties," she scold roughly like Mammy had done. She and Rachel erupt into giggles and the two of us spend the night teasing a patient Harvey on the phone.
She could sense why Rachel chooses to be with Harvey when he tries to mimic a bad southern accent. He a honest man.
The two end up flirting and she falls asleep at the foot of her couch.
Maybe she should change the couch. After all falling asleep on the concrete floor wasn't the best for her back.
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Chapter 5
If Claire had to guess, it's been months since she gotten comfortable with Rachel and Harvey.
So comfortable that during a celebratory dinner after Harvey wins the case with Gotham's biggest crime boss that she didn't realize that she was following a movie scene.
"Took me three weeks to get a reservation here. I had to tell them I work for the government," says Harvey.
"Really." Rachel leans in.
"The city Health Inspector isn't afraid to pull some strings."
"Seems like a thing you would do for a date. Why am I here again?" she had to ask almost completely confused why the two had literally kidnapped her during her hibernation session after a big opening of some new art pieces that day.
"Well, Maria called and said we should bring you along. It was suppose to be double date but Raymond cancelled last minute," says Harvey apologetically.
"I thought I was supposed to be the inconsiderate friend. And why is everyone trying to set me up with their colleagues?" she looks at them with incredibility.
She can attest that she keeps her hovel quiet spacious and interesting with design. She found herself always changing layouts. Though the place she lived wasn't the richest area. She spent her money on a good security system and her home always had the latest knick knacks.
Rachel and Harvey would take advantage of the best coffee and quiet privacy of planning and debating on how to work around their campaign.
The two skittered in the beginning. They had to work late nights but wanted to keep professional appearance. So she offered her loft as a place of planning.
She told herself at the time it was quench that guilt of letting Rachel die and Harvey fall to his demise.
During late nights she would find herself enjoying their company. Sometimes as they worked and read articles, she would be sprawled on the floor with her paints and earphones on.
They reminded her when to eat and that she needed sleep. She did the same when they were caught up in work.
They also got her a new couch. Well more like Rachel bulldozed the whole operation with Maria and Harvey as her backup. She doesn't like admit it but she did love the new couch. It was comfortable sleep in and very large.
Including Rachel and Harvey as part of their friend group was easy as Maria loved double dates and Harvey and Rachel provided that inch she wished she could share with me.
Claire was just grateful now that Maria didn't force her on dates but she did get a few pushes every so often.
Rachel and Harvey share that couple look of fond amusement. She almost didn't feel like an adult that she so clearly was.
"We also have an announcement to make," explains Rachel bashfully.
Announcement?
Her brain racked up anything that could be said, noticing the sparkling ring on Rachel's finger - her body almost has a seizure.
Wait isn't this early? He proposes but it's at a different time.
"You're-" she couldn't help but chokes on the water he was sipping.
"We aren't going to tell anyone until after the campaign. You are like family though, Claire." Rachel eyes sparks with warmth. This decision seemed so final.
Rachel had her become so comfortable that she'd come to her for advise on Harvey since she was unbiased especially when she mentions the 'corner' of this love triangle that she refuses to give an actual name.
"I want you to be my maid of honor," Rachel adds on completely oblivious to her mental shut down.
She pulls her facial muscles in an excited smile and hoped her eyes didn't give too much...
Shit... She couldn't let her die. She couldn't let Harvey fall as some tragic hero.
"So it's going to be a secret?" she asks. She began to finally see that this setting was familiar.
Her inclusion in Rachel and Harvey's life obviously did wonders in their relationship but it seemed to have really fucked up the timeline.
"I think you shouldn't wear ring with Harvey being Gotham's new uprising star. This will be plastered all over the papers," she advises slowly.
Realization fell on their gazes and Rachel slowly deposits the ring in her purse and she almost feels bad for this but she screwed up the plot already. She didn't know how Bruce Wayne would feel if he finds out Rachel's feelings for Harvey earlier than it's suppose to be revealed which is like after a time skip in the last movie.
"Just don't make googly eyes at each other. Right now, I already feel like a third wheel," she comments lightly. It was a comment she makes quiet frequent even before the two were officially dating.
"Well what's wrong with three wheels? A tricycle has three wheels," jokes Rachel.
"I think George is free. I could call him. He has a suit," offers Harvey.
"Stop with the-"
"Rachel Fancy that!" a voice says and then he appears.
Hair sleeked back, in an expensive black suit with the infamous playboy Bruce Wayne persona on. A lovely elegant blonde trailing behind.
"Yeah, Bruce, fancy that," quips Rachel looking rather annoyed.
This was definitely a movie scene...
She was oddly calm as she sits back and watches everyone. She almost felt removed from it entirely though she knew she had to be more careful with her words now.
"Rachel, Natascha. Natascha, Rachel," he introduces.
His gaze graces Harvey and her before focusing back on brunette love interest.
"Natascha. Are you the prima-?" began Rachel.
"Prima ballerina from Moscow Ballet," interrupts Bruce. Somehow his actions seem calculated and she could see Rachel's gears spin.
"Wow, Harvey is taking me next week?" says Rachel.
"-Really? So you're into ballet?" comments Bruce almost looking at Harvey mockingly.
She wonders if this restaurant had popcorn in the menu.
"Bruce. This is Harvey Dent," introduces Rachel before Rachel's eyes catches her own. "and this Claire Daring."
Bruce Wayne barely acknowledges her but she didn't mind. She didn't want to be any part of the drama about to unfold. Also she didn't think Bruce knew of her. Her rise up Gotham's ranks happened when he wasn't even in Gotham at the time.
"The famous Bruce Wayne. Rachel's told me everything about you," Harvey shakes Bruce's hand.
"I certainly hope not."
She really wanted that popcorn.
"Let's put a couple tables together," Bruce easily.
"I'm not sure that they will let us," says Harvey.
"Oh, they should. I own this place," Bruce smugly points out and wow as amusing as she remembered this on the big screen. It was total douche move especially since Harvey and Rachel were her friends. She did feel a slight annoyance on their behalf.
"Hey Rachel what has five wheels?" she couldn't help but whisper to her friend.
"A car with spare in the boot," offers Harvey a little put out.
Great- dinner is gonna be an eventful affair. She looks at Rachel worryingly, with an emphasis on the word 'affair.'
Chapter 6
She didn't know how to feel about the two men drinking scotch while us three woman sipped on some red wine. Bruce Wayne had ordered Rachel's favorite wine and the most expensive scotch on the menu.
She couldn't complain because he offered to pay and perhaps it's the universes way of saying she needed to remain sober and not to say anything incriminating.
Though she couldn't stop the irrational feminist inside of her screaming 'sexist.'
"How could you want to raise children in this city?" comments Natascha.
She held back a sarcastic comment about 'how about not having children.'
Rachel sent her a warning look. She usually was rude to the elite that's why Alex usually deals with her commissions- Harvey enjoyed the little talk downs and Rachel pretends to be scandalized by it while Maria called out my psychological trauma which held some truth from her early interaction with the world and how a rich man got away with the murder of the Daring family.
"Well, I was raised here. I turned out okay."
'Did he now?' she sarcastically thought.
"Is Wayne manor in the city limits?"comments Harvey. "The Palisades. Sure,"
She knew Batman fans hated this line from Harvey.
"You know, as our new DA, you might wanna figure out where your jurisdiction ends." Bruce sits there smugly.
They just needed some beat boxing in the background- it was like a burn battle.
"I'm talking about the kind of city that idolizes a masked vigilante," explains Natascha.
"Gotham City is proud of an ordinary citizen standing up for what's right," says Harvey.
"Gotham needs heroes like you, elected officials... not a man that thinks he's above the law."
"Who appointed the Batman?" Bruce's critical remark came after.
"We did. All of us who stood by and let scum take control of our city," say Harvey.
"But this is a democracy, Harvey." interjects Natascha.
"When their enemies were at the gates the Romans would suspend democracy and appoint one man to protect the city. It wasn't considered honor but a public service."
"Harvey, the last man that they appointed to protect the republic was named Caesar and never gave up his power," points out Rachel.
"Okay , fine," huffs Harvey.
He's going to say it... The themed line of all this.
"You either die a hero... or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
She had her own feelings about that line but debating it would force her to bring up names and heroes not known to this world and some she should not be knowing.
"Whoever the Batman is, he doesn't wanna do this for the rest of his life. How could he? Batman is looking for someone to take up his mantel."
"What do you say Claire?"
Wait wasn't Natascha suppose to ask if Harvey wanted to take the cape crusader's mantel?... Why is everyone looking at her?
She was god honestly content with being the spare wheel and staying clear of this conversation. She wondered if her confusion on her face was noticeable as the Russian ballet elaborates.
"The Mayor's wife speaks highly about your work. I want to know the opinion of the woman who tested such a high IQ and wouldn't pursue a career in business or science."
She bit her lip, not really expecting that the ballerina had knowledge about her and a quick look at Bruce Wayne confirmed he didn't even bother doing a background check on her which could mean he doesn't remember their meeting in the rain or Alfred didn't see her as a threat to be mentioned.
Relief flooded her at the thought.
"Well, you're a woman of the arts too. I prefer to follow my passions- I'm sure you understand just to make a name for yourself how much of talent that it requires and the challenge of my work makes life interesting," her answer was the usual when this was brought up.
Natascha smiles and nods a sense of connection felt towards her but doesn't let the topic drop.
"You didn't answer the question."
Rachel and Harvey also look curiously, she usually didn't have a problem voicing out her opinions wanted or not- deflection was something she did when she didn't want to give people a straight answer and being in her company for so long, it didn't surprise her that Rachel and Harvey can tell she was hiding something.
She had to say something now.
She thought of her knowledge of this world. She was curious if the other cities had heroes and looked up for any information about Superman or Wonder woman. Only coming to find articles from Lois Lane and a few miscellaneous journalist in Star City talking about The Arrow.
" Harvey is right. We appointed the Batman." she began. She wondered how much she should say and how honest she should be. Especially as said topic of discussion was listening across from her, taking small inconspicuous sips from his glass of scotch.
Playing naive or an idiot would only make her look more suspicious.
"Years ago, men use to be able to murder others over the insult upon their honor. Democracy was introduced by the Greeks and before that it was unheard off. The rules and regulations of this world is subjective- all of it impending on the 'greater good' or what may be considered the 'greater good.' Society has become complacent with the current justice system. A system which in itself is quiet broken therefore comes the need for a change or a solution which is the Batman." She pauses, her mind stalling and feeling perhaps she was talking a bit too much. As if she was some alien from another world.
She might as well be one.
"Heroes... no they would call it vigilantes for now, they stand for ideals of their 'greater good'. Batman from what I understand- has a code of 'not to kill'. You said: 'You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.' I think as long as the Batman stays on the fine line that separates himself from the people he is fighting against- I believe he will be successful whether he dies heroically or passes the mantel to the next generation." She looks at Harvey as she says this.
"We are in the interim where heroes will eventually become a norm. Metropolis has its Red-Blue-Blur and there's The Arrow in Star City. Batman isn't the only vigilante out there. The crime rate has lowered since the appearance of these vigilante. As a girl who lived her life in the Narrows. I can see the difference first hand. I'm grateful to the Batman. 'Idolizing' a vigilante- it's not a far jump to think that's where the world could be headed." Her thoughts fall back to her own world.
"Perhaps they will have figurines, toys, shirts..." turning her gaze at the pensive Bruce Wayne's whose penetrating eyes activated her flight or fight response.
Rachel laughs and Harvey gives her thoughtful look. In her previous life she couldn't pursue her life as an artist and she was a Lawyer. So even if she was severely lacking compared to Princeton Billionaire and the District Attorneys- she could somehow hold herself in a conversation with them.
"You can't be serious," Natascha says critically.
"I am! I could do the designs. Batman figurines- an interesting business venture, don't you think Mister Wayne?" she couldn't help but quip.
Bruce chuckles- she was sure it was fake.
"You should come to Wayne Towers and pitch the idea to the board," he pauses briefly. "Claire- was it? Call me Bruce, Mister Wayne was my father," he says.
"Sure, Mister Wayne," sarcasm clear on her voice. She hated when someone looked down her.
"Business partners then Miss Daring."
She had to hold back an eye roll when that false charming smile found itself her way. Bruce Wayne was curious but she was sure that his concern for the threat of the Joker and the relationship his love interest had with Gotham's Golden boy was more of pressing concern for him.
Her gaze follows Bruce's as he looks at Harvey's hand reach for Rachel.
"I'm gonna throw you a fundraiser. You sold me Dent," announces Bruce.
"That's nice of you, but I'm not up for re-election for three years," says Harvey.
"No, you don't understand. One fundraiser with my pals... you'll never need another cent," says Bruce.
She watches this with nostalgia. Seems like the plot is back on track.
Chapter 7
"Tell them your name?" Heath Ledger's demented voice.
"Brian Douglas"
"Are you the real Batman?"
"No."
"No? -Then why do you dress up like him?"
She switches of the television. She knows what happens next...
Lying on the couch- she covers her eyes with her forearm. Heart pounding in her ears...
She was having dreams
The type of dreams that wake you up screaming or crying.
It was reoccurring...
Again and Again she watches them die.
Starring at Rachel as she watched her struggle with chains keeping her in place. It happens in slow motion as she watches her friend burn alive.
She felt helpless again as she sees Harvey's breakdown in hospital.
She saw herself at their funeral dressed in black giving her condolences to the family... she felt like a fraud.
"Can you believe this?" Maria says completely annoyed throwing the page of the Gotham Gazette at her face.
'Love Boat: Billionaire Absconds With Entire Russian Ballet.'
Did he sabotage Rachel and Harvey's plans?... She forgets the small details. She had been to focused on Heath Ledgers performance at the time.
"Honestly, I can't believe that guy is Rachel's friend. Have you spoke to her about this? Did she say anything? Was she mad? I'd be pissed... Urgh! I really think he is trying to get in between Rachel and Harvey. Logan says Harvey had to pull a lot of strings to get those seats at the opera house," Maria huffs.
She had to agree with Maria on this one. Total douche move on Bruce Wayne's part.
She couldn't really give Maria the details of Rachel and Bruce's relationship. Her best friend had no filter and she couldn't afford to risk any changes in the world because Maria was such a team Harvey fan.
Personally she just wanted Rachel to be happy with whatever she chose. She judged her slightly for getting in a relationship with Harvey while still getting over her feelings for Bruce. Both men are different so she just make a choice and stick with it- sickness and through health all that jazz.
Batman or no Batman.
"You haven't been sleeping much," points out Maria hot coffee pressed to her hands.
"Was it the bags under my eyes that gave it away," was her irritable reply. It was rather misplaced annoyance- she was going through something but Alex kept calling her about some new commissioned work after she told him she won't be taking anything right now.
She could sense Maria concern like an overflowing tap. "Not just that, your hair is a mess and when last have you showered? Your breath smells an alley behind a club- vomit and bad life choices," was Maria's reply.
Maria always had a way with words- she loved her all the same though as she understood that Maria's personality came from years of abuse before they met at Saint Helens.
"Ria, I think you should get a head start on writing my eulogy and run it through five or ten people will you," she says but couldn't help but smile fondly at her.
"You shouldn't talk. Don't think I forgot about maid of honor speech at my reception," Maria points out.
"I think it was a masterpiece. Shakespeare would be proud."
"Yeah like he is with most tragedies."
"Logan wasn't complaining."
"Oh, you tell yourself that if it will make you feel better."
"He was?"
"He told me to make better friends."
Her body bubbles with laughter. Logan Perry and her always have love-hate relationship. Logan called her a witch and she called him police dog. The man was a bit of a bore but maybe because she had such high standards- they take great pleasure out of taking snipes at each other.
"I liked the speech," admits Maria. "Actually second favorite part of that night."
"Second?" she was almost insulted.
"The sex was first of course."
She makes a face, "Urgh I don't want hear about the passion between that boring log and you."
Maria rolls her eyes and gives her a secretive smile. "So what's eating you- and not in the sexy way?"
She had to admit being friends with a retired mean girl made conversing interesting.
"You see, I have two important paths and a choice to make. One path- I know will run it's coarse but it's painful and I'll feel guilty over this choice till my death bed," she begins feeling her palms sweat and face warm.
"-and the other path is unknown, it's a gamble and it could be better than the first path or it could be worse... if it was you, how would you choose?"
"Obviously the unknown path!"
"You don't even hesitate." It was like something very 'Maria' -always very direct.
"Of course not," Maria said almost proud. "How I see it is that life is more livable if it's unpredictable. If you know what's going to happen in the future- you would be die of boredom. If I had the choice to go back and change all the shit that happened- hell yeah- I would do it! I might not meet you again and I might not be with Logan but as the French say 'C'est La Vie'"
Honestly she was a little hurt that Maria would forgo their friendship but in the bigger scheme of things she guessed it would of been for the best. If Maria could save herself from all those terrible things that happened- she could support that.
For some reason she felt a little lighter after speaking to her.
Claire Daring was pensive again. She had once heard someone say that the right choices are the hardest to make.
Chapter 8
Dressed up in a ivory chiffon dress with elegant lace sleeves. She felt nauseated.
She loved this dress but wished that Maria didn't force it on her especially at a night like this. The night where the Joker shows up.
It felt like almost a waste to use such a beautiful dress on a day like this.
She wasn't supposed to be here. Rachel and Maria pitched up at her loft. Maria dubbed their little operation: 'attack before Claire can make an excuse to get out of it.'
She lost the battle but she will never lose the war- she needs to go to the hardware store and purchase a hammer then she can-
"Witch," greets Logan.
"Rover."
Logan Perry, short blond hair, jock like jaw and broad shoulders.
"You two try to behave. Rachel gave us invitations so Harvey would feel more comfortable. So if you're going to introduce yourself as his friends be respectful to the people with the deep pockets," advised Maria.
"Why are you looking at me when you say that?" she whispers to her friend.
"Oh there's Harvey," whispers Maria turning her gaze to see Rachel in an elegant green gown.
As Harvey and Rachel approaches she sees an expression of relief on Harvey's face. 'Was he nervous?' she wonders.
"Maria, Claire you ladies look beautiful," smiles Harvey.
"You too Harvey, lost that commoner look," jokes Maria.
She smiles watching her friends get comfortable with small talk. She enjoys this... She wished to always be like this.
She sees Alfred with a tray of glasses and wonders when Bruce Wayne comes in for his performance.
"Thanks." she hears Logan as Alfred offers him a glass.
"Alfred, I'd like you to meet our friends, this is Logan and Maria Perry," Rachel introduces the couple first. "and Claire Daring."
Alfred recognizes her but doesn't show it while Claire wonders if she should say something regarding their meeting in the rain.
"We met once," she admits- rather throw that out there than make herself suspicious by being secretive.
"Well, as lovely as it is meeting Miss Dawes acquaintances- I must be on my way," he makes an exit and she wonders if she fucked up by saying too much.
"Well, Alfred seems to be busy," comments Harvey.
"Has to keep the trust fund brigade happy," explains Rachel.
They hear the sound of a helicopter outside and Bruce Wayne with three very beautiful woman.
"Front row seat to Bruce Wayne's infamous entrances," she hears Logan huff in amazement.
"Are any of them the ballerinas he went off with?" asks Maria.
"Well, not the one we've met," Harvey says completely bewildered.
"I liked Natascha," she couldn't help but say.
All three of her friends give her a look of bewilderment.
Okay she might not appreciated that the woman put her on the spot but she wasn't a bad person.
"I'm sorry that I'm late. I'm glad that you all got started without me," saunters in Bruce. "Now, where is Harvey. Where-" he stops in front of Golden boy.
"Harvey Dent, the man of the hour."
'Does he have to make himself sound so demented?' she wonders.
"Where is Rachel Dawes? She is my oldest friend. Come here."
'See!' she could hear Maria hiss in my ear.
"When Rachel first told me she was dating Harvey Dent, I had one thing to say:' The guy from the god awful campaign commercials? I believe in Harvey Dent. Yeah, nice slogan, Harvey.' But it got Rachel's attention."
She could almost feel the heat radiating from the Perry couple and she was quiet impressed by Rachel 'resting bitch face.'
"And then I started to pay attention to Harvey... and all that he has been doing as our new DA. And you know what? I believe in Harvey Dent. I believe that on his watch, Gotham can feel... a little safer, a little more optimistic. Look at this face. This is the face of Gotham's bright future. To Harvey Dent. Let's hear it for him."
"Harvey!" a round of applause through the halls.
Honestly there was mixed feeling throughout the speech.
Well, at least the Perry's turned down the degrees. From the petulant frown on Maria's face- she was sure she'll hear about it later.
"Wow, what's it like to have all those eyes on you?" she couldn't help but ask Harvey.
He takes a breath and she wonders if he should loosen that tie.
"This stuff is never easy. I felt like a piece of meat in a shark tank," admits Harvey.
"Mister Dent," interrupts the an old man and his attention was taken by the man.
She sees Maria and Logan speaking in whispers and giggles near the snack table and Rachel- well she was preoccupied by Bruce Wayne on the balcony.
Whatever is being said, Rachel is more hostile than she was in the movie... Also the expression of Bruce's face. Damn he looks like he's completely shut down.
She accidently catches Bruce Wayne's eye as she watches Harvey arrive for Rachel like a white knight on a horse. She averts her gaze- God she hoped she didn't look like some shy maiden.
... Should she give him a clue? Tell him Joker will be here?
No, that would put an early target on her face.
...
...
She wanted to exit the party. Maybe hide out in some coat closet but Heath Ledger makes an appearance before that with two shots to the ceiling.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" he swaggers in with the iconic purple suit and badly dyed hair.
"We are tonight's entertainment." he takes a bite from a skewer of shrimp. "I only have one question: Where is Harvey Dent?"
He walks around waving a gun at everyone. She looks at Logan and Maria who are still on their spots.
"You know where Harvey is? You know who he is?" Her body shivers as he hassles the other guests.
Nothing more crazy than a psycho with a gun...
"Do you know where I can find Harvey? I need to talk to him. Just something little, huh? No." he shakes some bald guy's face.
He moves to another elderly man with glasses.
"You know, I'll settle for his loved ones."
"We're not intimidated by thugs," the elderly man retorts and the Joker spits on the floor.
"You know... You remind me of my father." He grabs at the man's neck bringing the older man closer to him. "I hated my father."
"Okay, stop." she turns her gaze to see Rachel parting a way through the crowd arms folded and looking to the Joker like a bad ass.
Her body felt anxious. She hoped Batman will arrive on time as per plot requires.
"Well, hello beautiful," says Joker approaching with his open switchblade as he runs his hand over his hair approaching her like a wolf and Rachel his prey.
"You must be Harvey's squeeze. Hm?" he swaggers over to her. "And you are beautiful."
He circles her and she felt the need to go close.
The plot had changed- they were slight differences but she couldn't afford Rachel's early death because of her stupidity of approaching them.
Even if she reveals herself and gets herself killed- it didn't matter... Rachel was her friend and she shouldn't even be in this world.
"You look nervous. Is it the scars?" he leans into Rachel.
"Come here. Hey. Look at me." Rachel struggles and her body takes a step forward she almost feels the tingle of something in her eyes.
A man with a clown mask warns me with a gun to stay still.
"Ah, another pretty." Joker says pulling Rachel along. She watches as her friend visibly winces, he makes his way up to her and the lackey clown moves away.
Somehow she felt safer with the guy with the gun than the guy whose holding a knife.
The Clown Prince, Heath Ledger or known by Joker in this world stands in front of her, leaned into her and starring intensely at her eyes.
"Oh isn't Harvey a lucky guy? Another dame vying for his attention... or Miss Dawes attention. There is no judgment here."
She doesn't answer and resists all flight or fight response.
"Sooo... Bright eyes," he began. "Interesting party trick you have..." he trails off as her eyes dart to Rachel's as her blood runs cold.
Did Joker see her eyes turn color?
"Do you know where Harvey Dent is?" he questions again.
"Take a seat..." he instructs her. She looks down at a couch behind her.
"A SEAT!" he repeats and she was scared he'd swipe Rachel's face as he was holding the knife so close and starts laughing hysterically.
She sits her ass down.
"And people say I'm no gentlemen."
His attention on Rachel- he pressed the knife near her carotid.
"Do you know how I got these scars?"
End of part one.
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