Disclaimer: I do not own Spider-Man or Batman or any of its characters, except for my OC's

A/N: Hello everyone, this is the opening chapter to a new Fanfic project I just thought up: a crossover where Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Felicia Hardy/Black Cat team up to defend the people of Gotham from new threats as the city's new protectors.

Summary: Takes places a few months after Batman: Arkham Knight and Spider-Man DLC: The City That Never Sleeps. After the unfortunate and untimely deaths of Bruce Wayne/Batman and James Gordon, which leaves Gotham City vulnerable to numerous vicious gangs and finding a note addressed to her left by Bruce, Selina Kyle reluctantly decides to put her criminal ways aside and meets Felicia Hardy, who relocates to Gotham City after surviving the attempt on her life by Hammerhead and after slowly bonding and opening up to each other, the two anti-heroines fall in love and embrace their new roles as Gotham City's new heroes.

P.S. This Gotham City in this fanfic will be a mixture from the Arkham series and Gotham Knights.

Reviews and comments will be appreciated

Prologue

~Gotham City, New Jersey, midnight~

It was a dark and starry night as the moon beamed over the busy metropolis of Gotham City...as two Gotham City Police Department issued sedans were in pursuit of an armored car, which had been hijacked by a small band of robbers, whom were wearing full face ski masks and laughing wildly as they drove down the city streets while one of the gunman, who was armed with a H G36K assault rifle outfitted with a Beta C drum magazine had unleashed a hail of bullets down on the pursuing police cars...and shot out one of the car's tires: which caused the driver to swerve and lose control before colliding into a lamp post!

"Yeah! Eat it pigs!" The robber driving the armored car cried out while laughing wildly, along with the 2nd robber who high fived the 3rd robber, whom had been shooting at the cops and caused the police issued sedan to crash and made a clean get away...as the cops driving the 2nd sedan canceled the pursuit and turned around to assist their fellow policemen.

~Meanwhile in Downtown Gotham~

There was a huge crowd of civilians surrounding City Hall for a truly special event with four news vans and four news teams; with three filming the event while the 4th cameraman had his camera on his partner, a woman in her mid 30's with short blonde hair, blue eyes, standing 5'7'', weaking a tan brown overcoat over a red long sleeve shirt, dark blue jeans and black leather gloves holding a microphone in her right hand while clearing her voice before she began her opening announcement as they aired on live TV.

"This is Vicki Vale with the Gotham News, reporting live outside the steps of City Hall in Downtown. It's been six months since the tragic deaths of Commissioner James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department and billionaire playboy and philanthropist Bruce Wayne...whose secretly identify as the Batman was a truly shocking revelation to not own the people of Gotham, but the entire world and he'll be deeply missed...as he was a true hero to this city and it will never be same without him." The blonde haired reporter, whom introduced herself as Vicki Vale started off professionally as she recounted on the tragic deaths of Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne during the Scarecrow/Arkham Knight incident that nearly left the city decimated...and heartfully stated on how the people of Gotham would deeply Bruce: especially after learning his secret: how the elusive billionaire and CEO of his family's owned conglomerate, Wayne Enterprises was in fact the Batman while displaying a photo of Bruce in his casual business suit and of James Gordon.

"We are gathered here today at City Hall, where Mayor Hamilton Hill is meeting with Commissioner Gordon's replacement: Captain Ellen Yindel, whom will be acting as the newly appointed Commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department and is scheduled to make a speech to the public." Vicki continued as she and her camera man, along with their fellow reporters turned straight to the front steps of City Hall: where they spotted the Mayor of Gotham City, Hamilton Hill and a woman in her late 40's to early 50's, Caucasian with short brown hair and light blue eyes, wearing red trimmed glasses, a grey overcoat, dark green jeans and blood red leather stiletto shoes walked up to each other and shook hands firmly and respectfully before she stepped forward towards the podium.

"Hello people of Gotham. Mayor Hill and I thank you for coming out here today to celebrate this moment together." The brunette, Commissioner Yindel replied with a soft grin on her face as she greeted the crowd of civilians whom welcomed her and applauded after hearing/learning that she would be the new commanding officer of the GCPD.

"Captain Yindel, what will your first order of business as Commissioner of the GCPD be?" A male African American reporter asked as he and the public were curious to what the newly promoted Commissioner of the Gotham City Police would be.

"That's an excellent question, sir. Well obviously, as soon as I get the precinct and introduce myself to my officers, we'll immediately get to business in cracking down crime. Which we will start by searching for and apprehending the three armed perpetrators who pulled off that armored car heist in the Bowery District earlier today. " Commissioner Yindel answered as she directed her answer to the African American reporter, stating on how she and GCPD would immediately get to work in solving the armored car heist that took place in the Bowery just a few hours ago.

"Um, Commissioner? Now that Batman is gone...what does the GCPD plan to do with the Bat Signal?" A different reporter, an Asian-American woman asked as the public were curious to what the GCPD planned to do with the Bat-Signal now that Bruce Wayne/Batman was dead...and they would be taken back by the answer.

"As soon as I get to precinct, I'll have my officers get rid of that absurd relic...as we no longer need it." Commissioner Yindel answered while scoffing at the 2nd reporter's question, stating on how she would have her officers remove and destroy the Bat Signal that Jim Gordon installed on the roof the GCPD, so he and his men could signal Bruce/Batman whenever they needed help with a case they couldn't solve on their own.

"Hold on Captain Yindel...you're going to have your men remove and dismantle the Bat Signal?" A 3rd reported, a Caucasian man retorted as he and the crowd couldn't help but stare in genuine surprise/shock at how the brunette woman planned on getting rid of the Bat Signal...which was practically the only reminder the people of Gotham had of Batman!

"Yes, that's correct. Since Batman is no longer among the living...we have no further use for it." Ellen replied while repeating her previous statement: due to Bruce Wayne/Batman being dead...the GCPD no longer required the Signal!

"Captain Yindel, just how do you plan to run the GCPD?" The 2nd reporter asked as the crowd were curious to how the newly promoted commissioner planned on running the Gotham City Police Department, due to the police force's past history of corruption.

"I plan on running the Gotham City Police Department firmly and fairly, just like Commissioner Gordon did and I fully intend to make sure the cops under my command know that I will not tolerate any form of police misconduct. But the one and only main difference will be is that the GCPD will not ally themselves with vigilantes. And if my officers happen to encounter any Batman wannabees while out on patrol...they will be arrested." The brunette answered as she revealed to the crowd of civilians and reporters that she planned on running the GCPD fairly and effectively just like James Gordon did...whilst stating on how she and her officers would not be working with vigilantes/crime fighters and claiming that if her officers spotted any people playing 'hero' while dressed up as Batman, they would be arrested on sight before she stepped back and walked away from the podium with several people in the crowd murmuring about her previous statement.

~Meanwhile at the Park Row District~

The sidewalks and streets were filled with crowds of people, whom were going about their daily lives in Old Gotham: as they were heading to the stores or returning home from a long day at their work places. Walking amongst in the crowd of civilians was a rather attractive woman in her 30's, standing 5'7'' with short midnight raven hair and beautiful lime green eyes wearing a violet hooded sweater over a black long sleeve undershirt, black jogging pants and fingerless strap-on gloves. The woman's name was Selina Kyle, whom was known in the news and Gotham City PD as Catwoman: a high end and professional thief whom targeted the notorious crime bosses that operated throughout Gotham...and had a rather complicated on/off romantic relationship with Batman. Although...despite being a criminal and thief herself, Selina wasn't without her principles: as she never harmed innocent people while she was pulling off a heist and even aided/fought alongside the Caped Crusader whenever their paths crossed or interests aligned.

As Selina continued to walk through the crowd on the sidewalk, she hailed a cab and asked the driver; a Cuban-American man to drop her off at Gotham Cemetery, which he gladly agreed to. After a rather short and brief drive, Selina had arrived at her destination and after exiting the cab, she paid the cabbie his fare, which he respectfully accepted before driving off. Once the cab driver took off, the dark haired woman silently walked through the cemetery and glanced around: as she noted on how the graveyard was completely devoid of any people visiting either friends or family members that were buried in Gotham Cemetery and after walking deeper in the cemetery...she halted, as she came across the grave she came to visit and couldn't help but shed a tear as she read the name engraved on the headstone: Bruce Wayne.

"...Hello Bruce. It's been a while...six months since we last saw and spoke to each other. I just got back from my...vacation in Paris: enjoying the sights and...exquisite cuisine. Your dear stick in the mud butler, Pennyworth told me what happened at...at your manor." Selina started off softly and casually as she greeted her on and off flame, recounting on how the last time she and Bruce spoke to one another was during the Scarecrow and Arkham Knight incident...and how she had returned to Gotham after 'vacationing' in Paris the past six months and that she had received a phone call from his loyal butler/confidant, Alfred Pennyworth, whom somberly and reluctantly informed her of the standoff between Bruce and Scarecrow at Wayne Manor.

"...Bruce...(sigh) I'm sorry that I wasn't there like I was supposed to. Everything has gone to hell ever since yours and James's deaths: the city's been overwhelmed by street gangs that are terrorizing the people and the GCPD have returned to their old way before Gordon cleaned house and reformed them. The cops are taking bribes, destroying evidence to high profile crimes and even moonlighting as killers for hire. It's gotten even worse since Grayson went back to Bludhaven and Drake and Gordon's daughter moved to Chicago after their wedding day." She softly continued as she genuinely apologized to Bruce for not showing up to assist him in taking down Scarecrow and informed him about the current situation in Gotham: how the streets and neighborhoods had been overwhelmed by vicious streets gangs and how the GCPD had returned to their corrupt and dirty ways during the infamous Black Mask/Joker incident...and how the situation had only gotten worse after Dick Grayson/Nightwing returned to fight crime in Bludhaven and Tim Drake (the current Robin) and Barbara Gordon/Oracle moved to Chicago to get away from Gotham...especially since it reminded Barbara of everything she lost: the loss of her legs (due to Joker shooting and leaving her paraplegic) and the loss of her father.

"But on the other hand, ever since your psycho former protege killed Black Mask...the other criminals you used to deal with have gone into retirement. Ozzy has literally gone straight: he's actually running the Iceberg Lounge as a legit nightclub and Deadshot, Deathstroke, Killer Croc, Freeze and even Bane have left Gotham for good. The only ones still in town are Riddler, Ivy, Mad Hatter, Two-Face, Firefly and good old Harley Quinn...but after Red Hood put the healthy fear of God into them, they agreed to leave the city alone, that is...until he eventually left to fight crime in a different city." Selina softly continued as she revealed to Bruce on after Jason eventually murdered Roman Sionis/Black Mask that the crime rate in Gotham had dropped drastically: as Penguin had left his criminal ways behind and made an honest living running his nightclub, the Iceberg Lounge and how most of his major enemies, namely Lloyd Lawton/Deadshot, Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, Waylon Jones/Killer Croc, Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze and surprisingly even Bane left Gotham for good and how Jason had threatened Riddler, Mad Hatter, Poison Ivy, Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Garfield Lynns/Firefly and Harley Quinn into leaving Gotham alone, which they reluctantly agreed to...before going back on their 'word' after Jason left as well to fight crime in another city.

"I truly hope its beautiful where you are Bruce and...that your finally at peace. Farewell, my love." She softly concluded while wishing her on and off ally/boyfriend for a safe journey into the afterlife and performing the Sign and Cross before placing a gentle hand on Bruce's headstone and walking away.

After she paid her respects to Bruce's grave, Selina had exited the cemetery and hailed a different a cab to drop her off at her new apartment in Park Row. Once the cabbie drove and dropped her off, the raven haired woman pain the driver, a Polish woman in her mid 30's her fare before walking up the stone stairs and entering her apartment building. Although, as soon as she stepped inside her apartment, which was on the 6th floor and had an outdoor balcony that gave her a clear view of the neighborhood...Selina's eyes arched in slight curiosity as she spotted the one thing she didn't expect to find: one of Bruce's Batrangs that was embedded on the wall on the right side of the fireplace with a folded up letter taped to the right side of the rang. As she walked over to the fireplace and removed the Batrang from the wall, Selina unfolded the letter...and stood in absolute silence as she silently read the contents, which was a final message from Bruce.

'Hello Selina. If you are reading this note, which I have no doubt in mind you are...than you've found the Batrang I left for you after we parted ways before I went to rescue Jim from the Arkham Knight. Selina...I realize that I was never the best person when it came to words or expressing my feelings towards anyone. And how everyone around me always felt and thought of me as a heartless bastard, who had no feelings due to my aloof and cold hearted personality...which I couldn't partially disagree with. But that's not entirely true. I did care about the people around me. As you already know, Alfred was the closest thing I had to a father after my parents were killed right in front me by Joe Chill and Jim was the closest friend I ever had when I revealed my identity to him. Dick, Tim and Jason...they were the closest things I had to actual sons and in a way, Barbara was also like a daughter to me...and I realize I never told them this when I first took them on as my students/partners, especially Dick when he was first Robin, but I was always proud of the strong, determined men and woman they had become. Selina...I want you to know that despite our differences, I always felt fortunate to have met you and cherished every moment we spent together. Including the moment we kissed the first time and I truly wish...we had met under better circumstances. Selina, I realize that being a hero isn't in your nature...but I left something you for at the Union Station Belfry in the Financial District. You'll understand when you get there. Farewell. ~Bruce'Selina mentally stated as she went over the letter that was addressed to her by Bruce...and couldn't help but choke back several sobs and smile softly: as her on and off boyfriend admitted on how he truly felt about Alfred, James, Dick, Tim, Barbara, Jason and more importantly, her and how he truly loved her just like she loved him whilst revealing that he had 'left something' for her at the Union Station Belfry...which deeply piqued her interest.

"...Union Station Belfry. Huh." The raven haired woman simply stated while glancing out the window as she was curious to whatever it was that Bruce left for her.

As soon as she finished reading the letter and folded it in her hand, Selina walked into her bedroom; where she placed the note in the right side drawer of her night table for saving keeping and walked into her walk-in closet, where she changed into her Catwoman outfit: which consisted of a black leather skintight catsuit with a cat designed helmet, a black choker with a cat pendant that she wore around her neck and a pair of spy goggles with red lenses that she wore on her forehead a few inches above her eyebrows. She also wore a pair of custom made gloves with cat claws and black high-heeled boots. The one thing that made her outfit standout was the zipper to her catsuit...that she intentionally left open and partially showed her bare C cup breasts, which easily distracted a number of security guards or thugs working for the high level criminals she targeted.

After she had changed into her outfit and grabbed her signature whip, along with the rest of her gear, Selina walked back into the living room/study and opened the doors to the balcony: where she climbed onto the metal railing and closed she eyes for a brief moment before leaping forward and performing a swan dive as she dove towards the pavement...and landed safely on the palms of her cat claw covered hands and feet in front of her building. Once outside, Catwoman stepped into her buildings garage: where she opened the automatic door, climbed onto her personal motorcycle; a custom made 2006 black/purple Ducati 899 Panigale and rode on through at high speed across the city.

As she drove through the city streets, Catwoman heard the unmistakable sound of police sirens blaring out and glanced to the left side view mirror...and smirked in amusement: as she spotted three GCPD issued sedans driving not too far behind her.

"Attention driver, you're driving at an illegal speed! Stop your vehicle and pull over!" A policeman's voice rang out through his sedan's speakers as he ordered Catwoman to pull over; due to riding her motorcycle at an illegal speed.

"Yeah, right. Like that's going to happen." Catwoman stated with a coy smile on her face...as she naturally ignored the officer's orders and accelerated with the sedans giving hot pursuit.

Fortunately for Catwoman, the chase between her and the Gotham City Police didn't last long: as she was able to make tight turns around the street corners much easier than the sedans; as the police officers missed the turns and unfortunately bumped against the sides of various buildings or street lights and she had outfitted her motorcycle with a custom tank filled with nitrous oxide that gave her bike an extra boost of speed; similar to Batman's Batcycle. After she had given the cops the slip, Catwoman simply smiled and drove casually the rest of the way and luckily for her, she soon arrived at the Financial District. Once he arrived at the Belfry, which was in fact Gotham City's most historic landmark; the Old Wayne Tower and followed the pavement markings that led to the side of the old clock tower...that was when a motion activated security camera came online and automatically lowered downward and beamed out a aquamarine colored light that scanned Catwoman's pupils.

"Identification confirmed. Welcome Selina Kyle."A male automated voice stated as the security camera finished its retina scan and identified Catwoman by her secret/civilian identity and the sound of gears shifting echoed out as the 'wall', which was actually a secret entrance to the Belfry automatically slid open, followed by a 2nd door behind the first.

"Please proceed."The automated voice added with Selina nodding in agreement as she did as the computer instructed and drove down the curved path into the Belfry with the two doors automatically lowering behind her.

Once she reached the end of the path, which led straight to a large elevator with metal grating, Selina climbed off her motorcycle and approached the elevator: where the computer screen mounted on the wall automatically lit up and displayed a palm reader, which the raven haired woman complied with and pressed her right hand against the screen as it scanned her hand and after a few short seconds, the screen lit green and authorized her entry into the Belfry. As soon as the grate automatically lifted up, Catwoman stepped onto the elevator and rode it straight to the top of the old clock tower and stared in genuine surprise: as she slowly entered an abandoned loft that was filled with numerous lavish furniture that was covered in canvases and construction equipment. The one piece of equipment that immediately caught her eye was the computer station that was set up in the far back of the room, along with every forensic tool/instrument that were set up on two separate tables.

'Wow...this place is incredible. Bruce literally turned an old clock tower into a miniature version of the Batcave.'Catwoman mentally stated as she stared in awe to what she was seeing and couldn't help but chuckle at how Bruce managed to convert one of his family's oldest properties into a secondary version of the Batcave...which was unfortunately destroyed during Scarecrow's attack on Wayne Manor.

As Selina stepped forward while admiring the equipment that Bruce no doubting had set up in the Belfry, which she fairly assumed was before the Scarecrow/Arkham Knight incident...that was when she heard the elevator automatically going back down and a few seconds later, it came back up.

"By Jove. Ms. Kyle." An all too familiar British voice called out and Selina's eyes widened in slight surprise as she swiftly turned around to see none other than Bruce's loyal family servant, Alfred stepping off the elevator with a black canvas slung over his right shoulder and equally stunned eyes the second he saw the dark haired woman on the top floor of the Belfry.

"...Hello Alfred." Catwoman stated softly and plainly as she greeted Bruce's loyal servant and confidant with her hands behind her back after she lowered her cat designed helmet.

"...What are you doing here?" Alfred softly asked.

"I found a letter that Bruce left for me in my apartment. It said that he left something for me here." Selina answered truthfully as she revealed to Alfred on how she had found a note addressed to her by Bruce in her apartment and how it claimed that he 'left something' for her in the old clock tower...much to his genuine surprise.

"What are you doing here?" She softly asked in return.

"...I found a note that Master Bruce left me as well. It asked that I come here to the Financial District to meet an 'unexpected friend' whom would be waiting for me." Alfred answered as he revealed that Bruce had left a note for him as well and how Bruce requested that he head to the Belfry to meet a 'friend'.

"...And you got me." Selina replied with a casual grin and shrug...as she immediately identified herself as the 'friend' who Bruce instructed to meet at the old clock tower.

"...You know...Bruce truly appreciated everything you had done for him ever since his parents deaths. He even saw and thought of you as a father." She softly added with a somber look on her face...as she informed Alfred on how Bruce truly felt about him in the note he left for her.

"...Yes. I know Ms. Kyle. He was also like a son to me...and I loved him very much. I'm going to miss him." Alfred softly replied as he informed Selina on how he already knew how Bruce felt about him as he wrote it down in his note as well...and stated with tears building in the corner of his eyes on how he viewed and dearly loved Bruce as a son after he took full custody of him after the fateful night of his parents deaths and that he would miss him deeply.

"...I know. I loved him as well and...I'm going to miss him too." Selina softly replied with teary eyes as she admitted to Alfred that despite their on/off rocky relationship and them being on opposites of the law...she loved Bruce as well before she hesitantly walked towards Alfred and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting embrace, which he reluctantly and happily returned as they both sobbed for the death of the man they both cared deeply about.

"Do you know how to turn on the computer?" The raven haired woman softly asked while turning to the computer station...as she had a strong hunch that whatever Bruce left for her was on it.

"Yes...Yes, of course. This will only take a second." Alfred answered as he and Selina released their hold of each other and walked towards the computer station, where he typed in a few keystrokes on the keyboard and the two computer screens instantly lit up with the Bat insignia appearing before vanishing and displaying a wide map of Gotham City...along with a recorded video message of Bruce in his Batman attire without the cowl covering his face that Selina hesitantly played with Alfred standing a few behind her.

"Hello Selina. If you are watching and listening to this recorded message...than you have arrived at the Belfry, which I had hoped you would. As you no doubtingly see, the computer before you is an upgraded model of the Batcomputer: which is connected via satellite and has access to the GCPD criminal database and every law enforcement agency across the globe."Bruce's recorded voice stated as he greeted the raven haired woman and revealed on how the computer that she saw when she first got off the elevator and Alfred just turned on was an upgraded version of the supercomputer that he used back in the Cave and had the same features: a map of the entire city, an encrypted connection to the GCPD's radio frequencies and database to every law enforcement agency.

"Selina, as you no doubtingly noticed, the criminal underworld has already taken control of the streets of Gotham ever since mine and Jim's deaths and the GCPD have returned to their corrupt ways; which makes them just as dangerous...and makes this city a walking powder keg. I realize that being a hero and risking your life for the sake of others isn't in your nature...but Selina, I'm asking you in this recording, if your feelings for me were truly genuine and every moment we shared meant anything to you, I'm asking you...to please save the city that you and I love so much."The recording of Bruce continued as he brought up the current situation throughout Gotham: how the streets were overrun by criminal gangs and that the Gotham City Police Department had gone back to their dirty/corrupt ways before he and James reformed them and asked Selina for the one thing she never expected him of her...to take over his role as the new protector of Gotham!

"Bruce...I..." Selina attempted to say as she was deeply taken back/stupefied by Bruce asking her to become the defender of Gotham City...even though he knew that saving people or doing something out of the goodness of her heart wasn't in her nature.

"...If you choose not to do this...I understand. But if you choose to do so, you'll find that the Belfry has everything you'll need to keep the mission alive. Originally, the Belfry was meant to be a base of operations for Dick, Tim, Barbara and even Jason if they ever decided to return to Gotham. But since Dick returned to Bludhaven and Tim and Barbara moved to get away after the Scarecrow/Arkham Knight affair...and I don't fully yet trust Jason with this duty, for obvious reasons...I'm asking you Selina. In the letter I left for Alfred, I asked him to provide you with a new suit...in the likely event you agreed to my request. Your new suit will have every function as mine, with the exception of a gliding feature and I took the liberty of programing an AI into the Belfry's Batcomputer. It goes by the codename, Night. Goodbye Selina. I truly savored every moment we shared together."The recording of Bruce concluded as he informed Selina that if she agreed to become the new protector of Gotham City, the Belfry would have every tool and resource she'd need, just like the Batcave...and revealed on how he asked Alfred to create and provide her with a new suit, that was similar to his own in the note he left for his faithful and loyal family servant before the message ended.

"Good by my love." Selina softly whispered with a single emotional tear sliding down her cheek as she and Alfred watched the video clip vanish.

"...Alfred. Do you have the suit Bruce mentioned?" She softly added as she turned to Alfred and asked if he had brought that Bruce spoke of in the recording...much to his genuine surprise.

"...Ms. Kyle...Selina...Does this mean...?" Alfred softly asked...even though he clearly knew what the answer was.

"...I'll do it. I'll protect Gotham...to honor Bruce's memory." Selina answered with a firm nod, claiming that she would protect Gotham to honor Bruce's last request.

"...I have the suit right here in this bag. There's a changing room for you try it on over there." Alfred answered with a soft smile on his face as he handed Selina the bag he carried over his shoulder, which she gladly accepted and pointed to a changing room for her to change into her new suit.

The second Alfred handed her the bag, Selina headed towards and entered the changing room, where she placed the bag on the bench, reached in and gasped in silent awe: as she was staring at and holding a state of the art catsuit that was a highly advanced version of the one she was currently wearing. The suit she was holding in her hands was a deep black leather catsuit made with Kevlar weave and ceramic plates sewn in around the chest area, a cowl designed as a cat head with ornamental cat ears and gray goggles with black lenses. The suit also came with black leather gloves with retractable cat claws that popped out from the tips of the fingers and black leather stiletto-heel boots. The last feature that caught her eye and caused a soft smile to form on her lips, was the symbol imprinted on the center of the chest...which was a purple painted insignia of her cowl. Once she was finished admiring her suit, Selina hung it on the door hook...and naturally stripped out of her current catsuit, leaving her only in black lace panties before slipping into her new one.

After she swapped outfits, the dark haired woman stepped out of the changing room where she saw Alfred inputting several commands into the Belfry's supercomputer before glancing to his right, as he heard the floorboards creaking...and stared in genuine awe.

"I say...Selina...You look...absolutely smashing." Alfred stated as he was greatly awestruck by how lovely and majestic the raven haired woman looked in her new Catwoman suit.

"Why thank you Alfred. That's very kind of you." Selina stated with a warm smile as she appreciated Alfred's kind words...which was the exact moment an automated female voice from the Batcomputer spoke out.

"Greetings Catwoman aka Selina Kyle. I am the Artificial Intelligence, Night. It's a pleasure to make your acquittance."The computerized voice stated it greeted Selina and introduced itself as the AI that Bruce created to assist her while speaking in a professional manner.

"Um, hello Night. It's nice to meet you as well." Selina replied a bit hesitantly, as she found it a bit ridiculous to be speaking to a computer program but would eventually get used to it.

"My sensors indicate that you clearly have reservations about me and taking up the mantle of continuing my creator's mission. But Bruce Wayne trusts you and he programmed me to assist in anyway I can, which I will not fail."Night stated as she informed Selina that she could somehow 'tell' that she was still uncertain about taking over Bruce's role as the new protector of Gotham while pointing out on how Bruce trusted her and promised her that she would do her best to assist her.

"...Where do we start?" Selina softly asked with a look of determination on her face, showing that she was more than invested in honoring Bruce's dying wish.

"I'm currently synced in with the Gotham City Police Department's radio systems. Approximately four hours ago, there was a car chase in the Bowery District. A three man robbery crew hijacked an armored car carrying over 5 million dollars that was headed to Gotham National Bank from Dixon Docks. The perpetrators escaped with the money."Night answered as she informed Selina about the heated car chase/armored car heist that took place in the Bowery several hours ago that was committed by a three man robbery crew that the GCPD were currently investigating.

"What do the GCPD know about this crew so far?" Selina asked with raised eyebrows after hearing how brazen this three man robbery crew was and how they made off with 5 million dollars in cash.

"Unfortunately, they don't have that much information. But according to NCIC, these robbers fit the profile of a robbery crew that have hit 6 major cities throughout the country: they hit a Federal reserve in Los Angles, a depository in Seattle, a major bank in Las Vegas, another in Chicago, a federal reserve in Miami and another federal reserve in Manhattan."Night answered as she revealed to Selina on how the robbery crew that the GCPD were investigating had pulled off similar high profile heists in six other major cities throughout the US!

"And now they're here...in Gotham." Selina softly stated.

"Were the local police or Feds able to recover any DNA or fingerprints? A crew like this is bound to make a mistake." She softly asked, wondering if the local police in the cities the robbers had hit or the FBI had managed to recover any forensic evidence that could identify the members off the robbery crew.

"As a matter of fact...there is. During the bank heist in Seattle, the robbers were engaged in a shootout with the Seattle PD as they attempted to escape and one of the robbers was shot. The Seattle Crime Lab ran the blood and came it back to this man, Bryan Darius Vogel: a two-time bank robber and violent career criminal from Detroit, Michigan."The female AI answered as she revealed to Selina that during the Seattle heist, one of the robbers was wounded during a heated firefight between the Seattle PD and left behind some blood evidence...which the Seattle Crime Lab ran and they were able to identify the robber whom was shot: Bryan Darius Vogel and automatically pulled up his prison mugshot; which was of a Caucasian man in his mid to late 40's, standing 5'11 with dark chocolate brown hair in a crew top style haircut, light grey eyes and had a facial scar running down vertically across the corner of his top lip down to his bottom lip and his rap sheet.

"Heh, judging by the look of him...I'd say he's the ring leader of the crew." Selina softly muttered as she thoroughly studied the facial expression of Vogel's face on his mugshot and strongly suspected that he was the leader of the robbery crew.

"I'm inclined to agree Ms. Kyle." Alfred stated with a soft smile on his face...as he was deeply amused at Selina's intuition and how both hers and Bruce's minds were a lot alike.

"...Selina. There's something else you should know."Night softly stated as she had found something rather...unexpected through the federal database.

"What's wrong Night?" Selina asked as she and Alfred had noted the sense of 'dread' in the female AI's 'tone'...and they would be equally stunned by the truly unexpected answer.

"As soon as I pulled up Vogel's prison record...I came upon this news article about an unsolved double homicide that took place in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia one week after the bank heist in Miami, Florida. Two men were found dead, killed execution style with their hands tied behind their backs in Grant Park. The Atlanta PD ran their fingerprints and they came back to a Ronald Broussard: a bank robber from New Orleans and Taylor Hudson: a bank robber from Bullock, Texas."The female A.I. answered...as she hesitantly revealed to Selina and Alfred that she had came across a newspaper article about an unsolved murder in Atlanta that took place one week after the bank job in Miami: how two men were found dead in a public park and that the Atlanta PD identified them through their fingerprints as Ronald Broussard and Taylor Hudson; both of whom were bank robbers, just like Vogel...and both Selina's and Alfred's pupils stared in fear...as they identified Broussard and Hudson as the other two members of Vogel's crew and instinctively knew on how they died.

"...Vogel killed his own partners." Selina stated as she and Alfred turned to each other in shock and horror after learning that Vogel had murdered his own crew/accomplices!

"And due to our own city's history with criminals just like Vogel, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why he did it. He obviously doesn't like to share." Alfred stated as he instinctively knew why Vogel double crossed and killed his own crew: he was greedy and he never had any intention of splitting the money from the previous heists with Hudson and Broussard.

"But if Broussard and Hudson are dead, then...who are the two men that carried out the armored car heist with Vogel?" Selina asked as she was slightly puzzled to who Vogel's new partners were.

"My guess? He no doubtingly recruited local talent as soon as he arrived in Gotham." Alfred answered with a casual shrug as he strongly suspected that Vogel put together a new crew: as Gotham City was filled of the worst criminal scum who were capable of the most unspeakable and heinous crimes.

"Selina, if you wish to discover the identity of Vogel's new accomplices or when they plan to pull their next heist, I'd recommend you start at the Bar 8-Bit in the Cauldron District, as it is a common spot for criminals to buy jobs off one another. Or you could always pay Oswald Cobblepot a visit. Even though Penguin is longer in that life, he's still connected to Gotham's criminal underworld and may have information worth pumping out of."Night stated as she suggested to Selina that she could either look for answers at a local bar in Lower Gotham, which was a known 'social club' for the criminals of Gotham to get their drink on and buy 'jobs' or pay Penguin a 'social visit' at his nightclub; as he still had connections throughout the city and had information that could be useful.

"Alright. Thank you Night. I'll start with the Iceberg Longue." Selina replied as she thanked Night for her input while stating that she would paying Penguin a 'visit' first...due to the Cauldron being not too from the Financial District and importantly: how Cobblepot wouldn't expect to see her.

"You're welcome Selina...or should I say, Catwoman. Good luck out there."Night stated as she wished Selina the best of luck on her first night as Batman's replacement.

"Before you head out Selina, I think it'd be wise for you to get familiar with your gear and features to your new suit." Alfred automatically stated as he suggested to Selina that she'd get familiar with both the features to her new Catwoman suit and more importantly...the gear she would be using for new whole as Gotham's new protector.

"What do I need to know?" Selina softly asked as she strongly knew that Alfred was right and was equally curious to what her new suit was capable of...even though she had a strong gut feeling that her suits functions would be similar to Bruce's Batsuit.

"The lens to your goggles have two functions: they can automatically switch from normal to shaded, which is perfect for whenever you battle adversaries using flashbangs and is outfitted with a Detective Vision feature, so you can identify clues while examining and recreating crime scenes." Alfred answered while starting and gesturing to the goggles first: revealing on how the lenses could switch from normal to tinted; which was ideal for whenever she faced criminals or corrupt GCPD cops armed with flashbang grenades and how the goggles were also outfitted with a Detective Vision feature; just like Bruce's.

"Sewn into the left forearm is a state of the art wrist computer which has a direct link to the Belfry's Batcomputer and Night. After I make a few adjustments to your motorcycle, you'll be able to summon it by remote control...just like Bruce did with the Batmobile, Batcycle and Batwing." Alfred continued as he revealed to Selina on how the left arm to her suit had a sewn in wrist computer that had a direct connection to the Batcomputer and Night's CPU and stated that he made a few modifications to her motorcycle, she'd be able to call for it remotely...just like Bruce had done with his high tech car, motorcycle and aerial vehicle.

"As you no doubtingly noticed, the gloves to your suit have retractable claws that are suitable for climbing sheers walls and more importantly...they were crafted by military grade titanium steel: which makes them sturdy enough to match Deathstroke's katana should you ever have the misfortune of encountering him in the future." The elderly British man continued as he revealed to Selina on how the retractable claws to her gloves were forged from military grade titanium...which made them equal enough to match Deathstroke's swords, which earned an amused grin from the raven haired woman as she looked at the claws to her right hand in fascination.

"And lastly, the ceramic plates to the chest area of your suit are virtually identical to the ones in Bruce's suits: as they are capable of withstanding damage from various caliber of bullets, grenades, blunt objects and even heavy ordinance." Alfred concluded as he explained to Selina on how the ceramic plates to her suit were practically built and designed after the same ones to Bruce's Batsuit: which were capable of withstanding damage from any type of weapon, blunt object and even explosions from a grenade or exploding car/barrel.

"Thank you Alfred. What about my new gear?" Selina softly stated as she thanked Alfred for walking her through the features to her new Catwoman suit and was curious to what sort of gadgets/gizmos Bruce had left for her...and she would be deeply surprised by the answer.

"Unfortunately Selina...Master Bruce didn't have the time to create equipment that he felt would suit you. So, you'll need to rely on your tools for the time being." Alfred hesitantly answered as he painfully informed the raven haired woman that Bruce was unable to put together the gear she'd need for her new role as Gotham's protector and that she would simply need to use the tools she used during her cat burglar days.

"But like Bruce said in the recording, the Belfry has a workstation and all the resources you'll need to put whatever new gear/equipment you'll need together."Night automatically added as she pointed out to Selina on how she could always design and craft new gear and equipment by herself; just like Bruce did.

"Works for me. Oh wait...I'm still going to have to finish setting up the Belfry: getting the work stations setup, buying the furniture, food..." Selina stated as she was perfectly fine with using her whip, caltrops and bolas and was about to head out...before pausing in mid-step, as she quickly remembered a last minute realization: how she would still need to fix up the Belfry, as it was only halfway done and would also serve as her new home...as Two-Face still harbored a vendetta against her ever since the Arkham City/Protocol 10 incident!

"I'll handle it." Alfred softly stated as he assured Selena that he would get the Belfry fixed up while she was out.

"Alfred, are you sure?" The raven haired woman asked with raised eyebrows after hearing Alfred claiming he would have the Belfry all set up by himself!

"It's not a problem. Simply provide me a list of whatever you think you'll need and I'll make a few calls to have whatever furniture you want delivered here." The middle aged British man answered with a soft shrug as he reassured Selina that he didn't mind putting the final touches to the Belfry while she ventured out to apprehend Vogel and his new crew.

"Alright, thank you." Selina replied as she deeply appreciated Alfred offering to setting up the Belfry while she was gone and began walking towards the elevator.

"But Selina..." Alfred softly called out, which earned her attention.

"...after I set up the Belfry and make the necessary adjustments to your motorcycle, that's as far as I can help you. After that...I'm done." He softly continued as he somberly informed Selina that he saw that the Belfry was all set up and she had everything she needed for her new role/life...he wouldn't be able to assist her anymore.

"You're not staying Alfred?" Selina asked as she was slightly taken back by Alfred informing her that he was abandoning the mission.

"...If only I could. I've dedicated my entire life serving Master Bruce and his family ever since I moved here to America. But now that Thomas, Martha and Bruce are gone, Master Dick is in Bludhaven, Tim and Barbara are in Chicago and its anyone's guess to where Jason is...there's no point in me staying." Alfred answered truthfully as he somberly brought up his history in faithfully working for the Wayne family the day they first hired him...and pointed out on how there was nothing for him in Gotham: as Bruce and his parents, Dick, Tim, Barbara and Jason were gone.

"But where will you go?" Selina softly asked.

"Back to London, I suppose and spend time with my daughter, Julia. She told me that she's seeing this fine chap whom she's been dating for three weeks." Alfred answered truthfully, stating on how he would be returning home to London: where he would spend the rest of his days with his adult daughter Julia and getting to know her current boyfriend, whom she claimed was a complete gentleman.

"When do you leave for London?" Selina softly asked, wondering on when Alfred would be leaving for the United Kingdom.

"My flight leaves tomorrow at 10:45 pm. So...tomorrow will be my last day here in Gotham." Alfred answered solemnly, revealing on his plane would be leaving Gotham International Airport at 10:45 pm tomorrow night...and that tomorrow would be his last official day in Gotham City.

"...Do Bruce's former little rug rats know?" Selina softly asked, wondering if Dick, Tim, Barbara and Jason knew about him leaving Gotham.

"Yes. I called Master Dick six hours ago and he called Tim and Barbara. I spoke to Jason two hours ago during the drive here. They're not too happy about me leaving...but they understand and respect my decision." Alfred answered, stating that he had given the uneasy news to Dick, Tim, Barbara and Jason several hours ago and even though they were upset/heartbroken about their loyal friend and secondary father figure leaving Gotham...they supported his decision and wished him the best.

"...You're going to be missed Alfred." Selina softly stated as she reluctantly told Alfred, that even though they weren't that close and didn't exactly like each other (due to their past history)...even she would miss him as well.

"Thank you Selina. Take care of yourself." Alfred stated with a soft smile on his face as he and the raven haired woman walked towards each other and they shared one last embrace.

As soon as they released their hold of each other, Selina grabbed her trademark whip, along with her caltrops and bolas that she placed securely around her waist as she rode the elevator down to the lower level; where she mounted on her motorcycle and rode up the path with the covert doors automatically opening.

'Watch out Gotham. There's a new hero in town...and she's got claws.'The masked dark haired woman mentally stated with a smirk on her face as rode down the streets of Gotham City.

A/N: There it is everyone, the 1st chapter to my new Catwoman/Black Cat crossover fanfic. I would like to apologize if the 1st chapter seems a bit short. I did mean to have Selina/Catwoman meet Felicia/Black Cat right off the bat...but I decided to save that for the 2nd chapter. I merely wanted the 1st chapter to focus on the aftermath of Scarecrow/Arkham Knight incident and Selina's decision on becoming Gotham City's new protector. I should have the 2nd chapter posted sometime at the beginning of 2025. Until next time, take care.