Batman Return of the Dark Nights

Written by: Panthera

Disclaimer: The characters within this story belong to DC Comics and Warner Brothers I have just borrowed them for a while. No harm is meant I will return them unharmed when I'm finished the only character contained within that is not DC is that of Zanah she is an original character created by me and my friend.  Now, on with the story.

Chapter Sixteen

The Next Day…

Selina sat outside Daggett's office she watched as a well-dressed figure entered the office. Her senses went to full alert and she watched with a sinking feeling as the elevators stopped and the security doors locked tight. Selina realized that they were trapped. The man approached the center of the room and said, "Daggett Industries will pay for it's wrong dealings. The price is death!"

Selina got up she had to get out of there. She was not going to die. Not because of her vengeance not again. It was a price she refused to pay.

Selina moved towards the bathroom, but was stopped immediately. "No you don't. Nobodies going anywhere," he said as he pointed a gun at her. Everyone around her screamed in terror again and some hid. Selina stood frozen, but she showed no sign of fear. She was already trying to figure out what to do.

"Where's Daggett? He's not going to miss this party."

"In the main office," she replied.

"Where?"

"Behind the large doors."

Selina watched as the large muscular man broke down the door in search of Daggett.

Moments later a loud shot rang out as a curse flew. The others screamed as the large man stormed back in the room and grabbed Selina. "Where is he?"

"I don't know. He was in his office."

"Find him or I start shooting," shouted the man as the elevators came back to life.

Selina moved into Daggett's office and started looking for Daggett's means of escape. She found it almost immediately, but acted dumb according to her role.

"Hurry up!"

Selina spoke now acting frantic. "I… I don't know I've only been in here, but once… I…"

"Shut up!"

Selina pressed the small button on the desk underneath as she grabbed the desk to make it appear she'd accidentally found it. She watched as the large bookcase slid away and revealed a stairway.

The man cursed angrily seeing Daggett had escaped. After his initial outburst he turned to Selina. "What is his schedule," the man demanded.

"It's on my desk," she squeaked. The man dragged her out of the office and put the gun to her back.

"Where?"

Selina took him to her desk and picked up the book. "Here take it just don't hurt us."

The man snatched the book from her grasp and then led them all to a nearby office where he locked them in.

"You are my warning. There is a bomb in this building set to go off in a few minutes you will all die!"

The people in the room screamed and shouted in terror. Selina stood silent she had to stop it but if she did her cover was blown. What was she going to do? Selina grew tense, trapped, and afraid she needed a way to hide her true identity. Selina knew the clock was ticking and she took note of a bathroom.

Selina screamed as if everything was hitting her now. She started going on historically and to calm the others she was lead into the bathroom. She closed and locked the door and then pulled out a tape recorder out of her purse and recorded her frantic shouts. She pressed play on the tape and left through the air duct. The whole time wondering where the bomb was, and if she managed to find it could she possibly defuse it. I need help, she realized as she dropped down into the main room. But she knew she didn't have enough time to get it. I guess Catwoman's talents are required here, she thought as she moved down the hall. She made a quick change and dressed as Catwoman moved to the door where the others were trapped. She worked the lock and opened the door.

"Everyone head for Daggett's office, I'll get that hysterical woman and she'll explain." Catwoman moved into the bathroom as everyone left. She quickly changed back to Selina and headed for Daggett's office. She opened the secret staircase and explained Catwoman had gone for help. The group flees to safety. Selina found a pay phone and called Commissioner Gordon. She quickly explained the trouble and then left knowing she couldn't be found there.

That Night…

A shadow raced across the docks outside of Gotham.

He thinks he's untouchable. That not even Batman can stop him, that I'm so afraid I'd never dream of striking back, but he's wrong. His people taught me too well. I know where he's venerable. I know how hurt him.

The avenging figure took out the guards posted in the area and set to work on destroying the center of Daggett's illegal business.

The Wraith was just finishing her task when the two defenders of the city arrived.

"Whoever you are stop where you are now?"

"Believe me Batman this is a crime for the good of Gotham."

"No crime is good for this city."

"Sometimes the only way to beat them is to play their game."

"Beat who?" Robin questioned.

"The people who pull the strings. The ones who take your life away."

"Who are you?"

"A Wraith."

"What ever has been done this isn't the solution," Batman said.

"If you knew who we were talking about you might think differently."

"If you're trying to end crime why'd you free Tetch?"

"To be free myself."

"Where is he?"

"I don't know anymore. The man behind the curtain has him," she said as she lit a match and raised it to meet with a kerosene soaked rag.

"Don't," Batman warned.

"You're going to persist interfering Batman."

"Yes."

She threw the cloth and watched pleased as the building and ship began to burn. "Then feel the heat of my rage," she roared before vanishing in the confusion of the fiery explosion that followed.

    "We have a new wild card," Batman said.

"She's angry," Robin observed looking on at the chaos she had created with her destructive revenge.

"Maybe dangerous."

"Who do you think is the man behind the curtain?"

"I don't know."

"What did she mean if we knew who she was talking about we might think differently?" Robin asked.

"The person in question is an adversary. One who she thinks we might want to see vanish."

"Who qualifies?'

"Good question it's a riddle we'll have to solve."

Else Where…

Selina walked into the drycleaners to pick up her clothes. As she walked out she found herself face to face with Julie.

"Miss Kyle."

"Julie…I'm…"

"Save the false apologies. We both know you're not the least bit sorry about what happened.

"Okay."

"If you're still in town because you're hoping to get back into Bruce's good graces and win him back, then you best leave. Don't waste your time because you won't come between us. We're getting married around Christmas."

"You picked the date."

"No, he did."

"Oh… Congratulations."

"That's right you've lost so just go back under that rock you came from."

"Watch it Barbie if I hadn't come back he'd be dead."

"Bruce loves me Selina and I don't intend to give him up."

"You don't know him Julie. There are things in his life you'll never hear about, events you'll never understand, places in him you'll never be able to touch or any part in."

"I'm sure he's got his skeletons in the closet like everyone else you won't scare me off with words."

 "It's more than skeletons. It's pain, rage despair, grief and guilt, emotions so dark they drive most men mad. Creating monsters and nightmares no one can ever chase away. If you don't believe me think about how much you really know about him then do some research. What you find will haunt you for the rest of your life."

"You're a bitter manipulative and desperate woman Selina. You don't give a damn about him. If you did you'd leave. He's happy and you can't stand that. You'd say anything to separate us. You're no better than the creep who's after him. You're made for each other."

Selina turned away with disgust not about to listen to another word. Julie had said enough and the words made Selina's stomach churn with disgust.

Returning to the loft she was met by a rage filled Zanah. "You helped him. He tried to kill you and you got his whole damn staff out alive!"

"They are ignorant of what goes on behind closed doors the same as the rest of Gotham. It was a choice of Survival Zanah."

"If you're going to point that finger at me turn it around and point it at yourself as well. You helped a madman escape at his command."

"I had no choice."

"Neither did I. We do what we have to, to stay alive and remain in the shadows."

"What I don't understand is why you took the cat."

"I was angry with Bruce. I wanted to get under his skin. Send a message."

"Why are you working for Daggett?"

"To dig."

"You won't find anything."

"You could point me in the right direction."

"If you were caught he'd know I was helping you. He'd be able to find me."

"If you don't help me he'll get away with it."

"No he won't."

"Do you think your sabotage will stop him? It will be a mild annoyance at most and he'll realize sooner or later you're responsible."

"What do you suggest?"

"To get even you must plan your attack thoroughly and hit him where it hurts the most."

"You sound like you've done this before."

"I have."

"How did it end?"

"With the kiss of death. Don't make the same mistake I did."

"What do you mean?"

"I had love and I traded it for revenge. There isn't a day now that I don't regret that choice. It doesn't make the anger and pain go away it grows. Only the outlet to relive it is gone and you become trapped looking for a new way to get rid of them."

"Batman is the same," Zanah said recalling her confrontation earlier.

"Yes, he became obsessed with ending crime. I on the other hand chose to attack them where I knew it hurt. I stole from the big shots looking for the less than lawful ones at first, then private collectors and eventually any kind of challenge I couldn't stop. I needed the adrenaline rush."

"What changed?"

"I thought Batman was dead."

"You love him?"

"He's my other half."

"Bruce Wayne and Batman…"

"Yes."

"Then Dick and Robin…"

"Now you're starting to see."

"Why?"

"I don't know in his case but a little research would reveal it I'm sure."

"He has to pay…"

"Daggett will pay, help me."

"Okay."

"Think about what I said."

"I will but…"

"No promises I know. Just do one thing for me."

"What?"

"Tell Dick how you feel now before it's too late."

"I will."

"Zanah thank you for saving me."

"You're welcome. Thanks for giving me a place to stay."

"Least I could do. Oh be careful someone else is after him and you don't want to get caught in the cross fie like I was today."

"I will. When I get back I'll write a list of things to look into."

"Thanks."

Zanah left the loft making the trip to Manor.

Upon arriving Alfred ushered her into the entertainment room. She could hear a heated conversation down the hall. 

"Barbara what are you doing here. I thought classes weren't out for another three weeks."

"They aren't. I left early when I read this,' she snapped throwing the old headline at Bruce. He sighed reading the large text, 'Batman Gone?'

"We should have called," Dick said.

"Someone's trying to kill you, all chaos reigns and all you say is we should have called. Are you both mad? What the hell is going on?"

"We don't know for sure."

"I've been trying to reach you for days… I was terrified I'd get back and find both of you dead… Then I saw this and fear went to rage," she snapped throwing a picture of Dick, Zanah, Bruce and Julie from the charity ball at them. "I understand the two blondes had you preoccupied, but I thought we were a team." 

"Babs.."

"Don't Babs me… Who is she?"

"Jealous."

"No."

"Good, you have no right to be. You and Gill were together last I heard," he snapped.

"Mr. Grayson. Miss Zanah is here top see you," Alfred interrupted.

"We're off again," Barbara snapped.

"Man you two are like a light switch in a thunderstorm," dick said.

"Ha ha very funny."

"I thought it was. Look I've got plans for the evening so we can finish this later."

"Fine." Barbara stepped out of the study and spotted a blonde figure in the entertainment room. Without a seconds thought she stormed down the hall and into the room.

"I'm sorry Al…"

"No need sir. She may be my niece but you're like a son to     me and she left you. She doesn't deserve you."

"Thanks Al."

"Go enjoy your date with Miss Zanah."

Down the hall…

"Hello," Barbara said eyeing the blonde with suspicion.

"Hello," Zanah said her words cold sizing Barbara up as trouble.

"I'm Barbara Wilson Alfred's niece."

"Zanah, friend of Dick's."

"Really? Has he mentioned me?"

"No."

'We used to date. We're still close."

"You left him. Let him go."

"If he hasn't mentioned me then how do you know that?"

"I can read people. And the image I get of you isn't a nice one."

"Zanah, I take it you've met Barbara," Dick interrupted as he entered the room.

"Yes, we were just getting acquainted, weren't we," Barbara replied with a false smile.

"Yes, Barbara was telling me all about herself and your relationship."

"Barbara be nice."

"Of course."

"Shall we go?" Dick asked.

"In a minute. I want to finish our conversation I'll meet you outside," Zanah said sweetly.

"Suit yourself," dick said noticing the tension between them. Normally he wouldn't leave another girl to Barbara's attacks but he was confidant Zanah could more than handle her, so he turned and left.

"Look Blondie he's mine. SO keep your hands off," Barbara snapped once Dick was out of earshot.

"No, you back off you don't love him and it's not right the way you treat him like a safety net. If you hurt him again I'll hunt you down. Let him go," Zanah growled her ice blue eyes narrowing to slits her white blonde hair bristling with her rage.

"You don't scare me."

"You don't know me. If you did you'd know I don't make idle threats."

"Stay away from this house and those in it," Barbara snapped and she raised her hand to hit Zanah.

"Go back to school girl," Zanah said as she caught Barbara's hand with lightening fast reflexes stopping her from slapping her. With a twitch of her fingers she sent a searing pain through Barbara's arm as she used the pressure point in it to reinforce her point that she was to be listened to.

"You bitch," Barbara snapped in agony.

"Go back to school girl," Zanah repeated before releasing the pressure and turning to leave.

As she stepped outside Zanah calmed down, turned to Dick and asked, "Shall we go?"

"Sure, are you okay?"

"Fine. We got our bases covered."

"I'm sorry, she's…"

"I know. Do you want to talk about it?"

"We were still together when she went back to school. Then she came back during her first break and broke it off. I thought we were in love the next thing I know I'm meeting Gill the new love of her life…I…"

"Its okay. I get the picture. She broke up with you but she won't let you move on."

"More like I try to and she chases off anyone new."

"I know. She tried to run me off. Just a minute ago."

"And…"

"She's not scary. Besides I like you Dick and I'm not going to be leaving anytime soon."

"Good because the truth is I don't want you to leave like the others have."

"Oh, why's that?"

"I'm fond of your company and I feel like I can trust you."

"About what happened the night I left"

"When I kissed you…"

"Yes, until then I thought we were just friends, but I was wrong. Its obvious there's an attraction between us. Something I didn't see."

"What are you saying?" Dick asked.

"Were you serious when you said I was your date for the night?"

"Yes. When I heard you were here I was ready to go even though I had no idea you were coming." 

"Dick there are things about me you don't know. Things in my past…"

"Don't we can talk about who we were when we're ready to. For now lets just concentrate on now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she replied.

They got on his motorcycle and sped away from the manor heading into the night.

Across Town at the Loft…

Selina sat on her couch Julie's words echoing around in the back at her mind. Her green eyes fell upon the evidence of her self-destructive path and rage filled her. She toppled tables and chairs, pulled paintings from the walls and tore the place apart as Catwoman warred for control.

Her green eyes blazed with furry and she turned stalking across the room. She shed her civilian garb and shifted to the queen of the night.

"Barbie you're going to pay," she purred before she turned and left.

Across Town…

Julie sat at home flipping through various bridal magazines trying to get started on plans for the wedding. She was still flipping pages when her patio door slid open and she didn't hear the intruder walk across the floor.

"Hello sugar. How are you? Oh how cute, you're getting ready or a wedding that's not going to happen," Catwoman purred.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"Well you see, I'm Miss Kyle's dark side. You've probably heard of me. I'm Catwoman."

"What are you doing here?"

"You brought me here."

"I don't understand."

"You upset Miss Kyle today when she was trying to explain the truth to you. You hurt her with your comments. I'm here to defend her since she couldn't do it herself."

"What I said was on the mark."

"What you said was foolishness for several reasons. First you have no idea who is after your fiancée or why, and believe me you don't want to meet him. The man about turned me into cat food because she tried to protect the man she loves and those close to him. Even though Bruce refused to listen to her. She's gotten me shot, drugged, and beaten all because she feels the need to keep Mr. Wayne safe. Personally I don't know why she does it all he's done is kick her around, but then again she always was a glutton for punishment."

"She did all that for him?" Julie questioned stunned.

"Yes sweetie, and you verbally bashed your fiancée's guardian angel into mush. So listen and listen well. Be nice to her. She feels battered enough as it is. If you upset her again you'll find out first hand what I do to people who get on my bad side," Catwoman hissed.

"I won't give him up."

"You're fighting a losing battle. What she said was true. You don't know him like she does and you never will."

"She left him…"

"No, I did. Selina very much wanted to stay."

"Then she's her own worst enemy."

"Isn't everyone?"

"He's moved on. You weren't his match. Look at you. You're a freak."

"So is he."

"  You're not good enough for him. You're trouble, a black mark on his good name a disease…"

"Enough," Catwoman roared enraged.

"No, it's time you face it you're no good… You're…"

Catwoman having heard all she could stand lashed out taking Julie's legs out from under her. Bringing her to the floor in a heap. She stepped down resting a heeled boot on the blonde's chest.

"The only reason he's still breathing is me… And you're about to alienate the one person who can keep you alive. Stay away from Miss Kyle and be nice or else."

"I love him."

"You don't even know him," Catwoman hissed before lifting her heel from Julie's chest and leaving.

Else Where…

The Wraith moved across the roof of a small research lab preparing to make her attack when a massive clay figure came out of the building. A loud alarm was blaring behind him.

She watched as batman and Robin arrived to deal with the criminal and observed with disbelief as the clay figure's hands changed to stone and sharp spikes. The two guardians of the city were caught in a battle that it appeared they might not be able to win. Against all her training the Wraith dropped into the frey to give aid.

"Looks like you could use a hand," she said calmly.

   With little to no effort she moved in with sword and claws driving the creature away. Then as quickly as she appeared she vanished.

Batman and Robin left taking with them a sample of clay left behind at the scene, just before the research lab exploded.

The Wraith watched the building burn with satisfaction as she berated herself for getting involved in the battle. She'd been told over and over not to get evolved in other people's battles, not even a team members. Her own survival and success was all that mattered. Yet moments ago she'd been unable to leave it alone. Knowing what she did she couldn't leave them behind to face that thing alone.

Zanah left the scene fighting off the affects of years of programming. Her stomach coiled in knots and she resisted the urge to be ill, as she sped back to the loft.

Catwoman returned to the loft and turned on the TV as she changed into her nightclothes. She was just starting to relax when the newscaster announced. "In happy news it seems that Bruce Wayne, Gotham's most sought after available bachelor, will be marrying local model Julie Madison around Christmas…"

In rage she threw her coffee mug at the TV and the screen shattered as Zanah came in. Selina repressed the impulse to cry and she set to the task of cleaning up her mess.

Zanah stepped inside her body no longer listening to her directions and the effects of going against her programming. She didn't know how Daggett was controlling her now that she was free of his watchful eye and drugs they used to make her more controllable, but something of that power still remained.

Every time she did something that went against her training the backlash was brutal.

She felt her head pulse in furry. Her stomach knot further and her vision began to blur with the force of it. She fell to her hands and knees. Then flat on the floor as her arms gave out. She coiled into a ball on the floor as she clutched her stomach. "Zanah are you okay?"

The young woman gave no reply she just began to shake.

Selina dropped what she was doing and moved to the girl's side. She pulled off the clawed glove and her mask. Touching Zanah's face she found the young woman was burning up.

"Bathroom," Zanah groaned.

Selina helped Zanah to her feet and walked her to the bathroom. Zanah threw up before just laying on the floor.

"What happened?"

"I disobeyed programming."

"What?"

"I helped them."

"What did Daggett do to you?"

"I don't know."

"Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes. But he's still controlling me somehow."

"We could talk to Bruce… He could…"

"No. I don't want them to know about this!"

"Zanah…"

"No!"

"Okay, just settle down."

"He has to pay!"

"He will. We'll get Daggett for what he's done to us I swear it."

"Selina…"

"Shh… No need, just take it easy. If you need anything I'll be cleaning up my mess."

"Why are you helping me?"

"You remind me of myself."