Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Chris Nolan, Batman,or the DC Comics world. All chracters, plots and story lines used that belong to them...well belongs to them. I just own my plot and my interpretation of known characters.

Chapter 3: The Disgraced Name of Wayne

Early morning in downtown Gotham was always in motion. People bustling about, cars stopping and going in the morning traffic, the train pulling in then leaving Wayne Tower; all moving in their own time, but strangely in sync like the gears of the big Gotham Machine. The sun light crept into the window and snaked its way along the wall and rippling over peeling wallpaper, mouse holes, and a touch dial phone that was hanging off the hook. The light snuck in to the kitchenette where a teapot sat on the eye warming up not yet at the temperature to boil. The whole room was lit revealing all the secrets the darkness of the night had guarded. The cob webs attached to a dusty picture of a woman and a small girl. The brunette child sat snuggly in the protective arms of the woman: both smiling warmly at the camera. It was a happy time. It was before.

A lone wall was covered in news paper clippings. A shrine of black, white and, gray lines and pictures; each a memoriam of time and places all centered around one person: Cassandra Wayne well Cain as she had first met her. The articles dated back to the first newspaper announcement. A picture of a small beautiful infant with gorgeous dark hair lightened only slightly by streak of gray and a lighter gray done for her face; sleeping innocently in the arms of Martha Wayne. Thomas Wayne was holding a young Bruce in his arms; the family looked complete and happy. The next clipping showed Cassandra's first birthday announcement, her first piano recital, her fifth birthday disaster…Cassandra holding Bruce's hand at the funeral for their parents.

A small woman bent over; aged beyond her years by abuse and malnourishment walked into the kitchen. She opened the lid of the pot to check if it was near boiling and replaced the lid sighing with the knowledge that it would not boil anytime soon. Everything was broken. The ceiling leaked the air was broken. She thought to call the land lord again, but rubbing the bruise on her leg from the last time she brought the landlord a complaint. Dodging a flying lamp and falling down a flight of steps was not in her plans for today. It wasn't just her: The depression was hard for everyone. She had chosen to stay in Gotham; raise her daughter. Times were different then… before the depression. There was hope and safety. She got to stay in Gotham, because she promised to look after the girl; watch for the opportune moment. Ra's was pleased it was one less job he had to do.

"Gotham's princess sets fire to Cabana at Hawaiian Resort." He'd come again for her soon. He came periodically, but the moment was never "opportune". However, lately, Cassandra was causing a lot of attention to herself, and bad attention was a signal of distress. A new energy enveloped her frail body. She had to go to her. She could save Cassandra from that life. Cassandra was more than a self-destructive socialite or a pawn of Ra's al Ghul. She was pure and innocent and powerful, and in the wrong hands she could become an unstoppable force of annihilation. She had to at least try.

Darcenda dressed quickly, grabbed her bus pass and shot down the stairs. There was no time to waste. She moved as a younger woman again. Just as Darcenda reached the front door a black town car pulled up to the curb. The window of the town car lowered revealing an older Ra's al Ghul.

"Master, you are here. To what do we owe this unexpected visit?" Darcenda inquired fully knowing the answer she would receive. He looked down, retrieved a copy of the Gotham Gazette, and held it up for her to see: It's time to plant a seed.

Cassandra knew she was in for it. She had avoided fifteen of his calls already.

At least he won't be home for 3 more days" Cassandra whispered to herself stretching; finding peace in the fact that Bruce was not due back at the manor yet. "It might even give him time to cool down a little." She reassured even further.

Bruce could be a controlling prune at times. She hadn't meant to burn down that cabana. It was actually a funny story. One she would be happy to tell as soon as she remembered it. Her head was pounding, hangovers were truly the worst. At least she was comfortable. "I love mornings in Hawaii. " At least I think I'm still in Hawaii." She focused in on her surroundings and felt turbulence. She was shaking back and forth.

"Nope, I'm moving." She opened one eye to observe her surroundings. She was on the family jet still dressed for the party she left blazing the night before.

"Alfred!" she yelled and almost like clockwork Alfred appeared with aspirin and a glass of water.

"How bad was it?" 50,000 dollars in property Damage, a night in jail, and a lifetime ban from the resort. He handed her the medicine and water.

"At least they'll remember it." Alfred. A hint of sarcasm, indifference, and pride mixed together. What of my brother. Did he sound mad?" She asked popping in the aspirin. She raised the water into her mouth.

"Ah yes, Master Wayne has arrived home early. Water and pills spewed out of her mouth as she chocked on the water. "Shit, I'm dead."

Children deal with the death of parents differently. Where Bruce became more responsible and a social introvert; Cassandra began acting out, in some cases, as the Tanahau resort found out, being a destructive force of nature. In actuality, Bruce was only 4 years older than Cassandra, but he seemed to age 5 times a year. They rarely got along now and rarely spoke. He was a college student and she was his little high school sister. He left for school and didn't look back. Not until she forced him to see who he left behind, and she forced him to look quite often.

Luckily for Cassandra, by the time they arrived home. It was time for her to go to school. She dressed quickly and escaped before Bruce could wake up. She never was in this much of a hurry to get to school but the alternative…The yelling, and guilt she would experience once Bruce and her were finally face to face. School and a slowly dying hangover were much better options.

She parked her car in the student parking lot. Stress plagued her body as she sat in her front seat looking at, Gotham prep and all its contents, the cause of her anxiety at the current moment.

"I'm already late, what's a few more minutes." She lit her stash and relaxed as the car became engulfed in the smoke of complete tranquility.

Cassandra crept towards the building hoping no paparazzi were there to capture the under-aged recreational activity that had just occurred in her car. It would be the cherry on the top of a very large sundae of fuck ups. She began climbing the stairs when a voice spoke from behind her.

"Excuse me, Cassandra Wayne?" Cassandra froze in place eyes wide open. She had been caught.

"It's for my Glaucoma" So much for unnoticed. She turned towards the voice and saw it was a lady not particularly old, but more malnourished. It was sad in a way.

"You don't know me, but I need to talk to you. It is of the upmost importance."

"Sorry I'm late for class and I don't want to buy anything today. Thank you." Cassandra turned and continued up the stairs towards the entrance. Darcenda pursued

"I knew your parents" Darcenda shouted. Cassandra hesitated at the mentioning of her parents; it still stung.

Yeah, everyone who lives in Gotham knows who my parents were.

You are late for class Miss Wayne. Cassandra turned to see Mr. Collins Gotham prep's headmaster opening the front entrance to the school.

I'm sorry Mr. Collins I'm heading in right now, and began walking again.

"Your real parents Cassandra" Darcenda Shouted.

Cassandra immediately halted and turned to face the lady again preparing to tell her off, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Is every ok Miss Wayne?" Mr. Collins stated annoyance apparent in his voice.

"Yes sir" she answered, walking into the school confusion still etched on her face.

Thirty minutes into her first class Cassandra realized why she ditched school so often. She hated every aspect of Gotham prep. They were dissecting frogs in Biology that day. Cassandra hated the smell of formaldehyde, she hated gym, she hated her uniform, and most of all she hated Bruce went there first. The expectations on her were set so high there was no way around failing. So instead Cassandra didn't try to. She opted staying long enough for roll to be called; then going to the mall to shop or hitting a day time matinee. Most of the time, she sat across from the orphanage that she and Bruce funded. When she was younger, she imagined she was in there with them playing .she was laughing running playing tag. She was around people like her… people who understood. Reality had been much different. Cassandra actually ran away from Wayne Manor when she was seven to go live at the orphanage. Naively enough, she had put on her most fashionable dress on so that she would look nice for her new friends. They didn't see it that way:

"What are you doing her Miss Wayyyne?" One of the kids asked saying her name sarcastically.

"I just came to live with you guys. It looks like fun" Cassandra answered sincerely.

"Fun, You hear that guys? She thinks our life is fun. You and your brother leave your ritzy house one time a year to come here and show your sympathy for the poor Gotham orphans. Look at her dress. I bet her personal maid picked it out for her." The kids laughed out loud.

"Yeah" another kid chimed in. "I bet she dressed her too." The kids laughed harder.

"I just wanted to play with you guys." Cassandra stated hanging her head tears forming at the feeling of rejection.

"Go home, Miss Wayyyne" The kid taunted. "You don't belong here." With that the kids all turned away from Cassandra and resumed their multiple activities.

Mrs. Sanchez came out at that moment to see what all the commotion had been and there see saw Cassandra Wayne sitting on the bench swinging her legs alone head hanging. Cassandra sensed her approaching and looked up. Mrs. Sanchez could tell she had been crying.

"Miss Wayne, what are you doing here? Do your pare.. Mrs. Sanchez caught herself. Who knows you are here, dear?" The director inquired.

"No one, I ran away so I could come live here, but the other kids don't like me." Cassandra stated grimly.

"I see how about we get you a snack, while I call Mr. Pennysworth to come fetch you. He must be worried sick about you." Mrs. Sanchez offered gently. Cassandra nodded approval and followed Mrs. Sanchez into the main building.

So from that day on Cassandra just sat across the street and watched from a distance as the kids played. She imagined herself playing with them. Over the years she watched those older kids leave just to be replaced by new kids. That's how the system worked; moved out moved in like cattle or mail. She made at personal note to do something about that when she got older. That kid had one thing right? Cassandra didn't belong there and still didn't; and as she got older she realized she didn't belong anywhere. Not there or Wayne Manor, not on that bench and definitely not at Gotham prep. Maybe she didn't belong in Gotham at all?

"Cassandra Wayne", her teacher snapped; extracting her from her thoughts.

"Yes, Mrs. Goldtree" Cassandra asked flustered.

"Freak" a soft voice whispered followed by faint giggles. It came from the far side of the room. Cassandra looked in the general direction that the comment came from; only to see a familiar group of girls laughing and looking in her direction.

"If you are done daydreaming about Mr. Dalton; would you mind please answer the question"

"But I wasn't" Cassandra realized she's had been staring at the back of Jason Dalton's head while she was daydreaming. Her cheeks turned a rosy color. The thought that she?...about Jason Dalton? Snickers and giggles rippled throughout the classroom. Cassandra sunk some in her seat ears turning red now. Jason turned around and smirked. He was absolutely gorgeous.

"Kill me now" whispered Cassandra to herself.

"Miss Wayne the answer please." The bell rang signaling the end of class. Cassandra grabbed her books and ran for the door.

"Cassandra" Jason yelled after her, catching her halfway down the main hallway, "I'm sorry Mrs. Goldtree called you out like that. She can be a real witch at times."

"Yeah, tell me about it. Excuse me I have to…" Cassandra said shortly embarrassment fully resurfacing.

"I just wanted to ask you something… You know the prom is coming up; and I…" Jason began.

"Jason" Cassandra hesitated, uncomfortably shifting her body.

"You don't want to go with me?" Jason inquired, he put both hands in his pockets the smile on his face suddenly fading.

"It's not that, it's just kind of not my thing." Cassandra continued trying to reassure him, "but I'm sure Maritza would probably love it if you asked. You guys make more sense anyway golden boy and girl. Shoe-in for prom king and queen."

The situation was becoming much more awkward. "My next class starts soon. I'll talk to you later, ok?"Cassandra turned to walk away.

"Yeah, of course see ya." He turned and casually walked down the hallway to his locker.

Sighing Cassandra disappeared in to the bathroom. She needed to breathe. Cassandra splashed water on her face. She was about to light up in the bathroom when the door of the bathroom burst open. Cassandra instinctively shot into the first stall she could find; throwing the evidence in the toilet preparing to flush in a second's notice if she needed.

The group of girls who had been laughing at Cassandra entered the bathroom. "Did you see how red her face turned?" Maritza laughed to the other girls; checking her make-up in the mirror. "It was priceless."

"Oh, and Jason asked me to Prom finally!" Maritza announced, glee pouring through every word like the stickiest syrup. "I didn't know what was taking him so long, but I think he wanted to wait until the right moment." Cassandra rolled her eyes; the delusion becoming too much for even her to tolerate. "I know we'll take queen and king for sure." Maritza said as she finished retouching her eyeliner.

"I heard he asked Cassandra first." Chloe, one of Maritza's friends, self acclaimed gossip queen, stated. The color drained from Maritza's face.

"I mean it makes since." Chloe continued, "He has had a crush on her forever, and they are both old money. I'm surprised they weren't betrothed to each other from birth."

"His parents have more class than to marry a thoroughbred like him to that stray." Maritza retorted, " She is a mutt too. I mean what is she really?"

Cassandra felt the anger rising not just because of what she said, but because she didn't have the answer. She didn't know what she was, and she never would. The one source she might have had disappeared into thin air.

"It's obvious she is adopted." Maritza continued applying new layer of lip gloss. "Dalton men only deserve the purest of bloodlines."

"Jason seems to like her bloodline just fine." Roxanne, a tall elflike brunette stated bluntly. The girls all snickered at the joke. Maritza, however, looked as if she had walked right into an unpleasant smell.

"Whatever" Maritza said waving the conversation off indifferently, "the bell is about to ring. Let's go."

Tears stung Cassandra eyes. She usually does not let Maritza bother her, but what she had said really struck a nerve.

Maritza and Cassandra had been best friends at one point, but all that came down after Maritza wouldn't share her favorite doll. Nobody ever believed the girls when they told them Cassandra had powers and had almost killed Maritza. As a result, they never missed an opportunity to try and provoke Cassandra into doing it again. The girls were unaware that Cassandra has sworn against whatever it is she could do. She made sure to be careful and control her emotions. After what happened to her father; she would never allow it to happen again whether deserved or not.

"I think I've had enough school for one day" Cassandra thought. Cassandra bolted from the school hoping to not be caught by security. She was rather stealthy she noticed as she dodged between cars. Finally arriving at her car, she fumbled to obtain her car keys in her bag when she noticed small piece of paper on her windshield. "We are a little too old to be sending love letters… ugh boys. She grabbed the paper and opened it.

It simply read:

1516 N Holy Oak Street

Apt 523

I'll tell you anything you want to know.

Darcenda watched Cassandra drive away from the school. Darcenda wanted to badly tell her everything, but Ra's had spoiled that for her. She'd have to find another way to warn her; until then she had to do what she was told. She would find a way to help her. She had to. She dialed the number he had instructed her to dial. The phone rang several times. His voice answered.

"The seed has been planted, Master" Darcenda stated.

"Good" was all Ra's replied.

She wanted to go to the address so bad. Cassandra had done a lot of stupid things in her life, but she knew better than to go to a stranger's house without anyone knowing where she was there. Cassandra decided to instead go through her usual ritual: sitting on the bench, going to the mall, matinee. When she was sure the school day was over she headed home.

"No reason putting it off any longer" Cassandra whispered to herself.

Cassandra entered the house. She knew she was in for a battle. She took a deep breath and put on her strongest face.

"Good evening, miss" Alfred always had perfect timing.

"Hello Alfred, where is my brother." Cassandra asked not really wanting an answer.

"He is in the library, madam and is expecting you." Alfred relayed.

"Thank you, Alfred." Cassandra solemnly stated and she started towards the library. Her head was held high.

"Good luck, madam" he offered sincerely, a hint of amusement in his voice.

She entered the library. Bruce did not look up or acknowledge her presence in anyway. He continued reading his book. Cassandra was sure he knew she was there.

"Look Bruce, I know you are mad at me." Cassandra began.

"Don't Cassandra" Bruce stated dryly, not even looking up from his book.

"I'm sorry, Bruce"

Silence.

"I know I've been screwing up lately but…"Cassandra began again; she never finished her statement. Bruce exploded.

"You are being irresponsible Cassandra. You are not some normal teen screw up.

We have mom and dad's image to uphold and you will no longer disgrace that image.

Not only did my teenage sister get caught underage drinking but has destroyed public property severing a relationship that was established by our great grandfather. A lifetime ban Cassandra, really?

You are a Wayne. Start acting like it." Bruce finished. Certain of the finality the statement should have brought. He had practiced it that way at least. Cassandra, however, was just getting started.

Whether it was the long flight, the girls' words in the bathroom, or a mysterious woman showing up at her school claiming to know her biological parents, the words seemed to flow out before she could think; before she could stop it. Anger rose up inside of Cassandra, and she too exploded.

"Am I Bruce? Am I really a Wayne?" Cassandra questioned.

"What are you talking about Cassandra, of course you are."

"Oh that's rich Bruce, you go off to college, and I don't hear from you at all until I do something to taint our precious family name, but you know what the truth is Bruce.

Perfect Bruce Wayne, so much like his father… so much like Thomas. Then there's Cassandra, the stray, Bruce got stuck with when his parents died. It's too late to throw me back, huh Bruce." Cassandra accused. The anger was too high to control now.

"I'm not having this conversation, Cassandra." Bruce started towards the door.

"And when did you start calling me Cassandra. No more Bells, huh; no more terms of endearment for little sis Bruce." Cassandra taunted. The bait worked because Bruce turned around and pointed his finger, anger apparent in his eyes.

"Start acting like her again and maybe I will." Bruce snapped back.

You were so busy making new friends and continuing with your life that you couldn't see you left me here in this hell called Gotham drowning Bruce.

Well here's a new headline for you Bruce. News flash: Bells died when our parents did and you can consider me dead as well.

She felt that familiar feeling rising in her. It was powerful and she had to get away from him before she made him walk off the balcony.

She stormed out of the room and ran to her section of the manor. She entered her room and slammed the door.

She paced back and forth mind pacing as well. Who did he think he was coming home and reprimanding her. He was not her father. He was dead, or maybe…

Cassandra stopped and pulled the piece of paper out of her pocket. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

That was it. She packed a small bag grabbed her essentials and climbed out of the window. She got in her car and drove away from Wayne Manor, and prom, and the orphans and didn't look back. There was a lot she wanted to know and that lady had answers.

Cassandra parked outside the apartment. It looked sketchy but her gut told her this was where she was supposed to be. Her dad's train ran right over the building that had to get annoying at times. She was not used to this type of neighborhood. She looked back at her car one more time thinking it could possibly be the last time she saw it completely intact or at all. She climbed 5 flights of steps and finally came to the door 523. Before she could even knock the door opened and there stood a tall man with slightly peppered facial hair. He didn't look as if he was from Gotham. He had an other worldly look to him like he was much older than his years displayed.

"Uh, maybe I have the wrong apartment. I'm sorry." Cassandra checked her paper again and started to walk away.

"Please do come in Cassandra Wayne. We have much to discuss." The strange man stated matter of factly. It almost had an air that it was not an actual request but more a formality

The apartment was small but surprisingly cozy. She lived alone though Cassandra did notice a baby crib in the corner of her living room a teddy bear inside lying on its side, abandoned for years. Where had the child gone? She obviously lived alone. Her thoughts were interrupted by the frail lady banging around in the kitchen looking for cups for the tea. She had obviously not had anyone to share tea with in a long time.

"Allow me to introduce myself. Ra's started. I'm Henri Ducard."

"You knew my real parents too." Cassandra asked curiously

"Yes" Ra's stated simply.

"And you too can tell me anything I want to know, because otherwise with much due respect Mr?..."

"Ducard", he replied strange amused at her shortness. It was slightly refreshing.

"I would really prefer to talk too?..." Cassandra held her hand out to the lady waiting on a response. This gesture just seemed to make the lady uncomfortable. Her eyes became wide looking back and forth between to two people standing in her living room.

"Darcenda" Ducard answered for her, "and to answer your other question. No, I cannot tell you everything you want to know about your parents, but I can show you. I can take you to a place where you can learn about your past about your parents. A place you can find your own understanding of who they were and still might be and by the looks of indecision in your eyes you might along the way also find out who you are. I am above everything an educator and will tell you only this. One of your parents is alive; your father. Your mother has not been heard from for years. At your father's request long ago I will not tell you who he is and you'd need him to find who your mother is? It is up to you to use your intellect and your powers. Yes I know about those. To find what you want to know. You might find you can do a lot more than this city of your can offer."

Ducard could see Cassandra in an internal struggle. What she knew pitted against what she wanted. Knowledge; so much like her father, but she had a striking resemblance to Sandy. She was ready she just had to decide. It would only work if she chose to go with him.

I know you have some reserves but what I also know is that you can look at me and tell if I am lying. We can help you focus your powers. Learn them. master them. Go ahead read me.

Cassandra looked at Henri Ducard. He was sincere. There was nothing deceitful about his proposition. She didn't know how see knew for sure but if he knew what she could do and they could teach her to master that power they might also be able to help her at least control her other power so she could never hurt anyone ever again.

The choice is yours, dear. But be sure because that would mean giving up everything you have come to know. Everything you have come to love. I t didn't take long for Cassandra to decide. It was not hers anyway. She had learned all Gotham could teach her and it was only meant to be temporary. It was time for her to find out who Cassandra Wayne was or whatever her real last name is. It was time to find her destiny.

I want to come with you Mr. Ducard. I'd like to learn.

The flight seemed to drag on forever but Cassandra mind was racing. A mixture of excitement, guilt, and confusion circled through her brain. She had not left Bruce a notice of any form, but she knew she'd find him one day.

It's for the best she whispered to herself trying to validate her decision. He could focus on himself and not have to worry about her getting in trouble or the further defacing of the perfect Wayne image.

"I just have one question, Mr. Ducard" Cassandra inquired.

"Yes, my dear" Ra's gave Cassandra his full attention.

"You kept saying we." Where are we going and who are the "we" I keep hearing about?" She inquired.

Ducard looked at her. Cassandra decided to practice more on her powers since she left Gotham. She read pride and loyalty. Whoever the "we" were; they were very close… a family. One she hoped to be a part of herself in time. Henri finally opened his mouth to answer her question and his tone confirmed everything she had thought.

"We, my dear, are going to the headquarters; the very place where you were born; your home and "We" are the League of shadows: your new sanctuary… your true family.

A/N Final chapter of pre story. Bane will arrive in the next chapter so thanks to all of you who have been patiently still are pre batman begins but since this is Cassandra's story so most of the events of Batman begins will not effect her but rather relate to something she is doing elsewhere. Review please and i'll get the first Bane chapter up soon.