Titans of Justice Unlimited Chapter 32 – “Kat Burglar Part 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited by: Power Guy


Kitty Kat’s Secret Hideout…

Jay Fulton walked down the long corridor, towards the training room. The whelp across his chest from Kitty Kat’s whip was still bleeding and his back was scratched from their impromptu lovemaking session.

“Hi Fabri, got anything for a cat scratch?” Kitty Kat’s henchman asked.

“I do, I can fix you right up.” the tan, black haired man replied. He reached for a needle and filled it with a solution. “This will sting, but by tonight there won’t be a mark on you.” he said injecting Jay’s muscular arm.

“Kitty Kat really hurt me--I was afraid to tell her though.” Jay said turning his head as not to see the needle plunging into his arm.

“She’s more bark than bite.” Fabri smiled.

“How did she end up here? In Gotham City I mean? Not that I mind--when she found me, I was just a common burglar. Now thanks to both of you, I’m an Olympic level athlete and can slip in and out of Gotham’s exclusive neighborhoods. No alarms can catch me.”

Fabri’s dark eyes flashed. “You really want to know Kitty Kat’s story? Well, have a seat and I’ll tell you.”

Several years ago…

“But Papa! I don’t want to go to the United States. I want to stay here in Italy. Mama is buried here!” Carla Bendetti pleaded.

“Carla, my little kitty kat. We have to move to the USA. With your brother’s gold medals from the Olympics, the Bendetti name is well known. There are Americans that will pay top dollar for my training.” the slight man said, kissing his daughter on her forehead.

“But Papa, who will take care of my babies? My cats?” the little girl said pointing to a group of at least 30 cats in the back yard.

“My dear Carla, with your tender heart you will find more cats to take care of in the USA. Why, with the money we will make I will buy you the most expensive cats in the world. Now go pack, we must hurry to the airport.”

The Bendetti family settled in Gotham City and opened a gymnastics school. Soon, pupils from all over the United States were clamoring for the family’s expert training. Paolo Bendetti and his gold medal winning son were the instructors and young Carla, a natural gymnast in her own right, found herself bored with her new life.

The night Carla’s brother won the gold medal at the Olympics, their mother passed away after a long battle with diabetes. Carla felt more alone than ever. Both her parents had spent countless hours grooming her brother for the Olympics and despite her happiness that he won, Carla felt a bit left out. Her cats became her friends and she had a natural affinity with them. She could climb as high as they could and fit in the confined spaces where cats often retreat.

“Papa! Did you see the papers? Gotham has a Cat-Woman. I read where she gave Batman quite a run for the money last night.”

“Bah, she is evil. She robbed 2 banks and a jewelry store last night. I hope Batman locks her away.” Paolo said to his son. “Enough about that woman. Come, the students will be here soon.

Carla picked up the newspaper and poured over the article about the Catwoman.

“Catwoman?” she said out loud. Soon, as Catwoman’s crime spree continued, Carla became obsessed with her exploits.

“I have to meet her. She knows how the cats are the only ones who understand. Why, I bet her Mama is dead too…..I could even help her….” Carla mused. “No, Papa would slap me if he knew my thoughts….”

Each night Carla snuck out and scaled Gotham’s skyscrapers, hoping to see her new idol in action. Weeks passed and despite Catwoman’s high profile crimes, Carla only caught quick glimpses of her. Months passed as Carla became more obsessed with the woman she came to view as a mother figure.

Late one night, after waiting several hours on a rooftop Carla was ready to call it a night. “Batman must have arrested her…or maybe he killed her!” Carla thought. Catwoman was appearing less frequently now, and it was rumored that she even helped Batman now and then.

She resigned herself to becoming an instructor at her father’s school and scolded herself for her silly thoughts of becoming Catwoman’s junior partner. Just then she felt a whoosh of air over her head. “Batman!” she whispered.

She hid behind a column and her eyes widened. Just a few feet away were Batman and the woman she longed to meet--Catwoman!

“This will be good! Catwoman will surely beat him down!” she thought. Much to her surprise all they did was talk. Carla sensed there was more going on between the woman in purple and the dark knight. Despite having a bag full of loot, Batman wasn’t acting like he was angry with her. Instead the two of them spoke in hushed tones and looked into each other eyes. Suddenly they kissed!

Carla was disappointed by what she saw. Where was the independent Catwoman who had committed elaborate and daring crimes? She strained to hear what they were saying.

“Batman, I….” Catwoman said.

“I have to take you in.” he said.

“But you don’t want to, do you?”

“No…I don’t.”

Carla watched as Catwoman slipped her mask back revealing her flawless face and bright green eyes. Her long black hair blew in the wind. She was even more surprised when Batman allowed Catwoman to remove his cowl. Carla tried to get a glimpse of his face, the dark shadows preventing a clear view. What she saw next was Batman and Catwoman kissing passionately.

Carla slipped away quietly as the duo continued kissing. She began to cry as she thought of her mother.

The next day Carla told her father she wanted to start training to teach at the school.

A couple of years passed as Gotham citizens learned that Catwoman was now on the side of the angels and often helped Batman. She watched the news and saw a story of how the Joker had been terrorizing the city, despite Batman and Catwoman’s efforts to capture him.

“Carla, Papa wants us to go to bed early tonight. Those students from the Ukraine will be here tomorrow. It’s a big day.” came her brother’s voice.

Star athletes from the Ukraine were coming to the school for final training before heading to Germany for the Olympics. Carla was excited for her father and laughed about her former obsession with Catwoman. “Ha, I’d like to see her try to last a day under Papa’s training!” she laughed as she drifted to sleep.

The next day, the Ukrainian athletes were being put through their paces as Carla, her father and brother coached them. Suddenly an insane laughter filled the gym.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!! My very own tumblers! You all look like you could use some Gatorade!!!!” came a cackling voice.

“Papa!! The Joker!” Carla’s brother shouted.

“That’s right Mr. Atlas! Can you teach me to tumble? Could I win the gold medal….maybe a chocolate one?” the clown prince said as he somersaulted to the tumbling mat and his henchmen invaded the gym.





“How dare you trespass here!” Carla’s dad shouted.

‘Well, you know I was thinking the same thing….I could rob a bank, poison the water, or blow up an orphanage but I think holding some of the world’s greatest athletes hostage is much more fun….and beneficial to my bank account!” the Joker said, grabbing one of the athletes and holding a switchblade to his throat.

The Bendetti family and the athletes stood still, not knowing what to do.

“Oh hell, let’s show Gotham I mean business!” the Joker cackled as he slashed the young gymnast’s throat. Blood splattered as Carla screamed.

“You sick son of a--!” Carla’s father shouted.

“Watch your tone old man or I’ll paint a portrait with your very own blood! It would look so nice at the Gotham Museum.” The Joker smiled, dropping his victim to the ground.

“I had no idea you were an art connoisseur.” came a female voice.

Carla and the others looked up to see her--finally after all these years CATWOMAN!!! And she was here--in the school, plain as day!





“I can’t believe it! Catwoman! She’ll save us all!” Carla whispered.

“Go find another litter box, this one’s mine!” The Joker howled.

“Get her boys!” he commanded his henchman as Catwoman jumped to the floor.

All 13 of the Joker’s gang bounded towards her as Catwoman merely yawned. Just as they were upon her, she tossed a huge net, ensnaring them all. She bent over and dropped a ball shaped like cat’s head next to them. Within seconds a gas was released, knocking the men out.

“There, I think you boys need a little cat nap.” she said, turning to the Joker. “You should know better than to send a bunch of amateurs at me Joker!”

‘I heard you were shacked up with the big bad bat, kitty kitty. My mother always told me cats weren’t to be trusted.” The Joker said, his eyes narrowing.

“All of you, get out of here. Call the police.” Catwoman ordered. Carla’s eyes made contact with her idol’s.

The athletes and Carla’s brother all made their way to the exit. Carla was still, staring at Catwoman.

“What’s the matter with you girl!? Get out of here!” Catwoman hissed.

“Carla! Come, my daughter! It isn’t safe here.” her father pleaded.

“You said it gramps!” the Joker said, grabbing Catwoman’s arm and pressing an electric joy buzzer into her arm. She stumbled back from the shock and dropped to her knees.

Carla was still transfixed. It was as if the world around her had stopped.

“Carla! Carla!” her father shouted.

Catwoman was trying to shake off the effects of the buzzer as the Joker made his way to Carla.

“Would you like to smell my flower my dear? You are fresh as a spring daisy!” his cracked yellowed teeth flashed.

‘Oh God.” Carla’s father cried as she shook Carla, trying to snap her out of her daze and get the both of them to safety.

“Here! Smell this!” the Joker said spraying liquid from his lapel flower. Everyone in Gotham knew that the flower squirted acid. The acid was coming directly at Carla’s face as her father jumped in front of her, taking the full blast. He collapsed to the ground screaming in agony.

Just then, Catwoman’s whip snapped around the Joker’s neck. “Monster!” she shouted.

Suddenly Carla snapped back to reality. She could hear sirens and saw her father writhing on the ground.

“Papa! What happened?” Carla cried crouching over her father. He was trying to talk as his face and throat were burning away. He grabbed her arm and went limp.

“Papa! PAPA!!!!!!!!” she cried.

“Oh a little plastic surgery and he’ll be fine. Hmmm, now where’s my dr. bag?” the Joker laughed.

Catwoman punched him in the nose, bloodying it. She secured him with a pair of bat-cuffs Batman had given her. Within seconds, the Gotham police were swarming the place and the Joker was taken to jail.

Carla was still holding her father, crying. Her brother had joined her and both were kneeling next to the old man.

Catwoman made her way to the grieving siblings.

“I…I’m sorry. I tried to stop him, but he---”

Carla looked up her. “LIAR!! This is all your fault! If only you…if only….you” Carla started to sob uncontrollably as Catwoman walked away.

Months passed and Carla devoted herself to athletic training and gymnastics. She and her brother closed the school and opened a fitness club. Her brother was amazed at how extremely athletic and agile Carla had become. One night the siblings were watching a Gotham news show reporting on rumors that the Catwoman and Batman had secretly married. Catwoman was appearing less and less as was Batman.

“Everytime I see her, I think of that student the Joker killed at the school. And of Papa. It’s been years, and I still miss him. Her brother said.

“And I hate her.” Carla replied.

“You’ve mentioned that. She tried to save Papa. She couldn’t help it if the Joker nearly electrocuted her.”

“It’s not just that….it’s…”

Carla went on to tell her brother of her youthful obsession with Catwoman.

“I want her to pay. I’ve been training relentlessly--I am beyond an Olympic athlete and look at this!” she said opening a large handbag.

“Where did you get those?” her brother demanded looking at several thousands dollars worth of diamonds.


“I stole them. I am better than Catwoman ever was. I will not rest until Papa is avenged. She could have saved him. I know she could!”

Back in the present…

Jay was stunned at what Fabri had revealed.

“So that’s why she hates Catwoman. No offense, but I think our leader is a little off in the head.”

Fabri replied, “True, she is mentally ill. But it’s not her fault. It’s mine.”

“Yours?” Jay asked.

‘Carla is my sister. All the years my parents spent training me for the Olympics--all the attention I got and she didn’t--it does something to a child. What I wanted or needed came first. Carla was often left with babysitters or relatives while Mama and Papa trained me.”

Jay was becoming uncomfortable at what he was hearing.

“You know, I must support my sister in whatever she wants. If revenge on Catwoman is what she wants, I must assist her. It’s partially my fault that she…she’s the way she is.”

“Uh, th-thanks Fabri…I’m feeling much better. Thanks for the shot.” Jay said backing away.

‘He’s as crazy as his sister.” he thought.

“The night Mama died, it wasn’t her diabetes. Carla killed her.
She had wanted Mama’s attention all day and Mama was too concerned with my performance at the Olympics. Carla put a few pills in her wine…not enough to hurt you or me, but for a woman with Mama’s condition…it was like poison. She wanted Mama to get sick so she could take care of her…to get Mama’s approval and attention. Instead, she killed her.”

Fabri’s brown eyes narrowed to slits. “It is I that brought this tragedy to my family and it is I that will ensure my sister is totally happy and has all she wants.” his face was directly in front of Jays. “Our athletes are the best in the world. Why, I even created my own muscle building and agility enhancing hormones. How do you think one such as you could be as agile as a cat?”

‘Of course, Fabri..“ Jay stammered.

Suddenly Fabri’s intense mood dropped and he was jovial as always. “Now, you better get some rest. I am sure Kitty Kat will want you in top form for whatever she has planned next.

In another part of the hideout, Kitty Kat lounged in her pink heart shaped bed. Panthers, tigers, and other felines relaxed with her.

“Nightvision. What a handsome man. I could smell his attraction to me. I need to get his attention…need to go on a crime spree such as Gotham hasn’t seen. I’ll catch his eye…he’ll fall for me….just like Catwoman fell for Batman. I wonder what he looks like shirtless……” she thought as she drifted off to sleep.


EPILOGUE:

“I don’t care if he is in a meeting! I demand to speak to Dick Grayson right now!” Bette Kane-Parker huffed.

“I’m sorry Miss---”

“It’s MRS! My husband is the current world surfing champion!” Betty glared at the secretary. ‘I’ve had enough! I’m going in his office and you can’t stop me!”

“Miss--er, Mrs! No!” the secretary pleaded.

Betty Kane-Parker wasn’t used to not getting her way. She burst through the doors to Dick Grayson’s office. Her former teammate smiled as he spun around in his leather chair.

“What the--? Betty! How nice to see you.” he smiled.

“Don’t you ‘how nice to see you’ me, Dick Grayson!” Betty shrieked.

“Mr. Grayson, I tried to stop her--” the secretary pleaded.

“It’s ok, Lori. She’s an old friend. You may leave us.”

Betty gave the secretary a fake smile and then turned to Dick.

“You promised me that the Miss Universe crown would be safe here! Even told me your son and that Huntress woman were the best! And now that Copy Cat Woman has stolen it! What do you have to say for yourself?”

Before Dick could reply, Betty continued, “Thank goodness it was insured and another is being created as we speak. You know if Aunt Kathy weren’t retired and I was still Flamebird, this never would have happened!”

“Betty, calm down!” Dick said offering Betty a cocktail. “My son is on the case. The Huntress as well. She didn’t take very kindly to someone copying her mother.”

“All I know is we’re crowning a new Miss Universe in a matter of weeks and the crown is gone. I should have listened to Scott Trevor. Gotham City isn’t glamorous enough for a pageant crown esteemed as mine. It’s the super bowl of beauty you know. I should have held in Greece like he suggested. At least Wonder Woman might have protected my interests.” Betty said crossing her long tan legs.

“Betty. I assure you the kids will get the crown back. All will be fine with the pageant. If this new Catwoman is anything like the original, the crown is safe and it will turn up once she loses interest in it.”

“I guess you’re right Dick. But still, I hope your kid and his ’partner’ are up to the task.” Betty said as she touched her former crush’s shoulder and left.

EPILOGUE II:

Brendon Grayson couldn’t get his mind off the green eyed woman. He had even dreamed about her the night before. He didn’t dare tell Brenda. He was snapped from his thoughts by the phone. It was Helena Wayne.





“Hi Helena.”





“Hi. Listen, I really want to go out tonight and search for this new Catwoman. My mother is beside herself and I’m afraid she might go out on her own if this new cat burglar isn’t caught soon. Are you in?”

Brendon felt his pulse speed up. “Sure. I’ll meet you tonight. Downtown. 10:00.” He hung up and smiled.