Disclaimer: I don't own "Batman Begins"
I never really actually planned this from the beginning, but I had to do it fast. Ally's performance was going to start in a couple of minutes...actually it already started, but she was performing last with Haley. Racing down the sidewalk as quickly and as quietly as I could, I was able to make it to Gotham City Private as night fell, covering my figure and my shadows. My backpack hung over my shoulder with one strap hanging off. If I had both of them on, it would touch the bruises harder, and I would be in more pain. I swear, they hurt more than last night. Oh man, I hope this night ends soon. I quietly snuck into the school, hoping to attract no one's attention. But, of course, there was no reason to be sneaking in, however if you were in my shoes, you'd be doing the same thing too. One wrong move and I could regret it forever. I quietly walked into the dark auditorium, the one where I did my little Batman stunt, and found my ears immersed in music. I found a seat near the door, where I could make a quick escape. At the end of one segment of the choir concert, the audience started applauding as the performers went off stage, and Miss Milan came to address the next part of the show.
"Thank you," Miss Milan announced with a kind smile as the applause died down. "Now, before we begin with our choir concert, there has been a slight change in the program. It seems that one of our performers for the song 'My Strongest Suit' will not be with us tonight. But thankfully, Haley Kingston, this year's president for the 6th grade choir, has graciously offered to fill in her shoes. We hope you enjoy the show,"
Wait a second...That was the song that Ally and Haley were singing. But why is it a solo when it should be a duet?...Something was going on. Looking around as if to make sure nobody was watching, I slipped out of the dark auditorium, and made my way backstage. Ugh, I can't believe I was doing this. But something inside me said that something was wrong with Ally. Maybe if I found her backstage, I could find out why she's not performing tonight.Well, it seemed that luck would be on my side tonight, because when I quietly snuck into the backstage door, I heard Nathan, and Ally crying. When I edged closer, I saw them. I didn't want them to see me, so I stayed where I was, concealing myself behind the black curtain. Ally was sitting down on an bench used for plays, looking totally upset. She was dressed in a lovely yellow dress that sparkled at the skirt. I suppose her brunette hair was intended to be in a bun, but strands of it were all messed up. My heart went out to my friends as I heard Nathan try to comfort his older sister.
"Don't worry Ally," he said, almost in a chirppy voice. "Things'll get better,"
"How could I've been so stupid?" Ally ignored him, punishing herself. "I should've known Haley was just pulling my chain all along,"
Suddenly, I had gotten the idea. Haley must've tricked Ally into thinking that she was going to sing with her tonight for the choir concert. Probably as a way to get back at her for saying that there was a mole on her cheek. But I was furious at Haley. She was cruelest person I've ever met. Since the first day I met her, I knew she would cause me and my friends problems, and a possible arch-nemisis in school and out, on occasion...I could'nt let this happen. She hurt Ally. I took a deep breath, and revealed myself to Aly and Nathan.
"Are you guys okay?" I asked, to make my prescense known.
Ally and Nathan looked up...and to my surprise, Nathan rushed up and hugged me around the waist, his head resting on my stomach.
"I missed you so much!" his voice muffled against me sounded.
Nathan's hug didn't hurt...emotionally anyway. I almost winced from the bruise he hit hard. But it wasn't his fault. He and Ally had no idea what was going on in my life. Neither did I, although I didn't want to bother figuring it out. Ally looked at me strangely.
"What are you doing here?" she asked me.
"...I came to hear you sing," I replied as Nathan let go of me. "Imagine my surprise when I found out that you weren't up for it. What happened?"
"...It's none of your business," Ally said stubbornly. "I just don't feel like singing tonight, that's all,"
I shook my head.
"Ally," I said softly."You can't--I'm mean--" I sighed. "...Do you remember when I first came to Gotham City Private?"
"...Yeah," Ally stared at me, wondering where I was going through this.
"You didn't say anything, and neither did I, but you kind of stood up for me when those girls called me 'Mute Girl'. Remember I didn't say a word since the day my parents died?"
"Yeah...I know,"
"Well, something happened that day, and I couldn't take it anymore. So, I ran. I ran as hard as I could...Running away seemed to solve all of my problems...That's actually what I was planning to do tonight after I saw you perform and apologize to you about what happened at Bruce's party,"
Ally and Nathan looked at me in shock. At first I thought they were speechless, but Nathan gave out the first word.
"Why?" he asked. "What happened? Don't you like Gotham? Don't you like us?"
"Oh, Nathan" I comforted my younger friend. "Of course I like you. You were the first two people who made me feel like I could live a normal life,"
"Then why are you running?" Ally wanted to know.
"...Gotham's just not safe for me anymore. It's complicated...Anyway, Ally, after I ran back home to Wayne Manor, I was so tired, I thought I would just collapse right then and there. Next thing I know, Bruce has me in his arms, Alfred's bringing in blankets, and I'm sitting on the couch with a hot mug of tea in my hands. Then Bruce asked me something...Ally, do you know why we fall?"
Ally shook her head.
"...So that we can learn to pick ourselves up...The point is Ally, no matter how many problems come across your path, you can't let them push you down. You have to face them...You have the power. Not them. Not Haley. Nobody! It's all you!...It's all you...Anyway, I'm sorry about what I said to you at Bruce's party. I hope you can forgive me,"
Ally just continued to stare at me. I didn't know what else to do other than to just start walking away, until...
"Sarah, wait," Ally started.
I turned around, confused a bit.
"...I'll make a deal with you," she started. "If you help me, I'll help you get through whatever problem you have,"
"...I don't know if this kind of problem is easy to fix, Ally," I replied softly.
"I'll do whatever I can...Right now, I just need you to help me tell Haley that she has no right to kick other people out of the limelight...You with me?"
...I smiled.
"All the way," I replied.
The concert was almost over, and Gotham City Private was the last place that Alfred and Rachel had decided to look for Sarah. During the past half hour of searching the sidewalks, and streets, they overheard someone talking about an event at Gotham City Private. After a few lightbulbs went out, they immedietly drove over to Gotham City Private, and rushed in. Bruce had his own system of trying to find his goddaughter, so no one else knew where he was, except for a select few. But more of that later. Rachel and Alfred quietly slipped into the auditorium during the last two minutes of Haley Kingston's performance. Mr. and Mrs. Farris were off in the corner, talking to Miss Milan. Rachel thought that Farris's would be a good resource as to Sarah's whereabouts, so she and Alfred rushed up to them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Farris," she said in a hushed tone. "You probably don't remember me, but I'm Rachel Dawes, Gotham City District Attorney,"
"Yes," Mrs. Farris shook Rachel's hand warmly. "I remember. Alfred, how are you?"
"Quite well," Alfred answered. "Considering the circumstances,"
"We were wondering if you knew where Sarah was," Rachel stated to the Farris's and Miss Milan.
"Sarah?" Miss Milan inquired. "I haven't seen her for the past two school days. Neither her cousin, Josh. And I certainly don't recall her signing up for this program,"
"Why?" asked Mr. Farris. "Is something wrong?"
"We don't know," Rachel said worried. "We hope not,"
Suddenly, applause sounded, and everyone turned to look at Haley Kingston, who was curtsying modestly. There she stood on the stage, in a sparkling blue dress that ruffled at the skirt, taking all the glory, making sure not one drop of it was missing.
"Thank you!" she annouced to the audience. "Thank you all for coming! You know, there's an old saying that they save the best for last. Well, what do you know? They did save the best for last,"
It seemed as if the show was over. But just when Haley was about to announce that, Ally walked on stage clapping with the rest of the audience. Haley did a double take at the girl who was supposed to be singing with her at that particular choir concert. If you were here, and saw Ally Farris, there would be only one word to say: WOW! Ally was dressed in an awesome purple long sleeved shirt, a black skirt that went to her knees, black stockings, and a pair of purple ballet flats. Haley scoffed.
"Nice outfit Farris," she commented. "What are you part of? The Goth Girls?"
A few members of the audience laughed at that. Rachel, Alfred, Miss Milan, and the Farris's shot a glare at anyone in particular who might've thought that was funny. Soon, Nathan came up to his parents.
"Hey mom," he whispered.
"Nathan!" Mrs. Farris replied softly. "There you are. Have you seen Sarah?"
Nathan shifted his eyes a bit.
"...Um..." he wondered what his answer was going to be. "No?"
Apparently, Nathan's not that good of an actor. Mr. Farris crossed his arms, as Mrs. Farris bent down to her son's level.
"Young man," he said sternly. "You have 10 seconds to tell me where Miss Chante is, or you're grounded for the rest of your natural born life,"
"Nathan, please," Mrs. Farris pleaded.
"Sarah could be in danger, Nathan," Rachel added. "For her sake, you have to tell us where she is, no matter what sort of promise you made to her,"
"...Can I say that she's here but not tell you exactly where?" Nathan asked.
Bad actor, but resourceful. Especially at the age of 8. But this did not amuse the adults very well. As Mr. and Mrs. Farris took Nathan out of the auditorium to talk with their son in private, Alfred leaned in towards Rachel's ears, careful to not draw Miss Milan's attention. During Nathan's interrogation, he had called Bruce to inform him about what was going on
"I just spoke with Master Wayne," he whispered. "He's searching for her here right now,"
"Haley," their attention was drawn back to Ally. "I have an idea. I promise you 100 percent that it will get attention,"
"...I'm listening," Haley seemed interested.
"Since you did a solo," Ally started. "How about I do one?...I promise it won't be better than yours,"
Rachel, Alfred, and Miss Milan were puzzled as to what this spunky 12 year old brunette was up to. Nobody in the audience seemed to protest to the fact that they were practically asked to stay for one more performance. Everyone was waiting for Haley's answer. It was her answer that would make the decision as to what would happen in the next 5 minutes...But who said it was her choice as to imply how it would happen? Haley smiled.
"All right Farris," she stepped back. "Show me what you got,"
Haley tossed the cordless microphone to Ally that she had in her hands. At first, Ally looked puzzled, but she soon got back her confidence. She centered herself...the lights dimmed to a pitch black...At once, when the music started with a fast symphony of strings, the lights were a dark green, where you could see Ally, and someone's silhouette behind her, head down, and dressed in a pair of black yoga pants, black three-quarter shirt...a short black cape...and a black mask...And thus Ally started the beginning of a Revolution against discrimination for those who taunted the ones who dared to be different.
(A/N: I don't own "Thanks For The Memories" by Fall Out Boy. Also I changed the lyrics a bit...Hope you guys don't think this is too stupid. (Mentally crosses fingers))
I'm gonna make you bend and break
The dark silhouetee started to sing too. But it was only one line at first, and kept their head down, as if to conceal themselves from the rest of the world.
(It sends you to me without end)
Ally caught on...but not until after she got a glimpse of Haley's gaping face. Oh yeah. They were that good.
Say a prayer, but let the good times roll in case he doesn't show
The dark silhouette echoed back the previous lyrics, raising their head...to reveal the face of a blonde haired girl, her blue eyes behind the black mask twinkling in the emerald green lights.
(Let the good times roll, let the good times roll)
The beat picked up more. Ally started moving with the tempo, creating an excitment in the audience. Haley couldn't understand. She never got that kind of feedback when she was singing tonight. What was going on? This wasn't the way it was supposed to be in the world. In Haley's world that is. Ally and the masked girl got the crowd going as they moved on, almost conversing with one another, with Ally at the reins
And I want these words to make things right
The masked girl took her turn, her expression fill with such hatred. But for who? Certainly not for Haley, Ally, or anybody in the audience. Who was it that had crossed that strange girl's mind?
But it's the wrongs that make the words come to life. Who does he think he is?
Ally went again, building up suspension in the performance.
If that's the worst you got, better put your fingers back to the keys.
BOOM! They jumped up in the air when the chorus exploded. Members of the audience were starting to cheer. Gotham City Private finally had a show.
One night and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He tastes like you only sweeter.
Ally looked over to the masked girl, who gave her a small wink. Things were looking pretty good so far. They switched sides adding a bit of park to it. Ally doing a back flip she had learned in the 4th grade, and the masked girl just twirled around, her black cape snapping in the air.
One night, yeah, and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He, he tastes like you only sweeter.
Haley was still gaping, as the two girls gave each other high fives. The audience was loving them. More than her. Scowling, she went backstage, and just stood there. Steam was practically coming out of her ears. Her face was a bright apple red. As she went to go change, and admit her defeat against the rebellious Ally, and the mysterious "Bat-Freak-Wanna-Be" (In her words), she kicked something on her way. It was a backpack that had spilled it's contents.
Been looking forward to the future, but my eyesight is going bad. And this crystal ball...
Haley was never one to mind her own business. In this world, whatever business went on, she had to be a part of. No exceptions. Turning her head towards the stage, she wondered if the backpack belonged to that masked girl. Getting an evil smirk on her face, she snooped through the backpack. At first, nothing peeked her interest...wait a second...a pair of roller skates? Why would anybody?... In bold letters on the shoe tongue it said: Property of Sarah Chante...Haley laughed to herself as she also pulled out a ticket for a 10:00 train to Smallville.
"Well, well, well," she said softly. "Sarah Chante: Future Bat Freak of Gotham City Private...And Future Scum of Gotham. This is just too good"
It's always cloudy except for, when you look into the past (look into the past). One night stand (one night stand off)
Meanwhile, back on stage, Ally and The Masked Girl (Who would soon be revealed as Sarah Chante) were blowing away the minds of the students, faculty, and the parents as well. This night was just unbelievable. You had to be there to believe that you were a part of the experience.
One night and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He tastes like you, only sweeter.
Ally noticed something. As she was jumping around, doing at least a cartwheel or two, she noticed something that was sticking out of her friend's black mask. Although the atmosphere was green with their creativity and unusual timing for their awesome performance, she could tell what it was...A big purple bruise was on the right side of the young girl's face. With horror in her heart, she continued as she gave a signal to her friend, telling her to go on after the next verse without her
One night, yeah, and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He, he tastes like you, only sweeter.
Ally backed up. Before, the masked girl had gotten the message. Although she didn't know why she had to go on without her friend, who was tricked viciously into falling for her new arch-nemesis mean trick. However, she went on. But in the audience...Rachel and Alfred could've sworn that it was Jennifer Ginerva Mason Chante herself, who had come back to life for a finaly encore at Gotham City Private.
They say I only think in the form of crunching numbers. In cold, dark suites hiding from the nightmares.
Out of the corner of her eye, the Masked Girl saw a dark glooming figure to her left...Edgar Mason, hoping to find his niece in the midst of all this madness...To her right...The Dark Knight watched over the 12 year old in the darkness, who was using his way of appearance to hide who she really was...She really was a person. No different than you or me, but unique in her own way. And no one else should care but her.
Get me out of my mind, and get me out of the Narrows. I'm one inch away from getting you into this mess.
Ally came back with her skates on. Tossing another pair to the Masked Girl, Ally jumped off the stage, skating in the aisles of the auditorium, passing the cheering crowd
One night and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He tastes like you only sweeter.
Mr. and Mrs. Farris came back from outside the lobby, wondering what all the comotion was. Nathan never left his eyes off the stage, or the spotlight on his older sister. Ruffling her little brothers brown locks, Ally passed her family, all smiles, and laughing.
"Hi mom," she skated away. "Hi dad,"
Spinning back, Ally saw the Masked Girl leap off stage. Not a stumble stopped her from continuing, as Ally and her locked arms, going back for the last minute of their little stunt.
"Come on Bat-girl," Ally joked as the jumped back on stage. "You shouldn't have a secret identity...Take off the mask"
With a fast spin on her roller blades, the Masked Girl looked as though she was a blur...
One night, yeah, and one more time. Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He, he tastes like you, only sweeter...
The mask fell off her face...Sarah Chante's spirit was able to breathe as the audience cheered. They now knew who it was that imitated the Caped Crusader, and they didn't care what she had done to make them hate her. It seemed they had forgotten. Their hearts were racing a mile a minute as Ally Farris and Sarah Chante finished their revolution.
One night and one more time (One more night, one more time) Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He tastes like you only sweeter.
Sarah was now smiling with all that she had as they finished up...A spirit of hers that had long been forever gone was returning by the second in her heart...She had earned the right to fly free again.
One night, yeah,and one more time (One more night, one more time) Thanks for the memories, even though they weren't so great. He, he tastes like you, only sweeter.
Clasping hands in the air, Ally Farris and Sarah Chante had retrieved their friendship as the crowd went wild. Pulling the other into a hug, both girls made a pact that no matter what happened, they would always find a way to help each other, for better or worse.
I couldn't believe all that had happened in the last five minutes. Everything looked like it was going to be okay from now on. That I wouldn't have to run anymore. This whole thing...it was...WOW! Oh my gosh, I had never felt that great in a long time. It was big! As the curtain dropped down immedietly, Ally and I ran off left stage to try and fix up a few other things.
"That was great!" Ally spun around in her skates. "Oh my gosh. You should've seen Haley's face. It was priceless,"
"I know," I agreed, still ctahing my breath, in a smile. "I wish my parents were here. They wouldn't sop talking about it for months,"
"Come on," Ally laughed. "Let's go ask my parents if you--"
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped my bruised arm. Involuntarily, I let out a yelp of pain. My arm. It hurt so much, my eyes were squeezing out tears for the trauma of my beaten muscles. Ally gasped as she backed away, and as I looked into the cold face of my Uncle Edgar.
"Nice performance Scummy," he hissed in anger. Then he grabbed the back of my neck, making me look into those cold eyes. "But not nice enough!"
"Somebody help!" Ally called out as she tried to pry Edgar's grip off of me. "Let her go! Help! Anyone!"
Edgar smacked Ally away from us, and she fell to the ground. I gasped. She wasn't getting up. He knocked her out. I struggled to get out of my uncle's grip, but it hurt so much, I thought that I too was going to pass out from the pain.
"You've crossed the line this time, Scummy," he growled at me. "Now you have 1 second to tell me where my son is, or I'll hit you so hard, you won't wake up for a long time"
"...My name is Sarah," I said through my teeth.
SMACK! I almost crumpled to the ground from the impact. Blood trickled down from the fresh cut on my cheek, but I didn't care. He hurt Ally. He hurt Josh. He killed my parents. This wouldn't be the end of it, but he won't get anything out of me, except my name.
"I gave you an order Scummy," Edgar hissed again. "Where is my son?"
"My name is Sarah," I almost shouted.
Edgar's face turned even more sour as he raised his arm.
"Fine," he sneered. "Have it your way,"
I closed my eyes tightly, waiting for the impact. Instead, I felt a little jolt. Opening my eyes slowly, I saw the Batman, holding back my Uncle Edgar's fist from smacking me. Edgar yelled out a bit. Cringing, I could hear a bone or two break in his hand. Batman glared through his mask.
"She said her name was Sarah," he growled in his animalistic voice.
With one hit across the face, Batman brought my Uncle Edgar to the ground before I could blink. Then the backstage was silent, except for Ally's stirring. Turning my attention toward her, I knelt by her side, helping her sit up when she started to awake.
"Are you okay?" I asked softly.
"Yeah," Ally groaned. "...Sarah, you're bleeding,"
"It's nothing. I'm fine,"
"Come here," Batman said to me.
Obediently, I stepped up to the Batman as he pulled out a small piece of black cloth, and gently pressed it against my cheek to stop the flowing blood. From behind me, Ally just sat on the floor, open mouthed. I know. Hard to believe, right? Looking up, the Batman never took his eyes off me.
"Are you okay?" he asked me.
I nodded, putting my hand on top of his that was holding my cheek.
"Thank you," I said, wincing a bit.
Before, he never noticed. But given the situation, Batman noticed every physical discomfort in me. He had notice me wince. Crouching down to my level, with the eyes of a concerned parent, a look that I had never seen before in his face, he slowly turned my head from side to side. His other hand gently held my chin as he studied my face. I was ashamed of myself now. I wanted to turn away, but...the way he was looking at my bruises...it was almost as if there were tears in his eyes. I didn't want to turn away from his masked face. It was the only proof that I had of his identity on whether or not he acted human. He looked to Edgar, and back at me.
"Did he do this to you?" he asked me.
"...I'm sorry," I started sobbing. "I couldn't--I didn't want to say anything. I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me. I didn't mean for Ally to get hurt. I'm so sorry,"
Gently, Batman pulled me into his arms, almost cradling me there, rocking me as I sobbed on his shoulder. Ally was even brave enough to come close, and put a hand on my shoulder.
"You're safe," Batman whispered in my ear. "No one's going to hurt you anymore. I promise. I'll be here,"
His lips brushed against my cheek, almost as if he wanted to give me a fatherly kiss. Ally backed away in a solemn manner, knowing that I should be left alone. Batman wrapped his cape around me in a quiet way, I barely noticed the cape around my shoulders.
"Relax," he said softly. "It's over,"
I heard footsteps come in, and a woman gasp. Rachel. She was here.
"Ally!" I heard Mrs. Farris. "Are you all right?"
"Mr. Mason just appeared out of nowhere," Ally started testifying. "He wouldn't let her go. I tried to stop him--"
I felt a hand on my shoulder as Ally continued her side of the story. Slowly looking up, I saw Rachel looking shocked as she looked at my bruised face.
"What happened?" she asked me. "Did he hurt you?"
I nodded as the Batman pushed my head gently back on his shoulder, knowing that I would be a bit upset some more. I heard a little winding noise then...And Sergeant Gordon's voice.
"Mr. Mason," he said as I looked up. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you downtown and ask you a few questions,"
Two policemen were alongside Edgar, as they pulled him up in handcuffs. He was holding his hand, wincing as he flexed his fingers.
"My hand," he hissed. "That Batfreak broke my hand!"
All right, that's it. I just went from upset to totally mad. Standing up and throwing the black cape off my shoulders, I had the courage to talk back at my Uncle.
"He's not a freak!" I snapped at him. "You are!"
"Sarah--" Rachel put her hands on my shoulders, trying to pull me away.
"Why you insolent little--"Edgar started, wanting to tear me limb from limb.
"Scum of the Narrows?" I interuppted. "Go ahead. Say it. Everyone's heard it, and so have I,"
Suddenly, Edgar had this sickly smile on his face. It made Batman stand up, with an angry look in his eyes. I had suddenly realized that if my Uncle went to jail, it would only be for child abuse. Not murder. This was not over, and everyone that was with me at that time knew it. Almost as if he was simply giving up, the cops started leading him away again.
"Wait," I started.
"Now what?" Edgar snapped at me. "What do you have to say that is so important?"
I smiled a bit...which made my Uncle Edgar look surprise. Why was I smiling?
"I'm not afraid of you," I said simply, as the Batman placed his hands on my shoulders. "...That was the secret that I wouldn't tell you,"
(A/N: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah! I finally finished this chapter. I am so sorry that I didn't update sooner. I'm still looking for a job, and still performing, and going on dates, so it's been so hard to even type a sentance without having to do something else. I hope you liked this chappie. But remember. The fight's not over. Not even close. Check back for more chapters real soon, but be sure to review. I hope you enjoyed it!)