Okay, I believe this is the last chapter! I hope you guys are enjoying it!

ONWARD!

"The Penguin's Lair"

"The nerve of some people! Accusing me of that! Oh I could just scream!" Shaylee mumbled an hour later when the manor had cleared. The caterers had left, and Alfred had hired a crew for cleanup tomarrow. The manor was actually quite decent, now that I remembered some of the other parties. Only a few things were out of order, but otherwise, everything was quite okay.

I sighed and slipped into the unfolded bed, covering my torso withe blankets then propping my elbow on my pillow and laying my head in the palm.

I chuckled, "I agree. They have no rights to say those things. Batman should have proven himself higher than that."

"I'd say."

She clicked off her lamp and slid under the covers, covering her shoulders and tucking her hands up under her chin in a fist. She closed her eyes and sighed.

I smiled, and moved aside the hair that covered her eyes, revealing her perfect eyes. Slowly caressing her cheek with my knuckles, she took my hand in hers and laced her fingers through mine.

"We'll just have to try harder."

I laughed, "Apparently. You still have some proving to you."

"I fear that's the hard part."

I smiled, "Always is."

With that she kissed my hand and closed her eyes, "Get some rest. We'll go out in an hour."

I nodded and laid down apon my pillow, Shaylee snuggling up under my arm and resting her head against my chest. She fingered something on the blanket and soon her rhythmic breathing accompanied mine.

Beep, beep, beep, bee-

I silenced the alarm with a press of the button and rose, streching my arms out. Shaylee rose to and scratched her head.

"Midnight already?"

I smiled and kissed her cheek, "Time flies when your having fun."

She got up from bed and clothed herself in black sweats and a black t-shirt, "Are you indicating something happened last night that I don't remembered?"

I laughed, putting her on, "Well..."

She frowned, hands on hips, "Bruce Wayne, you have some nerve! I know darn well nothing happened."

I led the way out of the room and down to the Cave, "Well, you asked."

"No for a lie!"

I kissed her lips, "I was only playing, hon."

She shook her head and raced off for the suit room, and soon appeared, putting on her gloves.

Her suit was very different from mine. It was slick black, body-tight kevlar; the thinnest on the market. It illuminated her curves, and her cape was identical to mine. Her belt was actually on her right thigh, and another on her right calf. Her hair was visible, her eyes covered with a black mask. She bore a symbol above her right breast, a grey circle filled with a black rose bud, thus explaining her name. Her boots were thigh high, and her belts went over them, and they were flat that caused for better running. Her gloves went elbow length and too were black.

Alfred had designed her suit, but you'd think a fasion designer would have. She looked more of a stripper than a crimefighter, but she'd liked the suit and kept the look.

I'd liked the suit too.

I went to change, and when I came out, she was walking over to the Bat-Cycle, and lifted her left leg over to sit on the seat. She took the helmet and shook her hair out before placing it on, and she kicked the cycle to life, then revving the throttle to give it gas. She smiled through the helmet, and whipped her head over to the direction of the Batmobile, signaling it was time to roll.

Placing on my cowl, I ran over and climbed into the car, firing it to life and revving it. I backed out, her doing the same and soon we were off.

We were out in Gotham rather quickly, speeding off towards the old zoo. I took point, Black Rose right behind me. Weaving throughout old Gotham, we parked in an old alleyway about two blocks west of the old zoo. She took off her helmet, activated her security system that automaticly disabled the fuel line and disconnected the throttle cable.

"Ready."

"Lets go."

We took off running, and soon arrived at the entrance. It was locked, so we climbed the old, tangled oak and jumped over. I went first, making sure everything was secure, and then ushered her down. With an almost inaudible -thump-, she landed then quietly padded over to me.

"I went to this old zoo when I was a kid. Its huge. Where do we start?" I asked, us now in the shadows.

Shaylee caught her breathe and thought a moment, "Well, he's a penguin, so why not check the colder exhibits?"

I nodded, "Good idea."

We stole off, sneaking about the abandoned zoo, the cages and exhibits all empty. The place still smelt of animals, and reminded me of childhood visits with mother and father and Alfred. I focused on the case at hand, and I went right while she went left.

We stopped. A light beam swayed down her way, and she braced against the wall on the other side. I peered out of the shadows to the right, and a police guard with a huge dog, bigger than Ace, walked slowly across the hall, about to round Black Rose's corner. She listened, and heard the jangling of the keys about to make a quick left. She took out a grapnel and looked up. My focus went up too.

The ceiling was actually plumbing systems, and she fired her grapnel, now in the piping, sitting and waiting to climb down. Once the dog and man disappeared, she landed with a quiet thump.

We had to get into the office, to find a map of somesort. The place was abandoned, but there had to be leftovers somewhere. Black Rose was closest to the office and she quickly picked the lock. Her head whipped right, the guard rounding to corner.

The dog's focus went to the floor, where he sniffed and took off. The guard went running with the dog, and they guard called out,

"Hey, you! Stop!"

Black Rose quickly finished with the lock and slipped inside, locking the door behind her.

"Hey, open up!" the fat man pounded the door.

I had to do something. Creeping up behind him, I tapped his shoulders, sending him into shock. He whipped around, letting the dog go, and brought his arms up. He began punching, which I stopped with my hands, and then socked him, sending him clocking downward and hitting the tile hard.

Beside me the dog growled and lept, the extra weight sending me down. His teeth sunk into the kevlar like they would with rubber, not piercing it in the least. He wouldn't get off. I slapped his face and he didn't detour, and finally I reached for something from my belt. I took out a gas caplet, cracked the glass casing, and the dog went limp as I held my breathe. I had to act quickly. The gas only lasted about five minutes, and Black Rose would have to worry.

I tapped the door, and she came out, something in her hand.

"The map?"

She nodded.

"Lets go."

We took off, her leading the way. We rounded endless corners, and finally arrived to an exhibit deep under the zoo. We quietly peered from behind the wall, and what we saw suprised us.

The exhibit had been turned into a home. A torn chair was in the corner, and black and white battery powered tv in front of it, and penguins.

Endless penguins were in the icy waters, swimming around the makeshift home. The place smelt of penguins and fish, and it was almost unbearable.

But what really upset me was the character sitting in the chair.

Penguin, reclined and in a robe, was watching the tv while eating something.

Black Rose and I zoomed in on him, and Black Rose turned away. He was eating raw fish, and his face was white and greasy, looking like he hadn't seen a shower in years. His black hair, whatever he had left, was slick with unnatural grease. He was repulsive.

He was humming something to himself while watching his program and Black Rose and I creeped around the corner. We quietly ran behind the artificial iceberg and we split up. She went up when I dropped down farther, beneath the Penguin.

She was above him now, ready to strike.

I knew this fight would be easy. Penguin was a fat old man, and most likely couldn't fight very well. But, then again, the Penguin did have some tricks up his sleeve. He had henchmen, that were bigger than both Black Rose and I, and probably more powerful.

But did they skills?

I climbed the iceberg, and came from behind him. He couldn't see me, which is what I wanted.

"I don't like what you've done with the place, Penguin. I think you could better."

He was startled and jumped from his seat, "Batman! How did you find me!?"

"I have my secrets, Penguin."

He looked disgusted, "Where's your misses? Not out tonight?"

"She's around somewhere."

"Here?"

" Not sure."

He smiled smugly, "You lie to me, Batman."

"Only when necessary."

He reached for his umbrella, and I whipped a batarang that made him recoil. It sent the umbrella into the water, sinking deep into the icy chambers.

"YOu upset me, Batman -SQUWAK!- you can't even fight fairly."

I took out another batarang, " All's far in crimefighting."

"I don't believe that's how it goes, SQUWAK!"

"Close enough for me."

Black Rose suddenly swung in on a grapel, and dropped down, the icy making her slide. She crouched, one leg straightened, the other bent, and she drug her right hand. Sliding towards the wall, she came to it and jumped off it, flipping in the air and landing beside me.

"SQUWAK! Very impressive, missy."

"Training."

We flung four batarangs, sending the Penguin running behind the iceberg. Suddenly traps fell from the ceiling, a net catching Black Rose and sending her into the water.

*Not again.* I thought.

I evaided more, exploding fish, more nets and gas filled icecubes. Ducking and rolling from under a net, I rounded behind the corner and took off after the waddling Penguin.

*Black Rose's POV*

The water was icy, and I tried swimming upward towards the surface. I touched the artifical iceberg, and gasped as my mouth liked the surface. Going under again, I searched my utility belt for something sharp.

I couldn't use the buzz saw, so I felt around for a batarang. I grabbed one, but then it slipped out from my grip and sank to the bottom.

*Shoot!*

I had no others, and pawed the surface again.

*Batman's POV*

I found Penguin, who hadn't gotten far. He was at a dead end, between a rock and a hard place.

And I was both.

"Give up, Penguin. You'll face a long and lonely life in Arkham."

He snickered, "I don't think so, -SQUWAK-! See that water?" He pointed towards the pool Black Rose was gasping in, "When I press this button, Batman, your misses will be sealed inside, and drown if you don't get to her. You have a choice -SQUWAK!-, me or the lady."

I thought fast. Black Rose could get out herself with a batarang, right? I figured she could cut the ropes of the net and get out on her own when I went after Penguin. Then again, could she?

"Make the choice, -SQUWAK!-"

I faced him, posed and brought out another batarang, flinging it towards him. He pressed the button and the alarms went off.

"Looks like you made your choice, SQUWAK!"

*Black Rose's POV*

As I tasted the air, treding water, suddenly alarms went off and something cracked the artificial iceberg. I looked up from under the water.

A sealing came from above, that blocked the light. It was foggy and misty, and it was blocking my exit. I swam up and gasped for another breathe, until I could no longer go up or the seal would crush me. dropping under, I tied to pull the net apart, but the ropes were strong. The cold salt water stung my face, and I finally reliezed, causing me to stop all action.

*I'm going to die.*

Franticly trying to free myself, I focused and slowed.

*The more energy you use, the more air is used also.*

It was dark in the water, and I felt around my belt. I had a waterproof flashlight somewhere, and I needed it to see. I found it and clicked it on. It was difficult, for the net was restraining me from much movement. I looked above me and swam up. I pounded the artificial ice, trying to find a weakpoint.

None.

*Batman's POV*

I didn't see Black Rose anywhere, so that meant she was still in the water! I ran forward to Penguin and tackled him, ontop and I raised my fist to punch him.

"How do I get her out, Penguin!" I ordered, not really even in a question.

He cackled, "I'll never tell! SQUWAK!"

I knew I'd get nothing out of him. I punched him until he went limp, then cuffed him. Leaping to my feet, I pressed the button, and nothing happened.

Please enter access codes

*Dang!*

I had taught Black Rose how to hold her breath for 3 minutes. She'd only been under about a minute, and so that gave me two minutes to act.

Running off, I jumped onto the ice, it thick. I couldn't cut it with a laser, and a buzz saw surely wouldn't work. The ice was completely untransparent, and Black Rose was nowhere to be seen.

*Black Rose's POV*

It was getting harder to breathe. I shined the light about, and froze. All the penguins were swimming under the iceberg and vanishing. I pointed my to where they were swimming, and my mind reeled.

*A way out! Of coarse! When the keepers put on the fake ice, there has to be an exit for the penguins! Maybe I can fit...*

I angled myself so I could swim and slowly made my way towards the exit.

*Batman's POV*

I ran to the back of the iceberg, mind reeling. If I couldn't get Black Rose out....

*Don't even go there, Bruce!*

I felt around for a panel anywhere and none were to be found. I kicked the berg, and listened.

*Hallow?*

I tapped it and it was hallow! Of coarse! The penguins needed somewhere to sleep and rest, somewhere that was private. Maybe if I could get inside, I could cut a hole through the fake berg with my laser.

It was my only bet.

*Black Rose's POV*

It felt like I'd been swimming for hours. My cheeks were frozen, and I needed air. Making my way under the berg, I followed the hoards of penguins under the berg.....

*Batman's POV*

I kicked at the fake berg and reliezed it was a synthetic plastic. Taking my laser out, I cut a hole big enough for me to fit through, and climbed inside. It was dark and penguins squawked about and waddled. One brushed against my leg, and I clicked on a light. It was filled, and I saw something in the middle.

*A hatch!*

Running towards it, throughout the mass of penguins, I stopped.

*Black Rose's POV*

I came to the hatch, and it was sealed.

*How do they get inside?*

My oxygen was getting lower, and I was getting weaker. My head throbbed and my vision started getting worse.

I was going unconcious.

With a burst of speed off of adrenaline, I pounded the hatch.

*Batman's POV*

I was about to open it when I heard pounding on the metal hatch. It was rythmic and frantic. I hurriedly took my laser and cut through the metal, inch by inch.

*Black Rose's POV*

I continued pounding, my vision fading. I blinked, and gave one last pound. Stopping, I started floating away from the hatch and everything went dark.

*Batman's POV*

The pounding had stopped.

Making a circle, it finally came, and I lifted the opening, to see Black Rose about 100 feet away still and eyes closed,

*NO!*

Diving in the hole, the icy water licked my bare skin. It was hard to swim under such coldness, but I pushed through the blackness, penlight in my mouth until I reached her.

Her face was pale and her lips blue. I cut the net with a batarang and grabbed her hand. Pulling he behind me towards the hatch, I came up, sucking in air, climbed out and brought her up. Laying across the fake ice, I felt for a pulse.

It was faint.

I started CPR, with hard pumps to the chest. It all came back, that long year ago. My breathing became laborered, and my eyes welled. If I lost her...

I pumped hard then plugged her nose and breathed in her mouth.

"Shaylee!"

With more pumps, and two more mouths full of air, she coughed and hacked, coming awake and sitting up. I braced her head against my head, and caressed her cheek.

"Baby, are you okay?" I asked when she had stopped coughing and was now just sucking in air.

She nodded, "About....time...you got...here."

With a laugh I kissed her and picked her up, walking out of the fake iceberg and back into the zoo. I as going to take my wife home, and give her a hot shower.

As Bruce Wayne.

Epilouge

(Alfred's POV)

Two years later.

Dear Journal,

Today is the day Master Wayne has been dredding yet waiting for. He waits outside in the lobby, as I sit across from him writing.

He is in no matter ready to converse, for he is tense and stressful. He looks pale and sick, and I just chuckle.

He has been waiting for this dredded day for nine long months. I, on the other hand, have been longing for it, ready to see his face when the news is broken. When the tesion breaks and bliss arrives, I am ready.

"Master Bruce, please, try and relax." I asked, getting up and walking over to him. I seat myself next to him and rub his back soothingly, trying to calm his nerves.

"Alfred, I'm scared to death. I'm not ready for this."

I just chuckle low and say, "In every way you are, actually. The day Mistress Shaylee told you, you were ready. I have complete faith in you, sir."

He just nods and sits back in his chair.

Hours pass, and Master Wayne has fallen asleep. I am sitting awake, reading Shakespere, and waiting. The rythmic ticking of the clock annoys me, and I sigh. Giving him a glance, I reminice about how I waited, just like I am now, for his birth.

It was true. Mistress Shaylee was giving birth. This news had come unexpectadly, nothing could have prepared us. As soon as it was finalized, it began. The long hard journey of a woman's pregnancy.

I look up from my book, to the soft click of the door. A doctor walks forward, in teal scrubs, and I gently awaken Master Wayne.

"Are you Bruce Wayne?"

Master Wayne nods and rises, "Yes. How is she?"

The doctor chuckles and looks down, "Shaylee is fine. Resting. She wants to see you."

Leading us inside, we enter the dull room, where Mistress Shaylee lays in her hospital bed; sweating and looking tired and pale.

Yet she had never looked so beautiful.

Sitting up and smiling groggily, she greets us with a weak, "Hello."

Master Bruce slides into the seat next to the bed, and takes her hand, "Hello, sweetheart. Doing okay?"

She chuckles, "Better than ever,"

He kissed her hand, and her attention is drawn to the door, "Look."

The young nurse enters, holding the frail object wrapped in blue gently in her arms. She smiles and lays it in Mistress Shaylee's arms.

With a quick, "Congratulations," she leaves.

Shaylee looks to Bruce, myself and then moves the blanket away from the object.

A small child, a boy, recoils from the sunlight and sudden cold. His eyes have not yet opened. He is small, and has abundant black hair, and shares the same nose as Mistress Shaylee, yet the same face as Master Bruce. Wiggling, he coos, and yawns.

"Hello, little one. Welcome to the world," Mistress Shaylee whispers, propping her elbow up so we may get a better view.

Master Wayne leans forward, off his chair and kneels on the floor. He cradles the child's head in his hands, and he is overcome with joy and tears.

"Say hello to daddy." she whispers.

Master Wayne takes a finger and runs it up and down the baby's cheek and a joyful tear falls.

"Hello, son. Welcome to the family."

The baby coos and Shaylee gently transfers him to Master Bruce's arms.

"Yes, welcome to the family....."

I close my eyes in reverence.

Master Bruce fights tears and holds the fragile baby so Mistress Shaylee may see.

"Cameron Wayne."

And in this, my dear readers, I bid you adue! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

All the praise, glory and honor of this story goes to Jesus Christ, my Savior and friend.

God Bless, and Shalom!