//------------------------------// // Chapter 38: Socialite // Story: Young Amazons // by Wanderer D //------------------------------// Young Amazons By Ackbarfan5556 Executive Produced By Wanderer D Chapter 38: Socialite     “I swear, it feels almost like burning out your brain there,” Sunset said as she slumped onto a chair while Dr. Fate reorganized a few books in the Tower of Fate.   “Browsing through the multiverse can be very stressful on the mind and body if one isn’t truly prepared and properly trained,” he explained as he placed another book onto the shelf.   Sunset nodded. He was right. “I know, you’ve warned me about that quite a few times, Fate. And I know the offer to properly train has been available to make it easier and all, but I’m in no rush to try and go back these days.”   “I have been somewhat curious about that decision, Miss Shimmer.” Fate floated towards the seat across from her. “Dimensional traveling is a very risky power to use and sometimes, depending on the specific multiverse, it might be one way.”   Sunset nodded. “I know the risk, Fate. I’m well aware of the costs. I mean, I’ve been doing okay in this world, aside from having a massive target on my back thanks to the Lords of Chaos,” she said.   “I’m still surprised they sent someone to try and eliminate you. With your power and all, I thought they would have tried to turn you to their side. It’s still very fortunate we found you first.” “Zatanna found me first, Fate,” Sunset argued. “And even if Chaos had gotten to me, I would be able to quickly see they were the bad guys and get away.”   Fate looked at her with a grim expression. “Believe me Sunset, the Lords of Chaos aren’t simply cartoonish villains,” he said. “They can be very cunning and hide you from the truth until it’s far too late.”    “But still, you must know that if they have the chance to turn you, they will take it. You are a complete anomaly when it comes to magic in this universe. No one else is able to blend light and dark magic together in a complete balance like you.”   Sunset smirked at him. “Harmony, Fate,” she teased. “We already agreed that my magic is in perfect harmony.”    “Right, of course. Still, it is quite a gift that can be used for good or for ill.”   “It’ll be used for good. I promise you and I’ve been proving it. I’d die before ever using my powers for evil.”   ‘At least for evil again, that path I will never walk down again,’ she thought to herself.   “But back to present matters, how goes the search?” Fate asked. Sunset rubbed her chin.    “Well, it’s been going all right,” she said. “The good news is that now I’m starting to peer out of generally related universes. You know, ones similar to this one. There’s quite a few strange ones, but none that seem even remotely close to Equestria or Canterlot High.”    “I did warn you Sunset that the odds of finding them are quite infinitesimal,” Fate replied. “It’s like trying to find a needle in trillions of haystacks as large as the entire planet.”   “I know, I know. I’ve been slowly coming to accepthat I probably will never get back. Never able to tell the others that I’m all right.” Sunset’s voice trailed off near the end as she felt downtrodden. She then added in a low whisper, “Or apologize to Princess Celestia.”    She wondered if Fate was smiling at her from under his mask. “I’m sorry, Sunset. If we had some sort of remote connection or a trace of your world, we might be able to have a better direction to look and narrow down in the multiverse, but–”   “Yeah, I didn’t think to bring something with me, as if I even knew I was coming here.” She gave a false chuckle as her mood continued to remain down. She then sighed.   “Well, at least I’ve been making do here. Pamela and Barbara are some of the truest friends I have and I’m glad to have them.” She stood up before she grabbed some things. “Thanks for letting me borrow some of these things, Fate, I’ll bring them back soon.”   “You’re not in any rush outside the tower, are you?” he asked.    Sunset chuckled as she opened the portal.   “Well, I’ve got fencing practice I need to get to,” she replied. “Then after that, I need to get ready for the gala tonight.”   “Mr. Wayne is hosting another charity gala?” Fate correctly guessed. If Sunset could guess, she would almost think that Fate was hiding a smirk underneath that mask.   “It’s Gotham City, Fate. If it isn’t super-criminals trying to rob or destroy it, it’s the wealthy holding a party,” she joked as she walked on through.     “Ugh, this thing is so tight. Can one of your girls zip me up?” Pamela asked as she fiddled with her long green dress.   The girls were all invited to the party and were currently getting ready at Wayne Manor. Bruce had given them spending money to get what they wanted and they all agreed that a charity gala deserved nice dresses. Barbara had a simple black one while Sunset got a similar red one. Pamela went a bit further with a backless green dress that sparkled.   “Not much to zip, Pam,” Sunset said as she walked up to help her out. “I’m still surprised you got this dress.”   “Yeah, Pam, you've been feeling a bit more confident this school year. I don’t know if you’ve noticed. Certainly become less of a wallflower.” Barbara blushed, realizing her mistake. “No offense.” “I don’t know. Maybe it's my powers and the feeling of good I’ve been doing,” Pamela suggested. “Perhaps my improved looks too.”  Her friends laughed at her joke.    “I get the backless dress part at least,” Sunset said. “You’re the one running around in a leaf leotard.”  The girls all laughed this time.   “Yeah, I’m actually under-dressed compared to the two of you,” Pamela said. “Besides, I don’t know about you two, but this might also be my fall formal dress.” Her face fell. “If anyone invites me though.”  Barbara patted her on the back.   “Pam, you’re going to get a date for it. I promise you,” the red head said. “I’ve noticed Murphy has been having eyes on you lately.”  Pamela blushed at Barbara’s words as she pushed several locks of hair behind her ears.    “You really think so?” she asked.    “You’ve been catching eyes from a lot of guys at school ever since the accident, Pam. It’s helped your life for the better, if I’m honest,” Sunset said. Pamela smiled, feeling much better after hearing those words of encouragement. “Thanks, you two. About the make-up, you think just a little light work will be fine?”   “I would say so, we’re there just as guests and should look like we fit in, but don’t want to stand out.”   “Good idea,” Barbara agreed. “Especially since my parents are going to be there and would flip if I looked more like I was trying to attract some guys.”    “At least my mother isn’t going to see me,” Pamela said. “I mean, it was nice of Bruce to invite her, but she's not one for parties. At least something like a gala.”  Knock, knock    “Girls, are you almost ready in there?” Alfred said from the other side of the door.   “Yes, Alfred, we’re pretty much done,” Sunset replied.   “Very well. I’ll have the limo prepared out front.”   “Is Bruce not riding with us?” Barbara asked, to which Sunset shook her head.   “No, he’s gone to the event by himself in a fancy sports car. He has to keep up the appearance of the rich, playboy bachelor.” “Who no one would ever suspect of being the Batman,” Pamela chuckled. The other two joined her in her mirth.    “Unless you happen to be a crazy AI robot,” Barbara added, which got even more laughter from her two friends.   Sunset shuddered at the thought. “Don’t remind us.”      The Gotham Opera House was ablaze with activity as many of Gotham’s elites moved around the main lobby of the opera, the stage and seating auditorium, although there weren't as many people in there.   The girls were all spread out amongst the party and enjoying the atmosphere. A waiter carrying some champagne walked past before Barbara grabbed a glass only to have it intercepted by Ellen Yin, who walked right past her.   “Thank you, Detective Yin,” Commissioner Gordon chuckled as he gave his daughter a stern glare. Barbara gave a sheepish look in response that said ‘I wasn’t actually going to drink it’.  Yin took a sip before nodding. “You’re welcome, Commissioner.”   “And thank you for making me the designated driver, Yin,” Ethan Bennett complained as he leaned against the wall. The two detectives as well as a few others were being used as extra security just in case one of Gotham’s super-criminals wanted to crash the show.   “Hey, I don’t get that often to unwind, Ethan,” Yin countered. “Be grateful you were invited to the party at all.”    “You look lovely tonight, Pamela,” April Gordon said to the young red head that stood next to her.   Pamela bowed to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. “Thank you, Mrs.Gordon,” she said. “I thought it was fitting with the party at least. Though maybe I went a bit too far?”   April gave a dismissive wave. “You’re fine,” she assured. “You’re not trying to steal the show, as opposed to some of these other women.”   Pamela looked around once more and took in some of the outfits that obviously were drawing attention. Some were honestly reaching the point of one wrong move leading to an indecent exposure arrest.   “Stealing is one way to put it,” Pamela nodded with a chuckle. She took a sip of the water she had in her hand.   On the other side of the room, Sunset was sitting in a chair before a dark-skinned, grey headed man with a mustache sat down next to her.   “Enjoying the party so far, Miss Lucciola?” he asked.  Sunset raised an eyebrow at the man. She had no idea who he was and yet he seemed to be familiar with her somehow.  The man chuckled. “Sorry, where are my manners?” he said before extending his hand out to her. “Lucius Fox. Head of R&D at Wayne Industries.”   Sunset quickly changed her attitude “Oh, I’m sorry,” she apologized before shaking his hand. “Bruce has never introduced us and all, so I didn’t know exactly who you were.”   “Well, I tend to try and keep a fairly low profile when it comes to Wayne Industries,” Fox said. “I’ve always liked being behind the scenes rather than being the center of attention.”   “Considering what I’m guessing your line of work is, you’re someone who I’m sure a lot of people would like to have in their organization.”   Fox chuckled at the response.   “Oh, certainly. I certainly know quite a number of things that Wayne Industries’ competitors would certainly pay any figure to have.”   Fox then stood up as he took a small bow to her.   “I also know about the bats in Bruce’s basement,” he said under his breath. Sunset barely caught it. Her eyes widened for a moment before he winked at her. “Enjoy the evening, Miss Lucciola.”  After that, he walked away, leaving Sunset shocked on the spot.   ‘Wait, why should I be so surprised he knows? Bruce gets all his gadgets from Wayne Industries anyway,’ Sunset thought to herself as she regained her composure. ‘I guess I should’ve figured he’d have someone on the inside to keep his tracks covered about the technology that was slipping out.’  The crowd went silent as everyone turned their attention to Bruce, who was standing on a higher balcony.   “Good evening, everyone,” Bruce began. “As you’re all aware, tonight’s gala is dedicated to donating money to the Thomas and Martha Wayne Foundation, responsible for funding and supporting those that help improve Gotham City and make it a better place. A mission that my parents spent their lives trying to achieve, and one that I am proud to take up and continue in order to honor their legacy.” Polite applause filled the auditorium. Bruce paused to take it in before continuing his speech.    “That’s why tonight I’m donating ten million dollars from my personal accounts to the foundation, just to start us off,” he said. “I hope the rest of you are willing to give what you can for a good cause: The betterment of the city. Thank you.”  A much louder round of applause greeted him. Even the girls were impressed by the speech.    “He certainly knows how to twist arms when he wants to,” a voice whispered in Sunset’s ear. The girl froze and turned to look at the source of the voice.  Selina Kyle.  The Gotham socialite, secretly the notorious Catwoman, was wearing a stunning black dress as she smiled at the young heroine. “Though I’m surprised with how often you are seen around him if he even suspects you’re Alicorn,” the woman snickered.    “Selina!” Sunset gasped. She took a few seconds to catch her breath from the surprise. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”   “If it keeps you out of the way of my next job, then maybe,” Selina chuckled.  The two of them kept their voices low to keep anyone from hearing. Selina took a sip of the champagne she had in one hand before extending the cup of water she held in the other to Sunset.  “Need a drink?”   “Thanks,” Sunset said, taking the cup and taking a sip of her own.  Selina motioned her to follow. The two of them walked through the crowd before heading into the auditorium and walking their way up to the top seating levels where the entire area was empty.   “It’s been a while since we last saw each other,” the woman said.  “Yes. Ever since I stopped you from getting away with the Cat’s Eyes jewels at Gotham Clock Tower,” Sunset chuckled with a slight edge to her voice.   “And Bruce Wayne was quick enough to sell the jewels before I could steal them back,” Selina shot back as they sat down in some of the chairs. “Well, considering I’m not in prison at the moment, you’ve kept to your word about not exposing my identity.”   Sunset frowned. “You didn’t give me any excuse. It was a stalemate; I had less to lose if exposed, as well as being able to get away if the truth came out.”   “And now, not only are you no longer wanted by the police, but you also brought in a few friends to help you out,” Selina returned slyly. “Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, Barbara, and that Pamela Isley girl.”  Sunset’s eyes widened upon hearing that. Selina’s sly grin widened.  “Not that hard to find out when I knew who you were. I’ve quickly figured things out.”   “So it would seem,” Sunset bit. “You’ve been spying on me?”   “I like to think of it as keeping tabs on you, Sunset. I’m not going to do anything with that information. I’m not a fool; if I try anything, you’ll sic tall, dark and handsome on me.”   “That’s a strange way of describing him,” Sunset chuckled. “But it is true. If you expose any of us, we can bring your world of luxury crashing down. I mean, I haven’t even told Batman who you are. That’s how good I’ve been to my word.”   Selina snorted and took a sip of her champagne. “You’re full of surprises, Sunset.”   “Yes, and much stronger since we last met. Both myself and the girls.” Just as it seemed like something was going to happen, the dark-haired woman eased her smile.    “It’s disappointing our paths haven’t crossed yet,” she said. “Especially Miss Gordon. I think she’d make a better Catgirl than a Batgirl.”  Sunset shook her head at Selina’s comment. “Sorry, Selina, I think she’ll decline that offer.” She took another sip of her water. “So, looking for another target tonight?”   “Please,” Selina scoffed. “I know pretty much every person at this party. They’ve got nothing worth stealing, especially Bruce.”   “You mean nothing of cats worth stealing,” Sunset corrected. “You’re so predictable.”  The woman didn’t care.    “I’ve stolen enough to put me in the position I am today,” she said. “Now, the stuff I steal is mostly for my own personal enjoyment.” Sunset sipped her water with an uneasy stare.    “That explains why you haven’t been seen that much as of late,” the young heroine replied. “I haven’t heard of anything expensive or priceless relating to cats coming to Gotham.”   “Yes, I know,” Selina sounded disappointed as she slumped back in her chair. “It is quite sad.”    “Hey, Selina, what did you mean before about Bruce twisting arms?” Sunset asked.   The woman gave a nonchalant shrug. “Oh, well, he started the donations off at ten million. It’s an incentive to make some of the other billionaires and millionaires here donate a large amount of money, especially the notoriously tight-fisted ones,” she explained.    “Why would they feel the need to donate because of Bruce?”   “Simple, the media coverage. The eyes are personally on them tonight, as opposed to other days. See, they’ve all got their fair share of scandals and skeletons hidden away, especially with whatever business they own. Things go wrong, they can deflect and assign blame to a guilty executive or board member and distance themselves away from it all.” Selina sipped her champagne, her grin growing wider by the second.    “The thing about these parties is most of those folks lap up the attention and the last thing they want is bad publicity tonight,” she said. “A healthy donation will keep the press from jumping on them.” Sunset nodded at what Selina said. She agreed with most of it. It seemed correct, especially considering how some of the women were dressing for the event. It was all about the attention for them.   “At least that isn’t Bruce’s case,” she said.    “He’s a weird one, I won’t lie,” Selina said. “You’d think a spoiled child with all that money at such a young age would be almost as bad as some of the folks at this party, and yet when he’s practically off camera, he’s the most humble person in the room.”   “You do know his past, right, Selina?” Sunset asked.   The woman nodded.  “I know, I know, tragic childhood and all,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Still, it really goes against what you’d assume.” Selina stood up. “You know, maybe I was a bit too quick to judge him the last time. After all, I was only seeing what he had that was worth stealing before.” Sunset stood up to meet her.   “You know, Selina, if people knew the Bruce I know, some would say you two were made for each other,” she replied.   Selina laughed.    “Well, now you give me all the more reason to know the real Bruce Wayne then.”  Without another word, the woman started walking back towards the ground floor and main lobby. Sunset was not done with her yet.    “Oh, and Selina, two more things,” she said.   Selina turned around to look at Sunset.  “If you steal anything, I’m going to make you put it back.” The woman chuckled. “I can’t make any promises. And the second?”  Sunset snapped her fingers at the question.  Selina cocked an eyebrow. “What was that?”   Sunset smirked. “Just dropping the noise canceling spell I had around us. You never know who might be listening.”   Selina smiled as she walked away.  “Have a good night, Sunset. Enjoy the rest of the party.”      “Okay, just ease the car back out.” Sunset watched as April Gordon instructed her daughter, who was behind the wheel of their car.   “I know. I know, Mom!” Barbara argued.   “Be careful and try not to wreck it!” Sunset called out.   “Hey! No backseat driving from someone that’s not even in the car!” Barbara snapped back as she started to pull out.   “What’s going on?” Bruce asked as he walked over to Sunset.   “Nurse Gordon had a few drinks so Barb is the designated driver since Commissioner Gordon has to go back to GCPD Headquarters,” she explained. “Pam’s riding with them back to her place before Barb and her mother go home.” Bruce folded his arms over his chest.  “I see. Alfred’s already left with the limo back home now so it looks like you’re riding home with me.”  The two of them walked away to the fairly empty parking lot since most of the guests had already left. They then found the car within seconds.  “Did you enjoy the party?” Bruce asked as they got in.   “It was interesting, not really fun though,” Sunset replied as she buckled her seatbelt. “I mostly sat around, chatting with the girls for most of the night.”   Bruce gave a light chuckle. “I’m sorry there weren't a lot more people your age around there tonight,” he said.     “It’s fine. I get plenty of that interaction with people my own age at school.”  Without a second to waste, Bruce started the car and put it in drive as they drove off into the dark streets of Gotham. A few moments of silence went by before Sunset spoke again.  “How was Selina?” she asked.    “Good,” Bruce replied. “I’m honestly surprised she wanted to see me again after the last time. I didn’t think she was that interested towards the end.”   “Well, I guess she changed her mind and all.”  Sunset looked out the window of the car at the skyline that was passing by.   “Or she’s looking for something to steal again.” Sunset tensed up as he said that. “She is Catwoman after all.”   No one said anything for a few moments as Sunset worried about what she had done wrong for Bruce to correctly guess that.   “It’s alright, Sunset. I just guessed it since she was talking with you early in the party,” he said. “I had my suspicions for a while, but tonight confirmed it.”   “Okay,” Sunset replied as she readjusted herself in her seat. “So what are you going to do about it? Bruce, you say anything, she’ll expose Barb, Pam and myself.”   “Don’t worry, Sunset. You’re still keeping your promise. You never told me, I just figured it out. As for what to do, well, nothing really.”   Her face fell. “Seriously?”   “If she gets herself caught, that’s how the world is going to know she’s Catwoman,” Bruce explained. “I’m not going to be the one who does it. At least by saying it to the police and all.”    “Okay then,” she said. “That’s a little better. But what are you going to do about Selina?”   “I’m not sure yet. I have certainly accepted her offer of another evening together though.”  Sunset looked back at him with near shock.   “Seriously? Bruce, are you crazy?” Sunset shook her head. “Wait, I almost forgot, you dress as a giant bat and beat up bad guys. You have to be a little crazy at least.”  Bruce raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at her. She held up her hands in surrender. He then quickly turned back to facing the road.    “You know what, whatever conversations you need to have about your personal romances, I’m staying out of it,” Sunset said. “Butt heads with Alfred on that one.”   “Thank you. I certainly know Alfred is going to have some things to say about this,” Bruce said.  Sunset sighed.  “Something wrong?”   She nodded. “Yeah. I’m just kinda worried. It seems like more and more people are finding out about our double lives lately.”   “And you’re worried that the dam is going to break?”   “Yes. That and I’m worried about what Barb and Pam are going to do about their folks when they eventually find out.”