Chapter 6: Call of the Birds (Start)
It was around the cover of midnight in Gotham City and something was happening as in the night sky something was shining a bit. And a flock of different kinds of birds was flying. Not common ones that are native in Gotham but other countries it seems and all of them were carrying something worth millions in their talons it seems.
The night of the birds was happening and will get the Dark Knight's attention very soon.
Clock Tower - Bat Crypt
"Hmm, interesting," Michael commented, going over the evidence he had gathered from all the places that had been robbed.
All the places that have been robbed, are from the elites and rich of Gotham. All of them have reported their treasure items being stolen by some kind of bird that is not native to Gotham or the US. The Bat had checked a few crime scenes and found the same as well. Some kinds of Asian owls or other birds' talon marks were found thanks to DV mode.
It has been a few days since the rise of Joker came and not one report has come since she started her testing at the asylum. Michael had been improving his body and mind to be ready when the clown comes back or any other future rogues as well. And it seems a new one was popping up now.
"Similar reports of crime were happening all across Asia but suddenly stopped last week and now starting in Gotham. Hmm very interesting indeed. There are options of who can be behind these crimes but I need more proof and play this smart," Michael thought, rubbing his chin in thought and going over the evidence to make sure it's soundproof.
If Batman or Michael was going to bring down this Bird, then playing the smart and slow game was needed. Expose more of the crime and that bird would start to panic, like a caged one trying to break free. Let's see if the Bat can cage a flightless bird very soon.
"Going over those case files?" Rocky stated as she comes into the crypt and saw the white-haired teen going hard at work on robberies of late.
"I am, there's a link between the robberies in Gotham we are having to the ones that happened last week in Asia," Michael informed.
"Hmm, could be one of those gangs in Asia coming to Gotham?" Rocky guessed.
"Unlikely, these robberies are more taking highly items that are worth millions and make anyone feel like a king or emperor. This is personal for the thief who's using different kinds of birds, trained them to do the robberies as who would suspect birds pulling off robberies on the elites & rich," Michael explained, impressed his friend quite a bit.
"Using your detective skills much more now, huh?" Rocky commented, being glad for her friend is a step of the head in this case, and has improved since the fight with the clown.
"I have to and still have the Batcomputer tracking any sightings of new crime that is related to the Joker, which would send the warning signal to the Batwave phone. That case is ongoing but now a new one has popped up and I have to get ready a bird cage to capture this person who's trained birds to steal for them," Michael said, pushing a few command keys on the computer and following up his setting programs.
"Sounds like a plan. Francine went out but told me to let you know, that she has been testing the Glue Grenades of late. It seems it either keeps breaking down or turns into dest when the chemicals meet," Rocky said, informing of bad news of one of the experimental tools was going through.
Michael frowned at that, a bit of bad news on that but it can't be helped since they don't have the right chemical to make that kind of grenade stable like they wanted.
"(sigh) it can't be helped, Rocky. We do more testing once we finish this case, together. Having more than one set of eyes could help in solving this complex problem," Michael stated.
"True, I would make a note of that. Good news, I have been testing new equipment and should be ready within a week," Rocky said, giving the good news.
"Sounds good," Michael smiled, at least some good news came on R&D for his equipment.
Then all of a sudden, the phone rings. And not just any phone but the phone meant for those calling from the Court House much to the pair's great surprise. No one has ever called that phone which means someone was calling for Michael as a defense lawyer. A big first time.
Rocky went over to the blue phone and asnwered it first, just to be safe and make sure it wasn't a prank call or something.
"This is the clock tower and desk of Michael Wilhelm's office. How can I help you?" Rocky asked, being silent at first, and nodded her head, getting some information on her side.
"I see, okay, just now? That's quick huh? Alright," Rocky said while signaling Michael to come over and get ready if he needed to answer the phone.
"Who?" Michael asked in a whisper.
"A judge, hold on. I see who's the person that called for the defense? Her? Seriously?" Rocky said in surprise.
Michael raised an eyebrow and was wondering who wanted him to be their lawyer in defense.
"Right, I would let him right away. You have a nice day sir," Rocky said, hanging out and deeply surprised at who was going to be Michael's first real defense case.
"The judge called? That's rare, even for a new lawyer like myself. Who am I defending that got you so surprised?" Michael asked, crossing his arms and wondering who wanted him for defense.
"Vanaver...Samantha Vanaver," Rocky replied, getting Michael to be surprised and eyes widen in shock.
"The heiress to the Vanavers, one of the wealthy families in Gotham?" Michael said totally surprised that someone from that family called him to be their lawyer. And was the said heiress of that family wanting him?
"The very same...it seems Samantha needs a defense after some treasure items are seen at her house of state and someone reported her for the robberies happening in Gotham," Rocky informed, causing Michael to frown on that.
"Sounds like someone is trying to frame, Ms. Vanaver. I can suspect it's the very same one who's robbing the places and wanting to throw one of Gotham's elites to the vultures," Michael said, seeing a problem could happen for the heiress of the Vanaver and might work in his favor in both courts & behind the scenes.
"Indeed. Not how I imagine your first case to be like," Rocky said.
"Me either but who knows? Maybe this defense case is just what I needed for one that Batman could crack down," Michael commented, having this hidden feeling that something could happen during and after his first defense case.
We will have to find out soon.
Time Skip
Court House
In the courthouse, we see Michael already at a desk, reading over the files and gathering evidence while waiting for his client to come to talk over the said case. And he was looking into his client's background, seeing everything checked out to why she would be set up. Who and how a crime is done, is mostly what many try to figure out and work out. But in case, our hidden hero is looking for the why do it as he had a good idea who was behind in setting Ms. Vanaver up.
The white-haired teen had a little while before his client shows up and gives him all the time he needs to get ready for his first-ever defense case.
Then a knock came at the door, getting Michael's attention, and could guess that his client was there. Early but good.
"Enter," Michael said, allowing his client to come and was a bit surprised by the appearance of his said client.
The said client was a slender but beautiful woman with a figure that could men turn heads & women jealous. She had blonde hair that goes to her chin, rare green color eyes, and lipstick on her kissable lips, giving a more seductive beauty feeling.
Her attire was that of a business one with a light brown coat over her shirt, black tie, and skirt while having black leggings to dress shoes meant for walking comfortably.
This was Samantha Vanaver, heiress of the Vanaver Family and company as well. And Michael's first client.
"Ah, Ms. Vanaver, glad you here," Michael greeted, friendly, and got up from his chair to meet his blonde client.
"Yes, I figure you would like to talk to me early before the court begins, Mr. Wilhelm," Samantha said, explaining her reasons for coming earlier.
"True, we can lay out a good defense plan against the one that is trying to set you up. And please call me, Michael. Mr. Wilhelm was my grandfather," Michael commented, not much a fan of formalities highly.
"Very well, please just Samantha. I had a lot on my planet after being called on such a crime I didn't commit. I understand you heard those words before," Samantha said.
"Not really. You are actually my first client," Michael informed, much to the blonde's surprise.
"Seriously?" Samantha asked in total surprise.
"Yes, I moved to Gotham a year and two months now. I got my degree in law and order systems much earlier after taking a number of classes at Gotham University," Michael explained.
"I see, interesting," Samantha said, seeing a genius and idealist a bit.
"Mr. Dent spoke highly of you when I called him and he suggested you be my lawyer, Michael," Samantha informed.
"Ah, Harvey huh? I figured it had to be him who sent this first case to me," Michael smirked, having a feeling his mentor and friend got him to this case.
"What's your history with the DA?" Samantha asked, very curious about that.
"A mentor but also a good friend of mine. Our friendship was built on our shared passion for bringing true justice to the court system for Gotham," Michael replied, while secretly as Batman's handed his friend good information about a number of thugs from criminal families to help the DA on his cases.
Samantha nodded her head, impressed by this, and can clearly see an idealist person who cares about the justice system highly. She would have to see more during the trial.
"Well if our future White Knight suggested you, then I should place my trust in you, Michael," Samantha said.
"That would be very helpful. Place your trust in me, I beleive I can make a strong defense case against this person who's aiming on throwing you to the vultures. I have the full faith of this case turning in your favor, no reason to be afraid," Michael said, sounding calm and helpful to the blonde.
This caused Samantha to smirk, very seductively and got a bit close to the white-haired teen, much to his surprise.
"If the DA had you as my lawyer, then I would be in good hands of the best in Gotham. I would be honest, I do have some fear on this case, but maybe if we win, we could talk more about being in your capable hands~," Samantha said with a seductive tone in her voice and hands on the chest of the defense lawyer, having herself a bit much closer to the teen.
"I...I would keep that in mind," Michael said, admitting and having a small blush appearing on his face.
Michael had a feeling that Samantha would be way different than he thought but might be good company and something to look forward to after the trial. And the defense would win, he plans on winning it.
Small Time Skip
The trial between the offense who claims on wanting to capture the criminal was Oswald Cobblepot against the defense on Samantha Vanaver. Michael had a strong case due to gathering up the evidence and turning it around against Cobblepot, making him the true criminal as he know all of the locations where the items were placed when the police never reported out to the public. And that the little bird had a criminal record back in China for a number of crimes of illegal trafficking of different kinds. The case was in the teen's favor and was able to change it around much better, even more, when Cobblepot decided to escape before the judge send the final statement. That was the final nail in the case and the heiress of Vanaver was innocent now which now a new case would most likely open towards that penguin man now.
In celebration of the victory of the case, first one, Samantha offered dinner for them and talk more at the best restaurant she knows very well. Dinner with one of Gotham's elites and heiress, huh? Michael decied to go as it could be worth it and could use a good night at some nice food. He checked the Batwave phone, getting no responses to crimes, and was a quiet night but would make it up for the next night. He send a text to both Rocky and Francine that would be coming home later tonight or morning if possible.
Michael now had a more suitable and well-dressed suit meant for this kind of dinner since he was going to one of the best restaurants in Gotham, called the Bird's Nest. Interesting name and does give the vibe of being in a bird's nest itself due to the fastly, rich, number of elites, and so on within the said restaurant was like. The blonde beauty also changed her attire as well.
We could see that Samantha was dressed in an elegant dress, which looked to be black in color, the dress barely covered her body, being seen to cover the front and the back but leaving her smooth legs open to the world and those around her, the dress is connected with two golden chains located on her hips, with a golden belt made of golden medallions on the front side of the dress, golden vines being seen on the dress as decorations being like vines, her large chest barely being covered as half of her belly and her cleavage was revealed to the world because of the dress, golden bracelets being seen around her wrists and also a golden necklace that was falling between her large breasts.
"Ah, welcome Michael, to the Bird's Nest, one of the best restaurants in Gotham City," Samantha said as the pair were led to their table for the evening.
"Definitely is one of the best and only restaurants I have gone to, very fancy," Michael commented, seeing it was indeed a restaurant for the elites of Gotham.
The pair soon got to their table at one of, what seemed like a royal one at the private section on the top part of the restaurant. The waitress gives a bow in respect and handed the dates menu for the evening. The white-haired teen would be honest, he was kind of overwhelmed by this situation. I mean going on a dinner date with one of Gotham's elites and at a restaurant that many would love to come to. He would have to be careful not to get spoiled.
Some other people were watching the pair closely, unknown to them. They won't happy with one of their own, one from the Vanaver having dinner with a mere plebeian.
Michael noicted that, feeling a bit uneasy all of a sudden. Samantha easy the tension up and noicted that.
"Don't mind them. They are so easily upset when new faces come in here, but don't mind them," Samantha said, easing up the tension.
"I don't mind them. I just don't like them staring," Michael admitted, feeling like birds were watching or wanted to tear his eyes out.
"Let them. I have dealt with my fellow people ever since I was a little girl. They have little threats, but merely empty ones and won't bother us. Please enjoy, as this is your reward," Samantha said, not wanting her date to be all tense.
"I would do my best, Samantha," Michael said, putting his uneasy feeling aside and enjoying this dinner with his new friend.
Soon enough, they got their order for their dinner and waited. Samantha was getting her usual and Michael was going to try the lobster-style meal as the good fish meals remind him of the good times back in his former home.
"Dose our night have to be only a one-way deal or we could...keep in touch?" Samantha asked while drinking some of her glass of water as both chose to just stay with the water and no wine tonight.
"I think we can keep in touch, Samantha. I enjoy your company, surprisingly even after was only meet and know one another for merely half a day," Michael admitted as he was enjoying the company of the beautiful blonde.
This pleased Samantha once again and said, "Good...if you don't me asking but how did someone like you move to Gotham? You don't strike me as Gotham civilian born here."
"I don't mind you asking, I get asked all the time and most know about it. I was born and raised in Alaska for good most of my life but left after a fallout with some former relatives of mine," Michael admitted, feeling comfortable meeting the one side of the full truth of his origin.
"Ah, I see. Did the fallout and coming to Gotham, lead you to become a lawyer?" Samantha questioned.
"A bit yes. I moved to Gotham in the hopes of a new life and a better chance but learn how it was hard and changed me. Much different than the small towns back in Alaska and a different forest for me. I later decied to become a lawyer after seeing how much corruption was in this city and needed a better chance, that lead me to meet some interesting people who I can happily call friends," Michael explained, drinking some of his glass of water.
"That's good to hear. Not many have a good welcome when coming to Gotham. It's been pretty hard for a good number of years, even companies are having trouble due to the crime families wanting a load of money or places to keep their said money lockup," Samantha said, honestly and was glad that this place had no members of the said crime families, pretty private.
"I can imagine that to be tough," Michael commented, in slight agreement, and would have to take a look into that for his next patrol.
"Indeed. I aim of making changes to Gotham after I fully become the owner of my family's company and start forming contracts with others. I plan to talk with the Waynes, Kanes, and maybe those smaller ones," Samantha said, having plans of helping this place that was her home.
Michael nodded his head, agreeing to that, and was a good sound plan. Wayne and Kane are one of the biggest families in Gotham, having deep pockets and inspiration for the good people here. Though, might be hard due to the Waynes having a close collection with the Falcone Crime Family, mostly between the Roman and a certain doctor.
"Sounds like a plan, a long way but a good plan," Michael said, agreeing to that.
"Indeed," Samantha agreed soon enough the pair's dinner came and the two started to enjoy their said meals.
As they enjoyed their dinner, they kept talking about their likes & dislikes while knowing one another more, slowly becoming closer and closer than before. But both didn't reveal their double life for good reasons. Both have secrets and some of them are not meant to be revealed on the first date. That's for sure.
Time Skip
After the dinner date at the Bird's Nest and enjoying more of each other's company, we now see the pair taking a drive to the Vanaver's house of state, which is owned by Samantha, and decied to take Michael for another gift. She wanted to see what those capable hands can do in more ways than one.
The house was pretty much what Michael didn't expect. The penthouse seems to have a good view over the city down below and around other tall buildings. The place had about two and three floors at the top of the building. The first floor was a living room filled with what many can expect for a home, outside leading to the swimming pool and a number of tables & chairs. The second floor was for the master bedroom and so on. And the last floor was the rooftop which had a pretty good view of the sky above.
"Thank you for a wonderful dinner, Michael. And walking with me to my penthouse, it does get lonely," Samantha said, feeling a great amount of joy in being around the white-haired teen.
"You welcome, Samantha. I too enjoy our dinner together. It's not often times, I get to go to a restaurant of such status. And I'm happy to walk you to your penthouse which I would be honest, wasn't what I expected," Michael admitted.
"Yeah, most expect those manors or some kind of rich houses. Honestly, I moved out of my place in the state to live in a better place. A good one too where I can stretch my wings and enjoy the surroundings above," Samantha said as she reached for the keycard for her penthouse in her handbag.
"Agree," Michael commented on that one, knowing firsthand about enjoying that and being free from the cage.
"Do you want to go inside with me? Talk more of our time together," Samantha offered as she unlocks and open the door.
Seeing no harm in that, Michael said, "Sure, I very much enjoy our time together."
"Good~," Samantha smirked and lead Michael into her penthouse.
Michael had taken off his shoes and hung up his coat, due to costume house rules and respect for the penthouse. Samantha had placed her bag down and dress hills came off as well, while keeping an eye on her interest, watching him, and having enjoyed her time with him. A very rare one, someone who past her test and would gain so much more now.
Samantha then pressed herself up against Michael, making him freeze in track, and blushed a bit when seeing her dress opening a bit more to her cleavage to see her breasts about to pop open. He also smelled that scent of flowers and elegant smell along with a hit of alcohol, causing him to remember a drink she had. She must be acting up due to the drinks and should help her relax before taking advantage of someone happens.
"Sam... Samantha, I think you should rest," Michael suggested.
"Yes~, why do we rest together~?" Samantha asked, speaking seductively and pushing herself into the white-haired teen even more.
"I think you drink too much," Michael said, not wanting to take advantage of someone like this, in the current state.
"I am pretty much awake...and pretty aware of what I'm doing," Samantha informed, much to the teen's surprise on that.
The blonde beauty then slowly moved behind Michael, while slowly strip tease showing more of her private areas for a few seconds. A tease show before recovering them and making her interest want more. She then rested against the white-haired teen's back, her breasts pushing up against him, and moved her head towards the side of the teen.
Michael was blushing full face and heart beating out of control, feeling very heated now and soon felt the blonde blowing hot air into his left ear, surprising him more.
"Is dinner the only thing you plan to finish tonight?" Samantha asked, whispering in a low voice at her interest to hear by his ear.
"...not really...," Michael honestly replied, still feeling heated and a bit nervous but overwhelmed like he was a few seconds ago.
Samantha giggled and said, "That's good to hear."
Then everything was sealed when the blonde beauty moved in and captured the other's lips with her own, surprising Michael for a good couple of seconds before starting to kiss back in a slow manner and changed as the pair started to roam their hands around each other.
Meanwhile
Just nearby, we see someone guiding in the night sky and landing on a rooftop, showing to be Francine herself. She was on patrol, mostly to test more of her abilities in field testing, and wanted to see what she can do. She was grateful to Michael and Rocky for their help, her condition was becoming more like a blessing, a part of her rather than a curse that her late father has created. She was free and would keep on enjoying it.
Francine at rare times joined her interest during those nights to test her abilities and discovered more about her vampiric side. She did not once drain someone of their blood, only using animals, fruits, and donated blood only. She couldn't live with herself of harming someone due to her hunger. She won't allow that to happen and again thankful for her future mate.
The black-haired beauty saw Michael - Batman as her mate. She was interested at first because of his bat theme, capturing her interest and later also his bat-like tactics. He hunts during the night like an actual predator, a bat, and uses the darkness as cover. This really made her feel akin to him even more. Especially his more advanced skills in her eyes and kindness, a true alpha of the making.
Francine was now searching for Michael, wanting to make sure he was fine. she also sensed someone foreign close to him and decided to check it out. And soon discovered why foreign to cause jealousy to form.
Using her super and night vision, Francine saw within this penthouse and in the master bedroom to see Michael coming into that room by being pulled by his date, Samantha. She froze in surprise when she saw the pair capturing each other's lips and started to remove the other of their clothes in a quick, heated, lustful, and passionate manner between them. They fell into the king-size bed and soon lost themselves to each other fully.
Francine growled like an animal, an upset bat in the making and her eyes fully flashed in anger. She used her right hand and started to claw at a nearby brick wall, leaving behind five clawed marks on the side of the said wall. She had to use everything to go over and drink that blonde-haired bitch's blood, drain her dry. She knows that Michael won't like that nor want to see her harming people.
The black-haired beauty kept watching the scene between Michael and Samantha getting more heated between each other, and she was slightly glad that bitch was on the pill when the next part came. Even though she wasn't her mate's first, she vowed to be the first to carry his children. And no one was going to say otherwise. That blue-blood bird bitch wasn't going to steal that from this living vampire.