Chapter Seven

Another month passed uneventfully. Alfred watched from the shadows of the Bat Cave as Bruce trained Kaitlyn in the martial arts. A slight frown marred his brow as he noticed the sweat dripping from Kaitlyn's skin. Bruce looked just as exhausted, but he was used to working through his pain. Kaitlyn was not. At the same time, Alfred could hardly say anything. It was a good idea, teaching the girl how to defend herself. Gordon's warning had set Bruce on edge and not even Fox could work up enough information to tell who the turncoat was. There were several suspects, but that was all they were - suspects. There was nothing solid they could bring to Gordon to help him catch the guy. Whoever he was, he had some pretty good backup. Which no doubt scared Bruce even more. They didn't want to know what kind of backup this rouge cop had.

And so Bruce trained Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn worked hard. It seemed the girl had picked up on her adopted father's intensity, his fear becoming her own. Alfred watched as the bats started swarming. Night was coming, and soon they'd be making their way back into the sky. Despite himself, Bruce flinched. Even if he had gotten over his fear of bats, Alfred thought with dark amusement, they still unnerved him. Kaitlyn paused for a moment, looking around as the flying mammals made their way out of the cave and into the sky. There was no fear in her eyes, and Alfred knew it was fitting. A man with a bat symbol had saved her from her tormentor - why should she fear his symbol? Her dark eyes were wide with curiosity and she turned to Bruce.

"They go hunt?"

"Yeah. The night is their home. They'll be back in the morning."

"Kay."

This was a new development, one that had only happened in the past few days. Kaitlyn would talk, but not one word more than necessary, and never in front of anyone other than Bruce or Batman. She wouldn't even speak to Bruce if she knew Alfred was within earshot. It was strange, but not unforgivably so. Alfred had to smile at that thought. The idea of anything being too strange for a girl fathered by the Joker and raised by Batman was simply funny. She would figure herself out soon enough, and it would help having Bruce, Alfred, and Fox looking out for her. He could probably add Gordon to the list too. The cop was a friend of Batman's after all, even if Bruce claimed he didn't have the luxury of friends. Kaitlyn had a good many people looking out for her safety.

He shook the thoughts away and cleared his throat, drawing the pair's attention. Kaitlyn smiled at him and ran over, throwing her arms around the butler's waist. Alfred chuckled and hugged her back. "I think it's time we got this one to bed." he told Bruce. Master Wayne nodded, his eyes glittering as he watched Kaitlyn look up at Alfred with a pout that clearly said I'm not tired yet!. Alfred looked up at Bruce, watching as he found his armor and began to pull it on. "Another late night?"

"Probably." Bruce grunted. "There's been word of arms shippments coming out of the Narrows. I figured I'd go check it out since the Scarecrow's toxin is still supposed to be hanging in the air."

Alfred nodded. "The cops won't go and check it out themselves." he muttered with a certian amount of disgust. A bit louder, he added, "Be careful, Master Wayne. I'm not the only one waiting for you to come home safely this time."

Bruce looked over at him, his gaze traveling from his trusted butler and friend to the girl who he had adopted as his own. Her dark eyes seemed even darker, almost accusing. She knew Batman was leaving, and she wanted to go along. Bruce pulled the hood over his face and shook his head. "I can't let you come this time, Kaitlyn." Batman said simply. "It's too dangerous. But I will come back. You don't give Alfred any trouble now, hear?" Kaitlyn smiled and snapped a little salute. Batman patted her head and left the Bat Cave, leaving Kaitlyn and Alfred alone. Alfred smiled sadly. There were only two ways this could end.

Batman would either hang up his cloak and never go back out, or he was going to have company as soon as Kaitlyn was old enough.

How would Gotham handle having two masked avengers?

/--/

Batman watched with dark amusement as he saw the latest arms shippment go out. It was pretty small-time, about a hundred weapons but they were only .22 target pistols. Any fool in Gotham could buy one at the local pawn shop, but there were always those who would prefer to buy illegal. He shook his head. All right, he could see a hint when he had to. The question was, why on earth did he want the Batman's attention? This better be good, Batman thought darkly, or Gordon's going to get his head on a silver platter.

A bit of an exaggeration, but it suited his mood at the moment. He waited until the dealers left with their precious cargo and dropped into the alley right behind the supplier. The Joker turned around and almost jumped out of his skin. A giggle made its way from him. "Hey, Bat, you managed to scare me." he cackled. "You practice sneaking up on people or something?"

"It fills my every waking moment." Batman replied dryly. "What are you doing? Isn't this a bit small-time for you?"

"Yep." Joker replied cheerfully. "But I needed a way to get your attention. Apparently the Narrows have been low on everyone's radar lately. I thought rumors of arms shipments might bring you running. I was right." He smiled happily, like a kid who figured out a difficult math problem. Batman shook his head, only slightly amused. This was tame compared to some of the stunts Joker had pulled. Apparently he was telling the truth, which was another first. Batman leaned against the alley wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm here. You'd better start talking."

"Or what, Bats?" Joker taunted. "You're going to beat me up? You should know by now I don't say anything unless I want to. All the beatings in the world won't get it out of me."

Batman didn't move, almost didn't react to the jibe. When he spoke, however, his voice was thick with menace. "If I beat you, it will only be because you are wasting my time, and I don't care about whatever information you have."

Joker laughed again. "All right, you have me convinced. You know anything about Harvey's old friends?"

Batman stiffened. "On the police force or in Intelligence?" he asked cautiously. This sounded more like a trap of the Joker's than any real information, but for the moment, he was willing to listen. This was the problem with dealing with the Joker, even when he wasn't trying to kill anyone. Batman simply couldn't tell when he was lying.

"Intelligence." Joker stated. "Although he is on the police force now. Plotting to destroy you using a certian someone we both happen to know."

Kaitlyn. "I'll look into it."

"Look quickly. You don't have much time. This was about a month ago. It took me a while to get things set up here." He motioned around him with one arm. "So, you gonna haul me back to Arkham now, Bats?"

Batman rolled his eyes. That would probably be for the best, considering Joker's penchant for the theatrical, but at the moment, he didn't have the inclination to do it. Even Batman knew the importance of an inside man. "Don't let me catch you with those weapons again." he stated, turning and walking out of the alley.

He could hear the Joker call after him. "It's not like they'll be killing much of anything with water guns!"

Batman resisted the urge to pound his (or the Joker's) head against the wall. At least I have something to give Gordon. he reminded himself. Now it begs the question as to why he even bothered. Unless, in his own twisted way, he really does care about Kaitlyn.

/--/

AN: Sorry if Joker sounds out of character. Or Batman, for that matter. On the other hand, they probably won't stay 'allies' for long. (laughs) Review please! You guys are making me update faster with them!