TSF 3.5 – Catarena's Dream

*This is the dream Catarena gets lost in when she falls asleep in, Incomplete Without You. She must discover she's dreaming or become lost in the dream forever.*

(Wake Up!)

A voice deep in her subconscious demanded. Catarena slowly opened her eyes. It was about midday, but what day she did not know. The amount of light in the room told her it was about early spring. She was alone in her room, and could tell no one had been in her room in quite some time. Though she was unsure, her senses were playing tricks on her. Telling her people were there that weren't deciding it best not to panic she decided to get up and find some answers. She stood and immediately noted how long her hair had gotten. It was almost to her feet. (My hair is so long… How long was I asleep?) she thought to herself. Catarena noticed her strength and other abilities seemed strained to be used and figured it was the result of sleeping for so long, so she decided to leave her room to find someone.

In the halls she noticed how quiet the house was and she noticed how every place she went smelled like her room instead of differently as it should be. This confused her terribly, making her anxious. As she descended the stairs to the lower level she could hear a dog barking and much to her horror it ran toward her. She could also hear a boy's voice chasing the dog. Within moments the dog bounded up to her, barking and wagging its tail. He was a large black dog, lean and strong. Though the dog didn't appear to want to cause her harm, being part cat gave her a slight fear of dogs and she backed up against the wall on the first platform of the stairs. The dog continued to bark and wag its tail happily. Shortly the boy she'd heard ran over to the dog, not noticing Catarena at first. Cat noted how the boy looked like Tim and Dick as well as Bruce, with his black hair and light blue eyes. The boy looked up at her and smiled. He didn't seem surprised to see her.

"Don't be afraid, he won't hurt you." The boy said, referring to the dog.

"Who are you?" Cat asked cautiously.

"I'm Terry."

"How long was I asleep?" Cat asked.

"I think I should let your dad answer that. He's in the cave." He said.

Cat wanted to follow him, but she was still weary of the dog. Terry sensed this and joined her on the stairs.

"It's all right. Ace won't hurt you. I promise." He told her.

His words were comforting and gentle. It reminded her of Tim and in that second she knew Tim was no longer around…

Catarena followed Terry down to the Batcave. As they descended the stairs Catarena saw display cases to the right. Each case had a different costume in it. Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing… even Batman's. there was even a strange Batsuit on one end. It was completely black with a single red Bat symbol on the chest. Catarena had the strangest feeling that she'd seen it before. One the opposite end of the room was the batcomputer with a big black leather chair in front of it. As cat and terry got closer the chair turned and Cat could see who was in the chair. Catarena stared in shock at her elderly father. She walked up to him and fell to her knees in front of him. Tears were falling as she was finally over whelmed by all that was happening. Terry moved to help her but Bruce steadied him with a hand.

"Catarena don't cry. You did nothing wrong. You suffered so much I could not be angry at you for even a moment. You're my daughter and I love you. All that matters is that you're awake now. Do you understand?" Bruce said and Cat nodded as she dried her tears. She looked up at Bruce who smiled.

"Well, now that that's taken care of I'd like to introduce you to Terry. He's proven himself worthy of becoming the next Batman. I'm sure once you're back on your feet you'll want to test this statement." Bruce told her.

"Oh… yeah." Cat replied nonchalantly.

"In the mean time I think it would be a good idea for you to accompany Terry to his school for a little while to get acclimated with what has been going on while you've been asleep. Technology, news and such." He said and she nodded.

"That sounds fine. But … technology? Have that many things changed?" Cat asked.

"Yes, but I'm sure Terry will ease you into it all. You'll catch on quick as you always do." Bruce said and that was that.

Catarena was awake all night long. Over thirty years of sleep had caught up to her. She was dressed and ready for school long before the sun was up. She was even up before Bruce. He wasn't surprised to see her awake when he came into the kitchen.

"Couldn't sleep?" He asked and she shook her head in response.

"You'll get back on track. Give it a few days."

"Do you ever sleep? You went to bed so late." She said.

"I'll sleep when I'm dead." He said, something he'd said hundreds of times before but saying it now he wished he hadn't.

"Cat I…"

"It's okay. I'm a big girl. I know what you meant." Cat said.

Bruce wanted to say more but Terry arrived. After some goodbyes Cat left with Terry to drive to the metro station. Cat immediately understood why Bruce had suggested she go to school to see what's different. Everything kids joked about the past about flying cars wasn't far off. Catarena couldn't believe how much had changed.

Soon they were on the monorail system to Terry's school. They had the car to themselves. Terry wanted to get to school early to give Cat a chance to get used to everything. He watched her for a while, as she stared at the TV monitor a little fearfully as her hand held the charm on her necklace. Terry was going to try talking to her but his chance was ruined when a small group of Jokerz entered their car. Terry tried to get by Cat but he couldn't make it without attracting their attention. Terry could sense Cat's tension. She'd stared at them in shock when they came in but quickly averted her gaze to the floor as she stood against the handrail by the door. Terry wasn't surprised when one of the Jokerz noticed Catarena, she was very beautiful, and her abnormally long hair madder her stand out even more; if that was possible.

"Hey pretty girl. Saw you checking me out when we came in." He said as he wrapped his arm around her.

Terry tried to get to her but a few Jokerz quickly occupied him. Catarena twisted away from the ridiculous looking boy and went by the TV monitor, trying not to make eye contact with them. She was feeling cornered and she didn't like it. Something deep inside her was trying to get out but Cat was trying just as hard to keep it in.

"I cant help what my eyes see when someone enters my line of sight." Catarena told him, her voice sounding more confident.

But her boldness only made them push her more.

"NuAuh I saw how you looked at me, and I liked it." He said as he got closer to Cat, who had no where else to run.

She turned sharply, standing her ground.

"Back Off! I'm warning you!" She snarled.

Terry could see the fierceness in her eyes and remembered Bruce's warning about her emotions. He knew things were not looking good.

"Ooo! We're so scared. We just want you to pay the toll babe. How 'bout that pretty necklace." The Jokerz said as he reached for Cat's necklace but Cat swiftly slapped his hand away.

"Over my dead body!" She said darkly.

Her head was now bowed, her black hair veiling part of her face as she glared at them. They did not seem concerned about her icy stare. Terry frantically tried to talk her down; to calm her but Catarena wasn't listening anymore.

"I think that can be arranged." The Jokerz said evilly and Cat smirked.

"That's what you think." Cat replied.

(Wake UP!)

Cat heard in her subconscious, and on instinct Shadow awoke in her; in seconds the Jokerz were quickly knocked out by Cat's vicious and unexpected blows. When she was finished she stood close to Terry; her head bowed, her hair shadowing her eyes. She was growling deeply as she remained transformed for a moment. Terry was stunned but then snapped out of it.

"Catarena?" He asked softly, cautious to touch her. At his gentle voice she calmed and became normal again. After a second she quickly looked up in shock at what she had done. She was so ashamed in herself she started sobbing. Terry held her, bringing her eyes away from the scene.

"It's ok. They're just knocked out." He told her.

"I don't want to be a monster." She sobbed as she clutched her necklace again.

Terry wrapped his arms around her. He wasn't sure what she was talking about but he had an idea.

"You're not a monster." He said gently, which seemed to calm her down.

Soon they were at Terry's school and he showed Cat around after he told the principle they story Bruce told him to tell. After that more kids were showing up and Terry pointed out his friend Max.

"She knows about my secret and about yours but she's never seen you. She's kinda figured it out on her own. It's nice to have someone know, you know?" He said and Cat nodded as Max came over.

"Max, this is Catarena Wayne."

"Wait, The Catarena Wayne? His daughter? The one you told me was…" She said in shock and Terry nodded.

"Wow so you're the Shadow?" Max asked and Cat nodded.

"I was, yes." Cat said and Max was stunned.

Soon school was underway and Catarena followed Terry through his classes, taking everything in and yet in a daze. Before long it was lunch and she was staring down at the food in disgust. Nothing looked edible or as if it were actually made from meat. All she wanted was real meat but it didn't look as though she were going to get any so she decided not to eat. Terry sat down next to her at the table they were at.

"The food is terrible but deserts always good. Do you like desert?" He asked and Cat nodded.

"Here, go get yourself some. You use this as money. There should be enough on there."

He said as he handed her a credit card like object. Cat took it and went over to the desert buffet line. Everything looked wonderful but something special caught her eye. It was a small plate of cookies, her favorite cookies. She picked up the plate just to be sure and sure enough printed on the top of the black and white cookie was Oreo. Cat smiled and paid for the cookies. She returned to Terry's table but didn't feel like sitting in the noisy cafeteria. So she told Terry she was going to walk the halls. He said he'd join her after he ate and she nodded. Cat took her cookies and exited the cafeteria.

Though her victory with the cookies she still felt like something wasn't right with everything that was going on. She was confused by how everything had the same scent. The scent was familiar to her but she couldn't place it. And very now and then she'd smell someone who wasn't there. And despite all the people around her she couldn't smell there scents. She thought she were going crazy. She was lost in her thoughts as she walked the halls, and she didn't notice the top jock checking her out, Neilson as Terry had pointed out went after any girl he found interesting. As Catarena walked, enjoying her cookies, she stopped when she noticed a poster on the wall. It was a poster for some club but what caught her eye was the green alien, with a red cape on it. The clues that were coming together seemed familiar. The Oreos and the picture suddenly had a clearer meaning to her. She got the strangest idea that someone was trying to tell her something. Though as she was starting to piece things together someone tore her from her thoughts. She turned around to the grinning face of Neilson. Catarena was surprised to see him and quietly tried to dismiss her self from the uncomfortable situation. She knew the look on his face and she didn't want any part of it.

"So I hear you'll be coming to school here soon." He said and Cat nodded.

"Well, how about we go out on a date to welcome you to town." He suggested but Cat shook her head and moved away from him.

"No thank you. Besides Gotham is my home town." Cat told him but he quickly held her arm.

"Well then how about a welcome back to town date?" He asked as he cornered her against some lockers.

Cat felt her chest tightening up and panic setting in. Her emotions were running wild and she just couldn't get it together.

"I said no thank you. You don't even know me." She told him.

"Well that's what a date is for. To get to know each other better." He said as he got a little closer to her face.

Cat was freaking out, she was frozen where she stood, again holding the charm on her necklace. She was desperately trying to hold back the part of her she no longer wanted to be with.

"No, please leave me alone." Cat said as she choked back tears.

From the end of the hall Terry saw Neilson and Cat. He knew the look on her face from that morning, and sprinted to them.

"Hey leave her alone!" Terry yelled as he reached them.

Neilson stepped away from Cat a bit, pissed at Terry.

"Relax McGinnis we were just talking."

"Yeah right. She really looks like she wants to talk to you." Terry said and Neilson got a good look at Cat. Her bangs hid her eyes but tears streamed down her cheeks. Neilson was speechless. Terry touched Cat's arm and lead her away to a secluded area where she broke down crying. Terry held her, letting her sob into his chest. He wished he could take away the pain she was in. cat didn't know what was going on with the scents and the clues and the voices in her head. She wished they'd all go away. She wished she could just move on and forget it all. She managed to stop crying and look up at Terry. She could see his feelings for her on his face. He wanted to kiss her and as bold as it was he leaned forward. Despite this being what she wished, she knew it wasn't right. Something inside her was trying to tell her something, that much she knew.

(I love you. Please come back to me.)

The voice in her mind pleaded and at that moment she realized who's voice it was. She was now certain the things she was seeing were not real. Tim was calling her, trying to help her get home and she wanted to go home. Cat pushed Terry away gently and stepped away from him.

"No." She said firmly and Terry was surprised.

"He's here… he's been with me this whole time. I've got to find him. I've got to get back to him." cat said.

She was finally putting things together and she knew staying in the school another second wasn't going to help.

"Wait find who?" Terry called after her when she ran from the room.

Catarena ran through the city trying to think of what to do. After a while she made her way to a roof top over looking the city and watched the sunset. She held the necklace with one hand wondering what would happen if she pressed the locator button. Deciding it wouldn't hurt she pressed it. It beeped but nothing else happened. She didn't even know if Tim existed in the fake reality she was in. After a while more Cat heard Tim in her head again, only this time it was his cat side speaking, telling her to wake up, and telling her it was ok to wake up.

(Shadow… it's okay. Wake up. Please wake up… wake up Shadow… Please! Catarena Wake up!)

Tim's voice pleaded to her. Cat started crying.

"I'm trying! I don't know how. I don't know what to do! … Wait. Shadow? That's it!" She said aloud to no one and she stood, trying to transform but something wasn't letting her. Something was blocking her ability to transform and she had a feeling it was her own doing.

(You've gotta wake up. I cant live without you.)

Tim's voice pleaded again. Cat fell to her knees in frustration.

"I'm trying. I don't want to stay here anymore. How do I find you?" She whispered as she bowed her head, she could smell his scent close to her, it was all around her and she sobbed in defeat.

"I'm right here."

A voice from behind her said and Cat turned quickly, startled.

"Who are you?" Cat asked and the older man in front of her held out a familiar object. Tim's necklace.

"I've probably changed a lot haven't I?" The man asked.

Cat's eyes widened in shock. She figured the man before her was Tim in this reality. Catarena could not believe the man standing before her was Timothy Drake. He had let him self go. He was slightly over weight and out of shape. She knew this was not her Tim. Her Tim would not let him self go, Robin or not. You don't stop training with the Batman cold turkey, you retain that régime forever. Cat needed some more time to figure out what was going on so she figured she'd talk to him for a bit. Catarena eyed him to show her displeasure in how he looked.

"You broke your promise." Cat stated dryly.

"I'm so sorry Catarena, but you know I had to obey my father. I was so unfair to him." He said.

Catarena stood and glared.

"And me? Did you ever think about me and the pain you've caused me? …The pain you're still causing me. Living in this future is like Hell!" She said darkly. Tim wanted to say something more but Terry interrupted as he landed on the roof in the Batsuit.

"Catarena I've been searching for you everywhere. Is this who you had to find?" Terry asked.

"No he is not my Tim. I do not belong here. I need to wake up." Cat told him.

"What are you talking about? You are awake." Terry said.

"And what do you mean I'm not Tim. Cat, it's me don't you recognize my scent?" Tim added.

Catarena was getting angry and knew it's what she needed; she needed to awaken the sleeping animal within her.

"I am not awake! And you are not my Tim. Despite his loyalty my Tim would not give up. He would not break his promise. He is with me now. He has never left my side. I can smell his scent next to me even clearer now. I must go home. I must wake up." Cat told them as she stood firmly at the edge of the roof.

"But Catarena, I love you." Terry stated bluntly, older Tim was shocked but Catarena glared.

"You don't even know me. You just met me. I know what this is now. I am dreaming about a twisted future I visited with Batman. But this is not what happened. My Tim was with me in that future even then, and he will stay with me when I wake up from this nightmare. I know who I am now. I am the Shadow, and I do not give up. If you are in this future Terry, you will not become Batman so easily… And you," she said turning to Tim, "will be as you were meant to be. – Goodbye. Thank you for helping me see the truth." Catarena said as she then let her self fall off the roof spreading her arms as if she were flying. She could hear Terry and Tim objecting but soon their voices faded and her feet hit cold stone. She stumbled as she came to a stop, just as she'd thought, in the batcave. She was in control of the dream at last. To her left a beam of light shown her sword in a display case. She walked up to it and took the weapon out, holding it familiarly in her hands. She opened it a little to read the Kanji engraved by the hilt.

"I'm ready to wake up, Shadow."

Cat said to herself and a light turned on leading up to the house. Cat looked up the stairs to the manor and saw a figure in the light. It was too bright to see the figure's face but Cat know who it was. She ascended the stairs to meet the figure, who extended a hand to Cat. Cat took her hand and smiled at Shadow's grinning face. As soon as their hands touched Shadow disappeared and Cat was left in the light. Cat then went up to her room and stood by her bed. She knew now that the familiar scent everything had was her room and she knew she was sleeping on her bed with Tim next to her. She only needed to return to her bed. She stood on the edge of her bed. Gripping her sword she took a deep breath and then let her self fall, where the early light of dawn finally reached her eyes causing them to open at last to the real world.