Chapter Seven: Rebirth
I'm currently going over past chapters to correct any errors I made and I feel like I could be more descriptive with some of the action sequences and utilization of certain equipment/gadgets that is reminiscent of the comics that we all know and love. I appreciate everybody's input, especially angelamorales514, thank you soooo much! As you can tell I'm bringing on a lot of new villains, and potentially bigger issues that the Bat and Cat will have to come up against as both protectors of Gotham, and in terms of their relationship which I hope will be worth reading. I encourage you all to read Bluesparkzs Gotham Season 6 and 7, seriously two thumbs up. By the way if anyone is curious as to what the suits and the batmobile look like. The batmobile is the one from the telltale series, but with a twin machine guns. The cave in this fanfiction would look a lot like the batcave in the Batman fanfilm Knightmare:Part One which you can find on Youtube. Batman and Catwoman's suit's are like that from Batman: Dark Prince Charming. Thank you all, and again. I do not own Gotham, Batman, or any related material. This is just fanfiction. Please don't sue me. Enjoy!
Starling City-Glades Gymnasium and Defense Center-Several years ago
It was late and the gym was empty except for one lone fighter was a troubled past. The tape on Laurel's knuckles were torn to shreds as she repeatedly pummeled the punching bag. Her already calloused fists were were getting sore. She didn't care though. "Keep pushing. Ignore the pain. For Mom," she kept telling herself. There she was The conversation she had with Selina the day before got to her. It always got to her when what happened to her family comes up. After her mother died, her father, Quentin, a well-respected detective in the Star City Police Department numbed his grief by crawling inside the bottle. Seeing her father like that tore Laurel up. It took time, but he finally got the help he needed. When Laurel entered college she began looking into her mom's case, but Quentin begged her not to pursue it. He already lost his wife and he couldn't lose his daughter, too. So she began to work in secret to prepare herself for what she might face.
Laurel was so focused on these painful memories that she didn't hear Bruce approach her from behind. "You fight sloppy when your emotions aren't in check," the young man said. Laurel was startled at first. She was still getting used to Bruce's habit of just appearing out of nowhere. She wondered how Selina could stand it. "I'm not emotional. Just been a long day is all," Laurel was trying hard not to convey her true feelings. "If Ted were to see you throwing your punches so sloppily, you know you would never hear the end of it, right?" Now Laurel was starting to get truly annoyed, but of course he was right. Her stance was off, she wasn't keeping her wrists straight, and she wasn't following through with her right hook. "If you think you could do better, how about a little one on one?" Laurel tried to sound intimidating, but alas all she did was provoke the young man into stepping into the center ring. Laurel was slightly taken aback by this, but followed him into the center and the squared off against each other. Laurel immediately got on the offensive while Bruce was on the defensive. Laurel shot at him with a series of jabs that would hopefully land on their target. Unfortunately though for Laurel this wasn't the case. He dodged the blows with expert timing. It was only a couple of months into Bruce's training, but it seems even he has surpassed Laurel in footwork. "I know what you're trying to do, Bruce. You're trying to tire me out," Laurel breathed heavily. "I'm not doing anything, Laurel. You're tiring yourself out," Bruce stated calmly. This just pissed her off more and she went in swinging. This proved to be her downfall when Bruce dodged her last punch, and gave a strong right hook to the side of her head.
She fell on the mat, but she soon began to pick herself up. However, when she did she was crying. "I doubt it would take a simple punch like that to cause any real pain to you, Laurel. Now are you ready to talk?" Laurel looked up at him with eyes full of tears and anger. "What's wrong is that neither you, Selina, Ted, or my own father understand! My mother was taken from me!"
"You don't think I understand?" Bruce asked chillingly. "I know all about you and you're family, and that you're mother wasn't killed JUST because she was cracking down on every organized crime gang in Starling in the court room, but because the wrong people found out she was the Canary." This immediately set the alarms off in Laurel's head. "How.. how did.." Laurel stuttered. "When Selina and I first started training with you and Ted, I began to do my research into your family to see if you could be trusted with... what me and Cat were planning. But as I read more into your mother's cases there were details in those cases that no one could have known, except for the Canary herself. I'll assume your father doesn't know, does he?"
"Everything my mother did was for her family.. even if it meant keeping secrets," Laurel sighed with a heavy heart. "My father was the same way," Bruce began, "and now I'm orphaned. I never stopped looking for my parents killer, and I did find him." Laurel looked up at Bruce with an confused look. "When I confronted him, I held a gun to his head, and expected to see a monster. But I just saw a man consumed by all of his sins and darkness. I placed the gun in front of him and walked out of the room we were in. I was no more than twelve steps out the door when I heard a gunshot. He blew his own brains out. It was at that moment I realized, even if I had my revenge, it wouldn't change anything. My parents were gone. All I could do was seek out those responsible and let justice take its course. But our sense of justice and vengeance is can be muddied if left unchecked. That's why we must be self-vigilant."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Laurel asked shakily. "Because he knows your pain," Laurel looked around and saw Selina on the other side of her. "We both do, but now we're asking you as your friends, please, don't destroy yourself seeking revenge. But build your life fighting for what your mother fought for. What would Dinah Lance tell you if she was here?" Laurel looked up at them and realized that the cold dark night she felt was consuming her was ending and a bright dawn was on the horizon.
Penthouse of Silver St. Cloud-Coventry District-Gotham City
"It was like it was so many years ago," Silver thought to herself. The alluring queen of Gotham's underworld was dressed in a white silk dress, and she was nursing a tall glass of port as she was looking out over the horizon of the cities skyline from the balcony of her penthouse. Silver then sat down a newspaper from days earlier showcasing the return of Gotham's favorite son.
"Twelve years... twelve years since so many things came undone. You were right and wrong about a great many things, Bruce. I was young and under the thumb of others who would just hurt and use me. Never again. I'm to be no one's pawn again. But there truly was no going back for me, Bruce. I tried the straight and arrow, but the more I explored that path the more I realized that the power to hold your will over others was the only way to survive in this world. I hope you'll never have to find out what I've done, for your sake. Things will be different. The life we both deserve will be ours. No matter the cost."
Silver thought as she traced her finger over the photograph of Bruce. She turned her eyes to picture of Selina Kyle, her heart warming demeanor quickly turning to one of an all to familiar icy cold expression. She began to scratch out the eyes in Selina's photograph and a small smirk came to her face, "No matter the cost." Silver was broken away from this imaginary assault as her cell phone rang.
"Ms. St. Cloud. Such a pleasure to be doing business with you, again."
"Mr. Wilson. Such a pleasure to be a member of your clientele. I believe Mr. Edwards has filled you in on the specifics of the job?"
"The police commissioner and Sionis. I understand the assignment perfectly. Oh, and Silver. It seems only appropriate that you call me Slade after all our time together."
"That it does. Slade, dear, there's also one addition to the job I'm more than able to compensate your time for. The target's name is Selina Kyle.
Wayne Manor-Gotham County-Gotham City
Selina was nursing a cup of coffee at the kitchen island. She needed something to calm her nerves, but alas it wasn't working. She felt something wrong was wrong with Bruce. He had been acting normally, but it was like he was putting up a front trying to conceal something from her. This morning when he had to run to Wayne Tower to oversee something Lucius was working on, he kissed her goodbye and told her he loved her the same way he always did, but there was something behind it. She didn't know what he was hiding. She didn't like it. Worse yet, she didn't like the thought of where this subterfuge of his was heading. "He knows he can tell me anything. So why does it feel like he's shutting something out? If he doesn't come clean soon I swear I'm gonna curb stomp his kevlar clad ass," Selina thought to herself.
Alfred soon entered the room and was surprised to find Selina up this early. "Good morning, Ms. Kyle. Breakfast?" Alfred asked sensing the tenseness that was fixed in her eyes. "Nah, Alfred. I'm good. But maybe you can help me with something?" Alfred was perplexed as to what assistance he could offer the young lady. "What can I do to help?" he asked. "I need to know what the hell is going on with Bruce." Alfred was taken by surprise with this comment as he knew that Bruce had been open with both him and Selina about everything that had been going on. "Well Ms. Kyle I can assure that there is no case that either you or me don't already know of that could be disturbing Master Bruce. Why do you feel that something is wrong with him?" Selina needed to confide in someone and if anyone was trustworthy with this kind of thing, it would absolutely be Alfred.
"The other night, after Bruce interrogated Sionis's thug, we met up and it felt like there was something he wanted to say to me, but he just wouldn't." It was then that Alfred began to put the pieces together. He knew that Bruce never left the ring box behind and always kept it on his person. No doubt he had it with him when he was with Selina and he was contemplating asking her there and then. "Selina, do you have any doubt that Bruce loves you and trusts you with everything he is?" Selina looked at the old man as if it were the simplest question of all time. "Yes, I know he loves me and trusts me, but a part of me can't help wondering why he's hiding something from me." Alfred smiled gently ever so amused, "Perhaps it's not a matter if he telling you or not.. perhaps it's a matter of timing for an opportune moment."
"An opportune moment... you know something don't you, old man?" Cat's eyes narrowed at Alfred as if she were a predator eyeing an opponent. "I know you know something because every time you lie you shrug your shoulder's back to appropriately posture yourself, " Selina stated flatly. "Now now, Ms. Kyle. I have sworn to uphold Master Bruce's wishes. I can most assuredly say though that everything he does he does with good intentions. I can only hope you would be pleased with the outcome of his surpri..," Alfred choked on his words now knowing that he was in great danger of spoiling Bruce's proposal. "What was that?" Selina asked. "Nothing," Alfred tried to compose himself, but to no avail as Selina was inquiring more as to what Bruce was hiding. "Seriously, Alfred! What the hell is going on?! You speak of opportune moments, surprises, and keeping Bruce's secret. What is he planning on asking me to..." Selina began her sarcastic hypothesis only to begin to realize that maybe the subject wasn't a joking matter.
"Oh my God," Selina started. "Now, Selina," Alfred tried to calm her down. "Oh my God!" Selina exclaimed as she braced herself against the kitchen island out of fearing of fainting and toppling over. "Selina, please calm down," Alfred reached and patted her on the shoulder. "Bruce is gonna ask to marry me, isn't he?" Selina asked. Alfred looked on her softly and with a small smile he said, "Yes." Tears started to roll down Selina's eyes. A whole range of emotions flooded her being. Fear, excitement, and joy. "You know Master Bruce, Selina. The reason he didn't ask you on the roof was because he wanted everything to be perfect. Not for his benefit, but because he felt you deserved the perfect proposal." Selina let out a soft chuckle and shook her head, "I don't care if it is a rooftop or here at home. There's never going to be a perfect moment, Alfred. It doesn't matter when or where. I'd say yes in any situation." Alfred smiled upon hearing this and came around the island and embraced the young lady in a warm hug which she returned. "At least one you have that sense," Alfred chuckled.
Abandoned Building-Chinatown District-Gotham City
Deep in the tunnels beneath the abandoned building was a large chamber and at the center of it laid the last Lazarus Pit. The faint luminous glow of the waters lit the room and all that occupied it. The men and women surrounding the pit were wearing League uniforms and were chanting ritualistic verses in Arabic. Through main doorway of the cavern stepped Talia al Ghul clad in a white ceremonial gown and holding a dagger in her right hand. She stepped to the edge of the pit looking upon her reflection in the mystical waters. She turned to the people surrounding her and with outstretched arms said, "Let your faith be rewarded brothers and sisters. Today you will witness the glorious resurrection of Ra's al Ghul."
Talia turned again to the waters and held out her left hand and used the dagger in her right to make a deep cut into her palm. The blood from her self-inflicted wound poured into the pit. The chants from the crowd became louder and louder. "Come Head of the Demon! Let your bloodline sustain you so to take up new form," Talia said.
The Lazarus Pit began to glow brighter and it began bubble until what looked like the figure of a man was being formed in the waters. Then bursting forth from the Pit came what was a ghost that would be the Haunting of Bruce Wayne. Ra's al Ghul reborn again. Talia's handmaiden presented robes and a sword to the revitalized assassin. He donned his robes and sword and stood before the kneeling cultists. Talia then said, " All hail the Demons Head, Ra's Al Ghul!."
Ra's smiled upon his obedient daughter and with a gentle hand caressed her cheek. "Talia. My faithful flower. Oh, how I have missed you." Talia returned a gentle smile to the centuries old killer. "And I you, Father." Ra's and Talia then ascended to the top of the building to look over the city. "So tell me daughter, how has the progression of Bruce Wayne's transformation faired?" Ra's asked.
"He has most assuredly become the warrior that you had foreseen, however there are complications that still require our attention," Talia stated. "And what complications do we need to address?" The Demon's head asked with a gentle tone. "The first complication is Nyssa," the look on Talia's face was emotionless at the mention of her sisters name. Ra's gave a light chuckle, "Ah, Nyssa. I had foreseen that her arrogance and desire to be heir to League would be of use to us in molding the young Prince of Gotham into our Dark Knight. But you are correct. She must be dealt. Perhaps this can work to our advantage in finally swaying Bruce to our side. What of the other disruption into our plans?" Talia then presented Ra's the file she had compiled on Bruce in his travels. He then opened to see the extent of Bruce's training as well to see that he did not endure his training alone. "I see," said Ra's, "Young love blossomed into maturity."
"How can a lowly street trash earn the affections of a man such as this? She is an unworthy suitor," Talia said with contempt. "That's the thing Talia. Selina Kyle never earned his affections. He gave them to her freely. Such a bond between two souls is almost impossible to destroy. But alas he will be yours and the League of Shadows will swarm through this city ready to spread throughout all the Earth and purify it from the decadence and weakness it holds, and Bruce Wayne will lead this charge alongside you... or he will die with it!"
Later that Night-Wayne Manor-Gotham County-Gotham City
Everyone was seated in the main dining room, which even Bruce was a little in awe of. Even in the original manor he hardly ever came into that room unless it was a formal party of some kind or another. Bruce and Selina thought it was appropriate to invite their friends over to the manor for a meal. The pair had regretted not seeing them sooner when they returned to Gotham. The attendance of the evening included Jim, Harvey, Lee, Barbara, and Barbara Lee. Lucius would have come, but he told Bruce it was his anniversary with his wife Tanya. The guests were all dressed as if they were being seated in a five star restaurant. One by one everyone took in the extravagance of the ballroom. Barbara Lee remarked as if she were walking into a real life castle. Everyone chuckled at the child's innocence. Jim was one face Bruce was glad to see and not be hiding behind a mask. Jim took a look at the young billionaire and was astonished at the young man before him. He knew the years away had changed him, but know he saw Bruce as a full-fledged adult and not the young boy he comforted in that alley so many years ago. "It's good to see you, Jim," Bruce held out his hand which Jim took, but they both soon found themselves hugging each other like brothers who have not seen the other in years. "Welcome home, Bruce," Jim said. Despite the size and decorum of the manor, Bruce and Selina made it feel like home to everyone. It wasn't long before Alfred came out to present one of his legendary meals. Spiced Cornish game hen, citrus sweet potatoes, and a dish Bruce himself prepared, a pound cake with chocolate drizzle. Everyone, save for Lee and Barbara Lee who instead had grape juice, was savoring the taste of the Chenin Blanc that paired exquisitely with the spread. The evening was filled with laughter and banter from the escapades from years past, as well as Barbara making jabs at Bruce at within a few years not having the biggest building in Gotham anymore. Bruce shrugged off the comment knowing Barbara was just fishing for a reaction. Everything was flowing smoothly until the little one asked her father one little question. "Have you seen them. Dad?"
"See who, Barbara?" Jim asked.
"Batman and Catwoman. Everyone at school is talking about them." The mere mention of their names brought Bruce and Selina into alert mode. Now was the time they had to tread carefully. "One of the kids say his dad was a postman and that he saw this woman about to get mugged by a group of thugs. It was all stormy and then he flew down in the middle of them and started tossing them around like ragdolls." Bruce couldn't help, but smirk at news of his handiwork on the street. "Becky Broland said that her mom was out with a friend, but they were ambushed by three men were about to do some real bad things. Then this woman who was dressed like a cat came leaping out of the shadows beat them up like they were nothing. Oh and she had a whip, too!" The last piece of information caught Barbara's attention. She then looked at Selina whose face was expressionless. Like that of a guilty child.
"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Catwoman, but I did see the Bat.." Jim was then cutoff by Harvey, "If you ask me, these two should've been around when nutbars like Jerome and Galavan were running around."
"How can you say that, Harvey? These two could be doing more harm then good. We have no idea what their agenda's are," Lee pointed out.
"I'm not so sure about that Lee," Jim said. "These two have been reported all over Gotham going after every level of criminal. Pimps, gangsters, psychopaths, you name it. They may not have official qualifications, but I've seen the work they've done. Evidence that was in no way tampered was always found at each crime scene leading to substantial arrests. The level of tactical training these two had must be in the military's paygrade. Not to mention their combat skills. The punks they beat down are bloodied and broken, but these two did it expertly and efficiently,"
"You're a cop, Jim. Broken and bloodied punks isn't what the GCPD stands for. You shouldn't be praising these two for what they've done," Lee was trying to talk reason into her husband.
"No, it isn't. Sometimes though, the law needs to be broken to an extent. These two seem to know where to draw the line. The lesser degree of immorality the crime is, the punishment these two deal out is equal to it." The whole room then turned into a whole conversation, each person talking over the other trying to come to a consensus on their stand with the Bat and the Cat. The only two who didn't join in were Bruce and Selina, who felt as if they were being critiqued on their service to Gotham which kind of annoyed them. Selina needed to get some fresh air so she quietly slipped away with only Bruce noticing her absence. Selina soon found herself on the balcony underneath the starry sky. One thing Selina loved about living about Wayne Manor was the wide open grounds and garden and the way the stars and moon complimented the scenery. She felt the cool air on her face and felt the silent night's mysterious call. She removed her heels and began balancing on the ledge of the stone railing, performing her little balancing act. She then smelled dark spices and pine in the air. "How he always smells. How can I be annoyed with him when he smells so good? Bastard", Selina mused to herself ."Thought you were keeping an eye on things with our little Bat-Cat focus group?"
"They tired themselves out. Now Alfred is wearing them down even more with his collection of jokes," Bruce said as he stepped onto the railing right beside Selina
"Jeez, should we really be torturing our friends at our first house warming?" Selina sarcasm knew no end.
"Alfred's jokes are... tolerable." Selina looked at Bruce as with that face that screamed "Bitch, please".
"Ok, yeah.. they're pretty bad," Bruce chuckled under his breath. Bruce could immediately notice that there was this invisible weight that was pressing down on Selina. "Something's bothering you, Cat. If it was what Lee was saying.." Bruce was immediately cutoff with Selina staring daggers at him. "It has nothing to do about what Lee said. I know their are gonna be people who will try categorize us as heroes or nutjobs, but I honestly don't give a shit about that right now. The thing that's annoying me right now is you and your.." Selina paused and just let out a agitated sigh.
Bruce just looked at her confused. "Me? What did I do?" Selina shot back another look. "Why didn't you ask me to marry you on the building the other night?" Bruce's face went pale.. well paler than usual. "How.. how did...," Bruce began, but quickly put the pieces together. "Alfred," Bruce said flatly with his eyes shut. "He didn't tell me outright, but he gave me enough to infer what you were keeping from me," Selina said. Bruce sighed and looked out onto the manor grounds. "I wanted to give you the proper proposal. A perfect one. After everything we've gone through I felt you deserved that much," Bruce said with a heavy heart. Selina then put hand on Bruce's shoulder and he looked up at her. "Bruce, I don't care if we are in the middle of a warzone or a beach in the Bahama's. There's never gonna be an opportune time. Life is short and precious. You have always been a man who knows what he wants. Now I'm asking you. Please don't wait for this ideal moment, because the next thing you know, there might not be any more chances." Bruce never considered this. He thought he had all the time in the world, but she was right. Life is precious and short. Bruce turned to her and gave her a small smile, "I love you, Selina." Selina smiled back, "I love you, B." Bruce took out the small box and opened it. Selina was dazzled by the shining silver ring and the precious stone that adorned it. Bruce got down on one knee and said those several words that would change both of their lives forever. "Selina Kyle, will you be my wife?" Even as tears streamed down her face Selina let out a soft chuckle, "Silly man, did you ever think I'd say no?" Bruce smiled gently up at her and placed the ring on her finger. He got up on his feet and the two embraced in a passionate lip lock.
They soon parted their lips and both looked into each others eyes, however the moment was soon spoiled the the soft gasps coming from the entrance of the balcony. "Well it's about damn time," Barbara said whilst the rest of their friends witnessed the momentous occasion. "Would've thought they'd just elope while away," Lee said. "So...," Bruce began nervously, "we have some news to share." Selina just rolled her eyes and lightly elbowed Bruce in the ribs. The rest of the night was a night of celebration. Sometime into the evening Bruce and Jim were discussing how things were since Bruce and Selina's departure. "So it looks like I was right. Gotham is in good hands," Bruce finally said. "Not so sure about that, Bruce. You've obviously heard about things with Black Mask and the weapon shipments in the city. At least Gotham has two new guardians looking over her streets." Bruce felt thankful to Jim for saying that, but alas couldn't tell him outright for obvious reasons. "Gotham will always need Jim Gordon. You gave us hope when we had none during the Siege." It was Jim's turn to be thankful as Jim gave him a warm smile. "So any advice for this groom to be?" Bruce asked. It felt like old times with Bruce asking Jim for advice and guidance and given his years of marriage with Lee he did have something to say, "No secrets. Leave nothing unsaid. Encourage and guide the best in each other. In marriage you're a team. Plain and simple."
Lee was standing on the balcony looking out towards the view of Gotham. Her mind was racked over the death threat she received from Sofia. She placed a hand over her belly and the could feel the movement of the new life growing within her. She was then interrupted from her reflection of these past events. "Well this is one hell of a house warming party, isn't it?" Barbara came up from behind her with her usual chipper attitude. "Yeah," Lee said, "Quite the turnout." Barbara was the only one who knew what was going on with Lee and despite their past did not want to see anything happen to this woman who she could call a friend. "Lee, I think you're making a big mistake. You have to tell Jim," Barbara said. "No, Babs. This mistake is mine to bear. Not Jim's. I need to finish what I started," Lee said with venom in her voice. "Look, I know we're doing a bit of role reversal here, but it isn't just your life at stake. It's Jim's, Barbara Lee's, and obviously.." Barbara pointed at Lee's belly. Tears started to form in Lee's eyes. She felt so powerless, and she hated feeling like this. Barbara understood that feeling and sensed that conflict in Lee. The ginger haired Queen of Gotham then hugged and comforted the former Narrows Queen. "It's not supposed to be like this," Lee sobbed. "I know, Doc. I know," Babs sighed.