Chapter Text
The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on the sleek yacht, "Al-Ghul's Might," anchored in the calm waters of Gotham Harbor. Selina Kyle, known to the world as Catwoman, moved with feline grace along the deck, her eyes sharp and ears pricked for any sound. She knew Talia al Ghul was aboard, and more importantly, so was Damian Wayne.
As Selina edged closer to Talia's quarters, she overheard a muffled conversation. Talia, despite her steel demeanor, was showing a rare moment of vulnerability as she spoke to Damian. Selina’s heart twinged—she saw potential in the young boy, potential that could be nurtured differently under her guidance.
Selina's entry was swift and silent. Talia barely had time to react before she found herself face-to-face with the masked vigilante.
"What do you want, Catwoman?" Talia's voice was cold, but Selina could see the worry in her eyes.
"I want the boy," Selina replied calmly. "You may see him as a pawn, but I see him as something more."
Selina knew a direct confrontation wouldn't end well, so she proposed a deal. "Let me take Damian. I'll train him, protect him, and ensure he becomes the best version of himself—not a tool for your father’s League of Assassins."
Talia hesitated, conflicted. She knew Selina had a point; Damian needed more than just the League's harsh teachings.
Finally, Talia nodded. "Fine. But know this, if you fail him, there will be no place on Earth where you can hide."
Selina smirked. "Understood."
Selina led Damian through the dimly lit streets of Gotham, her hand firmly but gently holding his. They arrived at her apartment, a cozy yet sophisticated space filled with eclectic treasures from her many heists. As they stepped inside, a sleek black cat with piercing green eyes padded over to greet them.
“Damian, this is Isis,” Selina said, her voice softening as she knelt to pet the cat. “She’s been my companion for years.”
Damian crouched down, extending a tentative hand. Isis sniffed it before rubbing her head against his fingers, purring contentedly.
“She likes you,” Selina observed with a smile. “Isis has a good sense for people.”
Damian looked up at Selina, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “I’ve never had a pet before.”
“Well, now you do,” Selina replied, standing up and ruffling his hair affectionately. “Welcome home, Damian.”
-----------------With talia and Bruce-----------------
Bruce watched Talia pour a drink into a glass. “Would you like a drink?” she asked through her beautiful eyelashes.
Hard pass. “Last time, that didn't go so well.”
“Oh, you're right. If I remember correctly,” she moved towards him, “I put a little something in your beverage.” When she reached him, she placed a hand on his chest and pressed herself against him.
“Same way I remember it,” he gruffly replied.
“It made you romantic.”
“It made me do what you wanted,” he immediately snapped.
“Was it all bad, Beloved?” She wrapped her leg around his, her head in the crook of his shoulder.
“No, it wasn't all bad,” he admitted.
“Then you remember our shared moonlight?”
“Some of it.”
“The best parts?” Talia asked, the barest hint of a grin on her face.
He grabbed her by her arms. “Talia.” He pulled her away, ignoring the surprised expression on her face. “What do you want?”
Turning away from him, she wrapped her arms around her chest, tucking her body closer into itself. In this moment, she looked so…vulnerable.
After a moment of silence, she turned around and declared, “My father, he's dead.”
Bruce couldn’t hide the surprise from his face. “Ra's?”
“How many fathers do I have?” she snapped at him.
“Sorry. He always seemed-“
“Like you? Indestructible?”
“Huh. You haven't seen my x-rays.”
At this, she moved closer, pressing her body against his once again. “Maybe you can show them to me sometime.”
“You don't seem all that broken up about Ra's' death.”
This seemed to put her back on task because she moved away from him. “There is no time for mourning. Assassins plan to take over Ra's' organization. They are led by a man who Father believed could be his successor…until my father became aware of you.” Her gaze hardened. “Now this man wants to kill me.”
He waited a couple moments for her to continue, until he realized that was all she had to say. “So you’re asking for help?”
“No. I’m here to tell you to expect trouble from League splinter groups, namely Deathstroke among others.”
He put the pieces together quickly. “Deathstroke wants to kill you.”
“That is none of your concern, Beloved.”
Stepping forward, he said, “You’re in trouble, Talia. I can help you disappear. I can-”
“No, I must rebuild the League. You are looking at the League’s true leader, after all.” He nodded at her response.
It was worth a shot, but some things never change, do they?
As he went to leave, Talia stopped him. “Beloved?”
He halted in his tracks.
“I have some information of…particular interest. After I took down Killer Croc, I made my way here. Are you familiar with Catwoman?”
A little too much. “Hmm,” he grunted. By now, he’s sure Talia would know how familiar he and Selina are.
“I saw her with a young child, seemingly trained. He looks to be her new protégé. Perhaps he needs some guidance. The life of a thief is no way to live.” Ah. So that’s what it was. She still held contempt for Selina and her nightly activities.
“I could say the same for an assassin.”
After a brief silence, Talia concluded, “Goodbye, Beloved. I don’t know how long I will be gone stopping Deathstroke and restoring the League.
Taking this as the end of their meeting, he walked out of the lounge and away from the woman he could never have.
Later, he watched Talia’s yacht depart Gotham’s waters, away from him. He hopped into the Batmobile and drove to the batcave "time to make a new folder for selina and her new kitten I guess..." Bruce said with a heavy sigh as he got out of the Batmobile