Beautiful Anti-Hero

Meeting Batman

"Puddin she was great. Remember I used to do gymnastics? This girl has style. Her elegance and poise was spot on. It looked like she was already part of the circus." Harley explained to her boss who listened with little interest.

"Oh Harley. Stop whining. So what if this silly girl has talent? I am the one wearing green here remember?" He pulled back his intimidating purple jacket to reveal his bright green shirt.

"I am not jealous if that is what you are inferring?" Harley piped.

"Sure." The Joker laughed. "Just stop getting distracted. You always seem to. Just do what I tell you. I want that park Harley."

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Felicia stroked the big wheel's operating machine as she tapped her fingers impatiently on the wooden stall. "So bored." She muttered checking her phone. She had forty five minutes left but the day seemed to drag. She enjoyed seeing Mr Riley and Harriet had given her a sweet for lunch. However the work could be tedious as it seemed repetitive. In truth, watching people enjoy themselves on these rides all day made Felicia feel empty. She missed being the Black Cat and going out at night. The thrill of darting from rooftop to rooftop; knowing that her secret identity was safe because of her costume disguise. Maybe she could go out tonight? Nobody was there to stop her and there other costumed "freaks" out there like her.

"Felicia?" Mr Riley's soft voice broke her daring train of thought and she turned her attention to him.

"Yes Mr Riley?"

"Harleen Quinzel is going to take my therapy session a little early tonight. She asked me to tell you that you are welcome to come if you want." He shrugged his shoulders seeing her face tighten.

"I don't need therapy." Felicia wondered why the woman offered this. She was going to meet her for a coffee tomorrow after work anyways.

"No problem."

Felicia watched him leave and did the last half an hour of her work in peace. Once her shift was over she went home to rest. Upon entering her apartment, she took out her Black Cat costume and stared at it for a few minutes. The material felt so soft and so comforting. Throwing it on her bed, she decided to take a shower and have dinner.

Placing a china plate and water bottle on the table she cooked some pasta and sat down to eat. The pasta tasted slightly soggy but she doubted it was due to bad cooking skills. She just did not feel hungry. Gazing at her costume again, she took a sip of her drink and placed her head in her hands. She had not been the Black Cat in a new town. After all, Gotham was not her territory. The cat in her wanted to make it her turf but Felicia doubted herself a lot sometimes.

Oh the heck with it. Felicia rushed over to her bed and started to put the costume on. Once fully dressed she went over to the mirror. 'How I have missed this?' She thought striking a pose and laughing. Her silvery white wig gleamed in the moonlight when she opened her window. Climbing out, she slid down a pole located just on the right of her window leading her to the quiet alleyway. What was that tall building called? The one she saw when exiting the airport? Wayne something. Shrugging, she made her way to the airport to have a look.

Upon reaching the airport (she was very good at silently sneaking around so nobody could see her) Black Cat looked to the tower opposite. That was it. Wayne Enterprises. She had read about the billionaire who had taken over the family business. Swinging on a thin rope line, she climbed up steadily to the top where she could overlook Gotham City. It must be a beautiful sight. She was not disappointed when she reached the top. The scene looked incredible. Tiny little people like ants walking their day to day business, colourful lights and signposts shone down with little impact but still pretty to see when up high and she could see the amusement park's lights shut off.

What was that shining in the sky? Black Cat stopped to see what looked like a signal being reflected up into the sky. It was coming from the GCPD. Could it be the Batman? The symbol was represented as a bat like shape spreading it's wings over Gotham. She noticed some citizens pointing at it and edged nearer to listen to what they were saying.

"It's the Batman."

Gasping and seeing it as an opportunity, Black Cat decided to get attention by heading to Gotham bank. She passed easily through the security measures and made her way to the shining jewels.

"Hold it right there Catwoman" A security guard held up his hand and edged closer. "Wait, you're not Catwoman. Who are you?"

Black Cat walked steadily over to him and offering a smile she whispered in his ear. "Black Cat." Tripping him over his feet, she broke the glass containing the jewel, took it and scarpered. Getting to his feet, the security guard chased after her but was still dazed. Plus whoever this new person was she was quick. Once outside, Black Cat darted to another rooftop and looked at the jewel. It was small compared to the number of jewels she stole in New York but it was pretty.

"I don't believe we have met." A gruff voice echoed from behind her. She turned around but there was nobody there. Jumping to another rooftop, she heard the same steel voice again.

"Who are you?"

"Back at you." She called out wearily when she saw a shadowy figure approach her. Could this be the Batman?" The dark figure in front of her had bat like ears (figures) and a long cape which swayed in the wind. His eyes seemed cold but not menacing. Taking a deep breath she grinned at him giving a little playful wave.

"Black Cat. Nice to finally meet you Batman."

"I want what you stole." Batman held out his hand making her smile falter. She was only playing around. What was wrong with him? Spider-Man would not act so hostile. Then again Peter knew her.

"I was only playing. Come and get it if you want it." She was about to run but Batman blocked her way.

"I am in no mood for games. Hand it over NOW." He shouted making her jump a little.

"Catch me first." She spat out kicking him in the chest making him fall to the ground in shock. No doubt he was a big guy but Black Cat was no easy target. He had no choice but to play it her way. After all maybe she did not mean much harm. She looked quite pretty and reminded him of Catwoman. He heard her laughing and glided down to where she was swinging. Passers by glanced up and stared making Felicia wave at them.

"Now that I have your attention," she shouted back to Batman. "You can have this poxy thing." She threw the jewel down on the ground where a nearby man caught it. He was about to make his way off with it but Batman stopped him. The unlucky citizen cowered in fear and gave it to him. Black Cat watched from the rooftop. Maybe her bad luck powers were back.

Batman wrapped the jewel up and looked up to see Black Cat nowhere in sight. She must have got away. Batman travelled to the bank and approached the security guard.

"Here." He passed the jewel to him and was off before the security guard blinked.

Batman knew the night was young and searched Gotham for Black Cat. He wished he could see her again. He never showed it but that chase was...a thrill even for him.