The news of the attack on the Lien manufacturing building spread like wildfire. People were asking who or what caused the Sons of Gimm and Roman Torchwick to do something like that, but they were met with silence and mere assumptions. The only thing that was known for sure was that The Shadow had been there and stopped their plans and that Roman had been taken into custody.
The former rising star criminal was the only so far that had survived The Shadow's wrath and was the police's only source of who might the vigilante be as well as the reason behind his theft of Dust stores.
Roman Torchwick had been thrown in prison by Vale PD and was currently being interrogated by Pat and another officer, his superior Chief Galespy.
The chief was an older man with short white hair, fair skin and wore a black suit with a white shirt.
"Alright Torchwick, start talking. Why were you at the manufacture tonight?" asked Pat
"You're only making things more difficult for yourself, son. I've busted you a couple of times and I know that you'd never hit such a well armed place, you prefer stores and banks." said the Chief.
Roman remained quiet almost as if he couldn't talk.
"What did you see? Why was the Shadow there?" asked Pat
That got a reaction out of Roman, as soon as he heard that name he began to breath quickly and feel like the darkness of the room got closer and closer towards him.
"Please, you got to keep me away from him!" said Roman "That man is a monster in the night, I've met some crazy and scary people in my day, but...but this guy he's something else. He fought like a possessed being, he was swallowed by the shadows and reappeared at will and his laughter I can still hear it echoing in my head."
This put the two cops in a confused state.
The Shadow had been striking against crime and arguably things were much better, but his actions still put him at odds with the law. But despite how impactful his actions were he would disappear in the night without a trace.
Before the two officers could get some more information out of the criminal they heard a tap on the window. The officers stepped out while Roman begged them to leave the lights on.
Outside of the interrogation room stood one of the officers and Glynda Goodwitch of all people.
"Hello Professor Goodwitch, what can I do for you? We were in the middle of an interrogation." said Chief Galespy.
"I am here because of that chief. You are to release Roman Torchwick into Beacon custody. Effected immediately." said Glynda giving the chief a paper. "You'll see that everything is in order."
The Chief and Pat took a look at the paper and Pat answered with disbelief.
"Are you serious? We caught him while you and your huntsmen have been doing squat and now that we've got him you want him to take the credit? No way." said Pat
"Torchwick is part of an investigation that has been deemed for huntsmen and huntresses only. Surrendering him to us is the best way to get results." said Goodwitch feeling a little annoyed by Pat's reaction.
"Then how come we're only hearing from this now?" asked Galespy
"As I said, the investigation was deemed only suited for huntsmen and huntresses. Headmaster Ozpin deemed it so after careful consideration." said Glynda
"Sounds to me like smoke and mirrors. Councilman York has been making sure that the police are aware of any and all huntsmen mission as to better respond to them. Now Ozpin the Great has decided to work against him. That's fishy to say the least. What kind of crap are trying to pull here?" said Pat
"Chief Galespy, are you going to allow this kind of language in your station?" asked Glynda
"I'll let him know when he says something that I don't agree with." said Galespy in a stern tone.
Glynda only sneered in annoyance.
"If Roman Torchwick is working for someone, or because of his connections with the underworld, someone is going to try to get him. The safest place is here. If you take him out at this time, people will try to whack him." said Pat
"I can assure you detective, no one will lay a finger on Mr. Torchwick." said Glynda
Police and huntsmen were not often at odds but they did butt heads form time to time given that huntsmen were given more leisure than the police in their jobs. Councilman York had tried to help ease the disagreements but it was hard keeping both sides happy because many didn't want to compromise.
Amidst the conversation someone entered the interrogation room getting Roman's attention. Roman was about to say something when the man placed Roman's scroll in front of Roman's face and a text message could be seen. Roman's eyes widen as he read what it said, and it said that 'I'll be seeing you soon'.
The officer then placed the scroll on Roman's coat and left the interrogation room.
Roman had a face of utter terror as Pat and Galespy entered the room once more.
"It appears that against our better judgement, you'll be transferred to an undisclosed location where Professor Goodwitch will take you off our hands." said Chief Galespy.
"But before we hand you over to Ms. Stick-up-her-behind, what do you know about the vigilante?" asked Pat hoping that Roman would spill something.
"I'll never get there. You can't see it can you? You can't see them because they don't want you to." said Roman
"Who, Roman? Who are they? Where are they?" asked Pat hoping to get the information.
"You won't see them coming. They are smoke, smoke in the shadows. They live in the darkness and aren't afraid of stepping into the light. I saw it in his eyes, a true inferno. And he will stop at nothing to accomplish his mission." said Roman before two officers came to take him away.
Pat looked at Galespy but was met with as much doubt as he had himself.
Outside the Police Department, The Shadow observed the building.
"I can't believe I'm going to break into the department." said The Shadow
"At the least you won't be seen, and it's not like you're after someone in the police force." said Bruce through the communicator.
"I was sloppy, and Roman got away." said The Shadow
"You can make up for it by getting him out, we need to find out what he knows. He could give us an insight into the movements of certain groups." said Bruce
"We already verified that the attacks have been on the same locations that Shiwan has been trying to purchase, but Roman Torchwick was a last minute change. If he's somehow involved with Khan, then he could give us the information we need on why he's after these places." said The Shadow
"For that, we need him alive and alone." said Bruce just as some cars began to move towards the back.
The Shadow observed as Roman was taken outside by two officers, Pat and Glynda Goodwitch. The Shadow narrowed his eyes at the sight. He saw how they put Roman inside a patrol car.
The Shadow followed the car through the night sky. The patrols had taken several turns and moved through streets that kept their destination a mystery. Just as they reached Main Street he noticed something was wrong with this.
A little further down the street a large lorry had broken down and the driver was looking at the motor. This forced the patrol cars to stop. Some of the officers as well as Pat and Glynda Goodwitch stepped out and went to check on what happened.
"Allow me to do the talking." said Goodwitch sternly.
"Go right ahead, although this is more my specialty." said Pat before turning to his officers. "Stay with Torchwick, don't let him out of your sight."
The officers did as Pat instructed. Pat and Glynda walked towards the lorry driver hoping to get some answers or to help at the very least.
"Excuse me, what seems to be the problem?" asked Glynda to the driver.
"Damn thing's busted. Not sure what's wrong." said the driver
"Would you mind if I move your vehicle? We are on a tight schedule," said Glynda
"I'm sorry lady, but my boss will kill me if I don't get this hunk of junk moving." replied the driver.
Pat observed the driver as the steam coming out of the motor obscuring his face. Pat looked back to where the patrol cars were and noticed how quiet the street was. Pat looked up to see some of the windows open but the curtains were down, and he could've sworn that there was some movement inside. Pat got a feeling of dread as the usually lively street was calm as a graveyard.
"Let me go get my tools, they're right here." said the driver moving to the other side of the lorry.
Just then, Pat spotted a shadow moving near one of the alleys. Pat narrowed his eyes feeling something wasn't right. Pat was about to suggest a new route but then several curtains were pulled up and the people inside the rooms began to open fire on the officers.
The lorry driver jumps back out holding a shotgun. Just as the fake driver was about to fire, Pat pushed Glynda out of the way avoiding the shot. Pat rolled and pulled out his gun and fired at the driver.
"Told you this was a bad idea." said Pat
Glynda got back on her feet and pulled out her riding crop. Glynda blocked the bullets that were coming towards them. Suddenly from the alleys came out several armed men dressed in old gangster suits and began firing some their tommy guns.
Pat got behind one of the patrol cars and tried to fire back. But it was no good, they were pinned down and their huntress was busy keeping the bullets from the windows from killing them.
Just then a large shadow casted down on the street, followed by a nightmarish cackle.
MWAH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
As the laugh echoed through the street, The Shadow fired at the snipers as he fell to the street. After The Shadow took out the snipers, he drops some smoke bombs on the blinding both gangsters and police. Everyone starts to cough as the smoke covers their eyes.
The Shadow wastes no time and begins to take out the gangsters.
The Shadow grabbed a hold on one of the tommy guns and used it as a bat on one of the gangsters. He then punched another one before shooting another one in the stomach. The smoke began to fade and the remaining gangsters turned their sights on the vigilante. The Shadow kicked a tommy gun up to his hands before grabbing it and opening fire on the gangsters.
Once the gangsters were down on the ground, The Shadow jumped over the patrols towards the one Torchwick was inside.
Amidst the chaos Roman was able to crack the window of the patrol car and tried to crawl out of it.
"Going somewhere?"
Roman looked up shockingly to the source of the question. The Shadow glared at the thief before wrapping his left arm around Roman's neck and firing the grappling hook far away.
At that time Pat and Glynda came out of the smoke and saw how The Shadow flew away. And Roman dropping his bowler hat. Pat tried to shoot at the vigilante but Glynda uses her semblance to pull his gun away from Pat's hand.
Pat could only watch as The Shadow took Roman away from them in rage.
"Why did you do that?" asked Pat
"You could've hit Roman Torchwick. Remember, we need him to get answers," said Glynda giving Pat a stern look.
"Yeah, I know. But this proves what I was saying," said Pat. "Someone tipped off that Roman would be moved, if he had stayed at the station we would've been able to keep him under lock and key. But you just had to Shanghai him for your own secret huntsmen bullshit."
With a crack of her riding crop, Glynda Goodwitch made Pat hold his tongue for the briefest of moments.
"Understand this detective: We may be on the same side but if you take up that tone with me again, you'll regret it," said Goodwitch
Pat looked down almost in shame and held his tongue.
"Besides, they won't go far." said Glynda as she pulled out her scroll.
The Shadow had taken Roman to an abandoned building where he believed they would have time to talk. Roman had been thrown to the floor and the vigilante aimed his pistol at him.
"Start talking Roman. Who put you up to the attack on the Lien printing press and why? Also, while you're at it tell me who put you up to the dust robberies?" asked The Shadow
"I...I don't know! I swear!" said Roman
The Shadow saw through his lie. He fired a shot at Roman's leg.
"Lie to me again and I'll shoot you a little higher next time." said The Shadow
"Her...her...name is Cinder Fall. She's the mastermind behind everything." said Roman
"Where can I find her?" asked The Shadow
"She's at the shipyard with some White Fang grunts planning her next move, she means to infiltrate Beacon Academy." said Roman
"Why?" asked The Shadow aiming square at Roman's head.
"How should I know? I'm not that curious." said Roman trying to get some more minutes of life.
The Shadow cocked his pistol getting an 'eep' from Roman.
"I don't know!" screamed Roman in fear.
Just then a phone began ringing. This caught both The Shadow and Roman off guard. The Shadow followed the sound of the ringing until he found it coming from inside Roman's coat. He grabbed hold of the scroll and saw that the calling number was blocked but he still answered it. The Shadow got the scroll near his ear waiting for the caller to speak.
"Hello, Mr. Torchwick? Are you there?" asked the voice through the scroll
The Shadow moved the scroll to Roman.
"It's for you." said The Shadow
"Um, hello." said Roman to the scroll.
"Hello Roman, I'm surprised to see that you're still alive. I thought by now you'd either be in custody of the huntsmen or dead, but it appears you're quite lucky. I hope that there are no harsh feelings between us." said Shiwan Khan through the scroll.
"So that's why you called me for the job. I'm your patsy, aren't I Shiwan Khan?" asked Roman in anger.
"I guess you do have some resentment, judging by your tone. Now if you wouldn't mind, I want to speak to the vigilante that saved your skin." said Shiwan making Roman's eyes to widen.
"He wants to talk to you." said Roman to The Shadow.
The Shadow placed the scroll on his ear.
"Hello, scum." said The Shadow
"Well then, how should I refer to you? Detective perhaps? Well it doesn't matter. I am sure you have several question, as have I. But I will save you the trouble of asking, and I'll just say that you're in my way." said Shiwan
"You attack and kill people to make a profit while playing the good guy. Why are you attacking those locations? What's the end goal?" asked The Shadow
"There really is not much to say, it is my destiny to rule over this kingdom. You've seen the dark underbelly that has festered under the incompetent leadership of the council and the huntsmen are completely oblivious to the problems inside the kingdoms to do anything about it. I can tell that you're trying to make the world a better place and make a difference, but your war against my empire is over." said Shiwan Khan
Before The Shadow could do anything else the sound of several patrol sirens got his attention. The flashing lights of the cars made The Shadow realize that they had found them.
"Shadow, this is Vale PD, come out with your hands up!" called out Pat with the megaphone.
"It appears they have found you." said Shiwan almost mockingly.
The Shadow looked around and saw that there were many patrol cars with armed policemen. He was then able to see Pat and Glynda Goodwitch holding a megaphone.
"How did they know we were here? Did you tell them?" asked The Shadow
"And have our conversation interrupted? No, my paid off officers told me your location. The huntress got your location by her own means." said Shiwan
The Shadow grabbed Roman's cuffs and snapped them open. Inside the cuffs there was a small tracker that would allow whoever had access to it to track anyone inside the kingdom.
"If you think I can't escape them, you are sorrily mistaken." said The Shadow
"I am well aware that you'll do that, but isn't the plan. Don't worry, I'll only break my own things." said Shiwan Khan.
At that very moment, shots were fired and some of the officers fell dead to the ground. The Shadow spotted a couple of snipers and quickly shot them with his pistols.
"If you think you've won, you got another thing coming Khan. I will stop you." said The Shadow
"Good luck." replied Khan before the call ended.
The Shadow removed the sim card from the scroll before throwing it away. He turned to see Roman Torchwick pick up an old table and smashing it on him. The Shadow got back up as Roman took to running.
Outside the SWAT had arrived and were preparing to go in, all weapons locked and loaded.
"Alright guys, our objectives are inside. Capture them both-" began Pat until Glynda cut in.
"Belay that order! I want Torchwick alive. Take precautions against The Shadow, but above all else take him out! Move out." ordered Glynda before SWAT moved into position.
Pat snarled at how Glynda took away his command.
Back inside The Shadow tackled Roman from the back breaking through the floor. Roman tried to get back up but The Shadow activated his pistol's taser and shocked Roman dropping him.
The Shadow slung Roman over his shoulder, but before he could move the SWAT busted in the door. The vigilante dodged the bullets before shooting at the ceiling causing the remains to fall over the team. The Shadow ran towards another room.
As the Shadow opened the door another member of the team aimed his rifle at him.
"Drop him." said the officer
The Shadow complied before firing the grappling hook directly at the officer's face. The officer dropped the rifle before The Shadow pulled him and threw him through the door.
The Shadow closed the door behind him, but he then heard a gun being cocked right next to him.
"You best put that away, if you wish to survive tonight." said The Shadow as he looked to the now armed Torchwick.
"We both know that won't be the case. You heard Shiwan, I'm his patsy. They'll shoot to kill, and even if I survive he'll make sure I go down to keep his actions secret." said Roman panting
"I'll stop him." said The Shadow
"I know, you will. Funny thing, this reminds me of this old thing I learned in the gutter. 'The world ain't gonna give ya anything. It's a mean place where you got to fight for what you want. So, if someone gets in your way, you fight'," said Roman cocking his gun. "See you on the other side."
The Shadow nods to Roman before disappearing. Roman then kicks the door and goes in shooting at the SWAT team.
As the sounds of bullets echo through the building The Shadow fled the scene with no one being the wiser.
Back at the mansion, Lamont had taken off his mask and looked frustrated for the situation. Just then Bruce walked in with a cup of coffee.
"It's been a long night. Thought you needed something." said Bruce giving Lamont the cup.
"I heard his voice grandpa, Shiwan Khan may be one of the most dangerous enemies I've faced thus far. He throws away lives like he doesn't care, all to control the kingdom." said Lamont
"Maybe, but what will you do? Will you let him win?" asked Bruce
"No. I just don't know where to start." said Lamont looking at the sim card.
"Then, endure. Let the fires and winds of adversity turn you into the bullet that'll end him." said Bruce
Lamont looked at his grandfather before gazing at the card. He held it tightly.
"Then let there be war." said Lamont with his eyes burning red.