Chapter 1 - The meeting
Night falls over New Gotham. The moonlight floods the city's main streets and backyard. Its reach also covers the industrial section, where smoke rises into the midnight air.
At one abandoned factory a car slowly pulls up and stops. A bald man with a long fur coat, camouflage pants and black military boots, climbs out the car. He looks around him cautiously while smoking a cigarette. Taking one last drag, he flicks the cigarette away and walks into the factory through an open door.
The bald man walks up to another man waiting for him. The stranger is silhouetted by the moonlight streaming through the broken windows above them.
The bald man spits saliva to his left and then looks at the stranger. "You called Mr. Bad?" he says staring at the stranger.
Mr. Bad lifts his head a little higher, "You know well my fiery friend that the Dark Prince is dead. Slain by one known as the 'Shadow Walker'. I want you to find this Shadow Walker and bring him or her to me," he replies.
The bald man smirks and nods slowly.
"I also have another job that requires your special skills, you need only to execute it tomorrow evening," Mr. Bad adds. He hands the bald man a piece of paper with an address on it.
"You got it Mr. Bad," the bald man says looking at the paper. He then turns around and walks away.
The stranger looks up through the windows. His eyes sparkle in the moonlight. An evil grin forms on his lips.
***
The night slowly fades away as the first morning rays peep over the horizon. In the park, a few men and women are jogging here and there. Among them is Cris. She jogs along a path next to the pond. She's jogging at an easy pace and doesn't seem the least bit tired.
Her mind is not on her jogging. The events of the last month run through her mind over and over. The threat her brother, Darren, had created had ended that one Saturday night. Her love for her brother had blinded her before; she had been the one responsible for his escape and rampage through various cities. Had she not have been foolish at keeping him alive he would have been executed long ago, and the threat would not have risen.
When he tried to claim Barbara, the rage inside her surfaced and she choose to fight the ultimate battle that could have killed her, to stop him. She could still remember the voices when she was in his shadow, the victims screaming to be set free and then his cold metallic laugh that seemed over- powering. She did stop him and she had managed to survive.
While these thoughts run through her mind she doesn't notice as someone runs up alongside her, matching her pace. It is the stranger who spoke to the bald man in the factory last night. It's only until he speaks that she notices him.
"You know, I always get a craving for caffeine after a good jog," he says. She turns to face him. He smiles and says, "Care to join me afterwards for a coffee?"
Cris smiles looking down the path, "You normally pick-up women in a park early in the morning?" she asks. "You making it sound like a bad pick-up line at a bar," he replied playfully. Cris laughs. "So what do you say?" he asks again. Cris thinks about it. She had enough time before class, but it still made her doubtful. "My treat," he says.
Oh what the hell, go for it Cris. She thinks to herself. "Okay," she replies. He smiles, "I'm Matthew by the way, Matthew Harper."
***
They walk into the nearest coffee shop and as the approach the counter Cris notices people staring at them. The woman behind the counter looks up, startled she drops the pencil in her hand. Managing a smile she quickly retrieves the pencil and straightens herself. "Ca. Can I help you Mr. Harper," she manages to say. Cris looks at her inquisitively and then at Matthew. He grins as he looks at Cris, "What would you like?" A smile tugs at the side of Cris' mouth, "umm. plain coffee, milk, no sugar," she replies. The woman nods writing it down. Matthew faces the waitress again, "I'll have the cappuccino," he says then motions Cris to a seat.
As they sit down Matthew chuckles and says, "They're always like this when I walk in." "Why," Cris asks inclining her head slightly to one side. "I own this place," he replies.
***
Cris and Matthew walk past the buildings sipping coffee. Matthew explains to her what he does for a living. Not only does he own a couple of businesses he is also the marketing manager for one of the top firms in New Gotham. "So what do you do?" he asks after taking another sip of his coffee. "I'm a teacher at New Gotham high," she replies. "How long have you been teaching?" he asked. "Oh, not too long, I started last week." "What do you teach?" "History." "Ouch." Cris laughs, "Why?" "I never was very good at history in high school," Matthew replied. Cris smiles. They reach an apartment building Cris says is where her apartment is. She stops and looks at him, "Well I have to get ready for class, thanks for the coffee," she says. Matthew smiles, "You know, I still haven't tried one of my restaurants out, would you like to accompany me tonight?" Cris smiles and before she realizes it, she nods. "Good, I'll be here about. seven?" he asks. "Seven it is," Cris replies.
***
The school buzzes as student arrive at the high school. Near the teachers parking Barbara had just got out of her car when she hears the roar of an engine approach the parking lot. Turning she watches as a Midnight blue Dodge Viper approaches her. Once parked Cris climbs out and greets Barbara. Barbara nods and then says, "I still can't believe you still drive sports cars." Cris laughs, "It's the need for speed that courses through my veins, it is the reason why I choose sports cars," she replies arming her car and then walks along side Barbara. "Oh by the way, Helena, Dinah and I are taking a night off and going to no man's land for a couple of drinks and I need a partner for pool, want to join us?" Barbara asks. "Umm. sorry, can't," Cris replies grinning. "You're giving up a free drink?" Barbara asks frowning. "Nope, I just have another engagement," Cris replies opening a door and lets Barbara through. "Ah, I see, do I know him?" Barbara asks. Cris laughs, "I don't think so." "Try me." "Okay, his name is Matthew Harper." Barbara stops suddenly. She stares at Cris hoping she was joking. Cris frowns, "What?" "You have a date with Matthew Harper?" Barbara asks carefully. "It's not a date, we just trying one of his restaurants," Cris replied as she resumed walking. "Okay, however you say it, you're still going out with one of the richest men in New Gotham," Barbara replied. Cris grins again.
***
Cris takes one last look at her hair. She adjusts it a little and then walks out the bathroom. As she takes one last look at the time the buzzer rings. She presses the button near her door. "I'm on my way," she says. She grabs her handbag and the walks out the door.
As she walks out the door, she gasps with surprise. A sleek limo was parking at the entrance and Matthew stood to the side of the open door holding a red rose. Cris had only just met him but her heart jumped with a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Smiling she walks up to him. Standing to attention he bows as he offers the rose to her. "Thank you," she says as she accepts the rose. He smiles and motions her to the door held open by the driver. Accepting his outstretched hand she climbs into the car, followed later by Matthew. "May I say, you look radiant tonight," He says turning towards her. Cris smiles shyly hiding her smile with the rose.
***
After the supper Matthew had the driver return Cris to her apartment. Matthew escorted her up to her door. Once she had unlocked her door, she turned around and looked at him. Her legs felt uneasy as he smiled, swallowing hard she said, "Thank you, it was. a perfect evening." He moved in closer to her, their bodies almost touch each other. His head moves closer to hers. Cris knew what was going to happen next and instead of resisting she moved closer to him, closing her eyes. Their lips meet and they hold the kiss for a while. After they pull away she opens her eyes again taking a deep breath in. He smelled so good. He smiles again and says, "I'll phone you tomorrow," and kisses her forehead. Cris smiles as she walks into her apartment, before she closes the door she watches him walk away. Once he is gone Cris closes the door and sighs. She hadn't fallen for anyone in a long time, but it felt good.
***
She couldn't sleep, the nights events stayed fresh in her mind. Changing in to warm clothes, she decides to take a walk. She headed out towards the park. The cool air felt good against her face. She still smelled is cologne; she kept seeing his smile and hearing his laughter. It had been a long time since she had a relationship. Long before her brother become a threat, she had once loved a man, but lost him to another woman she didn't know. She didn't cry though, she understood why he left her for the other woman; she made him happier than Cris ever could. After that she had a few dates and short-term relationships, but that broke once she started perusing Darren.
She exits the park and walks along a sidewalk past some apartment blocks. In the distance she hears women screaming and some shouting. She begins a fast sprint and approaches the commotion. Looking up she sees a sea of black smoke exit an apartment building, with flames licking the midnight air through open windows. The building seems old, having survived the destruction of the city that was once Gotham. Cris sees two men appear at the entrance and stumble down the stairs. She rushes over to them and helps them to a safe distance. She sees neighbors from the other buildings rush out with bottles and mugs of water helping those that were coughing. She then hears a woman screaming, "My Danny, he still in there, oh please someone, my Danny's still in there." Without a second to lose Cris grabs a bottle from one of the neighbors and pours the water over her jacket and hair. She calls over to the woman, "What floor?" "Second, oh please my Danny boy," the woman replies hysterically.
Cris sprints to the entrance ignoring the protests from the two men she helped out. Once inside she coughed involuntary as a rush of smoke enveloped her. Peering through the smoke she sees flames climbing the walls a curtains of the foyer. Looking around she notices stairs to her right and runs up it.
Once on the second floor she rushes to all the doors shouting, "Danny!" Suddenly she hears a whimper in one of the apartments. She rushes over to a door with pictures of cartoon characters and tries to open it. Crying out she pulls her hand away. The handle was hot from the heat of the fire. Standing back she kicks the door open and enters the room.
"Danny?" she shouts looking around. A cough answers back and Cris looks down. A little boy sat huddled under a table. She rushes over to him. "C'mon Danny, give me your hand," she says stretching her hand out. His little hand grasps hers. She pulls him towards her, she takes her jacket off and covers him with it and picks him up. She looks over at the window; it's covered with childproof bars. She swears inwardly and rushes out the room and the apartment. Once inside the passageway Cris sees that the fire had spread and the passageway was almost covered with flames. Then she hears a sound that makes her heart go cold. The ceiling above her was giving way. She closed her eyes trying to wish them away somewhere safe, but she was too weak from the smoke she had inhaled. Looking up everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She watched as the ceiling slowly gave way and fell towards her. A whisper escapes form her lips, "No!"
Night falls over New Gotham. The moonlight floods the city's main streets and backyard. Its reach also covers the industrial section, where smoke rises into the midnight air.
At one abandoned factory a car slowly pulls up and stops. A bald man with a long fur coat, camouflage pants and black military boots, climbs out the car. He looks around him cautiously while smoking a cigarette. Taking one last drag, he flicks the cigarette away and walks into the factory through an open door.
The bald man walks up to another man waiting for him. The stranger is silhouetted by the moonlight streaming through the broken windows above them.
The bald man spits saliva to his left and then looks at the stranger. "You called Mr. Bad?" he says staring at the stranger.
Mr. Bad lifts his head a little higher, "You know well my fiery friend that the Dark Prince is dead. Slain by one known as the 'Shadow Walker'. I want you to find this Shadow Walker and bring him or her to me," he replies.
The bald man smirks and nods slowly.
"I also have another job that requires your special skills, you need only to execute it tomorrow evening," Mr. Bad adds. He hands the bald man a piece of paper with an address on it.
"You got it Mr. Bad," the bald man says looking at the paper. He then turns around and walks away.
The stranger looks up through the windows. His eyes sparkle in the moonlight. An evil grin forms on his lips.
***
The night slowly fades away as the first morning rays peep over the horizon. In the park, a few men and women are jogging here and there. Among them is Cris. She jogs along a path next to the pond. She's jogging at an easy pace and doesn't seem the least bit tired.
Her mind is not on her jogging. The events of the last month run through her mind over and over. The threat her brother, Darren, had created had ended that one Saturday night. Her love for her brother had blinded her before; she had been the one responsible for his escape and rampage through various cities. Had she not have been foolish at keeping him alive he would have been executed long ago, and the threat would not have risen.
When he tried to claim Barbara, the rage inside her surfaced and she choose to fight the ultimate battle that could have killed her, to stop him. She could still remember the voices when she was in his shadow, the victims screaming to be set free and then his cold metallic laugh that seemed over- powering. She did stop him and she had managed to survive.
While these thoughts run through her mind she doesn't notice as someone runs up alongside her, matching her pace. It is the stranger who spoke to the bald man in the factory last night. It's only until he speaks that she notices him.
"You know, I always get a craving for caffeine after a good jog," he says. She turns to face him. He smiles and says, "Care to join me afterwards for a coffee?"
Cris smiles looking down the path, "You normally pick-up women in a park early in the morning?" she asks. "You making it sound like a bad pick-up line at a bar," he replied playfully. Cris laughs. "So what do you say?" he asks again. Cris thinks about it. She had enough time before class, but it still made her doubtful. "My treat," he says.
Oh what the hell, go for it Cris. She thinks to herself. "Okay," she replies. He smiles, "I'm Matthew by the way, Matthew Harper."
***
They walk into the nearest coffee shop and as the approach the counter Cris notices people staring at them. The woman behind the counter looks up, startled she drops the pencil in her hand. Managing a smile she quickly retrieves the pencil and straightens herself. "Ca. Can I help you Mr. Harper," she manages to say. Cris looks at her inquisitively and then at Matthew. He grins as he looks at Cris, "What would you like?" A smile tugs at the side of Cris' mouth, "umm. plain coffee, milk, no sugar," she replies. The woman nods writing it down. Matthew faces the waitress again, "I'll have the cappuccino," he says then motions Cris to a seat.
As they sit down Matthew chuckles and says, "They're always like this when I walk in." "Why," Cris asks inclining her head slightly to one side. "I own this place," he replies.
***
Cris and Matthew walk past the buildings sipping coffee. Matthew explains to her what he does for a living. Not only does he own a couple of businesses he is also the marketing manager for one of the top firms in New Gotham. "So what do you do?" he asks after taking another sip of his coffee. "I'm a teacher at New Gotham high," she replies. "How long have you been teaching?" he asked. "Oh, not too long, I started last week." "What do you teach?" "History." "Ouch." Cris laughs, "Why?" "I never was very good at history in high school," Matthew replied. Cris smiles. They reach an apartment building Cris says is where her apartment is. She stops and looks at him, "Well I have to get ready for class, thanks for the coffee," she says. Matthew smiles, "You know, I still haven't tried one of my restaurants out, would you like to accompany me tonight?" Cris smiles and before she realizes it, she nods. "Good, I'll be here about. seven?" he asks. "Seven it is," Cris replies.
***
The school buzzes as student arrive at the high school. Near the teachers parking Barbara had just got out of her car when she hears the roar of an engine approach the parking lot. Turning she watches as a Midnight blue Dodge Viper approaches her. Once parked Cris climbs out and greets Barbara. Barbara nods and then says, "I still can't believe you still drive sports cars." Cris laughs, "It's the need for speed that courses through my veins, it is the reason why I choose sports cars," she replies arming her car and then walks along side Barbara. "Oh by the way, Helena, Dinah and I are taking a night off and going to no man's land for a couple of drinks and I need a partner for pool, want to join us?" Barbara asks. "Umm. sorry, can't," Cris replies grinning. "You're giving up a free drink?" Barbara asks frowning. "Nope, I just have another engagement," Cris replies opening a door and lets Barbara through. "Ah, I see, do I know him?" Barbara asks. Cris laughs, "I don't think so." "Try me." "Okay, his name is Matthew Harper." Barbara stops suddenly. She stares at Cris hoping she was joking. Cris frowns, "What?" "You have a date with Matthew Harper?" Barbara asks carefully. "It's not a date, we just trying one of his restaurants," Cris replied as she resumed walking. "Okay, however you say it, you're still going out with one of the richest men in New Gotham," Barbara replied. Cris grins again.
***
Cris takes one last look at her hair. She adjusts it a little and then walks out the bathroom. As she takes one last look at the time the buzzer rings. She presses the button near her door. "I'm on my way," she says. She grabs her handbag and the walks out the door.
As she walks out the door, she gasps with surprise. A sleek limo was parking at the entrance and Matthew stood to the side of the open door holding a red rose. Cris had only just met him but her heart jumped with a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Smiling she walks up to him. Standing to attention he bows as he offers the rose to her. "Thank you," she says as she accepts the rose. He smiles and motions her to the door held open by the driver. Accepting his outstretched hand she climbs into the car, followed later by Matthew. "May I say, you look radiant tonight," He says turning towards her. Cris smiles shyly hiding her smile with the rose.
***
After the supper Matthew had the driver return Cris to her apartment. Matthew escorted her up to her door. Once she had unlocked her door, she turned around and looked at him. Her legs felt uneasy as he smiled, swallowing hard she said, "Thank you, it was. a perfect evening." He moved in closer to her, their bodies almost touch each other. His head moves closer to hers. Cris knew what was going to happen next and instead of resisting she moved closer to him, closing her eyes. Their lips meet and they hold the kiss for a while. After they pull away she opens her eyes again taking a deep breath in. He smelled so good. He smiles again and says, "I'll phone you tomorrow," and kisses her forehead. Cris smiles as she walks into her apartment, before she closes the door she watches him walk away. Once he is gone Cris closes the door and sighs. She hadn't fallen for anyone in a long time, but it felt good.
***
She couldn't sleep, the nights events stayed fresh in her mind. Changing in to warm clothes, she decides to take a walk. She headed out towards the park. The cool air felt good against her face. She still smelled is cologne; she kept seeing his smile and hearing his laughter. It had been a long time since she had a relationship. Long before her brother become a threat, she had once loved a man, but lost him to another woman she didn't know. She didn't cry though, she understood why he left her for the other woman; she made him happier than Cris ever could. After that she had a few dates and short-term relationships, but that broke once she started perusing Darren.
She exits the park and walks along a sidewalk past some apartment blocks. In the distance she hears women screaming and some shouting. She begins a fast sprint and approaches the commotion. Looking up she sees a sea of black smoke exit an apartment building, with flames licking the midnight air through open windows. The building seems old, having survived the destruction of the city that was once Gotham. Cris sees two men appear at the entrance and stumble down the stairs. She rushes over to them and helps them to a safe distance. She sees neighbors from the other buildings rush out with bottles and mugs of water helping those that were coughing. She then hears a woman screaming, "My Danny, he still in there, oh please someone, my Danny's still in there." Without a second to lose Cris grabs a bottle from one of the neighbors and pours the water over her jacket and hair. She calls over to the woman, "What floor?" "Second, oh please my Danny boy," the woman replies hysterically.
Cris sprints to the entrance ignoring the protests from the two men she helped out. Once inside she coughed involuntary as a rush of smoke enveloped her. Peering through the smoke she sees flames climbing the walls a curtains of the foyer. Looking around she notices stairs to her right and runs up it.
Once on the second floor she rushes to all the doors shouting, "Danny!" Suddenly she hears a whimper in one of the apartments. She rushes over to a door with pictures of cartoon characters and tries to open it. Crying out she pulls her hand away. The handle was hot from the heat of the fire. Standing back she kicks the door open and enters the room.
"Danny?" she shouts looking around. A cough answers back and Cris looks down. A little boy sat huddled under a table. She rushes over to him. "C'mon Danny, give me your hand," she says stretching her hand out. His little hand grasps hers. She pulls him towards her, she takes her jacket off and covers him with it and picks him up. She looks over at the window; it's covered with childproof bars. She swears inwardly and rushes out the room and the apartment. Once inside the passageway Cris sees that the fire had spread and the passageway was almost covered with flames. Then she hears a sound that makes her heart go cold. The ceiling above her was giving way. She closed her eyes trying to wish them away somewhere safe, but she was too weak from the smoke she had inhaled. Looking up everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She watched as the ceiling slowly gave way and fell towards her. A whisper escapes form her lips, "No!"