Arrival

Gotham Docks

"Please for the love of god, I'm sorry! I won't bother you again, I swear. Please don't kill me! Please don't kill me!" A man screams as he was shoved onto the ground. A woman walks over the man's body. Her green eyes look over to Wayne Tower that was in the distance. A small smile forms on her lips as she walks across the docks. The woman has long brunette hair and wears a zipped-up black leather jacket and tight-fitting leather jeans with black strapped boots.

"Don't let me see your face again or I will kill you" she warns the man as he jumps to his feet and runs away from her in a panic. The woman's green eyes turn to face the city once more "This is Gotham: the city that my father once told me about. Well, my love, it is time for me to see if you have become the dark knight of his visions and if you are worthy to rule the league of shadows by my side..." Talia observes the bright neon lights of the city at night. She walks towards the city with her eyes fixated on the large Wayne tower. She soon walks among the streets of Gotham. Looking at every single detail that she could.

Talia al Ghul looks at the people that she walks past. Some looked to be healthy enough, but others. Some looked filthy, homeless and scared. Her eyes find themselves looking at a group of children stood around a garbage can that was on fire as they put their hands to it in an attempted to get warm. Most of the streets stunk of drugs and alcohol and the people in the area all look at her, taking notice of her presence. They seemed harmless enough and even if they wanted to cause trouble; they would be nothing against her.

She lifts her head towards a three-story building next to her. She leaps up and grabs hold of the bars of the fire escape. Pulling herself up, she jumps up to the ladder to the next level of the platform. With one more leap, she stands on the roof of the building. Looking onward at the large lit tower across the city "My love, are you truly ready for what you must do? Of what comes next in your journey...for the scarifies that must make" the woman looks over Gotham.

"Are you sure that he didn't do it?" Lee Tompkins asks the man sat beside her. Both she and Jim Gordon were sat next to each on their couch. Jim loosens his tie before he pulls it off. He looks over to his wife and shrugs as he gives a look of uncertainty which Lee quickly picked up on. She brushes her hand against his knee "Jim, as much as I hate to admit it. When it comes to you and your gut feelings...you are usually right to go with what you think is true"

"Okay. I am almost certain that he didn't kill those cops, but someone else did. He told me that it was some guy named Talon and that the court of owls is back in town. He even warned me to watch my back as they might come after me. Those don't sound like the actions of a guilty man" Jim sighs as he stands up and picks up a pair of empty wine glasses "Plus if the court is really back in Gotham...that means they are the same guys to killed my father..." Jim walks off into the kitchen.

"If they are back then won't that make Bruce a target too? I remember that he ruffled their feathers at one point. You should probably go to see him in the morning to give him a heads up. He has that party tomorrow at Wayne Tower which he invited us to" Lee calls out from the other room while Gordon sets the glasses on the kitchen counter. He picks up a wine bottle and begins to pour it into the glasses.

"Alright. I'll talk to him then, though I don't know if I will even be able to reach him. Lately, he has become almost impossible to reach. He's always busy. He doesn't make time to talk to his friends and it's like he is purposely avoiding us. Barbra told me how Selina hasn't even heard from him, which doesn't sound like him. He's a far cry from the young man that I use to know back in the day. It's honestly making me think that he is a completely different person now" Jim fills up both glasses.

"So he's taking his work seriously and running his company responsibly. You can't expect Bruce to be prowling around the streets of Gotham and stopping crimes like you. He's trying to put that behind him and is trying to move on with his life" Lee looks over as Jim walks back into the room with the glasses in hand. He sets them on the table and takes a seat next to his wife. Lee grabs one of the wine glasses and takes a sip "I've seen this sort of thing before. Bruce is just making up for all the years that he wasn't here. He is going to put his heart and soul into his company until he feels that he has done enough"

"I know that he didn't get to have a normal childhood, but the whole playboy thing...the Bruce I knew would always find a way to stay with his friends. It's just hard to believe that he has grown up so much" Jim lifts his own glass.

"He did leave Gotham for ten years. Who knows what he got up to. Jim, people change. That doesn't mean that Bruce isn't still the same person as he was before" Lee smiles to her husband. Gordon nods as he drinks from his glass.

"You're right. I'm just happy that he finally managed to move on. I almost envy him..." Jim comments.

"Anyway, didn't you mention something about a crocodile-shaped man? That I want to hear about" Lee smiles.

"With all due respect, Master Bruce...you can be a complete wanker sometimes. All that work that Miss Kyle did to seal you wound...you just bloody undone with all that fisty cuffs tonight" Alfred tells Bruce as he warps a new bandage around his stomach "If it wasn't for your clone already being hurt by that creature...well I fear that you might have actually died" the grey-haired man expresses his worry to Bruce.

"I could have taken him at his best. I would have won if he didn't run. He may not be able to feel the pain that he is in, but he's ought to feel the troubled breathing and broken bones that he has. Most likely he's planning of laying low until he can recover...I need to find Black Mask and make him tell me all that he knows about the court..." Bruce tells Alfred.

The butler rolls his eyes "That's all very well then, isn't it? You have to find the hidden group by finding a hidden crime lord. Sounds very peachy, and defiantly not like a shot in the dark. From the files, Black Mask has also remained in the shadows and has his men do all the work...this night of him at the skyline club? That was a one-time thing and with him knowing that the court wants him dead? Well I think it is going to become even more of a challenge to locate him now, dare I say...impossible"

"Black Mask it the only lead that we have at the moment...he's the only shot of finding the court..." Bruce stands up as he presses his hand against the new bandage over his stomach as he limps all the way to the bat-computer. He sits down in the large black chair placed in front of it. Bruce's eyes widen "The Court must have its eyes and ears everywhere so Black Mask can't risk leaving Gotham since the Court would be expecting for him to try and leave the city"

"Gotham is still a large city, sir. Black Mask could be anywhere. It will be like finding a needle in a haystack " Alfred stands next to Bruce.

"I don't have a choice. I need to find Black Mask before the court can complete their plans" Bruce looks up to the large monitor as a video file pops up "I hacked into the Skyline Club's footage. I should be able to gather some clues on where Black Mask seems to be hiding..."

"Well then...that's good, however, I regret to remind you that Bruce Wayne will be needed for tomorrow" Alfred coughs as he turns to Bruce.

"What for?" the man asks.

"Oh my...you have forgotten, haven't you?" Alfred gestures "You ever so graciously accepted your invite to the Wayne Enterprises ball and have also ever so kindly invited Gordon, Lee and miss Kyle to join you" Alfred folds his arms behind his back as he sees Bruce look to him in confusion.

"I never accepted any invite or sent any out"

"As your humble butler, I chose to accept the invite on your behalf. I know how much you can become lost in your work so I thought best for you to get out and to talk to your friends" Alfred raises an eyebrow. Bruce rolls his eyes.

"I would love to, Alfred. But the crisis at hand seems more important than the yearly ball" Bruce argues.

"Look at it this way. For Batman to remain in the shadows, Bruce Wayne must take his place in the light as the son of Gotham. People are going become suspicious if you keep yourself in absolute secrecy. Batman may keep the criminals of Gotham in fear, but only Bruce Wayne can keep the citizens of Gotham in hope. I doubt Black Mask is planning to show himself anytime soon, so it's time you gave yourself a rest" Alfred speaks to Bruce in a rational tone.

"Alright, Alfred. You win, but if Gotham becomes endangered tomorrow; you are going to be the one in the Batsuit" Bruce jokes.

"I wouldn't want to show you up, Master B" Alfred smiles.

[Arkham Asylum]

Edward Nygma, the Riddler found himself sitting at one of the empty tables in the open area of the ward. Dressed in the Arkham uniform and with his glasses on. He sat alone with his mind focused on one single thing. The one person that plagued his mind and haunted his dreams "The dark knight dare challenged me? I would have won if the court didn't get in my way...I would have defeated him...". Riddler uses his nails to scratch question marks in the table.

The other inmates roam about the room, paying no attention to him. Riddler was so caught up in his aggression that he did not hear the gate to the room open "When I get out of here...I will challenge him, and this time...I will win...I will..." he grinds his teeth.

"I hope that I'm not interrupting, after all, I know how awarding plotting an evil scheme can be" a voice calls out from behind the Riddler. Ed tries to look behind him, but he stops as he feels a pair of hands on his shoulders "I've had a couple in my day" J laughs as he sits down beside the Riddler. He slowly turns to Ed with a big smile on his face "How are you doing?" he laughs.
"How the hell are you allowed out of your cell?" Riddler grits his teeth as he looks at the grotesque man sat beside him.

"The good doctor said that I was of no risk to myself or the other inmates. I got to say if every other doctor was as easy going as her...I might actually go more often" J chuckles lightly as he holds up his hands which appeared to be cuffed together "Of course. They want to see for themselves, which I feel is a little overkill. I mean if they wanted to handcuff me...I can think of a couple more pleasurable ways to do it" J smirks as he sees a sweat drop from Ed's forehead.

"What do you want?" Ed asks nervously.

"Glad that you asked" J leans on the table "See you are a man with an obsession and I can respect that. You want the world to see you as a genius, an artist even. I want the same. I want the world to laugh along with me. For them to see my true beauty. My passion" J chuckles as his eyes narrow "Soon we are all going to paint the streets of Gotham in crazy and when we do...he will come. He will come for us in hopes of saving the city, but he won't...because it's already lost. He just hasn't realized it yet, but he will...he will..."

"And just how are we going to do that?" Ed questions as he rolls his eyes.

J leans closer to Ed and grins "The seeds have already been planted...all that is needed is for my little sunflower to bloom..." the man looks over to the cage were Dr Harleen Quinzel was walking past. She looks over to J as their eyes meet. A smile forms on Harleen's lips as she leaves the view of both J and Ed "She still needs a bit of work, but I am confident that once I have finished with her...she will be my finest work yet" J answers.

"Really? Your big elaborate plan is to sweet talk another one? I hate to break it to you, J. But you are nowhere near the charmer that you use to be, plus she is a psychologist. How the hell are going to seduce her? She'll figure out what you are trying to do unless she already knows" Ed sighs as he face-palms.

"Never underestimate the power of daddy issues my friend. They are the mother of all mind tricks... I guess *father of* would be a more accurate term..." J laughs as he nudges Ed's shoulders "That was a joke. Feel free to laugh...or not, I will though" the man chuckles "Do you know that Dr. Quinzel uses to do gymnastics a while back? She was top of her class...she is such a sweet woman. But she is lonely...she is in need for someone...she is screaming at the world that has left her alone...so much so that she works in a mental asylum to talk to the inmates. All those crazy people can't be too good for her mind, I think she has already been broken...all she needs now is a little...push..."

"After All...the craziest of people are the ones who don't even realize that they are mad..."

The Next Day

"Here we are" Jim and Lee walk into the crowded room full of people dressed in fancy clothes. Lee was in a black long dress while Gordon wore one of his standard suits. Lee looks around as she sees the large hall was practically full of people with multiple tables full of refreshments "This place is packed" Lee comments as she smiles, dragging Jim around the hall.

"Well this is the first one in ten years...so I can imagine the excitement that it brings" Jim looks around and spots Alfred. He steadily walks over to the older man. Alfred turns his head and holds out his hand to the commissioner "Alfred, is Bruce here? I need to talk to him" Jim asks as he shakes the other man's hand.

"And what would that be about?" Alfred asks curiously.

"It's a little too dangerous for us to be talking out in the open. Do you know where Bruce is?" Jim inquires.

"He was scheduled to be speaking at the beginning ceremony...which was over twenty minutes ago. It seems that Master Bruce has found himself in somewhat of a delay at the moment" Alfred explains to Gordon as he smiles.

"He's been getting delayed ever since he returned to Gotham. I hope he's not trying to avoid me...if it goes on any longer; I might start taking it personally" Jim rubs his nose as he looks back to his wife as she seemed to talk to a black-haired woman "Bruce does know that even though he's not a kid anymore, that he can still talk to me. I still think of him as a friend even with his absence. Just let him know that I have to talk to him and its urgent" Jim walks off as he returns to Lee.

"Believe me. I will let him have it when he shows up" Alfred comments.

"Good, thank you" Jim nods.

Barbara Kean looks over and sees the commissioner heading towards Lee. The redhead smiles as she makes her way after him "Jim. I didn't think of you as a ballroom type" she comments; causing Jim to look over to her with a smile. He folds his arms as the redhead walks over to him and Lee "Good to see you, Lee"

"Thank you. It's good to see you too, Barbara. How's the little one?" Lee asks in a friendly tone.

"She's tiring...you sure that you can handle her tomorrow? She's been talking about that Bat-guy ever since...well you...know. She thinks that he is a hero...she even made a cape out of cutting up one of my shirts. She fancies herself a right Batgirl if you can believe it" Barbara rolls her eyes as she sees Selina Kyle standing next to Lee. Barbara smiles towards black-haired woman "Selina, have you seen Bruce? It's weird how he doesn't even want to show for his own party"

"He has never shown up for any event since he got back. So I don't why you are acting so surprised. If he wanted to be here...he would be" Selina was almost spitting the words out. Lee gave a quick look to Barbara with a concerned look in her eyes.

"She's kind of sensitive about Bruce. I probably shouldn't have asked her now that I think of it" Barbara quickly interjects.

"If you knew that he wasn't going to show then why did you come here?" Lee asks the younger woman.

"Because I was really hoping to be proven wrong" Selina sighs as she walks off and away from the three.

"Didn't I just mention that she sensitive?" Barbra looks over to Lee.

Alfred walks up to Lucius "Lucius, where is Bruce? And please don't say what I think that you are going to say"

Lucius throws his hands up "Hey, I'm just his tech guy. You try to stop him from going out and doing...his thing. I personally don't make a habit of pissing off guys that can whoop my ass in a second". Lucius straightens his tie as he smiles "He said that an alarm was tripped in the bank of Gotham and that he was going to investigate. He should be back any minute"

"You know when Bruce first told me about what he had planned when he was to return to Gotham. I thought it was completely crazy...but I trusted Bruce to do what had to be done and what he thought was right. But lately...I'm starting to think that we may have made a mistake in supporting Bruce in this endeavor of his" Alfred confesses to the other man.

"I know what you mean, he's so driven to save the city that he's almost like a man possessed" Lucius admits.

"Dare I say it. I don't think the same Bruce Wayne returned. I often ask about his travels, but he always ends our conversation and says how he doesn't want to talk about what happened out there. With that and the Court now back in Gotham...Bruce must be on edge with everything" the butler adds as he and Lucius look at they see a faint shadow pass over the windows of the floor that showed the outside world.

"I'll catch him up on the night," Lucius says as he heads out of the room.

Selina stood outside on the balcony of the floor as she looks up to the night sky. She breaths in as she sees the lights of Gotham at night. A beautiful sight that showed her hope for the city that has lived in all her life. She rolls her eyes as she sees something move at the corner of her eyes "So you showed up, after all, I convinced that you wouldn't since you act so high and mighty about protecting Gotham. Tell me, how goes the hunt for the Talon? Did you find him yet?" Selina asks.

"I fought him last night, but he got away. He was seriously damaged so he might lay low for now until he can fully recover...until then I doubt that the court will make another move. However, I can't take that risk. I've been trying to locate Black Mask in order to gather information on the court" Batman replies from the shadows.

"That's something I guess. Do you even know what they are planning to do?" Selina asks the shadowed figure.

"I don't know everything yet, but from the way that Talon was speaking. It sounds like the court wants him to take my place as Gotham's protector, just a more extreme version" Batman tells the woman what he knows about the whole situation.

"And why would they want to reveal themselves to the world? That goes against the whole secret society thing of theirs" Selina shakes her head.

"I don't know, but I'm not going to rest until I find out...I'll sees you in the party" Selina looks up and as expected. Batman had vanished and she has left on her own once again.

"Selina? Who are you talking to? I thought that I heard Bruce?" Jim asks as he steps outside to join her as he sees it was just her and no one else. Selina turns around to greet the older man. She shrugs her shoulders and acts confused at his words.

"No one is here, except for me. That's why I came out here" Selina tilts her head.

"Alright, you don't have to stay out here. You do have friends in there, plus hopefully, Bruce should arrive shortly" Jim smiles.

"Bruce? I'm sick and tired of everyone thinking that my whole life revolves around Bruce. He's not the most important thing to me...especially after he left me" Selina walks past Jim as she storms off. Jim sighs as he looks to the entrance to the room.

"Oh, right. She's sensitive about Bruce..." he thinks to himself.

[Arkham Asylum]

J sits in a chair with his legs crossed, looking up to the television that was wired to the wall. His lips curve into a grin "Come on, Bruce. Don't be shy" he snickers. The TV showed the Wayne Enterprises ball and with the camera aimed at an empty stage. Moments passed and none other than Bruce Wayne steps onto the stage as he waves to the crowd. J begins to slowly laugh as he sees Bruce take the stand "There you are" J comments as Bruce begins to speak.

"As you know...I had this tower constructed after we were forced to destroy the old tower in the hopes of stopping the siege of Gotham ten years ago. Though many memories were indeed lost with it, I feel that it is up to us to create new ones that are worthy of the Wayne name. So I have fully committed Wayne Enterprises to the improvement of Gotham with that either be more funding to the brave men and women in uniform of the GCPD or to improve the treatment at Arkham Asylum and..."

"How caring of you...much apricated" J laughs while Harleen Quinzel walks up behind him.

From the other side of the room. Ed looks up from the table where he saw the blonde woman stand behind the deformed man. Squinting his eyes. Ed notices that she seemed to be holding a small knife in her right hand. He slowly leans over the table to get a closer look "What the...?" Ed whispers.

"My parents made it their duty to serve the people of Gotham and to try and improve the living conditions as much as they could. It is now my turn to serve both Gotham and its people. I hope that we as a city can come together and show my parents that their actions were not vain and that they were right to believe in Gotham..."

"Oh...poor Bruce. You are still living in denial even after all these years...that's not good at all..." J smirks.

"Uh...Mr.J?" Harleen nervously asks.

"Yes, Harley? I'm in the middle of something, can't you see?" J sighs as he turns to face the blonde doctor. She slowly reaches out with her hand and smirks "I got what you asked for...". J takes hold of the knife and hides it within his shoe.

"Thank you, Harley. By the way, you are looking every so precious today" J compliments.

"Thank you. Uh...also don't forget. Our next appointment is tomorrow at three. I'm...looking forward to it..." Harley smiles as she then leaves J on his own as she exits the area and continues on her way.
"Don't worry. I'm sure that it is going to be a...killer" J chuckles.

Ed was incredibly confused by the whole scene "How does he manage to do it? That's a riddle that not even I have an answer to..."

"Don't worry, Bruce. I'm coming home to you soon, and then we can truly become legends..." J laughs as he looks to Bruce on the TV "I can't wait...Ha Ha Ha"

"One night, Bruce. Just one night. That's all I asked for. Just for you to try and be in the light as yourself...that's all" Alfred looks to Bruce "The people of Gotham need someone to look up to. To have hope in. Bruce, you can be that someone"

"Alfred, I'm sorry if you can't understand the importance of what Batman does for the city, but I do. Batman can make more of a difference to the city then Bruce Wayne ever could" Bruce shoots back as he folds his arms.

"Only because you dilly-dally all your time as Batman. If you just spent one whole day as yourself, you could accomplish the most amazing things for this city and for its people. Both Batman and Bruce Wayne are just as detrimental as each other. Just look at the past few days. You almost bled to death and don't even have the respect to thank miss Kyle without stirring up another fight between you two. The court has returned to Gotham and your clone is on their side, and has all your training...there has to be something that Bruce Wayne can do about this situation that Batman cannot" Alfred tries to reason.

"Alfred, why aren't you listening to me? Bruce Wayne couldn't save Gotham; that's why I left all those years ago...so I could become something...someone that could make a difference. I returned as soon as I felt like who I was could finally make a change" Bruce explains.

"And look where that has gotten you, Master Bruce. Miss Kyle is heartbroken and you can't even find enough strength to actually talk to her about something else that doesn't include your late night activities. Gordon feels like you are avoiding him on purpose and the general public has almost lost faith in you. Though late in doing so. You did at least show up in the end which is more than I can usually give you normally..." Alfred's voice was full of disappointment not just towards Bruce but with some for himself too.

"What are you trying to say, Alfred?" Bruce asks as Alfred places a hand on his shoulder.

"In trying to create a creature that could take on the underworld of Gotham, I fear you may have unleashed a monster far greater than even you realize. If you don't start to fight it soon, I fear that it may consume you and Bruce Wayne may cease to exist and only...Batman will remain" Alfred speaks his peace. His eyes looking at Bruce and never letting up.

"Look at the city, Alfred. This city needs a monster. Everyone has darkness within them...I just know when to use mine" the billionaire replies.

"That has always been one of your talents, hasn't it?" a female voice calls out to him.

Both Bruce and Alfred turn to see Talia stood before them. Bruce's eyes narrow as he looks at the woman "Talia?" he asks as he sees the woman smiles at him. She folds her arms over and focuses her eyes on Bruce. Alfred looks to Bruce.

"Bruce, do you know this woman?" the older man inquires.

"Alfred...listen to me. Run and evacuate the guests" Bruce orders.

"Master Bruce? What on the earth are you-"

"Now!" Bruce yells.

"On it" Alfred runs into the next room and looks to all the guests "Everyone! There seems to have been a fire downstairs - please evacuate in a straight line" he points to the emergency exit. Gordon and Lee both look over to Alfred.

"A fire?" Lee comments.

"We should do as he says" Jim puts his hand on Lee's back as he walks her along with the other guests towards the exit. Barbara shrugs as she follows behind both Jim and Lee as they quickly vanish among the crowd. Selina's eyes look over to Alfred as she walks over to him.

"A fire, really? Is that the best excuse that you can make for Bruce to leave early? Let me guess...there's certain Bat-business that he needs to attend to" Selina rolls her eyes as she sees the older man quickly grab her by her shoulders as he drags her towards the exit.

"Master Bruce told me to run and to escort the guests out - that means you too, miss Kyle," Alfred tells the woman.

From the next room, both Bruce and Talia stand opposite each other "Hello, Lover. Did you miss me?"

"What are you doing here, Talia? I thought I made myself clear the last time that we talked" Bruce growls.

"I'm afraid that our personal relationship has nothing to do with my arrival at Gotham. I'm here on business" Talia smirks "However, it still involves you...my love"

Chapter End