Men, Women, Garters, and Chains
By: The Angelic Temptress
Disclaimer: If I owned them, things would be different.
Spoilers: Through "Starcrossed"
Rating: PG-13 for the usual features
Pairings: BM/WW BM/CW GL/HG NW/BG
##
Chapter 3: Jailhouse Rock
Harley Quinn loudly popped her gum bubble and began to chew with her mouth open. She didn't know that her racket irritated their guest; she just continued masticating the Orbit gum and playing her game of solitaire.
The desk she sat behind held Hawkgirl's mace and Wonder Woman's silver bracelets. Not only did they need to keep the belongings locked away from their owners, but they also needed proof for when they told the world of the women's demise. Joker wouldn't have bragging rights without evidence.
Harl blew another bubble and popped it, driving the alien off the edge.
"Could you possibly cease?" he questioned heatedly, digging his nails into the armrests of his chair.
The Joker's girlfriend stopped chomping and gave an apologetic smile. "Gee. Sorry, Mistah. Ya shoulda said somethin' sooner." When his glare left her face, she rolled her eyes and placed the Jack of Spades atop the Queen.
"Well, the second one's awake," Mr. J announced and came to his desk chair, which Harley had vacated a moment after his arrival. "My part of the deal is completed. Now it's your turn."
"How is she?" the man asked. Harley knew he spoke of Hawkgirl; she was the one he wanted, after all.
"Broken."
He narrowed his dark eyes and warned, "That better be figuratively speaking."
"Of course. I made a promise, and I don't go back on my promises. Right, Harl?"
"That's right, Mistah J. You're one to keep your word."
"Which brings me to my next point," Batman's nemesis stated and sat down in his comfortable swivel chair. "You get me who I want as soon as humanly, I mean, Thanagarian-ly possible." Joker smirked to himself and ran a hand through his green hair. "Do you think you're prepared?"
"They're human. The two you attained were much more difficult to capture."
"Yes, but their capture is almost meaningless. Sure, I'd enjoy annihilating The Justice League just as much as the next maniac, but when it comes down to it... I'd much rather drive Batman mad."
"I see." The Thanagarian stood from his seat and left the room without another word. When he was out of hearing range, Joker turned to Harley and raised an eyebrow.
"That guy's crazier than I am."
Harley shrugged. "Well, at least you're still number one in Gotham."
"In Gotham alone?" Joker fiercely glared at his girlfriend, grinding his teeth as he did.
"I meant... on Earth?"
"That's better."
##
Officer Richard Grayson of the Bludhaven Police Department stared at his blank computer screen, fiddling with his number-two pencil, and gnawing on his bottom lip. He couldn't keep his mind on his work. Although he needed to turn in a report before he went home that day, Dick couldn't get himself to complete it. His mind was on his Babsy.
If she was his, that is.
He rubbed his forehead and sighed, not knowing what to do with their relationship. He cared about Barbara, but evidently didn't care enough to be with her every day.
But why did he have to give in to her needs? Why didn't she move closer to him and farther from Batman?
If Dick really loved her, he wouldn't ask her to leave everything she knew, everything she loved... How could she leave her own father behind? How could she leave school and her job at the police station?
Dick picked up the phone and dialed her number. After four rings, her answering machine kicked in.
"Hey, this is Barbara. I'm not home, so leave a message. Thanks."
He hung up.
##
"Hello?"
When all she got was a ring tone, Barbara put down the receiver. It was probably a telemarketer, and she didn't have the time to talk to a computer.
She did that on her own anyway.
Bruce had informed Barbara that she'd be out alone that night. He was headed over to Metropolis to meet with Clark Kent and discuss the coincidental events of Catwoman making an appearance in Gotham and the prank call about the bank robbery.
Perhaps Selina wanted some kind of attention? Maybe she wanted to throw Batman off her trail?
Babs didn't know, but until they figured it out, Batgirl would be watching the streets of the city. For some reason, she had a feeling Miss Kyle would be making her move that night.
After all, there were a few new wealthy families in town, including a jeweler...
##
"There haven't been any burglaries, Batman," Superman assured from their perch on the roof of The Daily Planet. "I think I would know."
Batman changed the subject. "Have you heard from Diana?"
"No. Why?"
"She didn't contact me this morning."
The Dark Knight noticed Superman's perked eyebrow, which indicated his interest.
"Really? I wonder why..." When Batman didn't respond, Superman continued. "Maybe its because of Catwoman. From what Batgirl had told Supergirl and what Supergirl had told me –"
Batman huffed and shot out a line, leaving the Man of Steel all by his lonesome.
##
It was two in the morning, and Catwoman was on the prowl. The burglar decided not to wait around for Batman to find her. She'd much rather steel a few gems to get her mind off of things.
Catwoman stood on the fire escape of one of Gotham's most expensive apartment buildings. A few of the upper-class Gothamites owned penthouse suites near the plaza, and many of them had security systems she could effortlessly penetrate.
"What are doing, Selina?" the young Batgirl's voice questioned from above the cat burglar. "Stirring up trouble, again?"
"Where's the boss?"
"Out of town on business."
"With that Wonder Woman, no doubt."
"Why do you ask? Are you being protective? Maybe a little jealous?"
"Are you going to talk me to death, or are you going to arrest me?"
Batgirl gave a sarcastic shrug. "I guess it's your call."
The redhead slid down the bar of the fire escape, landed on the platform Catwoman stood on, but wasn't prepared to block a kick to the upper body. The criminal's boot met with Batgirl's chest, sending her over the railing and tumbling to the alley below. She shot her grapple gun, which hooked onto a flagpole, and pulled herself back onto the fire escape.
Catwoman hadn't waited around for her.
Already on the roof of the building, she was running toward the next roof at top speed. Suddenly, something latched onto her ankles, and she fell face first onto the hard cement. Luckily, her arms broke her fall.
"Okay, Selina. No more games. I'm taking to you the police," Batgirl informed as she made her way to where Catwoman had fallen. "Now, you just need to come along quietly."
"Don't fool yourself, kid."
"Right." The young girl pulled a pair of cuffs from her yellow utility belt. "Now, let me–" Her words stopped. Batgirl dropped the handcuffs and moved her right hand to the back of her neck where she pulled something out. The kid tried to look at it before...
Batgirl fainted, landing a few feet from where Catwoman was lying. Quickly, the burglar freed her legs from the Bat's bola and crawled over to where the girl and passed out. A tranquilizer dart sat in the girl's gloved hand.
Catwoman studied her surroundings, searching for whoever had shot the crime fighter, but no one was there.
"Wake up, Batgirl. Come on." She tried lifting the young woman but couldn't budge her. "Damn it. Did you gain weight?" Instead of lifting the junior vigilante, Catwoman figured she could drag her to the roof entrance of the building, where they'd be out of harm's way.
She got to her feet, looked down, and realized that her shadow possessed wings.
Catwoman had enough sense to know that her eyes weren't playing tricks on her, and her body tensed. She turned to face whoever was hovering behind her, hoping it was the ex-Leaguer rather than a stray sergeant of the army that had invaded Earth only months ago.
It was a man, a very muscular man, who was watching her. She swallowed hard.
"Catwoman, I presume."
"Yeah. Sorry. I don't know who you are."
"That is of no matter," he replied coolly and landed in front of her.
"Thanks for the save," she said and motioned toward the unmoving figure of Batgirl, figuring she could butter up the weirdo before making her escape. "I was probably headed to jail."
The Thanagarian took a step toward her, and she took a step back.
"Listen, I have a feeling that you want something with me, and let me tell you that I'm not good with partners. I don't do well with birds. Ask Robin or Nightwing."
"Stop talking," he ordered and gripped her throat with one hand, lifting her off of the ground. As she struggled for air, she tried to punch him so he'd lose his hold. The alien was unfortunately much bigger and stronger than any man she had ever met before, and her hits didn't affect him at all.
His dark eyes threw darts at her, and his helmet gleamed in the moonlight. She didn't know what she could do. He was so much stronger than she was... so much stronger than Batman was.
"What – what do you... want?" she forced from her throat.
"Justice."
He then tossed her aside, causing her to slam onto the ground hard and cry out in pain. When she sat up to face him again, he had a gun pointed at her.
"Goodnight, Cat." He pulled the trigger, but she evaded the shot. The dart missed her by a centimeter, but that close call didn't slow her at all.
Lamentably, the next shot did.
##
Diana raised her blue eyes to see who was unlocking the cell. Two nameless men dropped more women in the chamber and left.
To the princess' surprise, an unconscious Batgirl and Catwoman had been left behind.
Immediately, she checked their pulses, to see if they were alive.
Thankfully, they were.
##
"J'onn?" Batman said as he pressed the small communicator hidden beneath his cowl.
"Yes, Batman?"
"Could you telepathically contact Diana? She's not answering my attempts."
A moment passed, and the Martian spoke again. "I cannot. I do not sense her."
"Then something is wrong."
"I concur."
"Contact me as soon as you find her. Batman out." The Dark Knight then pressed his communicator once more to connect with one of his own team. "Come in, Batgirl."
There was no answer.
"Batgirl? Come in."
Barbara didn't reply.
##
"Hey, Babs. It's me. Just call me whenever you get in." Dick put down his phone and put on his mask. He didn't feel right and had decided that Bludhaven would manage for one evening.
He'd be heading to Gotham.
To Barbara.
She needed him; he could feel it.
Dick just hoped his gut instinct was wrong.
##
Batgirl groaned as she sat up on the cold floor. There was little light, but she could tell that she was not alone in the small room. Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman, and Catwoman were all present, and two of the three were conscious.
"What's going on?" she asked and sat up, allowing the brick wall to support her back. "Did we all get captured?"
"By the Joker," the winged redhead confirmed. "He's got something up his sleeve."
"What does he want with the two of you? Or Hawkgirl?" Wonder Woman, or Diana, as Batman called her, questioned naively. "It isn't as if you all are part of The Justice League."
Batgirl had to avoid rolling her eyes by checking to see if her utility belt was still stationed around her waist.
It wasn't.
"Well, I do work with Batman."
"And how about her?" she asked, cocking her head toward the sleeping Catwoman. "She's a criminal, like he is."
"Not exactly. She's ruined his plans almost as many times as Batman has. Selina's one of the reasons he's breathing today." The youngest of the women gripped the silver ring that had been placed around her neck and tugged on it, testing its durability. She didn't need either of the girls to tell her that it wasn't manmade; just by taking a glance at it, she could see that it wasn't of her world.
"Don't waste your time," Diana frankly advised. "Hawkgirl claims they're indestructible."
"Nothing's indestructible," she countered and fiddled with the metal some more. Batgirl wasn't one to give up easily, especially when it came to a piece of technology.
Shayera Hol, the ex-lieutenant of her planet and ex-protector of Batgirl's, shook her head at her roommate. "There's a key, which I'm sure Joker has, and without it, you'll never bust it open."
"I'm going to assume that this is Thanagarian handiwork." When Shayera nodded, Batgirl scratched her head. "Who has a feeling that Joker's not alone in this? I mean, where the hell would he get devices like these? I'm sure your people wouldn't just trade them to a random psychotic."
"You're absolutely correct, but I don't know a Thanagarian who would stay behind to kidnap a few masked females."
"You also didn't believe Hro Talak was capable of destroying an entire planet," the princess snapped and threw a glare at her former teammate. "I think a Thanagarian maniac is a reasonable conjecture."
"As was an Amazon who wanted all the men in the world to die." Shayera stood from her seat on the floor and placed her hands on her hips. "I wouldn't exactly point fingers here, Diana, especially when your own people aren't as perfect as you like to believe."
"Take it easy, ladies. We're all in the same dilemma, and whether we like it or not, we have to work together," Batgirl reminded. "So calm yourselves down."
"Good Lord," Catwoman mumbled as she gradually came to. "You have the most aggravating voices I've ever heard." She slowly got to a seated position and rubbed her head. "What did I miss?"
"Nothing much. We just know that Joker's behind all this," Batgirl filled in.
Catwoman shook her head. "The clown's not alone. He's working with someone." She raised her green eyes and immediately recognized Hawkgirl. "You're the double agent, aren't you?"
Shayera didn't reply.
"Well, it's one of your kind. He attacked me, nearly strangled me, and told me that he wanted justice. I suppose you were what he was referring to." The thief raised an eyebrow at the Thanagarian and gave a sly grin. "Looks like you're dancing on that fine line between right and wrong. Welcome to the club."
"Joker said the same thing," Shayera added with a humiliated tone.
"He probably meant something else, but don't listen to that son of a bitch. He's nuts."
Diana wryly chuckled. "And you aren't?"
Catwoman moved her emerald eyes to look at the princess. "Honey, I don't murder people for kicks." She then made eye contact with Shayera again. "Because I'm still living on an Earth that's pretty much in-tact, I figure that you don't either."
Batgirl noticed the hint of a smirk sneaking its way onto the Thanagarian's lips and couldn't help smiling too. Who knew Catwoman could put faith back into a distraught soldier?
Who knew Shayera still had a little self-confidence?
"I can taste blood. Is my lip split?" Catwoman asked the only woman she really knew and winced when she touched her mouth with her hand. Blood had dried onto the corner of the burglar's lip, so Batgirl nodded in response.
"What did your kidnapper look like?" Shayera asked Catwoman cautiously.
The criminal's forehead wrinkled. "I don't know. He was big and muscular and wore one of those gold helmets on his head. It was dark, so I wouldn't be able to pick him out of a crowd of Thanagarians if I had to."
"Did he say his name? Did he say anything at all?"
"No, he didn't." Catwoman pulled her knees to her chest and shook her head. "Have you tried to escape yet?"
"Except for the way we came in, there's no way out," Shayera verified. "Diana and I looked."
"Of course, there are two armed guards outside of the cell, just in case we did find one," Wonder Woman added.
Catwoman sighed. "Well Batgirl, I guess it's up to you and me, but you don't have your nifty belt." She shook her head again. "What I'd give for a Batsignal right about now."
Wonder Woman narrowed her eyes at that remark.
"None of you have your communicators either?"
The three courageous women didn't answer, and that told the crook everything she needed to know.
"We'll just have to do this the old fashioned way."
##
A/N: If you haven't noticed already, all my chapter titles are songs that were sung by my three favorite '50s and '60s artists: Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis. If you were wondering why I chose those three, it's because I think they represent Batman, Wonder Woman, and Catwoman the best.
Frank's music can be a little depressing at times, which fits perfectly with Bats.
Dino's voice and songs are very mellow and sweet, like our Amazon.
Elvis shook up the music scene with his radical style, and that's what Selina's doing in this fiction.
Thanks to all who've reviewed so far! I really hope you like this story, but it's far from complete. Please stick with it. I'm sure you'll be surprised with what happens next.
Just because I'm a BM/CW shipper doesn't mean that those two will end up together. Diana's a pretty tough act to follow, even for Selina Kyle...
There's still more to come, so stay tuned!
By: The Angelic Temptress
Disclaimer: If I owned them, things would be different.
Spoilers: Through "Starcrossed"
Rating: PG-13 for the usual features
Pairings: BM/WW BM/CW GL/HG NW/BG
##
Chapter 3: Jailhouse Rock
Harley Quinn loudly popped her gum bubble and began to chew with her mouth open. She didn't know that her racket irritated their guest; she just continued masticating the Orbit gum and playing her game of solitaire.
The desk she sat behind held Hawkgirl's mace and Wonder Woman's silver bracelets. Not only did they need to keep the belongings locked away from their owners, but they also needed proof for when they told the world of the women's demise. Joker wouldn't have bragging rights without evidence.
Harl blew another bubble and popped it, driving the alien off the edge.
"Could you possibly cease?" he questioned heatedly, digging his nails into the armrests of his chair.
The Joker's girlfriend stopped chomping and gave an apologetic smile. "Gee. Sorry, Mistah. Ya shoulda said somethin' sooner." When his glare left her face, she rolled her eyes and placed the Jack of Spades atop the Queen.
"Well, the second one's awake," Mr. J announced and came to his desk chair, which Harley had vacated a moment after his arrival. "My part of the deal is completed. Now it's your turn."
"How is she?" the man asked. Harley knew he spoke of Hawkgirl; she was the one he wanted, after all.
"Broken."
He narrowed his dark eyes and warned, "That better be figuratively speaking."
"Of course. I made a promise, and I don't go back on my promises. Right, Harl?"
"That's right, Mistah J. You're one to keep your word."
"Which brings me to my next point," Batman's nemesis stated and sat down in his comfortable swivel chair. "You get me who I want as soon as humanly, I mean, Thanagarian-ly possible." Joker smirked to himself and ran a hand through his green hair. "Do you think you're prepared?"
"They're human. The two you attained were much more difficult to capture."
"Yes, but their capture is almost meaningless. Sure, I'd enjoy annihilating The Justice League just as much as the next maniac, but when it comes down to it... I'd much rather drive Batman mad."
"I see." The Thanagarian stood from his seat and left the room without another word. When he was out of hearing range, Joker turned to Harley and raised an eyebrow.
"That guy's crazier than I am."
Harley shrugged. "Well, at least you're still number one in Gotham."
"In Gotham alone?" Joker fiercely glared at his girlfriend, grinding his teeth as he did.
"I meant... on Earth?"
"That's better."
##
Officer Richard Grayson of the Bludhaven Police Department stared at his blank computer screen, fiddling with his number-two pencil, and gnawing on his bottom lip. He couldn't keep his mind on his work. Although he needed to turn in a report before he went home that day, Dick couldn't get himself to complete it. His mind was on his Babsy.
If she was his, that is.
He rubbed his forehead and sighed, not knowing what to do with their relationship. He cared about Barbara, but evidently didn't care enough to be with her every day.
But why did he have to give in to her needs? Why didn't she move closer to him and farther from Batman?
If Dick really loved her, he wouldn't ask her to leave everything she knew, everything she loved... How could she leave her own father behind? How could she leave school and her job at the police station?
Dick picked up the phone and dialed her number. After four rings, her answering machine kicked in.
"Hey, this is Barbara. I'm not home, so leave a message. Thanks."
He hung up.
##
"Hello?"
When all she got was a ring tone, Barbara put down the receiver. It was probably a telemarketer, and she didn't have the time to talk to a computer.
She did that on her own anyway.
Bruce had informed Barbara that she'd be out alone that night. He was headed over to Metropolis to meet with Clark Kent and discuss the coincidental events of Catwoman making an appearance in Gotham and the prank call about the bank robbery.
Perhaps Selina wanted some kind of attention? Maybe she wanted to throw Batman off her trail?
Babs didn't know, but until they figured it out, Batgirl would be watching the streets of the city. For some reason, she had a feeling Miss Kyle would be making her move that night.
After all, there were a few new wealthy families in town, including a jeweler...
##
"There haven't been any burglaries, Batman," Superman assured from their perch on the roof of The Daily Planet. "I think I would know."
Batman changed the subject. "Have you heard from Diana?"
"No. Why?"
"She didn't contact me this morning."
The Dark Knight noticed Superman's perked eyebrow, which indicated his interest.
"Really? I wonder why..." When Batman didn't respond, Superman continued. "Maybe its because of Catwoman. From what Batgirl had told Supergirl and what Supergirl had told me –"
Batman huffed and shot out a line, leaving the Man of Steel all by his lonesome.
##
It was two in the morning, and Catwoman was on the prowl. The burglar decided not to wait around for Batman to find her. She'd much rather steel a few gems to get her mind off of things.
Catwoman stood on the fire escape of one of Gotham's most expensive apartment buildings. A few of the upper-class Gothamites owned penthouse suites near the plaza, and many of them had security systems she could effortlessly penetrate.
"What are doing, Selina?" the young Batgirl's voice questioned from above the cat burglar. "Stirring up trouble, again?"
"Where's the boss?"
"Out of town on business."
"With that Wonder Woman, no doubt."
"Why do you ask? Are you being protective? Maybe a little jealous?"
"Are you going to talk me to death, or are you going to arrest me?"
Batgirl gave a sarcastic shrug. "I guess it's your call."
The redhead slid down the bar of the fire escape, landed on the platform Catwoman stood on, but wasn't prepared to block a kick to the upper body. The criminal's boot met with Batgirl's chest, sending her over the railing and tumbling to the alley below. She shot her grapple gun, which hooked onto a flagpole, and pulled herself back onto the fire escape.
Catwoman hadn't waited around for her.
Already on the roof of the building, she was running toward the next roof at top speed. Suddenly, something latched onto her ankles, and she fell face first onto the hard cement. Luckily, her arms broke her fall.
"Okay, Selina. No more games. I'm taking to you the police," Batgirl informed as she made her way to where Catwoman had fallen. "Now, you just need to come along quietly."
"Don't fool yourself, kid."
"Right." The young girl pulled a pair of cuffs from her yellow utility belt. "Now, let me–" Her words stopped. Batgirl dropped the handcuffs and moved her right hand to the back of her neck where she pulled something out. The kid tried to look at it before...
Batgirl fainted, landing a few feet from where Catwoman was lying. Quickly, the burglar freed her legs from the Bat's bola and crawled over to where the girl and passed out. A tranquilizer dart sat in the girl's gloved hand.
Catwoman studied her surroundings, searching for whoever had shot the crime fighter, but no one was there.
"Wake up, Batgirl. Come on." She tried lifting the young woman but couldn't budge her. "Damn it. Did you gain weight?" Instead of lifting the junior vigilante, Catwoman figured she could drag her to the roof entrance of the building, where they'd be out of harm's way.
She got to her feet, looked down, and realized that her shadow possessed wings.
Catwoman had enough sense to know that her eyes weren't playing tricks on her, and her body tensed. She turned to face whoever was hovering behind her, hoping it was the ex-Leaguer rather than a stray sergeant of the army that had invaded Earth only months ago.
It was a man, a very muscular man, who was watching her. She swallowed hard.
"Catwoman, I presume."
"Yeah. Sorry. I don't know who you are."
"That is of no matter," he replied coolly and landed in front of her.
"Thanks for the save," she said and motioned toward the unmoving figure of Batgirl, figuring she could butter up the weirdo before making her escape. "I was probably headed to jail."
The Thanagarian took a step toward her, and she took a step back.
"Listen, I have a feeling that you want something with me, and let me tell you that I'm not good with partners. I don't do well with birds. Ask Robin or Nightwing."
"Stop talking," he ordered and gripped her throat with one hand, lifting her off of the ground. As she struggled for air, she tried to punch him so he'd lose his hold. The alien was unfortunately much bigger and stronger than any man she had ever met before, and her hits didn't affect him at all.
His dark eyes threw darts at her, and his helmet gleamed in the moonlight. She didn't know what she could do. He was so much stronger than she was... so much stronger than Batman was.
"What – what do you... want?" she forced from her throat.
"Justice."
He then tossed her aside, causing her to slam onto the ground hard and cry out in pain. When she sat up to face him again, he had a gun pointed at her.
"Goodnight, Cat." He pulled the trigger, but she evaded the shot. The dart missed her by a centimeter, but that close call didn't slow her at all.
Lamentably, the next shot did.
##
Diana raised her blue eyes to see who was unlocking the cell. Two nameless men dropped more women in the chamber and left.
To the princess' surprise, an unconscious Batgirl and Catwoman had been left behind.
Immediately, she checked their pulses, to see if they were alive.
Thankfully, they were.
##
"J'onn?" Batman said as he pressed the small communicator hidden beneath his cowl.
"Yes, Batman?"
"Could you telepathically contact Diana? She's not answering my attempts."
A moment passed, and the Martian spoke again. "I cannot. I do not sense her."
"Then something is wrong."
"I concur."
"Contact me as soon as you find her. Batman out." The Dark Knight then pressed his communicator once more to connect with one of his own team. "Come in, Batgirl."
There was no answer.
"Batgirl? Come in."
Barbara didn't reply.
##
"Hey, Babs. It's me. Just call me whenever you get in." Dick put down his phone and put on his mask. He didn't feel right and had decided that Bludhaven would manage for one evening.
He'd be heading to Gotham.
To Barbara.
She needed him; he could feel it.
Dick just hoped his gut instinct was wrong.
##
Batgirl groaned as she sat up on the cold floor. There was little light, but she could tell that she was not alone in the small room. Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman, and Catwoman were all present, and two of the three were conscious.
"What's going on?" she asked and sat up, allowing the brick wall to support her back. "Did we all get captured?"
"By the Joker," the winged redhead confirmed. "He's got something up his sleeve."
"What does he want with the two of you? Or Hawkgirl?" Wonder Woman, or Diana, as Batman called her, questioned naively. "It isn't as if you all are part of The Justice League."
Batgirl had to avoid rolling her eyes by checking to see if her utility belt was still stationed around her waist.
It wasn't.
"Well, I do work with Batman."
"And how about her?" she asked, cocking her head toward the sleeping Catwoman. "She's a criminal, like he is."
"Not exactly. She's ruined his plans almost as many times as Batman has. Selina's one of the reasons he's breathing today." The youngest of the women gripped the silver ring that had been placed around her neck and tugged on it, testing its durability. She didn't need either of the girls to tell her that it wasn't manmade; just by taking a glance at it, she could see that it wasn't of her world.
"Don't waste your time," Diana frankly advised. "Hawkgirl claims they're indestructible."
"Nothing's indestructible," she countered and fiddled with the metal some more. Batgirl wasn't one to give up easily, especially when it came to a piece of technology.
Shayera Hol, the ex-lieutenant of her planet and ex-protector of Batgirl's, shook her head at her roommate. "There's a key, which I'm sure Joker has, and without it, you'll never bust it open."
"I'm going to assume that this is Thanagarian handiwork." When Shayera nodded, Batgirl scratched her head. "Who has a feeling that Joker's not alone in this? I mean, where the hell would he get devices like these? I'm sure your people wouldn't just trade them to a random psychotic."
"You're absolutely correct, but I don't know a Thanagarian who would stay behind to kidnap a few masked females."
"You also didn't believe Hro Talak was capable of destroying an entire planet," the princess snapped and threw a glare at her former teammate. "I think a Thanagarian maniac is a reasonable conjecture."
"As was an Amazon who wanted all the men in the world to die." Shayera stood from her seat on the floor and placed her hands on her hips. "I wouldn't exactly point fingers here, Diana, especially when your own people aren't as perfect as you like to believe."
"Take it easy, ladies. We're all in the same dilemma, and whether we like it or not, we have to work together," Batgirl reminded. "So calm yourselves down."
"Good Lord," Catwoman mumbled as she gradually came to. "You have the most aggravating voices I've ever heard." She slowly got to a seated position and rubbed her head. "What did I miss?"
"Nothing much. We just know that Joker's behind all this," Batgirl filled in.
Catwoman shook her head. "The clown's not alone. He's working with someone." She raised her green eyes and immediately recognized Hawkgirl. "You're the double agent, aren't you?"
Shayera didn't reply.
"Well, it's one of your kind. He attacked me, nearly strangled me, and told me that he wanted justice. I suppose you were what he was referring to." The thief raised an eyebrow at the Thanagarian and gave a sly grin. "Looks like you're dancing on that fine line between right and wrong. Welcome to the club."
"Joker said the same thing," Shayera added with a humiliated tone.
"He probably meant something else, but don't listen to that son of a bitch. He's nuts."
Diana wryly chuckled. "And you aren't?"
Catwoman moved her emerald eyes to look at the princess. "Honey, I don't murder people for kicks." She then made eye contact with Shayera again. "Because I'm still living on an Earth that's pretty much in-tact, I figure that you don't either."
Batgirl noticed the hint of a smirk sneaking its way onto the Thanagarian's lips and couldn't help smiling too. Who knew Catwoman could put faith back into a distraught soldier?
Who knew Shayera still had a little self-confidence?
"I can taste blood. Is my lip split?" Catwoman asked the only woman she really knew and winced when she touched her mouth with her hand. Blood had dried onto the corner of the burglar's lip, so Batgirl nodded in response.
"What did your kidnapper look like?" Shayera asked Catwoman cautiously.
The criminal's forehead wrinkled. "I don't know. He was big and muscular and wore one of those gold helmets on his head. It was dark, so I wouldn't be able to pick him out of a crowd of Thanagarians if I had to."
"Did he say his name? Did he say anything at all?"
"No, he didn't." Catwoman pulled her knees to her chest and shook her head. "Have you tried to escape yet?"
"Except for the way we came in, there's no way out," Shayera verified. "Diana and I looked."
"Of course, there are two armed guards outside of the cell, just in case we did find one," Wonder Woman added.
Catwoman sighed. "Well Batgirl, I guess it's up to you and me, but you don't have your nifty belt." She shook her head again. "What I'd give for a Batsignal right about now."
Wonder Woman narrowed her eyes at that remark.
"None of you have your communicators either?"
The three courageous women didn't answer, and that told the crook everything she needed to know.
"We'll just have to do this the old fashioned way."
##
A/N: If you haven't noticed already, all my chapter titles are songs that were sung by my three favorite '50s and '60s artists: Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis. If you were wondering why I chose those three, it's because I think they represent Batman, Wonder Woman, and Catwoman the best.
Frank's music can be a little depressing at times, which fits perfectly with Bats.
Dino's voice and songs are very mellow and sweet, like our Amazon.
Elvis shook up the music scene with his radical style, and that's what Selina's doing in this fiction.
Thanks to all who've reviewed so far! I really hope you like this story, but it's far from complete. Please stick with it. I'm sure you'll be surprised with what happens next.
Just because I'm a BM/CW shipper doesn't mean that those two will end up together. Diana's a pretty tough act to follow, even for Selina Kyle...
There's still more to come, so stay tuned!