Before continuing, this chapter is an important chapter that will be brought out later in the story so pay attention to small details :)
Chapter 5. Game
"But there are much worse games to play,"- Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins
" Sir Alfred, I have a question," Helena asked while she waited for her parents to return. It was nearly midnight now.
" Yes Ms. Helena, I hope it's about getting you to sleep," Alfred replied, knowing her parents could take the whole night before returning.
Helena bit her lip, slipping into her bed. " The cave down there, it used to belong to my dad right? What for?"
Alfred leaned back, he looked at the curiousity in her eyes, but decided it was not his place to tell her about his parents yet. Over the years he's wondered himself if Bruce or Ms. Kyle would tell their kids about their passed life.
" I'm afraid you'll have to ask your father or mother about that Ms. Helena,"
" Where did they go now Alfred?" Helena sighed, setting her head on the pillow.
" They'll be here soon. Sleep Ms. Helena," Alfred avoided the question.
A moment later, a sound echoed through the hall. Helena, still not asleep, jumped from her bed and walked towards the edge of the door, creaking it slightly open.
" Any luck sir," Alfred asked.
Bruce took his cowl off. " No," he responded.
Helena gasped.
" Where is-," before Alfred could finished Selina walked in.
" Right here," she replied, obviously frustrated.
Helena eyes widened now, she's never seen her parents like this. She hardly recognized them.
" How awful was it," Alfred sighed deeply.
" We were close," Bruce replied with an even longer sigh. " He only wanted to see if I had truly come back, he brought Thomas along, but in the end we were unable to rescue him."
" The fact that we were really close is what's getting on my nerves," Selina replied taking the chair closer to her for support.
" Mrs. Wayne are you all right there?" Alfred noticed the wound at her side.
" I'm fine Alfred, only a bit injured," Selina reassured him.
" I'll go get the first aid kit," Alfred rushed towards the bathroom.
" I still can't believe he got away," Selina murmured the moment Alfred is left.
" Let me see the wound," Bruce decided it was better to respond to that statement. Before they had come here, they had made sure Blake had been taken care of first. As soon as Selina lifted up her shirt to reveal the wound, Bruce took a step back.
" This is the reason why I didn't want you involved," Bruce replied, grimacing at her wound.
Selina sighed, irritably " It's not like you never got a wound," she cringed when Bruce hand pressed on her wound. " Besides, she only got me because I got distracted."
" She got you pretty good with the hammer," Bruce pointed out.
" She got lucky," Selina evenly replied back.
Bruce recalled that the Joker had called her Harley. " I didn't think the Joker would have anyone crazy enough to love him,"
Alfred had returned from the bathroom, first aid kit already in his hands.
" Her name was Harley Quinn, I guess it's understandable with the harlequin costume she was wearing," Selina informed, cringing as Alfred took care of her wounds.
" She must be the same one who worked at the Asylum before the Joker escaped," Bruce remembered what Blake had told him earlier. " Dr. Harleen Quinzel,"
" Dr. Harleen Quinzel?" Alfred glanced up now. " I knew her, she worked as a psychiatrist all around the United States until finally landing a job somewhere in Italy years ago,"
" Great so now, somehow, over the years, the Joker finally got a girlfriend as crazy as him," Selina groaned " Couldn't they just enjoy their little love life somewhere else, a madhouse would be nice"
" There's also someone else, Hush," Bruce tried helping Alfred, stitch up her open wound. " He knew exactly who I was, but apparently he hasn't mentioned our identity to the Joker," Bruce frowned at this.
" Perhaps he is someone who we've met before," Alfred suggested.
At that both Bruce and Selina stood silent. Until the faintest sound made them turn.
" Is Helena asleep?" Selina asked suspiciously glancing at the door.
" Hopefully," Alfred answered " -there's something that has crossed my mind. When are you two going to tell her about all this?'' he signaled their costume.
" What do you mean," Bruce turned to his butler
" I mean about Batman, these secrets can't bring any good," Alfred eyes focused on Bruce. Multiple times Alfred had been always right about his suggestion, but even so he saw the hesitation in Bruce eyes.
" There's no need for him to tell her," Selina replied, motioning to the door. " She already knows." It was obvious to her that Helena had been eavesdropping since the moment she heard the slight sound of the door closing when she turned.
Bruce sighed. " I was hoping on not telling either Thomas or Helena until they were older,"
" Too late now," Selina murmured, momentarily thinking back to her friend. Things weren't going good so far. Only one day back and she was already injured, Thomas still gone, and their identities exposed to their daughter. Selina was still angry at Bruce for letting the Joker get away, but the more she thought about it she figured that her anger won't help their situation right now. Her hand hesitantly reached for Bruce's hand. Moral support is all she could offer now. The only thing that made her relax was that Bruce said Thomas was okay. That's all that mattered. Bruce gripped her hand in return. He leaned in close to her ear, whispering just merely.
" I'm sorry about tonight," in his voice Selina could instantly tell how hard this was on him as well.
" I was late on arriving, so it's partly my fault," Selina replied frowning, apologizing is something she always hated to do, so she put the blame partly on herself in replace of saying I'm also sorry I was late.
Later that night when finally Bruce and Selina had finally settled into their bedroom, Selina was wondering if she should tell Bruce about Jen. Over the years she's learned to trust Bruce little by little, but the situation right now seemed different somehow.
" Still can't sleep?" Bruce asked her, setting in next to her.
" I'm thinking," Selina sighed, rolling on her side.
" About Thomas?"
" In part. I'm thinking about the Joker, his new girlfriend, and Jen. I went to look for her, but she was gone from our old apartment," She turned to face Bruce now. " I'm worried not just about Thomas anymore, the Joker alone was pretty terrifying as it is. What about now that he's got actual clown buddies or whatever you want to call it. What if…-What if this is way worse than Bane?"
At that Bruce couldn't contain the downright shiver that went down his spine. He was never going to forget about Bane. He stared back at Selina, who only stared equally back.
" It won't come to that," Bruce assured after the briefest hesitation. He stared out towards the distance. He could only hope that it would never come to something worse than anything that has happened so far. It was now that he regretted ever letting the Joker live. His old mentor, Ra's Al Ghul was mainly his fault that he died, he could've let the Joker fall that night, but he didn't, and now his fears were coming back. Somehow growing instead of shrinking. He turned so that he could face Selina.
" Selina, nothing will be easy anymore,"
" It never has been," She responded with a half-snort.
" But- things have changed. We will get through this one way or another…promise me something-," Bruce eyes were now intently on hers.
Selina eyebrows crossed, it was rare for Bruce to ask for promises. Bruce eyes went to her side, where Harley had hit her. Somehow Selina knew where this was going. " If you're going to ask me to stay away from the situation you already know my answer."
" No, I'm going to ask that you promise to not die on me," Bruce gravely murmured, his eyes firmly locked on Selina.
" Bruce-," Selina began, but Bruce caught her off.
" Just promise me,"
" I don't have control over that, but I'll tell you what. I promise to try to survive as much as possible," Selina rendered as she leaned in to give him a kiss.
Bruce contained a sigh, that would have to do. Things with the Joker were going to get pretty tricky, it was something he just knew. Yet as he securely wrapped his arms around Selina the memory of Rachael came back. He didn't want to lose Selina, like he lost Rachael. Just the thought made him want to do something drastic. Over the years and as each day passed, he really grew to loving Selina. No other women had ever understood him like she had. After Rachael and after Miran-Talia the thought of trusting someone ever again was difficult. Yet it came with Selina. He didn't want to loose her, but it was obvious that one sometimes makes promises they can't keep, no matter how much you try to keep them.
The moment Thomas awoke, he was in room with everything any 7 year old would be fascinated with. Bewildered he walked around. The room had game systems, bags of candy, balls, etc.
" Like it?" a voice came from behind him.
Thomas turned, moving back. He didn't trust the Joker, not to mention he hated clowns. Thomas knew the Joker was someone he shouldn't mess with. His eyes held a calculated darkness.
" I preferably don't like kids, but since you're staying I see it…necessary to let in some ground rules," the Joker made a face, that was hard to say if he was being amused by the outcome or irritated. " Rule number 1. You do every thing I say, exactly. You want to live kid, always do what I tell you. Rule number 2.. Well actually that's about it," he smiled.
Thomas tried not to look at his scars. Instead he forced himself to look directly at his eyes.
" This whole no talking is not going to cut it, it's boring. Come on I don't see you having scars like mine-speaking of which do you want to know how I got these scars?"
" I don't understand why I'm here," Thomas asked, quickly, without looking at him.
" Isn't that the best part. The surprise," the Joker reached into his pocket.
Thomas frowned. "I just want to go…home," he replied, his eyes now meeting the Joker's. " It doesn't matter who you are, what you want to do. I only want to go home please," he begged now. The Joker took a while to answer him.
" Disobedience, that's how I got this," he pointed to his scars." For not obeying what I was told, a knife was pressed into my mouth-and the question…why so serious asked around over and over again- Stay. Have fun while you can, because maybe next time boy the knife might end up in your mouth," the Joker stood, suddenly gripping Thomas hand he pressed a card into his palms. " We are going to play a game. If you slip one little slip, you lose. If you win this game, your family will survive got it?" the Joker grinned.
Thomas glanced down to the card in his palm. A joker card.
" Gordon would have some hints. We've been tracking very suspicious data for a while, we can probably find his whereabouts," Blake replied the next morning.
" Any sewer activity?" Bruce asked scanning the crime report.
" None, he's definitely not Bane," Blake sighed, frustrated he sat down. " Reports have issued a suspicious bandaged man near this area over here. No one has seen his face, but it seems like he always hides around the wealthy."
" If only we had some clear way on where to start," Bruce frowned . " A step forward."
" We can split up night patrol, you take half the city and I can take half. We might find them more quickly," Blake suggested.
Bruce nodded. " Call Gordon, tell him to come here," he still didn't want Gotham to know he was alive. The very last thing he wanted was the paparazzi swarming this place while he was trying to find his son.
" He'll be glad to see you…alive," Blake nodded back, pulling out his phone to dial Gordon.
Helena had said nothing about what she heard last night or saw. She suspected her mother knew from the look she gave her the next morning.
" Have you ate?" Selina asked her.
Helena nodded.
" Good, get dressed we are leaving," Selina handed her her coat.
" Where?" Helena knew it was strange for her mom to suggest to leave in just a hurry.
" There's a few things we got to talk about, things you need to learn now that may come in handy in the future," Selina bend down to slip Helena's arms into the sleeves. " -and I wished you start learning them now than later,"
" D-Does it have to do with last night?" Helena asked quietly.
" Yes," she answered quickly, " let's go-,"
Selina took Helena to the city. She knew it was dangerous, but she wanted to teach her daughter a little about how cruel Gotham could be. The jacket was bulletproof, made essential for the purpose of keeping her safe. It was a Christmas present from Bruce. Selina also came to the decision last night. She needed more information about what's going on in Gotham. The only place where she can get any info was in the very streets of Gotham. She knew Bruce wouldn't show his face in public unless it was necessary, but that didn't mean she couldn't go out. Gotham probably wouldn't noticed a woman with her daughter in the streets.
" I know the life before was pretty good, but in the world sometimes unexpected things happen," Selina started while they walked. " Sometimes you have to learn to defend yourself, learn things fast, skills," Selina brought her to the Gotham Park. " All around there will be cruel people out there, many who will want to take advantage of you."
" Who would want to do that?" Helena scowled, hard to believe that people like that actually existed.
" Out there, there's people who wouldn't hesitate to kill you even if you are a girl," Selina replied, glancing around to see if anyone was looking at them. Selina noticed Helena gulped. " That's why you always have to be prepared to take out whoever wants to attack you in any situation. Things won't be any easier,"
" Mom…Is someone trying to kill me?" Helena asked lips quivering.
Selina looked at her frightened daughter and smiled lightly. Bending down, she kissed her forehead. " I won't let anything happen to you, as long as I'm alive I will protect you. You just need to be prepared if I'm not there," Selina whispered into to the top of her hair. " Let's get started okay,"
Helena nodded without objection. Selina smiled as she taught Helena a few basics, how to punch, kick, and dodge an attack. Selina couldn't guarantee what will happen in the future, but she at least felt better preparing her daughter.
" Where's Selina?" Bruce asked the moment he realized they weren't home.
" Out," Alfred murmured. " Mrs. Wayne said she had something to tell Helena,"
Bruce frowned. " She didn't mention anything to me," he wondered if it was about last night. Bruce wasn't fond of the idea of his daughter and Selina being out, even in the daylight.
" Hey you guys…You might want to see this-," Blake came from the hall, a remote control already turning the television volume up.
In the screen was a report from GNN.
" We are receiving completely alarming breaking news- the Joker is back in Gotham," the image shifted to a video of the Joker's face.
" Hello Gotham! It's been forever! Did you miss me? Of course you didn't. Thought I was never coming back did you, well guess what I'm back and I'm prepared for some new…games. Gotham needs some fun don't you think? Let's start tonight with a chase! How fun will that be…," in the back he pulled out a list.
" Alfred call Fox, tell him to target any location the Joker could be broadcasting from," Bruce immediately turned to Alfred.
" Introduction-done, blah, blah, blah. Oh here we go," the Joker smiled into the microphone. " As we speak there's a list of option, at the bank right now 20 people are being held hostage, while down the corner by Old Town another 20, oh and did I mention a group of criminals are doing their own little act down by the river? You may choose to save everyone, or-," tossing the paper aside he pulled out Thomas. " Rescue him at the top of the Wayne tower."
Bruce felt a jolt go down his spine. This clown will never stop making him choose did he?
" Oh and you better be quick. Because you only have until 9, the longer you take the more complicated things will be. You might want to avoid the street- Batman.-," the screen shut off unexpectedly.
Bruce glanced up at the clock. 5:30. Less than 4 hours left. He had to rescue 40 hostages, catch the criminals, and find his son. At that moment he could only think of his son. He'll play this little game the Joker had, after all sometimes the only way to win is to play.
" Rescue 40 people, stop the criminals, and find your son. Think we can do it?" Blake frowned, he'd never had to deal with such statistic.
" We'll split up. Gordon, we need him to help-," Bruce recalled Selina, had she seen the broadcast? Was she safe now? He had to shake the feeling down. He'll just have to trust Selina to be safe at the moment, that whatever happen she could handle it. He couldn't miss this opportunity to go looking for her. He longingly missed his son, this could be the only chance to retrieve him.
-( 7:00)
" Good, but remember never aim the face first. Always go for the weakest point, upper body or lower body," Selina suggested with a smile. Helena had learned quickly. " Okay kiddo, that'll do for tonight. It's time to go back home, your dad will be worried."
Helena nodded, smiling. " Can we practice tomorrow too Mommy?"
" We'll see," Selina shrugged. It was already getting dark and for some reason the streets were emptying drastically. A bad feeling came over her, shaking it off they started walking back home. Selina knew something was wrong when almost nobody was in the streets and the lights started flickering on and off.
" Mommy what's going on with the lights?" Helena gripped Selina's hand suddenly.
" I'm not….sure," Selina frowned, quickening her pace while cursing herself for not getting a taxi. Too late now there were no taxis in sight. Suddenly all the light went out in the city.
" Mom-," Helena gripped tightened.
" Selina Kyle. Former Master Thief and excellent acrobatic, I heard so much about you," a taunting voice came behind her.
As soon as Selina turned she pushed Helena behind her. " Who the hell are you?" Selina asked as a woman stepped in. Selina instantly recognized her, it was the biochemist who had gone missing.
" Cleary she didn't get Mister J memo Ivy, should we teach her a lesson," emerging from behind her was Harley Quinn, smile spread wide.
" Of course," Pamela grinned. " After all it's part of the game right?"
~~~~~ Review! Please
Sorry for not adding many Selina/Bruce moments but trust me I will add more throughout the whole story. Especially next chapter! Definitely going to have more Bruce/Selina. Anywho, thanks a million for the reviews! :) Please keep them coming they make the most depressing day worth while :D. So what you think? Will Batman rescue Thomas already? Can Catwoman handle both Harley and Poison Ivy with Helena to protect? Where's Jen and Hush..(hint hint)? What can the Joker be planning...- Find out in the next chapter Domino Effect.