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Peja's Wonderful World of Makebelieve Import
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The Greatest Love of All

Summary:

An old friend of Barbara's comes into the picture and it makes her think about the past, the present, and the future. It also makes her rethink some of the decisions she has made involving this friend

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: 1: Bats and Cats

Chapter Text

Pairing(s): Barbara/f, Dinah/Gabby, Helena/Reese

A/N: The following colors mean Helena Barbara Dinah Carolyn Ashley Rachel Reese Gabby Other when they are either >thinking< or one

 

The Greatest Love of All Series 1: Bats and Cats
By: Ry_Rain

Unknown person says "Previously on Birds of Prey ?"

Reese comes across what appears to be a clay statue. After running a couple test, Barbara finds out there is a person under the clay and he is still alive. In comes Clayface's, a villain who could change shape at will, son, Chris. He didn't have any powers but stole a chemical compound that gave him some. Helena goes to talk to Clayface and found out he was her mother's murderer. They find out what Chris's plans are and stop him. Helena also got her revenge for her mother's death by beating the crap out of Clayface.

Helena's psychiatrist, Dr. Quinzel turned out to be Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn. She stole a meta's ability to hypnotize people and made Gibson go crazy and Helena switched sides. While under Harley hypnosis, Helena punches Barbara, gets the plans for the Clocktower and later gets in a fight with a walking Barbara. After Harley gains access to the Clocktower she meets Wade, Barbara's boyfriend. She hypnotizes him and makes him kiss her. While they are kissing she puts a knife in his side, killing him. Barbara later finds out that Helena told Harley about Wade and Helena runs. They meet back up and get ready to take the Clocktower back. Barbara fights Harley and only stops from killing her when Helena echoes the advice Barbara recently gave her when she was fighting Clayface.

 

Prologue

At the Clocktower ?

"It's been two months Helena. All Barbara does is sit in front of the computer trying to make the security system better. This place was a fortress before, its probably harder to get in now then Fort Knox," Dinah said.

"She's not always at the computer."

"Only because she has to go to school now. All summer all she did was work on the Delphi and that stupid thing that helps her walk. It got pretty damaged in the two fights."

"Don't remind me," Helena said. "Why are you telling me this? What a I supposed to do about it?"

"Talk to her." Helena just looked at her. "She listens to you." Helena continued looking at her. "You have no idea what to do."

"No, don't you think I would have already done it by now. I feel guilty as it is about tell Harley about Wade. I mean its all my fault his dead."

Barbara came into the room right at that point. "Would you stop blaming yourself? Its not your fault. If anybody in this room is to blame its me. I should not have let him in this part of my life. It won't happen again." Dinah and Helena just looked at each other as Barbara wheeled over to the computer.

"Hey, Babs, right don't me and you go see a movie or something. We haven't gone in a long time."

"I don't feel like going out."

"Then we'll rent some movies," Helena said as she walked over to Barbara. "Come on. You're on the computer all the time. I'll even let pick the movies, as long as they're not boring documentaries or something like that." Barbara laughed. "Is that a yes?" Barbara started writing something on a piece of paper and handed it to Helena as she nodded. "Cool. Be back in a few."

"What about sweeps?" Dinah asked quietly so Barbara wouldn't hear.

"You can handle them yourself can't you?" Dinah nodded. "Good, you should take off now. Maybe this movie thing will help get her out of her cocoon."

Dinah watched Helena leave then turned around and looked at Barbara. "I really hope your right."

At the movie store ?

Helena looked and Barbara's list and headed over to the DVD's. >I can't believe this is all the DVD's this place has. I'll probably have to get some of these on tape.< She skimmed the titles
and found one on Barbara's list. >Starship Troopers. Hmm, this looks interesting, I'm surprised Barbara picked this.<

"That's a very good one," someone behind her said. Helena turned around to see a woman with short, spiky, brown hair with blue streaks, an eyebrow piercing, and very blue eyes. "Hi, are there any movies you are looking for in particular?"

Helena did a double take, >She looks just like Mom's friend, Ashley something.< "Umm, yeah," Helena handed her the list, "these ones."

The woman took the list and looked it over. "This is a very eccentric list." Helena laughed, >That's Barbara for you.< "I think we may have all but one of these on DVD though."

"That's great. I thought I might have to get all of them on VHS."

"Now that would be horrible." The woman skimmed through the titles and pulled one out every now and then. She walked over to the counter with Helena following behind. "Okay, we have A.I., Stranger then Fiction, on VHS, sorry, a couple Dark Angel episodes, Lost and Delirious, and Starship Troopers. Will that be all?" Helena nodded. "All right. That will be ? $22.67 and they're all due back Wednesday before closing. Have a good night."

"Thanks, you too." Helena walked out the store with a pleased looked on her face. She had gotten all the movies Barbara wanted and was off to the Clocktower to watch them.

 

Back at the Clocktower ?

"I'm back," Helena walked in to see Barbara still pounding away at the computer. She didn't even turn around. "I got all the movies you wanted."

Barbara finally turned back around and Helena could tell she had been crying. "Cool, lets watch them. I'll make some popcorn." Barbara headed into the kitchen.

"What do you want to watch first?

"How about ? Stranger then Fiction?" Barbara came out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn and a six-pack of strawberry Nehi. "Is that alright?"

"Sure is." Helena put the movie in the VCR player and sat on the couch. Barbara positioned her chair at the end of the couch. "Why don't you sit on the couch with me? Its more comfortable."

"Alright." Barbara carefully moved herself onto the couch. "I think you'll like this movie. Its pretty interesting. You really need to pay attention though."

"I think I can pay attention." By the end of the movie Barbara had scooted over and was laying her head on Helena's shoulder. Helena looked over and noticed Barbara had fallen asleep. She carefully stood up and picked up Barbara. She carried her into her room and brought her chair in so she would have it in the morning. "Good night Barbara." >Maybe I should check up on Dinah.< Helena walked over to the computer and put Barbara's headset on. "Dinah, are you
there?"

 

"We were but Barbara fell asleep before the first movie was over. I'm bored. Need any help out there?"

 

"Alright. See you tomorrow."

 

"Bye."

 

Chapter One

On top of a roof a month later?

>Another night in New Gotham. This is getting very mundane now that Dr. Quinzel is in Arkum. Clayface was charged with my mother's murder. Justice was finally served. Well, somewhat. Poor Barbara, they never found Wade's body and the good doc is pleading insanity< Helena sees something from the corner off her eye. >What was that?<

 

"Yeah Oracle, I'm here."

 

"No, I am not thinking about Reese. I thought I saw something scaling a building." Helena could hear Barbara laughing.

 

"I'm being surrounded by a bunch of big goons. I can see what scaled the building. These goons can't see her though." Helena heard typing on the other end. "Do you think she's meta?"

 

"Ha, ha. Very funny Oracle. She looks like she's about to pounce. Reminds me of my mother." Helena heard the typing abruptly stop. It stared back up just as abruptly. "Oracle, do you know who she might be?" Just then one of the goons kicked her in the chin. "Oww! That hurt you big goon!" and with that, Helena's eyes changed causing the goons to hesitate, but only for a second before they started advancing on her. "I'm gonna need some back-up!" All of a sudden the mystery woman dropped from the roof and began attacking the goons. "Never mind."

 

"Our mystery woman just dropped in to help."

 

"No, she's wearing ... it looks like she's wearing a Batgirl suit. Is there a new Batgirl?" By now all the goons were down. "What do you want me to do?"

 

"Hey! Chick in a costume! Boss is telling me to bring you in." The woman continued walking. "Dude, turn around before I am forced to make you turn around!' The woman stopped but did not turn around. Helena sighed and walked towards her. "I was told you wouldn't struggle."

"Helena Kyle, daughter of Selena Kyle aka Catwoman, protecting New Gotham. One would have never thought." The woman turned around. "So the all knowing Oracle wants to talk to me? Well then, lead the way." Batgirl holds her hands up as Helena pulls out a piece of fabric, "No need for a blindfold. I already have a good idea where the place is.

"Let's go then." They started walking towards the Clocktower. "You knew my mother?" Helena asked. The woman just looked at her and smiled.

Back at the Clocktower ...

"Dinah!" Barbara yelled. "Get down here please!"

"I'm right here Barbara. What's going on? Is Helena back yet?"

"No but she's on her way and she's bringing company. I might need you powers to find out a few things. I'm pretty sure I know who she is and she can't really be trusted." Dinah looked at Barbara confused. She sounded angry but looked hurt and guilty. Dinah took a few steps away, not wanting to accidentally read her. "I can hear the elevator coming up. Be prepared for anything." Dinah nodded and faced the elevator as the doors slid open.

"I'm here with our mystery woman."

"Good job Huntress," Barbara praised. "Not even Batman as able to capture Catgirl." Dinah and Helena looked at Barbara, her face had a stone-like quality to it. They then looked at the woman in the Batgirl suit, who seemed to be smiling at Barbara.

>There is something familiar about her eyes but< "Catgirl is dead Barbara. I saw her get shot with my own two eyes. There was no way she could have survived."

"Cats have nine lives, Helena. I know for a fact she did not use all of them before hand. Come on, Ashley take your mask off. You know I'm right about who you are."

"Not quite," Ashley said as she winked and removed her mask but not her hood. Helena gasped at seeing her. "You see, I'm not Catgirl. I haven't been Catgirl for a long time now. I was in a chair after I got shot and just recently got my legs back. Called my brother, told him I'd changed and asked if there was room for me in New Gotham. He sent me this and said to contact you after I got my strength back up." Ashley then turned to Helena. "How you doing Helena?"

"I'm good," she said bitterly. "Why did you let me think you were dead? Why didn't you contact me and tell me you were a1l right? You were the part of my mother I had left. You were like a sister to me."

"More like an aunt." Helena looked at Barbara confused. Ashley took a seat on the desk and looked at Barbara not understanding. "Oh, like you didn't know Ashley." Ashley kept staring at her. Helena looked over at Ashley who just shrugged her shoulders. She honestly had no idea what Barbara was talking about. "You really don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Bruce is Helena's father."

"Bruce my crime fighting brother, had a child with Selina? I don't believe it." Ashley looked over in Helena's direction and actually looked at her. "Well, I'll be damned. Now that I know, I can't believe I didn't notice it. I mean there's no way in hell she couldn't be Bruce's daughter."

"You were the original Oracle," Dinah said. Everyone looked at her. Ashley's jaw hit the ground when she got a good look at Dinah.

Ashley nodded her head and said, "And your Black Canary's daughter. I can tell. You look just like her. I'm surprised I didn't realize it right away. She must be very proud of you following in her footsteps and all."

"My mother is dead," Dinah said coldly. She didn't like this woman talking about her mother.

"Oh come on. Whatever she did you can't be that mad at her." Ashley looked at Barbara and Helena who had sad looks on their faces. "Oh, god, I'm sorry Dinah. I had no idea. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. Barbara, do you still need me or can I go to my room?"

"You can go. Helena, it you want to go home you can. I'll be fine by myself. She won't hurt me." Helena eyed Ashley suspiciously. "Really Helena, I'll be fine. I can take care of myself if she tries anything. Go. Don't you have an early shift at the bar?" Helena nodded and headed out never taking her eyes off of Ashley. Ashley waved as the doors to the elevator closed.

"She is definitely Bruce's daughter, no doubts about it." Ashley leaned in close to Barbara. "You know Carolyn's not dead right?" Barbara just quirked an eyebrow at her. "Did they find her body?" Barbara shook her head. "Why do you think that is? Huh? No matter how big the explosion something would have been found. Was anything found?"

Barbara shook her head. "Nothing was found, but there was no way anyone, not even Carolyn, could have survived that blast. I don't care how strong they were or if they were meta. It doesn't matter. No one survived that blast."

"No female body parts were found. She's alive and you know it. You just don't want to admit she made another mistake." Barbara just glared at her. "If we're done here, I have and early day tomorrow so I would like to go home. Are we done here?"

"No. How did you get the Batgirl suit?"

"I already told you. Bruce sent it."

"Okay. Why?"

Ashley sighed, frustrated. "Look, Barbara, I've changed. I'm on the side of good again. Why can't you just believe that and trust me? What have I ever done to you?"

"You know what you did!" Barbara leaned in towards Ashley, "You slept with Selina and switched sides. All I've ever wanted to know is why? Why did you do it?"

"I was upset. All I did was try to give you a birthday present and you freaked out on me."

*Flashback: Thirteen Years Earlier*

Ashley stood as still as a statue. Her eyes transfixed on the scene before her. Barbara was on the uneven bars as usual, but something was different. She wasn't as focused as usual. Ashley knew why and was about to change that. She fingered the ring box in her pocket. She waited till Barbara was finished with her routine.

"Hey Red."

Barbara flinched and moved around to face her. "Holy shit! Ashley, you scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry. Is something wrong? You look distracted. You should be happy. Its your birthday." Barbara looked at her surprised. "What? You thought I wouldn't remember?" Barbara nodded. "Now, why would you think that?" Barbara shrugged. "Have I ever forgotten?" Barbara shook her head. Ashley pulled the box out of her pocket, "Here-"

Barbara freaked and jumped up from her place on the floor. "Ashley wait. I know we were together but, I'm not like that anymore and there's someone else. I love you but, not like that. I will never love you like that again."

"You know what!?" Ashley yelled on the verge of tears. "You should treat the only person who remembered your birthday better, cause next time, no one will!" The tears started falling freely.

Ashley than ran and jumped out of the window.

Bruce ran in, frantic. "I heard a crash. What happened?"

"I was born." Bruce looked at Barbara strangely. She waved him off and he walked out. Barbara stared at the window, crying. "Good-bye Ashley."

*End Flashback*

"I thought you were dead," Barbara quietly said.

"Yeah, well, I thought I would be. That was when I realized I had meta strength. You never saw your present." Ashley then reached behind her cape and pulled out the ring box and looked at the clock. 12:01. "Happy Birthday Barbara." Ashley threw her the box, ran. And jumped off the balcony.

Barbara opened the box. There was a note inside. It said:

Dear Barbara,

You should have know I wouldn't forget. I'm over what happened. Happy Birthday!!

Love always,
@shley

 

P.S. It stands for friendship when you wear it with the heart pointing away from you.

Barbara than pulled out a silver Claddagh ring. She put it on her ring finger. Perfect fit. "Thank-you," she whispered, knowing full well no one could hear her, well, almost no one.

"I had no idea it was your birthday."

Barbara had already thrown a batarang before she recognized the voice. The man stopped it and came into the light. "Bruce?"

 

Chapter Two

"What are you doing here, Bruce?"

"Just checking on my daughter and her former guardian. Is she here?" Barbara shook her head. "Is she doing alright?" Barbara nodded. "Are you going to talk to me?" Barbara just glared at him. "Guess not."

"Why didn't you tell me she was coming back to New Gotham? Don't say you didn't know because then you would be lying to me. I already talked to her."

"I knew you wouldn't agree and would argue with me forever. She really has changed. She's good now. She has been for a while. Give her a second chance. You've given Helena several," and with that Bruce followed Ashley's example and jumped off the balcony.

"This day just can't get any worse," Barbara said as she headed to bed. Boy, was she wrong.

Later that morning ...

"Barbara?" Dinah yelled from upstairs.

"What?"

Dinah's head popped up over the railing. "Can Gabby drive me to school? Please?" Barbara nodded. "Thank-you!" Dinah disappeared then ran back. "Is everything alright? You've seemed kind of distracted all morning."

"I'm fine."

"You sure?" Barbara nodded. "Okay, well, I'll see you at school?" Barbara nodded. "Cool. See ya Barbara!"

Barbara couldn't help but laugh. She couldn't help it but to remember high school. Those were the good days.

*Flashback*

It was the first day of high school and Barbara was waiting for Ashley. "Hey Red!" Ashley yelled from across the parking lot. She had just pulled up in her new blue Jeep. Barbara hadn't seen her all weekend and was shocked at the sight before her. "You like?" Ashley asked. She had cut her hair wicked short and her dark brown, almost black, hair was streaked with a shade of blue that matched her car. She had also gotten her eyebrow pierced.

Barbara ran towards her. "I can't believe you cut your hair! Did you do the other thing you were talking about doing?" Ashley suggestively wiggled her eyebrows and stuck out her tongue to show a silver ball. She than opened her glove department and show Barbara it was full of Listerine. "I can't believe you did it!"

"You wanna give it a test drive?" Barbara paled at this. "I'm joking Red. Calm down. I know you have a `boyfriend', who I've never met. How come I've never met him?" Barbara just glared at her. "Alright. I'll let it go for now, but I do plan on meeting him and giving the speech normally given by older siblings. By the way," Ashley reached in the sea of Listerine and pulled out a box, "did he remember your birthday?"

"Oh, Ashley, you shouldn't have." Ashley shrugged and handed the box to Barbara. She opened it and inside was a beautiful charm bracelet. There was a bat, cat, robin, and computer charm on it. "It's beautiful. Will you put it on?" Ashley nodded, jumped out of her Jeep, and put it on for her. "Thank-you." Ashley smiled at her and shrugged again.

*End Flashback*

Barbara rolled into her bedroom and over to her dresser. On her dresser was a jewelry box with a key in it. She opened it and pulled out another key. She used this key to open a box under her bed. She pulled out a bracelet, the same bracelet as a matter of fact, that Ashley had given her only now there were more charms. There was a police badge, a wheelchair, and a Claddagh charm. Barbara had thought Helena gave her the wheelchair but now knew that that wasn't true. She put the bracelet on and left for work.

 

At the school ...

Barbara pulled into her spot and saw a blue Jeep in Wade's old spot. She looked at the plates. They read WAYNE2. "Great. OF course she is taking over Wade's position. Its just my luck." Barbara got out of the car and moved into the school. Right inside was Dinah and Gabby.

Dinah and Gabby were in the corner whispering and giggling. Gabby was the first to notice Barbara. "Oh, uh, hi Ms. Gordon." Barbara as smiled as Dinah froze before stiffly turning around. "We were just heading to class Ms. Gordon." Barbara nodded and smiled trying not to laugh as Dinah and Gabby headed to class.

"Ms. Gordon?" Barbara silently groaned as the principal called her. She turned around to see him in the hallway with none other than Ashley Wayne. "I was wondering if you could show Ms. Wayne here around the school." Barbara nodded. "Thank-you Ms. Gordon. Ms. Wayne, pleasure to meet you," and with that he walked away, leaving Barbara and Ashley alone.

A/N: I have no idea what Wade taught but in my story he taught a computer class.

"Well, let me show you to your classroom. I take it your taking over Wade's position."

"If Wade was the computer teacher than I guess I am. Did you know him?" Barbara nodded and quickly looked away heading towards the computer lab. "I heard what happened. I saw there were several Barbara's on the staff so I didn't know you were his girlfriend. Sorry." Barbara nodded and continued towards the computer lab with Ashley following.

The rest of the day went by without anymore surprises.

Barbara went out to her car. She saw Ashley had yet to leave. As a matter of fact she was in her Jeep watching her. Barbara rolled up to her car and climbed in. Ashley got out of hers and walked over to Barbara's window. "Hey Red." Barbara looked at her. "That line is getting kind of old isn't it?" Barbara chuckled, smiled, and shook her head. "I've missed that smile."

Barbara looked at her again and whispered, "Follow me."

Ashley nodded and jumped in her car. Barbara pulled out and Ashley closely followed.

 

At a renovated No Man's Land ...

Barbara and Ashley entered No Man's Land. Gibson started to wave to Barbara but noticed who she walked in with. "Everyone is staring at me," Ashley said. She looked around the bar and saw all the unfriendly faces shooting evil glances in her direction.

"Don't worry about them. They're harmless. They recognize you as who you use to be. Come on, let's get a drink." Barbara moved over to the bar with Ashley practically attached to her hip. "Is the big bad cat/bat scared?" Barbara was greatly surprised when Ashley actually nodded her head and looked her straight in the eye. "Gibson two usuals." Gibson nodded and went to work. He set their drinks in front of them. "Thanks."

"So," Ashley started, "why are we here?" Barbara shrugged. "Okay. How are things with you?" Barbara shrugged again. "Look, Barbara. You're the one who told me to follow you here. Why?" Barbara sighed and picked up her drink. The charms on her bracelet clinked against the glass. "I didn't think you would have kept that after all these years." Ashley smiled at Barbara.

"Well, I couldn't part with such a wonderful piece of jewelry. I know the wheelchair charm is from you."

"You are too smart for your own good, Red, and here. This year's gift." Ashley pulled out a small box from her jacket pocket. "Don't worry. It's not another ring. It's a charm for your bracelet. I was hoping you still had it." Ashley handed the box to Barbara. She opened it. "That was the closes thing I could find to a canary. At least I always called her Tweety."

Barbara pulled the charm out of the box. "And she greatly loathed it. Will you put it on for me?" Ashley nodded and smirked as she put it on. "Thank-you. I love it."

"Well, it is tradition for me to give you a charm for that bracelet. Soon I'm gonna have to get you a new bracelet." Barbara laughed. "I mean, I do have several years to make up for."

Barbara smirked. "Yes, you do have several years to make up for. Thirteen to be exact." Ashley chuckled. "I think a nice pair of diamond earrings should do." Ashley laughed. "You know, this is fun. I've missed this." Ashley looked at her confused. "This. Just being able to sit here, talking, forgetting about everything else. Do you know what I mean?" Barbara asked and looked at Ashley. She smiled and nodded. Barbara smiled back. It had always been like this. If Ashley was happy or sad, Barbara was as well and vice versa. All of a sudden Barbara's beeper went off. "Shit. Delphi alert. I have to go." Ashley nodded, understanding. "Come with. Helena might need back-up."

"Thought you would never ask. Lets go." Ashley grabbed Barbara's jacket and helped her put it on. "Drinks on me." Ashley slapped twenty dollars on the table. "See ya later Gibson."

"See ya Ashley. Barbara."

"Bye Gibson."

Back at the Clocktower ...

"Dammit! Where's Barbara? Dinah!"

Alfred walked into the Clocktower. "Miss Dinah is staying at Miss Gabby's and Miss Barbara just called to say she was on her way and you were not to do anything but turn off the alarm."

"Alfred, 1: invest with a collar with a bell and 2: I thought you British people didn't have a sense of humor." Helena smiled at him as he walked over to her.

"Miss Helena in response to your comments, 1: I am not a cat and 2: we don't. I was quoting Mss Barbara." Alfred smirked and turned off the alarm. "What would like for dinner?"

Helena was about to answer when something came flying through the window and said, "Pizza would be great old man." Ashley then walked over to the computer and started scrolling and, to the amazement of Helena, faster then Barbara. Ashley looked over her shoulder and smirked as Barbara came into the room. "Told you I'd beat you." Barbara just shook her head and laughed.

"Miss Ashley. What a pleasant surprise. Will you actually be joining us for dinner?"

Everyone looked at Barbara. Helena was shaking her head no, Alfred was nodding his head yes and Ashley, well, Ashley was looking as though she was asking if she was. "Yes, Alfred, she will be. That is if she wants to."

Ashley smiled as she said, "I'd love to. Now, back to the Delphi alert, bank robbery across town. There's no way we can get there fast enough on foot. Not even me."

"Well, the hummer and your Jeep will stand out in that part of town. How are you going to get there?" Ashley looked at her as though saying, `Duh!' "Of course. The Bat bikes, but will they still work?"

"I don't see why not. Helena and I can take my Jeep to the Batcave. Oracle's bike is still there. Is Batgirl's?" Barbara nodded. "Good. Come on Helena, let's go."

"Wait. Huntress, you have your comm?" Helena nodded. "Okay. Batgirl, come over here." Ashley walked over. Barbara handed her an earring and choker. "Here is your comm. Huntress can show you how it works." Ashley nodded and with that her and Helena jumped off the balcony. Their long coats billowing behind them. Barbara could feel Alfred's unwavering gaze on the back of her head. "Is something wrong Alfred?"

"No Miss Barbara, there is nothing wrong. I just wasn't expecting Miss Ashley to show up so soon." Barbara turned around and looked at him not understanding. "Well, Ashley has lived her entire life in New Gotham, but because of what happened between the two of you, she has stayed away. She used the shooting as an excuse for being gone."

"You mean she never actually left?" Alfred nodded his head. "So you know what happened between the two of us?" Alfred nodded. Barbara blushed and looked away. "Ashley always said you seemed to know things about us even before we did."

"Yes, and I believe Master Dick would say I was smarter than all of you. Even you and Miss Ashley." Barbara laughed.

 

"Alright Huntress. Do you guys see the bikes? They should be where they always were."

Barbara laughed as Helena gasped, knowing Ashley had just pulled out the bikes.

"Black," both Barbara and Ashley said. Barbara laughed.

 

"Nothing Huntress. Why isn't Batgirl communicating?"

Barbara could hear Ashley laughing in the background.

Ashley finally got her comm on.

"I resent that." Barbara could hear Ashley and Helena laughing. "Alright you two. Get your butts over to the bank. The cops are on the way. Even with our connections. Batgirl can't be seen. For some reason my father was called to the scene, and he'll recognize her."

Barbara heard the bikes start. And with that they were off.

"Be careful," Barbara said, thinking they couldn't hear her over the bikes. Since there was nothing she could do now she called for Alfred. "Alfred?"

"Yes Miss Barbara?"

"Do you need any help with dinner?"

"No, that quite alright. I think I can dial the phone by myself ma'am. Do you need something to do?" Barbara laughed and nodded. "Talk to Miss Ashley. I'm sure she can hear you over the bike. She could always hear me when she went out."

"I know. I'm just not ready to have that kind of a conversation with her just yet. She just brings back bad memories, ones that I caused." Barbara faced the computer. She suddenly realized she was still wearing her headset. "Shit! I thought I took this off!"

There was a short pause as Ashley and Helena came to a stop light.

Barbara laughed. "Yep. Alfred shared that little tidbit of information with me." Ashley chuckled at that. Barbara could just picture her shaking her head. "Are you guys there yet?"

 

"He didn't until Batgirl came along. He says it was your fault she did."

Barbara heard the bikes cut off.

 

Chapter Three

At the crime scene ?

"I'll talk to Reese," Helena said as she walked over to the detective, leaving Ashley to watch over the bikes. "Hey."

"I was wondering when you were going to show up. According to the tapes only one person did this. An entire vault was emptied. We got here too late. No one was seen. The tapes don't show a face. Who's the biker chick?"

"Batgirl. She's back." The Commissioner hearing Batgirl walked over to them. "Hello Mr. Gordon."

Helena tried not to laugh as Barbara cursed knowing her father was nearby.

"Hello Huntress. Did I hear you say Batgirl was back?" Helena nodded and pointed over to Ashley. "How's Oracle?"

 

"I hear you. I hear you.' Helena looked up at Comm. Gordon. "She says she's fine. An old friend stopped by."

"Really?" he asked still looking at Ashley. Helena nodded knowing he didn't see her.

"Is something wrong Sir?" Reese asked.

"No. Huntress, why is she just standing over there?"

 

Helena realized the Commissioner was staring at her. "Oh sorry sir. Oracle was talking to me. She's standing over there because she would stick out like a sore thumb in those clothes. You want me to call her over?" Gordon nodded. "Oracle, tell Batgirl to get over here."

There was no answer.

Ashley started heading over to the trio. "I'm on my way Oracle." She got to the group. "Hello Commissioner. How are you doing?"

 

"Its cuss Oracle. Cuss you out. I'll be fine." Ashley turned her comm off so she couldn't hear Barbara. From the look on Helena's face when she lifted her hand to turn off her own comm, she was glad she cut hers off when she did. "Oracle says you wanted to speak to me."

"Yes, I just wanted to welcome you back to New Gotham. I hope you will be staying to help Huntress and her crime fighting friends. We really would love your help keeping the crime down."

"As long as they want me I will be staying. I feel as if is the least I can do to give back to the community that raised me." With that Ashley turned her comm back on, knowing Barbara had ran out of cuss words. Helena followed suit.

 

"What's that Oracle? You need us to come back? Okay, we're on our way. I'm out. Are we done here?" Helena nodded. "Good because Oracle want us as I'm sure you heard. Lets go." With that Helena and Ashley ran to their bikes and jumped on. They started them and took off leaving Reese and Commissioner Gordon staring at them.

 

At the Clocktower ...

"Thanks Alfred. I didn't think you would actually order pizza."

"It was no problem Miss Ashley. I remember you would always come back starving. I thought you would like to have something ready when you got back. And I didn't order it, Miss Barbara did." Barbara blushed as everyone laughed.

The elevator doors slid open and Dinah and Gabby walked in. "Pizza!" Dinah yelled. "Cool! Helena didn't order did she?" Alfred shook his head. "Thank God!" Helena stuck out her tongue as Dinah and Gabby sat down at the table.

Ashley's cell phone went off. She pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. "I'm sorry I have to take this." She walked out to the balcony. "Hello? You're at the house? Is Rachel with you? Okay. Yeah. I'm on my way now. You know the code right? Good. I'll see you. Good-bye." Ashley walked back into the room.

"Is everything alright?" Barbara asked.

"Yeah everything is fine but I have to go home and let some unexpected guest in. Barbara, Dinah, Gabby, I'll see you guys at school tomorrow. Helena, Alfred, I'll see you when I see you. Thanks for dinner. I hate to eat and run but, good bye."

"Ah, please use the door. I know you and Helena will land on your feet but it still scares the shit out of me when you guys jump."

"I was going to use the door. I only use the window when I'm upset or going on a sweep or something. See ya Red!" and for the first time since she'd been back, Ashley actually used the door.

 

Outside what looks like a warehouse ...

Ashley pulled up to a metal building and pushed a button on a remote in her Jeep. A large garage-like door came up and she pulled in. There was a black Jeep, a yellow Jeep, a black convertible, and several motorcycles. Ashley pushed the button again as she walked into an elevator. She pushed a button for the second floor. She got there and stepped out. The doors closed and a slab of wall covered the elevator so you couldn't see it. She walked into the kitchen.

"Mommy! Mommy!" a little brunette girl screamed. She jumped out of a blond woman's lap and into Ashley's arms. "I've missed you so much!"

Ashley hugged her and kissed the top of her head, "I've missed you too Rachel. Hey Tweety." The blonde woman looked up to reveal Carolyn Lance aka Black Canary. "How are you?" Ashley asked as she walked over and placed a kiss on Carolyn's cheek.

"I'm better now that you're here." Carolyn looked at her neck. "Where have I seen that necklace before? It looks awfully familiar." Carolyn glared at Ashley who ducked her head and smirked. She walked into the living room and set Rachel on the couch. Carolyn followed her waiting for an answer she already knew.

"Like what I've done with the Warehouse?" Carolyn look around just then realizing a lot of things were different. The walls were now a dark blue when they had once been maroon. Carolyn nodded and began glaring at Ashley again. "I'm not answering your question because I know you already know the answer." Ashley sat on a leather chair next to the couch. She began staring in the fireplace as though there was a fire. "She hasn't changed a bit."

Carolyn nodded. "I know. She's still as stubborn as ever if not more so. I'm glad Dinah found her. I should have left Dinah with her to begin with. At least then I would have known she was in good hands. I feel so bad about what those people did to her and now I'm lying to her again. They all think I'm dead?"

Ashley nodded. "Well, not Barbara. She's not quite sure. She liked her gift from all those years ago. She was wearing it today, as well as that charm bracelet I gave her. She had all the charms on it including the one I gave her today." Ashley looked over at Carolyn and smirked. "A Tweety charm." Carolyn glared at her but started laughing. "You know I only call you that because it bugs you."

"It doesn't bug me that much. Its only when you won't stop calling me that. That's when it gets on my nerves." Carolyn smiled at her. "We should put Rachel up in her bed. We don't want her to wake up if anyone comes."

 

Ashley looked at Carolyn before answering. "Yeah, Barbara."

 

"Yeah. Everything's fine. Do you need something?"

Carolyn mouthed `what's wrong?' Ashley waved her off. "I'm sure everything is alright. Did you call Helena or Gabby?" Carolyn's eyes went wide hearing her daughter's friend's name.

Ashley didn't say anything but stared at Carolyn.

"Possibly. One minute." Ashley covered her choker as she asked, "Carolyn, you weren't followed were you?" Carolyn shook her head. "You're sure?" Carolyn started to nod but stopped and shook her head.

Ashley was silent again. Barbara paused.

"There's only one other, Rachel. I can call Alfred and ask him to come over and watch her. He's not over there is he?"

 

"We're on our way. I'm out." Ashley clicked her comm off. She walked closer to Carolyn. "Get Rachel. We're going to the Clocktower." Ashley looked her in the eye. "Dinah and her friend are missing. Barbara will watch Rachel while we're on the bikes looking for her." Carolyn started crying. "Come here." Carolyn walked over to Ashley and hugged her. Ashley tried to comfort
her. "Don't worry. We'll find her. I promise."

Carolyn nodded and they head towards the elevator. They took it down to the garage. "Hold on tight sweetie," Carolyn told Rachel. She nodded and the three of them took off.

 

At the Clocktower ...

"Canary, stay out here with the bikes and I'll take Rachel up." Carolyn nodded and Ashley scaled the tower and jumped onto the balcony tightly holding on to Rachel. She walked in and ducked as a batarang flew above her head. "Holy crap Oracle! Who all could actually scale the Clocktower without setting off the alarms."

"Sorry I've been jumpy ever since I called you." Barbara looked at Rachel who had a death grip on Ashley. "Are you Rachel?"

Rachel nodded. "I'm Barbara."

Rachel lifted her face from Ashley's shoulder. "Hi," she said followed with a big yawn.

"It looks like someone's tired. Put her on the couch while I get a comm for Canary." Ashley nodded and walked over to the couch and set Rachel down. She then walked over to where Barbara was looking for a comm. "She seems very attached to you."

"She should be. She's my daughter." Barbara turned around shocked. "You couldn't tell?" Barbara shook her head. "Well, I guess you didn't get a good look at her."

"That's not why I'm shocked. I mean now that I look at her it obvious." Ashley quirked her eyebrow at her. "I'm shocked because I always though you were . . ."

"Gay?" Barbara nodded. "I am." Ashley walked over to the computer, did a search, and brought up an article. "Read." Barbara handed her Black Canary's comm. "Okay. We're off. See you later. Rachel I want you to be good for Miss Barbara!" With that she took off the balcony. Barbara moved over to the computer and began reading the article.

Somewhere in New Gotham ...

 

 

Ashley couldn't hear Helena answer. She was heading towards Gabby's , not really paying attention to the conversation in her ear.

"I'm not sure. Why what's going on?"

 

 

"Did you finish reading the article Oracle?"

 

 

"Yeah, just make me look like a bad mother just because I didn't know what she was allergic to."

 

 

"No, I can do it. I'll check out Gabby's and head back as well unless I find something. Hopefully I won't be back soon. I'm at her place now. There are lights on and people moving around. Send Huntress. I might need back-up."

 

"Yeah, actually I can. Their bound and gagged. I think they wanted us to see them. Their right in front of the window." Ashley paused sensing another presence. She whipped her arm back and connected with Helena's knee. "Oww! Argh! Huntress is here. We're going in."

 

"Stop arguing you!" Ashley yelled. "I rather you two not start cussing each other out in front of my kid!"

they both said. CRASH! Ashley and Helena had jumped through the window.

"Get them!" One of the guys yelled.

Helena ran over to Dinah and Gabby. "Are you guys alright?" She asked as she untied them. They both nodded. "Good. Dinah, help."

"Never mind that." Dinah, Helena, and Gabby looked over at Ashley. All the kidnappers were on the floor. "Huntress I want you to use the rope they did and tie them up. Oracle call the cops. We're leaving now. Going silent."

 

Helena looked over at Ashley. "Superkid's riding with you. I'm not risking anything happening to her on my bike." Ashley just glared at her, which she returned with a smile. "Lets get going before Oracle starts yelling at us."

Helena, Ashley, and Dinah looked at each other trying hard not to laugh. Dinah had turned on her comm as soon as she could and Gabby was the only one left out wondering what they all thought was funny.

Back at the Clocktower ...

"She's gonna be pissed."

"Of course she's gonna be pissed Carolyn! I'm pissed and I'm not your daughter! You let us believe you were dead!" Carolyn opened her mouth to protest but Barbara's hand stopped her from saying anything. "Yes, you did. I know it was to protect Dinah ... and now Rachel but you still let us believe you were dead."

"They never found a female body. Doesn't that tell you something? You of all people should have known I was alive."

"Yeah, well, I should have known a lot of things. I should have known Ashley was the friend Helena saw get shot. I should have known she never actually left New Gotham. I could always feel her eyes." Barbara looked up at Carolyn, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "I just thought it was me going crazy. I didn't realize what I had until she was gone."

Carolyn looked at the elevator. "Someone's coming up."

Barbara nodded and furiously wiped at her eyes, turning back to the computer. Carolyn cocked her eyebrow trying to hear something. "Barbara." Barbara shook her off. "Barbara!" Barbara turned around and stared at her. "I don't think that's them. Do you have cameras in there?"

Barbara nodded and turned towards her computer once again. "Why do you think it's not them? Who else could it ... be?" Barbara asked looking at her screen already knowing the answer. "Carolyn, we have to get out of here." There suddenly was maniacal laughter coming from the elevator shaft. "Get Rachel and get out of here!"

Ashley suddenly jumped through the window. "I saw Joker." She ushered Rachel and Carolyn out. "Barbara, come on." Barbara shook her head no. "God dammit Barbara! Stop being so stubborn! He'll kill you or worse, you could become completely paralyzed and dependent on others!" Barbara looked at her and she knew she had struck a nerve, but it got Barbara moving. "Come on!"

Barbara moved over to Ashley, tears freely flowing from her eyes. "Ashley." Ashley looked at her and Barbara could see all the love Ashley felt towards her in them. "Get me out of here."

"Your wish is my command." Barbara watched as Ashley's eyes changed, not understanding why because she was pretty light. She then felt herself and her chair being lifted off the ground. "Please keep your arms and head in the chair." Ashley then jumped out the window, praying to God that she wouldn't drop Barbara and they would land in one piece. They did.

Ashley got ready to pounce back up when Barbara called her. "Where the hell do you think you're going? You are not going back up there!"

"Barbara, he's ruined too many lives! All of us here have been affected by him in some way! I'm not going to let him get away! Go to my place. You should all be safe there."

"Ashley! We don't kill! I know you want to, hell, I've wanted to but someone gave me a little of my own advice a while ago! Now I'm giving it to you, revenge doesn't make the people who you've lost come back. Its not worth sinking to their level."

Ashley spun around fast, staring at Barbara, her eyes black with hate. They softened slightly when she saw Barbara flinch. She walked over and knelt in front of her. "I already got the person I lost back." She stood up as Barbara only stared at her. "Why can't you believe I've changed!? I know we don't kill!" Ashley grinned wickedly before adding, "But we do beat to a bloody pulp then turn into the police, except I'm not going to make the same mistake my brother did. I'm bringing him to Arkum myself." With that Ashley jumped up and landed in the Clocktower. Barbara looked over at Carolyn, knowing only she would understand what she was feeling.

 

Up in the Clocktower ?.

"Ha ha ha! Catgirl, its wonderful to see you again. I hope this meeting is more pleasant then the last. It most likely won't be but oh well."

"You must not have noticed the logo on my suit the other night, but it's a bat." Joker looked over at her, his face even whiter then before. "Who's afraid of the big black bat now?" Joker aimed towards the Delphi mainframe. "NO!" Ashley jumped in front of the bullet, taking it right in the chest. She jumped back up with only a slight amount of difficulty. "You are not destroying this computer! If it means my life, this computer will not be touched!"

"Well, I guess you'll be losing your life." Joker pointed the gun but this time Ashley was prepared. She used her telekinesis to move the bullet out of its course and sent the Joker flying into the elevator behind him. "Now it will be sooner!" Ashley moved away from the computers right before Joker tackled her around the waist, knocking the air out of her.

Ashley wrapped her legs around Joker's neck and flipped them so she was on top. She grabbed his neck and started choking him. He punched her over and over again trying to get her off but she wouldn't let up. Barbara's face and voice came into her head. Ashley reached into her utility belt and pulled out a syringe, stabbing it into Joker's arm. "Take a nap," she said pushing him
down on the ground.

Joker stared at her and laughed. "You still haven't seen the last of me." Finally the sedative kicked in and he was out like a light.

"Yeah, that's what they always say," Ashley said as she got up and walked over to the window after tying up the Joker. She heard a scuffle a little ways off and saw a black blur jump in the window and past her. "What the hell!?"

Helena limped back over to the window ready to jump back down when Ashley's question finally hit her. "There were people waiting for us a little way down the road. We had started walking towards your place when they jumped us. Barbara's in trouble."

Ashley handed Helena a box of syringes. "Take these and watch him. If he starts coming to give him another dose." Helena stared to protest. "You're hurt. I won't let anything happen to them. I promise." Helena looked her in the eye and nodded as Ashley jumped through the window.

Helena looked over at Joker and shivered. "Please hurry," she quietly whispered.

 

Chapter Four

Outside the Clocktower ?

Ashley ran as fast as she could towards her apartment. Either they had been moving faster then she though or they had been taken. She rounded a corner and saw them. Carolyn, Dinah, Gabby, and Rachel were backed up against a wall. Barbara was on the ground, her chair overturned a few feet away. Someone was standing over her. Someone blonde. Barbara was twitching in pain but her eyes went wide and she stilled when she saw Ashley.

The blonde turned around. "Ha! Bat-girl?" Harley's eyebrows bunched in confusion. "I thought Ms. Gordon here was Batgirl. Oh well. I'll just kill you both."

"If you touch her again I swear I'll hunt you down and kill you." With that Ashley charged Harley only to be blocked by her goons. Ashley's eyes changed as she struggled. Harley seeing this turned around to run but Barbara grabbed her leg causing her to fall.

Carolyn, Dinah, Gabby, and Rachel ran over to help Barbara. Harley had hit her head pretty hard when she fell and was knocked out. Barbara had some rope in her chair and they used it to tie up Harley and her goons. Then, they called the police. Ashley kept away from everyone else, jumping up and down the whole time.

Barbara moved over to her. "Batgirl what's wrong?" Ashley tried to walk away but Barbara grabbed her arm and spun her around. She still wouldn't look at her though. "Ashley look at me. Please!" Ashley looked at her and Barbara saw what was wrong. Ashley's eyes had yet to change back to normal. "Give me your hand."

"No!" Ashley said not wanting to accidentally hurt her.

Barbara just glared at her and grabbed her hand to check her pulse, not even seeing the claws she had grown.

"Your pulse is racing." Ashley suddenly started shaking. "Carolyn!" Carolyn looked over and saw what was happening. She then ran over and caught Ashley just as she started falling. The five of them heard sirens in the distance and took off back to the Clocktower. Barbara pulled out a cell phone. "Reese, its Oracle."

 

"Yes, she's fine. We just called in a mugging. They're tied up in an alley. Your men are there by now. One of the people is Harley Quinn. We have the Joker at the Clocktower.

Barbara turned around and was blinded by headlights. "Turn your lights off please!" Reese stepped out of his truck and turned the lights off.

"Need a lift?" Reese's smile went away when he saw Barbara glaring at him. "Who are all these people?"

"Well, you know Dinah and Gabby, the little one is Rachel."

They smiled and waved as they piled into his truck. She pointed to Ashley and Carolyn. "The blonde is Black Canary and the other is Batgirl. You've met her already. You will learn their real names soon enough." Reese nodded. "Canary, put Batgirl in the back and then please help me in. Detective, I'll need you to put my chair in the back. I don't know how heavy it is."

Reese nodded as Carolyn got Ashley in the bed of his truck and moved to help Barbara. Once she was out of her chair, Reese went to pick it up. It was very heavy. Carolyn laughed, "Need a hand?" Reese nodded and watched as Carolyn's eyes turned a slight shade of yellow. Together they were able to easily lift the chair onto the truck. Barbara held Ashley rocking her back and forth. Carolyn held onto Barbara's chair so it wouldn't fall off. She sat staring at Ashley and Barbara the whole time.

 

Inside the Clocktower ?

Once they arrived at the Clocktower, Barbara immediately went back into boss mode. "We need to hurry and get her upstairs. I think those goons or Joker might have drugged her. Her heart rate is way too fast and her eyes have yet to change back to normal." By the time everyone was in the elevator, Ashley was unconscious. Barbara was somewhat relived because she had at least stopped seizing. Once they got upstairs everyone moved over to the Delphi. "Huntress, you and Reese bring the Joker to Arkum. Do not let him out of your sight until he is locked up. Once he is, give him this." Barbara handed Ashley a syringe.

She took it and looked up. "Is this ... lethal?" Barbara shook her head and looked at Helena shocked. "I know we don't kill but . . ." Barbara just glared at her. Helena looked at the syringe. The liquid inside was a weird shade of blue. She smiled. "Is this that stuff you made in case any of us got drugged?" Barbara smiled back and nodded. Helena looked over at Ashley. "Will it work on Batgirl?"

"I don't know if she's even been drugged. Go, now." Helena nodded as she and Reese left with Joker. Barbara moved over to Ashley and felt her forehead. "She's burning up." She looked over at Dinah who was sitting on the couch with Gabby. "Dinah go get a bowl and fill it with ice and water please." Dinah nodded and her and Gabby went to go get the bowl. "Get a wash cloth too!"

Rachel stood next to Carolyn, clinging on her leg, crying. "Mommy! Mama is mommy alright?"

Carolyn knelt down so she was face to face with Rachel. "She's gonna be fine sweetie." Rachel started to nod but her eyes went wide with fear. Carolyn turned around to see Barbara giving Ashley a shot. Dinah then came in with the bowl of ice.

Barbara didn't even notice. "Dinah, would you mind watching Rachel while Barbara and I try to help Ashley?" Dinah shook her head and took off her jacket. "You don't think Gabby will mind do you?"

"Nah. It will be a welcomed distraction for the both of us." Dinah looked over at Rachel and smiled. "Come on. You and me need to do some sisterly bonding." Carolyn looked up almost like she was scared. "Don't worry. We won't bond like Helena and me. She's what, only 5?" With that the two of them walked to the loft.

"Carolyn, I need your help holding her down. She's begun to seize again." Carolyn rushed over and held Ashley's legs down while Barbara held her arms. She then checked her eyes when Ashley stopped seizing. "I think the antidote is working. Her eyes are back to normal." Barbara went up to the kitchen and came back down a few minutes later with a bucket. "The antidote will have some bad side effects. She'll probably be puking all morning."

"Great. A sick, pissed off Ashley to deal with in the morning. I should take her home. Do you mind if Rachel stays here? It will really help out."

"They can both stay here. You too. We can watch her vitals easier. I have all the right equipment right here. It will be a lot easier to leave her here. If you want to bring Rachel home I can take care of Ashley, but before you go I need your help getting her out of this suit."

Carolyn nodded and helped Barbara carefully cut off the suit. Barbara and Carolyn both noticed the sudden rush of blood. "Shit!" Barbara headed straight for her 1st Aid Kit. "That bastard shot her!"

"Help me finish getting this crap off her. The bullet is most likely still in her. I just hope it's not too deep for me to get. I really don't want to have to bring Dinah in this, especially since this is her mother right? Or at least her other mother." The look on Carolyn's face said it all. "I read the article and did the math. It was right after me and her spent our last summer together in Hawaii."

 

*Flashback*

It was the summer before their senior year and Ashley and Barbara were happy. They were together at the beach for the whole summer with no parents or any Batman activities. Basically they were in bliss. They had no idea what would happen when they got back.

`Here I am lying on the beach, watching Ashley, ever the daredevil, surfing the waves of Hawaii. It was Bruce's birthday present to her. She could bring who ever she wanted and of course she picked me. Carolyn was gone to do better things and Dick, well, him and Ashley never really got along.' Barbara winced as Ashley took what looked like a rather nasty wipeout. `She never had very good balance but she looks good in her wetsuit.' Barbara laughed as Ashley stormed up the beach smiling.

Ashley dropped her board and gave Barbara a wicked smile. "Oh, no you don't!" Barbara went to cover herself up but before she could Ashley shook her head back and forth, all the water falling on Barbara. Then she looked at Barbara innocently and flopped on her towel. She jumped up suddenly screaming. Barbara just quirked an eyebrow at her. She had known Ashley was going to do the hair thing so she put a handful of ice on her towel. "Is something wrong?" she asked innocently.

"You little bat!" Ashley pounced on Barbara, tickling her. "Say uncle!" Barbara couldn't stop laughing so she just shook her head no. "No? Oh, I'll make you say uncle." Ashley grinned wickedly and picked Barbara up. She ran into the ocean so Barbara's feet just barely touched the surface. "Say uncle or else." Barbara just glared at her. "I'll take that as a no. Oh well. Hope you know how to swim." With that Barbara's eyes opened wide with fear as she felt Ashley loosen her grip on her. Barbara wrapped her arms around Ashley's neck, freak out, and almost dragged them both down. Ashley tightened her grip. "Barbara, relax. I'm wasn't going to let go of you."

"You were too and I was going to end up drowning." Ashley then stood up to show that she had actually been on her knees the entire time. Barbara looked down. "Oh." Ashley then carried her back to their towels and set her down. She plopped down on her own towel angrily. "Ashley, I'm sorry. You know how I get when it comes to those kind of things."

Ashley sighed then smiled as she looked over at Barbara. "I know. What do you say we go play some volleyball and torture those dudes who have been staring at us all day."

Barbara grinned and stood up. She held out her hand to help Ashley up. "Let's go."

*End Flashback*

 

"We had no idea what would happen when we got back. It was only a month later we stopped talking and she went to Selena for comfort." Barbara looked down at Ashley's wound. Getting the bullet out had been easy and she had just finished stitching her back up. "Had you guys already gotten the procedure done?"

Carolyn nodded. "We had actually made the plans before you guys went on vacation. I think that's why Bruce was surprised when she invited you and not me. He knew about our plans the whole time."

"Does Ashley know Dinah's hers as well?" Carolyn shook her head. "Were you ever planning on telling her?" Carolyn couldn't look Barbara in the eye. "You weren't were you?" Carolyn got up and started pacing. "Why not?"

"Why won't you tell her you love her?" Barbara looked up at her shocked. "The same reason I don't want to tell Ashley about Dinah. I'm scared. Not of Ashley herself but, of what she will think of me. I mean, I've been lying to her all of these years."

Carolyn sat on a nearby chair. "I don't want her to hate me."

Barbara moved over next to Carolyn. "Ashley could never hate you. She always looked up to you. She might be mad at first but would get over it. You need to tell her."

"Shouldn't you be telling yourself this?" Barbara laughed. "At least she wouldn't be mad. She would be very happy."

Barbara chuckled and looked over at Ashley. Her eyes were open and she was staring at them. Barbara jumped. "Jesus Ashley. We thought you were asleep." >God please tell me she didn't hear anything.<

"Sorry. I just woke up when I heard you laugh. You turned around before I could say anything. What happened? I feel like shit." Ashley looked down to where she was shot. "And I just realized I'm not wearing a shirt."

Carolyn laughed as Barbara threw Ashley a shirt. "Here. Cover yourself up before your daughter comes running down. Carolyn why don't you go get her." Carolyn nodded as Barbara watched Ashley try to put the shirt on. Barbara laughed at how much she looked like a kid. "Want some help?" Ashley nodded or at least it looked like she nodded. "Here. Stop moving." Barbara fixed the shirt and pulled it down over Ashley's head. "There."

"Thanks. For everything. It looked like you did some good work on the gunshot wound."

Barbara was going to respond but before she could Rachel came running and jumped in Ashley's lap. "Mommy!" she squealed and hugged Ashley tight. Barbara could see Ashley wincing from the pain but was waved off when she went to stop Rachel. Barbara laughed as Rachel hit Ashley in the shoulder. "You scared me mommy!"

Ashley rubbed her shoulder although it didn't really hurt, that much. "I'm sorry sweetie, but look, see, I'm fine." Ashley began tickling her to prove it. "Now its time for you to go to bed. Let's get you home." Ashley started standing up but was stopped by Barbara.

"Stay here tonight. Rachel can sleep with Dinah and Gabby. You and Carolyn can have my bed and I'll sleep in the guest room."

"You can't sleep in the guest room. You have nothing in there to help you. Besides, I hate leaving the Warehouse empty all night." Ashley tried to stand up again but became dizzy. "Okay maybe I'll stay a little longer."

Barbara looked at Carolyn, pleading her to think of something. "Ashley you need to stay here. I'll take Rachel home and watch over the Warehouse. There's no way you'll be able to stay on a motorcycle." Carolyn picked Rachel up. "I'll bring you some clean clothes in the morning." Carolyn looked at Rachel and got an idea. "Let's go say goodnight to Dinah and Gabby."

Carolyn and Rachel headed upstairs.

 

Dinah's Bedroom ?

Carolyn and Rachel walked into Dinah's room. "Hey guys. Do you all want to help me with something?" Dinah and Gabby looked at each other, then at Carolyn, and nodded.

 

Back Downstairs ?

"I want to stay with mommy!" Rachel yelled. She then came running down and jumped in Ashley's lap. Barbara pulled her into her own lap before she hurt Ashley more and she started crying. "I want to stay with my mommy!"

"You will," Barbara said. "But you need to be careful. Your mommy is hurt. Okay?" Rachel nodded and started sniffling. "Good. Now Carolyn?" Barbara looked around. "Where did she go?" Ashley shrugged. >What is she up to?< Barbara thought. "Well, I guess we'll have to bother Dinah and Gabby again. Dinah! Gabby! We need your guys' help again!"

Dinah and Gabby came running down the stairs. "What's up?"

"Can you and Gabby help Ashley walk to my room? I'll need your help getting in the guest bed as well." Dinah and Gabby nodded. Ashley started to protest but Barbara's hand over her mouth stopped her. "No. You have no say in this what so ever. The guest bed is only a twin and we don't want Rachel to accidentally hurt you more."

"No and I can walk by myself." Ashley started to get up but began to feel dizzy again and Dinah and Gabby caught her before she fell. "Okay. Maybe I do need a little help." Ashley let herself be helped over to the elevator. "I'm still not taking your bed."

Barbara just glared at her. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Barbara smiled knowing she had won that argument. She always won when Ashley called her stubborn. Dinah and Gabby finished helping Ashley into the bed and then took off saying they would meet Barbara in the guest room. Rachel started squirming again so Barbara let her go and watched her jump in bed with Ashley. Barbara started moving out of the room but stopped when Rachel pulled on her hand. "Where you going Miss Barbara?"

Barbara looked at Rachel, smiled, and said, "To my room. I need to sleep to ya know." She then ruffled Rachel's short hair. >They look so cute!< Ashley thought.

"I thought this was your room?"

"Well," Barbara started, uncertain where this was going, "it is."

"Then stay here with us," Rachel said brightly. Barbara looked over at Ashley who was watching with amusement. She shrugged her shoulders. "Please?" Rachel pleaded.

Barbara looked at Rachel and was confronted with `puppy dog eyes'. >Not fair!< she thought. "Well, I know where she got that look from." She looked at Ashley who just stuck out her tongue.

Barbara laughed, >Very mature!< She then saw Rachel out of the corner of her eye and her lip was stuck out with a slight quiver. "Fine!" Barbara said, throwing her hands up in an exaggerated gesture.

"Great! I'll go tell Dinah and Gabby they can go to bed!" Rachel than ran out leaving Ashley and Barbara alone.

"You know what's going on right?" Ashley asked Barbara. Barbara looked at her confused.

"Carolyn planned all of this. Rachel wanting to stay, hell, probably even Dinah and Gabby helping then running." Barbara realizing this was true, chuckled and shook her head. Rachel came running back in. Ashley looked at her and asked, "Are you proud of yourself?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," she said as innocently as she could. She then crawled in the bed next to Ashley leaving plenty of room for Barbara. >I just hope this works and mommy doesn't get mad.< Rachel thought. Barbara moved over next to the bed and carefully got in.

"What do you think you're doing young lady?" Ashley asked as Rachel started climbing over her.

"You know I don't like sleeping between two people Mommy."

Rachel snuggled up to Ashley trying to push her over. "Come on Mom. I'm gonna fall off. I'm right on the edge." Ashley carefully moved over trying not to touch Barbara. "Thank-you!" Rachel then fell fast asleep.

"Well, we might as well try to get some sleep too." Barbara nodded and closed her eyes. A few minutes later, "Red?" Barbara groaned. "Are you sleeping?"

"No I sleep with my eyes open and talk." Barbara turned her head to look at Ashley. "What's up?" Ashley s