Gotham Some Years into the Future…

Barbara Gordon had watched her mother die right in front of her. It was Penguin that ordered the hit. That pathetic coward of a man got away with it like he got away with everything else and was safely tucked away in his strong hold.

His Iceberg Lounge unlike the original was built to keep him protected from his enemies and was more like a bunker than a club. Penguin never left it not once well very rarely to be accurate. Since the death of her mother Barbara spent her life obsessed with revenge learning everything she could to get the bastard. She knew he meant to have her killed that her mother took the bullet that was meant for her.

Nobody knew the kind of person Barbara was deep down in her soul. She made sure to hide her true self. People even in her days as Batgirl or Oracle were unaware of her hatred for Penguin and her obsession with revenge. Penguin didn't even know he wrote her off as a sweet innocent Daddy's girl but inside her soul burned for revenge and she was seething with hatred.

Barbara was right now training on the roof tops she became Batgirl when Penguin tried to frame Jim and ruin his career she lied about trying to prove her Dad's innocence to Dick. In all honesty her plan wasn't to prove her Dad innocent she didn't even think he could have been proved innocent. She wanted to kill Penguin and that's where this night takes place her most defining moment.

This was the night her father was proven innocent after being framed and the threat to her family Penguin was finally stopped. He was doing a hand stand when she heard someone drop on to the roof. It was Jason Todd the current Robin at the time.

"So Princess." Jason said abruptly "Batman has decided to let you join up tonight. He thinks you'd be safer under his watch."

"I see and what do you think?" Barb asked struggling to keep her balance.

Jason who was the same age as her crossed his arms and glared "I think you're not as innocent and sweet as you have everyone even Batman thinking. You want to know how I know? I know because I look at you and I see the same eyes as mine. Eyes full of hate and just itching to kill. Batman thinks your like my predecessor but that because I've always suspected deep down little girl you are just like me and after I did some digging on both your Mommy and Daddy I know I'm-"

"Shut up!" Barbara yelled she pushed against the roof floor and with a very impressed jump attacked Jason. She took out two of her batarangs that she made from the knives her mother used to own and attacked him. Jason could barely dodge her he suspected there was a secret behind her supposed self-made gear. Now he knew he'd been secretly researching her parents and knew about Tabitha's past even learned about Jim's past as Prometheus but Jason kept this information to himself and right now Barbara Gordon was the spitting image of her mother.

"So I was right. Your more like your parents than you know Princess." Jason taunted her as he thought of security footage he'd seen of Tabitha in action. Jason though didn't know if Barbara fought like her mother because of her genes giving her some sort of inherited instinct or if it was because of Barbara's other secret the one secret she thought was safe. Jason learned she'd been trained by Selina Kyle and that the two were secret partners. Most thought that Barbara hated Jason for his personality and violent streak but it was actually that he saw through her nice girl act and knew that despite being loyal to the good guys Barb even years from now was really the secret fourth Siren "So tell me do Harley and Ivy know there's a fourth Siren or does Selina keep everyone on a need to know basis? I kept thinking it was odd how Selina gets advanced tech to help break into high security areas. It never made sense how she always had something to bypass even Wayne Security especially since none of the Sirens are tech savvy. At first I thought maybe I was paranoid even after learning your hacker name Oracle which is like the Sirens is tied to ancient myth. Then I learned about a surprising connection you and her, have and I remembered that you're a bit of a tech geek to. You help Selina pull off her jobs by being her own little Lucius Fox!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just an innocent girl wanting to prove her Dad's innocence and you're a jerk whose making me feel threatened." Barbara said while keeping up her innocent act. It was true she was Selina's secret mole and would be for years to come. Jason was right to call her the secret fourth Siren. She moved with grace and speed Jason could see she'd been holding back in the field Barbara Gordon was truly a deadly force with a blade in her hand and now he knew her batarangs true purpose.

"So, what was the real plan Batgirl? Hey, I like that Batgirl suits you better than Oracle that's for sure." He mocked her as he dodged her blades "You were you planning to impersonate Batman and kill Penguin is that it? I know the Sirens and Penguin hate each other and Selina calling the shots has always bothered me. I always thought it was odd she never went after him. Now I know the truth this was the plan. Impersonate Batman catch Penguin off guard when he thinks he's safe because Batman doesn't kill you move in for the kill."

"Shut up!" Barbara yelled as she fought him her eyes now had a crazed look. She didn't know it but this was a trait she inherited from her mother and her father. She didn't know as much as Jason though she was aware of somethings about her mother but there was a lot especially pertaining to her father that she was not aware of. Her lack of knowledge was willful ignorance since she wanted to keep her mother's memory pure. Barbara didn't even or want to know why Penguin hated Tabitha and all Barbara Gordon cared about was her own revenge.

"Your mother was-" Jason was finally knocked on his ass and on his back.

Barbara got on top of him held her modified blade to his throat and yelled "My mother was a saint! One of the only few people who cared about me and now she's gone! Now my Dad is gone! Do you know how that feels?" She started to cry a little "I don't care what they did to him I don't care what Cobblepot's reasons were, he's framed my dad and dragged his name through the mud, he killed my mother right front of me, and it's only a matter of time before he comes after me so he's going to die!" Surprise overcame Jason as he witnessed Barbara Gordon begin crying uncontrollably "He's taken everything from me. Don't you understand he has to die."

Jason took a deep breath and relented "Well it's not like Selina and Batman aren't close anyway. It's also no skin off my back if you kill Penguin. City will probably be better off. So I'll help you. Just tell me what else are the Sirens planning?"

"During the commotion while I'm killing Penguin, Selina and the other two will raid the vaults and whatever else he has. It's an even four way split. Ivy and Harley don't know who I am they think I'm just a random hired hand. Selina told them that much. The key point though is revenge Selina's just making it look like she's taking golden opportunity. The reality is this Harley and Ivy think killing Penguin is the distraction when really the robbery is meant to catch you and Batman off guard. I'm supposed to kill Penguin while there's chaos and you and Batman are busy fighting Ivy and Harley."

"That's not a bad plan I think I can accommodate it. So long as Batman is safe I got no qualms about going along with it. What are you planning to do with your cut?" Jason asked knowing Barbara could slit his throat any second.

"Penguin after killing my Mother bought her foundation Birds of Prey he's gutted and corrupted it when I turn eighteen I plan to buy it and restore it to what she originally planned it for. Even if I have to wait a few years and sit on the money a bit it will be worth it." She nudged her blade closer to his throat "So can I count on you to keep your mouth shut?"

"Yes."

Gotham (the present)…

Jim Gordon was on the roof top of the hotel he was watching the sun rise. He was taking a deep breath and looking at the city he pretended to love. He had just been caught up to speed and Selina had outed him as Prometheus. He wasn't mad at her for it he expected her to be up front about it with everyone but the clusterfuck that unfolded after while not surprising unleashed a wave of new information. Jim soon heard the clicking of heels trying to be silent he recognized the sound "So Tabitha are you planning on getting revenge?"

"Tell me why I shouldn't throw you off the roof right now." Tabitha threatened.

"Well for one Selina will be upset so will that future girl you seem to be growing attached to. Think she's crazy or telling the truth?"

"It's crazy time travel I mean even for Gotham. So, I think she's either nuts, up to something, her head has been filled with stories by someone, or a combination of all three." Tabitha said alloud trying to explain away the strange happenings that she'd seen recently.

"Please I can tell by your tone you believe her. You just are too afraid to admit you do believe her. I know I do." Jim replied turning around to face Tabitha.

"Of course you believe her you get mixed up in everything weird in this city."

"That's true Tabitha." Jim stepped up closer to her both were dressed in black and wore leather jackets. Tabitha's jacket was opened and Jim's jacket was zipped up Jim for a moment looked at Tabitha's chest.

"My eyes are up here Gordon." Tabitha spoke angrily.

"Sorry. I'm not the decent man everybody thinks and if I'm to be honest it feels good to not hide who I really am." Jim said maintaining a calm composure "I've seen things in my life long before I became a cop that make what that girl says about being from the future very believable. Besides…" Jim brushed Tabitha's hair back before continuing "I think we've always been like reflections of one another."

Tabitha knocked away his arm and took out her blade holding it against his throat but he didn't flinch "You think we're anything alike?"

"Tell me we're not alike Tabitha. My second family was influenced by the Court of Owls. Just like how your family was influenced by the Order of Saint Dumas. We both have been hurt by Barbara despite loving and protecting her. Also, just like you did your brother's dirty work I do well I did Brother Blood's dirty work." Jim remained calm despite a blade being held to his throat Tabitha found it unnerving.

"So we have a few things in common. You think I could raise an innocent girl like that? You think there's a future where I turn into some saintly mother figure?" Tabitha kept getting angrier.

"I think like how I hide my darkness you Tabitha hide the light inside of you. I have seen glimpses of it. When you were with Butch or as he goes by Grundy. Yeah I don't know if you know but he's still walking around. I do not recommend going off on some childish romance quest to find him." Jim spoke, with absolute certainty "Now that Penguin's out I guarantee nothing good will come of you two star crossed lovers reuniting. I do have a suggestion for you."

"Oh yeah? What is it?"

"I help you build a legacy of your own. Aren't you tired of playing second to losers like Barbara and selfish jerks like your brother? I know a secret about you Tabitha." Jim spoke with a tone akin to sweet honey.

"What secret? Lee your old flame said it herself I'm just the side kick."

Jim chuckled "Oh you are more than that and we both know it. Theo was cocky and arrogant his plan fell apart at the seams but things for him only went to hell when he and you started to fall apart. It was the same with Barbara she was the Queen but things fell apart the moment she feuded with you. Let's be honest Tabitha you are smarter than people give you credit for and we both know the real reason why Barbara sought you out and begged you to help her build her gun running operation. She needed you because you are the real brains and you hide as the muscle. You want to know why I never played ball with any criminal in this city? It was because they were all too short sided any too greedy to keep power for long. You though Tabitha you are smart, smarter and more cunning than people give you credit for."

"Fine your right I'm not just a pretty face and I'm not just the muscle. Your point?"

"We can run this city together."

"Excuse me? What's with all this we stuff your spouting Gordon?"

"No one would expect us to be allies. I also have plans to become Commissioner and when I do you can finally have power in this city Tabitha."

"I'm listening."

"You have never been convicted of a crime. You're also the sister of a late former mayor and your family since Theo's crazed plan became public knowledge is now once again recognized as a founding family of the city."

"What's your point Jim?" Tabitha lowered the blade willing to hear him out.

"Once I become commissioner I can help you become a Mayor of this city. Just like your brother was but this time you'll have a partner. There are three keys to power in this city the criminal underworld, the mayor and high society elites that suck up to the mayor's office, and the commissioner who controls the police. Up until I made waves criminals had a foot hold with the police. Imagine the power I'd have and the damage I could do as Commissioner to the criminals in this city. Imagine the power and damage you could do as mayor you are practically royalty in this city. I can even provide proof that the Dumas aka the Galavan family helped build Gotham it's just common knowledge now that just needs proof to solidify. Think about it your family restored to prominence lost properties returned and lost legacies restored. The betrayal done to your ancestors will be rectified and you can go back to your family with your head up high and be the one who restored the Dumas name to Gotham. I know you were disowned by your family for betraying Theo to help Silver. That's why you don't leave Gotham you don't have anyone to turn to outside of it but I can get you back everything you've lost." Jim made his pitch and proved to be a smooth talker.

Tabitha was surprised by how good of a deal it was "You can restore my family name? You swear I will have something to take back to my family to get back in their good graces?"

"Yes. I have records and documents proof that the claims Theo made about the Dumas are true and I have something else a little life insurance if you will. I've held on to it in case I needed it to negotiate with you."

"What is it?"

"There's an abandoned estate in the outskirts of the city long abandoned perfectly preserved I've been having it fixed up. It's your family home Tabitha and I can give it to you. You've never been convicted of a crime, your brother as far as society is concerned was squeaky clean upon his first death and raised from the dead by a mad man Hugo Strange. You could follow in his footsteps and be the new mayor of Gotham." Jim said finishing his speech.

"What makes you think I'd even when an election? Especially with Penguin gunning for me." Tabitha asked.

"It's perfect just reassert the story your brother perpetuated. Let him come after you. Tabitha you are the golden goose of politics. You are beautiful, a woman and you are well…"

"I'm mixed not black, Jim." Tabitha corrected.

"Doesn't matter liberal voters love a colored woman especially when she's got a rich white guy like Oswald for an enemy. Minorities in this city would love you Tabitha. Penguin was a charlatan who played on the fears of the masses people liked Theo because he while fake seemingly stood for something. You can be an actual voice for people in Gotham. You know what it's like to struggle to be down in the dirt yet thanks to Barbara you made it back to the top."

"Now I'm back at the bottom."

"I can change that. I know you have a lot more money hidden I'm a cop remember? I know you have a parachute or two hidden. Only a matter of time before your enemies come circling. Right now you have no allies save for Selina and a lot of people will come after you. I even got an alert on my cell phone telling me my current base is compromised. So right now Barbara is running free but not looking for you. Which means Tabitha, Barbara Kean is likely with whoever Brother Blood has replacing me. Brother Blood is the only one who knew about my base so either he or someone affiliated to him ratted me out. Either way I'm out of the loop and since I'm now no longer trusted by Bruce I'm now stuck in the same boat with you because right now the only people he trusts are those two girls and his butler."

"Your saying we should work together? You want me to what go legit become a politician?"

"Yes." Jim answered her "You will not even have to go through an election. Wouldn't you know it that I happen to know the mayor and his cronies are all dead they each had tragic run ins with arrows. I also can use some information to leverage a newly appointed mayor. Something I've been saving for a rainy day and it's our only play right now. So think about it I get you to be the mayor you appoint me as the new commissioner and both of us have real power in this city. You spend your first term being a woman of the people and build up a strong following making a reelection a non-issue and the cherry on top we'll restore the Dumas name to the city your family helped build. Why not become Mayor Tabitha Galavan?"

"I like the idea but there's one problem."

"What?"

"My Family was forced to give up our real name I want that back to so if I become Mayor, Jim. I'm going to be Mayor Tabitha Dumas. I want people to address me as Mayor Dumas I want real respect." Tabitha's stance became firm and she spoke with a commanding tone "You want to be commissioner? Fine but I expect some god dam respect from now on I will not be your lacky I am not your muscle. I will not answer to you I'm done with that shit. From now I'm my own boss now. You want to run this city with me? You treat me like a partner got it?"

"Fine Tabi-" Before Jim could finish Tabitha slapped him

"Say my name and say it right."

"Alright I understand Mayor Dumas. Now I'm going to be honest I think given what I have been told about our daughter from the future its likely your dead in her time line. I've seen enough and read enough Sci Fi to know the rules or the current path is changing. Chances are whatever future there was, is changing. Meaning we both have a chance to change our fates. Clearly our fates are tied more than we thought. This could be a new beginning for us."

"Well…" Tabitha came up close to Jim.

"What are you doing Tabitha?"

"That girl if she's our daughter she's likely going to be born not far from now so if she's telling the truth…"

"Your saying you want to get pregnant now?"

"I'm saying I like that girl if she's who she says she is I'd like to get to know her and be there for her for everything. If she is crazy maybe, I'll surprise myself and turn out to be a good mother after all to whatever kid I end up having. Either way we have privacy here and me getting pregnant ensures your loyalty."

Jim smirked "So let's seal the deal right here and now. Besides I don't think our girl is as innocent as she seems I think she takes after both of us."

"How can you tell?" Tabitha asked suspicious.

"I think she's been honest about to an extent about why she came back in time but. I see her eyes and I just know that girl is running from more than a bad future." Jim answered and it was clear he knew what he was talking about then finished with "I used to have that same look when I was young the look of someone who has committed murder and is hiding it."

"So killing Theo never bothered you?"

"It did but only because I was trained to kill as Prometheus killing as Jim Gordon for the first time it was… odd. I think odd describes my feelings over that whole mess perfectly." Jim was surprised that Tabitha didn't look at him like he was crazy he never expected to bond with someone like her especially so quickly "Strange I'm not used to talking about my feelings."

"Same I'm not even sure why I feel so… drawn to you." Tabitha took a step back this strange attraction kept rising up in both of them and they never felt it before but it was hard as hell to resist one another "Before we do whatever it is we are supposed to do and I think destiny isn't giving us a choice tell me about Selina are you really here dad?"

"Yes. I take it you want to know about her mom, now right?"

"I do."

"Well picture a woman with Barbara Kean's looks and your personality. Pretty good with a blade better with a whip. She really loved cats obsessed really. Had to do with a trauma she suffered. She and her parents crashed in a jungle. Her parents died she survived and spent a while being hunted by a tiger. She managed to kill the tiger eventually. Shortly after she was rescued and kept the tiger's head as a trophy Blood found her like he found me." Jim took a deep breath before continuing "She and I did school assignments together well we did what the Academy considers school assignments. That woman Selina thought was her mother was a bitter rival of Paula's that stole Selina as a baby out of spite I recently found and killed Maria and her loser boyfriend. Paula died giving birth and I spent years looking for Selina it was my secret obsession my only obsession that outweighed my need for revenge. To think Selina was under my nose this whole time. I'm glad she had you as a mentor Paula would have liked you."

Tabitha laughed somewhat flattered "Really? She'd have liked me? I don't know how to respond to that. Didn't you talk to Selina about an offer outside of Gotham?"

"Yeah. I figured maybe if I had to leave the city she and I could start over somewhere I even offered to help her get you and Barbra set up somewhere. I offered to be a silent benefactor. That's still on the table to." Jim answered.

Just then both said at the same time "Penguin has to die." Then they gave each other surprised looks

Tabitha was the first to break the silence "He's never going to let me live in peace regardless of whether I stay in Gotham or not."

Jim nodded in agreement "Agreed and now that he knows my secret he's going to be hunting for me. Getting out of the city would be smart but killing Cobblepot would cut out some serious stress. Fortunately, I know somebody from my school days I can trust I wired the money to his account before Selina and I came here. Cobblepot shouldn't be a problem much longer."

Gotham, Iceberg Lounge (the Future)...

"How could this happen!" Penguin yelled as his various alarms were blaring all over his fortress that he put so much money in, was falling apart he could hear people screaming the Sirens led by Selina were raiding his treasure trove of wealth when Penguin thought about how long they must have been planning this he always knew Selina hated him for killing Tabitha last they spoke he out right told her Tabitha's brat was the target not her. Telling Selina that just made her mad Penguin peered through the smoke seeing plants growing everywhere and fire caused the planted bombs he thought he saw Batman "Alright you winged rat I give-" Before he could finish a batarang was thrown it be pierced his shoulder Penguin screamed as he fell backwards "Dam it! You are not supposed to use lethal force!"

"I'm not Batman." Babara said walking out of the smoke "Scream all you want Penguin Batman and his side kick are busy with my friend Selina and her colleagues."

Upon hearing this Penguin laughed "Of course Catwoman would pull this let me guess she has Harley and Ivy thinking she's only interested in robbing me right? Meanwhile you her stooge kills me and any potential witnesses that see your costume and assume Batman finally lost it."

"Yeah you are right mostly but I'm not stooge." Barbara knelt to meet Penguin in the eye she pulled out her batarang "Recognize the blade I modified? It belonged to my mother."

"Your mother?" Penguin took a second to take her in still not placing where he knew her she looked familiar though very familiar almost like a ghost then she pulled off her mask knowing the security cameras were out and they were alone she felt safe Penguin was disturbed at the young woman's angry expression she couldn't be real "Tabitha your-"

Barbara slapped him harshly like her mother had the night Tabitha and Butch took Penguin to Barbara "You wish. I'm her daughter. My mother is dead remember?"

"Oh now I get it. You surprise me. I always thought little Barbara Gordon was innocent and incapable of hurting anyone your more like your mother and father than-" Barbara hit him again "Your tempers worse than your mother's you know that?"

"Your dying tonight do you understand? Your empire is dying with you and nobody will even remember the name Oswald Cobblepot." Barbara's temper showed it was a strange experience for Penguin, Barbara was the spitting image of her mother and was like Tabitha in some respects but at the same time very different in fact Penguin didn't know why but talking to Barbara Gordon was like talking Jim.

"It's funny I can't tell if your more like your mother or your father." Penguin mocked "You hit like your mother you get angry like her but it's the strangest thing you remind me more of your father why I can't say. I truly have no idea why I feel like I'm talking to Jim when I look at you." Penguin coughed up blood his injuries from the explosions were doing their work "Pretty smart making sure that if you didn't kill me the bombs would. Looks like I'm dying it's a funny thing looking back on it all funny to me anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Barbara asked not understanding why he seemed so content in the middle of his burning stronghold.

"I was never one for religion, but I have to say there must be a God and he's definitely got a Joker style sadistic sense of humor. Your father spared my life your mother took someone I loved and I returned the favor and I kept coming after her but after I took her first love from her I kept failing probably because in the eyes of God I was being gluttonous in my revenge. I was so angry when I heard she died saving you it left a hollow feeling and took the fun out of living." Penguin explained "I think I understand now all the pain I've suffered God sent Jim Gordon into my life to give me a chance to walk away from Gotham and then he punished me over and over for my choices but his ultimate punishment was sending your mother in my life. Maybe my constant survival was God punishing Tabitha to. Now though it seems I'm receiving my final punishment and it's hilarious you the daughter of the man who spared my life and set my course are going to kill me and you are the spitting image of the woman I despise most in this world and the real kicker your killing me because I killed your mother!" Penguin started bursting into laughter "Truly my dear you are proof that there is a God."

"Shut up!" Barbara screamed and in a fury she slashed his throat with her batarang. She honestly thought she would enjoy killing him that killing the man responsible for her mother's death would make her feel better, but it didn't feel good at all. Barbara watched Oswald die she watched his blood run and drip over the floor as the fire got worse and all Oswald spent his life creating went up in flames.

Barbara would get away with killing him her father would be proved innocent of wrong doing and she would spend the rest of her life wondering if the man who called himself Penguin truly felt everything he had at the end of his life was worth everything he had lost to get it. That's why she screamed inside the burning club. Shortly after this Trigon would begin invading the world.