Blue Skies Bring Tears

“Blue Skies Bring Tears”

Book One: Black & White

Chapter I: “Alone”

~Daphney

As I walked up to the Wayne Manor, thoughts flustered my mind. I felt, almost, as if I could not think. I had not seen my distant cousin, Alfred, since I was a small child. Our family had always stayed close. One week before it started, my grandfather died. I was sent to live with Alfred. Of course, he welcomed me with open arms and sympathy.

The house was, and remains, a tower from the door. Icy hung down on the walls in a warm, inviting way. I admired it until the door was opened. Alfred stood there with a warm smile.

“Dear cousin, welcome!” he greeted.

“Cousin Alfred, it’s been too long.” We exchanged hugs before going in more. Two men were waiting. I knew them, with thanks to a picture, as Bruce and Richard, or Dick.

“Welcome to our home,” Bruce said warmly to me. I nodded to him, overwhelmed, now, by what was inside the house.

Feeling a stare, I looked over to find both Bruce and Richard still looking me over. “Thank you for your hospitality. It means so much to me,” I said with a smile.

Please make them stop staring, I prayed silently.

Bruce got up, “Well, I should get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Daphney!”

I looked outside. It had to be about nine in the evening. He ran a business, so I wondered why he was working nights?

I shrugged it off to find Richard still ogling me. “Do you need something?” I finally asked.

“N-no!” He got up from the couch, waving Cousin Alfred off. “I’ll get your luggage for you.”

I allowed myself to ‘forget’ to tell him my luggage, consisting of all of my dozens of books and shoes, had wheels. He was so insistent to carry it, I let him. Though, to my amazement, he was stronger than I had realized.

I was only allowed to carry my purse. “Richard?”

“Call me Dick,” he urged.

“… Dick… I can get my luggage, you know.”

“It’s alright.” He pointed to a door across the hall, “If you ever need anything, that’s my room.”

“Alright.” The joy of being ogled… “Thanks.”

I took my luggage into my room and shut him out. I felt a bit queer. They were all hiding something, and I couldn’t shake the feeling. But what could it be? I asked myself as I unpacked, neatly putting my things in the closets and drawers. Lastly, I put the pictures of those loved and diseased. My parents and theirs. How I missed them. Foolishly, I wondered if they missed me, too. I looked at the rain. The angels were crying, and, as I soon found, so was I!

- I dare you to move. Dare you to move. Dare you to lift yourself high from this ground. Dare you to move. I dare you to move like today never happened. Today never happened before.-

Chapter II: “Don’t rip out my paper heart.”

~ Jocelyn

The rain beat heavily on my back as I hurried home. Can you believe that it had been raining every night for four days straight? Well, Gotham wasn’t quite known for it’s wonderful weather.

I hurried through the door of the apartment complex. I left trails of mud behind me as I walked to my apartment. (The lobby was already filthy, and carried an overall look of shitiness. So what could a bit more mud hurt?) I unlocked the door and walked into the apartment I shared with my younger sister. Home, sweet home.

“’Ey, Claud, ya home?” Claudia, my confused younger sister. She was, like me, old for her age. At the age of seventeen, she was already grown-up, she just kept getting older. Still, the child in her continues to wait for that ray of hope to return. For something to come and make everything all right again. Something to bring Mom and Dad back.

In some ways, I guess I’m still waiting, too. But that’s life. Especially for us. Life always had a way of biting us in the ass.

Pushing all sarcastic comments aside, this was an odd situation. I looked on the table, only to find a note:

Went to Karmen’s for the night! Paulo called and wants you to call him back as soon as you get in!

Love,

Claudia

Paulo. His real name was Paul, but for some odd reason he insisted on being called Paulo. “Paulo” and I sometimes pulled jobs together. It wasn’t a complete partnership, but it was rather close. I wondered what he wanted.

I picked up the receiver and dialed his number. It rang twice before a voice sounded through the other end.

“’Lo?”

“Hey, I heard you needed something?”

“Erm, yeah. Do you have anything planned for Wednesday, say 7:30?”

“Not that I know of. What’s – “

“I’ve got a job. It’s kind of delicate though. It’s an artsy-fartsy blue-blood kind of party. From 7:30 to about 8:30 or nine we take whatever we can.”

“How’s the security…?”

”A bit heavy. Although it’ll be so crowded that, as long as we’re careful, we should be able to get a hefty sum. Most of the people will be drunk, so that’ll make it a bit easier. Whatd’ya say?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Cool. I’ll be there to pick you up around seven, ok? And dress nice, we need to blend in.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you later. I’m kind of tired.”

“Later.”

“Bye…” I hung up the phone. The job sounded interesting. Although, I rather disliked associating with the wealthiest of Gotham. They had ways to make a person feel small and weak. I’d been there before, which is why I chose to live this life. Money is power.

In Gotham, power is everything.

- I am, I am, I said I’m not myself. I’m not dead and I’m not for sale. So hold me closer, closer, let me go. Let me be, just let me be. –

Chapter III: “Dress me like a doll”

~ Daphney

Wednesday approached and the rain stopped. The angels had stopped crying just as Dick entered my room with a box wrapped in shiny rose print paper. I quickly rubbed my eyes.

“I brought you a… Were you crying?”

“N-no! … I… I was just…”

He gave me a small smile, sitting beside me. “Crying… cry all you need. Parents are hard to lose, I know.”

I was a bit surprised that he was so… sensitive. “What’s that?” I asked.

“A present for you.” He set it in my lap. Curiously, I opened it. In the box was the most beautiful black dress I had ever seen. It sparkled like a diamond in the light. I picked it up and pressed it to my body. It looked just like a perfect fit. I caught a pleased smile on his lips. Also in the box were shoes and a few boxes from a jeweler.

“What’s all this for?” I asked, folding the dress back up.

“Bruce is holding a charity ball for… something! You should go with me. Get out of this house!”

I smiled. He was making such an attempt to make me feel better. It was working, too, and I was glad. “Sure. I’d love to. It sounds like… fun.”

“Great. Be ready at seven.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and scurried out.

I glanced at the mirror. My face had a rosy tint. It was five, too. I had started to dress in the dress he had bought for me.

“Oh, I almost forg—“ Dick opened my door. There was an… unfortunate eyeful given to him. My breath stopped and there was an eerie silence in the room. “Sorry!” he yelped once he finished ogling me a bit.

I shoved the dress on and peeked out. He was standing outside my room, just as red as I was. “Yes?”

“I was just going to say Gossip Gurty will probably interrogate you.”

“… Alright.”

“It looks nice on you.”

I chuckled to him trying not to look at me. “I’ll see you then,” he said and hurried off.

I walked back in and looked at the jewelry. Bruce must have helped to pay for it. A bracelet, earring, and a necklace, too. With it all on, I felt like a star in the heavens. I started on my hair and there was a knock on the door. “Come in!” I called.

Bruce walked in. “Hey. Just came to check on you. Do you want to eat before or after.”

“… After. I don’t want to mess up the dress.”

He smiled. “Alright. There will be appetizers there.”

“Thank you.” I knew he helped pay by the way he looked at the jewelry and dress.

He seemed to understand me. “You’re welcome. Have fun tonight. Dick’s going to take you.”

I nodded and watched him leave. I walked downstairs at 6:53 and saw Alfred. My hair was simple curls place up in a bun, and my makeup light.

He smiled. “You look ravishing,” he complimented. I smiled back to him and we hugged.

“Are you ready?” Dick asked from behind me. I nodded and was quickly ushered out.

***

Bruce was talking to a woman over in the center of the room. “That’s Gossip Gurty,” Dick whispered, “And that’s Commissioner Gordon. He’s at most of Bruce’s functions.” He continued to point people out to me.”

“I’m going to go say hello to Bruce, “I interrupted and walked over. Gotham seemed just the place of all the men who ogled girls. I smiled to Bruce and whispered to him as I passed. “Great party.”

“Oh! Daphney, wait.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me over. “Gurty, this is Daphney, the one I was telling you about.”

Gossip Gurty gave me a warm smile. “Welcome to Gotham. I’m terribly sorry to hear about your parents.”

My whole body froze, but I sort of understood. “It’s alright. Things happen that we must learn to make the best of.”

“What a charming girl!” Gurty gasped.

I nodded to Bruce. “If you will excuse me.”

I headed to the appetizers and smiled to the girl next to me. She seemed four or five years older than me. “Hi,” I said softly, wondering if I would cry again. “I’m Daphney.”

- And so now I come to you, with open arm. Feelin’ your heart beat with mine. We sailed on together. We drifted apart. Now here you are by my side –

Chapter IV: “Your Color’s Everything to Me”

~ Jocelyn

I slowly slid on the rather expensive deep blue dress. (I shouldn’t have bought it in the first place, but I figured ‘Why bother, after tonight I’ll more than make up for it.’) Adrenaline and anxiety coursed through my nerves, and knotted my stomach.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are ready for liftoff.

I walked awkwardly through the house, as if waiting for a person to jump out and chase me. Normally, I wouldn’t have been like this. But that job, that day… seemed so wrong.

I walked into the bathroom and stared at the mirror. A little self-talk was in order. “Now calm down. Just chill out. Everything’s going to go just fine. Everything’s just roses. You’re going to go to the party, take advantage of your five-finger discount,” I smirked lightly, “and leave a much wealthier person.”

I felt better. Maybe not completely calm, but much better. I glanced at the clock. Seven had rolled around quicker than expected. I quickly applied a bit of makeup, grabbed my coat and purse, put on my shoes, and hurried outside.

“Took you long enough!” Paulo commented with annoyance as I climbed into the taxi.

It was fucking cold outside! And these heels were a bitch! “What can I say? You can’t rush beauty.” I retaliated sarcastically.

“Heh heh. So, are you ready for tonight?” His voice had fallen to a whisper, “’Member, anything goes wrong, sneak out. There’s a window in the men’s john that leads into the alley. That’s how we’re getting in, too.”

I rose an eyebrow, “You expect me to crawl through a window in this dress?”

Paulo gave me a playful smirk.

***

We arrived right before the flood of people had pulled up and parked. We climbed through the window and exited the men’s room. (Which must’ve looked rather odd to passerby’s.) The rich and wealthiest of Gotham were just starting to arrive and get settled. They giggled, drank wine, gossiped, and mingled to the soft music.

I had about twenty minutes before we got started. Best to wait till it was more crowded. I’d sure hate to get caught stealing here, with more than half the police force here.

I wandered around from group to group, pretending to be one of them.

“Oh Bruce, it was so sweet of you to hold this charity!” I looked over at the woman who produced the (oh so nasal) voice. An older woman was drunkenly hanging on a young man in a tuxedo.

So that was Bruce Wayne? I’d only lived in Gotham for about two months, but I had heard of Bruce Wayne. He was a rich, charitable playboy with money up the ass. I debated whether or not to pick his pocket. But, of course, right now it would be a bit too risky. (He looked as if he hadn’t even taken a sip of the wine glass he was holding!)

Maybe I’ll try later, I thought casually.

I passed Paulo as I was walking around. He gripped my arm and whispered, “About ten more minutes,” then walked off as if we had never seen each other. Ten minutes. Ten minutes.

My nervousness shunned to the corner of my mind, being replaced by a cold thrill. I guess that’s what makes me such a bad person. I still get that wicked high from taking something from someone. A person may have spent their whole life working to get something, but I would never hesitate to take it away.

What can I say? There is no honor among thieves.

I walked over to the appetizer table. I wasn’t hungry, but it gave me a reason to not have to talk to anyone. It’s best if you don’t see the people you’re about to rob as anything more than a payoff, you see?

Suddenly, a young woman, maybe in her late teens, early twenties, glanced over. “Hi, I’m Daphney,” she said in a small, shaky voice.

I looked her straight in the eye, reddened and slightly swollen.

How can I be such a bad person?

There is no honor among thieves.

Just keep telling yourself that, Jocelyn. Don’t unnerve now.

How can someone enjoy what they do, but hate it so much at the same time?

- My outline is solid and made up of crime. And the things that you say just burn in my eyes. I want to, to surrender. I want you to find some comfort in the spaces between the lines -

Chapter V: “To Intertwine.”

~Daphney

She stared straight into my eyes. Chills ran up my back and tears streamed down my cheeks. Dab! I reminded myself as I picked up a napkin. I caught eyes with Bruce and gave a reassuring smile to let him, and myself, know it was alright.

I returned to facing the girl. “You are?” I pushed. Anything to get my mind off the dead was a key for me. As I spoke to her, I clumsily picked at the food. Nothing appetizing. I always hated squid and es cargo. Instead, I traced the necklace. The thought of Dick made me smile. He gave me the necklace and was being so kind to me. ‘Shouldn’t I be with him?’

***

~Jocelyn

She was crying. Talk about your awkward situations.

“My name is Jocelyn.” Surely a name wouldn’t hurt? “I, uh, hope you feel better.” I walked away. My ten minutes were up. I headed for the door leading outside. A bit of fresh air before I started, eh?

As I reached for the doorknob, a man with half of a deformed face swung open swung open the door. The hideous man held a gun in each hand. He grinned and shouted to the crowd, “Everybody, we’re gonna have a wild night tonight!”

***

~ Daphney

I saw him. Two-Face. I only knew of him from various news reports on the television and radio. Jocelyn shot into my mind. She was in danger! I didn’t worry about myself, but rather ran towards her.

Before I got there, Two-Face had pulled a coin from his pocket and threw it into the air. It landed with a slashed side facing up. The gun in his hand rose up and pointed straight to Jocelyn’s heart. My mind raced with every step. I could prevent this death! I could! I began to tackle her out of the way.

Before we were both clear of the bullet, my arm was hit. It seemed to part me from her, both of us falling in a different direction.

The coin flipped once again into the air. My judgment time had come so soon? While in the air, the coin was intercepted and tossed away. I couldn’t tell what had hit it, but something made me look back. Up on the hall’s inner balcony stood a man. Though far away, he seemed as tall as Bruce was. His body was clad in black and dark grays. Gracefully, he jumped down, his cloak falling around him. I heard footsteps before me.

I turned to the steps, only to see Batman’s sidekick, Robin. If not for my wounds, I may have blushed. He took my hand and lifted me up. “Let’s get you out of here,” he suggested. I gripped his hand tighter and stood.

“Come on!” I urged to Jocelyn.

***

~ Jocelyn

A bat. That thing (was it a man?) was a giant bat. Glowing eyes seemed to hit every nerve. I would have ran if my legs would have moved. How could this thing in a costume (of course, it has to be a costume…) be so much more menacing than the man with the scarred face, who’d just tried to kill me?

“Come on!” That girl, Daphney grabbed onto me, and had to drag me to my feet. We followed a young man in an odd red suit to the crowd of terrified guests. “Hang here for a while, okay?” The young man smiled lightly. He quickly ran back over to the – the Bat.

The two costumed men battled the one with the scarred face. Their skill was unreal. They dodged bullets. They had odd weapons, unlike anything I’d ever seen. Were they human?

After a small firefight, the cops were hauling the scarred man, Two-Face, I later learned, away to the asylum he’s escaped from. The men I learned as Batman and Robin were long gone. They had long since left, disappearing as quick as they’d arrived.

I had heard of Batman, Gotham’s Dark Knight, in Detroit. Of course I had. But, like most normal people, I had dismissed it as a hoax. A rumor. A myth.

But there I was. Still recovering from that sudden seizing fear I felt at the sight of him.

Was I afraid because, at the time, I was about to rob people? That would be the obvious answer…

Or, as I was starting to realize, was it that, in this city, all that bound reality and the law seemed to fade away…?

- There’s a nail on the door and there’s glass on the lawn. Tacks on the floor, and the TV’s on. And I always sleep with my guns when you’re gone. There’s a blade by the bed and a phone in my hand. A dog on the floor and some cash on the nightstand. When I’m all alone, the dreaming stops, and I just can’t stand. -

Chapter VI: “The Glow of Aftershock”

~Daphney

Ten minutes passed of being interrogated by Commissioner Gordon. And here Dick had said the one doing the interrogating would be Gossip Gurty. At my side, medical staff members were treating my wounds.

While I was talking, they shoved some tweezers in my arm to get the bullet out.

Pain.

It hurt so bad. I let out a scream.

“There, ma’am, it’s out,” one chuckled. I wondered what was so funny.

Dick came running, “Daphney!”

“I’m okay!” I huffed. He smiled doubtfully before looking to Jocelyn. “That’s Jocelyn. Jocelyn, this is Dick Grayson.”

Dick smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.” He hugged me. “But you better leave heroics to Batman and Robin!”

“She may have died! Then I would have allowed someone else to die. After Mama and Daddy. And Grandpa…” My eyes began to water.

He saw this and hugged me again. “Shh… it’s okay. Stupid, yes, but it made me proud of you.”

***

~Jocelyn

So she was a girl with a past. That small fact made me a little more at ease. Suddenly the image of perfection came tumbling from her. And who would’ve thought that anyone here would have anything but pretty belongings and half-wit scandals in their pasts?

I turned to Daphney, “Uh, thanks,” I ran my hands nervously through my hair, “really.”

Daphney smiled lightly, “You’re welcome. I couldn’t let you… die.”

I produced a small “heh,” and glanced behind me. Paulo was standing there, his eyes constantly shifting uncomfortably between me and the cops standing nearby. I made a shooing hand motion, signaling for him to depart. He looked at me, nodded slightly, and disappeared into the crowd.

‘I’ll just take a cab home. Hopefully this isn’t a jinx and I end up getting into a fucking car crash.’

Suddenly, that man – Bruce Wayne – walked over. He smiled comfortingly at Daphney, “How are you doing?”

Daphney looked over at him. “Pretty good. I’ll live.” She let out a small laugh.

Bruce Wayne turned to me and held out his hand, “I’m Bruce Wayne, and you are…?”

I took his hand slowly, “Jocelyn Connors.”

“I’m terribly sorry about what happened tonight. The security was top-notch. I guess Two-Face found a way to slip through the cracks.” He sounded sincere.

I guess he didn’t know about the bathroom window Paulo and myself snuck through. “It’s alright. I’m alive, and that’s all that matters. Gotham’s lucky it has Batman and Robin to protect it.” It’s not completely alright. Why not donate some money to improve the security system in the asylums?

Bruce Wayne nodded rather stiffly. “If you would call it luck.” His was so low, I barely heard his voice.

I looked around, “Um, I think I’m gonna be heading out. It’s been a long day, you know?” I laughed lightly.

Bruce Wayne cut in, “Did you need a ride? I mean, it’s the least we can do.”

I shook my head, “No, I’ll just take a cab. Thanks, though.”

He gave me a polite smile, “Alright. It was nice meeting you.”

“You too.” I turned to Daphney, “Again, thanks.” Then I turned around and left. I didn’t flag down a cab, and Paulo left, so I decided to walk. I needed time to think anyway.

Bruce Wayne. He seemed an odd fellow. Kind of withdrawn, but that’s okay. Maybe I won’t steal his millions. At least… not tonight.

***

~Daphney

I smiled to Bruce. He was kind, but, again, I felt him keeping a secret. I shrugged it off. “Jocelyn!” I called, running after her. When I finally caught up, I tapped her arm.

She turned. I caught my breath. “How about dinner? It’ll be fun. Dick and I only have a two-seater, but I’m sure Bruce wouldn’t mind giving you a ride. He’s meeting us there anyways,” I gave her a hopeful smile.

***

~ Jocelyn

Dinner? With the kind of people I just attempted to rob? And with the girl who just shoved me out of the way of a bullet?

Could you say ‘odd’?

But, maybe it won’t be such a bad idea. I mean, I could socialize with the higher-ups. Learn who’s worth robbing.

And, it might be kind of nice…

A small smile rose to my face, “Uh, sure.”

Please let this go well.

***

~Daphney

I grinned. “Wonderful!” I pulled her to Bruce. “Jocelyn’s going to join us for dinner!”

“Dinner?” Bruce joked, then smiled. “Where would you like to go?”

I turned to Jocelyn, “Anywhere you’d like?” I asked.

During this, Dick took my hand. “Aw, your bracelet got all bloody.” He took it from my wrist and slid it into his pocket. “I’ll get it cleaned for you.”

Bruce chuckled. “Don’t mind them,” he whispered, “They’re in love.” He said it loud enough for both of us to hear. I blushed and heard Dick sigh. Glancing up, I saw him blushing, too. Was Bruce right? I smiled at the thought.

***

~Jocelyn

“They’re in love.”

‘How sweet,’ I thought sarcastically. But, honestly, it was a little sweet. But everyone knows where young love usually goes. I still wished them well, though.

At this rate, I was going to die an old hag, atop a mountain of gold, and corruption. Not all that bad, but it wasn’t what I wanted.

“Um, yeah, dinner. Let me go call my friend real quick, and I’ll be ready to go.”

Bruce nodded and pointed straight ahead, “There’s a phone down there.”

I shook my head and walked awkwardly down the hall. I walked into a small office and picked up a telephone on the desk. I dialed home.

“Hello?” Claudia. It was nice to hear her voice.

“Hi…”

“Jocelyn! What’s up? Are you having fun?”

I smiled, “Yeah, loads of fun. Listen, I’m going out to dinner. I should be back around… 9:30 or ten?”

“Ok. Want me to wait up?”

“No, no. I’ll be fine.”

We exchanged our goodbyes, and our call ended. I thought about calling Paulo, but decided not to. He knows I’m alive. I’d worry about the fence later.

I exited the office and looked down the hall, Daphney, Dick, and Bruce waited patiently for me.

Maybe this won’t be so bad.

***

~Daphney

“We’ll meet you at Vincenzio’s,” Dick said and pulled me towards his ear.

Bruce nodded and waited for Jocelyn. “I hope you don’t mind going somewhere casual,” he called to her with a smile.

I couldn’t hear anything else once we were out of the door. “So…”

I looked at Dick. “Yes?”

“…you’ll like this place,” he smiled.

“Was he right?” I knew I meant to ask it in my mind. For a moment, I didn’t even realize I said it.

“About?”

“Nothing…” I whispered.

He opened the door, but grabbed my waist before I could get in. “Maybe he was. I guess…it all depends on you.”

My face turned red. I could feel it burning. Luckily, it was dark and hid my face.

He kept me close, finding my hands and wrapping his arms about my wait again. “I know I haven’t felt this way before about anyone. I’ve never wanted to comfort anyone more than I do with you.”

When I didn’t answer, he helped me into the car. What could I say? It was… sudden. He shut the door and hesitated before getting in. I leaned closer to him to see his face. “Dick… Did you not realize me telling you I felt the same way?”

He smiled and pulled me into him, his lips closing over mine.

VII: “Please Don’t Ever Tell the World that I Don’t Belong”

~ Jocelyn

Bruce and I both climbed into the car, and Alfred, his butler, took the wheel. “Where would you like to go, Master Bruce?”

“We’re going to Vincenzio’s.” Alfred nodded, and pulled out of the parking lot.

Next, we had one of those awkward and odd silences.

Okay, maybe he’s not much of a talker, I thought.

“So, what do you do?” I didn’t know why I asked. Of course I knew. Everybody knew.

“I own Wayne Enterprises. What about you?”

Damn, maybe that was the best question to ask.

“I’m, uh, big with the stock market…”

He looked up with an interested look. “What sort of stock do you own?”

Yet another blank look. “All kinds.”

I smiled, although I was mentally smacking myself. “It was nice of you to take me out…”

Bruce glanced over, “It’s no problem. The attack with Two-Face, it…” His eyes narrowed, “It shouldn’t have happened.”

His whole character seemed to change with that look. He suddenly seemed almost… frightening. Bruce Wayne, if only for a second, seemed to be a whole new person.

It was then that I began to wonder what skeletons this man had in his closet.

It was then that I realized there was more to Gotham, to the people, than riches and a couple of costumed freaks.

Suddenly, Gotham seemed like a person. A being with layers upon layers of corruption.

***

~Daphney

It took a while for us to leave, but we finally got there. The trip was quiet. Awkward. We waited for Bruce and Jocelyn in the car.

Vincenzio’s. A beautiful oasis in a desert of grunge. I leaned away from the door and against Dick. It was the type of place you could only imagine getting mugged in.

Bruce’s car pulled up and we got out. Seeing Alfred, I ran over (stumbling on the heels halfway) and hugged and kissed him. “Will you be joining us for dinner.”

“Not this time, I’m afraid, young Daphney.”

I smiled half-heartedly. I could hear Dick, who was talking to Bruce, “She’s really something else.”

Bruce smiled to him. “That’s a good color on you, Dick.”

Dick rubbed the lipstick away after taking a few seconds to realize the hidden meaning of the sarcastic comment.

***

~ Jocelyn

Vincenzio’s was a wonderful place with exquisite cousines, and polite, foreign waters. This is one of those restaurants that most people never get a chance to go to. Some things are reserved only for the reach.

But today, I get to wiggle into that coveted world, even if only for a little while.

A nervous, jumpy man seated us. A waiter then came over and gave us the menus, and read off the specials.

I ordered an Italian dish, it’s name I couldn’t even pronounce. I only hoped it tasted decent. I looked over at Bruce Wayne, Daphney, and Dick. “Thank you for the dinner,” I smiled politely.

***

~ Daphney

“It’s no problem at all,” Bruce responded politely.

I smiled to the waiter, beginning to announce what I wanted. A foot rubbed against my leg and I yelped. I blushed and sank down. “Catiloni, please,” I whispered.

A man walked over, and gave a polite bow. “<Mr. Wayne. It is a pleasure seeing you again. What brings you here?>” he asked, speaking in Italian.

Bruce replied in the same, “<Just bringing two lovely ladies to dinner.>”

“<Flattery, Bruce? And in a different language? How inadvertent?>” Back home, my brother and myself had studied several languages under our private tutor.

“<Daphney, this is Johnny Vincenzio. Johnny, this is Alfred’s cousin, Daphney Pennyworth.>”

“<It’s lovely to meet you,>” Johnny said and kissed my hand. “<And such a bright girl. How long will you be here?>”

“<A long while.>”

“<Well,>” Johnny said. “<If anyone bother you,>” he noted my arm, “<You tell me and I’ll have them dealt with.>”

“<Thank you for the offer,>” I responded.

***

~ Jocelyn

Talk about feeling like an idiot. I could only sit there and stare while they rambled off in another language. Considering this place was ‘Vincenzio’s’, my guess would have been Italian, or possibly Sicilian?

After a few (foreign) words were exchanged, the man departed. Next, was yet another awkward silence. You know, the kind you always hope don’t happen.

“So… are you from around here?” Bruce glanced at me.

I shook my head absentmindedly, “No. I moved here from Detroit a couple of months ago.”

“Oh, how do you like Gotham so far?”

I fought back the urge to blurt out a rude, sarcastic comment. Had my recent near-death experience slipped Bruce’s mind? “Yeah, it’s full of interesting characters.”

***

~ Daphney

Dick smiled, taking my hand beneath the table. “What do you think of Gotham, Daph?”

I spoke my mind as I was raised to do. “It’s dirty and filled with abnormalities. It’s dangerous.”

Dick and Bruce both stared at me. I said something wrong. Then, Bruce laughed. “Cheers to that.” He raised his glass. I tipped it with mine. He was holding something away from me. What was it? His secrets drove me crazy.

The appetizer came and I still couldn’t shake the feeling!

“You okay, Daph?” Bruce asked. Did he sound just slightly… nervous? Maybe I was just being paranoid.

“I’m fine, just a bit lightheaded,” I said, taking my hand from Dick’s to pick up my fork and stab my salad with it.

With all the accusations in my mind, I was forgetting them. “Maybe it’s from the wound. Want me to take you home? We’ll get your food to go,” Duck suggested.

“I’m fine.”

***

~ Jocelyn

The food arrived, and our dinner consisted of small chatter about business and politics. I didn’t say much, except for when I had to make up some bullshit about the pretend stock I owned. The small talk mainly stayed between Bruce and Dick. Daphney was silent most of the time. She seemed somewhat bothered. Bruce, I noticed, kept looking around nervously.

I was beginning to wonder what the hell kind of group this was.

I pushed my plate away, and stood up. “I’m sorry, but I have to get going.”

Bruce stood up as well, “Why? Is everything alright?”

I half-smiled, “Yeah, everything’s just peachy.”

Bruce started towards me, “Alright, I’ll get Alfred to bring the car around…”

“Thanks, but no. Really, thanks. I’ll just take a cab home. You’ve done enough already.” I didn’t even wait for his answer before I walked away. I headed out into the cold, dreary Gotham night.

- Can you still feel me, or did I slip away? A sick man, a monster, broken still today. -

VIII: “Secrets Held In”

~ Daphney

We left soon after Jocelyn. Once everyone was fast asleep, though, I went snooping. First was Bruce’s office. I would walk by the empty room and, moments later, Alfred or Bruce would walk out. I looked under the rug, behind the cabinet. Nothing. Not one trap door. My eyes fell on the grandfather clock.

“Oh, what the heck,” I breathed. Strange. It wouldn’t budge from the wall. “Check.” I thought, then opened the glass. I stared at the face a moment, then turned the hands. They stopped at noon. Or was it midnight? The clock slowly creaked open to show a dark staircase. I tip-toed down, the clock-door closing behind me. My feet hit the cold, stone floor of what seemed to me to be a cave.

I covered my mouth to catch my gasp. There was Batman and Robin. Could Dick and Bruce really be the heroes who saved me earlier in the day?

“I’m going to go check on Daphney,” Robin said, pulling off his mask, then his shirt. I was right. Robin and Dick were one of the same.

“There’s no need, I’m fine,” I blurted without thinking.

“Daph?” He asked. I stepped into the light. “How did you…?”

“Lucky guess?” I laughed hesitantly. “Hello, Bruce.”

Dick stepped in front of me. “You won’t –“

“Tell anyone? Of course not. I trust my family with their decisions. I trust Alfred. I won’t tell anyone.”

I could see relief rush over his face, and I felt relieved, too. Now, I hoped, there would be no secrets.

“Go back to bed,” Bruce advised from his throne.

I protested, “Let me stay. There’s no way I can sleep now anyways. I can help!”

Dick put the shirt back on. “She isn’t hurting anything, Bruce, let her stay.”

“Fine,” Bruce said with a sigh. “But no snooping around, please.”

I blushed, but grinned and nodded. Dick pulled me over to the room holding all the evidence. I walked around, looking at everything. Pictures, weapons, fragments of costumes.

Richard turned to me, smiling. “I wanted to tell you. Please understand.”

“I do. I understand.” I smiled reassuringly to him.

“You and you, about,” he laughed, pulling me into a hug. Leaning against him, I traced the ‘R’ on his chest. “But I’m glad.”

“I’m glad I know now.”

His hand slid beneath my chin and lifted my head. His lips caressed mine. What a romantic place, too, I thought sarcastically.

Bruce interrupted. “Robin, come on.”

We parted, each blushing equally. “Remember your mask.”

He nodded and put it on, following Bruce. I sat in Bruce’s ‘throne’, and fell asleep.

***

~ Jocelyn

I walked home in the dreary Gotham night. When I reached home, Claudia had torn open the door before I even got my key into the lock.

“Are you okay?” Her eyes were wide with fear and nervousness.

I pushed past her through the door, “I’m good, how about you?” I attempted to sound casual; to ignore the unnerving events that had happened that night.

“I – I saw the news. They said someone had been shot by that man – Two-Face. Then I just got that feeling, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.” My voice was barely a whisper. Claudia looked over at men, concern highlighting her features. I laughed reassuringly, “I’m fine, okay? No gaping holes, no gushing blood, see?” I plopped down onto the couch.

“Well, you never know…” Claudia sat down on the chair across from me. She glanced at me, “You look… weird.”

I chuckled loudly, “Oh gee, thanks. You and me look a lot alike, so I guess you look weird, too.”

She laughed lightly, but then she looked at me, “No, I’m serious. You look,” her brows furrowed together, trying to find the right word, “different.”

“It’s just that I realized something about this city today.” I stood up and walked over to the window that overlooked the slums of Gotham. I glanced back at Claudia, “Here – in this city – you can dress up like a freak, in costumes and makeup, and you are praised, or feared.” I turned to her, my arms risen in awe.

“Jocelyn, are you sure you’re okay?”

“No – no, you don’t understand! These people – they put on a suit, then they’re suddenly without limits. They become something else. A god – some unknown force. The only thing that’ll try and stop them is the opposing freak.”

Claudia stared at me, her mouth open in shock. “Where are you getting at with this?”

I half-smiled, then turned and leaned against the windowsill. “This night has been very liberating.” In the night sky, the shadow of a bat was silhouetted onto the clouds.

- Pardon me while I burst into flames. I’ve had enough of this world, and people’s mindless games -

IX: “A Life of (Preventing) Crime

~ Daphney

I woke late to a quite romantic scene. Woken by Robin’s kisses. “Good morning,” he whispered.

“Morning?”

“You slept here all night. I convinced Bruce to let you stay here.”

“Thanks.” I looked at him. He was back to his normal and out of costume. Just himself. “So, what’s all on this computer?”

“Nearly anything you can think of.”

“Satellite pictures?” I asked, looking to the screen.

“Yeah, why?”

After a few minutes, I persuaded him to let me look at family pictures. But, actually, I only had to mutter the word ‘family’ for him to access files and let me look.

As I stared into my mother’s blue eyes, I could feel myself start to smile, and cry. Next, I looked up, Dick was gone. I couldn’t see Bruce either. I recalled Jocelyn telling the Comissioner her last name and put it in. My heart seemed, even, to cringe as I dug up her past. Her parents, too, had died and she was living with her seventeen year old sister. I smiled a bit and ran upstairs. “Bruce?” I found him eating breakfast.

“Can I help you, Daphney?” he asked with his usual charming smile.

“Let’s give Claudia a scholarship for college! Through Wayne Enterprises.”

“Who?”

My smile faded. “Oh! Jocelyn’s sister.”

He chuckled. “Surely they have --”

“Not enough. I used the computer. Jocelyn’s only stocks – which she inherited from her mother – were sold years ago. They need this to get Claudia into a good school.”

“You have a good heart. How do you think a full-ride sounds?” He smiled more.

“Perfect!” I cheered.

He flipped open his cell phone and made a few calls and was soon personally calling her.

“Hello, Ms. Conners. This is Jocelyn, right? Great. Congratulations, your sister, Claudia, has just won a full-ride scholarship from Wayne Enterprises. Oh. Don’t thank me. Thank Daphney.”

***

~ Jocelyn

I was working on my new ‘suit’ when I received the call from Bruce Wayne, himself, announcing Claudia’s scholarship.

My jaw hit the fucking floor.

I thanks Bruce and Daphney, then Bruce invited me to dinner Friday night – to “celebrate the scholarship.” I politely declined, and said that I had to meet some friends for an important engagement. After quite a bit of (annoying) pushing on his part, I finally agreed to go out on Saturday, instead.

No, I would certainly be busy on Friday. Friday I would be trying out my new… “suit”. And I felt that I should be free of distractions.

I sat down and continued to work on my costume. Earlier that morning I had drove to a small costume shop just out of Gotham and spent a bit of last night’s fence on a costume. (Probably far too much, really.) I’d spent the day adding modifications.

My suit was a dark gray, almost black, with fades of a lighter shade of gray. “Distorted black” was what the checker at the store called it.

It still looks gray, I had thought when she said that.

Claudia walked into the apartment with groceries in hand. She eyed my suit with contempt, “What, are you gonna go for a ‘midnight stroll’ on the rooftops tonight?”

“No, that’s Friday night,” I grinned at her.

She shook her head, “It’s just – what if something goes wrong? What if the cops try to gun you down?”

“Claudia, I’m robbing people, not committing murder.”

“And Batman?”

There was a small pause between us. “What about him? You’ve seen me fight. You know that I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah, speaking of that,” she eyed the ground hesitantly, “I – uh, saw a tan car parked outside.”

Yet another moment of silence. “Did he see you?”

“I don’t know. Possibly. But Jocelyn, he’s parked outside. I think he knows we live here,” she stated her last sentence sarcastically.

“Yeah, but I don’t want him to know that we know. So ignore him”

She sighed, “But, what happened between you guys? I mean, just one day it’s over, then we run and hide.”

“We had… uh, ‘conflicting interests.’” I smiled at the dry humor of my joke.

I didn’t think that “conflicting” quite covered it.

- My babe’s got a heart like a rock cast in the sea -

X: “Masquerade”

~Daphney

On Thursday, Bruce presented me with a new dress... and a proposition to help. Tomorrow night, I would walk a block and dine at the Penguin’s little restaurant and, basically, put on the charm to get an inadvertent confession.

I felt I had to accept. I owed them that much, so on Friday, I dressed and went by car. I was dropped off a block away and looked up. I sighed in relief to see Robin on a nearby roof. I was safe now.

Slowly, my feet trudged on into the next block and, then, I gracefully entered the Penguin’s restaurant. The short little man with the long, beak-like nose waddled over. For a cane, he used a black umbrella. Bruce had warned me about it.

The Penguin looked me over and gave me a toothy grin. “Well, hello. May I show you to your seat?” He held out his hand.

I set my arm over his in all of my English custom. He didn’t seem to mind as he led me to a small table near the inside aquarium. “Sit here, my dear. The best spot in the house.”

I nodded and sat in the chair he pulled out for me and smiled. He clapped his hands twice and a waiter came out with a platter of all the specials. “Thank you,” I said just as politely as I could manage.

As he set a napkin in my lap, I almost cringed. Luckily, I didn’t. Now was the moment to turn up the heat. I set my hand on his – still on my lap, mind you – and gave him a pouty little face. “Will you keep me company? My date has left me here, alone, to dine by myself.”

Penguin must have gotten quite a shock, but sat down, a light grin and blush residing on his cheeks.

“So, you were in Arkham not long ago. It’s nice to see a turn around.”

Penguin gave a huffy laugh at this, or a cackle, really. “Something like that.”

“Hmm? What do you mean? I won’t tell anyone.” I gave him my best smile.

He leaned in. “You won’t, hmm?”

I did as well, “Nope, especially no bats or little birdies.” I leaned back, gritting my teeth and crossing my legs. “They disgust me. Grown men running around in tights…” I thought all my apologies to Bruce and Dick.

This pleased Penguin because he went off on a rant. It was in the news that the police had a hunch it was him. There was no proof. Penguin was thought to have stolen the most expensive jewel in Gotham. He was quite a target.

My scarf fell from my arm, exposing the bandage. “Oh. Silly, little Two-Face got me one.”

“With that? A --”

“25 caliber? Yeah. Just a flesh wound. Don’t worry about me. I have more of a desire for beauty. Perhaps the midnight jewel? Only a man could steal that.” I felt so stupid, talking as I was, but it was necessary.

He cackled in delight as I leaned over some to “fix my shoe”.

“Come with me…” He stood up and put his arm out.

A walk down the hallway and downstairs later, I saw it. I went over to it. “Go on and hold it. It’s can’t match your beauty.”

I gasped as a masked figure came before me. It wasn’t Batman or Robin, the figure was female. Definitely wasn’t Catwoman.

“Run, my dear,” Penguin urged. Behind him was Batman and Robin.

“Nowhere to run,” I said. I found myself back-to-back with a criminal, my hands clutching the midnight sapphire.

***

~ Jocelyn

That morning had been ordinary. Well, a “before-crime” ordinary, assuming such a thing existed. I got together my costume, and some things I might need. The rest of the morning was spent running errands. I also told Claudia about the scholarship. She was thrilled.

It is times like those that make me second guess myself, and my occupation. When you encounter a good in the world, a truly kind and generous person, you begin to wonder if you’re right in what you do. You know?

But then you realize that the kind and generous are few and far between. Then you’re left with the same bitter outlook on life that you had before.

Forever and ever.

“So, are you still going tonight?” Back to reality. Claudia stared at me, suspicion and worry highlight her features.

“Your scholarship,” I started while I gathered the suit, “… is just one less thing to worry about. We still need money to live, you know.”

An excuse. Just another fucking excuse. I guess Claudia saw through it, too. “Yeah, but we can work something out. I mean, with my money and your money put together, we can make it if we’re careful.”

I was a writer when I wasn’t knocking people off. No books published yet, just a few magazine articles. It was a nice job at home, that didn’t pay shit. Claudia, too, had a natural talent with words. Now she hoped to continue my abandoned profession in the arts.

“Listen, I don’t want to talk about it.” Claudia didn’t say anything. I apologized, more to myself than her, and walked out of the apartment.

***

Holy fucking hell.

The robbery had started off well. The security wasn’t too bad. I managed to get soundlessly through the building. But once I reached the payoff…

Shit. Shit. Fuck. What do I do?

There I was, staring down Batman, with Daphney and some ugly guy next to me, and Robin behind me.

Talk about your tight situations.

In a moment of panic, I snatched the jewel from Daphney’s arms, and took a fucking dive right through a window. Then I ran, and kept running. I wondered how long it would take for them to catch up.

***

~ Daphney

“No!” I cried, chasing her out the window. “I’ll take care of these two!” Penguin squawked as I ran after the thief. I ran in heels, knowing very well that barefoot may be worse. I got just in a good distance.

It was a game. If I tackled her, I would win! But, if I missed, that would be it. Game over.

She looked to make sure she wouldn’t run into anything and I pounced. I managed to grab the jewel. Blinded by the struggle, I groped to restrain her. I regretfully grabbed a few things I shouldn’t have, but managed to unmask the villain. I couldn’t believe it.

I stood there, looking into the two eyes that made my heart ache. “Jocelyn… Why?” I whispered, moving away. My dress was more than a bit battered, but I excused it.

“Daphney!” I could hear Robin calling.

I threw the mask at Jocelyn. “Claudia still needs you! Go!” I didn’t let a word in as I pushed her away, “Go!”

For a moment, I watched as she ducked into an alley. The moment I turned, I was being hugged by Robin. “You look horrible!” He laughed.

“What flattery!”

“I got worried. Your microphone went out.”

“Must have been when I fell. Got it back though.” I said as I handed the jewel to him.

“Well, don’t worry me next time!”

“Don’t make a scene. It’ll be a public media affair. ‘Wayne daughter dabbles affection between Boy Wonder and Wayne.’ What will Richard say?”

“You’re right. I’ll have to have a talk with him. I’m sure we can share.”

“Third person talking,” I whispered into his ear. He laughed and hugged me a bit tighter, rocking back and forth, and side to side.

“Ever fly?” he asked with an odd, plotting grin on his face. I shook my head, confused completely. He wrapped my arms around his neck. “Hold on.”

Next I knew, we were on our way back to Wayne Manor, or, rather, the batcave, via grappling hook. An hour later, Batman came back, transforming into Bruce Wayne, simply by pulling off his hood.

Dick was sitting on the floor with me as I laid with my head on his lap. Bruce gave us, or rather me, a queer look. It took me a moment to figure out why; I took off Robin’s mask.

If the mask was on, they went by their hero name. But if even it was only the mask off, they used first name basis. It was strange, but the best way to keep a secret.

“Good job, Daphney,” Bruce congratulated, bending down and handing me a small box. I blinked a few time, then opened it.

A small, black mask lay on the bottom. “Alfred’s working on a nice costume for you. We’ll leave Batgirl for Barbara.”

I smiled and hugged him. “Thank you.”

***

XI: “Film Noir for the Costumed Freaks”

~ Jocelyn

I spent the next few days hiding out at home during the day, and running around the rooftops at night. I was extra cautious, risking only ripping off a few dealers. (Surprising, the things they had. You’d think that with so much money, they’d make an attempt to rethink their life.)

Friday’s events left me on edge. I spent the next few nights waiting for some caped bat and the wonder bird to come crashing through my window.

I waited.

But they never came.

I can’t say that I wasn’t disappointed. I was more surprised than anything. Surely Daphney would’ve told somebody by now…?

Surely she would’ve. ‘Good-to-do’ types such as herself would rat someone like me out in a heartbeat.

So why was I still here?

That question bore into my mind. I know I should’ve been thrilled that I made it out, but my anxiety was the fear of not knowing, and the possibility that someone had done a kind act for me. I’m not a martyr (atleast not always), but life’s tribulations had taught me to be suspicious of random acts of kindness.

I was up all hours of the night trying to figure out what went wrong. Everything should’ve went smoothly. Fuck-ups like that should never happen. Friday night was a close call. I may feel like occasionally living dangerously,, but even I had my limits.

I walked out into the living room, only to stop dead in my tracks. Right there – in the middle of my living room – was this black figure.

“Breaking and entering isn’t exactly legal.” The figure turned. It was a woman.

Surprise, surprise, I thought sarcastically.

***

~ Daphney

“Can I borrow the suit?” I had asked Bruce. Dick talked him into it. No wires. It was a chance to see Jocelyn. I used the window.

“Speak for yourself. You aren’t either. Calm down, though.” I pulled off the mask and stepped into the light. “It’s just me. Don’t say anything – for Claudia’s sake. I know what you’ve been doing, Joc, and I’m finding myself displeased. What if you get hurt – or worse: caught? Claudia is only seventeen. She might not be so lucky. I gave you a chance to help her, don’t ruin it.”

I gave her a hard look and put the mask on. “Just ask yourself: do you love your crooked work or your sister more?” The window was still open in more than one perspective. I had to leave.

“Bluebird!” Robin called from the roof nearby. “Come on!”

I smiled, using the grappling hook to get to him.

***

~Jocelyn

So, one heroic act and the kid becomes a caped crusader? A small smile rose to my face – she seemed that she’d be good at her job. Courage and selfless heroics were traits rarely found in this day and age.

Oh, the irony that I would receive a phone call within the hour of Daphney’s warning. “’Ey there, kiddo. I was beginning to think you were dead!”

Paulo.

I grinned, “No, not yet, atleast.”

I heard him laugh wickedly on the other line. “Well, you better save some of those survival skills for our next job. Ralph just rang me up…”

Ralph. His name alone was enough to put me on my guard. Ralph was a good guy, he just chose the riskiest missions.

Paulo told me Ralph’s job. He wanted to knock off some money from Joseph “The Ringleader” Markus, the rising crime-lord of an up-and-coming drug ring.

Most people wouldn’t have been able to do that. Jocelyn, the small-time, two-bit thief wouldn’t have been able to do it. But the costume – this weapons, this person all in itself – could clean the place out.

I told Paulo that I’d do it. “…But, I need you to meet me before then. There’s something I need to tell you.”

There was a small pause, “…Ok. I’m, uh, free right now. What do you say we meet at the Pizza House?”

“No. Meet me at the abandoned paper factory. Come alone, okay?” I hung up, and grabbed my suit and stuffed it into a large tote. Out the door I went, past the sad tan car, past the memento of something that may be better off left dead. I could feel familiar eyes on me as I ignored the tan car.

Eyes I had hidden from so many times without realizing. Must I always hide?

***

~ Daphney

“There’s going to be an organized crime.” Robin nodded to a nearby factory, then continued, “And they’re organizing it there. Batman’s taking care of the Riddler, so we’re on our own.”

I nodded, seeing a few men go inside the factory, “I take it we know them?”

“Just a few thugs. Maybe you should sit --”

“This is my job. I’m going with you,” I reassured, “I won’t let you go alone.” He took my hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

We stayed, crouched down on the roof, using Batman’s technology to get the most information we could.

“Where is that blasted girl?” One growled, slamming his hand down on the table.

“She’ll be here,” the sitting one said calmly.

No, Jocelyn. Don’t do it. I don’t want to ruin Claudia’s future! I thought, Please don’t come.

And we waited for the third member to appear…

***

~Jocelyn

Into an alley I crept. I broke into some abandoned apartment complex. I took the suit out of the tote and quickly changed. I stashed the bag containing my street clothes, and took off onto the rooftops.

Once I reached the paper factory, I waited atop a building, staring down at Paulo and Ralph. My eyes wandered up to a nearby skyscraper. I could’ve sworn that my jaw hit the floor in shock.

Standing there – before my eyes – were Daphney and that Robin character. They were staring down at Ralph and Paulo, their stare only breaking to meet each other’s gaze.

My mind told me to take off, but obligation made me stay. I broke into a nearby house, and called up Paulo on his cell phone. I told him what I saw, and to wait about twenty more minutes, then leave. He reluctantly agreed.

I stole some cans of spray paint from the house, and went stealthily into an alley near the Paper Company. I pulled off the cap and began to write in colored graffiti:

‘Caped Crusaders,

Such attempts to snoop are not appreciated. Perhaps you should try to keep your nose (or cape, if you prefer) out of things that do not concern you. Continue to meddle in my affairs, and it shall be war upon you all.’

I paused, pondering what to sign it as. A name for myself had never occurred to me. I had never needed it until now. After a moment of thought, I signed the ‘letter’:

‘Deepest regards,

Ashen’

I grinned wickedly as I reread the message written on the wall. Adrenaline flowed through my veins, readying me for whatever lay ahead. I waited in the alley corner, and watched Paulo and Ralph depart, then took off into the night. Ashes to ashes… dust to dust, I though as I left.

It had only started now, but some unwritten law – some gut-wrenching intuition – told me that it would get worse before the end.

***

~ Daphney

“They’re leaving…” I said, blinking. In the corner of my eyes, I saw someone running out of a nearby alley. “Come on.”

XII: “Ashes to Ashes”

~Daphney

I loaded the picture onto the Batcomputer. The graffiti showed on the screen. “Calls himself ‘Ashen’.”

“Maybe it’s that girl that tried to steal from Penguin,” Robin suggested.

“God, I hope not,” I whispered. I blinked as Bruce and Robin stared at me. “What? Crime is bad!”

Robin smiled. “You’re right. Sorry.” He laughed.

I pulled off my mask and went to my room, picked up the phone and called Jocelyn. Once it was answered, I sighed in relief, “Joc! Thank God! I was so afraid you were out doing the organized crime scene.”

“This is Claudia.”

“Oh! I’m sorry! It’s so late, too. I didn’t realize. Won’t you come to dinner to celebrate tomorrow? We asked your sister, but I wanted to make sure.”

“Of course. I’d love to.”

I smiled, “We’ll see you then, Claudia. Congratulations.”

“It was nothing at all.” I set the phone down.

***

~Jocelyn

Claudia smiled, setting the phone on the hook as I walked in. “Your friend Daphney is a good person. She’s concerned for you, you know…” She always sounded so unsure of what she was saying.

“It seems that everyone is concerned for me nowadays. It’s a little too late, don’t you think?” Bitterness coated my every word.

Claudia frowned at me. There are some things she just couldn’t understand. Thing I wouldn’t let her understand.

Claudia changed the subject, “So, we’re going out with the Wayne family tomorrow…?”

“Fuck. Yeah, I completely forgot.” I was going to do some… things tomorrow. Confront some people. The tan car outside had been there for a while. Oh well, I thought, what could another day hurt?

I picked up the phone and redialed the last number. The phone rang a couple of times before someone picked up, “Wayne residence, how may I help you?”

“Hello, is Daphney there?”

“One moment, please.”

“Hello?” Daphney answered. “Daphney Pennysworth. How may I help you?”

“Daphney, don’t talk, just listen. I need to have a chat with you, but not on here. How about we meet tomorrow night, say two at night?”

“Tonight. Ten minutes at your message.”

“Alright. Be at the rooftop to the old theater – in costume.” I let the last few words roll off my tongue, slowly stating each syllable.

With that, I hung up. “I’m leaving for a while,” I said shortly to Claudia. I was already in my suit, so I put on my mask and jumped out the window.

***

~ Daphney

I got my costume on and left via Batcave. Robin tried to follow, but I glared. “Stay.” Within five minutes, I was there. I looked for her.

***

~ Jocelyn

I spotted Daphney on a nearby rooftop. Within seconds, I was looking her in the eye, “What the hell is your problem?”

She blinked a few times. “My problem?”

“Yes! You call my house, you try and feed me bullshit about your whole ‘no crime’ kick. The people I’m knocking off are criminals, yet you’re still breathing down my neck.”

“It’s still wrong and you’re making the matter worse. Ashen, please. I don’t want to tell them who you are. They’ll put you in jail and put Claudia in foster care.”

I rose up my hands, with my palms upturned. “Go ahead, tell them! Let them come after me. I’ll take on this whole damn city.” My voice broke off, “You’ve missed the point of all of this. It’s not about money, or power. I won’t stop, not yet.”

“Then tell me…” A few tears rolled down her cheeks. “What is it about, Ashen?”

Could I really answer that?

“Revenge. Closure. Isn’t most of the corruption in this city some form of rage or unreleased frustration?” I lift my hands in an attempt to tug at my hair, only to grab at the mask. The terrible mask that brought me both torment and ecstasy.

Then I laughed. My voice had a sad, sick sound of desperation. “These people – these cities – they take away from you like a parasite! They take away, not things, but people! And they never give back…”

Everything is falling, falling down…

It took me a moment to realize that I had said that aloud. I looked at Daphney, my mind ventured out of whatever hysteria it had found it’s way into. I cleared my throat, composure washing over me. “These criminals that I rob – they don’t care about people, only their possessions. Taking their money and riches away is the only thing that hurts them. Am I wrong to make them hurt, like they should?” My last sentence was less of a question, but more of a statement or musing.

I looked Daphney straight in the eyes, “You know what they say: misery loves company.” I walked over to the rooftop ledge, “But what about the Bat? I wear the mask for crime and self-gratification. Assuming we all have our own demons to make us want to dress up like freaks – what would make him start this trend? What could drive a man to become a bat?”

Before she could answer, I jumped over the ledge. I landed stiffly on a fire escape, jumped to the ground, and disappeared in the alleyways.

I just kept falling, falling down.

***

~ Daphney

“You can come out now,” I whispered. Robin stepped out from behind the chimney. “I told you not to come.”

“I… we were worried about you. You just ran off.”

“Robin, go back. I have something to do.”

I left him there and waited on a nearby building for him to leave. Once he had, I went to Jocelyn’s. In the bedroom, someone slept on the bed. It wasn’t Jocelyn. I realized that it must’ve been Claudia. I opened up the window as a tan car pulled up.

“Claudia,” I whispered, shaking her.

She looked up, “Jocelyn?” She was still half-asleep.

“I need answers. Why did she start crime? Who is she trying to hurt?”

Claudia sat up, “Who are you?”

“Just another masked freak, as your sister puts it.” I sat next to her. “You’ll get hurt worse than her if she gets caught. You help me, I’ll help you. However, you want. Please.”

Claudia thought on this for a moment, and then nodded. “Alright.”

***

~ Jocelyn

I crept through the lobby of my apartment building. I was still in costume, but I wore a trench coat over it. (Everyone was asleep, but can you imagine what they would think of they saw me in this strange costume?) I reached my door, and went to unlock it, but it was already open.

I cautiously stepped into the apartment, awaiting whatever criminal or crime fighter that may be there. Suddenly, the door closed behind me. A masculine voice broke through the silence, startling me more than the closing door, “Bang, you’re dead.”

“Funny, you think I would’ve stopped moving…”

He laughed, draining away whatever harshness his voice had, “Smartass.”

“Heh, who do you think taught it to me?” I turned around and faced him.

He lit up a cigarette, the fire piercing through the darkness. “No, you were bratty even before I met you.” I took off my trench coat, and he eyed my outfit, “I see that you’ve lost it since you left my watchful eye.”

I laughed wickedly. “Don’t flatter yourself. You are the one who helped load the gun.”

He grinned amusingly, “Well, I never expected this.”

“Who would’ve?” I changed the subject, “Don’t tell me you traveled all the way from Detroit just to try and arrest me.”

We shared an affectionate graze, “No, not today,” he whispered.

At that moment, Claudia came from her bedroom and turned on the living room light. “Sam!” she cried as she spotted the man.

Sam Robbins. The wise-ass cop from Detroit who taught me to fight. He’d become somewhat of a partner over the years. We even had a bit of a relationship, once upon a time. But he was the cop, and I was the criminal…

I met him when I was fourteen, during a vandalism gone bad. He ended up letting me go instead of busting me that night, for whatever reason. After a bit of blackmail and threats on his part, and witnessing an unfortunate event involving a busted beer bottle and myself, he decided to teach me to defend myself. To this day, I still cannot figure out why he chose to do so. Why would he care?

He never could bring himself to arrest me. He’d catch me at a crime, red-handed, yet he’d still stall the cops so I’d have time to get away. This man…

Sam looked over at Claudia, “Hey, kiddo,” he smiled lightly. Age seemed to have caught up with him somewhat. He had a few wrinkles, and bits of gray shined through his black hair. He was still built better than most men half his age, though. When he was stressed, he would work out. And stress had barreled down on him the past few years. (I was the cause of a lot of that, too.)

Claudia glanced from him to me nervously, “So… what are you doing here?”

“Just… checking up. Making sure you’re both okay.”

I eyed Claudia as she spoke, her eyes moving from side to side, “Oh. We’re fine. Did you plan on staying? I’m sure we can fit you --”

“Claudia, what’s wrong?” My voice was sharp, but concerned.

“Nothing. I’m just tired from waiting up for you. And surprised to see Sam here.” She wouldn’t look at me. She instead stared out the window. For one brief moment, her eyes caught a quick glance behind her from the corners of her eyes.

“Bullshit. I practically raised you,” I pushed past her, “I know when you’re telling a fucking lie.” I meant to say more, but my voice shot short when I caught sight of a familiar black suit.

***

~ Daphney

From the bedroom window, I jumped out. Batman – damn him – had followed me. I grappled over to him. “So, Jocelyn and Ashen are one of the same?”

“Batman, please. Don’t take her in. Claudia --”

“She broke the law, Bluebird.”

“Please. I’ll watch over her. Keep her in the laws.”

Batman sighed, “You’re not the first to have a friend turn to crime. I don’t want you here anymore. Go back.”

“No!” Before I regained composure, his cheek got in the way of my palm. For a while, I just stood there. I finally just sunk down as he left. He wasn’t going where I thought he was. He was returning to the Batcave. I sighed in relief. “Seems you’re off the hook for now.” I turned to watch her, this strange man, and her sister. Claudia was the first I saw, seeming a bit confused, yet relieved.

“Bluebird?” I heard from behind me. Robin. “Come on. It’s almost morning.”

I laid back. “I slapped him.”

He walked over and crouched down: Understanding as he was, I was still surprised to find him smiling at me. “Less than mine. I stole the Batmobile and pummeled him – tried to, atleast. He got over it. He’ll get over a slap.”

I smiled up at him. “I won’t leave her alone.”

“I know. He knows. He won’t give up on Two-Face. He sees him as Harvey Dent. As he used to be.”

“Seems me and Batman have a lot more in common than when we started. But maybe I can get her to stop hating me.”

“With the noble deed you did, I’m sure she will. Even before you suspected me, you called her by a different name.”

“We’re all schizophrenic. ‘Course I did.” I took off the thin camera and took a picture of the man. “But, while I’m here, I’ll do some detective work.”

Robin laughed. “And you wonder why I love you.”

I smirked, getting up. “I don’t. I already knew.” I put the camera back in my utility belt and jumped to the next building.

“Hey!” he laughed, following me back to the Batcave.

- Stranger than you dreamt it – can you even dare to look or bear to think of me – this loathsome gargoyle, who burns in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven?

Secretly…

Secretly… -