Day 95

While I was jogging towards the precinct, I heard cars driving at high speed. And they were getting closer. I went closer to the buildings to prevent from getting hit. And then from afar, I saw several patrol cars, driving in my directions. The first three zoomed pass me but the last one, stopped not so far from me.

"Hey, Muffin!" I think his name was Riley. Yes, Officer Riley. "Get in."

Wasting no more time, I jumped into the car. "What's going on?"

"Penguin ran through the barricades with the Street Demons. They're going to the Haven," he explained, lips dropped down in a frown.

My reaction was instant. The moment he mentioned 'Penguin', my eyes widened in alarm. Clingy bastard! My inner-self cursed. We expected his arrival but we didn't know that he would be very furious.

Luckily, we arrived there first since we're closer to Haven. We went in through the back entrance of the building and rushed towards the front yard. There are quite many people at the front yard, doing regular activities and… singing?

Oh, it's Mr. Penn and Oswald's former choir group. Oswald's former bodyguards must be somewhere. The crowd was confused when Jim suddenly instructed them to get inside to take cover. Their confusion transformed into fear when there were loud thunderous sounds of motorbike entering the premises.

The officers led the frenzied people into the building since they were running everywhere. I jogged to the group of people closer to me and commanded them to go into the building. "Get inside guys. Come on. Quick."

But the Street Demons and Oswald quickly arrived at the scene. There were people who were still outside with us, hiding behind carts and cars.

"Stay away from the windows!" I shouted to the people inside the building. I was standing near Mr. Penn and the choirs. Oswald exited the car, walking out confidently with subtle limp. I looked down at his legs. There was some sort of contraption around his right one.

"Well… if it isn't my old friend, Mr. Penn," he chirped. "And the Gertrud Kapelput Memorial Choir. Oh, it is so nice to see some familiar faces!" At the last few words of the sentences he altered his happy posture to furiously yelling at them.

"He's so going to kill you," I quickly whispered at Mr. Penn. He turned to me with a horrified look on his face. I gave him a pity face and tapped his back gently.

I didn't even have to be at close distance to Oswald to know that he is very angry. "And you!" He pointed to me. I made a dramatic innocent face. "You were supposed to make breads for me!"

Dropping my act, I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You shouldn't have come here, Oswald," interrupted Jim.

"Oh, well, perhaps you shouldn't have stolen my people or my dog. Sarah should have shut her mouth, not manipulating my people to come here!"

Wait. He has a dog? And the dog ran away too? Why didn't I notice it when we escaped last night?

"Every refugee is here of their own free will and under the protection of the GCPD." I nodded at every word that Jim had said.

I think Oswald's head might get exploded in anger. "Edward!"

I beg your pardon? Edward? That's the dog's name?

I instantly recalled the time I gave name to Nygma's mug years ago; which I called Nygmug and Edmug. That was a very painful period of time for me, still desperate for Nygma's love. Then, I head a soft whine nearby. I glanced at the back and there he is. Edward the dog.

Aww… look at him. He's adorable.

Oswald was still calling for his pet dog. And very demanding. But Edward the dog didn't even budge from his place. Then he glared at our captain.

"I will make this very simple, Jim. You return our people… and Edward… and an apology or we will destroy this little commune of yours and salt the earth on which it stands," he warned.

Jim rejected his 'offers.' "Now turn around unless you want a bloodbath." It was Jim's turn to say his threats.

However, Oswald (the former mayor and underworld kingpin of Gotham) is not that stupid, though sometimes I think he is when it comes to his sentiments. He said he knew of how we have limited numbers of weaponry. I peeked at Jim, wondering what he wanted us to do. Because we can't use up our bullets. And there are more than a hundred lives at stakes in the apartments.

Oswald commanded the Street Demons to go forward and attacked us. But Jim raised his gun and started shooting. The other officers on the area began opening fire as well. If they kept on shooting, they're going to have empty magazines.

The offenders quickly retreated from the shower of bullets and Jim and the blue boys stopped shooting.

"You want to test us, Oswald?" Jim bluffed again, receiving a dirty look from Oswald. "I'm sure my men could use the target practice."

I almost laugh at his bluntness. But I wished that Oswald bought the lie and scooted away. Oswald and the Street Demons were hissing conversation between themselves.

Please go away.

Please go away.

Then their conversations became louder.

"I know Jim Gordon," Oswald sassed to the men. "But if you require a demonstration… three of you, march." He ordered the people of Street Demons to come forward as experiments.

Hah! Selfish bastard!

I lost count on how many insults I had called Oswald in my mind.

He even threatened them with his firearm to march forward. They would die either way and this is madness! I pulled out my gun quickly and pointed at them. My hand was shaking as I held the gun towards them. I don't know if I could pull the trigger myself. After shooting Kyle, it was even difficult to touch a gun.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied my stance, hoping that I could take actions if those people cross the boundaries. Three of the Street Demons advanced at us, but the police shot at them, causing them to fell down. Two of them were shot and groaning in pain while the other tried to run away, only to notice that the police had emptied their guns.

In the end, I didn't pull the trigger.

The Street Demons began to move forward with assurance.

It's your turn, Sarah, my inner-self coaxed. Pull the trigger before they got to you.

"Well, Jim," Oswald snickered. "It seems you are out of ammo, after all. Now, if you don't want your men to die in a hail of bullets, you know what to do."

Come on. Pull the trigger, Sarah.

And I did and it hit on the ground right in front of Oswald. I was surprised by my own action.

"Oh, stop it, Sarah!" he shouted. "You're a little late for that. You can't fight alone with that gun against us."

I glanced at Jim and saw that he was looking at me. I don't know why but I lowered my gun at the look of his face. Jim finally threw out the towel so the rest of the police officers dropped their weapon. I felt conflicted; I was disappointed at myself for not shooting earlier.

I didn't even notice that one of the crooks, grabbed me and put my arms behind, confiscating the only loaded gun that I have. My heart grieved as I saw our enemies manhandled the refugees into the building. Why can't we protect them? Why are the good ones weak?


I was held together with Mr. Penn and the choirs. The Street Demons and Oswald had taken over the Haven. Oswald will take his men back but I don't know what will happen to the rest of us. My bag and radio was taken by them as well.

"Damn, I shouldn't have convinced you guys to come here," I sighed.

"We were actually planning to escape from Penguin, so don't blame yourself," one of the choirs said.

"Look. Oswald won't kill you because I'm sure he needs his Gertrud Kapelput Choir, so you guys will be fine. But you're gonna starve again," I said, wincing at the uncomfortable restrains.

Then, one of the woman choirs were taken by a man. He was glancing at the woman with lust, then he pulled her in his arms, inhaling her neck. The woman was shaking in fear. I wasted no time and rounded a kick at his thigh.

"Unhand her, leech!" I bellowed, pushing my head in between them so that he would let the woman go.

"We choose our women here and it ain't you," he angrily bristled, grabbing my hijab, pulling backwards so that my face is opened for him.

I shot my knee up to his lower stomach, causing him to loosen the grip on my hijab so I smacked my head to his nose. Without wasting another second, I kicked right on his chest. He stumbled backwards a few steps before falling down on his butt.

I swear to God if anyone is trying to touch someone inappropriately, I'm going to beat them up until they don't see the daylight for weeks.

"Damn. She's tough," another of Street Demons men spoke. I think he was the leader. Then he looked at the man that I just trampled. The man was holding his chest in pain while blood dripped down his nostrils. "You doin' okay, Toothy? Heh. Beaten up by a girl, eh?" laughed the leader.

Next thing happened was he took hold of Mr. Penn's collar and attempted to shackle his neck. I was going to attack but a female Street Demon backhanded me and pointed a gun on my head. I could taste blood at the corner of my lips.

"Oswald is not going to like that," I informed, ignoring the taste of copper in my mouth.

I don't know what they're going to do with Mr. Penn. I thought they worked with Oswald.

"Mr. Cobblepot," whimpered Mr. Penn. I glanced to his sight and saw Oswald staggered forward briskly.

"Stop. That one belongs to me," Oswald commanded, talking about Mr. Penn.

"No can do," the leader of Street Demons argued. "You sacrificed one of my guys calling the cop's bluff."

The pale birdy looking man grunted in frustration. "So what?" He charged and took Mr. Penn away from the Street Demon. "I said he's mine." He fumbled at the shackle, untying it from Mr. Penn's neck.

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Cobblepot," Mr. Penn shakily expressed.

All of a sudden, a shot was fired to Mr. Penn's chest. Some people screamed in alarm and fear while I gaped at the scene before me.

Oswald looked shocked and appalled as he held his secretary in his arms, calling for his name. Mr. Penn's mouth hung open, trying to suppress the pain.

"Then how about we take your territory?" the Street Demon leader said, betraying Oswald. "And your bullet factory." He walked away, leaving Oswald to cry over Mr. Penn.

Mr. Penn stared at Oswald, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Mr. Cobblepot."

"You fool!" Oswald screamed, hands pressing on Mr. Penn's wound. "This never would have happened if you stayed with me. Why did you leave?"

Even in pain, Mr. Penn had a smile on his face, but it was remorseful smile. "Everyone hated you." Then, he was still. He's dead. Oswald remained above him, either was thinking of his final words or the fact that his secretary has died.

He tilted up to the leader and charged forward heatedly. He was screaming at him that he would pay for what he had done to his subject. The leader then sent a blow to his face with his gun before his men brought Oswald to a different room. Oswald's shouting could be heard as he was dragged along the corridors.


"I said don't touch her!" I hissed.

The man, Toothy, I think his name is. He tried to take the same lady again but I ran between them, telling the lady to hide behind me.

"Bitch! Move away!" he spat. This time he pointed his gun at me. Reluctantly, I stopped.

My heart was filled with hatred and fury as I saw the crying woman was dragged by Toothy, away from the area. Then a female Street Demon came and took one of the male choirs, dragging her fingers against his body.

"I'm gonna like you," she purred. Before I get the chance to charge, she also pointed up her gun.

I hate this.

I hate this.

The woman decided to play around with me, smirking maliciously. "You think you're tough, huh?" she leered, harshly pushing my forehead with her index finger. "Look around." She pushed my head again. "We win, dumbhead." She pushed again. "This place is ours." Then she ordered the men to release my restraints.

I didn't falter my sight on her. Oh, I'm going to remember that face. That piercing at her nose and eyebrow. That beauty spot under her chin. That pair of ruby red lips. That pair of blue green eyes.

Then she told some guys to take the choir group away, leaving me there alone, surrounded by her and two other men. They were talking right at my face on what to do to me.

"I think we should cut off her other hand," one man said, gesturing sat my limbs. "And her two feet."

"Scalping her would be much more fun," the woman hummed. "Or… we could take her right eye, then her right ear, her right foot so that everything is balanced."

I notice that there is another officer not so far from me; being enclosed by the enemies as well. They were discussing on who will 'handle' him.

"How about this?" a voice I'm too familiar with spoken.

The Jim Gordon escaped. He had a gun in his hand and he was assertively pointed it towards our enemies. A smile broke onto my face but dropped as quickly as it appeared when the Street Demons pointed their guns at him.

"Drop your guns, and I won't shoot you," said Jim. I was a little confused with his confidence mannerism. Or he might have a plan prepared.

"How the Hell did he get free?" the one man of Street Demons probed.

"Don't matter," replied the leader. "He's bluffing again."

"I'm afraid he's not," another voice I'm too familiar with spoken. Everyone turned their heads towards Oswald, who was equipped with a huge gun. "Neither am I." And he released fire to the enemies, shooting the leader down as well.

I smirked at the panicked woman in front of me. They had untied me, you know, to play around with me before actually killing me. Gripping her nose-ring, I pulled it downwards. She screamed in pain. And then I punched her nose with my right wrist, trying to tell her that severed hand is still functioning very fucking well.


Officer Riley had given me a ride to the hospital. I decided to leave Haven since we already won. We successfully defeated the Street Demons, although with the help of Penguin. Before I leave, I had asked Oswald why he killed Butch and he bitterly answered because he killed his mother. I didn't argue with him because that is Oswald's way of moving on. Then I asked about Nygma. He said that he don't know where he is. I don't know if he is lying or not, but he seemed truthful. I hope Nygma is with Lee and that they had run off to the mainland.

8.03pm. I need to do my prayers later at the hospital.

On the way, I had radioed Hassan about the situation and informed him that I will be at the hospital to see Beth and take my bottle flask. I greeted the doctor and nurses.

"How was Beth today?" I asked them.

"A teeny bit better. At least, she wasn't rude and shouting. But still the ice queen." One of them replied. That's a progress. I walked into the room where Beth is. She was staring at the space but when she saw me her lips instantly curled downwards.

Really? My inner-self sighed. Chocolate drink doesn't work?

All of a sudden, there was a huge explosion heard. We couldn't see anything from the windows in the room. My heart began to beat faster. Where did it come from?

My son. My husband.

I quickly pulled out the radio from my belt. "Hassan?! Are you there?!" I called in panic.

"Sarah? We're fine," he responded. I let myself dropped on the bed in relief, massaging my chest with my severed hand.

"Thank God," I said to myself.

"The explosion," he cut me off. "It was from Haven!"

I felt cold shivers down my spine as my eyes widened in horror. I heard the nurse who was in the room with me gasp. Oh my God… how about the people?

"Miss Sarah!" It was the doctor. He was breathing fast, maybe from running here. "We need your help! Haven was blown up. We have incoming!"


I felt dizzy as I saw the numbers of people injured in the hospital. The crying children, the wailing parents, the weeping elders. It was too much for me. But I tried my best to focus and attend their injuries.

Lucius came to the hospital to check on us and instructed the officers to bring bodies out to give more space for the injured people. I saddened everytime the doctors confirmed of someone's death. Then I saw them. At first I saw Willow, then Mateo, and then the other nine children who had lived under my care for a few months; Rose, Bill, Carlos, Padma, Donald, Tiny, Chloe, Mike and Lucky. The nurses covered their bodies with white sheets, while I stumbled forward with my tremblinv hand covering my lips.

"Oh God, no…"

I wept while walking towards their bodies. I shouldn't have let them go. I should have kept them in my apartment.

A hand on my forearm halted my steps, but I tried to pull away to reach those kids. "Sarah," someone said. The person turned me to face them. It's Lucius. "We need you to focus right now." By now, he was grabbing both sides of my upper-arms, shaking me slightly. "Please… stay focus. There are more people who need help."

I averted my eyes from him and looked at the officers who brought the children out.

"Who did this? W-were you at Haven?" I quaked.

"We don't know who it is. But now the hospital is shorthanded," he exclaimed, hands still holding me. Pursuing my lips, I looked hard at him in the eyes. Okay, these people are our priority. Next, I'm going to find that son of a bitch who did this.


Day 96

The next morning, I didn't sleep. I couldn't sleep. How could I? This place smells like death. It's quiet now. No more crying and wailing. But it didn't felt serene at all. The doctors couldn't help most patients because the hospital didn't have enough tools and equipment.

I dragged my feet to a nurse and told her that I'm going home. The nurse looked exhausted as well. It's about 6 in the morning and we were busy until an hour ago. The white nurse outfit stained with dust, dirt and blood. She gave me a nod and continued her work. I looked down at my own outfit. Since my shirt is dark blue, the bloodstains were not obvious. I had no idea how many patients got their blood smeared to my clothes. I heard from the doctors that there were more than 300 deaths.

When I glanced up from my outfit, my eyes caught with Beth's. Usually, I would flash her a warm smile, but at the moment, I can't seem to do it. I averted my eyes and walked out of the room.


Hassan and I got into our first nasty fight. Why? Because I was being a selfish bitch, again. He wanted me to stay at home to rest since I haven't slept, but I refused. I wanted to find the bomber.

"Then what?! You're gonna kill the them?!" Hassan hollered.

"No. I'm gonna beat their asses until they just beg to be killed," I hissed.

"That is not what Malik's mother should do."

"I'm also their mother! Even for just a few months! They don't deserve to die. Those people in Haven don't deserve to die!"

With that, I stormed out of my apartment and ran into the streets. I felt frustrated that he didn't understand me but at the same time, I know I should be resting. Yesterday was already too much for me to handle. But I want to help. I want to help the GCPD find the perpetrator.

I rounded a corner when suddenly I collided into someone. In reflex, I strengthened my stance and raised my arms in front of me in a defense manner.

"Nygma?"

He looked surprised to see me as well.

"I thought you…" I stopped my words. He's not at the mainland. "I heard Butch was killed so I thought you run off. Where's Lee?"

"Were you crying?" he asked instead, looking closely at my face. I took a step back instantly, wiping my tears with the sleeve of my cardigan.

"Answer my question," I coldly said.

"I don't know where Lee is."

"You're the other guy." It's the more darker ego of Nygma. I couldn't help but feel suspicious. "What are you up to? And where were you yesterday?"

He seemed to be frustrated about something. "There is a problem in my head," he answered, pressing his index fingers at each side of his forehead. "I kept on waking up in different places and I can't remember a thing. I think Ed is taking control."

I narrowed my eyes, thinking. He would hate that if 'Ed' would return, though I would gladly accept him. I surmised he must be very busy with his inner struggles instead of bombing hundreds of people. And it's not Riddler's modus operandi to begin with.

"That's good then," I replied. "Nygma, if you're in there. Come out."

Nygma scowled at what I had said. "You better take that back!" he snapped, stepping closer to me to intimidate me. As if I will be afraid of him, my inner-self scoffed.

Thinking that he is harmless at the moment, I decided to leave him alone. "No. I'm busy. Have fun trying to figure out your riddle."


Two huge trucks parked outside of Gotham Central building. The sign 'Penguin, Our Savior' gave me the hints who the trucks belongs to. I rushed towards the trucks. There were a few men unloading boxes out of the trucks. Weapons?

"What are these for?" I announced myself as I walked towards the huge men.

A few of them immediately pointed their guns at me.

"Come on. Some of you know me." I raised my arms to the side to show them that I'm not holding any weapon. They lowered their guns. "Now, what your boss is planning right now?"

"We're helping you. To kill the bastard." One man replied.

I admitted I was skeptical. It was the same when Oswald 'offered' help to eliminate Professor Pyg, but it didn't end well. Oswald must have ulterior motives about this. And I know he wanted that bastard to die because he was afraid that his turf might be targeted next.

"Your boss is inside?" I asked and they nodded.

I hurried my steps inside and when I arrived, I witnessed Jim accepting a rifled gun from Oswald. Oh Jim, I hoped you think carefully of what you had done.

"Hey, get out of the way!" someone grunted at me. I looked behind and saw the men outside bringing the boxes. Quickly I took a step aside and give them way. They walked towards Oswald and placed the boxes before him.

My feet moved fast towards the police officers and I stood by them. "Don't be shy," Oswald said. "Go. Take all you can carry."

When Oswald is being generous, that's when you know something is up in his sleeves. I furrowed my brows and analyzed him. All the officers marched forward and grabbed the weapons. I stayed on my ground. I have my knives. Guns still made me uneasy.

"Sarah. What are you doing there?" Oswald called. "Take the guns. You can have them all."

I approached Jim from behind and whispered, "Can we trust him?"

"No. But it's our best shot. We have to find the bomber," Jim responded. Then he looked at Oswald. "I'm guessing there are strings attached?"

Oswald shrugged. "No strings. Save for the one that we will cinch around the neck of the Haven bomber." I guessed he wanted the bomber as much as we do. "I lost people, too, Jim. People you lured with promises of safety and security, only to have them incinerated. Isn't that right, Sarah?"

I glared at Oswald from Jim's shoulder and then finally made my move. I pursued my lips and squared up before the criminal mastermind. I hated what he said. He blamed us for the explosion. I have had enough of self-blaming and he was making it worse. "Whatever you say, Oswald," I muttered with suppressed anger.

Then I moved from his sight and scanned the weapons inside the boxes.

"But I would rather we put aside our considerable differences, and go get the people some justice," Oswald continued.

All of the weapons are heavy duty weapons. And none caught my interest. I grabbed a small gun and half-heartedly studied it. Maybe I should just keep one, I thought.

"What do you say, partner?" I heard Oswald said. I turned around to look at the two superiors. Oswald was offering his hand for a handshake, waiting for Jim to take it. As Jim had said, we don't have other choice. He accepted Oswald's hand and this will be another Hell of a partnership.