Gotham's Mayor

by Windrises

Batman gets concerned when he finds out that Gotham's new mayor, Hamilton Hill, might be associated with Hugo Strange and Carmine Falcone.

Note: Batman is owned by DC Comics and was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Carmine Falcone was created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. This story was inspired by Jeffrey Thomas and Celeste Green's Gotham High.

One day, when Bruce Wayne was a young boy, he and his grandfather, Adam Wayne, were going for a walk around Gotham. During their walk, Bruce saw a group of robbers, who were being chased by the owner of a bank. Bruce also saw that a couple of Gotham's police officers were accepting bribes from a robber.

Bruce looked at his grandfather and said, "Gotham is more dangerous than I thought. Perhaps, the news is right, when they said Gotham was the world's most dangerous city."

Adam didn't want Bruce to be afraid of his own city, so he looked at him and said, "I know things look a little out of control."

Bruce replied, "It's worse than that. Not even the police are trying to stop the criminals."

Adam responded, "I understand, but an important thing to remember is that there are plenty of good people in this city. It's true, that the world isn't as perfect as cheerful, as the cartoons claim it is. However, it's not as hopeless and bleak, as cynical people claim it is. They'll likely always be evil, but one thing I know for certain is that whenever the forces of evil rise to power, the heroes defeat them and save the city."

Bruce said, "So, you think Gotham will get better?"

Adam didn't have a bit of doubt, while saying, "I know it will. In the near future, they'll be a hero, who gives Gotham the peace and justice, that it deserves." He looked at Bruce, with a smile on his face, while saying, "Maybe you'll be that hero."

Bruce was just a kid, at the time, so he really doubted that. He said, "I don't think that'll happen."

Adam replied, "I know you're going to be someone special, when you grow up. Make me proud."

Bruce responded, "I will. I love you, Grandpa Adam."

Adam hugged Bruce and said, "I love you, too."

The advice of Bruce's grandfather was one of the main factors that led to him becoming Batman. After a few months of attending his college, Arkham Asylum, Batman had made quite the impact. In a short amount of time, Batman was already starting to become the symbol of hope that Adam knew he'd become.

Bruce's grandfather was remembered, as being one of the best mayors, that Gotham had ever had. Gotham's newest mayor, Hamilton Hill, requested that Bruce come to his office. Bruce accepted the request, but he was a little worried. A lot of Gotham's highest-ranking people were scoundrels, that were bribed by Carmine Falcone, the true ruler of Gotham. Even Commissioner Loeb was working with Mr. Falcone. Bruce tried to give the new mayor the benefit of the doubt, but the Batman part of him had his suspicions.

Bruce entered Mayor Hill's office with a friendly look on his face. He was dressed in a fancy, brown suit. He wasn't used to wearing those kinds of outfits, because he had become used to wearing his Batman costume.

Mayor Hill shook Bruce's hand and said, "It's good to see you, Mr. Wayne."

Bruce replied, "Thank you, Mayor Hill. Congratulations on winning the election. Beating Marion Grange is nothing short of impressive."

Mayor Hill had a proud look on his face, while saying, "I do what I can. Anyways, I've brought you here, for a very important reason."

Bruce asked, "What is it?"

Mayor Hill answered, "Well, being Gotham's mayor is an important position of power. Because of this important responsibility, I'm expected to act a certain way and accomplish tasks, that consider impossible. Believe me, I'd like to take the Falcones out of business, I really would, but that's not going to happen. Whoever becomes the mayor of Gotham, will never be in charge." He sighed and said, "I doubt that'll ever change."

Bruce put his hand on his chin, while saying, "So, you want me to help you?"

Mayor Hill said, "Indeed I do. You're one of the richest and most famous citizens, that Gotham has ever had. If you let the people know you approve of me being mayor, I'm going to have a very bright future."

Bruce could hardly believe what Mayor Hill was asking him to do. He decided to summarize what Mayor Hill was asking him. He said, "So, you want me to brag about you, to the citizens of Gotham, so you'll be beloved by everybody and can make forget the fact, that you've given up on trying to save the city?"

Mayor Hill had a guilty look on his face and started sweating. He said, "I suppose my goals aren't the most mature, especially when you word it like that. However, I want you and everybody to know, that I care about the city."

Bruce decided that Mayor Hill needed some tough love. He got up and said, "If you care about the city, you're going to try to save it, instead of making me lie for you." He started walking away, before turning back and saying, "Despite your poor introduction, I see potential in you. Live up to it. You can be a great mayor, if you don't give up on Gotham."

Mayor Hill replied, "Um, thank you." After Bruce left, Mayor Hill had a confused look on his face, while asking, "What's up with that Wayne kid? He seemed like a really nice guy, but he's so obsessed with following the rules. I love following orders and all, but Bruce seems to be some kind of knight for justice."

The next day, Batman went into Arkham Asylum. As usual, he arrived early, so he could try to find clues, about Principal Hugo Strange's latest scheme. Hugo Strange came out of his office and saw Batman doing his usual investigating. The sneaky principal had a sly smile on his face, while walking closer to Batman. He was used to Batman searching his school's hallways, at the same time, each morning. Because of the Clock King's influence, Hugo had started paying more attention, to the patterns of time.

Hugo walked behind Batman and put his hand on Batman's shoulder. Batman felt a sense of fear, while turning around and facing Hugo Strange. Batman angrily stared at him and said, "Hi Strange."

Hugo replied, "Greetings, Batman. I see you were doing your usual investigating. You do this sort of stuff, so you can get the upper hand. However, I'm always a step ahead of my opponents, which certainly includes you."

The Clock King walked by, with a clock in his hands, while saying, "Batman enters the school at approximately seven-thirty, each morning. However, on days of worser traffic, he arrives at seven-thirty-five."

Hugo said, "The Clock King is the best, at recognizing time-related patterns, Mr. Batman. He's just one of many tools, that help me find out what my opponents are up to."

Batman looked at Hugo and asked, "Do you think you're really going to control everybody?"

Hugo answered, "I already do. I control everybody in Arkham Asylum, even you."

Batman sternly replied, "I'm my own person. You may be the Principal of Arkham Asylum, but you have no power over me."

Hugo responded, "You couldn't be more wrong about that. I control every teacher and student, that this school has ever had. However, if you'd like to ignore the truths of reality and live in a fake world of optimism, be my guest."

Batman replied, "The world isn't perfect and a bunch of sunshine, but it's certainly not a world of hopeless evil."

Hugo responded, "Either way, Arkham Asylum is mine."

Batman replied, "You may control this school, but I'm going to save Gotham."

Hugo had an amused look on his face, because he thought that Batman was the most ambitious student that he had ever had. Hugo said, "You're not going to save Gotham, Mr. Batman. Carmine Falcone is the master of this city. As much as I'd like to see him lose power, he's the one who calls the shots."

Batman replied, "Then I'm going to change history."

Hugo asked, "You think you change Gotham and make it safer?" Batman nodded.

The Clock King said, "The chances of that are incredibly slim. If you look back at Gotham's history, there's only been one or two successful heroes per decade. The chances of you being of those heroes are incredibly slim, according to my calculations."

Batman stared at Hugo and the Clock King and replied, "I don't care about your cynical thoughts or machine-operated facts. I care and believe in justice. I'm going to make Gotham safer."

Batman walked away from Hugo Strange and started walking to his locker. He got out his books and greeted Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy asked, "How are you doing?"

Batman said, "Not the best. As usual, Hugo thinks he controls everybody around him, while Carmine Falcone controls all of Gotham. No matter where you go in this city, it seems like there's a control freak, who's dominating over Gotham."

Poison Ivy replied, "That's a true shame. I wish there was someone, who'd put a stop this madness."

Batman responded, "If I may be so brave and bold, I think I'm going to be the one, who makes that happen."

Poison Ivy smiled and replied, "Well, I want you to know, that I believe in you."

Batman responded, "Thank you, Rose." He looked at Ivy and noticed she had something on her mind. He asked, "What's going on?"

Poison Ivy said, "Don't worry about it."

Batman replied, "Rose, you're my best friend. If you have a problem, I'm not going to ignore it."

Poison Ivy responded, "I haven't seen Harley, in a week. I'm worried that she got sick."

Hugo walked by them and said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation, but I want to assure you, that Harley Quinn isn't sick."

Poison Ivy replied, "That's actually relieving news."

Hugo responded, "I kicked her out of Arkham Asylum."

Batman frowned at Hugo and asked, "Why did you do that?"

Hugo answered, "It was about time, that she left this school. As you know, I select Arkham Asylum's students, based on how much they captivate my interest. I used to see potential in Ms. Quinn, but that has faded away. She's too similar to the Joker. If I have two students, who are so similar, the magic of Arkham Asylum will fade away."

Poison Ivy asked, "Then why didn't you kick Joker out? He's far more dangerous than Harley has ever been."

Hugo replied, "While that may be true, the Joker is a far more interesting case. He's one of the craziest lose-cannons, that Arkham Asylum has ever dealt with. Because of that, he poses a much more interesting and unique contribution, to this college."

Batman responded, "Strange, as usual, you've gone too far."

Hugo replied, "I make Arkham Asylum a better school, each and every day."

Batman responded, "That's not what you do. You corrupt Arkham Asylum and make it more intimidating, in order to give yourself cheap thrills. It's pathetic and evil."

Hugo shook his head and replied, "No, you're in denial of how much I benefit this school. I expected you to behave in such a manner, considering how many forms of denial are roaming around your brain."

Batman asked, "What are you talking about?"

Hugo pointed to Batman and Ivy, while saying, "Both of you have been playing the denial game. Your feelings for each other couldn't be more obvious, but you still act like you're just friends."

Batman replied, "We're best friends."

Hugo smirked and responded, "When you get married and have kids, you'll probably keep using that excuse. It shows how pathetic you've become."

Batman smirked back and replied, "When you've lost your school and have been arrested for your crimes, you'll probably still claim that you're a caring and responsible principal. That shows how corrupt you are."

Batman and Ivy walked away from Hugo. Ivy looked at Batman, while saying, "Wow, you showed Hugo who's boss."

Batman replied, "Hugo's going to get the punishment, that he deserves."

Poison Ivy said, "I hope so. Because of that jerk's dumb rules, I don't get to school with my best friend."

Batman replied, "I'm sorry Harley got kicked out, but you still have me."

Poison Ivy hugged Batman, while saying, "Thank you. Without you around, Arkham Asylum would feel like a real asylum."

Batman was in Professor Crane's classroom. Professor Crane was an intimidating man, who was obsessed with fear. He was often called the Scarecrow. Crane started at his students, while having a sinister smile on his face. He said, "Students, fear is a very underrated concept. A lot of people think that fears should be erased from people's brains, but I think they're an important part of people's evolution. That's why I put a lot of effort, into scaring all of you."

Batman folded his arms and replied, "You don't scare me."

Professor Crane had an annoyed look on his face, while saying, "Excuse me?"

Batman replied, "You can keep trying our cheap tricks and gimmicks, but it's not going to work on me."

Professor Crane responded, "Do you think my fear toxins are cheap, gimmicks?"

Batman replied, "You're not a caring professor or the master of fear. You're just a scoundrel, who enjoys seeing innocent students be frightened."

Professor Crane was getting furious at Batman. He had dealt with several students, who pushed his buttons, but Batman was a more extreme case of anger, for him. He said, "You should watch your tongue, Mr. Batman." A sly smile came upon his face, while saying, "I know how to deal with you. I'm going to give you a detention." He did an evil laugh.

Batman had a relaxed look on his face, while crossing his legs, and said, "I'm not going to go, to any detentions."

Professor Crane angrily asked, "What are you talking about?"

Batman said, "I don't have to go to detention. At least, I'm not going to it."

Professor Crane shook his fist at Batman and replied, "If you get a detention, you have to stay after school. You should know that, you lousy excuse for a detective."

Batman responded, "If you were a responsible, caring teacher, I'd listen to you and go to detention. However, I know you're a jerk, who gives students detentions, for entertainment, so I'm not going to keep going to your detentions."

Professor Crane was mad at Batman, for making decent points, but he wasn't ready to give up. A sneaky smile came upon his face, while saying, "If you don't start following the rules, you're bound to get expelled from Arkham Asylum."

Batman replied, "Nice try. Hugo Strange has an unhealthy obsession with me, so I don't think he's going to be kicking me out. You can forget about me ever attending your detentions, Professor Crane." Professor Crane looked upset, while his class pet, Man-Bat, growled at Batman.

After class was over, Poison Ivy walked up to Batman and said, "That was really brave of you, to back-talk Scarecrow."

Batman replied, "Scarecrow needed to learn, that he can't go around and scare his students. I'm not going to let him punish me. In fact, I plan on having him punished, along with Principal Strange. They've done far more crimes, than anybody should ever get away with it."

Poison Ivy responded, "I wish I could be like you and stand up to Scarecrow, when he tries to give me detentions."

Batman said, "You can do that. The next time Scarecrow gives you a detention, tell him you won't go."

Poison Ivy sighed and replied, "I'm afraid I can't do that."

Batman had a confused look on his face, while asking, "Why not?"

Poison Ivy said, "Unlike you, I'm not one of the students, that's on Hugo Strange's favorite students list."

Batman replied, "Believe it or not, Hugo Strange does have a list of favorite students. I'm afraid you weren't very high on there."

Poison Ivy responded, "I wish I could back-talk Scarecrow and be daring, bold, and stuff like that, but I'm afraid I couldn't do that. If I did that, Scarecrow would whine to Hugo Strange, who would have me kicked out of Arkham Asylum. They already kicked out Harley. It seems like they'll kick out anybody, who they don't want to deal with."

Batman wanted to make Ivy feel better and he couldn't stand the thought of her leaving, so he said, "I'll tell Strange, that if he kicks you out, I'm going too."

Poison Ivy looked up at Batman and replied, "No, you shouldn't do that. You shouldn't risk your future, because of me."

Batman responded, "Strange isn't going to kick him out, so you don't need to worry about that. Besides, my future wouldn't be as bright, if you weren't a part of it."

Poison Ivy blushed and replied, "If that's the case, I'm going to make sure I'm a part of your future."

Batman responded, "I'm glad to hear that."

Batman looked at his watch and noticed that it was lunchtime. While looking through one of the hallway's windows, he noticed something, which caught his attention. He looked at Ivy and said, "Excuse me, Rose. There's something I need to check out."

Poison Ivy replied, "Okay, but be careful."

Batman responded, "I will be."

Batman went outside and saw a limo, which he knew belonged to the Falcone family. Alberto Falcone was the one in the driver's seat, while Mayor Hill was a passenger. The limo was parked at the school. Batman walked up to the limo. He could hardly believe that Mayor Hill was hanging out with the Falcones.

Mayor Hill rolled down his window and said, "Um, greetings Batman. Because of your questionable reputation, I'm not sure if meeting you is a gift or a curse, but I'd still like to give you a proper greeting." He shook hands with Batman, while saying, "I'm Mayor Hamilton Hill."

Batman replied, "Mayor Hill, you're going to have a meeting with Carmine Falcone, aren't you?"

Mayor Hill straightened his tie and responded, "I mean no disrespect towards you, but I'd rather not have a bat-themed vigilante judge my life choices. I have no desire to start a rivalry with you, so I'll kindly ask you to walk away."

Batman asked, "Why is the limo parked here?"

Mayor Hill answered, "We just need to pick somebody up."

Hugo Strange walked up to the limo and got inside. He said, "It's time, to get to the meeting."

Batman raised an eyebrow and replied, "Principal Strange, you're involved with Carmine Falcone?"

Hugo had an amused look on his face, while saying "Oh Batman, you never fail to mind your own business. I'm guilty of the same things, which is one of the main things, that led to our special rivalry. For your information, Mr. Falcone is just a casual business partner of mine. It's nothing you should think about or focus on, even though I know you will."

Batman sternly replied, "Stay out of trouble."

Hugo smiled and responded, "That's never going to happen."

Batman looked back at Mayor Hill and said, "Mayor Hill, you can't accept any of Falcone's bribes, no matter how tempting they may seem. You're the Mayor. You're one of the few people in Gotham, who has a position of power, that isn't a criminal. Don't become one of them. You have potential. I know you do."

A few minutes later, Hugo Strange and Mayor Hill walked into one of Carmine Falcone's meeting rooms. They greeted Commissioner Loeb. Hugo Strange shook hands with the Commissioner, while asking, "How are things going?"

Commissioner Loeb said, "Good, for the most part. However, I'm having trouble with the new lieutenant, James Gordon. He gets the job done, but he doesn't play by our rules, if you know what I mean."

Hugo replied, "He's one of those people, who follows the rules, no matter what."

Commissioner Loeb responded, "Yeah, he whines to me, about not handling my force properly, a few times a week. You have no idea, how annoying his rants are."

Mayor Hill said, "I'm dealing with a similar problem. Both Bruce Wayne and Batman are insisting I follow the rules and make a positive difference in Gotham."

Hugo asked, "Bruce Wayne? I've been wanting to meet that man. What's he like?"

Mayor Hill said, "Nice, a very positive lad. However, he shares Batman's desire, for a more simplistic and overly-heroic brand of justice."

Hugo put his hand on his chin, while replying, "Bruce Wayne and the Batman seem to have similar goals." Hugo started thinking about the situation.

Suddenly, Carmine Falcone entered the room. He walked up to his guests and said, "Greetings, gentlemen. It's nice to see you. As usual, I had to come late, because of pesky heroes, who won't stop bothering me."

Commissioner Loeb replied, "Story of my life."

Hugo responded, "Mine as well."

Carmine had a sneaky smile on his face, while sitting down, and saying, "First off, I want to welcome our new mayor, Hamilton Hill." Hugo and Commissioner Loeb pretended like they cared about Mayor Hill, by clapping.

Mayor Hill had a proud look on his face, while saying, "Thank you. I'm incredibly flattered, to get such a warm reception."

Commissioner Loeb whispered to Hugo, "Is he being sarcastic or is he clueless?"

Hugo took a close look at Mayor Hill, before whispering back, "Seems like the clueless type, in my opinion."

Carmine said, "Second off, I believe it's time to get to business. After all, Hugo Strange will have to get back to the school, after his lunch break is over."

Carmine's desire, to hurry things up, was ruined, because his phone started ringing. He had an annoyed look on his face, while picking up the phone, and asking, "Who's there?"

Batman answered, "Gotham's dark knight."

Hugo said, "Batman will never stop intruding on my plans, no matter where I go."

Batman replied, "As long as you stay on the path of evil, I'll always be after you. However, this time, I need to talk to somebody else."

Carmine sighed and asked, "Who is it?"

Batman answered, "Mayor Hill."

Carmine threw the phone, which Mayor Hill caught. Mayor Hill said, "Batman, you better have a good reason, for interrupting this important meeting."

Batman replied, "The meeting had to be interrupted, because it's a meeting of Gotham's most ruthless criminals. I know you're not one of them, Mayor Hill. I know you have flaws and have a hard time resisting temptations. However, that's no reason to turn against your principals and your responsibility to make Gotham a safer place. The former mayor, Adam Wayne, was a wonderful man and was one of your friends. Don't you want to respect his legacy?"

Mayor Hill thought about the situation, while feeling ashamed for being at one of Carmine's meetings. He often claimed he wanted to make Gotham a better place, but he hadn't been living up to his potential. After getting off the phone, he looked at Carmine and said, "I'm afraid I have to get going. Also, I'm not going to re-schedule this meeting. I plan on bringing justice to Gotham, not increasing the city's crimes." He pointed to Carmine, while saying, "Don't bother trying to offer me bribes, because I want no part of it. Goodbye, gentlemen."

After Mayor Hill left, Carmine angrily said, "Batman ruined my chances, of being able to control Mayor Hill."

Hugo replied, "Batman's a fascinating case, but he causes a never-ending amount of trouble."

Carmine said, "I can't believe that Hill fell for Batman's sentimental garbage."

Commissioner Loeb replied, "Batman's a pest, but he's also a softie, just like Gordon."

After Hugo and the Commissioner left, Batman burst into the meeting. He snuck around the shadows, while saying, "Greetings, Carmine Falcone, also known as the Roman."

Carmine replied, "I'm far more than that. I'm also the ruler of Gotham." He grabbed a gun and said, "Depending on how things go, I might also be the guy, who eliminates the Batman."

Batman responded, "I'm not staying long, you scum. I just want you to know, that I'm going to be putting an end, to the crime of Gotham, and considering how many crimes you've done, I'll have a special eye on you."

Carmine tried to shoot Batman, but he snuck away. Carmine looked up and said, "Gotham is my city. Nobody's going to take away my life's work. Watch your back Batman, because if you keep interfering with my business, I'll break your back."

Batman was about to drive home, but he decided to pay Poison Ivy a quick visit. He knocked on her door. Poison Ivy opened the door. Batman put a rose in her hand, while saying, "A rose for you, Rose."

Poison Ivy replied, "Thank you, Batman. It feels weird calling you a fake name, considering how close our friendship is." She rubbed Batman's chin, while asking, "Will I ever know your true name?"

Batman answered, "Batman is my true name. The name I was born with refers to a life that's long gone."

Poison Ivy asked, "Who are you?"

Batman answered, "I'm the Batman.""