GOTHAM'S HOPE
Chapter 4 (Part 1)
Gotham Hospital 11:04pm
Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle did not know why Ra's Al Ghul was here all of a sudden. The two of them thought that this was some sort of trap that he had planned out somehow, because they weren't sure if Ra's was either going to kill them both or do something to take them as prisoners. Selina quickly ran over to where Bruce was and tried to protect him from Ra's by keeping him behind her while he was still sitting in his bed as she was facing towards the villain.
"I will not let you hurt Bruce, if you want to get to him you have to go through me." Selina said while pulling out her whip ready to defend both Bruce and herself.
"Relax miss Kyle, I am not here to fight and I have no intention to bring you two any harm. I just came to talk to Bruce that is all." Ra's explained
"Not gonna happen, your buddy Jeremiah Valeska tried to kill me and Bruce nearly died in the process." Selina said
"I am well aware of what happened earlier at Wayne Manor miss Kyle." Ra's said
"Why are you really here Ra's?" Bruce asked curiously
Ra's Al Ghul then turned his attention toward Bruce.
"The reason why I am here is, because my time has finally, come. I have spent many years living a life of serving the demon's head and leading the league of assassins in order to bring justice to this world while also trying to end the evil that wishes to destroy it. I knew at one point I would have find a successor who would be worthy enough to continue my work. That is why I am here Bruce, because now that I have completed my mission of bringing chaos to this city, the people of Gotham will soon need someone to defend it and become its dark hero to save it." Ra's explained
"No Ra's, I already told you before I will never join you or the league of assassins. You say that you want to save the world, but all you have done is hurt innocent people in Gotham, because all you do is murder anyone who gets in the way of your plan and that is wrong. You even tried to kill me and Selina by having Jeremiah do your dirty work." Bruce explained
"You honestly think that I sent Jeremiah to kill you and miss Kyle, that was never my intention Bruce. The real reason why I had Jeremiah invade Wayne Manor was to test you." Ra's said
Selina started getting confused from what Ra's meant by that and decided to intervene in the conversation.
"This doesn't make any sense, what do you mean by testing him?" Selina asked while putting her whip away back around her belt.
"The point of the test was to see if Bruce would be willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people he cares about, even if that means sacrificing himself to save another life. Bruce manage to succeed in doing that when he took a bullet for you after Jeremiah's failed attempt to shoot you in front of him." Ra's explained
"That's ridiculous, Bruce doesn't need some test to prove that he wants to protect the people he cares about. Sure he can get a little carried away at times, but deep down I know Bruce will always be there to help others, especially the people he loves and cares about." Selina said
"You may think that his test was unnecessary, but I don't, because it shows that he is now ready to fulfill his destiny." Ra's said
Bruce decided to speak again, because he knew where this conversation with Ra's was leading.
"You're wrong Ra's, you may think that I am meant to be your heir for the league of assassins, but I will never become someone like you. That day back at Blackgate prison when you forced me to kill you with the dagger it nearly destroyed me psychology, because I was filled with so much anger and I wanted to make you pay for killing Alex Winthrop. My emotions made me act selfish toward the people I love and I nearly pushed them away, because I couldn't accept the fact that I wasn't able to save Alex and that I broke my vow to never take a life. But I finally, overcame the darkness that tried to control me, because Jim Gordon was there to help remind me that even though I made some mistakes it doesn't mean that I have face them alone, because I have friends that really care about me and want to be there for me. If it wasn't for Gordon I don't know what would have happened to me, because if my inner darkness took control of me I would never be the same and it would make me forget who I really am deep down inside. Selina is right I do not need some test to prove that I want to help keep the city safe, because it's unnecessary. I really do want to defend Gotham and yes I will do whatever it takes to protect the people I care about, but I will not allow myself to make the same mistake twice where I cross a line that involves killing, because there has to be moral values for this city. That's why I will never be like you Ra's, because Gotham needs to know the real difference from what's right and wrong." Bruce explained
Selina actually found out about all of the stuff Bruce went through, because he told her about it. She wanted to check up on him to make sure he was alright so Selina came by Wayne Manor one night a few days after Bruce was nearly killed by Ivy Pepper. She found him in his study as usual and when the two of them started talking, that's when Bruce decided to be fully honest with Selina, because he didn't want to keep secrets from her anymore and he also felt that Selina deserves to know the real reason about why he was acting so different since the last time they each other, which was at "The Siren's Club". After Bruce explained everything to her, it all started making sense to Selina since she now knew the truth. He blamed himself for Alex's death and was unable to cope with it especially, when Ra's Al Ghul forced Bruce to him with the dagger, which is what caused him to become emotionally conflicted. Bruce also told Selina that he never meant to act like a selfish billionaire brat towards her, because Bruce wanted her to know that is not who he is and that he just didn't know how to deal with his guilt after everything he went through. Selina could tell that Bruce felt really bad for the way he acted and wanted to make things right between him and her. Even though the two of them had their ups and downs Selina decided to forgive Bruce, because she still cares about him so much and she was also glad to see that he was, finally being honest with her. Bruce actually felt much better afterwards, especially since Selina helped comfort him in order to pull him out of the darkness that Bruce was mentally trapped and bring him back into the light. It was from that moment on that both Bruce and Selina knew deep down they will always be there for each other no matter what.
"Such brave words to say Bruce, I have always admired that about you. For what it's worth I want you to know that I am truly sorry for everything I have done to you and your friends." Ra's said
"You really expect us to forgive you after what you and your ninja buddies have done to us along with this city." Selina said
"I do not need forgiveness miss Kyle, but I wanted to admit my mistakes that I have made to Bruce. I still believe in my cause of serving the demon's head and while I do not regret my actions to save Gotham, I now realize that their consequences to what I do." Ra's said
Ra's then turned his attention to Bruce to explain what he is trying to say.
"I never meant to bring any harm to you Bruce and I did not mean to kill your friend Alex Winthrop, it was not my intention." Ra's said
"Do you really mean it?" Bruce asked
"Yes I do and I wanted to make sure you knew that. I know now that I can't force you to lead the league of assassins or serve the demon's head, but it's important for you to know that you are destined to save this city as the dark hero that you're meant to be. Protect Gotham Bruce, because it needs you now more than ever." Ra's said
"I will." Bruce said
After the two of them finished talking, Selina decided to say something as well.
"So what are you going to do now?" Selina asked Ra's
"Well now that my mission is, finally finished there is still one last thing I must do miss Kyle." Ra's said
"Like what?" Selina asked curiously
Ra's then removed a blade he had stored in his knife sheath around his belt. When he showed the blade to Bruce and Selina they instantly recognized it as the Kurdish Dagger that can kill Ra's.
"This is also why I came to see you Bruce, because I need you to kill me again so that way I stay dead permanently this time and then after that I want you to destroy the dagger as well."
There was a moment of silence between the three of them during this conversation, because Bruce and Selina did not really expect Ra's Al Ghul to ask something like that. The two of them remember that when they last saw Ra's was when he fought Barbara Kean at "The Siren's Club" and he manage to re-gain the power of the demon's head from her after their battle. Ra's also took the dagger with him as well when he escaped, but Bruce and Selina didn't really know why he still needed it, because they thought that he was probably going to destroy it or maybe Ra's just wanted to keep it as a trophy. They could both tell that Ra's was being serious with what he wanted Bruce to do with the dagger, because this was part of his plan all along.
"No….I told you before that I will not cross that line again and I am not going to break my promise a second time." Bruce explained
"Bruce please, I know how much your promise means to you, but I am only asking you to do this one last time so that way I can be put to rest this time without being resurrected again." Ra's said
"I'm sorry, but I can't do it." Bruce said
Selina knew that Bruce didn't want to be put in this position again so she then came up an idea that might work.
"Bruce how about we do it together." Selina said
Bruce immediately turned his attention to Selina and he couldn't believe what she just said.
"What no Selina, why would you even think like that?" Bruce asked while feeling confused about her idea.
"Bruce I know you really don't want to kill Ra's with the dagger and I totally understand that, but why don't we both hold on to the blade together at the same time and stab him with it, so that way it will help you feel less guilty for killing him, because we'll both do it together." Selina said
"I don't want to put you in this position Selina." Bruce said
"I know, but you heard what Ra's said he really wants to be put to rest so believe me when I say this, you won't be breaking your promise Bruce I swear." Selina said
Bruce thought long and hard about this, because he knew he had to make a choice. As much as Bruce wanted to disagree with what Selina said, he knew that deep down she was right. If Bruce did choose to kill Ra's a second time he won't be doing it, because he wanted to, it's only to help Ra's finally stay dead forever without being brought back to life again. Plus Selina said she is willing to help Bruce kill Ra's Al Ghul with the dagger so that way he won't feel too guilty for doing it, because he and Selina will do it together. Bruce also understands that even if he does decide to kill Ra's it doesn't mean that he will break his promise again or become a an evil murderer like all of the other bad guys in Gotham, because Bruce knows the difference between right and wrong, which is what Selina explained to him during the conversation. After thinking about it for a few seconds Bruce finally, made his decision and decided to speak again.
"Alright, I will do it, but the reason I am only doing this is, because I want to help Ra's be put to rest so that way he does not get resurrected again. I'll also make sure that I destroy the dagger afterwards to." Bruce said
"Sounds good to me." Selina said
Bruce carefully removed the tube that finished transferring blood into his body earlier, but it was also still attached to his left arm. After that he slowly got out of his hospital bed to stand up, but he made sure to be steady since he was still recovering from his bullet injury. Selina helped Bruce stay stand up by wrapping his right arm around her shoulder for support. The two of them then turned their attention back to Ra's who was still holding the dagger in his right hand. He then handed the knife to Bruce and Selina where they both held on to the handle together. Ra's made sure to stay still before the two of them could stab him in the chest so that way he will die quicker without moving.
"I am ready." Ra's said
Bruce and Selina both counted to three before pushing the dagger into Ra's Al Ghul's chest. Once they were ready the two of them then proceeded to stabbing him right in the middle of his chest with the blade. In that same moment Ra's felt relieved, because his life of immortality was, finally over. His whole body slowly started to rot away into ashes right in front of Bruce and Selina as they watch him pass away. Just before he disappeared, Ra's decided to say one last thing to Bruce.
"Goodbye Bruce and thank you." Ra's said
After that the rest of Ra's Al Ghul's body turned into ashes and he was, finally dead. Selina was surprised to see him vanish just like that, because she remembered how a few weeks ago she saw the league of shadows resurrect him by using Bruce's blood and now Ra's is instantly dead again after stabbing him with the dagger. As the two of them look at the dead remains of Ra's Al Ghul's ashes, Bruce decided to say something.
"It looks like Ra's is really gone this time."
"Yes it does, but at least now he can rest in peace for real this time without being brought back to life." Selina said
"You are definitely right about that Selina and thank you for helping me through this situation, I really appreciate it." Bruce said
"You're welcome Bruce." Selina said
Bruce and Selina then looked at each as they were both uncertain with what they should do now.
"So what do we do now?" Bruce asked
"We should probably get out of here and back to Wayne Manor where it's safe as soon as possible. But first we need to get you some clothes to wear." Selina said
Bruce almost forgot that he was wearing only a patient's gown, because the doctors and nurses had to throw away his old clothes since they were covered in blood from the gunshot wound. Luckily they didn't throw away his cellphone that was in his pocket, plus the doctors and nurses were kind enough to leave it on top of a drawer that was right next to his hospital bed. Bruce made sure that he grabbed that before he forgot so now all he needs is to find some clothes to put on fast before he and Selina could leave the hospital.
"Agreed, but I need to call Alfred to just so that way he knows what happened and where we're going." Bruce said
"Alright, stay here and I will take a quick look around the hallway and see if I can find anything for you to wear." Selina said
"Okay I will." Bruce said
Selina left the room to search the hallway for any clothes she could find while Bruce stayed and waited for her to return. At that same moment Bruce made a quick phone call to Alfred to let him know that he is alright and that he's heading back to Wayne Manor with Selina. Meanwhile in the hallway, Selina thought about sneaking into the other male patient rooms to see if there were any clothes to take for Bruce to wear, but she didn't want to risk getting caught by either the doctors or nurses. After a short period of searching Selina manage to find a lost and found closet, which thankfully wasn't being guarded and it was unlocked to. She looked around to find some male clothing for Bruce to wear and eventually, Selina was able to find a long sleeve shirt, jeans, underwear, socks, and a pair of shoes that would fit him perfectly. Selina also took a jacket to so that way Bruce will have something warm to wear as well when they leave the hospital. Selina placed all of the clothes in a zip up bag that she grabbed from the lost and found so that way no one get suspicious of what she's carrying with her. She then slightly opened closet door to check if there was anybody in the hallway. Selina noticed that some of the doctors and nurses were starting to evacuate most of the patients from their rooms, because they heard about the bridges being blown up so they had to make sure that they get the patients out of the hospital safely and have them transported to another medical facility outside of Gotham where they can be treated. Luckily the doctors and nurses were too distracted with what they were doing so Selina was able to exit the closet and carefully sneak away without being noticed. Selina made it back to Bruce's hospital room and gave him the zip up bag filled with the clothes she found so that way he can get changed quickly before they leave.
"I manage to find a pair of clothes in the lost and found that will fit you." Selina said while un-zipping the bag to show the clothes she got for him.
"Thank you Selina." Bruce said
"You're welcome Bruce." Selina said
"I already called Alfred letting him know what happened and that I'm alright to. I also told him that we're heading back to Wayne Manor so Alfred said that he will meet us there soon. I'll go get change quickly in the bathroom and then we'll leave the hospital." Bruce said as he took the clothes out of the zip up bag to go get changed.
"Alright." Selina said
Bruce then went into the bathroom that was in his hospital room and immediately got changed into his fresh new clothes along with putting on the pair of shoes and the jacket to. Bruce also made sure that he took the dagger with as well so that way he can destroy it and not let it fall into the wrong hands again. After that he and Selina carefully snuck out of the hospital without being detected by any of the doctors and nurses. During that same time Bruce manage to re-gain some of his strength so he was able to walk with Selina as they safely make their way back to Wayne Manor.
Meanwhile back at the GCPD (A few minutes before Bruce calls Alfred)
Captain Gordon, Alfred, Barbara, Tabitha, and the sisters of the league made it back to the Gotham City Police Department safely after leaving the warehouse earlier. Alfred and Tabitha made sure they kept an eye on Jeremiah the whole time while he was still handcuffed so that way Jeremiah didn't escape. As the group entered the building Jim saw his partner Harvey Bullock talking to a few police officers.
"Harvey." Jim said to his friend, which immediately caught Bullock's attention.
"Jim thank god you're alright, where the hell were you? I tried calling you after the explosion went off, but you didn't answer so what happened?" Harvey asked as he walked over to where Jim was standing.
"I am sorry I didn't answer your call, but when we tracked down Jeremiah Valeska and Ra's Al Ghul at an old warehouse we couldn't stop the bombs from going off and then Ra's escaped, but luckily we captured Jeremiah." Captain Gordon explained
"Alright well I'm just glad you're safe and at least we have Jeremiah back in custody." Harvey said
"Thanks Harvey, I appreciate you saying that." Captain Gordon said
"You are welcome Jim." Harvey said
The conversation between Jim and Harvey was suddenly interrupted when Barbara Kean walk towards them, because she wanted to say something.
"Hey guys I'm sorry to interrupt, but where do you want us to put Jeremiah?" Barbara asked
Jim and Harvey turned their attention to Jeremiah who did not move or say a word since he was brought into the GCPD building by both Alfred and Tabitha.
"Put him in the holding cell." Harvey said
"Alright." Barbara said
Barbara then told both Alfred and Tabitha to put Jeremiah in the holding cell, which they did. During that same moment Jeremiah finally, decided to speak.
"Are you all really so desperate with keeping me locked up that you insist on leaving me handcuffed the entire time while I'm sitting in this jail cell." Jeremiah said as stood close to the bars in the holding cell.
"We are not desperate, but we're going to make sure that this time you don't escape again Jeremiah." Captain Gordon said while walking over to the holding cell where Jeremiah was standing behind the bars.
When he got closer to talk to the prisoner, Captain Gordon was now standing just two feet away from where Jeremiah was in his cell. In that same moment Captain Gordon removed the handcuffs off of Jeremiah with the key he kept in his right pocket. After a few seconds of silence, Jeremiah decided to talk again.
"This cell won't hold me forever Jim, I will break out again and when I do, I'm going to bring endless destruction of chaos to Gotham." Jeremiah said while smiling with a fiendish grin on his face as he stood behind bars in the holding cell.
"You will never win Jeremiah, because no matter what you do, me, Harvey, and the rest of the GCPD will always be there to stop you. We will keep you locked up this time and we're going to make sure that you never hurt another innocent person in Gotham ever again." Captain Gordon said
After that Captain Gordon turned around and walked away from Jeremiah to go back to talk with his partner Harvey Bullock. During that same moment Jeremiah's smile slowly turned into an angry frown. He hated how persistent Captain Gordon is, because even after everything Jeremiah has done to destroy Gotham, Jim still refuses to give up on saving the city, which is what really frustrated Jeremiah. Aside from that, Jeremiah knew deep down there was nothing he could do at this point, because he really does not have any back up plans or strategies to escape the Gotham City Police Department and Jeremiah has no way of getting in contact with his partner Ecco. So for now Jeremiah will just have to sit in his holding cell and wait patiently for awhile.
As Alfred watches Captain Gordon talk with his partner Harvey Bullock, he hears his cellphone ringing in his left pocket and instantly answers it.
"Hello." Alfred said
"Alfred it's me Bruce." Bruce said
Hello everyone, I know it has been a awhile since I have posted a new chapter for my story and I am really sorry for the long delay. I have been really busy the past two months, but I didn't want you guys to think that I stopped working on this story so I wanted to make sure you knew that. I do still plan to do only four chapters of this story, but I decided to split the last chapter into maybe two or three parts depending on how much I can fit into the next few parts of chapter 4. Anyways I really hope you enjoyed this updated part of the story, because I wanted to make it fun to read, especially for the fans of the show "Gotham". I promise I will update the next one as soon as possible and if you have any suggestions on what I should add for the next part please leave a comment in the review. Thank you for reading this and have a good day.
