Legit Just Random

I reblog what I like and sometimes I write… simple

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Masterlist

I’ll try to keep this updated with every story I write. I also post stories on A03.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

The Secret - Percival Graves x Reader (Completed Series)

Pirates of the Caribbean

The Pirate Queen - James Norrington x Reader (Ongoing)

DC

Can I Save You? - Bane (Dark Knight Rises) x OFC (Completed Series)

ER

Hold My Hand - Robert Romano x Reader (one shot)

Robocop

With Me - Emil Antonowsky x Reader (one shot)

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The Pirate Queen

Chapter 8 - The Rescue of Elizabeth

Author’s Note: I am so sorry this took me so long!!

In that moment she wasn’t afraid, more exhausted. The anxiety that had plagued her was more than enough for her liking. Everyone had to die someday, maybe today was hers. At least Sam was waiting on the other side.

She stood with a stretch before pulling her jacket around her and making her way toward the doors. Locked. Of course.

Clenching her jaw she listened carefully to the shouts of the men on deck. They had clearly found something and now she was worried.

Alice began pacing back and forth. Her mind wandered to if she could break the lock on the door, but what could, or even would, that do.

“Commodore!” The man who stood outside her prison said quickly. Alice moved back to the bed and sat down as the door opened. Norrington walked in. He was in full dress, the wig replaced, and the door shut quickly behind him. Alice would have been lying if she said his blue eyes didn’t make her heart race. If the idea of being close to him wasn’t everything she wanted.

“We have found an island.” He said quickly. “There was a thick plume of smoke rising from it.” He began to explain.

“James…” Alice said quickly and he looked to her. “Get to it.”

“We sent a boat ashore and it is Elizabeth.” James let out a sigh or relief. “She is with Jack Sparrow. They are bringing both of them aboard now.”

Alice took a breath and then gave him a small smile. “The Navy has found her. Thank the heavens.”

“Indeed.” Norrington replied. “They are bringing her aboard now. I know you two are friends. Would you come and greet her?”

Alice thought for a moment before quickly nodding her head yes. It was no secret that Alice grew to absolutely care for Elizabeth.

“Good.” Norrington said quickly and he walked to the door, giving it three quick knocks. The officer outside opened it. “Please?” Norrington offered his arm to Alice and the two of them walked on deck. It seemed the sailors were told to avoid her gaze as all of them began to look down. A few brave ones eyes followed her.

The longboat bringing the rescued back had already made its way to the ship. Alice was left against a railing before Norrington took his place beside Groves. It seemed an eternity and simultaneously a moment before Elizabeth and Sparrow were on board.

The first person Elizabeth went for was her father - who had avoided eye contact with Alice as much as he could. Still, when his daughter hugged him his features softened and Alice could tell how genuinely happy he was to be holding his daughter.

“Frances!” The use of her fake name caught her off guard, but she had no time to think before Elizabeth’s arms were around her and holding her impossibly tight.

“I am relieved you are alright, Elizabeth.” Alice said to her as the younger woman pulled from her grasp with a kind smile. Elizabeth moved once again toward her father as Jack Sparrow was brought on board. His eyes went from one person to the next until he fell on Alice and gave her a wide grin.

“We must head for Port Royal.” Governor Swann said quickly.

“But we have to got save Will!” Elizabeth argues.

“No!” Governor Swann interrupted. “You’re safe now. We will return to Port Royal immediately. Not go gallivanting after pirates.”

“Then we condemn him to death!” Elizabeth argued.

“The boys fate is regrettable.” Governor Swann tried to placate her. “But then so is his decision to engage in piracy.” Alice rolled her eyes and immediately took a slight step toward Jack.

“To rescue me!” Elizabeth pushed. “To prevent anything from happening to me!”

Alice felt Jack beginning to step forward. “Jack, don’t-“

“If I may be so bold as to interject my professional opinion.” Jack started as he walked toward Norrington and the Governor. Alice gave a grimace and tried to make herself invisible. “The Pearl was listing after the battle. It’s very unlikely she’ll be able to make good time.” Jack turned his attention to Norrington. “Think about it. The Black Pearl. The last real pirate threat in the Caribbean, mate.” At the moment he turned to look at Alice. “Present company excluded.. though you’re more up toward the colonies are you, love?”

Norrington coughed and Jack turned his attention back to the Commodore. “Yes, sorry, how could you pass that up? Eh?”

Norrington seemed to scoff. “By remembering that I serve others Mr. Sparrow, not only myself.”

“Commodore.” Elizabeth spoke up. “I beg you, please do this. For me.” Norrington began walking up the stairs. “As a wedding gift.” Norrington seemed to stop in his tracks and Alice felt her heart sink. The look on James’ face was one of elation, then confusion. Alice could not bare to look at him a second more. She turned to the horizon. The water offering her the comfort she most desperately needed. Tears were welling in her eyes and she desperately tried to push them away.

“Elizabeth.” Governor Swann interjected. “Are you accepting the Commodore’s proposal?”

“I am.” She answered with certainty.

“A wedding!” Jack Sparrow’s voice jumped over everything. “I love weddings! Drinks all around.” Norrington gave him a hard stare. “I know… ‘Clap him in irons’ right?”

Norrington began walking down the stairs, his eyes focused on Jack. “Mr. Sparrow, you will accompany these fine men to the helm and provide us with a bearing to the Isla de Muerta. You will then spend the rest of the voyage contemplating all possible meanings of the phrase ‘silent as the grave’. Do I make myself clear?” No one saw his eyes flicker to Alice, his heart dropping as he saw her staring into the horizon.

“Inescapably clear.” Jack said quickly before he turned to Alice. “We have to talk, love.” He was quickly dragged away.

Alice stood silent, her heart pounding and her mouth dry. Norrington had accepted Elizabeth’s proposal. Nothing she could have ever wanted mattered. Even in her wildest dreams. Her throat felt painfully dry, yet at the same time she wanted to scream, wanted to cry.

Groves grabbed her arm softly. “I am sorry, ma’am, I have to take you back to your quarters.” Alice barely nodded as she let herself be led away. He took her to the same captain’s quarters, his touch soft and understanding. Still, he left her there and the distinct click of the lock let her know where she stood.

She almost couldn’t feel her legs as they lead her toward the bed and she sat, contemplating everything she had just heard. Her only goal now? She needed to get out. She needed to escape this ship and her back to her men. More than that, Jack Sparrow. She didn’t relish seeing a fellow pirate hung, so now she knew she needed to get him out as well.

Alice was deep in thought and plan when the door opened again. She looked up a moment later, but the person standing in the quarters surprised her. Elizabeth Swann shut the door being her, those eyes dead set on Alice. She needed a talk.

————————

“Who are you?” Elizabeth asked quickly.

“You don’t mince words, Miss Swann.” Alice answered.

“Neither my father, nor Commodore Norrington would bring you here, if it wasn’t vitally important”

Alice let out a small chuckle. “You knew I wasn’t who I said I was.” Alice said quickly. “I told you the truth days ago.” Elizabeth seemed to take a big breath before she walked across the room and sat on the bed next to her friend.

“You’re Mad Alice, the pirate, aren’t you?”

Alice laughed. “I never doubted your intelligence, Elizabeth.”

“So, it’s true?” Her voice seemed quiet and sad.

“I meant what I said. I was going to tell you.” Alice assured her. “I planned to write you a letter when we were safely far away from Port Royal.” To Alice’s surprise Elizabeth wrapped her in her arms and hugged her tightly. It was unusual at the start, but soon Alice’s arms wrapped around Elizabeth as well and the two stayed like that for a moment.

“I need you to know-“ Elizabeth started as she pulled away. “I made my father promise to not have you harmed and to let you leave as soon as we return to Port Royal.”

“Thank you.” Alice said softly. She did believe Elizabeth - that she had made her father promise. However, people that hated pirates as much as Governor Swann were not in the habit of making these type of promises - even if it was for his beloved daughter.

Alice filed that away as a potentially positive thing, but she didn’t know if she could trust it. Did she trust Elizabeth and even James? Yes. Everyone else on Port Royal? Not as far as she could throw them. Alice mind turned to the last days.

“Tell me, Elizabeth. What of Barbosa?”

Elizabeth’s face paled. “Alice…. They.. they are not what you could ever believe.”

“What do you mean?”

“The worst tales I could ever imagine are true.” Elizabeth replied and Alice could feel the young woman’s body shaking against the bed before she continued. “The moonlight shows what they really are - cursed. It’s as if their skin peals away. In the moonlight it shows their skeletons.” Elizebeth’s eyes are wide. “They are stuck that way.” She grabbed Alice’s hands. “I swear to you that I am not lying.”

“Elizabeth…” Alice said softly. “I believe you.” Alice didn’t feel the need to reveal the pirate stories that had already been told. Elizabeth seemed to let out a breath she had been holding. “There are things in this world that we can never explain. Who am I to judge?” They two women sat in silence for a moment. “You must tell me though… Will… tell me of Will.”

Elizabeth’s face softened. “He was the man I was speaking of before the attack. We… the ship I was crossing on a child, we found him in the water. His ship had been attacked by pirates.” Her eyes misted. “His father was a member of the original crew of the Black Pearl. They killed his father before they knew he needed his blood.m to break the curse.”

Alice couldn’t help but laugh and Elizabeth turned to her in surprise. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth.” She said quickly. “It just seems that you are one who finds yourself surrounded by pirates.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Well, I have come to find that not all pirates are bad.” Alice gave her a kind smile.

“Alice… I, I need to apologize to you.”

“For what?”

“Because I am going to have to marry Norrington.” Alice lowered her head. “I know how you feel about him. I see the way the two of you look at each other and-“ Alice held up her hand.

“Please, do not apologize, Elizabeth. What else could have ever possibly happened?” Alice laugh. “A Commodore and a notorious Pirate? That could have never worked.”

“Alice…” Elizabeth’s eyes were soft. “I need to ask you something. Will you answer me honestly?”

“That I can not promise you.” Alice answered. “But I will try.”

“Are you in love with James Norrington?” Elizabeth asked. The silence in the quarters overtook them. The waves lapped against the wood and the sailors shouted orders and walked along the ship, their footsteps echoing. Alice thought about how to answer. If she knew an answer. Or course she knew an answer. Her eyes turned to Elizabeth who seemed to be eagerly waiting. Instead of saying a single word, Alice’s eyes softened. A smile crossed her features. Elizabeth didn’t need to hear a single word.

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Ahhhh! I promise you guys I have not forgotten about Pirate Queen.

I work in a school and today was my last day before the summer so it has been crazy!

I have the next chapter mapped out. I know where I am going. Sorry ya’ll!

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Hey guys!

I promise my Norrington story isn’t stalled. I am just finishing my work year - I work in a school.

I have a long weekend this weekend, so I promise I will try to write as much as I can!

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The Pirate Queen

Chapter 7 - At the End of All of This

Author’s Note: Thank you for the reviews and the comments. For every single like! You guys are awesome!

The person sent to escort her to the ship was none other than Lieutenant Groves. He seemed shaken by her, even after the hours had gone by.

“Please…” he asked as he held out his arm and Alice realized they didn’t want to see her shackled as they headed toward the ship. They walked out side by side, as if two courting would go for a stroll. If it weren’t for her dress, no one would be the wiser that anything was amiss.

As they walked he kept a strict eye on her, worried she would sprint at the first chance. However, Alice had no plans for that. It wouldn’t do any good. She would just be stuck on Port Royal.

The ship was deserted, they were the first ones aboard. Of course, she thought, Norrington would not want the men to even see her if he could help it.

She expected Groves to lead her to the dungeon, but was surprised when he led her to the main cabin on the ship. The double doors were accented with opaque windows. The room was, in a word, beautiful. There was a lush bed on the far side. A desk against the wall to her left, behind it a few literary books.

“What is this?” She asked, stunned.

“The Commodore’s quarters.” Groves answered her and she looked to him in surprise. “The Commodore will have other arrangements.” Alice had to give a small chuckle to which Groves raised his eyebrows.

“Did you think I would expect him to stay in here with me? Ravish me, as it were?” She asked.

A hint of pink colored his cheeks. “We will set sail when the men have finished her preparations.” He couldn’t even look at her.

“Thank you.” She said quickly. Groves gave a polite nod before leaving. The locked clicked behind him. In that moment a wave of exhaustion seemed to overcome her. Alice had not slept the night before, her concern for her crew and more had kept her pacing. Sitting down on the bed she took another look around.

Everything about the room was distinctly James Norrington and she feared it would haunt her to madness. More so, she didn’t know what she could offer to help them in anyway. She had no idea how to get to the Isla de Muerta. Even if they managed to catch up to them, she was sure Barbosa and his crew would destroy the entire ship.

In that moment she thought about the things she would miss in life. The laughter with her crew, the smell of the sea air after a storm, the way James’ eyes would light up when he smiled at her. Her thoughts were interrupted as footsteps echoed on deck. They were preparing to leave. There was nothing more she could do as sleep overwhelmed her and the idea of being in Norrington’s bed was more comforting than she expected.

——————————-

You should never wake a sleeping pirate. They are always ready for a fight. At least, Alice tried when the door opened and she reached for the pistol that should have been at her hip. She grabbed at air and shook her head to wake her senses.

“Well, I am certainly glad I had your weapons taken.” Norrington commented as he shut the door behind him. She shook her head of the sleepiness that remained in time to see him set a plate on his desk. Bread, cheese, meat. Everything to keep her going, as well as a pitcher filled with some liquid Alice could not make out.

“It’s water.” He said, seeming to read her mind. “There is some whiskey in the bottom left drawer of the desk, should you prefer.” He turned to leave.

“Commodore…” Her voice caught him, he couldn’t have left if he wanted. “I’m still me.”

“You’re a pirate.” He said turning to face her. His voice seemed to have lost some of its bite. James tried… he tried so hard to stay as angry as he could, but when he looked at her…. That fire halted. Still, his mind remembered that she had lied. “I know so many of the things you have done.” Alice’s reputation seemed to proceed her - as she have carefully cultivated it to do.

She let out a small laugh before slowly standing. “Most of that has been exaggerated.” She started, her eyes connecting with his. This time he couldn’t look away. “Legends and stories have a way of helping people…. Why am I here? You know I can’t do anything to really help you.” His eyes seemed to darken as she connected the dots. Alice was a pirate Captain. Maybe not as famous as some, but well known none-the-less. “You mean to trade me…” It hit her in an instant. Norrington, at least, had the courtesy to look ashamed. “You think Barbosa will trade Elizabeth for another pirate Captain.”

His words seemed to fault him. “I..I-“

“You don’t understand. You should have just strung me up in Port Royal because Barbosa will want nothing to do with me.” She sat down in the desk chair and let out a harsh breath. “What is going to happen if we manage to catch up to Barbosa and he doesn’t want to make a trade?” Norrington stood quietly, watching her. In that moment Alice opened the bottom left drawer to his desk and took out the bottle of whiskey. She opened it and took a long sip. “You mean me to die anyway.”

“I don’t want you to die!” He shouted before taking a deep breath. “There was nothing I could do.” Norrington admitted. He felt helpless and he absolutely hated feeling helpless. “The Governor found out who you were. I did not tell him.” He needed Alice to know that. Needed her to know he didn’t - wouldn’t - betray her. “Had I not arrested you, he would have gone over my head. It would have happened anyway, but you and your men, would not have made it out of Port Royal.”

“So you made a deal…” she guessed and he nodded.

“I said I would bring you with us to find Elizabeth.”

Alice took another long sip of the whiskey. Her mind reeling.

“If you don’t mind, I only have a few days before I see Sam Bellamy again, so I would like to maintain a nice drunk.” It was as if her words actively moved him. In an instant he was next to her, pulling her out of the chair. He grabbed the whiskey and set it harshly on the desk before putting one arm around her and the other hand to cup her cheek. Just listening to her speaking of how she wouldn’t be there… be somewhere that he could hold her… that was enough for him.

“Alice…” her name on his lips made a her let out a small gasp. She could feel her body shaking, but she was not afraid.

“Have…” she thought about her words for a moment. “Have you regretted that kiss yet?”

His eyes softened as his thumb brushed her cheek. “I told you, that’s not possible.” His forehead rested against hers. He let the moment linger before he stepped backwards and after a longing look, left.

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It was late in the day, the sun setting, when Norrington came back. He carried two plates and one of his men shut and locked the door behind him. Alice moved so she was sitting on the edge of the bed as she watched him.

“I thought you would like some dinner.” He offered, setting the plates on his desk.

“Thank you, Commodore.” She stood. He sat behind his desk and her across from him. They were both quiet as they began to eat. Alice risking a glance up at him. He had take his hat off, but not his wig.

“Is it customary to eat with prisoners?” She asked and he finally looked up at her. A handsome smirk crossed his features.

“No.” He answered. “Though it’s not customary to allow prisoners to sleep in my quarters either.”

Several jokes ran through her mind, but she kept them to herself. “So, Commodore-“

“James…” He said softly. “When we’re in here, please call me James.” Alice felt her jaw clench in an effort to push aside emotions.

“James then, what did you tell the Governor about you eating in here?”

“That we were discussing strategy.” He said before taking a small bite of meat.

“And what strategies would you like to discuss?”

“I…” he seemed to think about his response for a few seconds. “I would like to know about you.” Warning bells seemed to go off in Alice’s mind. Was this just his own strategy? A way to find out more about her crew, about her men? Better leverage in how to hunt them down.

“I’m not going to tell you about my crew.” She said quickly and his eyes studied her. It occurred to him - too late - that, while he wanted things to be the way they had before, they couldn’t. James was sitting at a desk as a Commodore, and Alice was his prisoner.

“I don’t want to know about your crew.” He assured her. “I am not trying to get information out of you to use against you.” He watched her amber eyes study him curiously. “You said everything was real except the name and the background. So, I want to know you.”

Alice took a ragged breath. At that moment she really didn’t have a lot to lose. “My name is Alice. It’s Alice Buckley.” She said carefully. “I was born in Ireland, but raised in the colonies in a town called Boston. My father worked on ships and my mother was a seamstress.” Alice couldn’t help but smile at the memory of her parents. “My father died when I was 11. I was their only child. His friends took pity on us and taught me to work on boats, help out where I could.”

“Your mother was alright with that?” James asked.

“She was grateful for the extra income. Plus, I don’t think she could have stopped me if she tried. She got sick when I was 14.” Alice’s eyes misted over. “She died a few months later.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.” Alice took a sip of her water. “When I was 15 I made my way to Cape Cod and that’s where I met Sam Bellamy.”

“The infamous pirate.” James said with a roll of his eyes.

“Sam wasn’t a pirate then.” Alice explained. “He was recruiting to go look for missing Spanish gold. He didn’t want to take me at first - wary of having a woman on board. But, I impressed him. I knew what I was doing, so he gave me a chance.”

“He didn’t find the Spanish gold though.” James recalled.

“No, he didn’t. We looked, but it wasn’t happening. Then, we figured out another way to get money.”

“Piracy.” She could see the annoyance and fire in James’ eyes.

“Despite what you may think, James, pirates are not all like Barbosa.”

“Is that so?”

“You’re sitting here with me right now. Am I eating with my fingers? Do I have no respectability? Am I not a decent person?” She called back to the night of the party at the Swann house and James leaned back in his seat. “On a Pirate ship, we all are equal. It doesn’t matter what family we were born into, what religion, what race. We become family. We vote for our Captain and our Quartermaster and-“

“You vote?” James asked.

“Yes.”

“And if a Captain is not satisfactory?”

“He, or in my case she, can be replaced.” James seemed to scoff. “Look, I am not saying that every pirate is civilized. I am saying, we respect one another - at least on the ships I’ve been on. You may say Sam Bellamy’s name with disdain, but those were his rules that I still follow. I would rather be a pirate a millions time before following the laws of the crown.”

“You are resolute, I’ll give you that.” James poured them both a glass of whiskey.

“You have never had a good encounter with a pirate?” She asked and he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Present company excluded.”

James leaned back in his seat and took a small sip of his whiskey, letting himself collect his thoughts. “My father… he hated pirates. Hated them with everything he had. In fact he delighted in tracking them down and handing out the punishments. He was… particularly brutal.”

“I’m sure he would have loved me.” Alice said with a wink before taking her own sip of whiskey. James just stared at her. “James? What is it?”

“My father made me come on a voyage with him once I was around the age of 6. He was tracking down a pirate - had been for a while, but we finally caught up to him.” James eyes seemed to gloss over as he remembered the battle. “We had them, but his crew came to rescue him. I was knocked into the sea and… the pirate, he saved me.” James took another sip of whiskey. “My father was ashamed of that. He yelled that he would preferred to see me die of drowning than be rescued by a pirate.”

“James….”

“He told me it was my duty to carry the banner of civility and order and eradicate the slime from the seven seas. And now here I am, having dinner with you - a pirate.” He didn’t say it was disdain.

“Who was it? The pirate that saved you?”

“Edward Teague.” He said simply.

“Jack Sparrow’s father.” Alice voiced.

“It is mighty funny how the world turns, is it not?” James asked.

“I’m glad he saved you.” Alice added.

“Isn’t it against a pirates very nature to want a Royal Navy Commodore to be saved?” His tone was now playful.

“Well, you already told me you don’t want me to die, so I’m just echoing a similar sentiment.”

“How did you get your nicknames?” He asked.

“Do you always have to wear that wig?” She countered. To her surprise he let out a small laugh and immediately pulled the white wig from his head. His brown hair was tied at the nape of his neck.

“That suits you.” She remarked and he leaned forward, grabbing her hand and holding it tenderly.

“I promise you, Alice Buckley, at the end of all of this I will not let them harm you.”

“You shouldn’t make that promise, James.” She said softly. “Aligning yourself with a pirate could make some people call you a pirate.” A small smile crosses his features as he brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the top.

A small knock at the door made James stand and replace his wig and hat.

“Rest well, Alice.”

“You too, James.” He gave her a small bow before leaving and Alice leaned back in her chair, trying to stop the tears from coming.

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Pardon me, what do you think you're doing writing Norrington fanfics in the year 2024?! I'm still trying to recover from Jack Davenport's hold on me the first time I watched POTC. And here you are, stirring old infatuations WITH YOUR IMMACULATE WRITING??!! The Pirate Queen graced my dash and I'm so glad for it. Fabulous story, I can't wait to pick up on the second chapter!

Much love! xxx

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! I… I don’t have word for this wonderfully kind this is!! I wish I could hug you!!

[boltlightning]

by jove, i am not covetous for gold, / nor care i who doth feed upon my cost; / it yearns me not if men my garments wear; / such outward things dwell not in my desires. — henry v, act 4 scene 3

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The Pirate Queen

Chapter 6 - A Prisoner

Author’s Note: Thank you so much to every single person who reads this, who likes this, who comments on this story. You are wonderful! I hope it makes you smile!

It was as if something came over James Norrington. He grabbed one arm and then the other desperately looking for any brand she might have.

“What, exactly, are you hoping to find?” She asked and he didn’t looked up. His eyes just went over the same skin, trying to ignore how soft her arms felt. “The elusive ‘P’ that should be burned about here?” She pointed to her wrist. Finally he looked up at her. “No such luck, I’ve never been caught.”

“Well, you have now.” James said as he took a few steps back.

Alice clenched her jaw before speaking. “James we don’t have time for this, you need-“

“You will call me Commodore Norrington, ma’am.”

“James, Elizabeth has been taken.”

“What?” His jaw went slack as it seemed as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

“That’s why I ran down to the fort. I saw two of the men carry her away from her house.” James immediately started writing. “I didn’t see them take her in the ship but it’s the only explanation.”

“Wait here.” He said coldly as he walked out of his office. She distinctly heard the key click in the lock.

It was only about five minutes later when James walked back in. He closed the door behind him. The anger was coming off him in waves.

“Did you have anything to do with this?” He looked away from her and toward his desk, his voice calculated.

“Are you kidding me?” At that he turned quickly around. “James.. Commodore Norrington, I would never hurt Elizabeth.”

“I’m not in the habit of believing pirates.” He practically spit the word at her like venom.

“Well, I’m still the same woman who saved your life out there! The same one who told you about Elizabeth. The same woman you kissed.” It wasn’t the right thing to say, the hatred she saw in his eyes practically broke her heart on the spot. Well, what she thought was hatred. James didn’t have words for how he was feeling.

“I can not believe it’s a coincidence that you are here and another pirate ship shows up and attacks.”

“I was only here to find out what you know about me, my ships, and the people I care most about.”

It was if a spark ignited in his brain. “The red bow, the red dress…” it had look so familiar to him at the party, sticking out in such a particular way. The color was rarely, if ever, worn unless the party specifically called for it. “Sam Bellamy was known for wearing a red bandana and coat.”

Alice nodded. “He was my Captain.” She confirmed and James swore he felt his heart break further. “The first person I sailed under. That bow was made from that bandana. You can arrest me if you want, Commodore. String me up with the other bodies of pirates you have swinging.” As if thrown in the ocean, his fire cooled immediately. The thought of her hanging. His mind couldn’t even fathom it. “But if you want to catch up with the Pearl? You’ll need the entire Navy. Because it will take that many just to find them.”

A multitude of thoughts ran through his mind in an instant, but only one made sense. “Leave.”

“What?”

“Consider this me repaying you for saving me. Now go.” There was a million things she wanted to say, but nothing would come out. As she turned to go she heard him ask a question. “Was any of it real?”

“Most of it was real.” She answered truthfully. When she looked at him, he was staring down at his desk. “Every glance, every smile, every touch… Just the accent and the name were fake.” She didn’t wait for a response, she just left. She would never forget his look of betrayal or how cold he sounded when he spoke to her.

———————————-

Alice walked slowly back to the place she and her crew had been calling home. It was hours before dawn, but all of Port Royal was awake. They were checking on their neighbors and businesses, moving their dead, picking up the pieces of their homes. No one even seemed to glance twice at her as she walked though. Just as well, she thought.

She was almost to the door when it opened and Charlie walked out. He pulled Alice into his arms.

“We were worried about you, Captain.”

Alice pulled back. “I’m alright. How’s Edward?”

“He needs to rest, but the wound wasn’t deep. We should get him to the ship sooner rather than later, get him to the doc.” They walked into the house and Charlie let her to a sitting room where Edward was laid out on a couch. Giles was in a seat next to him.

“Good to see you, Captain.” He said with a tired grin.

“Rest, Edward.” She put her hand on his forehead and was relieved to see no fever had yet set in. “We will be leaving as early as we can.”

“What’s wrong?” Giles asked.

“Norrington knows who I am.” Edward tried to sit, but Alice kept her hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright. He let me leave. Payback for saving his life. Charlie, Giles tell the men to sleep and eat. We will leave shortly after dawn for the docks.”

“Aye, Captain.” Giles affirmed before he and Charlie headed back toward the study and the dining room.

“You get as much sleep as you can.” Alice said as she pulled a blanket halfway up Edward’s chest. “We’ll be back on the ship in no time.”

“Did you tell Norrington?” Edward asked.

“Tell him what?”

“That you’re in love with him.”

Alice let out a small laugh. “The second James Norrington found out I was a pirate was the same second he felt nothing but hatred for me.”

“I don’t believe that.” Edward refuted. “I saw the way he looked at you.”

“Maybe…” Alice sighed. “He used up the goodwill anything before tonight brought me by letting me go. He will try to chase is down soon enough.” She stood. “Now, get some sleep. We will wake you last thing before we go. You’ll need your strength for the journey.”

“Good night, Alice.”

“Good night, Edward.”

—————————

The docks were busy, to say the least, and the sun was high in the sky by the time they were ready to go. Though everything had gone without a hitch, getting all of their stuff down to the ship that would sail them to Tortuga. Everything was loaded, the men were on the ship. It was just Alice and Charlie still waiting to board. No one seemed to recognize Alice, not that she was expecting them to. In men’s clothes, that included Edward’s dark brown coat, and her hair down - no one would have guessed all of Port Royal was fawning over her as a noble less than two days before.

“Captain!” Edward called and he pointed up the docks. James Norrington along with his Lieutenant Groves and two soldiers Alice had not seen were walking toward them with a purpose.

“Stay on the ship, Edward.” Alice called immediately.

“Captain…” Charlie’s voice was low. “There aren’t any other soldiers around, we can fight our way out of this.”

“No.” Alice said quickly. “Keep yours hands visible and just stay calm.” As the men moved closer the two soldiers she didn’t know stayed behind as Norrington and Groves came within five feet of her.

“Lady Somers?” Groves asked after a moment.

“That’s not her name.” Norrington answered him before she could. His voice was almost emotionless. “She has been masquerading as a noble. She is actually… a pirate. An infamous one at that.” Groves looked from his Commodore back to Alice before his hand moved carefully to the hilt of his sword. “Alice the Enchantress is what they call her.”

“I always preferred Mad Alice.”

“My God, it can’t be true.” Groves said quietly, his eyes wide.

“Afraid it is.” Alice responded. “What can I do for you gentlemen?”

“You’re coming with us.” Norrington commanded and there was a shift in the tension around them.

“Is that so?” She asked as she raised her eyebrows.

“To help find Elizabeth.” Norrington added. “It’s either you come with us, or we will take you all to jail.” Charlie took a half a step forward. Norrington and Groves pulled their swords a small way out of their sheaths, and Alice put her hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

“Commodore, I don’t know what help you think I can be to you.”

“You’re a pirate.”

“Not all pirates think the same.” She explained, and James rolled his eyes. “Not only have I never met Captain Barbosa, but last night was the first time I ever saw the Black Pearl. If you want a pirate who can help you ask Jack Sparrow.”

“Jack Sparrow escaped.” Groves said quickly. “With Turner.”

“Who is ‘Turner’?” Alice asked.

“William Turner. He is the blacksmith’s apprentice.” Groves answered. Something in her brain pinged on the name, but she didn’t have time to analyze it. At that very moment all she knew was the safety of her crew was at stake. With that there was only one conclusion.

“Fine, I’ll go with you - on one condition.”

“You’re not in a place to be making demands of us.” Norrington reminded her.

“Captain, don’t do this.” Edward pleaded. “You can’t trust them.”

“Then trust me.” Alice said loudly to her men before turning to Norrington. “Just let my crew go. They are going to sail out on this ship, they are never coming back. Please.” Norrington took a moment to think it over before giving her a nod and she quickly turned to Charlie. “Get Edward to a doctor, take care of the man.” She ignored the protests from her crew already on the ship, “And tell Callahan to be careful with my ships.” They shared a nod before he joined the crew. They all took their hats off, bowing to their Captain. Alice bowed back before taking her place in between Norrington and Groves as they walked her toward the Fort.

“It’s funny…” Norrington said as they walked. “Pirates, for a moment, almost seemed civil.”

“They are.” Alice replied, looking straight ahead. “Much more so than the Royal Navy.”

—————————-

When they got to the Fort she was surprised when they locked her, once again, in Norrington’s office.

This time she didn’t bother to remain standing, she didn’t bother to pace, she sat down in the extra chair and just waited. Her thoughts drifted to her men. If they had gotten out of Port Royal safely. If Callahan was already waiting for her in Tortuga. She hoped Edward made it to a doctor in short time.

She couldn’t have known that Norrington had spent the night pacing in his office. His worry for Elizabeth Swann only surpassed by his anger and hurt at what Frances - no, Alice - had done. In his mind, she had used him, used all of them, to get her hands on the Navy’s own documents.

Another part of him was angry at himself for just how much he wanted to go after her, and not to arrest her. She had told him it was real, but could he even trust a pirate. He paced until Governor Swann barged into his office demanding answers.

When the door opened, Alice felt a jump of anxiety as Norrington walked in followed by Governor Swann.

“Governor Swann.” She acknowledged, but he acted as if she hadn’t said anything. The Governor seemed to be refusing to even look at her.

“You will be locked in quarters on the ship as we sail.” Norrington said, catching her attention. He was looking down at his desk, also refusing to make eye contact. “The men know you will be aboard, but they do not know why. They have been ordered not to speak to you. In fact the only ones you will speak to are Lieutenant Groves and myself.”

“So, I am your prisoner.” She remarked.

“As it should be!” Governor Swann finally spoke. His face was red and his eyes angry. “You are a pirate! You should not be given any leeway. Were it completely up to me you would be locked below deck!”

After his outburst the room seemed almost painfully quiet. Alice recognized his frustration and fear for his daughter, but his hatred for her seemed to almost outweigh it.

“Well, Governor, then I believe when they drop me from the gallows you should be the one to do it.” Her voice was calm and controlled and, by contrast, the Governor looked absolutely scandalized. “Might I remind the both of you that I have been nothing but kind. I held parties for you, fed you. Both of you, more so you - Governor - were fawning all over me.”

His voice raised. “That was before we knew you were a criminal!”

“I am less a criminal than those who trade in human beings - and they’re being paid by the Crown.”

Swann scoffed and immediately left the room without another word, slamming the door as he went.

Once again the silence hung thick, only stopped by the occasional scratching of the quill Norrington was using. Alice was normally good with silence. Now? She felt as if she would absolutely go mad if one of them didn’t speak shortly.

“Maybe you should wear a dress. Keep - keep up appearances.”

Alice stood. “Commodore, I’m going to be sequestered a room the entire time. Well, until the Navy and the Governor see fit to hang me. I think you could do the courtesy of not torturing me more?”

James’ eyes focused on her for a moment and she almost wanted to smirk, but she pushed it as far down as he could.

“Do you know anything about where the Pearl most often makes land.”

“Only a legend.”

“A legend?” Norrington asked annoyed.

“Listen, I warned you I had never seen that ship before. Most haven’t. The few who have are usually survivors. The legend is about an island. Isla De Muerta. No one knows where it is, and supposedly you can only get there if you have already been there. I haven’t.”

Norrington let out a breath he had been holding. “Someone will be along shortly to escort you to the ship.” Without another word he left and she heard another click of the lock. Sitting back down she put her head in her hands. Alice had no idea how she would even begin to get herself out of this situation.

[random-of-random]

The Pirate Queen

Chapter 5: I’m Alice

Author’s Note: Whhhatt? A revamped story plus a new Norrington chapter in one day? Yep! I hope you guys like it!!

Alice was sure the servants thought her state of dress was odd, but there seemed to be too much anxiety in the air to give her more than a passing curious glance. Governor Swann was no where to be seen, though Alice suspected he would be at the fort a while after what happened.

The same woman who had come to find her led Alice up the grand staircase and into Elizabeth’s bedroom.

“Lady Frances.” Elizabeth immediately curtsied as her maid left the room. The room was styled very classically. Everything neat and in it’s place. It felt very… not Elizabeth. “Your clothes-“

“Are you alright, Elizabeth?” Alice asked quickly. This wasn’t the time to discuss fashion.

“I…” Elizabeth let out a soft sigh. “I am… I’m just…”

“Today seems to have been an all around trying day.” Alice offered before encouraging Elizabeth to sit on her bed. Alice sat next to her. “You were taken hostage by a pirate, if I am to understand correctly?”

“He was using me to get out of a situation.” She begun to fidget with her hands. “He saved me. I fell off of the fort. If Jack Sparrow hadn’t…” Her voice faltered again and Alice grabbed her hand softly.

“Please continue.”

“That’s the pirate’s name - Jack Sparrow. Commodore Norrington seemed to mark him as a pirate straight away. When they were going to arrest him he grabbed me and held his gun to my head. He escaped, but only for a few minutes before they caught him anyway.”

“That must have been very frightening.”

“I don’t believe he really wanted to hurt me.” Elizabeth’s eyes turned to hers. “I think he just needed an escape.”

“More than likely.” Alice agreed. Sparrow was a lot of things, but downright cruel wasn’t one of them. “Your fall must have been scary too.”

“Oh, goodness, yes. After Norrington proposed I just couldn’t seem to catch my breath. I fainted right off.”

“Norrington proposed?” Alice asked, feigning ignorance.

“You knew he would.” Elizabeth pushed. “I am sure there is no way my father didn’t tell you that arrangement had been made.” Well, Alice had been right when she told James that Elizabeth probably already worked it out.

Alice chuckled. “He did. And now, when you’re married, you will be able to tell people how you fell for James during his proposal.” At first Elizabeth let out a small laugh, but her smile quickly faded. A far off look took over. One Alice recognized well. “You don’t love James Norrington, do you?”

Tears seemed to well in Elizabeth’s eyes. “I do not.”

“You have feelings for someone else.” Alice said calmly.

“How could you know that?”

“Because James is a good man, and you would only be this sad about his proposal if there was someone else you cared for.”

“I have no idea what to do.” Elizabeth seemed to fiddle with the chain around her neck.

“If it were up to me?” Alice started. “I would say choose your own life. Not the life you feel you are supposed to take. You are assured a good life with James. He will be caring, kind-“ her voice softened, “a good husband, but if that is not who you want-“

“So, it’s true.” Elizabeth said quickly. There was no judgement in her voice, just curiosity. “You care for Commodore Norrington.” Alice stood to look out Elizabeth’s window, before giving her a soft smile. “But you’re husband-“

“I can promise you for a fact, Elizabeth, that my husband doesn’t care anything of what I am feeling or for whom.”

“You don’t have a husband, do you?” This time Alice could tell Elizabeth’s anxiety levels were rising.

“No, I don’t.”

“Are you who you say you are?”

Alice took a deep breath in. “No, I’m not.” She saw Elizabeth start to stand. “But I don’t mean you or your father any harm. I need to make that clear.”

“Why are you here then? Are you even from England? Even nobility?”

“I have never set foot in England.” Alice said with a small laugh. “And I am certainly not nobility.”

“I had a feeling about that.” Elizabeth said carefully. Her brain was fighting whether or not to trust Frances. They had been alone enough times that if she meant harm, she could have done it.

“I knew you were smart.”

“Well, that and no noble would ever say to not marry the best social match.”

“They are set in their ways, aren’t they?” Alice asked and Elizabeth let out a small laugh as her anxiety began to calm.

“Who are you?”

Alice watched as the last of the sunset made the sky a brilliant orange and began to fade into purple.

“I can’t tell you right now. It’s getting late. It’s been a long day for you and you need rest.” Alice looked her in the eyes. “I promise you that you will know the whole story, just not tonight.”

Elizabeth seemed to think a moment and then nod. “Alright, but I will hold you to that.”

“I would expect nothing less.” Alice said with a final curtsy before she headed back out Elizabeth’s door and toward where her crew was waiting.

———————————

The sun had completely set and everything was packed. Now it was just a matter of taking the next few hours and transporting it down to the docks. A ship was already waiting to carry them and their cargo to meet her ships in Tortuga.

“We can leave nothing behind that would lead Norrington or anyone from the Navy to suspect we are anything more than what we said.” Alice called as they were doing a last search of the house. They left strategic things behind. Cases of clothing, food, instructions that they planned to return once Frances “husband” was better. In reality, a letter would come in three months declaring their intentions of staying in England. The dresses were to be taken to Elizabeth, anything else in the house redistributed.

“Captain!” Giles voice called. “You best come take a look at this!” Giles was standing on the balcony that oversaw Port Royal.

“What is it?” Alice asked and Giles handed her the telescope he was using. Creeping over the water was a dense fog. It seemed to come out of no where - the conditions had not been right for fog. More than that, it moved in an unnatural pace.

“We’ll never be able to sail in that.” Charlie said, his tone annoyed and frustrated.

“I don’t think that’s the reason we won’t be able to sail.” Alice almost whispered. A ship had come through the fog. Black sails, a pirate flag. “Tell me I’m not seeing what I’m seeing.”

Edward took the telescope. “The Black Pearl.” They had heard rumors of the Pearl. It was spoke of in hushed whispers by other pirates over glasses and glasses of rum. Except for Jack Sparrow, of course, who would tell any sod who would listen the tale of Barbosa marooning him and leaving him to die. The rumors though, the ones that started after Barbosa mutinied against Jack. The blood thirsty crew who were stronger than anyone could imagine, the ships that would aimlessly sail the seas, the mysterious island they always returned to. The question was why was it in Port Royal.

The warning bells at the fort began to ring followed by the first echos of cannon fire as the crew was gathered outside.

“What in the hell could Barbosa want with Port Royal?” Elias asked.

“I can’t imagine it’s the naval plans we wanted.” Alice said quickly. “We should get inside. Lock the doors.” The crew did as she said and they extinguished most of the lights except for in the study where they were trying to come up with new ideas. They certainly couldn’t leave while the island was under attack.

Edward was pacing. “Barbosa is so foolish to attack this way. They must want something big.”

“The best way to go about that would be to take prisoners.” Charlie added.

Alice agreed. “And the best prisoners to take would be….” Her voice trailed off as she looked to her men in horror. “The Governor and his daughter.” A gunshot fired from the direction of the Swann house.

“We have to do something.” She said to Edward who nodded. “They could be raiding houses. Everyone else, stay here. If anyone comes in, take care of them.”

“Sure thing, Captain.” Charlie promised. Alice tied her belt tightly and she put her pistol in the hostler on the side. Edward handed her a sword and the two left the front door, running for the Swann residence.

By the time they arrived they could see Elizabeth being carried down the hill by two pirates. She struggled desperately, but it seemed no use. Neither Edward nor Alice had the time to go after them as two more had come out of the house and were on them in a flash. Both Edward and Alice were trained fighters, but these pirates were strong. Stronger than either had anticipated.

The pirate Alice was flighting backed her into the house where they had to step over the body of the Swann’s butler. The sound of their swords clashing echoed in the dark mansion. Though he was strong, the pirate was sloppy. He lunged and she was able to side step and twist, pushing her sword between his ribs. As he fell, Alice waisted no time getting back outside.

Edward sat on the ground.

“Edward!” She was next to him in two seconds. His white shirt was becoming stained with his blood from a large gash on his arm. “What happened.”

“He nicked me and ran off.”

“This is more than a nick.”

“I’ll be alright.” Edward assured her.

“Get back to the crew and see that looked at. I’m going after Elizabeth.”

Edward grabbed her shoulder. “Be careful…. Something about these guys.”

“I will.” She helped him up before taking off toward the heart of the town.

It was chaos. Buildings were burning, people were running in the streets to escape the many pirates that had flooded the shore. Alice headed toward the docks. If they had Elizabeth still alive, she could only assume they were taking her to Barbosa.

As she came upon the Fort, James was out at the front. He and his men fighting off the pirates. From Alice’s vantage point she could see one sneaking up, ready to strike James. She jumped into the fray, stopping the blow. James took a moment to register who was fighting beside him, doing a double take when his mind worked out that it was Frances. Still, he didn’t have a moment to say even a word as the fight continued.

The pirate Alice was fighting laughed as their swords clanged, but then he quickly took several steps backward.

“Fighting for the Navy, are you Alice?” She took her pistol from her belt and aimed it at him, but he slowly backed up more giving her a wide grin.

A memory seemed to flash through her mind. Back from when she first came to the Caribbean, before Sam died. Sam and that man drinking at a bar.

As the man turned to run, the other pirates followed him in some sort of retreat. Alice put her pistol back on her belt and quickly helped James drag an injured man back up and into the fort where a doctor was tending to the wounded.

“What do you think you are doing?” James yelled as he turned toward her.

“Helping!” She replied before they both heard shouts of joy that the pirates were heading back to their boat.

James grabbed Alice’s hand and tore through the fort and into his office. When he slammed the door behind him the candles flickered making shadows on the wall.

“James-“

“Who are you?” He asked, his eyes trained on her. Alice clenched her jaw and didn’t answer. “You’re not a noble woman. Not fighting like that.” This time Alice let out a little huff of a laugh. “Is your name Frances Craven Somers?”

“No.” She finally said and she watched his brow furrow in anger, but then another look highlighted the emotion that had welled in him - betrayal.

“Is your husband the Viscount Henry Somers?”

“I don’t even have a husband.” With this she dropped her accent and James visibly took a step back.

“You… you’re not….” It was as if his brain was fighting with himself. His piercing green eyes focused on her again. “I will ask once more.” His voice was dangerously low, as if he dared her to lie or not answer. “Who are you?” Alice carefully took out her sword and pistol. James tensed for just a moment before she set them on his desk. Walking around him she looked where her crew described finding the documents until she found the list of pirates they were continuing to hunt.

She set it on the desk in front of him and pointed to her own name. “I’m Alice.”

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Chapter 5: A Chance

Author’s Note: Here is is, the last chapter. Also, I know the image isn’t strictly Bane, but… can you blame me?

“I’ve been looking for you.” His voice was different than it used to be, colder maybe. Immediately her gun was out and aimed at him. “You don’t want to do that.” He took a step forward.

“Stop. Don’t take another step.”

“Tricia...” His voice softened. “I thought you were dead.” Bane’s hands were at his sides and she couldn’t make out a gun anywhere on his person.

“I came to the prison. I came to get you.”

“I know. A friend told me.” He said carefully.

“I was attacked and left to die, but I didn’t.”

“I was told you were attacked and killed.” He said honestly.

“You didn’t even try to find me?” She asked, her voice breaking.

“I saw a newspaper report about a British girl killed in the market place and people told me her body was dumped into a river.”

“I was in a German hospital after being pulled out of a sea, beaten.”

“Tricia...”

“Don’t call me that!” She shouted. “After everything you’ve done, you don’t get to call me that anymore.” His eyes faltered, but only for a second.

“You have to leave this city.” His voice was suddenly firm.

“Because it’s going to blow up?” She asked. “Because you are going to kill millions of innocent people?”

“I can’t stop it.”

“Who’s the trigger man?” She asked. “I know you didn’t lie. Who is it?”

"I never forgot about you." He took another step forward and she took a step back.

"Stop, please. Don't make me." Her hands were shaking, but she steadied them, a finger on the trigger.

"I fell for a girl. She saved me from the prison. She and her family. She's been with me ever since." He had moved a little more forward.

"A girl..." Her mind raced back.

"I think the better question would be, who are you trying to rescue?" The girls voice and face echoed in her mind.

"Miranda..." Patricia whispered and she saw Bane's eyes raise. "Miranda has the trigger."

“Who?”

“You never could lie to me.” Patricia commented. “So you fell for the girl who tried to have me killed?” His eyes flashed.

“You lie.”

“You know me better than anyone. Am I lying?” She asked and his eyes studied her. He almost seemed to be praying to find any hint of deception. “I have work to do.” She put her gun down and smiled.

"Thank you, Bane." She took off running and she couldn't hear his footsteps behind her. No one was following her, none of his men were chasing her. The question became: Did he want her to find out? Or, was it too late to stop them?

Patricia made her way towards where Blake asked her to meet him. A bright orange glow emanating from the bridge caught her attention. A bat symbol was burning brightly and a low roar of cheering was echoing among the tall buildings. She saw a massive amount of police and she allowed herself a small smile, at least one thing had gone right.

“Blake!” She called and the man turned around with a smile.

“Patricia the south tunnel is clear, I’m going to try to get people out across the bridge.”

“Where’s Miranda Tate?” Patricia asked desperately.

“Bane has her.” Patricia groaned. “Why?”

“She’s the trigger man.”

“No...” He laughed in disbelief. “No, that’s impossible. She’s been with Wayne Enterprises. She-”

“She knew how to arm the bomb. I saw Bane. He practically told me it was her.”

“He’s lying, Patricia.”

“He wasn’t, John.” Blake rubbed his forehead. “Where is she?”

“The courthouse, I think.” Blake was trying to concentrate as hard as he could. “That’s been his base. It’s been where he’s been watching the ‘trials’ from. She would be there.”

“Oh God. I have to go. Get out, Blake, as soon as you can, with as many people as you can.” Looking down at her watch, she knew she only had about an hour before the bomb was going off. Early morning had come. She joined the large number of cops headed into the heart of Gotham. As Blake has suspected, Bane’s soldiers were waiting outside the courthouse. She could see him standing on the steps, looking across all the police officers. A cannon on a camouflaged tank was pointed at the center of the men, all wearing their blues. It was about to fire when, out of nowhere, a machine came flying over head, destroying the tank. The men cheered, a leader also hidden behind a mask giving them hope. They charged, giving everything they had, all the anger they had saved down in those sewers, waiting for daylight. Waiting for a chance to get back at the people who thought they controlled Gotham. Patricia charged with them. Bullets rained into them and several people fell before Bane’s men ran to meet them. The sound of bodies being pushed together was like gravel. Everyone was fighting with everything they had. A man charged Patricia, and she recognized him. He was with Bane when she first saw him in the library. He raised a machine gun, but Patricia was faster. She parried his gun to the side with her left arm, getting as close as possible. The closer she got, the less likely he could raise his weapon again. Using her right hand she punched him across the jaw, stunning him. The gun was hanging around his right shoulder. She put her left hand on the top front of the barrel and her right hand on the back bottom, flipping the gun in the air she caught it, pointed at him and fired. He and two other of Bane’s men fell. She could see Bane at the front of the action, he was fighting Batman. They had moved from the bottom of the steps to the door of the courthouse door. Then, Patricia saw her. Miranda was staring out a window, watching Bane and Bruce intently. At that moment, the sound of concrete cracking brought her attention back to Bane. His mask was damaged and he was swinging wildly. She could see his eyes watering and she knew she had to get up there as quickly as possible. Getting just a few feet in the middle of the soldiers and police was exhausting. She looked at her watch for a moment, a little over 12 minutes. Screaming continued, and the police were slowly gaining the upper hand.

She had finally made her way to the foot of the steps and she turned for a moment to watch the scene behind her. A crowd of men fighting with everything they had caused horrific noises. One side fought for their city, the other for a strong leader. She pulled a soldier off of a cop wearing dress blues when the door burst open and Miranda came running out. She climbed into a tank and its guns pointed at the crowd. Patricia dove out of the way and watched the tank speed off. Frantically looking around she saw a motorcycle. It once belonged to a solider and Patricia knew she didn’t want her to get away. Internally she struggled - Stay and find Bane or catch Miranda. There was no sign of Batman so her choice was clear: She jumped on and took off after the tank. For it’s enormous size, it kept a high speed. She tried to pull up along side it several times, only for her to get cut off. After a few moments another bike was beside hers. This however, was much more technologically advanced. It was being driven by someone wearing, Patricia could only describe it as, latex paint. They eyed each other for a moment before turning their attention back to the tank in front of them.

Miranda had climbed out of the tank and into the truck which, Patricia guessed, was carrying the bomb. The first tank and another stayed behind the truck. The same flying machine Patricia saw earlier few over the tanks quickly blowing one up. She could see that it was the same man flying that Bane fought earlier, Batman. Her mind wandered to what had happened to Bane, but she had to concentrate. Three missiles were fired towards Batman and the machine twisted and turned avoiding the explosions and sending the missiles into buildings. With a last missile left he flew close to the ground, making the second tank take the brunt of a very powerful explosion, blowing it off course. He pulled in front of the truck and Patricia pulled up alongside it. She could see Miranda, a phone in her hand. The sound seemed to cease as Patricia jumped from the bike and grabbed a hold of the side of the truck. She opened the door and climbed in. Miranda’s eyes were wide. The driver was panicking.

“Shit!” Miranda shouted before putting the phone she was on down.

“Remember me?” Patricia asked. Her hand connected with Miranda’s jaw and a bruise started forming.

“You’re precious Dominic is dead, has been for years, and Bane is dying.”

“You never cared about him.” Patricia replied, disgusted. An explosion shook them. Batman was firing low level missiles at the truck, trying to make it turn.

“Stay straight!” Miranda screamed, but the drivers fear was too much for him. Patricia saw him slump over. She looked out the window and knew she only had a few seconds.

“You’ll never win.” Patricia jumped out of the passenger door and rolled. She came down hard on her shoulder and she felt it pop. The last image she had of the truck was it going over a barrier into a level below. She knew Miranda couldn’t have survived. Standing up she popped her shoulder back in and ran towards the abandoned motorcycle. She pulled it up and tried starting it, but she heard nothing.

“Please.” She said quietly before trying again to start it. Nothing. She looked up to see Batman flying back towards the bay, the bomb hanging off his machine by a steel tether. She watched him fly above a building and out of sight. If he didn’t hurry, they would all be gone. With one last try the bike sprung to life and she jumped on, moving as quickly as she could back to the courthouse. The steps were red, but most of the soldiers had been rounded up. She flung open the doors and Bane was laying across the room. He was slumped against a wall and she could see a blood trail from where he must have fallen.

“Bane.” She ran over and his eyes looked up at her but he seemed lost. He had a phone next to him.

“Miranda.” He called. No one replied.

“She’s dead, Bane.” Patricia said, hiding tears. “She’s dead. Gone. Never coming back.”

“What did you do?”

“She crashed the tank carrying the bomb.”

“She saved me from that prison.”

“Only because she tried to kill me!” Patricia was screaming.

“Why would you say something like that?” He asked, his voice weak.

“I was attacked in the market place. After seeing her. I told her I was looking for Dominic. She said she wasn’t going to let me get you. She snapped her fingers, guys surrounded me, and the next thing I knew I was being saved by Bruce Wayne from a sea.” Bane screamed and his arm covered his chest. Patricia pulled his arm away and all she could see was a bloody shirt and body armor. “I have to get this off.” He didn’t fight her. “What happened?”

“A shot from something. I don’t know what.” He answered. His breath was getting weak. “I swear, she told me you were dead. She showed me the news article. Tricia I would have never.”

“She lied to you.”

“She lied to me...” He repeated. For the first time she looked up at him, really looked at him. Those eyes, they weren’t Bane’s.

“Dominic...” Patricia said softly. “I’ve been looking for you for years.”

“I’m so sorry.” He replied. Tears were freely falling down his face. She finally got the shirt and armor off, remembering to leave his belt. What she saw almost made her sick. Layers of his skin were gone and he was losing a lot of blood. Patricia immediately took off her jacket and pressed it to him. Screaming was coming from outside, the words flooded through the open doors.

“Batman did it! He saved us. He gave his life to save us!” Everyone was cheering and crying. Patricia bowed her head.

“Why did you do this?” She asked.

“I was so lost when you were gone.” He started. “I-I didn’t know what I had to live for anymore. Talia and Raz taught me to have no emotion. To feel only anger, only hate. Without you, there was no reason to feel love anymore.”

“We need to get you help.” Patricia said, looking at his stomach.

“My punishment should be to die.” He said, pain in his voice.

“I’m not letting you die.” Patricia said stubbornly.

“Tricia...”

“Stop it, please. I am not letting you die. I let Dominic die once. I finally have him back and he’s not going anywhere.” They were silent for a moment. “You have to try to stand up. We have to get you out the back, get you some help.”

“Stop!” The man’s voice sounded angry and betrayed. “How can you help him?” John Blake had a gun pointed at Bane and his hands were shaking. “Don’t you remember what he did? Don’t you care?”

“John please listen to me.” Patricia stood up slowly, her hands raised. He took several steps forward quickly and Patricia moved herself in front of him. “If you shoot him, you have to shoot me.”

“He’s a terrorist. He killed a lot of people and-”

“I know, John.” Her voice was pleading. “I know you lost someone. I know how much it killed you inside. How angry you were. The pain of not being able to do something.” Patricia took a deep breath. “I lost my best friend when I was 17 years old. His name was Dominic. He was taken to pay a debt owed by his father. I met Dominic when I was 8 years old and I didn’t spend more than a few hours away from him.” John’s eyes lingered on Bane. “John.” She touched the side of his face softly and his eyes turned back to her. “I fell in love when I was eight and when Dominic needed me I left with him. He was being chased and we ran, we ran as far and as fast as we could, but they caught us. They took Dominic from me.”

“What does this have to do with any-”

“I found Dominic almost 10 years ago. He had been put in a prison. Only someone didn’t want me to find him. When I got close I was attacked, beaten, left for dead. Dominic was freed by the wrong people. They took the boy who saved me countless times, survived hell to find me, and they told him I was dead, murdered.” John’s eyes softened. “Raz Al Gul and Talia Al Gul took my everything and killed him, or tried to. They tried to take everything good and brought out something dark in him. They called it Bane.” John’s eyes looked rapidly from the man lying on the ground to the woman in front of him. A woman he had come to know and trust.

“He’s done awful things.”

“I know.” Patricia said. “But please, John, don’t take him away from me again. He’s harmless. He’s injured and he may be dying. I need your help.” John sighed and looked at her.

“Justice is corrupt in its best sense. I don’t trust him, but I trust you... There is a door in the back. I will get a car and you two will get far away from here, do you understand?” Patricia nodded. Blake left the courthouse shutting the door behind him.

“Come on, we have to go,” She pulled Bane to his feet and tried to help him out the back door. Just getting there left a trail of blood behind them. She pushed the door open and Blake was there. Against all of his better instincts he put his arm around Bane and helped him to a dark SUV.

“Police won’t be swarming the north tunnel yet.” He helped put Bane in the back seat before covering him with a large blanket before closing the door.

“Thank you, John.” Patricia said softly.

“You’ll repay me one day.” They hugged quickly and she walked around to the driver’s side, opening the door. “Patricia.”

“Yeah?”

“Please be careful.” Blake eyed the back seat and Patricia nodded. She drove as quickly as she could, dodging debris, and abandoned cars.

“Tricia...” She heard him call.

“Stay down, love. I’m going to get you some help.” Once out of the city she picked up her cell phone. It was working perfectly again. She placed a call.

“Agent Robertson. In need of medical personal, NQA.” She paused. “Wound to the abdomen, severe. Patient has older wounds, severe spine troubles. In need of anesthetic.” Another pause. “ETA, five minutes.” She hung up the phone. “Just stay with me, Dominic. Stay with me.”

“How did you do that?” He asked.

“Being on the better side of the law has its own perks.” She pulled into a hotel and immediately three men had Bane out of the SUV and into a hotel room. Patricia could have gone into another room, but she waited. They put him out and a doctor went to work stitching his stomach. It took over three hours.

“How is he?” Patricia asked nervously.

“He’s going to be fine.” The man said calmly. “I don’t know why you had us fix him up if the army is just going to torture him anyway.”

“We have to be kind to prisoners.” Patricia remarked.

“Before we break them?” The doctor asked with a laugh. “I ordered three cases of the anesthetic to be taken with him, wherever they take him, not that they’ll give it to him.”

“Thanks doc.” The doctor left the room and Bane opened his eyes. She knew he wasn’t sleeping.

“You had planned to turn me in.” He said, angry but with understanding. His mask was off.

“No.” She replied simply and he looked confused.

“If you don’t they’ll -”

“Track me down?” She finished his sentence. “I’ve been on the run before.”

“Tricia..”

“I promised I wasn’t going to leave you. I’m not. No matter what. Now we have supplies.” She remarked. He followed her gaze and saw 4 bags. 1 of clothes, 1 of medicine, and 2 full of money. She laid next to him and laid her arm across his chest. He immediately grabbed her arm and kissed her hand.

“Your skin is as soft as I remember.” He remarked. “Tricia if you do this you’re life will not be anywhere near what it was.”

“No it won’t, but I made a promise. Until I can get you out of this, I’m staying.”

“I meant what I said when those men took me.” His eyes were staring into hers. “I’m not letting anyone take me from you again.”

“Just rest. We have years.” She saw him smile. She knew it wasn’t Bane, Bane was gone. It was just Dominic. Just the same eyes and smile she had been in love with since she had first seen them. 

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Chapter 4: You’re Dead

The officers crossed the bridge and were in the city with no problem. Patricia was right. They had been going into the city so much that the men didn’t bother checking the ID’s. The trucks pulled up to the same little grocery shop. However, now the only food they had was currently on the truck. Patricia went behind the counter followed by Jones and two other special forces agents.

"Do you have ID's?"

"Of course not." Jones said stubbornly.

"Then how can we trust you?" Another cop said.

“Because I vouch for him.” Patricia called, but the men just kept arguing. Annoyed, Patricia just watched the exchange in silence, standing beside Blake.

"We just have to trust each other." It was commissioner Gordon. A few more exchanges occurred. It wasn’t getting them anywhere.

"Commissioner." Patricia said shaking his hand.

"Miss Robertson. I've heard good things about you." He said with a kind smile.

"There's someone you guys have to meet. Then you'll understand our situation." Blake said. The four officers followed Blake to a downtown library. The streets seemed panicked, more than usual. The normal patrols of Bane’s men had lessened considerably. The library itself looked like a homeless shelter. Barrels of fire kept the few inhabitants warm, and the books seemed to be their fuel.

"I found them living up here." Blake said as they entered another part of the library.

"Who?" Jones asked.

"The board of Wayne Enterprises." He said walking a head of them. He nodded to a cop who let them enter an elevator. Patricia recognized the people sitting on the ground in front of them. Lucius Fox and Miranda Tate. Another shiver went up Patricia's spine as she saw Miranda. Why couldn't she place her? She came back to the conversation.

"As CEO of Wayne Enterprises we have to take full responsibility." Miranda was saying.

"Why?" Jones asked.

"We built it." She replied.

"You built a nuclear bomb?" Jones asked, shocked.

"We built a device for clean energy." Lucius started to say. Patricia's eyes scanned the room, looking at all the people living in this space. A far cry from their upper west side apartments. She caught the gist of the conversation and the main problem: The bomb was going to go off, no matter what, in twenty-three days unless the nuclear core was hooked back up to the reactor.

"Hey." Jones touched Patricia's arm. "We have to head back and regroup."

"I'll stay here with Blake." Patricia said quickly. They headed out through the elevator. The doors barely closed when someone started firing. Immediately Blake and Patricia had guns out.

"Someone sold us out. Let's go." He grabbed Miranda.

"I have to go back for Jones and the others." Patricia said, she headed for the elevator and ducked in, narrowly avoiding a bullet. She heard commotion and screaming, and her mind wondered who would have sold them out. Everyone there has just as much to lose as everyone else. The elevator came to a stop and she heard the ding as the doors opened.

There he was. Bane was kneeling on Jones neck. The other two special forces officers were dead.

"The board of Wayne Enterprises was living upstairs." She heard a man say to Bane. She held up her gun and walked out of the elevator. Immediately 5 guns were on her. Bane stood up, Jones was dead.

"Hang these men for the world to see." He said before turning toward her. Everything seemed to slow down. Patricia could hear her heart beating in her ears as their eyes connected. A looked of genuine shock ran over his face.

"Wait." He called when one man was about to fire. Bane walked toward her. "I know you."

"I knew you." She whispered. "You've changed your mask." His eyes were wide. She had a gun pointed at his heart.

"You're dead." His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm very much alive." She said carefully.

"Sir." One of his men called. He turned and in a split second she dove out the window. Landing on pavement she rolled and turned around. Bane was staring at her, an expression of profound sorrow on his face. She ran. Ran as fast as she could. Back to the same little grocery store. Blake, Gordon, and Miranda was already there.

"We thought we lost you." Gordon said before hugging her. She couldn't talk. Her heart was still pounding. He was still in there. She was prepared to see a cold, heartless shell of what Dominic once was, but she didn't.

"What happened?" Blake asked. He could tell something was wrong.

"Jones and the others are dead, killed by Bane and his men." She replied. Her voice shaking.

"How did you get out?" Miranda asked.

"I jumped out a window." Patricia replied, not looking at her. "What's the plan?"

"We're going to mark the truck containing the bomb." Blake answered. "I also think I've found a way to start getting men out of the sewers." He laid out a plan involving one of the cities sewer drains and a bomb. The guards would just have to be distracted. Patricia looked on and nodded when appropriate, but her mind was somewhere else. For years she had been studying the awful things Bane had done. Things that Dominic never would have. She made her mind focus on the task a head of her. If she let herself feel everything she had stored up, she wouldn’t be able to move, let alone fight.

"We only have a few days left and Lucius Fox has been kidnapped. Let's get get some rest. There is nothing more that we can do tonight." Gordon said calmly. "We'll meet here tomorrow. Miranda you and Blake come with us." Gordon and Blake brought the girls to a small apartment. Miranda immediately took a shower, but Patricia sat staring out the window.

"What's on your mind?" Blake asked, sitting next to her.

"Bane's eyes." She answered truthfully.

"Excuse me." Blake said, shocked.

"I've studied Bane for a long time. I expected to look at him and see nothing but hatred and evil."

"You didn't?"

"It's complicated, John."

"Why don't you tell me?" Patricia heard the shower shut off.

"Another time, when only your ears can hear." She stood up. "Please don't tell anyone about this." Blake nodded. Her dreams where plagued by his eyes, the pain in his eyes. He had thought she was dead. Why would he have thought that? Movement in the other room caught her attention. She grabbed her gun and moved silently. She saw Miranda trying to open the front door.

“What are you doing?” Patricia asked, making Miranda jump.

“I was trying to get some fresh air.” She replied.

“Open a window then.” Patricia was in no mood for games. “I can’t have you risking everyone’s safety just to get some air.”

“Of course, you’re right.” Miranda agreed. She quickly passed Patricia and closed the door to her room. Gordon was sleeping on the couch.

“Gordon.” Her voice was soft. He opened his eyes before reaching for his glasses.

“Is everyone ok?” He asked quickly.

“Everything is fine. I can’t sleep. Why don’t you take the bed, I’ll stay on the couch.”

“I couldn’t allow you to do that.” He said sincerely.

“Now is not a time for chivalry, sir. You’re still healing and I’m not sleeping. Go a head.” He smiled at her and she suddenly remembered the family in the DC airport. The kids looked like him. It must have been his wife and children. She decided to keep it to herself. Gordon’s mind needed to not be reminded of the loves he might never see again. Although, with the look in his eyes she could tell that his family was all he could think about.

“Thank you, Patricia.”

“Have a good sleep sir.” She said as she leaned back against the couch. She slipped her gun under the pillow and stared out a window, hoping for sleep that wasn’t likely to come. She was going to see another sunrise, and she wondered if he was still awake. If he was seeing the same sunrise.

————-

She was alive. Alive. Bane was pacing back and forth. Miranda had said she was dead. Why would she say that? She was alive, beautiful and alive. He was hoping for Miranda’s call, but it never came.

“Sir.” One of his men walked into the room. “I have those papers you asked for.”

“Go on.” Bane permitted. He had slowed his walking and made sure his voice was steady, he didn’t want to appear out of control.

“Patricia Robertson is an agent for MI6 in England.” He started.

“MI6. Well, she’s done well for herself.” He paused. “Continue.”

“She is the head of an anti-terrorism task force sir. Actually, it’s primary goal is finding you.”

“Is that right?” He allowed himself a small smile. “Thank you. Leave the papers.” The man was quickly out of the room. After all that time she didn’t stop looking for him. Now here she was. He would have given anything to hear her voice again, feel the touch of her hand again. Now it wasn’t just a dream, a wish that could never come true. She was in Gothem, in the city he was about to destroy. Miranda would know what to do. He had to put his faith in Miranda.

—————

Patricia took to walking the streets during the days. Walking in shadow she avoided the soldiers, unsure if Bane would have warned them about her. However, the ones she did meet regretted it. She wondered if some of the stories got back to Bane. The woman walking the streets, stealing food from Bane’s men for children, sometimes killing others. Checking homes had become second nature to her, relocating those they had hidden and saving anyone innocent she could had become what she did. She left Gordon, Blake, and Miranda to find her own way around the city. When it came time to get the citizens out, she wanted to know her way around, every exit every street. She knew there would be no time for confusion. Almost all technology had been blocked. Any use of a cell phone would bring soldiers to you location almost instantly or the phone would be immediately turned off. They're we're stuck. It had come down to a day and the army didn't realize the bomb was going off either way. A silver car pulled up and John got out of the car as soon as he saw her.

“Patricia!” His voice was panicked. Blake was running toward her, sweat on his brow.

“What’s wrong?” She asked quickly.

“They got Gordon, Miranda, and a lot of the cops.”

“How?!”

“We were marking the van, which we did.” He caught his breath. “I was watching from a fire escape and a bunch of Bane’s men surrounded them.”

“Ok, just keep calm. How long do we have?” She asked and he looked at his watch.

“A little more than 20 hours.” He replied.

“Ok, you get started on getting those cops out. I’m going to start rounding up as many people as possible and we’re going to try to get people out of here.”

“Meet me in about 12 hours, I’ll need your help to get those men out.” He took off and hopped into his car. Every person that dared come out in the streets, Patricia sent right back. She told them to pack a few things and be ready to leave tomorrow. She came across one man. His face was unshaven and he was carrying a bag on his back.

“Sir..” Patricia called, picking up the pace to meet him. She recognized his face almost immediately. “Mr. Wayne.”

“You shouldn’t be on these streets.” He said quickly, trying to move around her. Patricia cut him off.

“I’m sorry sir, but you shouldn’t be on these streets.”

“What’s your name?” He asked.

“Patricia Robertson, MI6.”

“You’re a long way from home.” He stared at her, almost making her uncomfortable. “I remember you.” He said quietly, studying her face. “You were younger then though.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Wayne, I don’t...”

“I pulled you out of a sea.” Her eyes widened. A blurry memory came into focus. A much younger Bruce Wayne, saving her life.

“You...”

“I’m glad to see you’ve fully recovered, and flourished.” He commented. “Why are you in Gotham?"

"Tracking Bane."

"It doesn't surprise me that MI6 would have a hand in this." He smiled and she couldn't help but smile back.

"Why were you there, Mr. Wayne. Crossing the Red Sea?"

"I was coming home from a long journey." He adjusted the strap on his bag. "Why were you there, floating?"

"I was looking for a friend. That apparently got in the way of someone else's plans." She remembered. Her body was still not fully recovered, it would never be.

"You were pretty beat up. Did you find your friend?"

"No." She said quickly. Bruce could see her eyes turn dark. "I don't know if I ever will again."

"You'd be surprised what the future holds in store for most people." He started walking past her. "Be safe, Miss. Robertson."

"You as well, Mr. Wayne." Watching him turn a corner, she knew that he was nothing like anyone really thought. The sun began to set on Gotham, possibly the last night Gotham would ever see.

The wind picked up and Patricia hugged her jacket close to her and rounded a corner, but she stopped dead in her tracks. His eyes were burning into hers.

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Chapter 3: Their story

Author’s Note: Bane is definitely a bit OOC in this. Once again, the past is in italics.

The months moved slowly, and Bane showed no signs of backing down. Snow had started falling and the river had begun to freeze. A ‘court’ of people were executing the upper class of Gotham by pushing them out onto the ice and letting them fall through. Citizens who might have once called themselves good had turned animalistic. They followed Bane's rhetoric, following baser, jealousy filled instincts, and those who might have only been wealthy because they were born that way were being killed. A lot of people remained in their homes, praying no one would come for them. Terror gripped most people and only a few brave souls would venture out for food for their familes.

————————-

"Mum." Patricia called. She was eight years old and her mom was making her a sandwich.

"Yes sweetie?" Her mom answered.

"Why can't the boy in the upstairs room play?" The little girl asked innocently.

"He's sick, sweetie."

"But he's been inside the entire year he's been here mum."

"I know, but we mustn't bother him, darling." She handed the girl the sandwich, and although the girl stayed quiet, her mind was still working. She had heard the boy cry before and her mom or dad would take a syringe full of something into the room and he was quiet for days. The only time she ever saw him was when he would leave his room to take a bath or use the lav. He walked funny and always kept his face down.

She decided it was time to figure out who this boy was. She walked quietly upstairs when her mom was watching TV, and her dad was out for the day. The door to his room was at the end of the hallway and Patricia tiptoed toward it. She turned the door knob as silently as she could. The little boy was laying in the bed facing away from her. He had light brown hair and she gasped at the sight of a long scar down his back. Startled, he turned toward her but his face contorted in pain and he started to cry.

"Please don't cry." She said quickly, running over. "Please? My mum will come up here and she'll make me leave, but I want to talk to you."

"I-it h-hurts to t-talk." he said through tears. "Please g-get your mum." he begged and Patricia ran back downstairs.

"Mum! The boy is crying again." She called. Her mom was immediately on her feet. Going into the kitchen she grabbed a syringe and headed upstairs. This time, Patricia followed her. The mom quickly injected the boys arm and he stopped crying.

"What's wrong with him mum?" Patricia asked, scared. She was holding onto the door frame.

"Patricia, go downstairs." Her mother ordered.

"Please don't make her leave." The little boy said, his voice sleepy. Her mother held out her hand and Patricia walked over.

"Sweetie, this is Dominic." her mother said softly.

"Dominic, this is my daughter Patricia." He held out his hand and she shook it.

Every day after that Patricia found herself spending more and more time in the upstairs bedroom.

"You're always so tired." Patricia complained one day.

"It's the medicine." Dominic explained. They can't give it to me in little doses, they have to give me a full dose at a time and it makes me tired."

"What if you could get it a little at a time?" Patricia said, having an idea.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I'll be back." She left the house and quickly went to her father’s hospital.

"Sweetie, he needs to have some in his system all the time." Her dad explained as she talked about how tired Dominic was. “And the meds make him tired.

“But does he have to have it all in one dose? Can’t he have like a pill or something?”

Her father smiled at her sadly. “A pill can’t give a concentrated dose and they take too long to work.”

“An inhaler then?” She suggested. “I mean anything that would let him get up and move around.”

Her father gave her a bright grin as he worked up something in his head. “That just might work sweetie. A distribution system like that of an inhaler. A mask, maybe.” The two of them worked through the night to come up with a primitive mask, so he would never be in pain.

—————-

"Robertson." Wilson called. She had been sitting at her desk. "We have a meeting to go to." They were led back into the situation room.

"We just received a call from John Blake.” Parsons tone was urgent. “He could only be on the phone for moments, but he says he needs strong agents in there. Now.”

"After five months, why now?" Wilson asked.

"I'm not sure, but he sounded panicked. We're sending a special forces lieutenant in. His name is Jones. Robertson, we want you in there too.”

"Yes sir." Patricia replied.

"This might be it. The trucks will head across the bridge tomorrow at 1100." Robertson's mind raced. If tomorrow was it, then she would be seeing Bane very soon.

- - - - - - - - - -

Miranda Tate walked through a desolate apartment. Once belonging to a rich family, it was now empty and they were now dead. The phone in the next room rang and she smiled, walking over to answer it.

"Hello." She said confidently. His voice came muffled.

"Where are they hiding?”

"We are in the top floor of the library. There is an elevator. A bunch of people are hiding there."

"Why tomorrow?" Bane asked curiously.

"A detective named John Blake is bringing a group of special forces to us. The beginning of their team to take you down. They would be a perfect group for you to make an example of."

"I think they would. You will be brought to the courthouse if you are caught but I will be there."

"I trust you will, my darling. The plan is working perfectly. Wayne is probably begging for death as we speak." Bane was silent. "Till tomorrow, my love." She hung up the phone and Bane stared out the window into the night. She wasn't suppose to call him love. He hated being called love. Only one person ever used that.

—————————-

"It's you!" The young girl he had saved from prison ran up to him and hugged him tightly. He pushed aside the pain and let her. She brought him to a chair to sit. "Why are you wearing that mask?" She asked.

"It helps control the pain I feel." He explained. The girl was almost 4 years older. Around the age of 15, she was starting to look like her father. "Thank you for sending your father to find me." He stood and shook Raz Au Gul's hand. "Thank you."

"We can train you." Talia said smiling. "We can teach you to fight."

"There is someone I need to find." Dominic answered. "I will come back, but I must find her."

"Her?" Talia asked. A flick of something malicious flashed in her eyes. "Who's her?"

"A friend. Her name is Patricia." He explained, a smile showing in his eyes and behind him Talia smirked.

"Patricia Robertson?" she asked. Dominic immediately rounded on her. "How do you know that name?" He asked quickly.

"I met her." She said, putting on her best sad act. "She came looking for you. She found the prison and was petitioning to have you freed about two months ago."

"What happened? Where is she?" his eyes looked frantic.

"These men, they claimed to be the ones who took you, attacked her in the market place. She was killed." Dominic fell to his knees. He tried so hard to stay alive. He just wanted to see her again. Tears were falling freely from his eyes.

"Where is she buried?" He asked.

"Her body was thrown in a river." Talia replied, still smirking. "I'm sorry."

"Now is not a time for tears." Raz said strongly. "Now is a time for learning and discipline. You will train. You will fight."

"We have to find a different name for you." Talia said quickly. "You're still a wanted man. Dominic is dead."

—————————-

Now he was sitting in a dark room, Raz's final plan close to coming to fruition. Patricia's face flashed into his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. He didn't want to know what she would think about what he had done, but she was gone. Whoever Dominic was had died with her. Talia, or Miranda had been there for him.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Patricia waited anxiously for the truck to cross the bridge. Jones was in the truck behind her and her mind had been going a million miles a minute. She kept replaying the last time she saw Bane over in her mind.

—————————

The hotel room in Barcelona was dark. Dominic was laying on his back again, his belt that gave him support was on the floor and his mask was off. They had thought they were safe so she had been able to give him a full dose of medicine and his mask lay forgotten as he drifted to sleep. For an hour she just laid next to him, looking at his features. Memorizing everything. She had been losing sleep trying to figure out how to get him out of this debt. She put her arm across his chest and if by instinct his hands grabbed her arm. She curled into him, kissing his neck.

"Goodnight my love." She said quietly.

Her eyes seemed to have just closed when she was jolted awake. The hotel room door was broken open and three man stood with guns pointed at them. Dominic immediately stood up to attack the guy closest while Patricia had reached for a knife under her pillow and threw it towards the third man in the room. It hit and the man’s shoulder and he fell back against the wall. However, as soon as Dominic stood up the pain was too much and he collapsed. Not wearing his belt or mask he was at a loss.

"Dominic!" Patricia screamed. The second guy caught her as she was moving toward Dominic, now laying on the floor. He hit her across the face with a punch then a baseball bat to her ribs. She fell quickly, her breaths were coming in gasps and her eyes caught Dominic’s. He looked terrified. Not for himself, for her. The two men started to pick him up. He fought, but it was a losing battle.

"Dominic..." Her voice was weak. She could tell her ribs were broken. The third man had pulled her knife out of his shoulder and was now standing over her. "I'll find you Dominic, I promise."

"I love you." His voice was strained but she heard him clearly. The first two men pulled Dominic out of the room and the third man got to his knees and turned her over. Climbing on top of her she could smell booze and cheap cigarettes.

"You'll never see him again." The man said, his accent was hard to place, but she knew it was middle eastern. "I'll make sure of that." The man was too distracted to notice she had been reaching under the hotel bed. Grabbing a gun she quickly pointed it at him and fired. She could feel blood spatter on her, but it didn't matter. She stood up as quickly as possible, ignoring the shooting pains from her broken ribs. She tore out of the hotel room and ran as fast as she could until she felt asphalt underneath her. The van containing her life was already out of the parking lot. It was too far to make out a license plate.

"DAMN IT!" She screamed. Tears were falling down her face as she watched the van drive away.

Years passed as she searched. Stealing to survive she moved from place to place, asking every scholar that would talk to her about the ancient prison. She couldn't find any record of him or where he was being held. Finally a break. As Patricia got deeper into the middle east their were rumors of a girl born in hell. Stories of a protector with a scar along his back. She tracked the stories to one of the most ancient parts of the world. Standing in a market place she could see a pit in the distance. She stopped at a stand.

"English?" She asked and the man nodded. "What can you tell me about that prison?" She pointed.

"That is hell. Men are thrown in there to suffer and die." He kept his eyes averted from hers.

"I need to get a man out of there."

"How do you expect to do that?" A young girl asked her. Taken by surprise she turned. The girl couldn't have been more than 14 or 15.

"Who are you?" Patricia asked.

"I think the better question would be, who are you trying to rescue?" The girl asked. Her dark brown hair shined in the sunlight.

"His name is Dominic." Patricia noticed the girls eyes narrow.

"Who are you?" The young girl asked.

"My name is Patricia Robertson. I have money, I just need to get him out."

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that." The girl said with a smirk. Her brows furrowed and Patricia took a step backward. She had always been able to read people, see what they were feeling before they expressed the smallest hint of their intentions. All Patricia could see on the face of the young girl was malice, anger, jealousy.

"What are you going to do?" Patricia asked. The girl snapped her fingers and 4 men surrounded them.

"I will make you disappear." She said with a smile. Patricia must have been hit on the head. The next thing she knew she woke up in water, and she noticed a red glow around her. At first she panicked, wondering where she was hurt. However, she soon realized she wasn't bleeding. She had been thrown into the red sea, or as some called it “the cursed sea.” When the algae died they glowed red, giving the body of water its name. She just started swimming, the only blessing being that the cool water felt good against her bruised body. She seemed to swim for hours and when she had given up she felt someone pull her from the water. He was strong, pulling her up on his own. She could only make out dark hair, green eyes, and a few words in English.

"You're going to be alright." He said softly. The days and nights seemed to melt together as she went in and out of consciousness. She woke up in a German hospital, and her dad was at her bedside.

"What happened?" She asked. Her father was immediately hugging her.

"You were found floating in the Red Sea." He pulled away but held onto her hand. "You had been beaten badly and were suffering from exposure but someone found you and brought you here."

"Who?"

"We don't know. You've been gone for so long Patricia." His voice was full of concern. "The doctors weren't sure you would make it, but here you are."

"I have to go back." Patricia said quickly sitting up. The pain stopped her from standing.

"Are you crazy?" Her dad placed his hands on her shoulder, keeping her from moving.

"I found where they're keeping Dominic, dad. I have to get him. I promised him that I would save him and he's been in that prison for years." Her dad didn’t look like he was going to budge. “I will leave again.” She said with a warning tone. “I will find him and nothing can stop me.” Finally, he reluctantly nodded his head.

It was days before she was able to leave the hospital, but she and her father were on the first plane out. Her body was black and blue and walking hurt, but she didn't care. She needed to get to him. The small town hadn't changed, and she doubted that it ever would. The same man was at his little stand and his eyes widened when he saw her.

"You should not be here." He said in a hurried whisper.

"I am here to get my friend."

"The man with the scar on his back?" Her eyes widened.

"Yes, where is he?"

"Gone."

"Gone?" her voice caught in her throat and she could feel her heartbeat.

"The girl and her father. They took him. They left the country." It was as if someone had taken the air from around her. She was so close and someone took him away.

“Where did they go?” She asked desperately.

“I do not know nor do I dare ask. They killed many when they came and I have never seen him before.”

“Come my darling.” Her dad said quietly. “There are no leads here.”

“I have to find him.” She didn’t want to move.

“I have no doubt that you will my dear, but if you die on your quest to do that, you will never be able to help him.” As much as Patricia hated it, her father was right. If she didn’t heal she would never have the strength to find or save him. She left for home with her father when she found that no one knew anything about the young girl, if they did they weren't talking. She wanted to regroup. Start from scratch.

It was only a few months later that she started hearing the reports. A masked mercenary. Cold blooded, evil, killed at random. She didn't think it could be him until she saw the picture. That was when Patricia started her police career. How better to keep tabs on, and get close to, Bane then be in charge of trying to catch him.

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Chapter 2: I’m Going to Get You Out of This

The airport was quiet, Patricia had never seen an airport that quiet when it wasn’t after midnight. Still filled with people, they were huddled around televisions watching Bane's latest statement. Patricia and Wilson stopped to watch with them.

"Behind you stands a symbol of oppression; Blackgate Prison, where a thousand men have languished under the name of this man..." He was holding up a picture. The man had blonde hair and a kind smile. "Harvey Dent, who has been held up to you as the shining example of justice."

"Who is Harvey Dent sir?" Patricia asked.

"The old DA. He was said to have been killed by Batman." Wilson replied.

"You have been supplied with a false idol to stop you from tearing down this corrupt city. Let me tell you the truth about Harvey Dent from the words of Gotham's police commissioner, James Gordon." Bane continued. Patricia saw a woman in the airport crying. Her dirty blonde hair was hanging at her face and two teenagers were sitting on either side of her. The girl had her head in her mothers shoulder, but the boy, however, the same blonde hair as his mom's was staring intently at the television. His eyes were dark but Patricia saw something he was clearly trying to hide. Fear, but not fear for him, fear for someone else. The mention of Commissioner Gordon's name had caught attention. "'The Batman didn't murder Harvey Dent, he saved my boy then took the blame for Harvey's appalling crimes so that I could, to my shame, build a lie around this fallen idol. I praised the mad man who tried to murder my own child but I can no longer live with my lie. It is time to trust the people of Gotham with the truth and it is time for me to resign.' " The woman cried harder.

"Well, this is certainly going to make things a lot worse." Wilson said, his hand was tapping his belt. A nervous twitch he had adopted when he was promoted to director.

"And do you accept this man's resignation? Do you accept the resignation of all these liars? Of all the corrupt?"

"What's he getting at?" Wilson asked. Patricia felt her heart racing.

"What ever it is, sir. It's nothing good."

"We take Gotham from the corrupt! The rich! The oppressors of generations who have kept you down with myths of opportunity, and we give it back to you... the people. Gotham is yours. None shall interfere. Do as you please. Start by storming Blackgate, and freeing the oppressed!" Bane continued. "Step forward those who would serve. For and army will be raised. The powerful will be ripped from their decadent nests, and cast out into the cold world that we know and endure. Courts will be convened. Spoils will be enjoyed. Blood will be shed. The police will survive, as they learn to serve true justice. This great city... it will endure. Gotham will survive!" As he finished his speech, the cameras quickly moved. A tank had a gun pointed at them. The camera dropped and there was a moment of static as a loud bang sounded through it's microphones.

"My God!" The cameraman must have been the one talking. The camera pointed at a now gaping hole in the side of a wall. For a moment there was just dust settling, but then men, by the dozens, wearing orange jumpsuits and carrying guns of every kind came storming through. The camera cut off and a reporter came quickly into view. Sitting in a studio, she was claiming technical difficulties.

"At least we know the police are safe for right now." Patricia commented. "Down in those sewers, they might not be able to help, but the prisoners can't get to them either."

“You called it, about going after the rich.”

“I think he wants chaos.” Patricia said with a sigh. “This just helps get there quicker.”

"We should be going." Wilson stated and Patricia followed them to get their luggage.

The sunlight was almost painful after being in the artificial light of the airport. A young man walked up to them, he couldn't have been more than twenty-one. He looked like how television and movies think FBI agents should look. He was dressed in a black suit, black tie, and dark sunglasses. His light blonde hair almost looked out of place.

"Mr. Wilson? Miss. Robertson?" He asked.

"Mr. Tiller?" Wilson replied and the kid nodded before smiling. Patricia could tell he was wearing a gun on his hip and another on his ankle. He graciously picked up Patricia's bag and lead them to a black SUV. Patricia climbed in the back and leaned her head back against the headrest. She studied the outside world once the vehicle started moving through the city. DC looked normal, despite the crisis in Gotham. People went in and out of grocery shops, moms took their children into daycare, and college kids went into bars for an early drunk. She couldn't imagine what the people of Gotham were experiencing. As far as she knew no one had left the city, the military wasn't letting anyone across the only bridge left and the tunnels out of the city had been blocked. The SUV they were in came to a standstill and Patricia sat up.

"I'm sorry." Tiller said quickly. "It's about that time. Traffic can come to a crawl or worse sometimes. I'll have us there as soon as I can." Patricia let her body fall against the comfortable seat.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Bane. The current Bane, cold, heartless. She closed her eyes anyway. Nightmares had stopped her normal sleep pattern. Well, what she called a normal sleep pattern. Going from 4 hours a night to 1 was just unhealthy. A thought popped into her head as she felt the seat behind her, a memory.

————-——————-

"How long have we been running for?" Patricia asked. She was sitting in a chair in a very small hotel room in Berlin, Germany.

"2 years?" Dominic replied. "You were 14 when we left."

"Then two years." Patricia commented.

"You should have stayed to finish school." Dominic's voice sounded sad.

“You’re less than two years older than me. You should have finished school.” The lines around his eyes increased and she could tell that he was smile. Dominic was laying on the hotel room bed. His body was tired, they had been in China the previous morning, and his belt had been taken off. As long as he didn't move the pain would stay at bay.

“I… I’m ready to tell you.” Dominic said barely above a whisper.

"About what happened to you?" Patricia asked her voice turning serious. She could see a flash of pain cloud his eyes. Not physical pain, mental. "I told you that you don’t have to tell me-“

"I didn't want to scare you." He said quietly. Patricia stood up and moved to the opposite side of the bed, trying her best not to move the bed very much she laid down beside him. She heard him sigh.

“You’re not going to scare me.” She pushed some hair off of his forehead.

"I was three or four. My mom woke me up late one night.” He started, his eyes closed. “I remember my room was so dark. She told me to hide under the bed. Men had broken into our home. I could hear stomping, a-and shouting. The men burst into my room and they found me, quickly. When they pulled me out from under the bed my mom began fighting them."

He took a ragged breath and Patricia felt his hand softly grasp hers. "It’s okay. I’m right here.” She assured him.

“She was so strong. She attacked the guy who was holding me. I think she stabbed him with something, but he was strong. He pulled me to the window. My room was on the second floor. He shouted something down, in a language I didn't understand. Then he dropped me."

Patricia inhaled sharply. Her eyes were wide and she squeezed his hand, urging him to continue.

"I felt an excruciating pain shoot down my back and I cried out, but as soon as I screamed a boot was put on my face. Someone trying to keep me quiet. I felt like I was suffocating and I tried kicking and pushing, but whenever I moved the pain was horrible. I saw my mom sneaking around the side of the house. The man holding me didn't." His eyes looked as if he was in a far off place. "I could feel warm blood running down my face mixing with tears. My mom jumped on the man. They fell into the darkness of the back yard and I tried to get up, call after her but all that came out was a scream. It hurt so bad that I passed out.”

He didn’t even realize he had been crying until Patricia wiped the tears from his cheeks.

“When I woke up I was in a hospital room and my mom was sitting a chair next to me. I felt so weak that I couldn't move. Mom told me not to."

"Do you know what hospital?" Patricia asked.

Dominic nodded. “Where your dad worked.” Patricia’s dad was a surgeon. “I guess I had just come out of an operation. Your dad was talking to my mom. He told her my back was severely broken and would never be the same. He wanted to do a lot of surgeries and my mom told him that we needed to run. That they would still come looking got me. So, he told her the only thing they could do is keep giving me pain killers. I think he performed, at least, one more surgery. I was in and out for what felt like weeks. The anesthetic and pain meds they were using just made me tired. It was the only time I wasn't in pain. We stayed there until I was healed enough to move then we were on the run.”

"Why?" Patricia asked. "Why are these men after you?"

"My father owes a debt." Dominic said with a sarcastic smile. "He offered me. That I be put in a prison instead of him."

"He can't do that!"

"Where he's from, he can. I am suppose to rot in prison for him." Patricia moved closer to him and rested her forehead against his shoulder. "They started catching up to us when I was eight. My mom knew we couldn't keep running."

"That's when you guys came to us." Patricia remembered. "You were about 8 then."

"My mom knew we could trust your dad after all the help he gave us before. Plus, your parents and my mom go way back.”

“I remember my mom saying they were friends as kids.” Patricia offered.

“When my mom left me there I was barely coherent. I remember the news story your dad brought into me saying she was found dead."

"I'm sorry Dominic." Patricia said softly.

"You saved me." He was looking at her.

"Not yet." She replied seriously. I am going to get you out of this. In one way or another." She felt his hand squeeze hers as he closed his eyes.

———————————

Patricia's door opened and the bright light was almost blinding.

"Sorry if I woke you." Tiller said shyly.

"I wasn't sleeping." Patricia replied stepping out of the car. She fixed her blazer and followed Wilson into a back entrance to the white house. She was immediately searched, and then they were led into the heart of the white house and down toward a basement. The situation room there was white and very well lit, a stark contrast MI6. FBI director Parsons was there to greet them and they took two seats around a large table. The secretary of defense as well as the president were among the people chosen to decide what to do about Bane.

"Wilson, you seemed to have an idea over the phone. What was it?" Parsons asked.

"I think we should send men in with the food. Workers will have to drive the food in to the city. It should be special forces, a chosen few. We take their badges, give them different ID's, and send them in."

"The first rations will go in within a few days. We can have fake IDs for all the forces made by then" Parsons commented.

"With all do respect sir." Patricia started. "We should not make a move that quickly."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean that Bane's men will be weary of any workers coming into the city. They'll expect cops. They need to be the same rotations of workers. The special forces and myself-"

"You think you're going in there?" Parsons asked.

"I know I'm going in there." Patricia answered. "I know Bane better than any of you. I've studied him. I'm also trained in the field." No one said anything. "Now, the special forces soldiers and myself should go every time. We need the men checking out the trucks to recognize us. Think that we're normal civilians who won't do anything."

"Alright, Robertson." The President said carefully. "Then you start as soon as the first shipment goes in."

"Yes, sir." Patricia replied.

“How long are we thinking this could last?” The President asked.

“As of now, sir.” Parsons started with a sigh. “We really have no idea how long it will take.”

The days and planning ticked away slowly. Patricia's ID read 'Megan Reilly' and their first trip into Gotham was rapidly approaching. They had picked several special forces officers that would rotate in and out. Communications with the saved commissioner Gordon as well as his detective had been made. They grocery shop they were going to had a back room where they would meet.

The ride across the bridge was slow and nerve racking. Patricia's driver was nervous and they were stopped before crossing completely. Men dressed for gorilla warfare checked their ID's. One eyed Patricia suspiciously.

"England?" He asked, looking at her ID.

"Yes." she answered quickly.

"Why are you here?" He asked. She took notice of the machine gun hanging off of his shoulder.

"I came for the American dream. Didn't turn out as I expected." He laughed and Patricia felt her body slightly relax as he handed her ID back and let them pass. The shop was half stocked when they arrived. As the truck began unloading the man at the counter signaled Patricia to head to the back. She was unnaturally nervous and could hear her heart beating. He was somewhere in this city. Somewhere closer than they'd been in a long time. The first person she saw had dark hair and matching eyes. He was younger but his eyes looked hardened. Immediately he walked up to her.

"John Blake." He said while shaking her hand.

"Gordon's detective." Patricia said returning the handshake. "Patricia Robertson, MI6."

"Good to meet you." He said hurried.

"You'll see me every time a delivery is made. We're trying to get the guards used to us, to trust us. Eventually we'll come in with more power and some of us will start to stay, build up as many men as possible."

"We need all the help we can get."

"Try to keep people calm." Patricia said softly. "Hopefully people won't fall for Bane's ploy. Stay hidden and get as many high standing members of Gotham society to hide as well. You'll see me soon."

"Thank you."

"Good luck, Blake. Be safe out there."

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Chapter 1: It all started….

Author’s Note: Alright, here it is. I did some editing on it from when I first wrote it. Changed a few things that didn’t fit. But, it’s mostly the same story I wrote back in 2015. Italic writing indicates it’s in the past.

Patricia stood staring at the rows of televisions in front of her desk. The MI6 badge, hanging from her belt loop, reflected the gruesome images that were now being broadcast to the entire world. It all started in an American city, at an American football game. It was a place where everyone thought they were safe, until a series of explosions caused the ground to crumble beneath the players, killing more than a few. That was when the scene was brought to her attention. A ring of the telephone brought the entire department, including the Director of MI6 - Samuel Wilson, to watch with baited breath. The crowd at the Gothem arena looked terrified, confused, and panicked as some ran for the exits.

“Gotham, take control... take control of your city. Behold, the instrument of your liberation!” A masked man, known to certain agencies simply as Bane, was speaking into the microphone once belonging to the game referee.

He had come out on the field surrounded by men with machine guns. The mayor had been killed first, his VIP booth blown up. A disheveled man was kneeling in front of Bane. His clothes were torn and ragged, his face dirty and worn, and he looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“Identify yourself to the world.” Bane’s voice was muffled through the mask covering his face. His accent thick. Bane’s brown eyes were focused on the man in front of him on his knees. The football stadium was a mess, though it wasn’t the only place in Gothem where bombs had been detonated. The group cut Gotham off from the mainland. At that moment every allied country in the world was coordinating with the American government.

“I am Dr Leonid Pavel, a nuclear scientist.” His voice shook as he looked up at his intimidating captor. Leonid Pavel had been missing, presumed dead for weeks.

“It’s him.” A man in Patricia’s office yelled. “Our systems have a 100% facial recognition match, so do the yanks.” Patricia Robertson couldn’t tear her eyes away. She was now holding both sides of the desk in front of her, desperately trying to hide the fact that she was shaking, and it wasn’t from the cold. The office, underground, had a colder temperature than most, and technology was the only light. When you worked with MI6, people didn't know where you were, and it was expected to stay that way.

“What have you done to this device?” Bane asked, addressing the large piece of equipment that had been brought on the field behind him. The office had gone almost as quiet as the football stadium.

“I've turned it into a working nuclear bomb.” People had become numb, shocked. Several people in her office gasped. This wasn’t threatening stadium of several thousand people, this was an entire large city, millions of people. The yanks were on the phones immediately.

“Who among the people in this city can disarm this device?” Bane asked.

“Only me...” The doctor replied. Patricia’s breathing quickened. He couldn’t be doing this.

“We need to get planes in the air.” Their director was saying. “We need specialists in that city.” He walked over to her. “Robertson.” Patricia put her hand up and watched the screen.

“I highly doubt he’s done sir.” She said barely above a whisper.

“Only you... “ Bane’s voice echoed across the quiet stadium. “Thank you, good doctor.” He reached for Pavel and in mere seconds, the doctor lay dead. His neck broken. Patricia lowered her head. Screaming was now filling the stadium as children clung to their mothers and Bane continued his speech.

“Patricia, come on. Situation room.” Director Wilson said quietly. She tore her eyes away from the brown eyes on the screen. The brown eyes with no compassion, with no love left in them. The situation room was deserted. Bullet and soundproof glass covered one wall. Many conversations kept secret and classified had occurred there over the years and another was about to. The phone that sat in the center of the room connected them with the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the President of the United States.

“Something must be done.” The President was saying confidently. “We can not allow him to hurt any innocent civilians.”

“Mr. President.” The head of the FBI started. “We’ll have to send in armies. We aren’t sure how many men this terrorist has.” Patricia winced. She hated him being called that. She hated that he had become that, but luckily, no one noticed. “The last Intel we received from the acting commissioner said that Bane’s army was underground. The cops were going into the sewers to try to catch them. Unfortunately, when the bombs blew they got trapped.”

“How many of them?” Patricia asked.

“Gentleman, this is Patricia Robertson. She is one of our top agents. She specializes in terrorist cells. She’s been looking for Bane for a number of years now.”

“A large number, Miss Robertson. Many cops had been called in off duty. There is only a handful still on the surface.” The FBI director stated.

“My god.” The President added, sullenly.

“Sir.” Another MI6 agent had come in. “It’s Bane sir.”

“What is it?” The Wilson asked. Patricia could hear the other important men all getting similar notifications.

“He says that a civilian of Gotham is in control of the detonator. That if anyone military or any kind of police go into the city, or if any civilian tries to leave, even by swimming, the bomb will be triggered.”

“How serious is he?” Wilson asked Patricia. Her eyes were glossy as she concentrated. Thinking back to all of his other crimes, all of the horrible things he had done, she knew the odds.

“Director Parsons.” She called suddenly, asking for the head of the FBI.

“Yes ma’am.”

“You said acting commissioner earlier. What happened to the original?”

“Commissioner Gordon was taken into the sewers, some time ago. He managed to escape but not before being shot by Bane’s men. Another officer, uh, John Blake, found him and took him to the hospital. That’s where he’s been ever since. He had said something about an underground army, but no one took him seriously until the board of a major company was taken.”

“What company?” Patricia asked.

“Wayne Enterprises.” He paused and she could tell he was reading from a police report. “They took three of the board members.”

“Where are the board members now?” Wilson asked.

“Still missing.” Parsons responded.

“Get information to people in the city in any way possible.” Patricia said quickly. “The cops that were off that day and are still in the upper city, tell them to be careful. Whatever they plan they need to not draw attention to the fact that they’re cops. Bane and his forces clearly had a plan to get rid of the local law enforcement.” She paused. “Also, we need to figure out what’s so special about Wayne Enterprises, why members of that board. Why only three?”

“Miss Robertson.” The President said.

“Yes, sir.” She replied.

“You seem to know this man well. Is his threat credible?”

“Extremely.” Patricia answered, her stomach ached just thinking about it.

"Pardon my interruption, but we just received some news." Parsons announced. "Bane and his men will allow food and other provisions to be brought into the city."

"That's one way in." Wilson stated. "We send in agents with food trucks. No badges, no weapons, different ID's"

"Another message we need to get in there." Patricia said pulling up files on the computer screen in front of them. "Any socialites in Gotham. They need to hide."

"Hide?" Parsons asked, quizzically.

"Yes. Bane, in recent years, has been about taking control of local government, by violence if necessary. The idea the upper class having everything, in abundance, while there is barely a distinction between the middle and lower classes repulses him. He wants a revolution." She kept looking through files, bringing up a random one. "Like this guy." His file name was Bruce Wayne. She paused as a pang of recognition shot through her, but she pushed it aside. “How heavily is Mr. Wayne still associated with Wayne Enterprises?”

“Very.” Parson’s replied.

"He has to hide. Anyone with large amounts of money, anyone who worked in any type of government; tell them to find safety and shelter. For now, their old lives are gone." She pulled up more files, the board of directors for Wayne Enterprises. Lucius Fox, Miranda Tate. Patricia's eyes narrowed.

"Is everything alright?" Director Wilson asked.

"Yeah." She shook the feeling. There was something in that woman's eyes she knew, she just couldn't place it.

"This is the town with that Batman fellow, correct?" Wilson asked.

"Yes, this is the place." Parsons replied.

"Where is he?” Wilson continued. “Does anyone know how to get in touch with him?"

"No one has seen him in some time, no one knows why." The President added.

"Bane probably did something with him before this whole charade." Parsons replied. Director Wilson changed the screen from computer mode to television mode and every news station in every language was replaying Bane's announcements. A picture was brought up on the screen of just Bane and Patricia could feel her blood go cold.

"I'm going." She said simply.

"Excuse me?" Her director asked.

"I'm going to try to get into Gotham with the other agents. I know this guy better than almost anyone."

"Parsons. One of my best agents is coming to the States with me.”

"We look forward to the expertise Miss Robertson."

Patricia's eyes looked back toward the screen. Bane's face was still on the screen and she had to look away. She was trying to find him to save him. Now what could she do?

- - - - - - - -

Patricia's heart pounded in her chest as she ran down the cobblestone streets of Italy. A young man was running beside her, much taller and faster, but he kept her pace because he refused to leave her.

She could feel the stones through her worn out converse shoes, but the pain was nothing compared to the fear she felt. Even the beauty of the landscape she was running through didn’t strike her. She'd always wanted to see Italy and growing up in the UK gave her a lot of opportunities, but for one reason or another, she never took them. Now, she didn't have time to stop and see it.

They thought they were going to be there for at least a month, but their young looks had drawn too much suspicion.

"I can't do it anymore." Dominic's eyes were contorted in pain. A towel was pulled across his face, hiding things he didn't want to show. He had stopped and fell against the side of a white stone building in the middle of a market. "I don't have anymore medicine." Patricia could see tears falling from his eyes as pain raked his body.

"Please, we have to keep going." She begged him.

"I'm sorry." His soft hand touched her face.

"Don't move." She said quickly, her eyes darting around. They were behind an empty stand. The proprietor must have left for an early lunch. "Stay here and do not make a sound."

"No, Tricia, don't." He pleaded. Not listening, she jumped up and ran to the other side of the road near a fountain. She could see the men running through the city of Rome, looking for them. They caught her eye and she took off, drawing them away from Dominic. She ran through the city, the two men tearing after her. She turned around for just a moment, trying to catch a glimpse of how far the men were behind her. However, to her surprise she only saw one. When she turned back around a pair of strong arms had grabbed her around the waist.

"Let me go!" she shouted.

"Where is he?" The man had pushed her against a stand making the woman behind it jump back before running. He placed the barrel of a gun to Patricia’s head. Several locals screamed and ran into their homes.

"He's already gone." Patricia lied.

"Damn it!" The second man said, his voice strained from the running. "We have to bring him back or we'll be stuck in there."

"Where was he going!" The first man screamed.

"Why would you ever think that I'd tell you?" She was speaking through clenched teeth, only thinking of how to draw their attention away.

"Because if you don't he'll come back to nothing but your blood splattered on the ground." She heard the safety of the gun click off and felt the cold barrel against her head. She closed her eyes and waited for darkness to overcome her. The next thing she felt was the man being forcefully pushed away from her, and she heard a groan as one of the men was slammed to the ground. Seeing the gun fly from the man’s hands and under the stand she dove for it. When she finally had it in her hands and she turned around the two men were both cowering. The man who originally had the gun was trying to stop his nose from bleeding, and the other was helping his friend to his feet. Dominic stood a few feet away from her, staring menacingly at their pursuers. His towel had fallen and the men were looking in horror upon his face. A mask was covering his mouth and nose, a dark black mask that contrasted with his pale skin. It looked primitive. The first man finally got to his feet, his nose still bleeding.

"There is a heavy price on your head boy, you have a debt to pay and you've been avoiding it for too long."

"If you know what's good for you, you will run as fast as you can." Dominic's hand was shaking, no matter how hard he tried to keep it steady, but only Patricia noticed.

"We'll be back. Someone will get you, and you will spend your life in that prison, while your pretty little girl plays with us." Dominic screamed and pulled the gun from Patricia's hand. He aimed.

"Don't." Patricia pleaded. Her hand softly gripped his arm. "Don't become what they want you to be." His brown eyes, the same shade as hers, focus on her then the men.

"Run." They didn't wait. They turned and moved as fast as they could. As soon as they were out of eye sight Dominic fell. Patricia helped him to rest against a wall. The amount of pain he was in had to be almost unbearable. Older men and women had started to walk over.

"Is he alright?" One brave older man asked, kneeling beside him. He was the only one who came close, everyone else was weary, looking at his mask. Patricia could see that the mask needed repairing.

"I need medicine. A type of anesthetic." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "Can you or anyone get me this? I have money." The man quickly spoke in Italian calling over a younger boy. Patricia handed the boy the paper and a few bills before turning her attention back to Dominic.

"My love..." She said softly. His eyes fluttered open. "I have to take off your mask." He nodded. "Will you hold his hand?" She asked the older man and he immediately did. Patricia pulled off his mask and he let out a animal like moan. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry my love." She was trying to fix it as quickly as possible. His body was shaking from pain and he looked as if he would pass out at any moment. The boy ran up with the medicine, and she added it to his mask, quickly encouraging them to keep the change for their help. She went to put the mask back on but he grabbed her hand and pulled her close. "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner."

"Don't say that. You saved me. I'm going to get you out of this, one way or another." He kissed her softly, but she felt his body shudder under the pain. Fixing the mask to his face a look of serenity came over him. She could tell he was close to passing out.

"Tricia..." He said, his eyes closing. "Tricia.."

————————

“Patricia." She was pulled quickly out of her haze, but she was trying to hold onto that image. The scariest and best time of her life. She would give anything to go back there again.

"You seemed to be in your own little world." Wilson commented. They were flying on a plane to Washington D.C.

"Just planning, sir." She replied.

"I know it's a great risk going in there."

"You have no idea, sir." She added, looking out the plane window. In a few hours she would be touching down in the DC airport. Then on to the White House situation room. To make a plan on how to attack and kill the person she worked her entire career to save

[random-of-random]

Can I Save You?

Dark Knight Rises Bane x OFC

Author’s Notes: I wrote this about nine years ago and had it on my ff . net account. So, I revamped it for here. Hope you all enjoy!

Plot: MI6 agent Patricia Robertson has worked her entire career to rescue the boy she loved. After what he had become was it even possible? After he had lost himself, could she still save him?

Chapter 1: It all started…

Chapter 2: I’m Going to Get You Out of This

Chapter 3: Their Story

Chapter 4: You’re Dead

Chapter 5: A Chance

[ebiemidnightlibrarian]

DAVID DASTMALCHIAN by JADA YUAN {x}

[random-of-random]

The Pirate Queen

Chapter 4 - You May Regret It

The music was still playing a lively tune as Alice returned to the ballroom. She would have been lying if she said her eyes didn’t scan to find the about-to-be crowned Commodore James Norrington. Her breath caught in her chest as she found his eyes gazing directly at her. James had been waiting for her to come back to the ballroom with anxious anticipation. Walking over her heart was racing, though she appeared ever so calm. Years of training in battle had gifted her.

“Commodore.” She said with a bow. “I believe you asked for a dance?”

“I wouldn’t want to dance with anyone else.” He spoke softly, only for her ears. James was not one to give his feelings so readily. However, this night, in her red dress while his heart beat so fast, he couldn’t help himself.

Still, she couldn’t deny how her own heart seemed to skip a beat at his words.

Leading her out onto the dance floor, he didn’t let go of her hand. His eyes never leaving hers as the music changed and they began a prepared dance. When his arms encircled her they both could not deny - it felt blissfully right. As if the two had been made to dance together.

They found themselves laughing at the turns, never breaking eye contact if they could help it.

“My Lady Frances…” His voice was quiet, meant only for her. However, the moment seemed dimmed by his use of a name that was not hers. “I wish to speak with you.”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Do you think that wise, Commodore?”

“Damn what is wise.” As he said it his eyes burned.

Alice laughed. “Then we shall damn what is wise, Norrington.” It wasn’t smart, there was no denying it was down-right foolish when it came to her position. However, she would be gone within forty-eight hours - back on the high seas and one of his sworn enemies. For now? Damn the rules. Tonight she was going to let herself indulge in the fantasy.

“Head out to the balcony.” She said quickly. “Wait for me there.” With a nod and a bow he headed toward the French doors. Alice, on the other hand, stayed for a few moments. She chatted pleasantly with Governor Swann, remarked on the exceptional musicians with the gathered upper echelons of Port Royal. Slowly making her way toward the kitchen, she slipped into the darkness. No one saw her leave. The musicians played on and the drinks flowed. Through the kitchens and out the far side of the balcony she made her way through the mansion she had come to know the past several weeks. The deck was barely lit, the servants thinking no one would venture to look at the gardens now that sun had set. Norrington stood staring at the ocean.

“A magnificent view, is it not?” She asked and he turned to her in surprise.

“A kitchen entrance? Very clever, Lady Frances.” He said with a nod.

“Well, I couldn’t very well follow you.” She leaned against the balcony. “What would everyone think?”

“Probably that we were about to run away together.” His deep voice betrayed his sarcasm. Alice got the distinct sense that James Norrington was not one to normally joke. Yet, here he was.

“Can you imagine the scandal?”

“I would, very well, be kicked out of the Navy.”

“And just before receiving the honor of Commodore. How shameful!”

“You, a high woman running off with an officer?”

“You’re right.” She said with a small laugh. “How could I ever be sooo foolish?” They both began to laugh, it tapering off naturally. They stood in comfortable silence for a few moments.

“Lady Frances…” Norrington started. “I must apologize for the last time we were together..”

“I would rather you not.”

“Please…” He let out a sigh. “It was not my intention, in a manner of speaking-“

“In a manner of speaking?” She asked with a smile.

“I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t.” She said quickly.

He coughed slightly. “You’re husband-“

She sighed, cutting him off. “All it is, James…” she turned to look at him, “..is bad timing.” The silence was heavy as their eyes couldn’t move away from one another. The air was thick with humidity and possibilities. She saw him move toward her, the smallest amount. This time she didn’t move away. Daring him to move further.

“James…” his name a breathless plea. In an instant he had pulled her close. His lips a hair breath from hers, their hearts beating wildly. “If you kiss me… you may regret it.”

“That’s not possible.” His whispered assurance causing her to smile. When their lips touched it was as if the world stood still. The sound around them didn’t matter, nothing around them mattered. His lips were soft and wanting, hers eager to give him anything he asked. His hand cupped her cheek before he pulled away. They both were breathing heavy.

“I didn’t want to never have done that.”

“I am glad you did.” She replied honestly. His arms around her made her feel as if the world made sense. Alice was never one to be fond of others. She always found she needed space, people bothered her. James? She couldn’t imagine a time where she wouldn’t want to be around him. Thrilling and terrifying all at once.

The sounds of laughter filtered out onto the balcony and Alice let out a sigh.

“I believe we should return to the party. They will be missing the guest of honor.”

“The host too, I would imagine.” He replied, though neither of them had moved. They both felt something coming to an end. Alice knew it was because she was leaving, James thought it was because her husband would soon make his way to Port Royal. Not to mention, the talk he had been preparing to have with Miss Swann was to be the next day.

“Well… Captain Norrington…”

James smiled. “It’s Captain again, is it?”

“Only for a few more hours.” A smirk appeared on his handsome face before he took a step backward and bowed.

“Lady Frances.” He headed toward the doors, pausing for only a moment to glance back at her. The moonlight illuminated his face and for the first time in years, Alice wished that, maybe, she didn’t have to go back to the sea.

Once he was safely inside she turned back to look over the balcony, all the way to the ocean. She would miss James. The way he talked, his sarcasm, the way his eyes seemed to stare through her. At the same time no small amount of gilt settled over her. James didn’t know who he had kissed. And though she had shown her true self to him, the lies about herself? Those she knew he would find unforgivable.

“In another life…” she whispered into the darkness. Maybe things could have been different in another life.

————————————

Alice was not one for English ceremonies. Everyone arrived too early, they stayed too late, the speeches were long-winded. The ceremony for James Norrington was no different. Except this one was while the sun beat down on them in Port Royal. It was hot and humid. Every women was using her fan to desperately give herself some relief. The layers on the dresses just added insult to injury.

Alice was no exception. Her light green dress felt heavier than it should have. The matching fan was working overtime.

“Captain..” Edward whispered to her as they walked in. “Why do these people insist on torturing themselves?”

“Don’t you know, Edward?” She asked before smirking. “For God and the British Empire.” Edward let out a soft laugh. Alice’s eyes fell on Elizabeth. Miss Swann’s fan was working even harder than everyone else’s as the young woman was slightly bent forward, clearing struggling for breath.

“Wait here, Edward.” Alice said before walking over. “Miss Swann, are you alright?”

Elizabeth looked up at her in surprise. “Oh, Lady Frances. Forgive me, I am not used to these things yet.” She said as she motioned to her, clearly new, corset. “I do not know how you have been wearing them so comfortably.”

“Oh, I am entirely uncomfortable.” Alice replied. “Here…” She guided the younger woman to the shade. “You need to not slouch. You’ll have more room that way. Also, expand your chest when you breathe, not your stomach. And every few minutes take as deep of a breath as you can. Like this-“ Alice took a big breath in and let it out slowly. “These take some getting used to, but it’s all a matter of practice.”

“Thank you, Frances.” Elizabeth said softly.

“No need for thanks. We ladies have to look out for one another.” Elizabeth nodded. “And please sit down if you need to?”

“I will.” Elizabeth assured her.

“It looks as if the ceremony is to start. I will see you after?”

Elizabeth grabbed Alice’s hand softly. “Thank you.” Alice just gave a polite nod and made her was back toward Edward.

Just as she had anticipated, the speeches were long and mostly dull. James, however, seemed to only speak briefly. Being in full Navy dress was warm on mild days, that day it was downright monstrous. There was a large round of applause as he was announced as Commodore and Alice took advantage of the clapping to move back into the shade. She and Edward conversed briefly for a few minutes before Norrington made his way over to her. Edward gave her a quick nod before he made himself scarce.

“Congratulations, Commodore.” She said with a kind smile.

“Thank you, Lady Frances.” He bowed. His tone was lackluster, and for a brief moment she could see how sad he was.

“Are you alright, James?”

“Quite.” He answered. “I am grateful for the position and everyone’s support.”

“How many times did you rehearse saying that?” She asked playfully and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“A few…” He took a steadying breath. “I am about to have a conversation with Miss. Swann.” Alice knew immediately what he meant. He was going to propose. What better time to do it? His promotion was well earned and already a joyous occasion. Adding his bride to be’s acceptance on top of that would make for wonderful stories for their grandchildren one day.

Alice put on the best smile she could, though she knew sadness crept into it. “I am happy for you. I believe you will make a fine husband, and Elizabeth a wonderful wife.”

“Yes, I am certain she will.” He replied. “I should-“

“Go.” Alice encouraged. As he walked past her, she felt his hand brush hers ever-so-slightly but she did not turn her gaze to follow him. She couldn’t. She knew it was for the best. They were a good match and would make each other happy. The jealousy she felt had to be stopped.

“I can’t believe you, Captain.” Edward was back, though she knew he was never far away. “Falling for a Commodore in the Royal Navy. Our sworn enemies.”

“I did not fall for a Commodore.” She replied quickly with a whisper. “I fell for a man who just happened to be a Captain and the Commodore of the Royal Navy.”

“I knew it.” He said with a laugh. “Can we leave now.”

“A few more minutes.” Alice instructed. “We can’t leave too early from something like this.” They stood quietly. A few people passing by said hello. Alice was mentally preparing for the amount of packing they would still have to do by the time she and Edward joined the crew at the house. Not to mention getting all of it secretly to the harbor when the sun set.

Norrington’s voice calling out, “Elizabeth!” had startled the crowd and a large commotion and movement drew Alice and Edward to the edge of the fort.

“She has fallen!” Someone sad. Sure enough there was the remnants of a splash in the water.

“She must have forgotten to breathe.” Alice said quickly. To the gathered crowd’s surprise, someone had brought her up from the water.

“Tell me you’re seeing this as well.” Edward said looking toward the water.

“Captain Jack Sparrow.” Alice confirmed. They had come across Jack in the past. Usually at Tortuga. She remembered he had a fondness for rum and women. “We have to go.” Both of them knew Jack had quite a problem with talking, and if he saw them he wouldn’t hesitate to out who they were if it served his purpose.

With the crowd distracted by the sudden rescue and the soldiers running to the aid of Miss Swann, Alice and Edward were able to get back to their carriage unnoticed.

By the time they got back to the mansion, her crew had a good chunk ready to go.

“Thank you all.” She said quickly. “We only have a few more hours. Stay inside though. Someone knew just came into town.

“Who?” Elias asked.

“Jack Sparrow.” Edward answered.

“Oh, he would tell everyone about us in a heartbeat.” Charles said while shaking his head.

“Exactly.” Alice answered. “But, by daylight tomorrow we should be gone. Let’s finish this up and get some rest.”

The hours seemed to crawl by at a snails pace. All of them were eager to be back on the sea and, more importantly, back with their ships and the rest of their crew. The sun had begun to set when there was a knock at the door. They all stood still for a moment. They knocked again.

“We have to answer it, we’re supposed to still be here.” Alice said quickly and Edward did.

“Can we help you?” He asked.

“I am here with an urgent message for Viscountess Somers from Miss Elizabeth Swann.” The woman said quickly.

“We can’t-“

“Please!” The woman asked. “It’s an emergency.”

Alice walked around to the door and the servant seemed startled to see her in britches and a comfortable top. “What is the emergency?”

“Miss Swann had a threat on her life today and she is quite shaken.”

“A threat?” Alice asked. Falling from that height was no joke, but a threat?

“The Pirate. The one they call Sparrow? He kidnapped her and used her as bait to get free, threatened her life. She is quite shaken. Will you come see her, my Lady?”

Alice clenched her jaw for a moment. “I will.” The woman looked instantly relieved. “Please return to Miss Swan and tell her I will call on her in a few minutes.”

“Oh, thank you, My Lady!” The woman took off, heading for the Swann residence. God damn it, Jack Sparrow. Of course he did.

Edward shut the door. “Captain?”

“Elizabeth Swann has been good to me. If me going there will give her some comfort, then I should. I won’t take long, and we should only be delayed by minutes. Is everyone okay with this?” The men around her nodded. “I will be back.” She pulled on one of the men’s jackets and left to walk over. Propriety be damned, in this case. She didn’t have much time and she certainly was not squeezing back into another corset.