Sorry for the delay gang. One more chapter of psycho babble then I promise
that we will get to the good stuff. Scout honor. P.S. Catwoman's story
was based on a Batman story that was told back in the 80s.
****************************************
"Can't sleep Professor," asked Catwoman as stood in front of the Jason memorial.
"I don't sleep as much as I used to," replied the Professor as he rolled up. "It must mean I am getting old. With all of these puzzles that face me in the new world, my desire to sleep must have dropped off. I should ask you why you are still up. Big day tomorrow."
"I am a night person Professor," said the Cat as she turned to face him. "However, I know what you want."
"Oh really," replied Xavier. "What would that be?"
"You want to know more about Batman and his family. And you came to ask me since I know him better than most of the others in the room."
"My dear, are you a mind reader?"
A smile crossed Catwoman's face as she shook her head. "No, I am no mind-reader, like some of us," Catwoman said with a pointed look at Xavier. "But I know your type. You respect Batman, you have seen the Batman in action. You have even peeked into his mind, which I do not envy you by the way. Your limited exposure to him must have peeked your interest. Now tell me Professor, I have one question for you before I go on and answer yours. Why the interest?"
Xavier paused and then finally nodded. "Fair enough. I am interested with unlocking the puzzle of Batman's psyche because I feel that I will need that knowledge to be successful in what expedition we are to take. I do not know what this Ra's Al Ghul has planned, but I do believe that he is attempting to strike out at the very being and essence of the Batman and of Bruce Wayne. Having my 'limited exposure,' I know exactly how dangerous that can be, so I want to be prepared.
"But you are also right, Catwoman, that there is a part of me that sees this undertaking as a means of bettering myself. With my gifts, I have a natural tendency to be a student of human nature and actions. When I 'peeked' into Batman's man, I encountered a mind unlike anything I have ever seen. The range of emotions he experienced at the same time, the contrasts, it was amazing. Unlike anything I have ever seen. Yet the more I learn about him, the more complex he becomes. He is a family, who has reached the highest levels of achievement in almost every human endeavor. In Business and Philanthropy, few exceed Bruce Wayne. In terms of heroism and achievement, in the sheer number of times he has helped to save this world, few are on the level of Batman. I feel that if I could grasp what Batman and Bruce Wayne is, what makes him tick, I would get a better understanding of all of humanity. And maybe myself. Because to a certain degree, I think Bruce Wayne and Batman, with regards to achievement, is what humans wish to become. Does that make any sense to you?"
Catwoman slowly nodded. "You have answered my question, now I will answer the one I presume you want to ask. You probably know that I have feelings for Batman. That I love him. How could a person, a criminal no less, fall in love with the Dark Knight Detective, scourge of the Gotham underworld, unyielding pursuer of evil doers, and with the most annoying sense of justice?
"Obviously it began with an attraction, purely physical. He thought he could reform me, and I thought I could get him to slip up. Just once. I never killed, never crossed that line in Batman's mind, and I suppose that he thought that I could understand the Batman side of him. I suppose he could understand my side. But that is not why I love of him.
"About two years after we first met, I was making my rounds, and I saw two children run into an alley. A brother and a sister. They had obviously stole something and the cops were on their tale. It was equally obvious that they needed whatever they could get. I prepared to swoop in, when who should swoop first. The Dark Defender of Gotham came out of the shadows like a demon from hell. I held my breath, as I saw the boy pick up a stick and hit Batman with it to defend his sister. I flexed, prepared to jump in, cause hey, this is Batman, and he does not take prisoners.
"What I saw instead was Batman, as gentle as a summer breeze, bend down and talk to the child. I could not make out what he said, but the boy dropped the stick and replied. Batman listened and nodded. What happened next no one will ever believe, except maybe you. He placed a hand on the child's shoulder, and I could swear he wanted to hug him. He gave instructions to the officer on the scene, and the officer hurried the children away. Batman stood up for a second and paused for a second. And for a second his shoulders slumped and his chin was tilted down. He was not the unstoppable force of nature that struck terror into the hearts of criminals. He was a man. And in that fleeting second I thought I saw the man behind the mask. He was a man who cared so much, that he could not do enough. Which is why he put on the mask. He genuinely wanted to help. And he knew he could not do enough to satisfy himself. And it tore him up inside. But this whole Bat thing, its his only option. Cause he can't turn it off, and he can't turn away. Even when he loses those important to him, like a Robin. And it kills him slowly, but he does it anyway.
"The kicker is this need to save everyone prevents him from saving himself. From pursuing what he needs. I know he loves me. But his sense of duty, his sense of needing to save the day, prevents him from ever gaining a relationship with me. And sometimes I hate it. But most of the time I admire him for it. To give up everything, to give up yourself, for the better of those around you, those who don't even know you is admirable. But not necessarily desirable. I don't want to be him. I couldn't. Its miserable. But I love him cause of all the love he has for this city, for humanity, even though both have kicked him in the teeth, kneed him in the groin, and tore at his heart. I love him for the love he has for everyone else, and his selflessness. Although most of the time, I wish he would just think about himself, just long enough for me."
A silence gripped the cave after Catwoman's speech. Finally, Charles placed his hand on Catwoman's shoulder and said, "Thank you for sharing that with me. I know it could not have been easy."
Catwoman nodded and said, "You are an easy guy to talk with Professor. Maybe its finding out about who Batman is when he is not wearing the mask. Maybe its because I know that he may be dead, or seriously hurt. But do me a favor. Don't tell anyone about this okay? I have a reputation."
Xavier nodded with a faint smile. The Cat turned without a further word, and went to find some sleep and dream of her Dark Knight Errant. Xavier turned and found Leslie Tompkins working on her charges, which were still unconscious. Xavier rolled to Tompkins side. "How are they?"
"Comatose, but stable," said Tompkins. "Whoever did this knew what they were doing. Most amount of pain, minimum risk of death. They were good. I heard your and Catwoman's discussion. She was pretty much right on the ball, but there are some things you should know."
Xavier arched an eyebrow. "Really? I was actually hoping to talk to you, as you were the only person available with whom I could discuss Bruce's childhood with."
Leslie chuckled. "Wanting to find out about Bruce's childhood, referring to him by his given name and not that disgusting visage which he adopted for his crusade when around me. You are good."
Xavier slightly squinted his eyes. "You disapprove of his nocturnal activities then?"
"Very much so," said the good doctor, turning to face Xavier. "Bruce's father was my partner, so I knew his family very well. I delivered Bruce. You could not hope to meet a nicer family. Thomas and Martha were the salt of the earth, but were exceptional at everything they tried. Thomas was an outstanding medical practitioner, and Martha was a force of nature for a variety of philanthropic causes. They were more than pillars of the community, they were beacons of light of the encroaching darkness that threatened to swallow the city.
"And Bruce. You knew Bruce was going to be special. He was adept at everything he tried. Music, art, games; he instinctively knew what to do, and did it well. He just picked things up. I quiver sometimes to think what Bruce would be if his parents had lived.
"But then they died. I will never forget that night. I was called out of the clinic, and I rushed to the Manor to see Bruce. I have seen almost every horror that the body can offer; I have seen what a variety of illnesses and plights can do to the body. I have seen gun shot wounds, knife wounds; I even operated on a man that was torn open by shrapnel. But I have never seen anything nearly as scary as that boy's eyes. Blues that were once filled with life were now dead. Vacant. And in that void poured in purpose, vengeance, duty. From that day forward, he pushed himself to this. This penance. Penance for living. Penance for his parent's death. Penance for the world being this way.
"And every time he loses someone close, when something sacred to him gets tarnished, he gets deeper. His ties to the Batman become tighter. He fears that one day he will go over the edge. That he will go too far and end up becoming what he hates. I don't fear that. He can't. However, one day he will be unable to keep up this crusade. His body will inevitably break down. And one of two things will happen. He will be too slow, and he will meet with an accident and die. Or worse, he will be forced to stop by his family. By Dick, Tim, and his colleagues in the Justice League. And I fear that his guilt, his sense of duty will destroy him. And the beautiful boy that I brought into this world will be crushed by it.
"Bring him back Professor. But if your fears are correct, that Al Ghul is attacking him on an emotional and spiritual level, watch out. He will be dangerous, or worse, on the edge of losing himself. But bring him back."
Tompkins turned to face the Gordons, signaling the end of the conversation. Xavier rolled away to consider what he had been told, and how to use it to save Batman.
"Can't sleep Professor," asked Catwoman as stood in front of the Jason memorial.
"I don't sleep as much as I used to," replied the Professor as he rolled up. "It must mean I am getting old. With all of these puzzles that face me in the new world, my desire to sleep must have dropped off. I should ask you why you are still up. Big day tomorrow."
"I am a night person Professor," said the Cat as she turned to face him. "However, I know what you want."
"Oh really," replied Xavier. "What would that be?"
"You want to know more about Batman and his family. And you came to ask me since I know him better than most of the others in the room."
"My dear, are you a mind reader?"
A smile crossed Catwoman's face as she shook her head. "No, I am no mind-reader, like some of us," Catwoman said with a pointed look at Xavier. "But I know your type. You respect Batman, you have seen the Batman in action. You have even peeked into his mind, which I do not envy you by the way. Your limited exposure to him must have peeked your interest. Now tell me Professor, I have one question for you before I go on and answer yours. Why the interest?"
Xavier paused and then finally nodded. "Fair enough. I am interested with unlocking the puzzle of Batman's psyche because I feel that I will need that knowledge to be successful in what expedition we are to take. I do not know what this Ra's Al Ghul has planned, but I do believe that he is attempting to strike out at the very being and essence of the Batman and of Bruce Wayne. Having my 'limited exposure,' I know exactly how dangerous that can be, so I want to be prepared.
"But you are also right, Catwoman, that there is a part of me that sees this undertaking as a means of bettering myself. With my gifts, I have a natural tendency to be a student of human nature and actions. When I 'peeked' into Batman's man, I encountered a mind unlike anything I have ever seen. The range of emotions he experienced at the same time, the contrasts, it was amazing. Unlike anything I have ever seen. Yet the more I learn about him, the more complex he becomes. He is a family, who has reached the highest levels of achievement in almost every human endeavor. In Business and Philanthropy, few exceed Bruce Wayne. In terms of heroism and achievement, in the sheer number of times he has helped to save this world, few are on the level of Batman. I feel that if I could grasp what Batman and Bruce Wayne is, what makes him tick, I would get a better understanding of all of humanity. And maybe myself. Because to a certain degree, I think Bruce Wayne and Batman, with regards to achievement, is what humans wish to become. Does that make any sense to you?"
Catwoman slowly nodded. "You have answered my question, now I will answer the one I presume you want to ask. You probably know that I have feelings for Batman. That I love him. How could a person, a criminal no less, fall in love with the Dark Knight Detective, scourge of the Gotham underworld, unyielding pursuer of evil doers, and with the most annoying sense of justice?
"Obviously it began with an attraction, purely physical. He thought he could reform me, and I thought I could get him to slip up. Just once. I never killed, never crossed that line in Batman's mind, and I suppose that he thought that I could understand the Batman side of him. I suppose he could understand my side. But that is not why I love of him.
"About two years after we first met, I was making my rounds, and I saw two children run into an alley. A brother and a sister. They had obviously stole something and the cops were on their tale. It was equally obvious that they needed whatever they could get. I prepared to swoop in, when who should swoop first. The Dark Defender of Gotham came out of the shadows like a demon from hell. I held my breath, as I saw the boy pick up a stick and hit Batman with it to defend his sister. I flexed, prepared to jump in, cause hey, this is Batman, and he does not take prisoners.
"What I saw instead was Batman, as gentle as a summer breeze, bend down and talk to the child. I could not make out what he said, but the boy dropped the stick and replied. Batman listened and nodded. What happened next no one will ever believe, except maybe you. He placed a hand on the child's shoulder, and I could swear he wanted to hug him. He gave instructions to the officer on the scene, and the officer hurried the children away. Batman stood up for a second and paused for a second. And for a second his shoulders slumped and his chin was tilted down. He was not the unstoppable force of nature that struck terror into the hearts of criminals. He was a man. And in that fleeting second I thought I saw the man behind the mask. He was a man who cared so much, that he could not do enough. Which is why he put on the mask. He genuinely wanted to help. And he knew he could not do enough to satisfy himself. And it tore him up inside. But this whole Bat thing, its his only option. Cause he can't turn it off, and he can't turn away. Even when he loses those important to him, like a Robin. And it kills him slowly, but he does it anyway.
"The kicker is this need to save everyone prevents him from saving himself. From pursuing what he needs. I know he loves me. But his sense of duty, his sense of needing to save the day, prevents him from ever gaining a relationship with me. And sometimes I hate it. But most of the time I admire him for it. To give up everything, to give up yourself, for the better of those around you, those who don't even know you is admirable. But not necessarily desirable. I don't want to be him. I couldn't. Its miserable. But I love him cause of all the love he has for this city, for humanity, even though both have kicked him in the teeth, kneed him in the groin, and tore at his heart. I love him for the love he has for everyone else, and his selflessness. Although most of the time, I wish he would just think about himself, just long enough for me."
A silence gripped the cave after Catwoman's speech. Finally, Charles placed his hand on Catwoman's shoulder and said, "Thank you for sharing that with me. I know it could not have been easy."
Catwoman nodded and said, "You are an easy guy to talk with Professor. Maybe its finding out about who Batman is when he is not wearing the mask. Maybe its because I know that he may be dead, or seriously hurt. But do me a favor. Don't tell anyone about this okay? I have a reputation."
Xavier nodded with a faint smile. The Cat turned without a further word, and went to find some sleep and dream of her Dark Knight Errant. Xavier turned and found Leslie Tompkins working on her charges, which were still unconscious. Xavier rolled to Tompkins side. "How are they?"
"Comatose, but stable," said Tompkins. "Whoever did this knew what they were doing. Most amount of pain, minimum risk of death. They were good. I heard your and Catwoman's discussion. She was pretty much right on the ball, but there are some things you should know."
Xavier arched an eyebrow. "Really? I was actually hoping to talk to you, as you were the only person available with whom I could discuss Bruce's childhood with."
Leslie chuckled. "Wanting to find out about Bruce's childhood, referring to him by his given name and not that disgusting visage which he adopted for his crusade when around me. You are good."
Xavier slightly squinted his eyes. "You disapprove of his nocturnal activities then?"
"Very much so," said the good doctor, turning to face Xavier. "Bruce's father was my partner, so I knew his family very well. I delivered Bruce. You could not hope to meet a nicer family. Thomas and Martha were the salt of the earth, but were exceptional at everything they tried. Thomas was an outstanding medical practitioner, and Martha was a force of nature for a variety of philanthropic causes. They were more than pillars of the community, they were beacons of light of the encroaching darkness that threatened to swallow the city.
"And Bruce. You knew Bruce was going to be special. He was adept at everything he tried. Music, art, games; he instinctively knew what to do, and did it well. He just picked things up. I quiver sometimes to think what Bruce would be if his parents had lived.
"But then they died. I will never forget that night. I was called out of the clinic, and I rushed to the Manor to see Bruce. I have seen almost every horror that the body can offer; I have seen what a variety of illnesses and plights can do to the body. I have seen gun shot wounds, knife wounds; I even operated on a man that was torn open by shrapnel. But I have never seen anything nearly as scary as that boy's eyes. Blues that were once filled with life were now dead. Vacant. And in that void poured in purpose, vengeance, duty. From that day forward, he pushed himself to this. This penance. Penance for living. Penance for his parent's death. Penance for the world being this way.
"And every time he loses someone close, when something sacred to him gets tarnished, he gets deeper. His ties to the Batman become tighter. He fears that one day he will go over the edge. That he will go too far and end up becoming what he hates. I don't fear that. He can't. However, one day he will be unable to keep up this crusade. His body will inevitably break down. And one of two things will happen. He will be too slow, and he will meet with an accident and die. Or worse, he will be forced to stop by his family. By Dick, Tim, and his colleagues in the Justice League. And I fear that his guilt, his sense of duty will destroy him. And the beautiful boy that I brought into this world will be crushed by it.
"Bring him back Professor. But if your fears are correct, that Al Ghul is attacking him on an emotional and spiritual level, watch out. He will be dangerous, or worse, on the edge of losing himself. But bring him back."
Tompkins turned to face the Gordons, signaling the end of the conversation. Xavier rolled away to consider what he had been told, and how to use it to save Batman.