Disclaimer: All characters (except Julia, Adrian, Alex, Julio Alvarez, Nathan, Aunt Marina, Erik, Alicia, Danny, and Kitty) are not owned by me and are used without permission solely for the entertainment of fan-fiction readers.
Author's Note: This is chapter 1 of several that help you get to know Julia and what she is going through. She still has a long way to go before she becomes Batgirl, but this way you will know WHY and HOW she got to that point. Obsession is a weird thing. Julia is a good example of that.
Chapter 1: Thirteen With Promise
I typed furiously on my laptop, stopping only to push my glasses up the ridge of my nose. I was working on my final essay for English class. I paused a moment to run a hand through my curly brown hair in thought before continuing to type.
"Julia, time for dinner!" called my dad from the kitchen.
I saved my work and then stood up from my chair. I stretched out my arms over my head before slipping into the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror, where I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and washed my hands and face with cold water.
"JULIA!" yelled my brother Adrian this time.
I rolled my bright golden-honey eyes. My brother could be so impatient sometimes. I dried my face off quickly before trotting out of the bathroom and downstairs. I walked into the kitchen and leaned against the refrigerator.
"You rang?" I quipped.
My brother was not so amused by the remark, "Go sit at the table", he ordered.
He must be in a bad mood today. Great
"Yes, your highness", I said sarcastically.
I walked into the dining room, plopping down into a chair at the table. Adrian and my dad entered a moment later, carrying plates of food. They placed them down in the middle of the table.
They ate in silence for several minutes before dad looked up at me, "So, have you decided what High School you want to attend? I got a letter from Renbrook Academy yesterday. It's the top school in the state"
My jaw dropped, "They accepted me?" I asked.
My dad smiled, "Yes, they did. And they also accepted you for the Gifted Student Scholarship"
I jumped up and flew around the table to hug dad. I had wanted so bad to be able to attend that Academy. I would be able to get ahead in my studies there and it would also help for me get into a good university.
"They also accepted Adrian and Alex. So you are all going to be together! Isn't that great?"
Adrian dropped his fork. I almost choked on my drink. Alex just giggled.
"What? You're taking me out of Seaside High?" Adrian asked.
"Now Adrian, Renbrook is a much better school and it is closer. Seaside is just too far away. I know it's hard switching schools in the middle of high school, but I'm sure you'll adjust", my dad said.
Adrian remained silent. He didn't talk to my dad the rest of the week.
- - - - - -
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
I groaned from under the covers of my bed. My arm slithered out from under the covers and reached for the alarm clock. I hit the OFF button and grabbed my glasses from the nightstand before my arm disappeared back under the covers. A moment later, the covers flew off, revealing a wide-awake Julia.
I jumped up to my feet and started doing some stretches. After a ten-minute session of stretches, JI walked over to the bathroom and flipped on the light. Leaning over the sink, I washed my hands, face, and brushed my teeth. I smiled at the mirror, inspecting my bracers. Then, I ran my hands through my hair to settle the curls into place. One of the ups of having curly hair was that you hardly ever had to brush it.
I moved back into my room, opened the closet, and started rummaging through it, throwing clothing onto the bed as I found pieces of my uniform. A black skirt, red t-shirt, and a black jacket with the school insignia embroidered on it. Then finally, a pair of black boots fell with a thud to the floor. I quickly got dressed. I had been attending orientation classes last week for new students, but today was the first day of normal classes.
Sitting down on the floor next to her book bag, I took out my schedule and read it over.
"Hmmm. Art, Chemistry, Literature, Computer Skills, and Advanced Algebra", I mumbled as I stuffed the necessary books into my bag.
Zipping up the bag, I stood up and walked out of the room. I ran downstairs and dropped my bag by the front door before heading back to the kitchen. Dad was fixing breakfast.
"I thought I told you I didn't need to get up to make me breakfast. I can manage myself", I told him.
Dad flipped a pancake in the air, "I know, but I wanted to make you something special on your first day of school", he replied.
I smiled. Just then, Adrian walked in, coaxing a sleepy Alex to sit down at the table.
I went back to my bag and pulled out my laptop. I took it over to the dining room table and turned it on. Once it had booted up, I went to check my emails.
"You have mail", came a female voice from the computer.
"Open inbox", I said. I had made the voice command program to respond only to my voice.
"You have three new messages", the computer said.
"How many junk mail, Kitty?" I asked.
"No junk mail today, Julia", answered Kitty.
I raised an eyebrow, "Who are they from?"
"One from your Aunt Marina, one from your pen pal in Italy, and one from Nathan Lane", replied Kitty.
"Nathan Lane?"
"The boy you met during Orientation Week"
"Oh, him"
"What's wrong with him? I thought he was cute and sweet"
"I don't know Kitty, I'm just not good with boys. They never seem to get past the fact that I could kick any of their butts and beat them in sports, plus get better grades. At my old school, they avoided me. I think they were scared of me", I explained.
Kitty chuckled, "And with good reason. There is a reason you are a black belt in karate AND judo. You just happen to be really good at sports. And really smart too"
I sighed, "I know Kitty, but you know boys. Girls are not supposed to be competition for them. I'm the exception, so they sort of despise me a bit. I just hope that high school will help them get over that. That cliché is so wrong"
The screen suddenly went black and a face appeared. It was a lovely young woman of about twenty. She was Asian with long, silky black hair and dark eyes. She smiled sweetly at me.
"Don't worry Julia, things are looking up. You're going to a new school, with new people. You have a chance to start over", Kitty looked over at Adrian and lowered her voice, "And maybe start getting your plans on you know what going"
I looked at Kitty, "I don't know, it just seems so impossible. I want it so bad, but it's going to take a lot of time and work. And time is not something I'm going to have a lot of with this new school. I guess those plans will have to be put on hold for a while"
Kitty frowned, "Just don't put it off forever Julia"
"I won't Kitty. I've worked too hard and waited too long for that. But I still have a long road ahead"
"Julia, stop talking to the computer and eat your breakfast", Adrian said, placing a plate in front of me.
"We'll talk later", whispered Kitty before the screen went black.
I shut the laptop and placed it on the seat next to me. I ate my pancakes quickly, then got up, kissed my dad on the cheek and went to the door, grabbing my laptop as I passed the table. I stuffed it in my bag and opened the door.
"I'll be home by seven", I shouted from the door.
"Don't you want me to drive you?" Adrian asked.
"I'll walk!" I yelled as I closed the door.
- - - - - -
The bell rang, announcing the end of third period. I put my Advanced Algebra textbook in my bag. I got up from my desk and went out into the hall. Students were bustling along the hall, opening and closing lockers, talking, and just plain joking around.
"Julia!" shouted a voice from the crowd of students.
I turned around to face Nathan Lane, the boy I had met during Orientation Week. He ran a hand through is dark blonde hair and his soft brown eyes darted to my own face.
"Hey Nathan. How's your first day been?"
"Oh, it was just dandy. I got lost to my first class, arrived late to my second and I'm sure my History teacher doesn't think too kindly of me. That bird's completely mental!" he said in a thick British accent.
Nathan's parents had moved him and his younger sister, Emily, to Los Angeles from London that summer. They were a very wealthy family and had enrolled their children in the finest school in California, Renbrook Academy. His sister Emily was eleven and in the sixth grade. That was pretty much all I knew about him.
I smirked, "Sounds like a great first day"
"Things can only get better from 'ere", said Nathan.
"Right. So, what class do you have next?" I asked.
Nathan pulled out his schedule from his pocket and looked at it, "Literature with Mrs. Sundar"
"Me too. Its in room 412, so we have to cross the courtyard to the Michaels Building"
Nathan reached out to open the door to the courtyard, "By all means, lead the way luv", he said.
I grinned and walked through the door. This was going to be an interesting friendship.
- - - - - -
"So, I guess we're ready for our History presentation on Monday" Nathan said.
"Don't try to change the subject Nathan", I snapped.
"Blimey Julia, I told you I don't want to talk about it!"
My face softened, "Nathan, come on, you have to talk about it or you'll go crazy"
Nathan sighed, "Oh, awight. You win again, as usual"
I grinned.
"As I said before, Ashley completely ignored me today. I don't know what I could have done. She even ignored me when I tried to speak to her. I feel dred about it all", Nathan explained.
"Okay, so your girlfriend just ignored you for no apparent reason. Let's see. You're sure that there is nothing you could have done not purposely to upset her?"
"Positive", Nathan answered without hesitation.
I sat quietly for a minute, "What did you guys talk about yesterday?"
Nathan thought for a moment, "We were just gabbing on about exams, classes, then we were planning a date to get some grub today, but I told her how I had to meet you to rehearse for our presentation"
I smacked Nathan across the head, "Duh, you dummy. NEVER break a date with your girlfriend with the excuse, 'I have to study with another girl'. How could you be so stupid?"
Nathan rubbed the back of his head, "The truth really does hurt", but the realization of his mistake had sunk in.
"Crikey, I've been a real git and messed things up", he groaned.
I snickered, "You think?"
Nathan sat down next to me, "What shall I say to her on Monday?"
I looked shocked, "Oh my god, you're still here? MONDAY! Have you completely lost your mind? GO NOW!"
Nathan shot up off the sofa and made his way to the front door. He looked back at me.
"Thanks luv", said Nathan.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever"
Nathan shut the door behind him as he left the apartment.
"And you wonder why you have problems with boys", came Kitty's voice.
I turned around to face my laptop, "Get real Kitty. Nathan is just a good friend. Believe me, him and me . . . way too weird", I shuddered at the thought.
Kitty sighed, "If you say so", she replied before the screen went black.
Frustrated, I fell onto the sofa.
- - - - - -
Back flip, back flip, forward double flip, handstand, perfect landing. Breathing heavily, I dropped my raised arms to my sides.
"Your getting really good at that", said Kitty.
I grinned, "Practice makes perfect"
"So, how did you get permission to use the gym so late?" asked Kitty.
"It really wasn't that hard being a high honor roll student, star athlete, and editor of the school paper. I just had to ask"
"How humble of you"
I stuck my tongue out at the laptop set on the bleachers.
"How mature", joked Kitty.
I laughed, "Okay, no more goofing around. Let's get to the combat exercises"
"Julia, have you come up with a name yet? I mean every good super hero needs a catchy name"
I raised an eyebrow, "Super hero? Kitty, I prefer to call it vigilante, at least until I find out I actually have super powers.
"Well, you still need a name. Any ideas?"
"Kitty, let's climb that mountain when we get to it. For now, let's concentrate on my training", I answered.
"Okay, but I still think a few ideas would be a good idea"
I sighed, "Alright Kitty, I'll think of a few ideas. Maybe do some sketches too"
Kitty smiled widely before pretending to get serious, "Okay, back to training"
"YES! Now we get to the good stuff", I cried.
"This should be quite simple for you with all the gymnastics you do. Let's do rooftops. If you want, I can give you a visual"
I nodded, "A visual would be nice"
Kitty's screen went blank for a moment before an image appeared. It was a badly taped home video. There were sirens wailing in the background nearby. The police were arriving at the seen of a crime, where they quickly surrounded the building and entered. A few minutes later, they returned, leading several handcuffed men and then, out came Commissioner Gordon leading Poison Ivy. Then, the camera suddenly focused on the rooftop of the building.
'Oh my god', said the voice of the camera's owner.
The reason of the owner's comment became apparent, because out of the shadows had appeared Batgirl, and running at her side was no other than the Boy Wonder himself, Robin. Zooming in, the camera caught as the two young vigilantes moved swiftly and effortlessly across the nearby rooftops, obviously satisfied with the apprehension of the notorious Poison Ivy and her goons.
Coming up to the edge at the end of the string of rooftops, Batgirl motioned Robin to stop. Standing on the edge, Batgirl put her hands on her hips as she assessed the distance between them and the looming skyscraper across the avenue. A breeze blew from behind, causing Batgirl's hair and cape to move with it. It was the perfect picture of the female vigilante.
Pulling out a grappling hook, Batgirl took aim and fired before leaping of the building. She free fell until the line tightened and jerked, pulling Batgirl up. She flew up and let go of the cable with perfect timing, doing a simple somersault, she landed in a crouching position. She moved across the rooftop quickly, checking it before coming back to find Robin landing on his feet with a thud. She motioned him to follow her and he nodded. The two vigilantes ran, performing amazing acrobatic moves, flips, and breath- taking leaps to cross the chain of rooftops until the night engulfed them.
Kitty's face appeared on the screen, "So? What do you think? Not to hard, huh?"
I was still getting over the video, "Wow that was incredible. It looks so easy. And she was just . . . wow"
Kitty smiled, "Makes you tingly all over, doesn't it?"
"You have no idea"
"How about you whip up a temporary costume and go practice some of those moves on real rooftops?" asked Kitty.
I blinked, I was still picturing the video, Batgirl standing on the ledge, and she had looked so. I wanted that so bad. I looked over at Kitty.
"Ready when you are"
- - - - - -
A dark figure crept along the rooftops of L.A., keeping to the shadows so as not to be seen. Suddenly, she ran full speed ahead at the looming gap between two business buildings. Leaping into the air, she flew across the gap, somersaulted, and landed on her two feet, arms raised in the air.
"Perfect landing", I said from behind the black ninja mask I had on. It had been a gift from a visiting Japanese judo instructor.
My curly brown hair was tied into a ponytail out of the way. I had on one of my black long-sleeved gymnastics leotards, and over it was a pair of tight black exercise pants I also used for gymnastics. They were held up by one of my karate belts (a dark purple one).
It had taken me a while to decide what type of shoes I would wear. I had first opted for my black boots I used for school, but they would make too much noise, so I had pulled on some comfy black socks and put on a pair of ninja slippers, which had also been a gift from the instructor. Not exactly the best costume, but it would do for now.
"I told you that you would get the hang of it", said Kitty's voice in my ear.
"But I still think you should have used the whole ninja costume", she added.
"I know, but I didn't want it to get ruined, but you're right, I should use it. It's much more comfortable than this", I replied.
"I told you"
"How far away am I?" I asked.
"About seven or eight miles"
"Okay, I'm on my way back"
"Copy"
I grinned broadly and began running again. I tried doing several different series of flips, jumps, tumbles, and landings before landing on the rooftop of the apartment building closets to my neighborhood. Climbing down the fire escape, I slipped into the alley below.
I took off the mask and stuffed it into a small backpack on my back. I pulled out a black leather jacket and put it on. Taking out my ponytail with one hand, I pulled out a pair of keys from the jacket's pocket with the other. I pushed the button on it and the alley was suddenly filled with bright light.
Adrian and I had been working on restoring a black Ninja motorcycle from the year 2000. We had worked on it for over a year and had finished it a few months ago. The bike was in better shape than ever and we had put in a new engine to make her run faster and smoother. It was like riding on air whenever I drove her. I had put in automatic shut down/lock and turn on systems, so that with a touch of a button, she was up and running and with another touch, she was locked down.
In a matter of a few minutes I was on my street, Emerald Lane. My house was number 85. My bike silently pulled up to the driveway (I had installed a silencer system into the engine. It was of my own invention. Adrian didn't know about it). I parked it in its spot and jumped off it. I ran around to the back of the house and climbed up the side of the house to the roof. I tiptoed across it until I reached my window, which was open. I slipped in and let out a huge sigh of relief.
"That was fast", said Kitty. The laptop was on my desk.
"This I can get used to", I replied.
- - - - - -
I looked out the window of the car as it flew over the highway. I watched as other hover cars flew along the highway beside us. The highway was damp from that morning's downpour and the sky was still cloudy as we sped down highway 59. My dad was concentrated on the highway and Adrian was next to him in the passenger seat studying the map. He knew the way by heart, but he didn't have anything better to do. Soft Jazz music played on the car's stereo system. Alex was fast asleep next to me. I turned my MP3 player back on and rock music blared into my ears. Everyone was listening to that stupid electronic music these days, but I preferred my rock music anytime. My latest discovery was a new band called Ionic.
We were on our way to visit my Aunt Marina in Sacramento. I always enjoyed visiting Aunt Marina, it was like taking a break from normal life. Her husband, Joel Santos, had walked out on her and their two kids years ago, but Aunt Marina kept everything together and was a really amazing single mother. My cousin Alicia, was eighteen and graduating from high school this year. She planned on studying architecture at the University of California. Her brother, Erik, was thirteen like me. Erik and I used to not get along at all, but ever since I got into martial arts, he always wants to see the new moves I've learned. I even show a few moves every now and then.
We finally made it to Sacramento after a very long, very boring drive. It had been a while since we had visited our aunt. The last time we came was before mom died . . .
We pulled up to a small farmhouse. It was a pretty old house with a huge yard. Every kind of plant you could imagine made a garden that spread all around the house. Huge trees shaded the yard and house from the sun. We were miles from the city. Horses and cows grazed peacefully in the paddocks at the outskirts of the property. The clucking of chickens filled my ears as I stepped out of the car and a cool breeze blew across my face.
Aunt Marina came out of the house cleaning her hands on her apron. I grinned and ran up to her, engulfing her in a huge hug. Adrian hugged her next and then Alex. She and dad exchanged kisses on the cheeks.
"I can't believe you are all here. It's been so long, you're all so big!" she said happily.
"I know, it has been a while. Where are Alicia and Erik?" asked dad.
"ERIK!" called out my aunt.
A few moments later, Erik came around the back of the house, dusting his pants off. He was a few inches taller than me, about Adrian's height. He had black hair and dark eyes like his mother, but the chocolate colored skin of his father. He had grown a lot and he was really strong. I would enjoy kicking his butt later that day.
"Mi hijo, where is your sister?" asked my aunt.
"She's checking the horses", answered Erik.
We all said hi and began catching up. Aunt Marina ushered us all towards the house. She opened the screen door and led us all into the house.
"Jonathan! They're here!" she cried out.
We heard heavy footsteps come down the stairs and a man in his early forties appeared before us. He had dark blond hair, steely gray eyes, and tanned skin from working on the farm. His face looked kind and the corners of his eyes wrinkled as he smiled. It looked to me that my aunt had finally found the man she had been waiting for.
"Everyone, this is my fiancé, Jonathan", my aunt said.
"FIANCE?" we all asked, "Why didn't you tell us, Tia?" I added.
"I wanted to surprise you all, of course" my aunt said between giggles. She seemed like a young girl of twenty. I was so happy for her.
We all sat in the living room and got to know Jonathan better. Aunt Marina went back to the kitchen and I followed her. I helped set the table and finish the last minute cooking.
Finally, Alicia arrived, her face flushed from running. She was very pretty like my aunt with long black hair and dark almond shaped eyes. Her complexion was lighter than my aunt's perfectly tanned skin, but she had a slightly more curved frame than my aunt. Alicia was always smiling and always carried herself proudly. She reminded me of my mother a lot.
After dinner, we all laughed and talked late into the night. When we couldn't stay awake any longer, we all retired upstairs to the rooms. I slept with Alicia in her room while Adrian slept in Erik's room, and Dad and Alex slept in the guest room.
The Next Day
"Wait for me!" yelled Erik, running to catch up to me. I ran down the familiar trail through the woods, flying over logs, rocks, and tree roots. I finally stopped at the river that cut through the forest. The water ran smoothly along its course, flowing as far as I could see.
My cousin stopped next to me, out of breath.
"Common, we're almost there" I said out of breath.
"You keep saying that", my cousin complained.
I smiled at my tired cousin and then grinned evilly at him. I pushed him into the cool river, diving in after him. We splashed at each other and wrestled. Exhausted, we sat at the river's edge, gazing at trees.
"Remember when we used to do this all the time when we were little?" I asked.
"Yeah", replied Erik.
"I remember the stars being so beautiful here at night"
"Well, they are"
I laughed. My cousin always made me feel better.
"I'm glad you guys came back", Erik said.
I smiled, "I missed you too. And I'm glad we came back to visit too"
I stood up and brushed the grass off my clothes.
"We still have a little farther to go", I said, helping my cousin up.
"Can we try and not run this time?" he pleaded.
"Sure" I said.
- - - - - -
READ AND REVIEW!
- Lady Artemis -
