Curaré put the blade against Barbara's throat. "Well, so... you are dead!"

A whip rolled around Curare's neck pulling her back. The woman crashed roughly against the floor. Barbara curled up, holding her side and trying to remain conscious.

Selina kicked the Curare's blade far from her hands and pushed her knee on her throat.

"Are you looking for some fun?" the blond woman asked, annoyed. "I'm here."

"You bitch!"

Selina pulled her whip tight around her throat. "I don't like dirty words."

"I don't like bitches." Cuararé took the whip with her hands and pulled it, unbalancing her.

Selina rolled over the floor and crouched. "I don't like killers."

"So, one needs die tonight." The woman took the blade and began to play with it between her hands.

"I'm sure. It's not going to be me." Selina smirked.

Curaré charged against her and swung with her blade. Selina moved back. Curaré tried to hit her with it again, but Selina rolled and, taking her whip again, she grabbed her hand and pulled her making her fall against the floor.

Curaré turned around and fell in front of Selina. She hit her with both fists trapped in the whip. Selina crashed against the brick wall.

Barbara kneeled on the floor, holding her side, and took a deep breath; she was fighting against the darkness that was surrounding her. She raised her head and, blurrily, she could see both women fighting.

Selina punched Curaré in her face; she stumbled back. The woman turned around and kicked her. Curaré crashed against some flowerpots and fell down. She slowly supported herself on her hands and knees.

"It's over..." Selina said.

"Yes... for you..." The woman turned and threw some earth dirt her face.

"Damn!" Selina covered her eyes and stepped back.

Curaré kicked her. Selina crashed against the wall. Curaré moved quickly and picked up her blade, while the blonde woman rubbed her eyes trying to clean them.

Curare raised her blade over her head. A hard blow on her back made her fell heavily. Barbara had hit her with a piece of a broken wood; she held her side and hesitantly put her hand on the wall.

Selina reacted and kicked Curaré in her face. She took her by her back and threw her against the wall. She jumped over her and hit her with two punches in her face knocking her down.

Selina cleaned her forehead with the back of her hand and stood up. "She is out," she said and turned to see her friend.

"Barbara?" Selina saw her lying on the floor on her stomach. She kneeled next to her and when she touched her side she heard her grunting. Her fingers felt the warm blood. "Damn! You are hurt!" the blonde said, turning her gently and examining the wound.

"Where is... Helena?" Barbara swallowed, blinking and trying to remain conscious.

"She is safe," Selina saw the wound was deep and that she was bleeding profusely.

"The professor said she was here..."

"Yes, but the Principal called her because she was running at the corridor. It was lucky."

"That's good..." Barbara grimaced. "Damn... it hurts..."

"Stay down, easy..."

They heard steps on the stairway. Selina raised her head; Professor Kerry appeared and looked at the mess of furniture broken on the upper floor.

"What...?" he mumbled.

"Call an ambulance." Selina interrupted, removing her cotton jacket to put it over the wound. "She is hurt."

"Oh my God! Miss Gordon!" Kerry exclaimed, looking at her.

"Call an ambulance! Hurry! And, please, don't let Helena move out of the Principal's office."

"Yes." the man nodded and ran downstairs.

Selina noticed the lips of the red head were white and that her gaze was lost. "Barbara?" She clapped her cheek, "Focus on my voice."

The red head mumbled something and closed her eyes.

"Barbara, Barbara!" Selina looked around and shouted, "Where is the damn ambulance? Barbara, stay with me, do you hear me? Stay with me!"


She opened her eyes slowly. Her side hurt and she felt so numb and drowsy. The first thing she saw was a blurry image next to her. A white one. She blinked.

"Hey Babs, I see you're awake."

Barbara recognized Dr. Tomkins voice; she looked up and frowned, trying to clear her vision. The doctor finished adjusting the bag of serum and leaned over her taking a flashlight from her pocket. "Open your eyes."

"What happened?" the red head mumbled.

"You were stabbed pretty badly... what were you doing fighting without your costume? It protects you more than normal clothing." Tomkins removed the blanket to examine the wound. Carefully, she removed the gauze "Mm... It's healing well." She took an alcohol bottle to clean it. "I need give you a permanent "Happy Costumer's discount card. I see you frequently in these not very pleasant situations."

The redhead tried to remember. "I feel numb."

"I gave you some drugs to ease the pain. That woman did a number on you. You were out cold almost twenty four hours."

"Helena?"

"That demon? She's fine; don't worry. She has been worried about you, but you know the hospital rules: no kids. Selina was here and went to pick her up at school a few minutes ago."

"That's cute." Barbara smiled lightly. "What happened to Curaré?"

"In jail. The police got her. You were so lucky, Barbara; she almost damaged your liver." Tomkins taped the gauze again. "Your dad is here. He went for a cup of coffee. Does he know that you are Batgirl or not yet?"

"No..." The red head moved trying to get more comfortable.

"When are you going to tell him?"

"I don't know... I feel bad."

"The drugs." The doctor covered her with the blanket again. "You will feel much better tomorrow."

The door opened and Commissioner Gordon walked in with a cup of coffee. "I'm back," he said.

"Good, she is awake," Dr. Tomkins said.

The man smiled and walked toward the bed. "Princess!" He took her hand and kissed her forehead. "How do you feel, baby?"

"Fine..." She smiled, weakly, at him.

"Babs, don't play the hero again," he scolded. "Why did you face that woman, Barbara?" Commissioner Gordon asked. "You know she is dangerous."

"Sorry Dad, but I didn't think. She was in school looking for Helena. I couldn't wait. The woman was trying to kidnap Helena... sorry Dad."

Gordon couldn't hide his annoyance. "I don't like you to expose yourself, and less for those people." He didn't like the idea that his daughter was a friend of that woman; he was sure she was Catwoman, the criminal. He had disagreed when Barbara had told him about taking care of Helena a few days

"Dad..." Barbara didn't wan't to argue with him. They always talked about Selina; "Please... she is just a child."

"Yes, but being near Selina Kyle involves you in trouble."

"She will be okay in a few days," Dr. Tomkins said, trying to change the conversation; She removed her plastic gloves and put them in the trash "No work for eight days, Babs. I know you don't like hospitals, so I will give you a special permission to move to your apartment tomorrow."

"I really would love you for that," the woman said weakly.

"I know. Maybe we can have coffee and dinner. Of course I'll bring dinner."

Barbara winced in pain when she tried to laugh.

"Sorry Barbara, but you are not good in the kitchen," Dr. Tomkins said.

Someone knocked on the door. Dr. Tomkins opened it. Helena was standing there with a cap on her head. She had a few flowers in her hand and with her other arm she was holding Jaçques. Selina was behind her.

"Hey, demon." Dr. Tomkins said, smiling and putting her hands on her hips. She was so cute. "You owe me this one."

"I know," Helena said to her.

"Be nice the next time that I need give you an exam."

"All right... Is she awake?"

"Yes, come in." She moved to the side to let her walk in.

"Thanks for the pass, Leslie," Selina said. "She really wanted to come see her."

"My pleasure. Don't worry, this gives me an opportunity to blackmail her."

"I know." Selina looked at Commissioner Gordon seated next to Barbara. "Hello, Commissioner."

"Well," the old man said, standing up, "I'll go to look for more coffee; this one is cold. I'll be back later."

"Don't go, Dad." Barbara took his hand.

"Sorry princess, I'll be back in a few." He kissed her forehead.

"Thanks, Dad."

The tall man walked next to Helena.

The little brunette raised her head to see him. "Good afternoon, sir."

"Good afternoon."

Selina stepped to the side and he exited the room.

Barbara shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry," Selina said, walking in and closing the door. "I know I'm not his favorite person. We will be here just a few minutes."

"Is he mad?" Helena asked.

"No, sweetheart. He has so much work." Barbara smiled at her "Hey, you brought Jaçques."

"Hi." Helena smiled, taking the cap off her head and walking toward her. "How are you?"

"Much better, thanks, Helena."

"I brought you this. I think it's corny, but mom says it's a nice thing." Helena put her stuffed cat on the bed and gave her the small bunch of flowers.

Barbara couldn't avoid laughing lightly and took it. "They are beautiful, Helena, I love this corny present."

"Really?"

"Yes." The red head smelled them. "Mmm... they smell good. I love it."

"I didn't come before because hospitals don't allow children and stuffed cats."

"Don't worry, I know." She looked at the girl's pet and patted the cat's head. "Thanks for coming, Jaçques."

"He was worried too," Helena looked at her cat, "He asked for you many times."

"He is so nice..." Barbara mumbled.

Helena fixed her eyes on hers. "You look terrible."

"Helena..." Selina sighed.

"Well, she does." Helena turned to see her mother.

"Be nice."

"She is nice," Barbara said.

"Mom said a car hit you."

Barbara blinked and looked Selina. "A car? What...?"

"Yes." Selina interrupted, "when you left your job a car hit you. The police took your car to the school and let me know."

"It was crazy yesterday," Helena explained. "Someone tried to rob the library and the school was full of policemen."

Barbara tried to understand about what she talking.

"She is a bit drugged still, Helena." Dr. Tomkins explained, amused. "And she is just waking, so don't press her so much."

"'Were you not careful, Barbara?" Helena fixed her eyes on the red head again.

"Helena!" Selina scolded her.

"But you always tell me look both ways, and she did too when that car hit me."

Barbara gulped.

Dr. Tomkins opened her eyes wide and looked at Selina's reaction.

Selina frowned. "Car? What car ?" the blond woman asked.

"Well, visiting time is over, time for everybody to go home," Dr. Tomkins said, checking her watch and understanding Barbara was in trouble.

"This was a fast visit," Helena protested.

"The pass was just for ten minutes and Barbara needs rest." Dr. Tomkins patted her back and leaning next to her ear she mumbled in low voice: "Don't say another word or all of us are in big trouble, little monster."

"I'm not a monster." The kid looked up at her.

"Almost, dear." Dr. Tomkins smiled.

"Barbara and I need to talk." Selina glared at the redhead.

"Tomorrow, Selina, tomorrow." Dr. Tomkins touched her shoulder.

"You are trying to save her ass," the blonde told her.

"I'm a doctor, that's my job."

Selina shook her head, smiling, and asked her, "Seriously, I need to talk with her. Could you take care of Helena a few minutes?"

"Sure, Selina. Say goodbye, Helena. I want to show you the nursery."

"I don't like babies." Helena turned her head to look at her.

"Just come with me." Leslie rolled her eyes. "Say good bye."

"Bye Barbara." She gave Barbara her the stuffed cat. "I'll let Jaçques stay with you. Leslie told me he could stay here at night with you."

Barbara took the cat. "Oh, Hel, you are very sweet."

"He kicks at night, be careful."

"Come here." Barbara waved her hand and the kid moved closer. She hugged her with her arm and gave her a kiss on her forehead; she couldn't move too much for her hurt side, "Thanks so much; I love you."

"I love you, too." She kissed her and, taking her cap, she put it on her head and moved back.

Leslie took Helena's hand and took her out of the room.

"I don't like babies," Helena said abain.

"Oh well, so I can check you now."

"Okay, I'll go to see babies..."

Leslie closed the door and Selina and Barbara smiled. The blonde woman took a chair and sat next to the redhead. She was young but she couldn't deny that she was brave. Her courage and intelligence was what had earned Batman's respect.

"Thanks so much, Barbara." She took her hand.

"Selina..."

"She is my world... I would go crazy if something happened to her."

"I know, don't worry."

"I need to apologize..."

Barbara took a deep breath. "Another lie?"

Selina lowered her head. "I made a mistake. I'm sorry; I was stupid... I thought it was the best thing and I was wrong."

"I'd like to help you, but I can't do it if you don't trust me."

"I'm sorry... You are my only real friend here."

"Well... I need to excuse my father's behavior." Barbara said with sadness.

"Well, we know he is not my biggest fan." Selina laughed. "But don't worry; it happens sometimes to me."

"I need to you tell you a secret as well."

Selina moved back in the chair and raised her brow. "I don't think I'm going to like this."

"Helena had an accident," the red head said, sighing.

"Accident? What accident?"

"Short version: she was coming back to my apartment, jumping on buildings and she landed in the street after jumping without looking. A car hit her. I was at the office."

"What?" Selina stood up from her seat.

"Easy, easy." Barbara waved her hand. "She was playing; nothing serious happened, but I scolded her. Leslie checked her and she just had a hard blow on her arm."

"But... how?" Selina rubbed her temples.

"You know Helena, she isn't really conscious about danger... I picked her up from school everyday after that."

"Well, you are right. For me it's hard keep to her quiet. I'll talk with her."

Barbara kept silent a few seconds after said: "...There is another thing."

Selina didn't like the tone of her voice. "Another thing?"

Barbara closed her eyes a few seconds and rested her head on the pillow. "She met Batgirl."

"Uh?? She knows that...?" That was really a surprise. "Why? How?"

"No, no, she doesn't know. She just saw me and... well... let me explain it to you..."

After a few minutes, Barbara explained what had been happened. She couldn't avoid still feeling guilty for hurting the kid. Selina listened in silence to the story. When Barbara finished, she remained silent.

"I'm sorry..." Barbara mumbled. "I didn't want hurt her. I..."

Selina smiled and leaned a bit over her. "I kind of forced you to take care of her. You know that I don't trust anyone. You didn't have experience with children and your work... your job at night... You didn't know what's in a child's mind. It was not your fault. And... I don't know what you did after that, but now Helena really loves you so much and I appreciate everything. You tried; you changed many things in your schedule to make her feel better. Other people wouldn't care what she was thinking or feeling. I can never repay you for this."

"I know how you can do it," Barbara smiled mischievously.

"Yes? How?"


"I won!" Barbara said putting her cards down.

"Again?" Helena frowned looking at her cards. They were playing on Barbara's bed; the redhead was still resting, lying on it, while the kid was seated with her legs crossed.

"I learn fast." The red head smirked.

"Hey, I brought you some popcorn." Selina walked inside the room with a big bowl of popcorn in her hands.

"Mom, did you teach Barbara to cheat?" the kid asked her mother, annoyed.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute." Barbara glared at Helena. "You cheat?"

"Me?" Helena knew she had said too much.

"Yes, you."

"Well, I just showed her some tricks." Selina sat on the bed next to the crimefighter and rested her back on the headboard.

"What tricks?" Barbara asked.

"Mom!" Helena shouted.

"Give me back my ten dollars," Barbara said to Helena.

"Did you steal ten bucks from Barbara?" Selina blinked.

"I didn't steal, I won it playing," the child defended herself.

The blond woman scolded her kid. "I'm ashamed of you, Helena Kyle. How many times have I told you not to do that?"

"We were playing."

"You were cheating." Barbara crossed her arms on her chest. "My money."

"It's mine."

Selina rolled her eyes. "Whatever, just give her the money back."

"Mom!!" Helena jumped back.

"Now! And be careful or you will hurt Barbara.

"No way!"

"Come here."

"No."

Selina jumped up, trying to catch her and Helena giggled, running outside the room.

"I'll be right back." Selina sighed.

"Sure." Barbara smiled, watching her follow the child. Selina had a nice family in Helena. She had changed her whole life just for her. She had wanted the change. She looked through the window. She asked herself if she could do that sometime. Change her life as a crimefighter for a kid. Maybe. The future was uncertain. Nobody could know their destiny; the only thing that she was sure about was that she liked her life; and she would keep fighting for the things that she believed were right. People had to fight everyday to build the future.

And she, she was a fighter.