~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tigerlily: Ok, everyone is here, right? No one got lost?
Mirai Clone: No, I'm here.
Tigerlily: Remy?
Gambit Clone: Gambit's here, Chere. Don't you worry your pretty little head.
Tigerlily: Neil?
Neil Clone: Corporal Neil Fleming ready and waiting, ma'am!
Tigerlily: Ok..you know Neil, when you're here, you *don't* have to be all 'military dude' around us, ok?
Neil Clone: Military protocol. Sorry. Takes a while to get *out* of the habit outside the base and all.
Tigerlily: Ok, that's fine, Neil. Moving on, Gohan? You here yet?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah. I'm here.
Tigerlily: Gohan? You ok? You're not very talkative today, are you? Something wrong?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Nothing.
Mirai Clone: Are you still mad about what happened yesterday?
Tigerlily: Yesterday?
Mirai Clone: Yeah. Gohan and I were sparing yesterday, and I guess we're still a little sore. I don't know about him, but it was a pretty intense battle. And it doesn't help matters that I haven't sparred with someone as powerful as Gohan in many years. We went all out.
Tigerlily: I see. Well if you want to, you two can take it easy today. Just sit back, and eat or something.
Mirai Clone: Yeah, that sounds like a plan. What do you say Gohan?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah, that's sounds good. Let's go.
Tigerlily: Food. No better medicine in the world for a Saiyan. It'll cure whatever ails you.
Gambit Clone: Don't you have a disclaimer to do, Chere?
Tigerlily: Huh? Oh right. Thanks Remy. You're a dear.
Gambit Clone: Gambit knows this Chere. But Gambit still likes to hear it.
Tigerlily: You're so damn cute, you know that? Ok, people. Time to get a move on. As always, I, Tigerlily, do *not* own that characters of Birds of Pray, DBZ, X-men, Final Fantasy, yada, yada, yada. You know the drill.
Irvine Kinneas: Funny you should mention that, miss.
Tigerlily: What the?! Irvine? Irvine Kinneas?! What are you doing here?
Mystic Gohan Clone: You know this clown?
Tigerlily: Gohan? You know I love you dearly, but *NEVER* insult Irvine!!
Irvine: Thanks sweetheart.
Tigerlily: Don't mention it. Can I ask you something? Don't get me wrong, but what are you doing here?
Mirai Clone: You mean he's not a clone of yours?
Tigerlily: No. Although now that I think about it, it may not be such a bad idea.
Mirai Clone: Alright, Gambit? Gohan? Wanna help me keep little miss mad scientist away from the lab equipment?
Mystic Gohan Clone: So, who is he then? If he's not one of us?
Tigerlily: His name is Irvine Kinneas and he's from Final Fantasy VIII. Wicked cool character too. He, Zell, Seifer, and Squall are my absolute favorites. They are the coolest and hottest guys. *Gambit, Gohan, Mirai, and Neil cross their arms as they glare at me. I sweatdrop*
Tigerlily: Um.but you guys are just as cool?
Mirai Clone: We really should give her a break. She has favorites from different shows. Besides, she did clone us.
Mystic Gohan Clone: Mirai's right. Besides, it's like food. No one has just *one* favorite food.
Mirai Clone: Ah man, now I'm even hungrier than before. Come on Gohan; let's go get something to eat.
Mystic Gohan Clone: About time. Lily, where's your frig?
Tigerlily: Kitchen, where else? Go down the hallway till the very end, take a left, and follow around the corner. That big white thing in the back is the frig. I think you'll be able to handle it from there, you two.
Mystic Gohan Clone: Is she making fun of us?
Mirai Clone: Does it matter? Let's go get something to eat.
Tigerlily: Don't eat it all! I have other people living here too, you know!
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah, yeah, yeah. *Gohan and Mirai leave the room and head off to the kitchen*
Tigerlily: Irvine? You never did tell us why you're here. Anything important?
Irvine: Nothing. Just visiting. But, uh, I don't think I'm going to be alone. I think the others are heading here shortly.
Tigerlily: The others? You mean, like Squall?! Squall's coming?! Squall Leonhart? *The* Squall Leonhart?! I think I'm gonna faint!
Gambit Clone: Easy Chere. Breathe. Gambit will catch you if you fall.
Tigerlily: I'll be fine Remy. It's just that.it's *SQUALL*!!!!
Neil Clone: I take it he's someone you're familiar with?
Tigerlily: Familiar with?! Squall is the coolest bad ass in entire world of Japanese animation. But.I still have a story to write.Irvine? How long until they get here?
Irvine: No idea. Why?
Tigerlily: Nothing. I'll just have to see if I can finish the chapter before they show up. Really quickly here now, I don't own any characters except for my clones. And enjoy the story.
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What Legends Are Made Of Chapter Three: Quiet Moments
Helena raced across the rooftops in pure anger. She had to vent her frustration, and it looked like every villain, mad scientist, and weirdo was deliberately hiding from her.
"He's got some nerve to show up like this after seven years! Then he calls me a kid?! He's lucky I didn't rip his throat out." Helena said as she crouched down in the corner of a dark alley. With any luck, some action would come to her.
"You seem pissed." A voice said. Helena didn't move as she recognized the detective's voice.
"That obvious?" Helena asked as Reese walked down the alley.
"What's the matter? Something not go your way this evening?" Reese asked.
"You could say that. My father showed up tonight. After being gone for seven years, and he just waltzes into New Gothem you know? And what makes me even more pissed is how Barbara was about it! She even stood up for him!" Helena growled.
"I take it you're not happy he's back?" Reese asked.
"Me? No. Whatever gave you that idea? I'm *ecstatic*!" Helena said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Is there any specific reason that you're so mad at him?" Reese asked as Helena sighed deeply.
"Well, to make an incredible long and boring story short, I hate him." Helena said.
"Hate's a pretty strong word." Reese said.
"I know. It's just that..I'm sorry. It's complicated." Helena said.
"Huntress.Helena. You've trusted me this long, haven't you? Don't you know by now your secrets are safe with me?" Reese asked.
"Well..I guess I could tell you. Then at least someone else can know what I'm going through, I suppose. Well, the fact of the matter is, my father isn't really a normal man. He.has, or at least had, this.night job. Kind of like what I do, you know? Fighting criminals and the scourge of the underworld. That kind of thing. Basically, do you remember stories about a caped crusader who called himself Batman?" Helena asked.
"Yeah, I think so. But he was just a myth..wasn't he?" Reese asked as Helena shook her head.
"Hardly. He was, and is, real." Helena said.
"And he's..your father? What about your mother?" Reese asked as Helena hesitated for a moment.
"Selina Kyle. She was once Catwoman. But obviously she gave that up when she had me. Thing is she never told *Daddy* about me. Not that I care in any case." Helena said.
"Selina Kyle? But wasn't she.I mean-" Reese began softly.
"Yeah, she was murdered. Batman and Joker's battle cost my mother her life, and Barbara the use of her legs. All because of *Daddy dearest*" Helena said sarcastically.
"If what you say is true, then don't you think you're being a little hard on him?" Reese asked as Helena growled at him.
"Hardly! If he's this big shot hero, why wasn't he there?! Why didn't he save my mother?! If he loved her, why couldn't he save her?!" Helena cried. She ignored the angry tears that flowed freely down her cheeks. Reese gently put an arm around her, and after a moment, Helena broke down, and cried into Reese's shoulder.
After so many years of bottling her emotions inside, it all came gushing forth, as she was overwhelmed by sorrow, guilt, and loneliness. All the while, Reese held her shoulders, lending her his support when she needed it most.
A couple of minutes later, Helena finally quieted down, and pulled away from Reese. She smiled a genuine smile at him as she looked at him.
"Thanks." Helena said as Reese nodded.
"Don't mention it. Look, maybe you'd better find your father. You need to tell him how you feel in the very least. He must have loved your mother. He's probably been through what you're going through now. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he still does." Reese said.
"I suppose I've waited long enough. Thanks Reese." Helena said. Without another word, she climbed up the alleyway wall, and disappeared out of sight, heading back to the clock tower.
Helena sighed as she walked into the Lair. She looked around her for Batman, and was surprised to see that he wasn't in the room anymore. Neither was Dinah, but Barbara was in the room, talking to middle aged man seated across from her. When she came in, the two looked up at her.
"You ok, now?" Barbara asked as Helena sighed then nodded.
"Yeah. As much as I normally can be, you know. Where's Bats?" Helena asked and Barbara was surprised to see that there was no sarcasm in her voice. With a half-smile, she pointed to the man seated across from her. Helena sighed again as she nodded.
"Mr. Wayne I take it, then?" Helena asked as Bruce quietly nodded. Barbara smiled as she looked at Helena.
"Why don't you sit down? Talk a little? I've got to go check on Dinah anyway. Alfred's trying to help her with a school project. Cooking class I think. I'll be back in half an hour, give or take. You need anything? Bruce, Helena?" Barbara asked as they both shook their heads. With a final nod, Barbara left the room.
"So..uh..I guess Barbara told you everything." Helena said, not making eye contact.
"More or less." Bruce said. There was a moment of silence, before Bruce spoke up again.
"You still angry with me?" Bruce asked as Helena sighed.
"I was for a long time..a very long time.but I talked to a friend and..got it out of my system. I'm fine now." Helena said softly. There was silence again for a couple more minutes.
"So.ah..how long have you officially been back in New Gotham?" Helena asked.
"A day. I got here last night." Bruce said as Helena nodded. There was more silence until Bruce looked at Helena and smiled.
"You have her eyes." Bruce said.
"You have no idea." Helena said with a small laugh.
"I miss her." Helena said sadly.
"I know. Me too. Everyday. Every night. I think about her constantly. That's one of the reasons..I left. But I want you to know, Helena, if I had known, I would have *never* left New Gotham, I swear to you." Bruce said as he looked at her. Helena nodded.
"I know. It just took me a while to believe that. But I do now. It's so hard sometimes..you know..I keep thinking what if I had done something different? What if I hadn't been feeling well, and we had stayed home? What if we had gone down a different street, would she still be alive today?" Helena asked.
"As much as I hate to say this, kitten, you can't change the past. Trust me, I wanted to for so long, but it isn't possible." Bruce said as Helena smiled softly at him.
"Mom used to call me that. Her mischievous little kitten. I miss her so much. And for the longest time, I hated you so much for not being there to protect her. For not getting revenge on Joker for what he'd done. I always thought that if things were the other way around, she would have done it. She would have killed for you. And I hated you for so long because you didn't." Helena said.
"If I had, Joker would have won." Bruce said as Helena nodded.
"I know that now..it's just that.." Helena began as Bruce nodded.
"I know." Bruce said.
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Tigerlily: Ok, everyone is here, right? No one got lost?
Mirai Clone: No, I'm here.
Tigerlily: Remy?
Gambit Clone: Gambit's here, Chere. Don't you worry your pretty little head.
Tigerlily: Neil?
Neil Clone: Corporal Neil Fleming ready and waiting, ma'am!
Tigerlily: Ok..you know Neil, when you're here, you *don't* have to be all 'military dude' around us, ok?
Neil Clone: Military protocol. Sorry. Takes a while to get *out* of the habit outside the base and all.
Tigerlily: Ok, that's fine, Neil. Moving on, Gohan? You here yet?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah. I'm here.
Tigerlily: Gohan? You ok? You're not very talkative today, are you? Something wrong?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Nothing.
Mirai Clone: Are you still mad about what happened yesterday?
Tigerlily: Yesterday?
Mirai Clone: Yeah. Gohan and I were sparing yesterday, and I guess we're still a little sore. I don't know about him, but it was a pretty intense battle. And it doesn't help matters that I haven't sparred with someone as powerful as Gohan in many years. We went all out.
Tigerlily: I see. Well if you want to, you two can take it easy today. Just sit back, and eat or something.
Mirai Clone: Yeah, that sounds like a plan. What do you say Gohan?
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah, that's sounds good. Let's go.
Tigerlily: Food. No better medicine in the world for a Saiyan. It'll cure whatever ails you.
Gambit Clone: Don't you have a disclaimer to do, Chere?
Tigerlily: Huh? Oh right. Thanks Remy. You're a dear.
Gambit Clone: Gambit knows this Chere. But Gambit still likes to hear it.
Tigerlily: You're so damn cute, you know that? Ok, people. Time to get a move on. As always, I, Tigerlily, do *not* own that characters of Birds of Pray, DBZ, X-men, Final Fantasy, yada, yada, yada. You know the drill.
Irvine Kinneas: Funny you should mention that, miss.
Tigerlily: What the?! Irvine? Irvine Kinneas?! What are you doing here?
Mystic Gohan Clone: You know this clown?
Tigerlily: Gohan? You know I love you dearly, but *NEVER* insult Irvine!!
Irvine: Thanks sweetheart.
Tigerlily: Don't mention it. Can I ask you something? Don't get me wrong, but what are you doing here?
Mirai Clone: You mean he's not a clone of yours?
Tigerlily: No. Although now that I think about it, it may not be such a bad idea.
Mirai Clone: Alright, Gambit? Gohan? Wanna help me keep little miss mad scientist away from the lab equipment?
Mystic Gohan Clone: So, who is he then? If he's not one of us?
Tigerlily: His name is Irvine Kinneas and he's from Final Fantasy VIII. Wicked cool character too. He, Zell, Seifer, and Squall are my absolute favorites. They are the coolest and hottest guys. *Gambit, Gohan, Mirai, and Neil cross their arms as they glare at me. I sweatdrop*
Tigerlily: Um.but you guys are just as cool?
Mirai Clone: We really should give her a break. She has favorites from different shows. Besides, she did clone us.
Mystic Gohan Clone: Mirai's right. Besides, it's like food. No one has just *one* favorite food.
Mirai Clone: Ah man, now I'm even hungrier than before. Come on Gohan; let's go get something to eat.
Mystic Gohan Clone: About time. Lily, where's your frig?
Tigerlily: Kitchen, where else? Go down the hallway till the very end, take a left, and follow around the corner. That big white thing in the back is the frig. I think you'll be able to handle it from there, you two.
Mystic Gohan Clone: Is she making fun of us?
Mirai Clone: Does it matter? Let's go get something to eat.
Tigerlily: Don't eat it all! I have other people living here too, you know!
Mystic Gohan Clone: Yeah, yeah, yeah. *Gohan and Mirai leave the room and head off to the kitchen*
Tigerlily: Irvine? You never did tell us why you're here. Anything important?
Irvine: Nothing. Just visiting. But, uh, I don't think I'm going to be alone. I think the others are heading here shortly.
Tigerlily: The others? You mean, like Squall?! Squall's coming?! Squall Leonhart? *The* Squall Leonhart?! I think I'm gonna faint!
Gambit Clone: Easy Chere. Breathe. Gambit will catch you if you fall.
Tigerlily: I'll be fine Remy. It's just that.it's *SQUALL*!!!!
Neil Clone: I take it he's someone you're familiar with?
Tigerlily: Familiar with?! Squall is the coolest bad ass in entire world of Japanese animation. But.I still have a story to write.Irvine? How long until they get here?
Irvine: No idea. Why?
Tigerlily: Nothing. I'll just have to see if I can finish the chapter before they show up. Really quickly here now, I don't own any characters except for my clones. And enjoy the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Legends Are Made Of Chapter Three: Quiet Moments
Helena raced across the rooftops in pure anger. She had to vent her frustration, and it looked like every villain, mad scientist, and weirdo was deliberately hiding from her.
"He's got some nerve to show up like this after seven years! Then he calls me a kid?! He's lucky I didn't rip his throat out." Helena said as she crouched down in the corner of a dark alley. With any luck, some action would come to her.
"You seem pissed." A voice said. Helena didn't move as she recognized the detective's voice.
"That obvious?" Helena asked as Reese walked down the alley.
"What's the matter? Something not go your way this evening?" Reese asked.
"You could say that. My father showed up tonight. After being gone for seven years, and he just waltzes into New Gothem you know? And what makes me even more pissed is how Barbara was about it! She even stood up for him!" Helena growled.
"I take it you're not happy he's back?" Reese asked.
"Me? No. Whatever gave you that idea? I'm *ecstatic*!" Helena said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Is there any specific reason that you're so mad at him?" Reese asked as Helena sighed deeply.
"Well, to make an incredible long and boring story short, I hate him." Helena said.
"Hate's a pretty strong word." Reese said.
"I know. It's just that..I'm sorry. It's complicated." Helena said.
"Huntress.Helena. You've trusted me this long, haven't you? Don't you know by now your secrets are safe with me?" Reese asked.
"Well..I guess I could tell you. Then at least someone else can know what I'm going through, I suppose. Well, the fact of the matter is, my father isn't really a normal man. He.has, or at least had, this.night job. Kind of like what I do, you know? Fighting criminals and the scourge of the underworld. That kind of thing. Basically, do you remember stories about a caped crusader who called himself Batman?" Helena asked.
"Yeah, I think so. But he was just a myth..wasn't he?" Reese asked as Helena shook her head.
"Hardly. He was, and is, real." Helena said.
"And he's..your father? What about your mother?" Reese asked as Helena hesitated for a moment.
"Selina Kyle. She was once Catwoman. But obviously she gave that up when she had me. Thing is she never told *Daddy* about me. Not that I care in any case." Helena said.
"Selina Kyle? But wasn't she.I mean-" Reese began softly.
"Yeah, she was murdered. Batman and Joker's battle cost my mother her life, and Barbara the use of her legs. All because of *Daddy dearest*" Helena said sarcastically.
"If what you say is true, then don't you think you're being a little hard on him?" Reese asked as Helena growled at him.
"Hardly! If he's this big shot hero, why wasn't he there?! Why didn't he save my mother?! If he loved her, why couldn't he save her?!" Helena cried. She ignored the angry tears that flowed freely down her cheeks. Reese gently put an arm around her, and after a moment, Helena broke down, and cried into Reese's shoulder.
After so many years of bottling her emotions inside, it all came gushing forth, as she was overwhelmed by sorrow, guilt, and loneliness. All the while, Reese held her shoulders, lending her his support when she needed it most.
A couple of minutes later, Helena finally quieted down, and pulled away from Reese. She smiled a genuine smile at him as she looked at him.
"Thanks." Helena said as Reese nodded.
"Don't mention it. Look, maybe you'd better find your father. You need to tell him how you feel in the very least. He must have loved your mother. He's probably been through what you're going through now. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he still does." Reese said.
"I suppose I've waited long enough. Thanks Reese." Helena said. Without another word, she climbed up the alleyway wall, and disappeared out of sight, heading back to the clock tower.
Helena sighed as she walked into the Lair. She looked around her for Batman, and was surprised to see that he wasn't in the room anymore. Neither was Dinah, but Barbara was in the room, talking to middle aged man seated across from her. When she came in, the two looked up at her.
"You ok, now?" Barbara asked as Helena sighed then nodded.
"Yeah. As much as I normally can be, you know. Where's Bats?" Helena asked and Barbara was surprised to see that there was no sarcasm in her voice. With a half-smile, she pointed to the man seated across from her. Helena sighed again as she nodded.
"Mr. Wayne I take it, then?" Helena asked as Bruce quietly nodded. Barbara smiled as she looked at Helena.
"Why don't you sit down? Talk a little? I've got to go check on Dinah anyway. Alfred's trying to help her with a school project. Cooking class I think. I'll be back in half an hour, give or take. You need anything? Bruce, Helena?" Barbara asked as they both shook their heads. With a final nod, Barbara left the room.
"So..uh..I guess Barbara told you everything." Helena said, not making eye contact.
"More or less." Bruce said. There was a moment of silence, before Bruce spoke up again.
"You still angry with me?" Bruce asked as Helena sighed.
"I was for a long time..a very long time.but I talked to a friend and..got it out of my system. I'm fine now." Helena said softly. There was silence again for a couple more minutes.
"So.ah..how long have you officially been back in New Gotham?" Helena asked.
"A day. I got here last night." Bruce said as Helena nodded. There was more silence until Bruce looked at Helena and smiled.
"You have her eyes." Bruce said.
"You have no idea." Helena said with a small laugh.
"I miss her." Helena said sadly.
"I know. Me too. Everyday. Every night. I think about her constantly. That's one of the reasons..I left. But I want you to know, Helena, if I had known, I would have *never* left New Gotham, I swear to you." Bruce said as he looked at her. Helena nodded.
"I know. It just took me a while to believe that. But I do now. It's so hard sometimes..you know..I keep thinking what if I had done something different? What if I hadn't been feeling well, and we had stayed home? What if we had gone down a different street, would she still be alive today?" Helena asked.
"As much as I hate to say this, kitten, you can't change the past. Trust me, I wanted to for so long, but it isn't possible." Bruce said as Helena smiled softly at him.
"Mom used to call me that. Her mischievous little kitten. I miss her so much. And for the longest time, I hated you so much for not being there to protect her. For not getting revenge on Joker for what he'd done. I always thought that if things were the other way around, she would have done it. She would have killed for you. And I hated you for so long because you didn't." Helena said.
"If I had, Joker would have won." Bruce said as Helena nodded.
"I know that now..it's just that.." Helena began as Bruce nodded.
"I know." Bruce said.
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