Day 389
The army had started to run through Green Zone's barricades. After destroying most parts of the other territories, now they're attacking us. An hour ago Wayne Tower was blown already and slowed down the enemy, but they didn't stop, still marching towards us. Jim had returned with Barbara and their baby daughter a few minutes ago. He informed us that General Wade of the military for the reunification is dead and no one can order the army to stand down. The army is now less than a mile away towards Gotham Central buildings from all directions.
Jim ordered the rest of refugees to start moving to the tunnels underneath the GCPD, while him and a few others made an attempt to fight the army. Barbara, Lee, Hassan and I led the refugees to the exit. Everyone was terrified. I kept my hand clasped with Hassan's.
Lee decided to join the defense with Jim. Believe me, I wanted to just scream and cry, but it's not an appropriate time. Lee approached me and wrapped her arms around me. I released Hassan's hand and hugged her tighter. When we pulled apart, she put on her encouraging smile like she usually does to me.
"You have a wonderful family, Sarah. Take care of them," she said, tucking a strand of hair into my hijab. I just nodded, don't know what to say, but I leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Barbara advanced to her slowly, with her newborn strapped against her body. She embraced my doctor friend, saying her gratefulness to her.
I kept my eyes at the door that Lee just exited. I still don't know the reasons why that Nyssa Al Ghul (or her deceased father) strongly wanted to destroy this island and its inhabitants, to the point of using the army. My friends – our friends are out there on a suicide mission. They wouldn't stand a chance against the military force.
Just then, I caught Barbara's gaze. That moment, I knew we were thinking the same thing. Then she shifted her eyes to my husband and I followed her. My heart was racing faster when Hassan had the same expression as ours. If Nyssa Al Ghul is going to win anyway and we're going to die, we might as well die fighting.
We are going to join the defense.
Because… Gotham is us.
We are Gotham.
"Are you entirely sure about this?" Officer Riley asked again. Barbara had asked me to inform of our plan to the uniform officers since they trust me more than her. Officer Riley was surprised at our idea and couldn't help but asked the second time to confirm.
"The refugees agreed to fight with us. And we're going out there… with or without you," I answered with determination.
"One way or another, they're gonna find this tunnel anyway," a female officer tempted. She agreed with our actions.
Hassan appeared beside me. "This is what all of us want," he added. He enclosed his arm around my shoulders, supporting me.
Officer Riley stared at us for a moment and then to the evacuees behind us. He lifted his firearm. "I'll round up the others," he settled, walking away with the female officer.
I turned around to look at Barbara and gave her a nod. She tilted her head up with confidence and faced the other refugees.
"Now, let's get those pigs!" she announced, receiving a roar from the crowd.
All of us marched out from the tunnel with fire with us. We are not scared anymore. Those pests must know how strong we are. How dare they want to destroy our home? They should know that we, Gothamites, are not running away. Officer Riley was waiting for us at the foyer of the GCPD with the other officers. Then they led us, parading in front of us towards the entrance. Cold air greeted us as we stepped out. From afar, I could see our friends lining up before the enemy.
Wait for us, my friends.
"Shoulder to shoulder!" Officer Riley commanded. "Stand together!"
I felt Hassan grasped my hand for the nth time today. I entwined our fingers together, holding securely. And I felt a surge of force from within and it made me fearless and confident. I didn't know how it was going to end, but I have never felt as strong.
Malik was beginning to wake up and curious what was going on but he was behaving well – not crying or whiny. "I love you, baby," I whispered to him. "It's going to be all right…"
Then, I shifted my eyes to the leader of the enemy, Eduardo. I narrowed my eyes at him. He seemed a little upset by our arrival, but he continued his instruction anyway.
"Fire."
No one made an attempt to attack us. Most of them appeared to be hesitated by the command. And I was comforted by their hesitation. I never stop praying in my heart that they would stop their attack against us.
"I said, fire!" Eduardo charged again, emphasizing his voice, though I knew he could slightly feel it; the feeling of defeat. No move was made from the other side again.
"You have a choice," Jim bellowed to the army. "You can stand with us, or you can stand with them."
It seemed like Eduardo had had enough so he himself raised his firearm with his troop, but the US military immediately charged their weapons towards them – the real enemy. This time I was confirmed that we got the military with our side.
Everyone cheered happily when our enemy dropped their weapons to the ground, finally throwing the white towel. Tears moistened my eyes as I laughed in relief. I hugged my husband and child tightly, crying and thanking God.
"We are Gotham!" We are Gotham!" the people chanted.
"What do you mean Kid's gone?" I pressed, my heart dropped before it beat faster than normal.
"We've looked for her everywhere," Rue exasperatedly said. "Troy is getting crazy. He's worry sick."
It was not even fifteen minutes after we were saved from Eduardo's troop. When I was approaching the kids to hug them, they weren't looking ecstatic. Dee Dee immediately ran to me and blurted that Kid is missing.
"I'm sure I could get Jim to dispatch a team to help us look for her," I reassured. "Where's Troy?"
"He's still looking for her. She's like a sister to him." Rue combed her hair backwards, sighing loudly. "He's going home to check if she's there."
I prayed that Kid is resting at home, sitting on her couch, staring into oblivion like she usually does, but no.
Kid is really missing.
Five days after Reunification
He's not Captain James W. Gordon anymore. He's Commissioner James W. Gordon.
I felt delighted that he was officially appointed as the police commissioner of Gotham. He deserved this, more than anything. Everyone came to the event – those major characters who helped fight against Eduardo, even Nygma and Oswald. Even though they seemed displeased with the announcement while staring intently at Jim.
Journalists were flashing their cameras at Jim and the blue boys. They actually wanted to interview all of us but I refused. I might accidentally insult the government if they kept on asking.
After the journalists had dispersed, most of us were still at the City Hall. I bet Oswald is going to miss this place after settling here for a year. Malik was interested at sleeping little Barbara, Barbara's daughter. He stood by her carriage, talking inarticulately.
It's Barbara now, huh? Previously, his interest is Kid.
Kid is still missing. It has been five days. But we still have some teams looking for her. Hassan and I also helped during our free time.
I snapped out of my train of thoughts when I overheard that Bruce is leaving Gotham. He was talking with Jim. I waited patiently until they finished their conversation, then I trailed behind the young Wayne. I tapped his shoulder to stop him.
"Hey," I warmly said. "Going so soon? Everyone is still here."
"Sarah," he responded. "I have something to take care of."
Why does his eyes hold so much sadness?
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I heard you're leaving the city." I eyed him cautiously and I was curious. Busybody Sarah alert.
"I'm leaving the country."
"But you're coming back, right? I mean, Selina is here…" Then I noticed that he had a tensed facial expression. "Does Selina… know?"
"She'll understand," he murmured.
I sadly lowered my gaze, thinking how heartbroken Selina will feel after this. "I know you must have pondered about this thoroughly. You're smart for your age. But be safe, please."
He gave a curt smile before leaving the city hall.
Two weeks after Reunification
"Mrs. Weller!" I squealed delightedly, waving my arms up in the air to get her attention. She just came offshore from the mainland via a ferry. It seemed to me that she was having a bad mood. "Uh-oh. Her grumpy mood is on," I whispered to Hassan.
"I'll take out the secret weapon," responded him, bending down to pick up Malik from his carriage. "Malik, look. It's Mrs. Weller. Let's wave her."
The moment Mrs. Weller saw Malik, her face relaxed and a warm smile appeared. When she got close to us, she immediately went to him, ignoring Hassan and I.
"Hey, Champion. How you doing?" she cooed. It was one of her rarest sides, since she is always brusque and harsh. Malik clenched and unclenched his hands, reaching out for her. "Oh, you remember me."
She let go of her luggage and took Malik in her embrace. Malik giggled when she bounced him. She peeked at his carriage.
"You still have my gift. Mr. Caterpillar." I knew she was talking about Malik's plushy. "It's nice of you to treasure gift that you receive from someone," she added. "Not throwing it away like someone I know did."
And I knew she was talking about me. I had accidentally thrown away a shirt that she had given to me. "It was an accident! And I feel bad!" I said in defense.
"Oh, just be honest and say that you don't like it."
"I love it. It was a cute t-shirt and like I said the millionth time: it was an accident!" I cannot believed I just stomped my foot to throw a tantrum in public. "Look, it's been almost a year since I last saw you and I missed you but the first thing you did is pestering me!"
Mrs. Weller was dumbfounded at my outburst, while Hassan tried to calm me down. I narrowed my eyes at her, feeling very frustrated. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths.
"I'm, uh, sorry," mumbled Mrs. Weller. Her voice was uncharacteristically soft. I opened my eyes in surprise, suddenly feeling guilty to shout at her.
I sighed. "I didn't mean to raise my voice like that. I'm sorry." I lowered my gaze, staring at the ground. Then I felt thin arms enveloped me and my body was greeted by warmth and a familiar floral smell that I had missed so much.
"I missed you too, Girl," she whispered against my ears. I returned her embrace and hugged her tighter. "I had forgotten when was the last time I went to church to pray, but on the first day you were stuck here, I went there everyday. Glad to know that you made it, Girl." The fact that I am always in her prayer made me touched. "Oh, and I have a surprise for you."
She unwrapped her arms and I saw a slight smirk on her face. Her expression got me curious.
"What about us?" a voice spoken.
I swiftly turned to see the person. My eyes watered when I saw their smiling faces. "Father. Mother."
"Don't you miss us, Princess?" Father said. Hassan's parents were there as well. All of us ran to each other, hugging each other, expressing how relieved we were to see each other again. I missed them so much. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed being spoiled by my parents.
"Oh my Lord. Look at that ugly sight!" Mrs. Weller exclaimed. We were back at our apartment. They had brought different kinds of food and the food that I had missed so much is meat! I sobbed while putting the grilled lamb into my mouth, saying how much I love meat.
Mrs. Weller was disgusted by me. "Don't blame me. It's more than a year since I ate meat," I said with my food in my mouth.
Hassan's father laughed at my antics.
"Don't talk with your food in your mouth, Sarah," Mother softly chided. "And chew properly. You're gonna get indigestion eating like that."
Obediently I followed Mother's instruction.
"Wow…" I heard Troy breathed out.
I glanced at him, who was sitting at the sofa. The dining table cannot fit all of us so Hassan, Father and the street kids were sitting at the living room.
"You are not the Sarah I know," he said. "That is so…" He seemed to be having difficulties in finding the right word. "… disappointing."
What does that supposed to mean? Wait… I hope he's not going to tell all the dangerous things I did here in Gotham to my parents and parents-in-law. "Well, clearly, you don't me knew me well enough," I blurted before he said anything.
I narrowed my eyes at him when he tried to open his mouth, giving him a pointed look. He snickered but he seemed to get it so he returned to his food. I turned to look at my Father who was talking animatedly with Hassan. I smiled at their friendliness together. Mother and Hassan's mother were busy playing with Malik, while Hassan's father sat beside me, giving me more food. He kept on saying, "Eat more," to me. He was worried since all of us looked thin. He had told me that he always wanted a daughter but all of his children are male, so having a daughter-in-law made him happy.
"Are you guys staying here after this?" Mrs. Weller asked. The question was for Hassan and I.
"Sarah and I have talk about this. We intended to stay here for a few days if that's okay," Hassan answered on our behalf. I knew that we didn't have the legal rights yet to stay at this place because of the No Man's Land and we couldn't get to Hassan's apartment since it's in Penguin's turf. "Yesterday, we checked my apartment in Diamond and it was a mess, but nothing was damaged. We're gonna return there once it's ready," he resumed.
I know Father was about to say his disagreement of us deciding to remain here. "We've talk about this. And this is our decision," I emphasized, while staring intently at him. He made a surrendered face and sighed.
"I heard the US military is gonna help Gotham arresting criminals for a period of six months. Call it a cleaning campaign," said my father-in-law. "They gonna improve the security in Blackgate and Arkham, as well."
That's good news. At least with less worry, the state could focus on rebuilding the bridges. Malik suddenly made a high pitch laugh. Something about his grandmothers must have overly amused him. He giggled until he coughed on his own saliva. I had to lightly scold them for making him laugh too much.
"Oh, by the way, Malik can walk a few steps now," I informed after chugging down a few gulps of watermelon juice.
"Really?" the two mothers squealed and then they continued on complimenting Malik on how amazing he is.
It's not always that the house got this lively and lovely. And I like it. I felt in content as I continued eating the lamb. Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on that bowl of oxtail soup.
I have decided to make another one. Woot! Woot!
Only Human: Versed