Chapter Two: Homecoming
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or the show Gotham, this is just a fanficton. Please don't sue me.
Several years ago-Robbinsville-Gotham City
The sky was a patchwork of black clouds with stars just barely coming into view. So really it was just an ordinary night in Gotham, save for two departing natives off to fulfill their destinies. Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth were standing in a private hanger, both men staring at the Wayne Enterprises Private Jet. "You know how to reach us if you need anything?" Bruce asked his loyal friend.
"Yes. Well, you know me, Master Bruce. I'll be very self-sufficient. Busy actually, we start construction of Wayne Enterprises and Wayne Manor tomorrow," Alfred said, while trying to cover the heart wrenching emotion in his voice.
"You will remember everything I taught you won't you?" Alfred asked. "Of course," Bruce replied softly. "Good. That's good," he said, but he was no longer concerned with hiding his tears. "I never tried to replace your parents, you know. I couldn't and I never would. But I want you to know Master Bruce that you are the only son that I will ever have and I could not be more proud." Alfred solemnly stated.
Bruce couldn't find the words and hugged the man who he regarded as his second father and the best friend he could ever have. Just as this was happening, Selina walked through the doors to the hangar and witnessed this embrace. It brought a tear to her eye at this sight, the love between a father and a son.
Alfred acknowledged Selina's presence and as him and Bruce released each other.
Alfred then, "Now if I may, I would like to have a few words with Ms. Kyle." Bruce nodded and went to see if everything was set for the flight.
"You sure you got everything handled here?" Selina asked. "I'll be quite fine, Ms. Kyle. The reason I wished to speak with you is that despite our initial conflicts in the past, I am truly in awe of the person you have become. Never have I known another person to have such devotion and compassion as yourself. I can frankly say that I am going to miss you, yet I am overjoyed that you will be there for Master Bruce."
Selina had tears trickling down her cheeks yet had her streetwise smirk on her face and said, "I'll miss you to ya big ape." Selina then hugged Alfred and they both felt this warmth in their hearts that could only be felt when in the presence of true family.
"Still the cheeky minx though, eh?" Alfred asked. Selina couldn't help but chuckle and stated, "Can't change too much now can I?" They both disengaged their hug and Selina went over to Bruce and asked, "Ready?"
Bruce smiled gently and replied, "Ready." The young couple boarded the plane and Alfred watched on as two of his own flew off to begin their journey.
Once the plane was in the sky and the city both Bruce and Selina knew for so long was in the horizon, Selina looked across at Bruce who was sitting opposite from her. The young billionaire was staring out the window watching the clouds and stars, but Selina knew he was lost in his head. "So... you still never told me why," she asked, now with her own eyes peering out the window.
Bruce looked at her questioningly, "Why what?" Selina then looked at him again, "Why bats?"
Bruce looked down at his hands and his eyes were filled with this gloominess in them which Selina could not understand the cause. "When I was five years old, my father and I went on to one of our camping trips to Mt. Bristol. On the day we were supposed to leave I fell on some uneven ground and it collapsed beneath me. I ended up falling into a cavern. I screamed for help, but then I started hearing this noise from deep within the cave. It was soft at first, but then the noise started to grow and grow. Before I knew it I was swarmed by a flock of bats. Soon my Dad used a climbing harness to get my out. Since then I have always been afraid of them. I don't think I've ever been that afraid of anything until that night in the alley. When Bane saw those bats coming.. I saw the fear in his eyes," Bruce looked back at Selina. The gloom in his eyes were gone, but something else was there something intense. " To be what I need to be for Gotham, that's how I fight the evil in this city. To give them something to be afraid of. It seems only right for me to turn my fear into my weapon." Selina then got up and sat in Bruce's lap. She cupped his cheek and stared into his dark, broody eyes. "Technically I'm a thief. And you don't scare me," Selina said with a sassy tone mixed with a flirtatious element. Bruce's eyes returned the same intensity of Selina's. "Nor do you ever have to be, " Bruce said before pressing his lips feverishly into hers and Selina returning the same passion.
A.R.G.U.S HQ- Starling CityPresent Day-Several years after the Siege of Gotham
There was a squadron of A.R.G.U.S agents out on the tarmac landing space of the main complex. They then heard the faint sound of helicopter blades whirling in the air. Off in the distance they could see its speedy approach. The helicopter touched down onto the landing site outside the heavily guarded building. The doors to the chopper slid opened where two agents and the director of A.R.G.U.S, Amanda Waller, stepped out onto the tarmac. They were soon approached by Agent Lyla Michaels, who was also the director's right hand woman. "Agent Michaels," Waller said flatly with faint annoyance in her voice, "is there a reason why I had to fly out all this way?"
"My apologies, Director Waller, but ten hours ago, we had a breach in one of our data centers in Berlin. There was a transfer of numerous operations details regarding our involvement in Gotham."
"It was them wasn't it? The Rich boy and the Thief," Waller coldly asked. She didn't even made eye contact with the agent as they approached the building ."The response time for our teams to engage a threat at one of our data centers is practically immediate, Agent Michaels. How are they not in our custody?"
"The majority of the security system was taken down except for this one camera in the central corridor," Lyla handed Director Waller a data pad which had the security footage pulled up. "There were a dozen of our elite agents, Director."
What Waller saw made her jaw clench and her eyes expressed a screaming rage inside her at what she was witnessing. A dozen of the men covered the main elevator as it made its descent. They suspected that's where the intruders were. But when the doors opened there was nothing, but then smoke immediately enveloped the entire squad. Then out of the ceiling fell two cloaked individuals. These men, who were supposed to be a squad of Waller's top men, were met with masterly executed attacks. The sounds of screams, gunfire, and bones breaking were the only things that were audible in the video footage. As the smoke cleared, the two trespassers stood over the pile of agents and then they turned their gaze to the security camera. Their faces were covered except for their eyes. The male intruder simply stood there while the other one, clearly female, gave a middle finger to the camera before the camera cut to static. The duo wanted Waller to see them waltz out of there with the data in hand knowing there was nothing she could do to stop them. Agent Michaels could see that Director Waller was more than pissed.
"What did they steal?" Waller demanded to know.
"They stole research into the Venom sample we extracted from Prison-073, the Hyperion Project, and... the Task-Force X program."
"Agent Michaels, call the boys in Berlin. Have them destroy all data pertaining to these matters. If you recall we didn't exactly get the all clear from those ass hats on Capitol Hill."
"But ma'am, don't you think these projects are a little extreme?. I know that their are certain sacrifices.." Lyla tried to display some sense of a conscience to her superior.
"I would remind you of your place, Agent Michaels. This is an extreme world. Those who hold the power, make this place safer. Not some any self-righteous billionaires and their tawdry girlfriends. People like Bruce Wayne or Oliver Queen don't get that it takes more than morality to protect the world. Sometimes you need to let people burn for the sake of the majority of the populace. Understood?"
"Yes, Director.." Lyla felt disheartened. She heard the stories about Waller and her "sacrifices must be made attitude", but now... she was beginning to see that there was more than meets the eye. Lyla reached into her pocket and grabbed a picture from her days in the military. In the photograph was a picture of her and a large muscular man kissing during a sunset while they both were in Afghanistan. "Oh, John. What have I gotten myself into?"
Gotham Airport-Robbinsville-Gotham City
Seven years have passed since Alfred saw the only two people who he considered his children. Certainly him and Selina didn't get off to the best start, but since the events of No Man's Land he saw a new side to her. The one that Bruce always knew was inside. Wayne Manor and Wayne Tower have been rebuilt ahead of schedule, and a certain sanctuary underneath the Manor has been outfitted and modified to the specifications Bruce had entrusted to Alfred and Lucius Fox.
It's now a dark evening reminiscent of the one of which Bruce and Selina departed on. Alfred is now standing in the same spot seven years ago where he saw the pair fly off to begin their journey. It only felt like yesterday to him as Alfred recalls. Alfred pondered on his memories in curiosity as to how much Bruce and Selina have changed. He would quickly find out as he saw the Wayne Enterprises private jet make a landing approach.
The plane soon stopped and the hatch opened and out stepped a towering, rugged, and dashing man of lean and powerful muscle cloaked in a black overcoat and turtleneck. His hair had been cut shorter than Alfred remembered and slicked back. Yet his eyes still had that strong sense of determination and mission. The man held out his hand for a woman with a lean muscular build that complimented her feminine figure. Long, curled golden brown locks of hair cascaded down the sides of a face of elegance, beauty, and hidden primal nature. Her black mascara treated eyes still had that same ferocity as when she was younger and had that healthy shade of emerald green.
As they both exited the vehicle they saw the loyal sentinel of the Wayne estate. Bruce and Selina walked over to the finely aged butler. Their eyes were filled with a much desired reunion with the man who had been mentor to them both. They both embraced Alfred at the same time. Alfred had so missed these two, but he swears that have gotten immensely stronger than he had anticipated in the last seven years.
"Bloody hell, you two! Don't go breaking my back again!" Alfred exclaimed.
"No promises, Jeeves." Selina remarked with a chuckle as they both released him. The old man looked at Bruce and Selina taking in how much they've grown. " Welcome home, Master Wayne. Welcome home, Ms. Kyle." Alfred greeted. " It's good to be home, Alfred. Is everything ready?" he asked.
"That it is Master Bruce. The gala for the New Wayne Tower is two weeks from now and the Manor is well accommodated and furbished, especially the more discreet areas if I may say." Alfred stated. "Mr. Fox is currently waiting for us in the sublevel of the house. He's making some modifications to the data server stations as well as seeing that the armory is fully equipped and stocked."
"Very good to see things are coming along smoothly." Bruce said.
"It'll be great to see the old Fox again. At least he got over the whole kicking him in the head thing. I hope so anyway." Selina chimed in.
"I wouldn't be to sure. Lucius looks gentle and sophisticated, but the man can hold a grudge." Bruce chuckled at his hopes of riling Selina. It evidently worked when she elbowed him in the ribs. "Ouch! Kidding!" Selina snickered at her man's plea of mercy. They all made their way to Rolls Royce and drove through the city they called home. So much had changed, and yet still vaguely the same.
The city rebuilt and new buildings were constructed. Older buildings were touched up and refurbished to compliment with the current time period. But the city was hurting once again. Crime was running rampant. People were losing hope and turning a blind eye. The GCPD wasn't buying into the corruption thanks to the leadership of James Gordon. But now Gotham City needed more. Something that could strike fear into those who preyed on the innocent..
Wayne Manor-Gotham County-Gotham City
Stepping through Wayne Manor was like walking into a dream for Bruce. Bruce made sure no expense was unpaid in the rebuilding of his family's ancestral home. Now it was Selina's home too. They set their main belongings in their Master bedroom, the rest of which was forwarded ahead of time before the returned home. Selina was still getting used to the idea that she was unofficially the 'lady of the house'. She felt that it carried with it some aristocratic nonsense that she felt that she didn't deserve. She still felt like the street kid from the Narrows now that they were back. Bruce helped to quickly put these thoughts to bed. "Cat, being apart of this house doesn't mean being like the rest of the jerks in this city with money. There are those who look down on people who are poorer than them, but at the end of the day they're bankrupt in what matters. "
"Yeah? And what are those high society ass wipes gonna say about us when they see you're seen around town with a girl who lived on the streets since she was five?"
"Selina, who the fuck cares what those kind of people think? They can go shove a solid gold brick up their asses for all I care. We both know that we are not like them. I may have the deepest pockets in this city, but we both know I would gladly trade it all just to have those I love around me.
"Still the social idealist. He is right though. Never cared about what anyone thought of me.. except for B. God, I'm becoming sappy," Selina thought to herself. She then looked up at they billionaire vigilante and a smile began to spread. "Eh, a little sappiness never hurt anyone. Especially if it allows me to come home to this fine as hell warrior." The young woman closed the distance between her and Bruce. She remarked that there was once a time that she was the taller of the two an Bruce just laughed. Selina brushed her hands over the fabric of Bruce's shirt and felt the rock hard muscle underneath. Bruce could smell the perfume coming off of Selina and it was driving him insane with lust. Bruce then caressed Selina's cheek never breaking eye contact. It was like looking into each others soul. All these years together and they were like fire and ice. They were the natural balance to one another. Selina kissed Bruce with feverish vigor and he returned that same enthusiasm. Unfortunately their union would be interrupted. "Ahem!" The two lovers looked towards the door way with Alfred standing in the middle of it.
"Alfred!" Bruce spoke with surprise. His face was pale and looked like he was a child who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, which was metaphorically true. Selina could just giggle and her face displayed an attitude that said, 'a girl's gotta have it when a girl gotta have it.'
"I.. uh.. was just coming to see if the both of you were settled and inform that Mr. Fox is all set in the subbasement, Master Bruce."
"Yes... well.. thank you, Alfred." Alfred hastily retreated out of the room before the pair started snogging each other in front of him. Bruce was still a bit flustered and Selina just let out a small laugh, "Aw, Bruce. Is someone embarrassed that he almost got lucky in front of his butler." Selina couldn't help, but tease him. Bruce just let out an annoyed grunt as he and Selina followed Alfred into the study.
"I thought we were going into the subbasement?" Selina said.
"We are," Bruce said. There in the study was a bust of his father, Thomas. He lifted the head of the bust to reveal a strange metallic device with a red bulb in the middle of it. There was a dim flash of light that outlined Bruce's face. "Facial and retinal confirmation confirmed," a robotic voice said. The fireplace then shifted further back into the wall revealing the entrance to the cavernous abode below the manor.
The cave was certainly larger than before. The main work station had a computer setup composed of three main 32" monitors with an extensive keyboard console attached with two smaller consoles with two 24" monitors on each side of the main computer. There was an engineering workshop, a chemical lab setup, a medical bay, a tinted door that led to a showering alcove both big enough for two, two display areas that held to custom made suits which were designed for literal perfection in terms of stealth, combat, and to terrify even the hardest hearts of Gotham's criminal empire. Both suits were made from a bulletproof and fireproof tri-polymer that was five times stronger than any military grade kevlar. They also had sensors embedded in them which kept tabs on Bruce and Selina's vitals and location. The Batsuit's cowl, cape, boots, and gauntlets were pitch black while the mesh body suit and the flexible armor plating over the chest, abdominals, knees, and elbows were dark gray. On the chest was a large black bat symbol that stretched from shoulder to shoulder and the suit was equipped with a black belt that would carry a wide variety of equipment. Attached to the belt was a thigh mounted holster which contained a grapple gun. Both ears on the cowls of both the Bat and Catsuit were short, but not exactly similar to each other. The ghostly white lenses of the Batsuits cowl and the red goggles that came with the Catsuits mask had multipurpose functions including UV, infrared, and built-in video recording. The forearms and boots of the Batsuit and Catsuit were equipped with light protective armor. The armored gauntlets of the Batsuit had arm blades for defensive attacks on assailants with bladed weaponry. The Catsuit looked like a full body black stealth suit with a more lightweight utility belt attached, which carried her signature bullwhip, smoke grenades, and all the practical tools of any thief. On the wall across from the suit displays were a collection of high-tech tools, gadgets, and non-lethal weapons , save for the firearms that Alfred has procured in case of lethal opponents entering the sanctum. In the center of the cave was what looked like a sportscar urban assault vehicle hybrid and the most advanced pair of motorcycles equipped for non-lethal urban warfare.
"I still can't believe you hid this from me back when we were kids." Selina said as she gazed around the much larger sanctuary that was what used to be Thomas Wayne's Private Study. "It was all during the Hugo Strange and Arkham Incident. I was trying to keep you out of harms way. But I see now that I was wrong. I should've trusted you.. I actually was going to tell you the second you came into the study that night way back when we were living out in the Narrows. But Alfred convinced me otherwise." Bruce explained. "Oh, I am so going to get him back for that," Selina said with an annoyed expression. "Still though. You could've told me despite what he warned." Selina explained. "I know. I regret having had done that. I just didn't want to see you get hurt on my account," Bruce explained. Sometimes when it came down to it everything was about trust with Selina, but she also reminds herself what Bruce has lost and how he is afraid that he'll lose everything that ever mattered for him. Selina looked at Bruce with softened eyes. She cupped his chiseled jaw and planted a small kiss on his lips which was her way of saying thank you for trying to protect me. However they both knew that if he were to lie to her again, he would be making good use out of the medbay.
It was then that Lucius Fox came down the stone stairs leading to the manor. "Bruce, Selina. It's so good to see the both of you. My you two have grown in your seven year absence." Lucius greeted with a warm smile. "Its good to see you too Lucius," Bruce greeted his old friend, "I can't thank you enough for what you've done." Lucius then replied," I'm happy to be of any assistance I can offer, Of course I do come with more urgent news. " "What's fresh hell is happening in Gotham now?" Selina asked. "As it turns out there are numerous reports of illegal military grade weapons being smuggled into Gotham. All I was able to find out from my old connections in the GCPD that there is only speculation as to who it might be who seems to go by the moniker, Black Mask. There is word on the street that the weapons are being brought in via shipping freighter at the Dixon Docks in the Chinatown District. But all the evidence is inconclusive. Judge Addison won't even issue a search warrant. Jim couldn't be more furious."
"So we catch them in the act. The GCPD can't legally enter the docking areas without a warrant, but if we cause a disturbance the GCPD will have no choice other than to investigate," Bruce said. "We can't just rush in there gun's blazing though. We'll need more intel on the place including number of personal, standard layout of the area, and when the shipments come in. I've done enough casing of these kind of place's to know it's not gonna be a cake walk, " Selina added.
"We've got no other choice, Cat."
Later that Night...
Bruce watched the city from the window in the study so intently. Seven years of training and learning for this moment alongside the woman he loved and who shared his desire to change Gotham for the better. They have become stronger, faster, and smarter than what they were when they were younger. "Seven years later and you still brood like you did back then." Bruce turned around to see Selina clothed in a lacy black sleeping gown that only went to her knees and a white satin robe. He took in everything with attention to detail. The way she was showing off her toned and creamy legs. The look of want and need she was giving him. How the gown hugged every luscious curve so perfectly. Her lips were glossed and her mascara had brought out the green in her eyes. He could smell the scent of lavender radiate off of her. Bruce knew that Selina had no intent on neither of them sleeping until much later that night. He was trying so desperately to keep his composure. Selina knew he would do this. That's what made it more fun for her when she broke him of it. Bruce turned again to the window showcasing his city trying shift his focus back to the mission. Selina wrapped her arms around Bruce rested her head against his shoulder. "Is it really that strange to be back?" she asked. "No. That's the thing, though. I was expecting it to be, but now it's returning to the state in which we left it in. It's getting worse again, Selina," Bruce said grimly. Selina kissed his cheek, "This is what we've been preparing for all this time, B. We both knew it would return to this, with Gotham the way it is. Now it just needs an unconventional touch to make it better." Bruce turned to face her and looked down at the ground. "You know it's not too late to say you don't want to do this. This is where it begins for me. The danger I'm willing to face. I just don't want to see you get hur-" Selina then kissed him to shut him up. She withdrew and looked up at him, "Remember what I told you Bruce? I'm gonna be right here whenever you need me." Bruce looked into her eyes. Those deep pools of sparkling green. "I'll always need you, Cat." It was Bruce's turn to return the kiss. No matter how long they have been together, they thirsted for each other. They needed each other like they needed water or air.
Bruce let his hands glide over the sides of her figure. Selina looked up into his dark brown eyes. Those eyes drew her in every time they were this close. They knew what they both wanted. What they needed. Bruce drew her in for a long, slow kiss. Selina then withdrew for the embrace and began planting soft kisses across Bruce's jawline. She then took one long lick from Bruce's neck to his ear, nibbled his earlobe, and whispered, "Well, Mr. Wayne? Shall we continue what we began earlier? Because I think Bruce Jr. really wants to come out and play." This was the straw that broke the camels back. Bruce drew Selina in with and kissed her neck as he made his way down the expanse of cleavage that she was showing off. His hands made their way down her back and down to her thighs. "Yes," Selina purred with anticipation as his hands were exploring her and his mouth was teasing the swell of her breasts. She discarded her satin robe and and proceeded to hold onto Bruce's head and drew him in closer to her body . Bruce then stepped back and shed his black turtleneck and exposed his strong, muscular torso. Then he went for his pants and boxers thus revealing the tool to which he would sate both of their desires. Selina had seen everything he had to offer, yet it still sent goosebumps down her spine which proved how much Bruce had an affect on her. He was the ultimate eye candy to her and she wanted a taste. Selina let a mischievous smirk cross her face and slowly remove the straps from her gown then let the gown itself fall gracefully to the floor. Every part of Selina was exposed and was beckoning him to take her. They embraced in a heated kiss once more as they both slowly descended to the ground. Selina then whispered into Bruce's ear," Come on B. This kitty needs her milk." What began as a slow sensuous coupling became a feral, playful, and passionate competition of domination and submission. This is how it has always been for them. Testing each other to see who will submit to the other in their physical union. In this turn of events, Selina was winning. "Oh, fuck yes!" Selina exclaimed as she straddled Bruce, his manhood ever so deep inside her. The ecstasy of their love making was getting to her to the point she was getting dizzy. She had to keep both hands on his firm chest to keep from falling off. Bruce took advantage of this and held on to her hips and became a human jackhammer. "OHHHHH FUUUCKKK!" Selina screamed. "Selina, I'm going to.." Bruce began to say. "Me too! Oh dear God! Yes! Yes!" Selina couldn't have been any louder. Bruce couldn't hold back as a wave of pleasure overcame him. They crumpled to the floor in a tired heap. The snuggled up next to each other, their body heat and the heat of the fireplace warming them. "So how was that for you?" Bruce asked. It was evident in the gentleness of his voice that combined with the jetlag from their venture home and his exertions Bruce was tired and needed his rest. "One word. Meow," Selina replied with a look of total satisfaction. Selina was as insatiable as Bruce, but she too could use her rest. Something told them both they would need it. Bruce then said," I love you, Cat." Selina replied, "I love you, Bat." They then drifted off into a deep sleep, but what these two lovers didn't know was that in a mad house in Gotham, something from their dark past was stirring.
GCPD HQ-Upper East Side-Gotham City
Jim couldn't believe it. He was going to be a father again. He couldn't stop looking at the sonogram that was taken a short week ago. Nearly two and a half months since Lee told him. A part of him worried though. Being the top cop in Gotham came with a price. All the scum and criminals he had locked away would love to exploit anyone who was close to him. It did his heart good that he was able to move his office to the old HQ. It felt like the good ol' days. Being surrounded by the same cops he fought alongside with to defend Gotham all those years ago. People that he trusted. Bullock was now captain of the GCPD Central Precinct and he got there the right way this time with Harper as his second in command. Harvey was always a brother in arms to Jim and the lovable uncle to Barbara Lee. To set a better example for his godchild, Bullock has been sober now ever since the siege. The GCPD was strong, but it was at now it was at war. Illegal weapons were now falling into the hands of higher up gangs. Military ordinance based on the reports. It wasn't just this new problem, but it was problems from the past come back to haunt him. It was rumored recently that Sofia Falcone had woken up. Sofia was a woman of vengeance and Jim knew who she would be going after. The Commissioner would do everything in his power to protect Lee and they child she was carrying. Other nightmares like Firefly, Freeze, and Tetch were making there way back into Gotham. He had every detective combing through every rumor to see if anything could help them, but to no avail. Jim lowered the picture and just stared off into nothing until he heard the faint call of Captain Bullock who was right there in front of him. "YO, JIM! EARTH TO COMMISH!"
Jim shook off his deep trance and looked up at his grizzled friend. "I'm sorry, Harv. Just thinking."
"Yeah, well while you were thinking, more of my patrolmen called in that they busted two more gangs with the same guns. None of 'em are talkin' though."
"They're scared. Of who? Now that's a question we need. We know that the weapons are coming from outside of Gotham. Are the reports at the docks at Port Adams still reporting suspicious activity?"
"That they are, but Judge Addison still won't sign off on a search warrant for the place. You thinking he may be being paid off to keep things in the dark?'
"Wouldn't be surprised, Harv." Jim was tired of these crooked politicians. They were the worst kind of criminal. Wolves that walked in sheep's clothing. The tv that had been running in the corner then caught Jim's. He reached for the remote on his desk to turn up the volume. There was a special report that had a very particular title which caught the pair of cop's attention. On the bottom of the screen read the headline "The Return of Bruce Wayne?"
"Well how about that," Harvey said, "the prodigal son returns."
A soft smile came across Jim's face finally feeling like a good change was coming to Gotham. "Welcome home, Bruce."
Blackgate Penitentiary-Blackgate Isle-Gotham City
Several years. It had been several years since Oswald Cobblepot had seen the outside of the prison. He can still recall the brutal events of his arrest. Six months after the siege, Oswald and Ed Nygma were partnering up to retake control of what they thought was their city. To create a legacy that would outlast them. With the financial infrastructure of Gotham being rebuilt, they both knew that they needed resources. Especially since Nyssa al Ghul stole their submarine full of gold and other priceless treasures. It should have been easy to strip Gotham bare of it's money given it's weakened condition, but as always Jim Gordon stood in their way. It didn't take long before their little attempts at building a war chest was brought down by Gotham's top cop. He swore revenge on Jim and would do anything in his power to make him suffer and finally die. Several years above being locked up like an animal. But today it seemed fortune was in his favor. The parole board had called him in to discuss possibility of early release due to his service in the prison and good behavior. He sat before a panel of four of the prisons supervisors to begin his interview.
"Mr. Cobblepot," The speaker of the review board spoke, "you have been regarded as one of Gotham's most notorious crime bosses of it's time. Despite this you're behavior within this correctional facility seems to show evidence of reform. Would you say these are accurate assessments?"
"Oh, absolutely, sir," Oswald put on his most charming smile, but inwardly he was mocking the fools for falling for his little charade.
"What would you say would be the cause of this change of heart?" the speaker asked.
The one thing he hated what he was create a lie that involved his darling mother, but he needed out. He hoped that she would forgive him.. "When I first came to Blackgate I was angry. Angry at the world, but then I looked at myself in the mirror and my first thought was what would mother say if she was here right now. She only wanted her boy to be a good kind man. I have failed her in that sense. I can only hope that even if I don't get out of this place that she will forgive me and see that I wish to be the man she wanted me to be."
The review lasted for about an hour. Oswald played them all like a masterful musician. The heart was the most vulnerable part of a person. You just need to know how to expose it, Oswald always told himself. By the end of the review, the board came to a decision. The main speaker took a large stamp and posted the ink covered mold onto Cobblepot's file which read PAROLE APPROVED.
Recreation Room-Arkham Asylum-Arkham Island-Gotham City
"I don't know why we let this piece of shit live. He caused so much death and destruction. He deserves death." one of the orderly's said. "The freak's brain dead. What the hell can he do? Hey can you turn the volume up on the news, looks like the rich kid is back," The second orderly said. Just as he turned up the volume, an alarm sounded on their phones. " Aw great. Looks like Crane is trying to escape. Come on." The chief orderly said. They left the acid scarred man alone with the news blaring. "In other news, Bruce Wayne, the Owner and Chief Chairman of Wayne Enterprises has returned after a seven year absence. The nature of why..." the reporter continued. The disfigured man eyes were staring off into the distance, but he was quietly saying, "Br...Br...Br." Then a picture of the nineteen year old Bruce Wayne appeared on the screen. The man's eyes became transfixed on the image and watched it with much anticipation. "Bruce. Brother. Welcome home," said the former shell of what used to be Jeremiah Valeska, but is now something far worse. A small barely noticeable yet twisted smile curved on his lips as he muttered," It's showtime. Hehehehe."