Batgirl's Cowl - Part 1

Jervis Tetch also known as the Mad Hatter was in a monumental funk as he paced the floor in his new lair in Hatchers Hat Factory. Once a proud concern that produced the finest hats for men and women the building was now abandoned and made the perfect hideout for the recently paroled criminal. Tetch had just finished a short stretch for committing his usual crime. The Hatter was out again after his latest bungled attempt to steal an extremely precious hat.

The valuable chapeau, which Jervis Tetch had spent most of his life trying to obtain, had now become a total obsession. He could have any hat in the world but this one. In a sense the piece of shiny blue black satin Tetch lusted for could not be considered a hat. It was more of a facial covering than anything else. One might ask what was this headpiece that the Mad Hatter was so desperate to acquire? It was the shimmering satin cowl, which covered the face of Gotham City's bold caped crime fighter Batman.

All of the Mad Hatter's numerous attempts to obtain and possess the precious headpiece had been one failure after another. It seemed that the Caped Crusader was always one step ahead of him when it came to protecting the object Jervis Tetch so desperately desired. While many times he had come close but in the end Batman always outwitted him. Batman didn't seem to understand that he just wanted the cowl. He had no desire to expose Batman's secret identity and end his career as a crime fighter. Obviously Batman didn't see it that way. Tetch felt deeply humiliated over his failure to obtain a Bat Cowl.

The smallish man barely five feet tall continued to pace back and forth. The Mad Hatter dressed in the style of the nineteenth century as he was wearing his pearl gray frock coat, trousers and top hat. Along with this he also wore a gray vest and silk cravat. While the attire was stylish Jervis Tetch was hopelessly out of date.

The Mad Hatter employed an entourage of two females to assist him his latest attempt to purloin Batman's Cowl. They were Harriet a very leggy brunette and Hilda an attractive blond. Both were devoted to the Hatter as he had rescued them from a particularly brutal house of prostitution. They continually fawned over Tetch and mindlessly carried out his orders out of gratitude for their liberation from the world's oldest profession.

Jervis Tetch continued to pace as he attempted to come up with a means to capture the precious garment. He could not think of any scheme, which had the remotest chance of success. Due to his past failures Batman was wise to all of the usual ploys designed to lure the Caped Crusader into a trap where he could be captured or rendered unconscious. The masked marvel was also aware of the numerous disguises that the Mad Hatter had employed in numerous attempts made on his cowl. The crime fighter was undoubtedly aware of his recent release and was sure to be on guard. There just seemed to be no way of obtaining Batman's cowl.

While the Mad Hatter paced Harriet was reading the local news section of the Gotham Times. She spotted an item of potential importance to her crime lord and remarked,

" Jervis, the paper says that Batgirl's testimony helped get the Joker another ten year stretch in Arkham." Tetch deep in thought let the remark pass but then replied,

" What did you say?" The henchgirl shouted at the slightly deaf criminal,

" The Joker got another ten years on account of Batgirl! " Tetch declared,

" Batgirl, Batgirl? Yes Batgirl, that's it! " Harriet inquired,

" What is it? " Now enthused the Mad Hatter declares,

" The solution to obtaining a Bat Cowl. I can't get Batman's cowl but why not Batgirl's? They are similar and a cowl is a cowl. Batgirl is just a girl and nowhere near as smart as Batman. Stealing her cowl should be child's play."

The mad maniac then mentally compared the two cowls in his mind. Batman's cowl was a full cowl that covered all of his head. The only part open was the lower part of the Caped Crusaders face. The cowl also had a neck cape, which covered the neck of the crime fighter. On the other hand Batgirl's cowl was really a half cowl. It covered the Booted Beauty's head from the top to just below her ears. Like Batman's cowl only the lower part of her face was visible. But unlike the Caped Crusader's there was no neck cape leaving Batgirl's pretty neck totally exposed. Batgirl had previously used a full cowl but abandoned it due to its confining nature and was very uncomfortable in the summer. Jervis Tetch was quite pleased that he had finally found an answer to his troubling dilemma. While not the same thing as Batman's cowl Batgirl's half cowl would fill the bill. Besides there was always the chance that if he was successful Batman might attempt to retrieve it which would permit an opportunity to steal Batman's as well. The theft of the two Bat Cowls would quite a coupe.

The Mad Hatter and his two henchwomen now concentrated their efforts on a way of capturing Batgirl's cowl. They constantly scanned the Gotham City newspapers for information about the Dominoed Dare Doll After a one- week search they finally hit pay dirt when Hilda found an article in the Gotham Times.

" Jervis! Here it is. This article, it gives us a way to get Batgirl!" Tetch replied, "Read it!"

" It says that Gotham City's beautiful crime fighter Batgirl will be in the pediatric wing of Gotham General Hospital this Saturday for visit with the children."

With the opportunity now available the Mad Hatter and his two molls began to hatch their diabolical master plan. The plan was simplicity itself. On Saturday when Batgirl was visiting the children they would enter the pediatric wing dressed as Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Then they would take several children hostage. The price for their release was Batgirl surrendering her cowl. Once they were away from the hospital the children would be released and they would triumphantly return to the hat factory with Batgirl's cowl.

The only thing Batgirl loved more than her father and Batman was children. This was perhaps due to the fact that although she was twenty-five years old she still was basically a kid at heart. Ever since she had become a crime fighter Batgirl had made a serious effort to visit hospitals and orphanages as often as possible to see the children. She loved to talk with the young ones and play their games for hours on end. In return the staff and patients adored her. It was always a special time when the lovely heroine in the gleaming purple Bat Suit came to call.

Part of the reason for the visits was that Batgirl knew that her choice of being a crime fighter ruled out any chance of having a normal life. It was not possible to have a husband and children when you constantly had to save Gotham City from the low life criminal element. It was a heavy price to pay for the thrill of flying across the city on a Bat rope but one the Goddess of Gotham was willing to bear. Batgirl was sure she would eventually marry later in life and if she and her husband wanted children she would adopt them.

On the following Saturday morning Barbara Gordon gazed at the morning paper while enjoying her favorite beverage strong black coffee. Babs was wearing her favorite and most intimate boudoir garment a gleaming gold satin robe. It was made of heavy bridal satin and was frightfully expensive. Barbara had purchased it because she found the sensuous feel of satin against her skin highly erotic. Looking at the clock she commented to herself,

" I have got to get moving or I will be late for the children at Gotham General!"

After engaging the switch on her vanity Barbara entered her secret Bat Lair to begin the tantalizing transformation to the shimmering seductress Batgirl. Babs opened her glistening robe and let it drop to the floor. She then studied her image in the full size mirror. The most recognizable feature of the five- foot ten- inch beauty was her piercing blue eyes and her fiery red tresses. She was recognizable in any crowd. Babs then reflected on her full lush breasts size thirty-six triple D. Sure there were woman with bigger boobs but few could match her perfectly proportioned set of hooters.

Barbara now contemplated her most alluring feminine charm. It was her killer butt, which in reality was rarely seen. As Barbara Gordon, it was covered by loose frumpy clothes and as Batgirl it was covered by the fabulous purple and gold satin Bat Cape. Babs knew few women who could boast the same perfectly sculpted derriere that she possessed. The final glance was of Barbara's long luscious legs. The gloriously toned legs were those of a dancer and the product of countless hours in the gym.

With the weekly examination of her perfect body now completed Babs now turned her attention to the task of getting dressed. The first articles of clothing that was donned were a purple satin bra and thong. Barbara thrilled at the sensuous feel of her breasts being imprisoned by the bra and the cool touch of satin on her labia. Next came the most important item of the Batgirl costume as Babs removed one of her shimmering purple Bat Suits from the wall. She marveled at how the material of the garment glistened and gleamed in the light. As she stepped into the arms and legs of the body suit, which fit like a second skin, she felt the raw seductive power of the garment flow into her body. When she wore the gleaming suit Barbara felt her courage and her confidence were unlimited and that she could do anything.

Barbara gazed at her stunning reflection in the mirror before moving on. The next item, which she took from the dressing table were the fabulous ankle high Bat Boots. She pulled down the side zippers and slipped on her dazzling purple boots. The gleaming purple satin Bat Gloves were also removed from the table. The elbow length gloves with the three fins were then pulled into place. The last item from the table was the fabulous golden utility belt, which Babs buckled low on her rump. The buckle still carried the mark made by the bullet Joker fired at her. She wore it as a good luck charm.

Barbara picked up a hairbrush from the table and ran several strokes through her thick red main. The shiny satin Bat Cowl was then removed from its wood stand and then gently pulled down over the fiery tresses. Babs did not forget to fasten the strap, which held the cowl in place. The last item also taken from the wall was shimmering purple and gold Bat Cape also made with heavy bridal satin. It was quickly fastened at the neck and shoulders. Batgirl then folded the left and right edges back to expose the gleaming gold satin lining. With the Bat Cape in place the seductive transformation was completed.

Recently Batgirl had discovered several facts regarding her new costume. During her encounter with the gentleman burglar Lance Morgan Batgirl was greatly distressed when Lance removed both her cowl and her cape. The cowl was obviously important as it protected the Bat Beauty's secret identity. The cape originally thought to be a mere covering for her delicious Bat Butt had a hidden importance. Batgirl quickly found that the Bat Cape also defined her persona, for when it was taken from her she did not feel she was truly Batgirl. The Bat Cape provided her essence and allowed her to portray the dark avenging bat the scourge of all evildoers.

Now in costume Batgirl quickly moved to the freight elevator, which contained the famous Batgirl cycle. The Booted Beauty started her powerful Ninja cycle as the elevator descended. When it reached the street level the secret door opened and the bike exploded on to the pavement as Batgirl was on her way to Gotham General Hospital.

It took just ten minutes for Batgirl to arrive at Gotham General Hospital on her powerful cycle. After parking her bike the Bat Beauty was met at the entrance by the Director of the Hospital who inquired if she would be interested in a short visit to their newly opened pediatric laboratory. Always interested in the well being of children Batgirl instantly agreed to the tour.

As she entered the laboratory the shimmering seductress was most impressed by the large number of technicians working there and its immaculate appearance. The facility seemed to be filled with the latest computers and an abundance of high tech equipment. The Caped Cutie was certain the new lab would eventually help find cures for some of the more dreadful childhood diseases.

The whole time the Goddess of Gotham traveled the corridors of the laboratory heads turned and the staff called out friendly greetings to the Dynamic Damsel. Batgirl was thrilled by the friendly reception she received. The staff was honored that the Masked Maid had taken the time to visit and observe them at work.

The last stop on the tour was the toxicology lab, which had a large clean room where technicians in protective clothing conducted research on deadly viruses and bacteria. The room was pressurized and the air was constantly filtered. Batgirl and the other spectators watched the workers inside from a large viewing window. As they were about to leave a worker holding a silver aerosol can passed by the tour. He suddenly took a wrong step and bumped into the Director. As the two men collided there was a very short discharge from the can. A very fine mist, which she was not aware of, was suddenly directed on to the top and back of Batgirl's cowl. The technician apologized for his clumsiness and little attention was paid to the incident.

It was now time for the real purpose of the Caped Crime Fighters visit. Batgirl was mobbed by at least thirty children as she entered the pediatric ward for her visit. The boys and girls called continually called her name. The Bold Beauty was totally flattered. As was the case in all of her visits with the children Batgirl always began with story time. Here the young ones would gather around the Caped Crusadress as she related her latest crime fighting adventures. It was also a custom for Batgirl to select a young child to sit in her lap during story time. The Enchantress looked out over a sea of faces and tried to select a deserving child.

Suddenly the Caped Cutie spotted a sad face in the back row of the group. A young girl with deep blue eyes and red hair every bit as fiery as her own stood with a very forlorn look. Batgirl felt as if she was looking at herself at the age of two. She got up and slowly moved to the child and knelt down in front of her. Batgirl greeted the sad patient.

" Hi there! I am Batgirl. What's your name? " The child slowly answered, " Molly!" The Daring Damsel replied,

" Molly, would you like to sit with me during story time? " A broad smile came over Molly's face when she realized the beautiful heroine had chosen her. She then declared,

" Oh, yes Batgirl!" The Gloved Goddess picked up the young one and carried her back to her seat. As she sat down Molly now in her lap joyously threw a bear hug around Batgirl's neck and refused to release the heroine. The Masked Maid looked adoringly at the child and commented,

" Molly can you let go so I can talk to the others? " The child released her hug but began to fondle the two black pieces of felt on the Bat Cowl. Molly then inquired,

" What are these? " Batgirl replied, " Those are my ears. Did you know bats have ears?" The young one answered " No!" and then began rub her small hand on the shiny satin cowl and inquired,

" What's this? " Batgirl answered, " That's my cowl." Molly again inquired,

" What's it for? " Taking a deep breath the bold beauty replied, " The cowl hides my face so no one knows who I really am. Can I start my story now?" The child with the fiery red hair nodded and then threw another non- stop hug around the heroine's chest. Batgirl finally saw that Molly's bear hug was the price of doing business and began to relate her first encounter with that hideously evil villain " The Joker."

Batgirl recalled her latest adventures with the Joker and Catwoman. After an hour it was soon very apparent to the Booted Beauty that the children had become restless. The story was ended and it was now time for a game of hide and seek. Batgirl volunteered to be " It " to start the game. The Masked Maid did have a disadvantage however as where ever she went Molly was always behind her. The young girl would not be separated from her red haired heroine and she hung on to Batgirl like a bulldog. The Caped Crusadress finally conceded defeat picked up the red haired child and carried Molly wherever she went. The Dominoed Dare Doll soon found herself becoming very attached to the two year old. As the other children played Batgirl sat with Molly in her lap and talked to one of the nurses about the child's condition. The nurse informed Batgirl that Molly was a foundling with a serious medical condition that due to the current laws she was not at liberty to discuss. The lack of parents explained Molly' s attraction for the caped crime fighter. The nurse thanked Batgirl coming and for giving Molly some much needed attention.

Batgirl sat gently stroking the long red tresses of the now sleeping child and pondered the gross unfairness of life. What kind of person would abandon the beautiful child asleep in her lap? On top of that Molly had a serious illness. What kind of chance would this young one have? The more Batgirl considered Molly's future the more unanswered questions she raised. They seemed to pile on top of the each other one after another. Soon a wave of deep sorrow washed over the shimmering seductress as she contemplated the bleak future of the red headed child. Batgirl fought back her tears by holding Molly ever tighter in her arms.

As the Dominoed Dare Doll sat in the visitors lounge with Molly a sudden commotion arose down the hall. Batgirl heard several voices but remained in the room. The staff observed a short man dressed in the style of the nineteenth century and two women dressed as clowns come into view. The were followed by the head nurse who exclaimed,

" Who are you and what are you doing here? " The small man replied,

" Madame I am the Mad Hatter and this is Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. We have come to entertain the children." The nurse angrily declared,

" The children are being entertained by Batgirl. Now please leave! " The Hatter replied,

" What makes Bat Broad so special that she can visit and we can't?" The children now began to crowd around the oddly dressed trio. The head nurse continued,

" Batgirl asked for permission and you did not. Now please leave." Batgirl heard the voices and walked out into the hall to investigate still holding Molly. As her eyes fell on the man dressed as a fictional character Batgirl exclaimed,

" Jervis Tetch, what are you doing here? " Tetch smiled and declared,

" The same thing as you Batgirl just visiting the kids!" The Booted Beauty barked,

" Get out Tetch! You and your friends aren't welcome here." The Hatter smiled and declared,

" Now Batgirl is that any way to be? Actually though we came for something. " Now seething the dazzling damsel replied,

" And what would that be?" Jervis Tetch still smiling exclaimed, " Your Cowl!" With those words the Mad Hatter quickly grabbed a young boy and laid a switchblade knife at his throat. Jervis Tetch exclaimed,

" Don't anybody move or the boy gets hurt." Looking at one of his molls he continued,

"Harriet, grab the brat that Batgirl is holding. " Tweedle Dee moved to Batgirl and roughly yanked Molly from her arms. Looking straight at Harriet Batgirl exclaimed,

" If you harm one hair on that child I swear I will hunt you down!" Now in complete control of the situation the Mad Hatter now made his demand,

" Now Batgirl, you are going to remove your cowl or this boy and the girl are going to be hurt. I only want your cowl so I will let you remove it in private. Once you surrender the cowl to Hilda I will release the boy. When we leave I will release the girl." Still seething over his cowardly act Batgirl replies,

" Your pathetic Tetch! You can't steal Batman's cowl so you pick on some innocent children so you can get at mine. As I have to protect the children I have no choice in this matter I will give you my cowl." Jervis Tetch beaming replies, " Excellent! " The Bold Beauty then inquired to the head nurse,

" Nurse is there a private place where I can remove my cowl? " The nurse replied,

" Of course Batgirl. There is a supply closet down the hall. I will stand outside to see you are not disturbed. Oh this so embarrassing Batgirl and it is all my fault!" Batgirl smiled,

" You aren't to blame. One more thing, when these people leave could you have my cycle brought to the rear entrance and have some one escort me to it? " The nurse declared,

" As soon as they leave I will have security escort you. Don't worry Batgirl no one is going to see your face I promise you."

The Caped Crusadress and the nurse then walked down the hall to the supply closet discreetly followed by Tweedle Dum. Batgirl still seething with rage stepped into the closet and locked the door. The Booted Beauty was most concerned as this was the second time in six months when she had been unmasked. It was an annoying trend. Granted the circumstances were entirely different as this time she didn't have a choice in the matter. The only saving grace was that the headpiece would quickly be replaced by an extra cowl stored on the Batgirl cycle.

The Gloved Goddess undid the strap under her thick red main and pulled off the shiny headpiece. Before she opened the door she flipped the gorgeous purple and gold Bat Cape over her head to hide her flawless face from view.

When the gleaming satin glove holding the precious cowl emerged from the closet Hilda immediately grabbed it and raced back to the Hatter. Tetch smiled broadly as he now had his prize. He shoved the young boy toward the assembled nurses and slowly backed down the hall. Hilda then quickly fled to their get away vehicle.

Harriet however was in a bind as Molly, now awake; found that Batgirl was no longer around. She began to squirm and claw at the moll as only a two year old can as she tried to escape to the red haired heroine in the shimmering purple suit. Harriet constantly fought to control the feisty young one. Finally the two criminals made it to the front entrance where Hilda was waiting with a stolen van. Harriet then suddenly dropped Molly to the floor as she and Tetch raced to the van. With the prized Bat Cowl now in his possession the Mad Hatter and his two accomplices quickly fled Gotham General Hospital.

As Jervis Tetch escaped Batgirl, her head covered by the gleaming Bat Cape, was escorted by four burly security officers from the pediatric wing to the fabulous Batgirl cycle. On reaching her bike the Bat Beauty she took out her spare cowl. With no one looking Batgirl flipped back her cape and slid the shiny new cowl into place. Now fully restored the caped crime fighter headed back to pediatrics to check on Molly.

While Batgirl walked back to the wing there was much consternation over what had just occurred. The staff was most upset by the spineless act perpetrated on Batgirl by the madman in the top hat. The Masked Maid was able however to calm them down by assuring them that she was fine and that all that had been lost was piece of purple satin. With things settled down the caped cutie asked if she could see Molly. The staff searched for the child for several minutes but could not find her. As she waited in the hall Batgirl caught the sudden flash of a carrot top as Molly ran down the hall toward the enchantress as fast as her little legs could travel.

As the two year old arrived Batgirl knelt down and scooped the child into her glistening arms. Molly threw her patented bear hug around the neck of the Dynamic Dare Doll and squeezed for all she was worth. The young one was thrilled once again to be in the arms of her heroine. Batgirl reassured the child that she was fine and that the bad man was gone and would not return. The two red heads visited for another hour before Batgirl had to leave for an important diner engagement. The dazzling damsel assured the child that she would return tomorrow. After a big hug Batgirl headed home to prepare for her very special diner date.

Early in the evening the Goddess of Gotham City returned to the Bat Cave for another intimate diner with her champion Batman. Alfred had prepared another exquisite meal and the caped crime fighters lingered over the excellent cuisine. With the repast finished Alfred removed the dishes and excused himself for the rest of the evening. The two held each other's gloved hands over the table as they discussed the events of the day.

The most important topic was the loss of Batgirl's cowl to the Mad Hatter. They both agreed that due to DNA testing the recovery of the cowl was a top priority. Neither felt this would be a difficult task as the Mad Hatter was not a particularly sophisticated criminal. He was nowhere in the same league with Joker, Riddler or Catwoman. The bats felt that they would let Tetch have his prize for tonight but tomorrow they would track him down, recover the cowl and remove the threat to Batgirl's secret identity.

Their talk began to trail off and Batman immediately detected some great uneasiness in the Bat Beauty. He softly inquired,

" Batgirl, is there something else wrong? Batgirl smiled and replied,

" You're getting to know me to well Batman. " Batgirl took a deep breath and continued, " Today I met a beautiful young child named Molly. She is two years old with serious medical condition. Molly is a foundling with no parents and I feel so sad for her." The Caped Crusader interrupted,

" Are you thinking of adopting Molly? You know what that means?" Batgirl frowned and answered,

" You're really getting to know me! Yes I was thinking of adopting Molly but I know that if I do I will have to hang up my cowl and cape. I am not ready for that. I still need to be Batgirl. On the other hand how can I just ignore this poor child? " Batman seriously commented,

" You will help many more children as Batgirl than a single child as Barbara Gordon. I know that it sounds trite but you have such an infinite capacity for compassion. It is this gift for caring that makes you so special and part of the reason I have fallen in love with you." Batgirl was stunned by the words of the Caped Crusader but replied,

" Thank you Batman I really appreciate your sentiment but what about Molly?" Batman declared,

" Bruce Wayne has many contacts in the courts and legal circles. I am sure a little string pulling and arm-twisting will result in Molly's adoption by excellent parents in a timely manner." Batgirl started to protest but was silenced by the Caped Crusader,

" I know that after Washington you detest influence peddling as well wheeling and dealing but there are times like these when it is necessary. Besides you can be Molly's Aunt Barbara as well as Batgirl." Smiling lovingly Batgirl softy exclaimed,

" You always have the answers!" Batman winced as she continued, " It is not a slam Batman. You have great wisdom, which is one of the reasons that I have fallen in love with you. I would be grateful for anything you can do for Molly."

The caped crime fighters slowly arose from the table. Batman took his shimmering seductress in his arms and declared,

" God, I love you! " He then kissed her passionately. As their lips parted Batman now smiling inquired,

" Well my darling, now that you and I have solved all of the world's problems what shall we do?" Batgirl smiling wickedly declared,

" How about we go to the one place in this cave we have never shared." Batman replied,

" Ah, the Bat Boudoir! An excellent choice my love as we can finally release all of the pent up feelings and desires that we have had for each other and have suppressed for far to long." The bold champion then scooped up his Temptress in his strong arms and began to walk to the special place. Batman had taken two steps when a voice proclaimed,

" Ahem!" Batman holding Batgirl in his arms turned to find Alfred standing there. The caped crime fighter inquired,

" Alfred is there something wrong? " Alfred somewhat embarrassed answered,

" I am sorry to ruin your evening Miss Barbara and Master Bruce but I just learned some rather distressing news." Batgirl exclaimed, " What is it Alfred?" The butler replied,

" Well it seems that one of the children at the hospital you visited today Miss Barbara has become very ill. Gotham General has put out several appeals for you to call them." The Caped Crusader quickly lowered the Enchantress who flew to the nearest phone. The Booted Beauty was quickly in touch with the hospital,

" Pediatric wing this is Batgirl how can I help you?" Suddenly the face of the daring damsel fell and she exclaimed, " Yes, I am coming right away." Batman inquired,

" What's wrong? " Batgirl answered, " It's Molly she is very sick and they want me there as soon as possible. " Batman then exclaimed, " To the Batmobile!"

HOLY HEADPIECE

Can Batgirl recover her stolen cowl and help little Molly at the same time?

A mainstay for any writer is feedback from the readership. I would greatly appreciate any reviews or commentaries from on this story. Additionally if you have a story line or an idea for a story you would like to see written please contact me via E-mail at: batscribe@yahoo.com