"Black Cats"
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, I tell ya.
*
CH 6: THE COPYCAT
"Oh, this is such a waste of time," The Flash muttered to himself. He had been searching the streets of Gotham City for two hours. Nothing had turned up. Maybe Batman's idea hadn't worked after all.
"That's not a great attitude," Batgirl told from behind him. She took her time getting to his side. It only gave him more time to watch her beautiful hips move in that tight, black suit.
"I just wish we could nab this thing and get it over with."
"Don't we all?" She moved her eyes away from his and to the street. "I'm surprised we haven't seen anything."
Flash couldn't get his gaze off of Batgirl. A small breeze ran through her read hair and against her cape. He fazed out and went into a trance.
"You feeling okay?" Batgirl asked. "I could get – a girl with a whip."
Flash blinked. "Wait. What?"
"No." Batgirl pointed to an alley across the street. "Over there. Don't you see the girl wearing all black? She's got a whip."
He raised an eyebrow. "Kinky."
She ignored his comment and spoke into her headset. Batgirl told the others where they had spotted the imposter. Next, she pulled Flash closer and jumped into his arms.
"Hey, I know I'm irresistible –"
"Shut up. Just run really fast," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am." Flash raced to where Batgirl had seen the alien and stopped. After putting her down, the two of them stayed quiet and studied the dark alley. They didn't notice any movement. At night, Gotham was almost always bare. This was no exception.
"Nothing. She gave us the slip." Batgirl huffed angrily. GL and Robin then joined them. "She's gone," she explained. "Keep looking."
Lantern rolled his eyes. "I'm tired of this."
Robin sighed heavily. "Oh well. Back to work."
The Flash shook his head. "This is insane."
~
Diana soaked the cream-colored washcloth in the cold water and then drained it. She gently dabbed at Selina's face to bring her fever down. J'onn had informed them that medication would not work, so the water would have to do. Selina slowly opened her eyes and attempted a smile. Diana smiled in return.
"Why do you help people, Princess?" Selina questioned softly. "You have to have some kind of reason."
"Why do you steal?"
The blonde only smiled more. "Good point."
"It's a calling," Diana explained. "I just knew that others needed my help."
"Any regrets?"
Diana thought a moment and sighed. "Of course. I had been banished from my home because I had broken a law."
"What law?"
"I brought men to the island."
Selina slightly laughed. "You're kidding. Screw them. They sound like a whole bunch of man-hating feminists to me. How did you survive? I would have gone crazy."
"I managed." Diana put the cloth in the bowl and touched the back of her hand to Selina's forehead. "Your fever's down. It looks as if you're getting better." She didn't like lying, but Diana need to make sure that Selina was calm. Although the fever had subsided, the vein discoloration had spread; the purple nearly covered her arm and had reached her chest.
"I'm dieing. Aren't I, Princess?"
Diana shook her head in reassurance and determination. "Not if we can help it." She gently brushed Selina's blonde strands away from her face and gave her hand a squeeze. "Batman won't let you die."
"I know, but he may not have a choice this time."
~
Bruce sat alone in the Batcave. It was his favorite place to think; it always has been. The darkness and silence of the cave created a calm atmosphere for Bruce's pondering. He couldn't believe that this was happening again. Selina could die, and Bruce felt helpless.
A small Batcycle rolled into the Batcave. Robin had come home from his patrolling. After parking, he greeted Bruce.
"How was the trip, Tim?"
"Okay." He walked to the computer looking more tired that Bruce had ever seen him. "We didn't find the copy-cat tonight. Batgirl had spotted her, but she got away." Robin pulled off his mask and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
~
"Fuck you all! Get me out of here! Let go of me, you bitches. Let me go!"
Hawkgirl watched as Selina screamed and tugged at her restraints. It was her third violent mood swing of the day, and Hawkgirl could not do a thing. Selina cussed and yelled, but nothing came of it.
Diana joined Hawkgirl in the doorway and also glanced into the recovery room. She was just as troubled as Hawkgirl. The women felt useless.
"Selina's getting worse," Hawkgirl stated. "I don't think she has much longer."
Wonder Woman nodded. "I know, but what can we do?"
"We wait."
"I was afraid you were going to say that."
~
Harley continued to massage the Joker's shoulders when the alien entered the office. He had been so tense lately.
"Did you hear about the press conference?" the look-a-like asked and sat down on the edge of the desk. "We've managed to split The Justice League, and they've misplaced our little Selina."
He laughed. "Then you go on out and reek some havoc. That is what the Cat is known for. Make it your own forte."
"I will."
Harl rolled her eyes and purposely pinched Mr. J. When he yelped, she smiled to herself.
~
(2 months earlier)
"In world news, Superman stopped a giant mudslide in –"
Selina shut off the television and looked around the hotel room. It was her first night in Metropolis, and she wanted to relax. She stripped down and turned the shower on. Selina ran a hand through her short brown hair and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The brunette look had already gotten old. Tomorrow, she'd find a salon and go back to her natural color.
After taking her hot shower, Selina slipped on a silk tank and shorts that she had bought in Paris. She walked into the bedroom and was caught off guard with a punch to the jaw.
Selina's eyes widened when she saw the outline of its face. The thing lifted her and pressed her to the wall. It then inserted something into her arm; it hurt a great deal and made Selina scream. Before the sound left her throat, the thing covered her mouth. She couldn't make out its features due to the darkness. All she could see were its burning red eyes.
The next morning, Selina awoke and did not remember the night before. She turned on the television and was surprised by the news report.
"Lexcorp had been robbed last night of an irreplaceable Egyptian cat artifact..."
Catwoman had supposedly made that hit, but Selina didn't remember doing anything. She had planned on carrying out the burglary in two days. Someone had beaten her to it. Someone had framed her.
She decided to get dressed and go to the salon. When she passed a mirror, she noticed a bruise on her shoulder.
"Huh. Where the hell did that come from?"
~
Saturday (Day 6)
"I cannot believe that we're back in Gotham City. We just left!" Lois complained as she laced up her boots. "I swear, we might as well stay here until Bruce's party."
Clark couldn't help but laugh as he fixed his tie. "You heard Perry. We started the story about the Catwoman, Superman, Batman triangle; he wants us to finish it." He pulled on his coat and handed Lois hers. "Anyway, don't you think we should be here as the story unfolds?"
"Well, hopefully there is a real story. I don't want this to be a dead end." She stood from the hotel's couch and put on her coat. "Now, to more important things. I know a wonderful Polish restaurant not far form here. We could get lunch in an hour." Lois grabbed her matching purse and added, "Plus, I want to ask Bruce for an interview."
Clark narrowed his eyes. "When were you planning on asking him?"
"Actually, I called him up, and he told me to meet him at his office. We were going to talk over drinks."
"Oh." He then half-jokingly stated, "It'd good to have ex-boyfriends in high places."
Lois smiled. "Quiet, Kent."
~
"I want the evening to look like it had been shrouded in mystery, so make it that way," Bruce ordered.
"Yes Sir, but I need a base color to work with," the man wearing a gray suit and a pink shirt explained. "Perhaps midnight blue?"
Frustrated, Bruce huffed. "I don't care. You're the decorator that I hired. Decide." When his secretary informed him of Lois' arrival, he pressed the speaker button on his phone and said, "Send her in." Next, he looked up at the obviously homosexual man. "The meeting is over. I trust you to make the right choice." As the man left, Lois entered. "Good afternoon."
"Hey. How's it going?" She gave him a small hug when he came to her.
"Hectic." Bruce walked over to the bar in his office and asked, "Can I get you something?"
"A screwdriver, please. Before I ask the questions for the article, I have a few questions of my own. What the hell is going on?"
Bruce fixed her drink and poured himself a shot of bourbon. "What do you mean?" He handed her the drink and sat down in his chair.
"What were you thinking? Why are you helping Selina Kyle? I mean, you're Batman, and she's Catwoman. And how did Superman get mixed up in all this?"
He sipped his whiskey and answered, "I have to help her, she's innocent, I do know that we are on the opposite side of the law, and Superman believes me and wants to help."
"Bruce, the rest of The Justice League doesn't. I don't understand."
"Don't worry about it," he assured. "I can take care of myself, and so can he."
Lois swallowed her alcohol and put the glass on his desk. "What do you want to say?" She pulled out a notepad and a pen from her purse. "Well?"
"Just put down that I'm worried about her, that I hope she's safe, and that I hope Batman and Superman find the real crook."
"That's short and sweet," she remarked and put her pad away. "If you don't mind me asking, are you in love with her?"
Bruce finished his bourbon. "I do mind you asking."
With a slightly hurt expression, she nodded. "Right. You don't think I could get a quote from Batman, do you?"
He shook his head. "Batman isn't one for interviews. Try Superman. After all, aren't you his favorite reporter?"
"You mean he talks about me?"
Bruce flinched. "I just know that you're the only one he talks to."
"Damn." Lois checked her watch and stood. "I have to go."
When she left the office, Bruce glanced over his shoulder. He knew that Superman had listened in on the whole conversation from outside his window.
"You can come in now," Bruce told. He opened his window, and Superman stepped inside. The skyscraper was too tall, so no one could see Superman.
"I just wanted to stop by. There was an earthquake in –"
"Wonderful. You were checking on your girlfriend because you don't trust me," Bruce stated.
"Fine. Anyway, she's not exactly my girlfriend."
Bruce took his seat and asked, "Why are you here, again?"
"Oh. Flash is searching the city today. I talked to Diana. Selina's not doing well."
"Define 'not well.'"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "I think her exact words had been 'raving maniac.'"
Unexpectedly, Lois Lane burst through the door and shut it behind her. "I'm sorry. I forgot my – Superman?" She stopped dead in her tracks when she realized that Bruce had company.
He smiled. "It's good to see you again, Lois."
"Same here. Should I go?"
Before Bruce could speak, Superman did. "That's okay. Just don't have it on the front page of The Daily Planet tomorrow morning."
"My lips are sealed."
Superman moved his attention back to Bruce. "Like I was saying, we have to hurry or she won't even stand a chance. Diana said that it spread all the way to her throat and left thigh; almost half of her body is covered in –"
"What?" Lois asked but received a glare from Bruce. "Okay. Sorry."
"Full search tonight. She'll show," Bruce told.
"I'll catch you later. Goodbye, Lois. I'll see you in Metropolis." Superman then quickly flew away.
Lois grabbed her purse. "I have to meet Clark for lunch."
"Before you go, are you and Clark planning to attend the party? The animal saving is being done in Selina's honor."
"Yeah. Are you sure her name will be cleared by then?" After he nodded, she left.
He then mumbled to himself. "I'm just hoping that she'll still be alive."
~
Flash sped through the streets of Gotham for the second time in two days. He slowed down and stopped when the redhead from the press conference walked out of the police station. He decided to wait for her at the base of the stairs.
"Hey, Beautiful."
The girl narrowed her eyes and gave a small grin. "You again?"
"And you. Did you report a crime? I thought I retrieved your purse?"
"You're bragging now. Actually, I work here." She fussed with her hair and adjusted the purse's strap on her shoulder. "My dad is the commissioner."
"You're a cop?"
"No. Definitely a computer person."
"Can I walk you home?"
She shook her head. "It's daylight, and I'm a big girl." A sudden breeze tousled her red strands in a familiar way.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
"Excuse me?"
Flash lifted the redhead and brought her to an empty alley. "I know your secret." He whispered, "You're Batgirl."
"Am not. There are so many redheads in Gotham, and you're messing with the wrong one."
He rolled his eyes. "Please. Even I'm not that dumb."
"Fine. Do you want the whole city to know? Next time, say that a little louder. I don't think they heard you in Metropolis!" She shoved him.
"Hey. Sorry."
"Anyway, I'll see you later tonight." Before she left him, she added, "About the purse... thanks again."
"You're very welcome."
~
Hawkgirl watched as J'onn flashed a light in Selina's eyes. He slightly shook his head and put away his medical instruments.
"Well?"
"Selina is not responding to my touch or voice. Her eyes barely dilate."
"Look at her." Hawkgirl kept watching the burglar's unmoving body. "She just lies there, staring at the ceiling. Selina almost never blinks."
J'onn put a hand on Hawkgirl's shoulder. "Honestly, I believe if Batman does not get the imposter's blood tonight, Selina will not make it through the morning."
Hawkgirl gently brushed a few of Selina's strands away from her face. "I just pray that they make it in time."
~
"Anything, Batgirl?"
"Nada," Barbara's voice told over the headset. Batman had been staying in touch with the others as they all searched the city for clues. They hadn't had any luck so far, and the clock was ticking against them.
"All right then." Batman continued to search around the recently burglarized museum. Out of the corner of his eye, Batman saw something move. Instantly alarmed, he used the darkness to shadow himself from the person he had detected. Batman hadn't been surprised that it was the imposter standing outside the museum. He also wasn't surprised that he hadn't fooled the alien.
"I know you're there, Batman. There's no need to hide."
He stepped into the dim light the streetlamp gave off and nodded in agreement. "The same goes for you. After all, you're not Selina Kyle. Drop the act."
It laughed and leaned against the museum wall in a manner strikingly similar to the real Catwoman's. "Well my winged-rat, would you care to take a sample?" She ran her fingers over her opposite arm to draw his attention to it. "My DNA will prove that I am Selina Kyle."
"You're not Catwoman," he stated and secretly pressed a button on his utility belt to signal the other heroes. "You're not even human."
She laughed some more. "The rest of Gotham believes I am. They also believe you're a criminal."
"Nice observations." Suddenly a flash of color passed before Batman and pressed the imposter to the wall. "It's about time, Superman. Are you getting old?"
Superman glanced over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "Hey. I'm only faster than a speeding bullet."
"Perhaps." The expression on the look-a-like's face hadn't changed; she still wore a smirk. "But you're not perfect either, Superman." With little effort, she pushed the superhero away. He crashed into the brick wall behind him. "Even you can't capture all the villains."
Batman pulled a syringe from his belt and prepared to take blood from the alien as Superman distracted it. The imposter punched, but Superman evaded the aggression quickly. He then grabbed its arms and twisted them behind its back. Batman then stabbed the thing and pulled the plasma from it. Still holding the syringe, Batman backed away from the fight.
"Get out of here! Hurry!" Superman ordered. "I can handle this."
The copy kicked the side of his knee using its high-heeled boot. "You won't get away, Batman! There's no time to save your precious Selina. She's already dead!"
~ (Keep going...only a few more chapters...)
Disclaimer: They aren't mine, I tell ya.
*
CH 6: THE COPYCAT
"Oh, this is such a waste of time," The Flash muttered to himself. He had been searching the streets of Gotham City for two hours. Nothing had turned up. Maybe Batman's idea hadn't worked after all.
"That's not a great attitude," Batgirl told from behind him. She took her time getting to his side. It only gave him more time to watch her beautiful hips move in that tight, black suit.
"I just wish we could nab this thing and get it over with."
"Don't we all?" She moved her eyes away from his and to the street. "I'm surprised we haven't seen anything."
Flash couldn't get his gaze off of Batgirl. A small breeze ran through her read hair and against her cape. He fazed out and went into a trance.
"You feeling okay?" Batgirl asked. "I could get – a girl with a whip."
Flash blinked. "Wait. What?"
"No." Batgirl pointed to an alley across the street. "Over there. Don't you see the girl wearing all black? She's got a whip."
He raised an eyebrow. "Kinky."
She ignored his comment and spoke into her headset. Batgirl told the others where they had spotted the imposter. Next, she pulled Flash closer and jumped into his arms.
"Hey, I know I'm irresistible –"
"Shut up. Just run really fast," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am." Flash raced to where Batgirl had seen the alien and stopped. After putting her down, the two of them stayed quiet and studied the dark alley. They didn't notice any movement. At night, Gotham was almost always bare. This was no exception.
"Nothing. She gave us the slip." Batgirl huffed angrily. GL and Robin then joined them. "She's gone," she explained. "Keep looking."
Lantern rolled his eyes. "I'm tired of this."
Robin sighed heavily. "Oh well. Back to work."
The Flash shook his head. "This is insane."
~
Diana soaked the cream-colored washcloth in the cold water and then drained it. She gently dabbed at Selina's face to bring her fever down. J'onn had informed them that medication would not work, so the water would have to do. Selina slowly opened her eyes and attempted a smile. Diana smiled in return.
"Why do you help people, Princess?" Selina questioned softly. "You have to have some kind of reason."
"Why do you steal?"
The blonde only smiled more. "Good point."
"It's a calling," Diana explained. "I just knew that others needed my help."
"Any regrets?"
Diana thought a moment and sighed. "Of course. I had been banished from my home because I had broken a law."
"What law?"
"I brought men to the island."
Selina slightly laughed. "You're kidding. Screw them. They sound like a whole bunch of man-hating feminists to me. How did you survive? I would have gone crazy."
"I managed." Diana put the cloth in the bowl and touched the back of her hand to Selina's forehead. "Your fever's down. It looks as if you're getting better." She didn't like lying, but Diana need to make sure that Selina was calm. Although the fever had subsided, the vein discoloration had spread; the purple nearly covered her arm and had reached her chest.
"I'm dieing. Aren't I, Princess?"
Diana shook her head in reassurance and determination. "Not if we can help it." She gently brushed Selina's blonde strands away from her face and gave her hand a squeeze. "Batman won't let you die."
"I know, but he may not have a choice this time."
~
Bruce sat alone in the Batcave. It was his favorite place to think; it always has been. The darkness and silence of the cave created a calm atmosphere for Bruce's pondering. He couldn't believe that this was happening again. Selina could die, and Bruce felt helpless.
A small Batcycle rolled into the Batcave. Robin had come home from his patrolling. After parking, he greeted Bruce.
"How was the trip, Tim?"
"Okay." He walked to the computer looking more tired that Bruce had ever seen him. "We didn't find the copy-cat tonight. Batgirl had spotted her, but she got away." Robin pulled off his mask and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
~
"Fuck you all! Get me out of here! Let go of me, you bitches. Let me go!"
Hawkgirl watched as Selina screamed and tugged at her restraints. It was her third violent mood swing of the day, and Hawkgirl could not do a thing. Selina cussed and yelled, but nothing came of it.
Diana joined Hawkgirl in the doorway and also glanced into the recovery room. She was just as troubled as Hawkgirl. The women felt useless.
"Selina's getting worse," Hawkgirl stated. "I don't think she has much longer."
Wonder Woman nodded. "I know, but what can we do?"
"We wait."
"I was afraid you were going to say that."
~
Harley continued to massage the Joker's shoulders when the alien entered the office. He had been so tense lately.
"Did you hear about the press conference?" the look-a-like asked and sat down on the edge of the desk. "We've managed to split The Justice League, and they've misplaced our little Selina."
He laughed. "Then you go on out and reek some havoc. That is what the Cat is known for. Make it your own forte."
"I will."
Harl rolled her eyes and purposely pinched Mr. J. When he yelped, she smiled to herself.
~
(2 months earlier)
"In world news, Superman stopped a giant mudslide in –"
Selina shut off the television and looked around the hotel room. It was her first night in Metropolis, and she wanted to relax. She stripped down and turned the shower on. Selina ran a hand through her short brown hair and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The brunette look had already gotten old. Tomorrow, she'd find a salon and go back to her natural color.
After taking her hot shower, Selina slipped on a silk tank and shorts that she had bought in Paris. She walked into the bedroom and was caught off guard with a punch to the jaw.
Selina's eyes widened when she saw the outline of its face. The thing lifted her and pressed her to the wall. It then inserted something into her arm; it hurt a great deal and made Selina scream. Before the sound left her throat, the thing covered her mouth. She couldn't make out its features due to the darkness. All she could see were its burning red eyes.
The next morning, Selina awoke and did not remember the night before. She turned on the television and was surprised by the news report.
"Lexcorp had been robbed last night of an irreplaceable Egyptian cat artifact..."
Catwoman had supposedly made that hit, but Selina didn't remember doing anything. She had planned on carrying out the burglary in two days. Someone had beaten her to it. Someone had framed her.
She decided to get dressed and go to the salon. When she passed a mirror, she noticed a bruise on her shoulder.
"Huh. Where the hell did that come from?"
~
Saturday (Day 6)
"I cannot believe that we're back in Gotham City. We just left!" Lois complained as she laced up her boots. "I swear, we might as well stay here until Bruce's party."
Clark couldn't help but laugh as he fixed his tie. "You heard Perry. We started the story about the Catwoman, Superman, Batman triangle; he wants us to finish it." He pulled on his coat and handed Lois hers. "Anyway, don't you think we should be here as the story unfolds?"
"Well, hopefully there is a real story. I don't want this to be a dead end." She stood from the hotel's couch and put on her coat. "Now, to more important things. I know a wonderful Polish restaurant not far form here. We could get lunch in an hour." Lois grabbed her matching purse and added, "Plus, I want to ask Bruce for an interview."
Clark narrowed his eyes. "When were you planning on asking him?"
"Actually, I called him up, and he told me to meet him at his office. We were going to talk over drinks."
"Oh." He then half-jokingly stated, "It'd good to have ex-boyfriends in high places."
Lois smiled. "Quiet, Kent."
~
"I want the evening to look like it had been shrouded in mystery, so make it that way," Bruce ordered.
"Yes Sir, but I need a base color to work with," the man wearing a gray suit and a pink shirt explained. "Perhaps midnight blue?"
Frustrated, Bruce huffed. "I don't care. You're the decorator that I hired. Decide." When his secretary informed him of Lois' arrival, he pressed the speaker button on his phone and said, "Send her in." Next, he looked up at the obviously homosexual man. "The meeting is over. I trust you to make the right choice." As the man left, Lois entered. "Good afternoon."
"Hey. How's it going?" She gave him a small hug when he came to her.
"Hectic." Bruce walked over to the bar in his office and asked, "Can I get you something?"
"A screwdriver, please. Before I ask the questions for the article, I have a few questions of my own. What the hell is going on?"
Bruce fixed her drink and poured himself a shot of bourbon. "What do you mean?" He handed her the drink and sat down in his chair.
"What were you thinking? Why are you helping Selina Kyle? I mean, you're Batman, and she's Catwoman. And how did Superman get mixed up in all this?"
He sipped his whiskey and answered, "I have to help her, she's innocent, I do know that we are on the opposite side of the law, and Superman believes me and wants to help."
"Bruce, the rest of The Justice League doesn't. I don't understand."
"Don't worry about it," he assured. "I can take care of myself, and so can he."
Lois swallowed her alcohol and put the glass on his desk. "What do you want to say?" She pulled out a notepad and a pen from her purse. "Well?"
"Just put down that I'm worried about her, that I hope she's safe, and that I hope Batman and Superman find the real crook."
"That's short and sweet," she remarked and put her pad away. "If you don't mind me asking, are you in love with her?"
Bruce finished his bourbon. "I do mind you asking."
With a slightly hurt expression, she nodded. "Right. You don't think I could get a quote from Batman, do you?"
He shook his head. "Batman isn't one for interviews. Try Superman. After all, aren't you his favorite reporter?"
"You mean he talks about me?"
Bruce flinched. "I just know that you're the only one he talks to."
"Damn." Lois checked her watch and stood. "I have to go."
When she left the office, Bruce glanced over his shoulder. He knew that Superman had listened in on the whole conversation from outside his window.
"You can come in now," Bruce told. He opened his window, and Superman stepped inside. The skyscraper was too tall, so no one could see Superman.
"I just wanted to stop by. There was an earthquake in –"
"Wonderful. You were checking on your girlfriend because you don't trust me," Bruce stated.
"Fine. Anyway, she's not exactly my girlfriend."
Bruce took his seat and asked, "Why are you here, again?"
"Oh. Flash is searching the city today. I talked to Diana. Selina's not doing well."
"Define 'not well.'"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "I think her exact words had been 'raving maniac.'"
Unexpectedly, Lois Lane burst through the door and shut it behind her. "I'm sorry. I forgot my – Superman?" She stopped dead in her tracks when she realized that Bruce had company.
He smiled. "It's good to see you again, Lois."
"Same here. Should I go?"
Before Bruce could speak, Superman did. "That's okay. Just don't have it on the front page of The Daily Planet tomorrow morning."
"My lips are sealed."
Superman moved his attention back to Bruce. "Like I was saying, we have to hurry or she won't even stand a chance. Diana said that it spread all the way to her throat and left thigh; almost half of her body is covered in –"
"What?" Lois asked but received a glare from Bruce. "Okay. Sorry."
"Full search tonight. She'll show," Bruce told.
"I'll catch you later. Goodbye, Lois. I'll see you in Metropolis." Superman then quickly flew away.
Lois grabbed her purse. "I have to meet Clark for lunch."
"Before you go, are you and Clark planning to attend the party? The animal saving is being done in Selina's honor."
"Yeah. Are you sure her name will be cleared by then?" After he nodded, she left.
He then mumbled to himself. "I'm just hoping that she'll still be alive."
~
Flash sped through the streets of Gotham for the second time in two days. He slowed down and stopped when the redhead from the press conference walked out of the police station. He decided to wait for her at the base of the stairs.
"Hey, Beautiful."
The girl narrowed her eyes and gave a small grin. "You again?"
"And you. Did you report a crime? I thought I retrieved your purse?"
"You're bragging now. Actually, I work here." She fussed with her hair and adjusted the purse's strap on her shoulder. "My dad is the commissioner."
"You're a cop?"
"No. Definitely a computer person."
"Can I walk you home?"
She shook her head. "It's daylight, and I'm a big girl." A sudden breeze tousled her red strands in a familiar way.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
"Excuse me?"
Flash lifted the redhead and brought her to an empty alley. "I know your secret." He whispered, "You're Batgirl."
"Am not. There are so many redheads in Gotham, and you're messing with the wrong one."
He rolled his eyes. "Please. Even I'm not that dumb."
"Fine. Do you want the whole city to know? Next time, say that a little louder. I don't think they heard you in Metropolis!" She shoved him.
"Hey. Sorry."
"Anyway, I'll see you later tonight." Before she left him, she added, "About the purse... thanks again."
"You're very welcome."
~
Hawkgirl watched as J'onn flashed a light in Selina's eyes. He slightly shook his head and put away his medical instruments.
"Well?"
"Selina is not responding to my touch or voice. Her eyes barely dilate."
"Look at her." Hawkgirl kept watching the burglar's unmoving body. "She just lies there, staring at the ceiling. Selina almost never blinks."
J'onn put a hand on Hawkgirl's shoulder. "Honestly, I believe if Batman does not get the imposter's blood tonight, Selina will not make it through the morning."
Hawkgirl gently brushed a few of Selina's strands away from her face. "I just pray that they make it in time."
~
"Anything, Batgirl?"
"Nada," Barbara's voice told over the headset. Batman had been staying in touch with the others as they all searched the city for clues. They hadn't had any luck so far, and the clock was ticking against them.
"All right then." Batman continued to search around the recently burglarized museum. Out of the corner of his eye, Batman saw something move. Instantly alarmed, he used the darkness to shadow himself from the person he had detected. Batman hadn't been surprised that it was the imposter standing outside the museum. He also wasn't surprised that he hadn't fooled the alien.
"I know you're there, Batman. There's no need to hide."
He stepped into the dim light the streetlamp gave off and nodded in agreement. "The same goes for you. After all, you're not Selina Kyle. Drop the act."
It laughed and leaned against the museum wall in a manner strikingly similar to the real Catwoman's. "Well my winged-rat, would you care to take a sample?" She ran her fingers over her opposite arm to draw his attention to it. "My DNA will prove that I am Selina Kyle."
"You're not Catwoman," he stated and secretly pressed a button on his utility belt to signal the other heroes. "You're not even human."
She laughed some more. "The rest of Gotham believes I am. They also believe you're a criminal."
"Nice observations." Suddenly a flash of color passed before Batman and pressed the imposter to the wall. "It's about time, Superman. Are you getting old?"
Superman glanced over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "Hey. I'm only faster than a speeding bullet."
"Perhaps." The expression on the look-a-like's face hadn't changed; she still wore a smirk. "But you're not perfect either, Superman." With little effort, she pushed the superhero away. He crashed into the brick wall behind him. "Even you can't capture all the villains."
Batman pulled a syringe from his belt and prepared to take blood from the alien as Superman distracted it. The imposter punched, but Superman evaded the aggression quickly. He then grabbed its arms and twisted them behind its back. Batman then stabbed the thing and pulled the plasma from it. Still holding the syringe, Batman backed away from the fight.
"Get out of here! Hurry!" Superman ordered. "I can handle this."
The copy kicked the side of his knee using its high-heeled boot. "You won't get away, Batman! There's no time to save your precious Selina. She's already dead!"
~ (Keep going...only a few more chapters...)