B-Z: Laugh Riot - Ch.4

Kara had finished Barbara’s ‘Batgirl’ costume a while ago, but Barbara was still putting the finishing touches on it. She had snuck into the police station and taken one of the many damaged utility belts her father had collected and locked up to keep people from finding any forensics evidence that could possibly be on them as to who Batman really was. Gordon even had one of his broken belts on his mantel. Barbara was going to use that one at first, but quickly realized Gordon would notice it was missing. A missing belt out of the vault would be written off as a mystery. She found one she liked that had the locks for the individual compartments broken so she could open it, and put it in a satchel she had. She grabbed a few batarangs as well, taking as many as she thought she could get away with. Finally, she took a broken grappling gun and all the cable with it. She had no hope of fixing it, but she figured it’d make a great show piece for her costume.
“Maybe a grappling hook…” She thought out loud as she tinkered with it. The retractor on it still worked, a bonus in her mind. She could make a dramatic entrance and impress everyone at the party at once. She held her breath as she made her way out of the police HQ, not believing that she was getting away with it until Gordon stopped her.

“Barb, wait up.” She stopped dead in her tracks, staying calm and turning around with a smile.

“Hi, Dad. What’s up?”

“You’ve met Renee Montoya before, right?” Barbara looked over at Renee. Renee smiled and tilted her head.

“Of course, we met back when Loeb kidnapped her.”

“Right.” She hugged her. “It’s great to see you again, Miss Montoya. Are you and Susan still…”

“Unfortunately…no. Susan moved to Central City not too long ago…said Gotham was too much.”

“That’s too bad…”

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. Renee will be joining us at the fundraiser Wayne and Zatara are throwing.” Barbara nodded.

“That’s good…Then I don’t have to feel guilty about this…” She cleared her throat. “Dad…I think I’m going to have to skip the party…A lot of work’s come up in school…I just don’t have the time…” Gordon hung his head slightly. “I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay, though I’m worried about you, Barbara. You work all the time, you’re either at the school, the library or your martial arts classes…You have almost no free time, and you never…”

“I know, Dad…but summer’s coming. I’ll have a lot more free time, and I promise I’ll spend more time relaxing and less time working.”

“Alright…I’ll miss you at the party.”

“I’ll miss you, too.” She hugged him. “Sorry, dad…” Barbara could barely stand lying to Gordon like that, but figured it’d be okay when she showed up at the party. She knew that’d make his night.


Zatanna was putting the finishing touches on her costume when Bruce came in. He was just wearing a normal business suit. Zatanna stopped, turning around, shooting a glare at him.
“What?”

“Tell me you’re not wearing that tonight.” Bruce shrugged slightly. “Bruce, it’s a COSTUME ball.”

“I don’t do costumes.” Zatanna laughed slightly.

“Please…You do realize what line of work you’re in, right?”

“That’s different.” Zatanna shook her head.

“No, it’s not. Not at all. Please tell me you have a costume…” Bruce groaned.

“I have a fine black suit I can wear. I’ll hold a Martini glass all night and say I’m James Bond.” Zatanna smiled.

“What about the gun?”

“I don’t do guns.” Bruce growled slightly

“Alright…I suppose that’s good enough…” She kissed him. “You did buy me the Manor…”

“And renovated it.” Zatanna kissed him again.

“You’re going to over play that one too many times soon…” He smiled slightly.

“Might as well press the advantage while I have it.” He kissed her. “I got a surprise RSVP at the last minute from Kathy Kane.” Zatanna’s eyes lit up at the news.

“Really?” She took the RSVP from the pocket he was keeping it in. “It’s alright, right? I mean, I know we already set up a cut off date and…all the dinners are…”

“I already took care of it, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, Bruce.”

“Why are you so interested in an heiress that’s been locked away from the public eye for almost fifteen years now?” Zatanna sat down in a chair next to her costume.

“Over ten years ago, my father and I performed at a small private birthday party for her. I saw her, sitting away from all of the other girls in a back corner, cowering in fear of her own shadow…I did my best to talk to her and keep her company while Dad performed for the group…I don’t know what happened to her, but it was something horrible, and I felt…I just felt really bad for her and wanted to help her feel happy again.” Bruce nodded.

“She has been through a lot…She deserves to be happy.”

“Wait…you know what happened to her?” She could tell by his silence he did. “What happened?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s not my place.”

“Was it that bad?” Zatanna said, fretting in the back of her mind.

“…worse.” Bruce decided to change the subject. “What’s your costume?”

“It’s hard to explain…I’m trying to make it look like my mother’s traditional Atlantian clothes.”

“So, you’re going to the costume as…your mother…”

“Yeah…I hope it doesn’t creep you out…”

“It’s fine.” He kissed her. “Whatever makes you happy.” Zatanna smiled and hugged Bruce, but when she did, she saw another RSVP in his pocket. It was for Selina Kyle, and she had responded no. It brought up countless questions that were going to bug her until she got the answers, but she was too afraid to ask now. She’d bothered by it until she asked, but she decided to put it off.


The party soon came. The Magician’s Manor was restored to its former glory. All of its brilliant and intricate chandeliers were repaired and lit, the marble floors were brilliant and shone white, and all of the secret passages, trap doors, and everything else were repaired. Zatanna greeted everyone as they came in while Bruce ‘worked the party’. They had turned the central lobby into a ball room and even had a small formal band. Commissioner Gordon came in the room dressed as Sherlock Holmes, complete with working pipe.
“Isn’t it a little predictable that you’d dress like a detective?” Montoya said as she met him at the door.

“You’re not even wearing a costume, Renee.” Montoya was wearing a stunning black dress and a small mask around her eyes.

“Costumes have never really been my thing. Besides, this is my first time out since Susan dumped me.” She checked herself out in a compact. “I’ll be damned if any prospective dates are going to see me dressed like one of the nut jobs I drag in.”

“Alright, well…Have fun, don’t get too drunk.”

“Take all the fun out of everything, Commish.” Zatanna walked over to them.

“Commissioner, Sergeant. I’m glad you both could make it.” She said with a slight bow. “It’s good to have two members of the GPD here.” Gordon nodded and made some slight small talk with Zatanna. Renee couldn’t help but steal a look at Zatanna. “…Miss Montoya?” She quickly realized Zatanna had asked her a question.

“Huh? I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you over the music and ruckus…”

“I asked if there’s any significance to your costume?”

“No, not really…Just something I bought and never got to wear before.”

“Ah…Well, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

“I’m sure I will…” Montoya went off to the party. Commissioner Gordon went off as well, looking to see if he’d recognize anyone in the crowd. Zatanna waited, finally seeing the person she wanted to see, Kathy Kane coming through the door, flanked by two large body guards. Kathy was beautiful, with deep red hair and brown eyes, but was handing her head, looking at the ground in front of her as she walked. She was wearing a red dress and elbow high white gloves, but no signs of a costume.

“Miss Kane…” Kathy looked up, seeing Zatanna. She waved the guards off to a distance and stood in front of Zatanna. “I’m honored that you decided to come to my little fundraiser.”

“I…I was honored to just be invited, Zatanna…” She said without looking up. “I’d do anything for you…” She mumbled quietly.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing…” Zatanna nodded. She knew what Kathy said but decided to let it go. “You can call me Kate, by the way…”

“Alright, Kate…Is there anything I can get you?” Kate thought for a minute. She wanted to ask Zatanna to give her a dance, but she didn’t have the courage. She stuttered slightly and shook her head. “Alright…let me know if you need anything at all.”

“Alright…” Zatanna hugged her briefly. Kate sniffed her perfume briefly and sighed ever so quietly.


Barbara was outside the manor, hiding from the security cameras.  She started changing into her Batgirl costume making sure no one saw her. She was waiting until the flow of guests died down, then she’d make a dramatic entrance. She wondered if she’d just end up embarrassing him and herself in one fell swoop, but she was still going to go through with it.


Montoya was looking around the party for any familiar faces she could recognize. Since she came out months before, she had noticed people whispering and talking about her and how brave she was to come out. She hated it. It made her feel cheep, and made her unpopular at all the local bars, as if being a policewoman didn’t make her unpopular enough. As she walked around, trying to find a group she could talk to or at least a place she could get a stiff drink from, a man blocked her path. He was wearing a black trench coat over a business suit and a fedora, looking like Elliot Ness to Montoya, except for one key difference. This man had no face.
“Hello, Renee Montoya.” He put a hand out to her.

“Do I know you?” She shook his hand, albeit reluctantly.

“That’s the question, isn’t it? To answer, no, but you will.” He tipped his hat to her. “The name’s Question, as in authority. Care to dance?”

“No thanks, you’re not my type…”

“You’re not exactly mine, either.”

“You mean…” Question shook his head once.

“You’re too closed-minded, but you’ll change…in time.” He reached into his coat, worrying Montoya that he was reaching for a gun. “My card.”

“Ah…well, I don’t exactly have pockets in this…”

“You have your purse. Put it in your holster so you won’t forget it.” Montoya was hoping he wouldn’t call her on that, just nodding and putting the card in her purse. “Don’t forget it.”

“Right…” Montoya saw Kate sitting off by herself, staring into a drink. “Excuse me, maybe we’ll talk later.”

“Oh, you’ll be seeing plenty more of me.”

“…right.” Montoya walked away from him at a quick pace, going over to her. As she did, the two body guards blocked her path. “Hey…”

“Who are you?” Kate said from behind the guards.

“Sergeant Renee Montoya…It looked like you needed a friend and…well, if you don’t mind me saying, I hate to see such a beautiful woman so sad and alone.” Kate looked up from her drink at her. Montoya smiled and waved slightly.

“Let her through.” The men nodded and stepped aside. As Montoya walked over to Kate, they blocked her path. “Let me guess…You’re going to search me for weapons? Here, I’ll save you some time.” She pulled her sidearm from her purse and gave it to them. “I assure you, I don’t have anywhere to hide anything wearing this.” They were still going to pat her down, until Kate spoke up.

“I said LET HER THROUGH.” The men stepped aside. “And give her back her pistol. She’s a policewoman.” The man growled and gave her back her pistol. Montoya walked over to Kate and sat down next to her. “Hello…”

“What’s wrong, beautiful?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me my name first before you start hitting on me, Miss Montoya?” Montoya nodded. “Kate Kane…” She said before she could say anything else.

“Well, Kate, what’s wrong?”

“I…I came to this party because it was being hosted by Zatanna Zatara…a girl I knew from my…troubled childhood because her father and her performed at my birthday party…It was the only good thing I remember from my childhood…” She took a drink from her glass. “And…I don’t know why I’m telling you this…but I…I was going to ask her for a dance…I told myself that for days…‘You’re doing it…you’re finally coming out…and you’re…you’re going to ask her to dance and you’re going to be happy…for once you’re going to be happy…’” She finished her drink. “So now, I’m hiding like a coward…”

“You don’t have to…You can still…” Kate shook her head.

“I…I don’t want her to see me like this…” Montoya held out her hand.

“You can dance with me.”

“I’m flattered but I…” Montoya took off her mask and put it on the table.

“You’re an heiress. If you don’t like it or you get caught, you can just tell people tomorrow that you got a little too drunk, we danced, and nothing more…It’s a nice slow song. What do you have to loose?” Kate put her hand in Montoya’s and stood up. They walked out slightly onto the dance floor. Montoya held Kate close, Kate put her head on her shoulder. They danced a slow waltz, Renee smiling slightly that she could help Kate relax, feeling her calm down as they danced. “You really are beautiful, you know.” She whispered to her.

“Don’t say that…”

“Why?”

“I’m not beautiful…I’m hideous…” Renee scoffed. “I am…”

“Please, you’re the most beautiful woman here, even past that Zatanna.” Kate turned her face away. “Really…I’m sorry if I offended you…”

“You really think I’m beautiful?” She said, looking deeply into Montoya’s eyes.

“Yeah…” Kate did her best to quickly sneak a kiss from Renee when she was sure everyone else wasn’t looking.

“Thank you…”


Barbara swung her grappling hook, throwing it and latching it on the roof. She took a deep breath.
“Alright…here we go…” She connected the cable to the line retractor, taking a deep breath and letting go. It pulled her up almost blindingly fast. She grabbed onto the roof, frightened and panicked. She didn’t expect it to be so fast, not realizing the large weight difference between Batman and her. She calmed herself down, taking the line off  the retractor and calming herself down. She sat down, pulling back her bat-mask and taking a deep breath. She waited briefly, seeing another guest’s car pull up outside. She pulled her mask back on, sitting and waiting.


Bruce saw Commissioner Gordon sitting at the bar and walked over, standing next to him.
“What are you having, Commissioner?”

“Beer, but don’t bother to get me another. I have to drive home.” He put his glass down. “This is some shindig you’ve got here, Wayne.”

“Well…You know, save a national landmark, you have to throw a big party.”

“Someone should tell Superman that. Hell, maybe even Batman. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the help, but he never relaxes. You know, he even skipped the Policeman Christmas party last year…Though I guess that worked out…in a way…” He took another drink of beer. “Hey, I wanted you to know that Barbara really appreciated you flying her to Metropolis to be with her friend.”

“Tell her she’s welcome. I…”

“Bruce!” A friendly voice interrupted him. Bruce turned around to see Veronica Vreeland walking towards him. She was wearing what he could only assume was a poor imitation of a Catwoman costume. It was purple and had had a tail and whiskers, as well as other things that bugged him. “Bruce Wayne, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Not that long. We ran into each other at…”

“I was joking, Bruce. You really need to work on that sense of humor.” Veronica said with a smile. “You like the Catwoman costume?”

“It looks great, Veronica. In fact, I…” Suddenly, a scream and gunfire ripped through the air. “Get down!” Bruce said, pushing her behind her the bar. “Stay down.”

“Bruce Wayne…” A voice said behind him. Bruce turned around and couldn’t believe who he saw.

“Killer Moth?” Killer Moth was one of Batman’s lesser villains. He was such a minor threat that he never even gave him a second thought. He wore a purple suit with wings on the back and a metal helmet that covered his face and even had antennae. He had a strange gun Bruce wasn’t quite sure about, but the four henchmen with him had tommy guns. One of the henchmen had his gun pointed at Zatanna’s back, forcing her along with it.

“That’s right, and this whole party’s my hostage until the Batman comes. I’m going to finally prove to him that we’re….”

“Killer Moth,” Gordon said with his revolver drawn, “release your hostage and have your men drop their weapons!”

“Why? Last time I checked, there’s only one of you and five of us.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t have to stop them. I just have to stop you, so put down your guns!”

“I don’t think so.” The Killer Moth shot a glob of glue from his gun, gluing his hands together. Montoya drew her pistol and aimed at the Killer Moth, but he turned and fired a glob of glue, gluing her hands and the gun together as she fired the gun, causing it to backfire and knick her arm. Kate screamed and rushed over to her. The body guards stood between Kate and the Killer Moth’s men shot them. Bruce snapped.

“Listen, you bastards! You want me!? FINE! You got me!” He took his coat off, throwing it at their feet. “Let’s go, take me out of here and leave them alone.”

Barbara was on the roof, dialing Kara’s phone number as fast as she could. She tapped her foot as she waited for her to pick up, looking for some way to open the skylight.
“Come on, Kara…Pick up…” She couldn’t find a latch to the skylight, just deciding she’d have to plow through. She tightly secured the grappling hook and attached the line to her belt. Finally, she heard the line click. “Kara?”

“Barbara? What’s up?”

“There’s some gang members here at the party…” She whispered. “I’m going to try to take them down, but I’m going to need your help.”

“Alright, I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

“Thank you…” Barbara looked down through the skylight. “Hurry, I can’t wait much longer.” She watched as the henchmen moved under the skylight. She took a deep breath. “Alright, Barbara…you’ve been preparing for this since you first saw Batman…You can do this…” She bit her lip slightly, jumping onto the skylight and smashing through it. Bruce jumped back out of the shower of glass as Barbara landed feet first on top of the criminals, knocking them out. She grit her teeth in pain slightly, turning around to face the criminals. “Let the hostages go!” She did her best to imitate Batman’s growl. The men laughed. “I said let them go!”

“Listen…Batgirl. I’ve face Batman, and the intimidation thing only works when you’ve got a couple hundred pounds on us…and you’re not a cute little girl.” Killer Moth snapped his fingers, his men aiming their guns at Barbara. Barbara drew a pair of mismatched batarangs and threw them as hard as she could, hitting Killer Moth in the stomach and one of his henchmen across the face. The other henchman aimed at her. She tugged the line so it pulled her up, releasing it just right with a flip so it threw her behind the bar as he fired. The other henchman recovered, firing at the bar. Barbara quickly realized Veronica was behind the bar, too. She grit her teeth. Killer Moth cried and whined slightly, his men groaning. “Kill her! Kill her!”

Barbara kept Veronica down. Veronica was horrified and trembling with fear.
“Don’t worry…I’ll draw them away from you…” She stayed ducked down, rushing along and staying hidden. She got to the end of the bar and saw a tipped over table. She drew another batarang, diving for the table and throwing it at the henchmen, distracting them long enough for her to get to cover.

Zatanna had enough, quickly thinking up a spell to deal with Killer Moth and his men. She wanted to keep it short and simple, tired of getting pushed around and just wanting it to end.
“Rellik htoM dna sih nem lla…” Killer Moth was furious, turning to her.

“Shut up!” He fired the glue gun at her, hitting her in the face. Zatanna panicked, realizing she couldn’t breathe. She tried pulling it off, but her hands just got stuck to it. Bruce rushed over to her, but Killer Moth stepped in his way. “Where do you think you’re going, Wayne?”

“She can’t breathe! Let me help her.” He growled slightly as he spoke, doing his best to resist the urge to attack him. He shook his head. “Don’t make me…” Before Bruce could make his threat, the men stopped firing at Barbara, reloading their guns and facing him slightly.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got him. Finish the girl.” Barbara took a deep breath, got to her feet and got ready to charge the men, using the reload time to her advantage, but not quickly enough. They fired at her, but an instant before the bullets hit her, a blue and red blur appeared in front of her, the bullets bouncing harmlessly off it. Barbara smiled as soon as she could see what it was.

“Supergirl…” Kara was wearing a new Supergirl costume that was much more modest than her previous one. It hag long sleeves and a red skirt that started at her belt and went down to her knees. Other than that and the fact that it didn’t show her midriff, it was basically the same as her previous costume.

“Alright, guys.” Supergirl said, still hovering between Barbara and the men. “Playtime’s over. Put down the guns and…” The men fired at Supergirl, emptying their new clips. Supergirl groaned. “…Well, now I have to hurt you…Batgirl?” She put her hand out to Barbara. Barbara took it, and Supergirl swung her, making it so she kicked the man in the head. She punched out the other one herself. With Killer Moth distracted by everything, Bruce gave him a couple quick hits, knocking him out. The crowd cheered Barbara and Supergirl, both of them taking bows slightly. Bruce spoke up.

“Zatanna can’t breathe!” Supergirl rushed over to her.

“Miss Zatanna…Hold still…” Supergirl used her heat vision to crack the glue, making it shatter and fall away from her face. “There…” Zatanna gasped for breath, wheezing slightly.

“Th…thank you…” She coughed. Supergirl turned to the crowd.

“The police are just about outside. So, just sit tight and they’ll help you.” She put her hands out to Barbara again. “Batgirl?” Barbara took her hands and they flew out of the skylight. Kara flew them to a safe distance away. Barbara laughed and took off her mask. “Do you have any idea how lucky you are that I got there in time!?” Kara said in a slightly panicked voice. “They…they would have mowed you down, Barbara…You…you would have been killed in front of your dad…and…”

“I…I know…” Barbara laughed again, collapsing to the ground. “It’s nervous laughter, trust me…” Kara sat down next to her.

“I’m sorry. I…I was just so scared…I’d…” Kara took a deep breath. “I don’t know what I’d do without you…I love you like a sister, Barbara…I think…no, I know we’re closer than Kal and I…” She groaned. “I probably sound pretty creepy right now, don’t I?”

“No, I understand…” Barbara took a deep breath. “We’ve both lost a lot, right?”

“Yeah…” Kara put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’ll get better at it. I’ve got all of those self defense training classes and gymnastics…” Kara couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Barbara, you can’t do this again. Not right away…One of Gotham’s lunatics could catch you and maim you and…and…”

“I’ll leave the crazies for Batman. I just want to start off on some purse snatchers…low level thugs I can blindside and practice on.” Kara groaned.

“Alright…just…just promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”

“I promise.” Barbara hugged her, then put her mask back on. “Fly me back to Gotham?”

“Sure…” Kara put her arms around her, lifting her up into the air and flying back to Gotham.


Kate was staying with Montoya while the police took statements from everyone and a medical team treated Montoya’s injury. Kate was fretting over it, but Montoya had no problem with the men stitching it while she sat in the ambulance.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital, Renee?” Kate said, not caring if the people in the ambulance figured out her secret. “If it’s a matter of money…”

“I’m fine, Kate. Plus, if I go to the hospital…I’d have to report that I fired my gun when I knew it could have possibly backfired…” She grit her teeth. “Easy! You’re stitching up a person, not a quilt.” The nurse grumbled. “Anyway…Gordon understands I’d have to take the chance, but the insurance company…”

“I’ll pay the increase, just…”

“Don’t worry about me, Kate…” The nurse finished with her arm and bandaged it. She rolled it slightly. “Why don’t you go home and try to relax? Maybe get a good stiff drink and…”

“But Renee…”

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry. Just try to relax.” Kate groaned, nodding and getting out of the ambulance. She was met by two new bodyguards.

“Miss Kane, we’re here to take you home.” One of them said. She shook her head.

“I want to go to a bar first.”

“Miss Kane…” Kate folded her arms in front of her.

“Unless you want to drag me back home, we’re going to a bar.” The bodyguard nodded, leading her out of the mansion.

“Yes, Miss Kane. What bar would you like to go to?” Kane thought for a second.

“Fifty-two Pickup.” The bodyguard stopped in his tracks.

“But that bar is…”

“I know, and I don’t care.”


Bruce was tending to Zatanna, mostly making sure she wasn’t going to suffer any ill effects from the Killer Moth’s attack. He scooped her up and carried her upstairs to the main bedroom, carefully putting her down on her bed.
“You’ll probably want to get out of the costume. Take it easy for the night.”

“I’m fine, Bruce…really…” She said, knowing she was lying to him. She felt horrible, almost suffocate before Supergirl got the glue off her face. That and the henchmen roughing her up as they came into the mansion. She hurt all over and was still haunted by her questions for Bruce. “Bruce, I…Wait, where are you going?” She said as he took off his suit coat and tie, catching him just before he walked out the door.

“To stop Barbara Gordon before she makes a mistake.”

“I need to talk to you, Bruce…”

“I’ll be back. We’ll talk then.” Zatanna nodded, letting him go. She knew he’d come back, and it’d give her some time to think about what she was going to say.


Kate was at the bar, drinking a beer. Her bodyguards were forced to wait outside, since the 52 Pickup club was a lesbian bar, but Kate didn’t care if she was seen now. It didn’t matter if her cover was blown, she just wanted to relax and not worry about it anymore. As she drank her second glass, a beautiful woman came over and sat next to her, putting an arm around her.
“What’s wrong, beautiful?”

“I don’t know where to start…”

“Well…Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.” The woman kissed her. “And whatever it is, it can’t be your fault.”

“You don’t even know what it is…” The woman smiled.

“That doesn’t matter…” She kissed her again, kissing her on the neck. “Come on, you look like the kind of girl that needs to just cut loose for a while. I’ll make you forget all your troubles…and probably your own name for a while.” Kate wasn’t sure if she should go with the woman, but she remembered what Montoya said. She did want to relax and just cut loose for a while.

“Alright…” The woman lead her out a back door of a club to a dark black alley.  The woman kissed her deeply, pinning her against the wall. Kate sighed, getting too swept up in everything to notice the woman pinning her hands over her head. “Slow down…I don’t know if I…” Suddenly, Kate felt something slap across her wrists. She lowered her arms and saw that the woman handcuffed her. “Wah…what are you?”

“Cooperate and you won’t get hurt.” Several men came down the alley, laughing, chuckling, joking with each other, even arguing back and forth about who’d do what to her. Kate started to panic, screaming.  “Quiet!” The woman punched her in the stomach. Kate fell to her knees, gasping for air. “I told you,” she said tenderly, “if you just cooperate, you’ll be back…”

“Ha…help…Sa…someone…” She coughed, “HELP! SOMEONE!” The woman punched her in the face, knocking her over and kicking her in the stomach.

“IDIOT. All you had to do was keep your DAMN mouth SHUT! Now…Now you’re going to have to pay for it…” She calmed down, stepping aside. “Boys, teach Miss Kane a lesson. Do whatever you want.” The men surrounded Kate, horrifying her and grabbing at her until a voice ripped through the darkness.

“LEAVE HER ALONE!” Barbara shouted from the fire escape, jumping down and kicking one of the men. She drew a batarang from her belt and threw it, hitting one of the henchmen on the shoulder. The man groaned and hit her back right in the stomach. Barbara yelped, kicking him then turning and kicking the next man over. He grabbed her leg and lifted her up, throwing her into a group of trashcans. As they surrounded her, a black blur dropped down onto one, knocking him out. “Batman!” Barbara shouted as the other men tried to fight Batman.. He quickly fought them all off with a blinding barrage of punches and kicks. The woman that had seduced Kate rushed away, horrified by the site of Batman easily fighting off all five of her henchmen. As she ran, Kate knocked her over, sending her face first into the concrete and standing up, kicking her again and again. Barbara got up out of the trashcans and put her hands on her shoulders. “Miss Kane! It’s okay. It’s over…” Kate stopped, turning to Barbara slightly.

“Her men…her men would have…They’d have…”

“They’re not going to hurt anyone for a while.” She held Kate’s hands briefly to calm her down. Kate took several trembling breathes, collapsing to her knees and weeping. “I…I’m sorry…” She turned her head to Batman. “I don’t know…don’t know what to do…” Batman pushed her aside, unlocking Kate’s handcuffs. Kate looked down at her wrists, then up at him. She jumped up, throwing her arms around him and kissing him. Barbara cleared her throat as the police arrived. Batman carefully pulled Kate’s arms off him, turning around and firing a grappling hook to the rooftop. He grabbed Barbara and streaked towards the rooftop. Kate watched him until they both disappeared, staring at the rooftop until a friendly voice grabbed her attention.

“Kate!” Montoya ran over to her. She was wearing her uniform instead of the dress she had earlier. She took her coat off and put it around her. “God….Are you okay?”

“Buh…Batman saved me…he…he saved me…” Montoya could tell she was in shock, leading her out of the alley. “Why…why are you here?”

“I came when Batman called us…It’s my fault you’re here…” Kate shook her head.

“It’s not your fault…” Kate said, looking into her eyes as they walked. “I…I was the one that decided to come here…Nothing you could do could ever be wrong…”

“…Are you okay, Kate?” Montoya said as she stumbled slightly.

“…as long as you’re with me…I’m fine.”


Barbara was looking down from the rooftop, smiling as she saw Montoya taking her away and taking care of her. Suddenly, Batman grabbed her by the shoulder and slammed her against the wall. He did his best to make himself seem threatening without actually hurting her too badly.
“What do you think you’re doing, Barbara Gordon!?” He said, pulling off her mask.

“I…I was trying…trying to help Kate Kane…fight crime like you do…” She said, trembling slightly. “W…why are threatening me like this?”

“Because you’re not ready! You’re lucky they didn’t kill you!”

“I…I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize to me.” He dropped her. “Apologize to Commissioner Gordon. Stop this before he finds your tortured and twisted body in an alley.”

“I can handle it! I just…I just need more practice is all…” She put her mask back on. “I need to work on my strategy…my take downs…and practice my aim with batarangs…maybe get a consistent size from someone…” Batman scowled at her. “Never mind…”

“If I catch you wearing that costume to fight crime again, I’ll come down on you. Hard.” He started walking towards the edge of the roof. “Jim’s a friend, don’t make me do it.”

“I have to do something!” She shouted before he could leave. “You and my dad risk your lives every night for people like me, I need to give something back.”

“No, you don’t. There’s no reason you have to do this.”

“CRIME KILLED MY PARENTS!” She cried. “My real father got too close to bringing down a crime lord in Chicago, and both of them were killed…right in front of me…” Barbara slumped against the wall and slide down to the rooftop. “I…I started to forget…forget how painful it was…not having them around…Then the Joker killed Aunt Barbara right in front of me! I’ll never forget the…the sickening ripping sound…He murdered her…He murdered Junior…and you’re telling me I don’t have a reason to fight crime!? What makes you worthy of fighting crime and me not!?” Batman hung his head, turning around.

“My parents were murdered in front of me…I understand.” He paused for a moment. “Look for Dinah Lance. She’ll get you ready for the fight.” He said, turning to the open sky. “Now go home!” He dove off the roof, gliding away. Barbara got up ad decided to head home as quickly as she could.


Montoya went home with Kate, making sure she alright. Kate unlocked the door, letting her in and dismissing the body guards for the night. When she turned on the lights, Montoya was stunned.
“Whoa…How many levels is this condo again?”

“Two…I…I spend most of my time here…so it has to be big.”

“Why? A woman as rich as you could go anywhere in the world, yet you stay locked up here?” When Montoya turned back to Kate, she saw she was hanging her head, staring at the ground. “I…I’m sorry….I didn’t think that…”

“No, it’s okay…You’re not native to Gotham, are you?”

“No, I’ve only been here for the last ten years…Why? What happened?” Kate sat down on her sofa.

“I was kidnapped when I was eleven…They beat me…kept me tied up…barely gave me any food or water…and…and…” Kate held her head in her hands, trembling. “I was so young…I…I didn’t even fully understand…what they were doing…”

“Oh god, Kate…I’m sorry…” Montoya put her arms around her.

“I’ve been hiding myself away since then…” She turned to her slightly. “But I’m glad I left here for today…otherwise I wouldn’t have met you…” She kissed Montoya deeply. “I…I love you, Renee…”s She didn’t give Montoya time to respond, kissing her passionately. Montoya kissed her back, gently sliding the straps of her dress off her shoulders.


Zatanna was waiting for Batman in the bat cave when he got back. She was sitting in his chair when he came up the ramp. He took off his cowl and stopped when he saw her.
“Zatanna, what are you doing here? You need to be home.”

“Bruce, we need to talk…about Selina Kyle.”

“What do you want to know about her?” Zatanna stood up.

“How do you feel about her, Bruce?” Bruce stopped, holding his cowl tightly in his hands. “You love her, don’t you?”

“Yes. We drift apart and come back together until one of us makes a mistake or moves on…but we usually end up back together again…eventually. She was the first person I willingly showed my identity to.” Zatanna fell backwards into the chair.

“Wow…I…I don’t know what to…Selina means that much to you?” Bruce nodded. “And you were going to tell me about this…when?”

“When she came to the party, I was going to make everything clear to you.”

“Bruce…” She held her head in her hands. “I…I can’t be with you…knowing you love someone else like that…” He nodded.

“I understand.”

“That’s it? You…you understand?” Bruce nodded. She felt so much anger and sadness that she wasn’t sure what to do. “Cool and logical as always, Bruce…”

“I’m sorry…” Zatanna embraced him.

“I’m sorry, too…” She kissed him deeply. “I love you…but I…I can’t…” He kissed her back.

“I understand.” She looked up into his eyes.

“We could have been great together…” She pulled away from him slightly, clearing her throat and straightening her clothes. “I hope we can still be friends…” Bruce nodded once.

“Of course.” Zatanna smiled and sat back down in his chair.

“Alright…well…if we’re going to still be friends, I have to ask you, will you teach me to fight like you?”

“Sure, we’ll start tomorrow morning.” Zatanna got worried slightly, standing up.

“I don’t know if I can be ready by then.” She said as he headed up out of the cave. He stopped at the door, turning back to her.

“Death does not wait for you to be ready.” He said calmly, heading out the door. She collapsed back into the chair and huffed.

“Great…great…Kcab emoh…” She disappeared in a flash of light, going back to her mansion.


Barbara got home well before Commissioner Gordon, taking off her leather Batgirl suit. It stuck to her arms and legs as she pulled it off, but she managed to get it off. She dropped down onto her bed, only wearing her t-shirt and panties, just enjoying the cool air out of the suit. She stared up at the ceiling briefly, thinking about what Batman told her. She was sure she had to keep fighting crime after everything that had happened to her. Between her parents deaths, the Red Hood’s attack on her and her new family here in Gotham, then the Joker’s murder of her adopted mother and brother, she couldn’t rest until she did something to fight crime. From all of it, she still had a burn scar on her back from when she was strapped to the Bat-signal. She had always figured it was a sign of what she was suppose to do with her life, and she had to follow it. She got out of bed, finding a phone book and flipping through the names, remembering the name Batman told her.
“Dinah Lance…” She found the name, grabbing the phone and dialing it, just hoping she’d find the strength to talk to the person. She took a deep breath as the person answered the phone.

“Yes?”

“Is this Dinah Lance?”

“Yes…Who’s this?” Barbara took another deep breath.

“My name’s Barbara Gordon…and this might be a little weird, but I was referred to you by Batman…”