"This is the third reported rape in the past four days. Local officials say crime has been at a continuous climb since the disappearance of Batman and Batgirl almost nine months ago. Police say they will apprehend the rapist, but give no response as to how long it will take. This is Hannah Marcie, New Gotham News."

Helena and Barbara sat watching the late news on Delphi since Alfred had retired to the penthouse. The duo had been following the recent rape attacks. Barbara hated how they always talked about how crime was on a climb since the disappearance of Batman and Batgirl. She hated that she couldn't be out there doing something. Even if she was just able to examine the evidence and give New Gotham PD some clues she would be happy, but she had no way to do that. And it appeared Batman would never return to his once beloved city. She had to face the facts; New Gotham was turning in to a place of crime. It was dangerous to go out after dark and the Hawk family was spreading its claws into New Gotham as well. Soon her city would not be salvageable.

"This sucks, Barbara. I wish you were still able to go out there and kill that rapist."

Barbara looked over at Helena, "First of all, we don't kill. That's the number one rule of a superhero. And second, I can't so you can just forget about it."

"Isn't there someone else who could go out there?"

"Being a superhero isn't something you just decide to do one day. It is something you are meant to do since the day you were born. With your father and I, we knew we had to do what the cops couldn't. Dick set out for revenge but realized it wasn't the answer. Helping others so what happened to his family wouldn't happen to another family. Some are granted a gift like yours. They have special abilities and chose to use them for good instead of bad. Everyone is born with a destiny and one day you will realize what that is."

Helena looked Barbara square in the eyes. "Do you think my destiny is to take up my father's mantel?"

"You have your father's heart for justice. I have seen that over and over in you. But you also have your mother's wild side running through you. Our job, your fathers, mine, and others like us, is to take in those who have the heart for the job. I have no doubt in my mind that you have that heart. But in the end it is your decision. If your heart is telling you to do this then that is your destiny."

"Are there many who are like you?"

"Let me show you something." Barbara pulled up a colored map on Delphi and displayed it on the flat screen. There were different colored spots all over. "The map itself is white in a black background. Every place that has a color other than white is someone's territory. Where there is a vigilantly who fights like Batman and I did. Some of them are Metahuman like you and some are just plain people. See that white spot?" Barbara pointed to where New Gotham was. "That used to be gray for Batman and I, but now it is white. If you choose, that spot can be colored in again, with your name on it. All I have to do is press the 'enter' key and it will be yours. But remember, the decision is yours and if you decide you don't want it, I will live with that. But right now it is time for me to head to bed, and you better too. You start summer school in the morning. Good night, Helena."

"Night, Barbara. And thanks." Helena sat, playing with the mouse contemplating what to do. She knew she had a heart to help people, but there would always be rules to stand by and she hated rules. Helena looked at the map and realized she had clicked on one of the colored spots. A bunch of information was on the screen. It was information on who the vigilantly of that area was. His alias, contact information, and a picture. Helena hit the escape key and was returned to the main map. She clicked on several other spots and read what they had. She found Dick's location and Black Canary. Some had special abilities listed and others were just skilled in an area. Helena went back to the main page. There are so many. Each one has chosen to fight for good and do what others can't. They were just ordinary people till they discovered their passion for good. They are true heroes, how can I think about being one. Helena turned off the light and headed to bed.

Alfred couldn't sleep. The air was thick with what Helena's decision could mean. The city needed a new vigilante. Crime was skyrocketing and no one could do anything about it. Many of the cops had been compromised and those left couldn't handle what was going on. After a week of trying to signal Batman, the new commissioner had given up. As time passed, hope was fading that someone would come to save the city.

Helena hated school. Her classes didn't start till ten, but Barbara insisted on getting the Biology lesson out of the way at eight a.m. The only thing she looked forward to was her PE lessons twice a week. One day was spent doing something out of the tower, like swimming or going for a walk, but the other day was spent learning yoga or working out in the training room. The yoga was supposed to help her learn to control her temper.

"Helena, stop daydreaming and concentrate. You know how to correctly throw a punch. Now hit my hand." Barbara put up her left hand and Helena did a right cross, hitting the black pad her teacher held. "That's better, now the other one." Helena alternated right and left crosses. Barbara hadn't taught her any kicks yet; she was waiting to see what Batman's daughter would decide.

"Pardon the interruption but a package has arrived for Miss Helena. I will bring it up to the kitchen." Alfred's voice came over the intercom.

"That's alright, Alfred. We are done anyway. Be right down." Barbara replaced the pads and followed Helena to the kitchen.

On the counter was what appeared to be an animal carrier and a large box. Helena tapped the carrier and received no answer. Barbara grabbed a kitchen knife and slit open the box. She pulled out a letter addressed to Helena and handed it to her.

Happy Seventeen

Hey this is from Sammy and I. Her name is Moon because she has a crescent shape on her forehead. Sammy handpicked her out of the two litters we had this spring. She is fully trained along with several other things. You will have to read the instruction manual for receiving one of my kittens. It will tell you everything she can do. Sammy filled her in on everything that has happened. She has been specially trained to tell when you change to your "cat" side, and can alert Barbara or Alfred. She prefers Meow Mix with a little liver mixed in, and loves Cat Nip but don't give her too much. Before you take her out, find the cards with your names on them and place them in front of you, facing towards her. Sammy sends his love.

Have fun,

Laura

"It's a cat!" Helena tossed the letter on the counter and went to open the cage. Barbara picked up the letter and sighed. Thanks a lot, Laura. You could have checked this with me first. Barbara knew Laura breaded two cats a year and then specially trained their kittens to be used for the disabled and sold to the highest bidder. The fact that she had given one to Helena was amazing, but Barbara was worried about a kitten running around the Clocktower.

"Ow! She bit me!" Helena quickly removed her hand from the carrier. Barbara looked down at the letter and read a part Helena had missed.

P.S. She has a small biting problem so don't stick your hand in the carrier.

"Oh, missed that." Helena rummaged through the box, which contained her instruction manual, several flash cards, toys, a bed, and litter box. Helena pulled out the cards that said Helena, Barbara, and Alfred on them. Each card had a different symbol on it. She placed them in front of the right person and waited for the cat to come out.

After several minutes, a small black nose appeared. Moon cautiously walked out, stepping so lightly she wasn't heard. She was jet black with a small, white crescent shape on her forehead. She wore a silver collar, engraved with her name and the address to the apartment. Her eyes were solid black and followed your every movement and seemed to gaze into your soul. They were clear and bright, and when looking into them you could tell she was smart. The black kitten passed in front of the cards, recognizing who was who. She sat on Helena's card and let out a tiny meow, recognizing who her master was. Helena reached out and petted the kitten that purred at contact.

"This is so cool." Helena smiled and continued to pet the kitten.

"Well, I guess we should finish with your birthday. We were going to wait till later, but since you already opened a present, Alfred will you get the cake?" Alfred pulled a cake out from a shelf and Barbara pulled a small box from her pocket.

"I didn't think we were going to celebrate this year."

"We have to continue on with our lives, and that means you turning seventeen." Barbara held out her present.

"Thanks." Helena opened the small box to reveal a simple silver chain that had once belonged to her mother. "Barbara, where did you get this?"

"Your mother had given it to me to fix the clasp a long time ago. I forgot about it and never fixed it. Laura found it while going through my apartment and had the clasp fixed. Now it is yours."

"Thank you, Barbara." Helena hugged her friend and ate some cake.

Helena picked up the box and called for Moon who followed at her heels. "Helena, I don't want her in the Clocktower. The last thing I need is her chewing up my wires. She is to stay in the apartment."

"Ok," The elevator doors closed behind the kitten.