Black Cat
Backstory:
Felicia Hardy's father Walter Hardy was a world-renowned cat burglar who, before his arrest, encouraged her to never settle for second best. For example, if she loved basketball, she should work to become a basketball player and not just a cheerleader.
During her freshman year in college, she had gone to a party and was nearly raped by a drunken student in a bathroom, when she was saved by another student, named Ryan. Felicia and Ryan became close friends, spending most of their time together until one night Ryan demanded that it was time for their relationship to become physical. Felicia's protests were in vain. Hating the idea of being a victim, she decided that she would murder her rapist despite the consequences. She put aside her studies and began training in various fighting styles and acrobatics. After months of preparing, she set out for revenge, but before she could find him, Ryan was killed in a drunk driving accident.
Furious that she was denied the chance to steal the life of the man who had stolen hers, and feeling reckless, Hardy decided to utilize her new skills to follow in the footsteps of her father. After having been arrested, Felicia was freed from prison by the Black Fox, her father's mentor, who took Felicia as his new pupil. She was trained by Black Fox alongside fellow thief Tamara Blake and although the latter was better than Felicia, Black Fox favoured Hardy due to her having genuine joy in theft and not being in it for just the money. After amassing a fortune in stolen items, Felicia chose to adopt a costume identity. She first donned the Black Cat costume in order to break her father out of prison. On the same night, she met Spider-Man. Despite her antipathy towards men, Felicia felt a kinship with this lone hero. Spider-Man was the first man she felt she could trust, and she grew to love him.
Felicia looked for a way to earn his trust and continued with the Black Cat persona as a misguided attempt to attract his affection. However, she was still cunning enough to fake mental instability when captured, ensuring she was housed in a less secure facility.When she was released, Felicia initially agreed to go straight for Spider-Man, and the web-slinger even had his friend on the force Captain DeWolff begin drawing up amnesty papers. The Black Cat decided to pull one last big score, however, and attempted to manipulate Spider-Man into joining her life of crime. He tried to capture her again, but Felicia seemingly flung herself to her death rather than go back to jail. Captain DeWolff ironically arrived with the now useless amnesty papers shortly after.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Enhanced Senses (Via earrings and her electromagnetic contact lenses),
Acrobatics,
Expert Martial Artist,
Probability Manipulation,
Cybernetic implants (And no, not those kind of implants. They're ballasts.)
Weaknesses: None noticeable
Catwoman
Backstory:
Selina Kyle's early life was defined by tragedy. When she was just a girl, her brutalized mother Maria committed suicide and her violent father Brian drank himself to death soon after. Selina was separated from her younger sister Maggie when remanded to the Sprang Hall Juvenile Detention Center, an abusive state home for orphaned or delinquent girls. Eventually, she escaped the Center and tried pickpocketing the crowd at a carnival outside Gotham City but failed. She was caught by the man who ran the place and he offered her to join the carnival. Selina agreed and soon she learned the art of contortionism, gymnastics, magic and trickery. Using her new learned skills, Selina also improved her pickpocketing skills. When the owner of the carnival died in a tragic accident, Selina decided to take her chances on the streets of Gotham, surviving as a petty thief.
Selina began working as a prostitute in the East End to get by. She watched over an underage girl named Holly Robinson while working for their abusive pimp Stan. After a particularly aggressive beating from Stan, Selina passed out near the Immaculate Virgin Mission, a nunnery where her sister Maggie served as a nun. She was sent to the hospital, where she was visited by Detective George Flannery. He took pity on her and told her of Ted Grant, a man who could teach her how to fight and defend herself. She met with Ted and he agreed to train her. Selina first met Bruce Wayne when he was walking through the East End and solicited by Holly. He rejected her advances and Stan berated Holly, causing Bruce to attack him. Fearing for Holly's safety, Selina approached and fought Bruce, but was knocked out. Later, she returned to Ted and asked him to train her in the use of the bullwhip.
One night, Selina was woken up by the news that the Batman was being cornered by police in Robinson Park. She and Holly decided to see for themselves, and Selina saw firsthand Batman making his escape. Seeing Batman in action gave her the idea that she could become a creature of the night like him. Selina returned the beating Stan gave her and left him, taking Holly with her and declaring that she was changing her line of work. She fashioned her own costume, inspired by her love of cats, and began operating as a cat burglar: the Catwoman. On one of her first heists she robbed the home of mob boss Carmine Falcone and decided that, to distinguish herself, she would claw the faces of her victims, starting with Falcone.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant,
Acrobatics,
Stealth Mastery,
Surface Scaling,
Weapon Mastery (highly proficient in the use of the bullwhip and various gadgetry)
Weaknesses: Normal human weaknesses, but has survived situations that would kill an average human.
Song: Cat Fight
The quiet Gotham night enveloped the city, and the Museum of Art was shrouded in silence. A lone security guard patrolled through the dim, empty halls, illuminating his path with a beam of light from his flashlight. Numerous protected exhibits, carefully enclosed behind layers of display glass, adorned the museum's walls, including a striking jade lion under vigilant watch.
Unnoticed by the security guard, a skylight high above allowed a sliver of the night's soft moonlight to pour into the museum. In a display of remarkable precision, a set of steel tipped claws silently sliced through the glass, cutting out a perfect circle. Without a sound, a figure gracefully slithered through the opening, revealing the renowned and notorious thief, Black Cat.
The security guard, still on edge, spun around in response to a suspicious noise echoing through the hallway. However, no sign of the noise's source was visible in the dimly lit corridor. Taking a moment to steady himself, the guard prepared to continue his patrol when, without warning, the renowned Catwoman materialized behind him. With a quick and expert move, she delivered a nerve pinch to his neck, swiftly rendering him unconscious.
"Sshh, sshh, easy there, big boy."
Catwoman cooed quietly. Catwoman quietly and discreetly tucked the unconscious security guard in a nearby closet before pivoting her attention towards the prized jade statue. Her eyes shimmered with anticipation, the thrill of the thieving hunt coursing through her veins. Unbeknownst to her, however, Black Cat was stealthily making her way towards the same statue, mirroring the same eagerness and intent.
Both women had silently slunk towards the same pedestal adorned with the coveted jade lion, their stealthy approach going unnoticed. But when they both rose to their feet simultaneously, facing the statue from opposite sides, Selina Kyle and Felicia Hardy were astonished to find each other standing there, almost like mirror images of one another. Selina attempted to conceal her surprise with a scoff, attempting to maintain the upper hand with a witty retort.
"Oh, what do we have here? A literal copycat? I'd be flattered, if you weren't trying so hard to copy my style."
She said, her words laced with a hint of sass and irony. Felicia took offense to Selena's comment, pointing to herself with a defiant expression. She protested,
"Excuse me? I'm the Black Cat. I'm following in my father's footsteps, not yours. Don't flatter yourself."
Selina chuckled, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Ah, so you're a daddy's girl, huh? Well, I do hope you're not trying to copy my whole cat burglar routine. That would just be sad. In any case, stealing cat themed artifacts are my thing as well, so you may want to leave before you get hurt, kitty cat."
Felicia bristled at the remark, her eyes narrowing. She growled, her voice laced with irritation.
"Don't you dare call me that. And who do you think you are, claiming sole ownership of cat themed artifacts? Sounds like someone's afraid of a little competition."
Selina chuckled once more, her smirk widening.
"Competition? Oh, honey, you're adorable. But let's be real, I've been doing this whole cat burglar shtick way longer than you. And trust me, kitty cat, I don't think you're anywhere close to my calibre."
Frustration etched across her face, Felicia clenched her jaw.
"Don't you dare call me 'kitty cat' again, or I'll really show you my claws."
Selina feigned a pout, her tone mockingly sweet.
"Oh, what's the matter, little kitty? Did I hit a nerve? I must say, you're quite adorable when you're grumpy."
"That's it!"
Black Cat exclaimed, flipping over the statue in fury and launching a barrage of acrobatic martial arts attacks. However, Catwoman proved to be more than ready to counteract the younger woman's advances, displaying her ability to deftly defend against the onslaught. Catwoman delivered a few quick strikes, but Black Cat skillfully evaded them. However, Selina managed to land a firm kick to Felicia's stomach, causing her to stumble back momentarily.
Selina continued with a low sweeping kick, but Black Cat adeptly vaulted over it. Catwoman unleashed a high kick, only for Felicia to counter by swiftly raise her arm to block it. Black Cat seized the opportunity to retaliate with a strong punch aimed at Catwoman's side, and followed up with a couple of punches to the face. Selina was jolted by the attacks and quickly somersaulted away to create a gap between them.
Catwoman retrieved her whip and showcased her remarkable proficiency in wielding it as she snapped it towards Black Cat. However, the younger woman proved nimble and elegant as she deftly avoided the whipping lashes. In a moment of bad fortune, one of Catwoman's whip lashes accidentally made contact with the protective glass covering the jade lion, shattering it into many broken shards, triggering the alarm system.
"Shoot!"
Both women exclaimed in unison, realizing their misfortune.
"Well, as much as I'd love to stay and put you in your place, I've got to run now. Toodles!"
Catwoman swiftly employed her whip to snag the jade lion from its pedestal and prepared to make a hasty retreat. Black Cat exclaimed with determination,
"Not so fast!"
She quickly deployed a cat-clawed grapple line towards the ceiling and swung, swiftly catching up to Catwoman only to kick her down to the ground. Felicia then adeptly snatched the jade lion from the air, preventing it from crashing onto the floor.
Black Cat paused to relish her claimed trophy, a self-satisfied smirk on her face. Catwoman swiftly regained her footing, frustration evident in her expression as she twirled her whip menacingly, preparing to attack again. But to Selina's surprise, Felicia casually caught the whip with her arm, without even looking, leaving the original cat burglar momentarily stunned as she looked at her foe smugly.
With a flick of her wrist, Black Cat tossed the jade lion into the air and skillfully yanked Catwoman towards her, seamlessly employing a judo flip to send Selina flying into another pedestal. There, to her credit, Selina swiftly prevented a nearby ancient ceramic pot from shattering to the ground by grabbing it just in time. Felicia caught the jade lion with ease, her chuckle of amusement echoing through the night. Black Cat approached the designated display pedestal once more and affectionately, yet sarcastically, addressed the jade lion.
"Stay here and wait for me, precious."
She placed the statue gently and deliberately back in its original spot, preparing herself to fully give her undivided attention to Catwoman. Meanwhile, Selina carefully returned the ceramic pot to its corresponding place. Black Cat felt the unexpected grip of a whip around her throat, abruptly yanked backward by Catwoman, who took advantage of the momentum to deliver a swift capoeira sweep kick to her face, sending her crashing down to the ground.
Though staggered by the impact, Black Cat effortlessly back rolled and swiftly regained her footing. Just as Selina attempted another lash with the whip, Felicia adeptly caught the weapon and, with a quick pull, wrestled control of it. Despite Catwoman's initial determination to hold on, bad luck intervened as the whip tore from the handle, diminishing its potency significantly. Selina seethed with irritation as Black Cat flashed a smug grin in response as she tossed the broken whip away.
"Now that you don't have your little toy, we can settle this face-to-face. Just us girls."
Black Cat stood confidently, adopting a martial stance, poised in a cat stance karate position, ready to engage in fierce combat.
"You want to do this claw to claw? Fine."
The clash of fists, kicks, and acrobatic maneuvers filled the air, both women displaying exceptional fighting skills. Catwoman's experience and adaptability countered Black Cat's agility and speed, making for a thrilling catfight. Their battle continued, each trying to dominate the other.
Felicia executed three swift kicks, all of which Catwoman blocked with impressive reflexes. Undeterred, Black Cat responded with a back flip over Selina's low sweep, displaying agility and dexterity. However, she was caught off guard as Catwoman landed a series of facial punches and a harsh kick to the gut. The scuffle continued with a powerful capoeira kick, sending Felicia rolling across the floor.
Catwoman pounced, claws extended, aiming to sink them into Black Cat. But Felicia proved adept at evading, quickly rolling to the side and skillfully avoiding the attack. In a swift counterattack, Black Cat simultaneously slashed into Catwoman's side with her own claws, drawing blood and demonstrating her own sharp instincts. Catwoman howled in pain as her side bled from the attack, but in a stroke of misfortune, her claws became lodged in the floor, refusing to budge.
"Are you kidding me?!"
She groaned in frustration, desperately attempting to wrench her claws free. Black Cat chuckled, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Here, let me help you."
She began tugging at Catwoman's feet, yanking the original thief's with surprising strength. Catwoman's claws came free with a forceful pull, but the momentum had her sliding across the floor, leaving claw marks everywhere she went as she desperately tried to keep herself from being dragged. With a quick spin on her heels, Black Cat seized Catwoman in a tight grip and whirled her around in a series of dizzying circles. Then, with a powerful swing, she flung Selina forcefully into a wall, causing a spiderweb of cracks to form where she slammed into it.
Catwoman groaned in pain, disoriented and struggling to regain her bearings. Felicia approached, her smirk growing wider as she brandished her steel-tipped claws, preparing to deal another strike. However, in a moment of catlike instinct, Catwoman swiftly retaliated, her diamond-tipped claws effortlessly slicing through Black Cat's, rendering her claws useless.
Felicia recoiled in shock as she assessed her hand, sighing in relief as she realized her fingers were unharmed, just the artificial nails were sliced off. As she watched Catwoman begin to rise, Black Cat swiftly made another move, deploying her other set of claws on her other hand. Selina reacted swiftly, catching Black Cat's claws with her own diamond claws. The clash of sharp weapons caused sparks to fly and produced a series of loud cutting noises.
In an unexpected twist of misfortune, Black Cat managed to rip the claws and latex leather fingertips clean off Catwoman's costume glove. With a smirk, she taunted the original thief.
"Seems like today's not your day, huh?"
"Have you been making a fool out of me this whole time?"
Selina questioned, not appreciating having as hard of a time that she has been. Felicia sneered with confidence, her arrogance on full display.
"Oh, darling, there's no need to try. I'm just naturally gifted, unlike you."
She intentionally kept quiet about her passive ability to manipulate luck. After all, it brought immense satisfaction to watch Catwoman struggle time and time again due to her bad luck.
"Bitch!"
Selina bellowed a scathing retort as she furiously charged forward, engaging in a fierce exchange of blows with Felicia. The original hero's martial prowess clashed with Black Cat's heightened speed and agility, creating a dynamic back-and-forth of punches and dodges.
Catwoman delivered a hard punch to Black Cat's gut, causing her to double over in pain. Sensing an opening, Selina swiftly followed up with a vicious knee to the face. But Felicia, despite being winded, managed to catch Catwoman's next punch and retaliate with a brutal elbow to the face. With a powerful kick, she then sent the original thief stumbling backwards.
Selina struggled to rise from the ground, shaking her head to clear her mind. She and Black Cat were both panting heavily, their usually pristine appearances now marked by a mix of bruises and minor cuts. It was clear that the intense fight had taken a toll on them both, but neither was willing to admit defeat.
Catwoman leaped high in the air, executing a forceful flying kick, but Black Cat nimbly slid on the ground, dodging the attack with grace. Once on their feet again, both women launched into a spinning kick simultaneously, their legs meeting in a powerful collision of force.
Selina landed a powerful capoeira kick that knocked Black Cat's domino mask off, the eyewear dropped with a clattering noise. Felicia grimaced at the loss and continued the fierce exchange of blows with Catwoman. In a calculated strike, Black Cat sliced through Catwoman's mask, leaving bleeding cuts on the side of her face.
Selina shot back with a forceful kick to Black Cat's stomach, but she found herself outmaneuvered as her rival quickly executed a nimble cartwheel flip. Before she could react, Catwoman found her head locked between Black Cat's thighs as they both crashed to the floor.
Catwoman choked as her airway was blocked by the firm grip of Black Cat's powerful thighs. However, refusing to give in without a struggle, she instinctively dug her claws into her opponent's leg, slicing through the cat suit. Felicia yelped in pain as she let go of Selina, stumbling away and clutching her now bleeding leg.
Stumbling upon the shattered remnants of the discarded whip, Black Cat's mind flashed with an idea just in time to evade the incoming pounce from Catwoman, her diamond-tipped claws extended. As Selina lunged, Felicia sidestepped the attack while swiftly wrapping the whip around Catwoman's neck. With a quick flip, she effortlessly tossed her opponent onto the floor and found herself seated on top of the bewildered thief.
Despite the pain from the slashes and the claws digging into her sides by Selina, Black Cat grit her teeth and maintained her grip on the whip, using her right leg to restrain Catwoman's arm. She then intensified the pressure on the whip, causing it to constrict around Selina's neck, slowly cutting off her airflow.
Catwoman struggled with all her strength, but the relentless pressure of the whip around her throat proved too much to overcome. After a brief moment of futile struggling, Selina Kyle finally succumbed to the lack of oxygen and lost consciousness. Felicia Hardy sighed in relief as she rolled off her defeated adversary, taking deep breaths but wincing in pain due to her own injuries.
Black Cat took a few deep breaths to regain her energy before summoning the strength to stand up. Her movements were sluggish from the exertions of the intense fight, but she remained determined as she made her way to the jade lion statue. She reached out and finally claimed the coveted trophy of their cat-astrophe.
Just as Felicia was celebrating her victory, she heard some struggling noises behind her. Turning around, she saw Catwoman crawling on her hands and knees, trying to close the distance.
"Wait... I'm not done with you yet,"
Selina hissed through gritted teeth, her determination not yet broken. A satisfied smirk played on Black Cat's lips, and she responded with a mocking tone.
"All I have to say is... better luck next time."
As if fate had a sense of humor, a hanging light suddenly broke free from the ceiling and crashed onto Catwoman's back, knocking her unconscious. Felicia Hardy chuckled to herself as she witnessed the final stroke of bad luck. Without wasting a moment, she swiftly climbed the rope she used to enter the museum, just as the police stormed in, encircling the defeated Selina Kyle.
Strength: Both thieves were very close in nearly all categories, but only Black Cat had the luck to pull it off. First off, despite Selina being categorized as a world class fighter by Batman himself, with strength comparable to Olympic athletes, and even once pulling down an estimated 6 ton helicopter, Felicia is able to hold her own against Spider-Man, who can regularly pull off strength feats around 25 tons, making her roughly 4X stronger at most.
Speed: Both women were mostly the same, being able to dodge point blank gunfire from multiple assailants at once. However, not only can Black Cat dodge attacks from Carnage, who is faster than Spider-Man, she can regularly tag Spider-Man in the majority of their interactions, despite his Spider Sense letting him know ahead of time, implying she's faster in attack and reaction speeds.
Skill: Catwoman is the more martially skilled, having trained in six martial arts while Black Cat is only proficient in two, and Felicia has struggled fighting against more skilled fighters if she had no other advantages to compensate.
Experience: I'd consider these thieves equal in experience. While it's difficult to gauge their exact ages, Selina at times has been at it long enough to reach her early 40s, while Felicia is typically younger than that. However, while Catwoman is more experienced fighting human level supervillains, Black Cat is more used to fighting superhuman level supervillains, such as Sabertooth, the Lizard, the Vulture, Scorpion, Carnage, so on and so forth.
Powers: Catwoman is one of the best non-powered humans that scales to Batman, and can have superior range with her whip along with the superior diamond dipped claws, but there's one thing she can't combat: Felicia's luck manipulation. Time and time again, it has undermined opponents without discrimination, allowing her the win. Sure, there have been times where it's been detrimental to Black Cat, but the costs don't always outweigh the benefits.
The winner is Black Cat.
Next time:
"It's good we're at a competition. If this were South Town, you'd be dead... stupid."
"Blind loyalty is not a good thing, as I have learned. You must keep your eyes open to anticipate the finishing blow."