Batman v Superwoman
Dawn of Justice
(Note: I was able to push this out in a week. :) I think I'm getting better. Also thanks to everyone who is supporting me and my stories. The next one may take ahwhile I no longer have access to television in my dorm, so watching the Blu-ray will be difficult. Also I want to give my Steven Universe story so love and work on some new projects. A new Superwoman Story that has nothing to do with the films and is sort of just a fun project. And anyone who's a fan of the Loud House might like what I have. So just wanted to give you all an update enjoy the chapter and see you all next time.)
Chapter 5
Daily Planet, Two Days Later
Claire sat at her desk as she was deeply focused on her computer screen typing away at an article she was reading and documenting. She and Lois had just returned to work and have been working for a few hours, they received condolences and concerned support from all the Daily Planet staff all of it was genuine. Even Perry gave his own sympathies in his own way
"Good to have our two best reporters back, we can finally get back to the big stories again" Perry said as he passed Claire, she was able to catch his smile in the corner of her eye
As Claire was typing she was approached by a young female intern, Claire looked up a recognized the girl as Jenny Jurwich an intern at the planet.
"Hey Claire you've probably heard this to death already but, I'm glad that you're okay and back with us" Jenny said with a small smile
"You'd be right your number 20 Jen" a man named Steve Lombard said as he walked past the two
"Yeah and you were number 16 Steve, Thanks Jenny it really means a lot" Claire said with genuine kindness
"Honestly I thought you weren't going to come back. I mean I've seen Lois recover from crazier stuff believe it or not, but you may be almost as tough as her. I mean if I went through that I don't know." Jenny said sadly
Claire gave Jenny a kind smile "None of us could be ready for what happened that day and it's not going to do my life any good getting hung up on the past. The best I can do is honor the past and move towards the future" Claire said with a small smile, Jenny returned the smile
"So have you guys heard from Jimmy recently or…" Jenny asked scratching the back of her head, Claire's smile fell upon hearing the question
"Jimmy hasn't talked to me or Lois in a long while" Claire said sadly, Jenny frowned
"I wonder how's he doing, after all that happened he appeared to be the most shaken up" Jenny said concerned for Jimmy's wellbeing
"Well he's doing quite well all things considering" a voice said from behind the two women
Claire and Jenny turned around and smiled
"JIMMY" both women said happily
Jimmy Olsen stood behind the two with a nervous smile and a small wave. Both women ran up and embraced him, getting the attention of everyone in the office. Jimmy happily returned the hug with his single arm.
"It really good to see you're okay Jimmy" Jenny said happily
"Yeah I just…. Needed sometime to myself" Jimmy said, he looked at Claire who buried her head in his chest
"Claire I didn't mean…." Jimmy said sadly
"No I understand, you needed time to think things over and clear your head. I'm just happy you're okay" Claire said as she looked into his pale blue eyes with tears welling up in hers
"Thanks Claire" Jimmy said gratefully
"Smallville may be letting you off easy, but I'm not so merciful carrot-top" Lois said sternly with her arms crossed
All three of them turned to face the agitated Lois, Jimmy swallowed hard and approached Lois
"Listen Lois I know I've should've talked to you two…." Jimmy said
"Yeah you should've, I was there with you Jimmy I was a part of that whole thing. And you know Claire cares about you she went to your freaking house, and I swear if you were there and you didn't answer the door when she came I'm going to…" Lois said angrily raising her hand
Jimmy braced himself knowing that being hit by Lois was a very high possibility when he entered the office. Jimmy was prepared for a slap on the face, but was surprised by a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"We are your friends Jimmy, we just want to help you. When you keep us out like that we assume the worst, don't make us worry like that" Lois said
"Your right Lois I should have opened up and…." Jimmy began sincerely, but was stopped when Lois brought her hand up and smacked the back of his head receiving a yelp
"DON'T-DO IT-AGAIN" Lois said sternly pointing at him then walking back to her desk
"Yes, Ma'am" Jimmy said rubbing the back of his head, Perry then walked up to disperse the crowd
"Alright everyone this isn't an afternoon tela-novella back to work. And Olsen good to see you kicked the ice out of your shoes, don't have any work for you yet but it will come" Perry said as he walked off, Jimmy gave him a smile and a thumbs up
Jenny walked past him giving him a kind smile and Steve gave him a pat on the back. He then turned to Claire who gave him a kind smile.
"There's still probably a lot for you to unload, but just know were here for you Jimmy" Claire said kindly
"Thanks Claire there is a lot for me to sort through right now, but I will come to you guys if I need help. I should probably go talk to Perry and see what I can do around here, see you around" Jimmy said as he walked away waving to Claire and Claire returned the wave
Claire turned to her desk and her eyes fell upon the manila envelope she received two days ago. Claire then smacked her head in a realization, she then picked it up and walked over to Lois's work area. Lois was currently typing something on the computer when Claire approached.
"Hey Lois, so when are you going to forgive Jimmy" Claire asked
"When he learns to stop being an idiot" Lois said annoyed
"So probably in a week then" Claire asked
"Probably, can I help you Smallville" Lois said defeated
"Yes you can, I received this in the Mail two days ago. It originated from Gotham City, but that's all the info I got I have no idea who the sender is. Do you think you can use your contacts and your journalist magic to figure out who it is" Claire said handing her the envelope, Lois examined the envelope
"I'll see what I can do Smallville, but first two questions. One, was Jimmy at home when you visited cause I swear to god" Lois said annoyed
"I don't know, I make a point of not using my abilities to spy on my friends in their vulnerable moments. You know that I have firsthand experience with what Jimmy is feeling, we just have to be there for him when he's ready" Claire said hopefully
"Alright second question, what did you get in this envelope Claire" Lois said holding it up
"It something that I'm been looking into Lois, I promise to let you know about it once I get some more information" Claire said as she returned to her desk
Claire sat on her desk and returned to working on her computer, on the screen was multiple news articles from various sources about the Batman.
"A Bat prowls the night"
"Batman thwarts Laughing Gangster"
"Mysterious youth seen with Batman during gang bust"
Claire has spent the last two days looking into this Batman and she did not like what she saw. There was too much evidence for her to believe he wasn't real and he appeared to be active in the city for a very long time 20 years at least, way longer than she's been doing her thing. She will admit he's done a lot of good for the city taken down gangs, drug dealers, and from what she read some nightmare inducing individuals who could give Zod a run for his money. But the problem was his tactics he was clearly acting outside of the law he left criminals in a broken state some of them concussed or having multiple bones shattered. He threatened people with his own methods of interrogation and has even stolen police evidence. But what worried Claire the most was his ferocity, from the early article although he did everything mentioned there was never a death when he was involved. But the recent articles showed him becoming more violent, brutal, and monstrous. Claire feared that he was on the verge of killing and from everything she read with what this man was capable of that could spell disaster for the city. She could not in good conscious let this spiral continue, but she was still suspicious about this Letter appearing at her house with no return to sender. So for now she would wait, she would learn, and she would prepare herself to act if needed.
Daily Planet, One week Later
Claire was at work once again typing away on the computer, she was in a bit of a sour mood today. Early in the morning she woke up to Kahina Ziri was on the news talking about her, her words rang out in her mind all morning.
"It's time for the world to hear the other side of the story. They say Superwoman is a hero. Okay, but whose hero?" Kahina asked the reporter
"If Superwoman were here right now, what would you want to say to her" The reporter asked
"That my family, too, had dreams. To look her in the eyes and ask her how she decides, which lives count, and which ones do not" Kahina said
"I don't" Claire said softly
"You don't what Claire" Jimmy said approaching Claire camera in hand
"Oh it's nothing Jimmy, you having a good morning" Claire asked adjusting her glasses
"Eh it's okay, sucks being stuck in this office getting everyone's coffee I thought I got past all that. I wish Perry would give me an assignment I need to get out there" Jimmy said pleadingly
"Well it looks like that day is today. I've kept you both here long enough it's time for you to get back out there" Perry said walking up to the two, admittedly Claire was excited about getting back to reporting instead of staying in the office she really did like her job
"What you got for us Chief" Claire said excitedly
"Don't call me chief, and calm down farm girl I swear you spend so much time with Lois she's starting to rub off on you. And it's nothing big you two are on sports, tomorrow your both heading to Gotham to follow up on football"
"Gotham" Claire and Jimmy both said surprised
"Yeah Gotham, 'Underdog Dreams Dashed: Ten Yards Between Gotham and Glory', I get Kent not knowing but didn't you watch game Olsen" Perry asked
"Oh I haven't really kept up with sports for while Mr. White, but yeah I can get some photo's what do you say Kent" Jimmy said happily
Claire was in deep thought, Gotham this was her chance to go deeper in to her investigation of the Batman. Learn what she can from inside the city and add it to her Dossier
"Kent are you listening" Perry said snapping Claire from her thoughts
"O-oh yes Mr. White, I be there and get the facts" Claire said nervous and rushed, Perry simply gave Claire a "Really" Look
"Olsen make sure the farm girl doesn't wander off out there, don't want her becoming another Gotham Statistic" Perry said as he walked away from the two
"Gotcha Perry, I'll keep her safe" Jimmy said
"Hey are you guys watching this" Jenny said getting the offices attention as she turned up the volume for the TV's.
Claire and Jimmy turned to face the television and watched the news report
"Emergency responders quickly created a precautionary perimeter around Heroes Park while they brought the man down from this beloved monument. The suspect has been identified as Wallace Vernon Keefe" The reporter said as the image of a man being carried by police to a cruiser was shown.
The man was being carried because he had no legs, his appearance was very homely and dingy. And despite his handicap was still struggling against the police as he was put in the car.
"I work for Bruce Wayne! I WORK FOR BRUCE WAYNE!" Wallace yelled angry at the camera
"He'll be arraigned on charges of vandalism, resisting arrest, and the felony charge of making terrorist threats. That carries up to 40 years in prison" the reporter continued
Claire stopped listening once she saw Wallace, his brown eyes were filled with so much anger and all of it was directed at her.
"His scars run deep and not just the obvious ones" Jimmy said holding his stump
"Poor son of a bitch. Jenny Headline, 'End of Love Affair with Woman in the Sky' question mark" Perry said addressing Jenny, she simply nodded and walked off
"I guess were heading for Gotham tomorrow, see ya there" Jimmy said, he only received a small nod from Claire as he walked away
As she turned back to her computer she caught a glance from Lois, she looked concerned for Claire, and Claire simply sighed and returned to work.
Heroes Park, Hours Later
Claire walked through the park towards the memorial area. She looked up into the night sky admiring the starry sky and the full moon. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a ticket for the ferry to Gotham city, she would meet Jimmy at the docks tomorrow. She would head back home soon she just needed to see it for herself. She finally came to the memorial area, a large statue of herself surrounded by a memorial wall with the name of every life lost during the Black Zero Event. Claire walked up to the wall and ran her hand across it, feeling the engraved names.
"How many times have I come here? How many times have I stood at this wall, counted and memorized every single name, and asked each to forgive me" Claire said sadly as she looked up into the sky
For a moment the night sky turned into the darkened sky of Black Zero. She saw the parted clouds and the rippling sky of the closed phantom portal. Then she heard the voices, people begging for help, screaming in pain. Claire felt tears begin to well up in her eyes as the memories flooded back to her mind, suddenly through all the screams one voice rang out louder than the rest.
"KALA" a male voice roared in anger
Claire's head snapped down instantly and then she saw him. Zod his anger burning as hot as ever rushing towards her with fists raised, roaring at the top of his lungs. Claire looked deep into his hazel eyes all the anger from their battle still there. Claire flinched and stumbled back away from the oncoming Zod. As she backpedaled he back hit the statue, fearful she closed her eyes and braced for the punch. But, it never came Claire opened her eyes and saw the wall again. She rubbed her eyes and gave a relieved sigh as she leaned on the statue
"I can talk to this wall as long as I want to, it's not going to change anything" Claire said defeated, she then remembered the reason she came here in the first place.
She took a few steps back and examined the statue of herself. It was her in her Superwoman suit, funny how people say she was built like a Greek statue and now she had one. She didn't pose for it but she admitted it was an impressive piece capturing her perfectly. From the texture of her suit, to the muscles strewn across her body, and her flowing hair and cape. The only thing she didn't like about it was the pose. It was in a kneeled positon one hand close to the ground as if beckoning someone and the other in the air, it made her look like a goddess she didn't want to be viewed like that. Her eyes then came to the carved out S on the statue's chest the symbol of hope on her planet. She heard what happened on the news and though it was washed out she had a way to see what was there. Claire removed her glasses and examined at the statue's chest, her eye's adjusting to see what was previously there. And then she saw the residue and what was written on the statue's chest
"FALSE GODDESS"
Claire sighed as put her glasses back on and looked to the ground in defeat.
"I'm not a goddess, I'm just a woman, and I'm trying" Claire said as she placed a hand on the statue
"I'M TRYING" Claire yelled as she reared her fist back to punch the statue
He fist rocketed towards the monument, but her fist stopped a few inches away from it. Claire took in a deep breath calming herself and lightly tapped her fist against the stone. She slumped and decided it was time to leave. With her hands in her pockets she walked away from the memorial, she passed a lone women sitting on the bench texting on her phone. Claire and the woman shared a glance at each other before Claire continued on her way. The woman looked at her bored then returned to texting on her phone, on the small device she texted
"She's heading for Gotham Tomorrow"
The women then clicked the phone sending it to the mysterious receiver. Miles away from the park a lone figure sat in a large chair by an open fireplace, he was reading a book titled The Study and Deconstruction of Religious Figures. The figures phone laid on a stand next to the chair then began to vibrate. Without looking the figure casually picked up the phone and examined the message, after a few seconds he began typing
"Have the Transfer done tomorrow, give our little reporter something to write about"
He clicked and send the message away, he then placed the phone on the stand and continued to read. He stopped for a second to look up at the portrait hanging over the fire place. It was of majestic white winged angels, clad in golden armor, swords drawn for battle as they descended from the heavens to face off against demons black skin, red eyes, and monstrous wings as they came from below to meet the angel's fangs bared. The figures blue eyes fell upon one angel the one who was leading the army, it was female and with the golden armor a flowing red cape trailed off her back.
The Next Day, Metropolis Docks
Claire stood at the docks looking at the city the rested on the other side. She was wearing a dark blue dress suit, black dickies, and a pair of black sneakers, she also had a brown coat over her clothes. Claire did a little research on Mr. Keefe last night, he used to be a security guard for a Wayne Enterprise building here in Metropolis. She knew the building it was the one brought down by Zod's heat vison, his legs got caught in some debris and were amputated. Apparently he was saved by the CEO of the company himself Bruce Wayne, Claire didn't have time to google a photo before she got called away on some Superwoman business.
"Considering the circumstances he should receive compensation for his injuries, Wayne Enterprises main headquarters is in Gotham maybe I swing by and do a little investigation" Claire thought as she continued to look out towards the opposite
"I know pretty to look at, but don't let the outside deceive you within those streets Crime and villainy run rampant" Jimmy said creepily from behind, Claire turned to face her friend
Jimmy was wearing a red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and red worn out converse with a green jacket over it. Jimmy gave Claire a friendly smile as his camera hung from around his neck
"Hey Jimmy the ferries ready to depart, you ready to head out" Claire said picking up her messenger bag
"Yeah, but I'm serious Claire Gotham is dangerous city. There's a mugging on every other street over there, apparently they have their own cape running around over there, been in the game longer than Superwoman from what I heard" Jimmy said as he followed Claire to the ferry, Claire simply hummed and nodded
Claire liked taking the Ferry, she could've easily flown over the water it won't be a hassle in the slightest but she liked just taking her time and enjoying the trip it made her feel more human. Claire then looked to Jimmy who was leaning on the rail and appeared to be fondling something in his pocket. Claire didn't want to pry, but she wanted to help and was afraid he wouldn't ask for it. So Claire approached Jimmy
"Soooo, you gonna tell me what's in your pocket" Claire said pointing to it, Jimmy jumped a bit in surprise and looked at the smiling Claire
Jimmy returned the smile and gave a defeated sigh "Alright I have some other business in Gotham I need to take care of. And I will tell you what it is, if you tell me what you have planned for Gotham. I saw how you were thinking when Perry was talking about it, you're up to something" Jimmy said pointing accusingly at her, Claire smiled and laughed
"I Promise Jimmy, but you go first" Claire said returning the point
Jimmy smiled a bit then frowned as he reached in his coat pocket. He pulled out a small photo, and as Claire examined she realized it was Langston and his family.
"His family lives in Gotham, I have to see them, and I need to give them this photo" Jimmy said as he examined the photo
"Jimmy there was nothing you could've done" Claire said sadly
"I know Claire, but they deserve to have this photo, and maybe this can be a bit of closure for me" Jimmy said with a small smile, Claire saw the hope in Jimmy's eyes
"Alright Jimmy I understand" Claire said compassionately
"Good, now it's your turn" Jimmy said poking Claire's shoulder
"Alright, Alright, I'm going to talk to Kahina Ziri. She's apparently living in Gotham, there's a few questions I want to ask her" Claire said, it technically wasn't a lie since along with her Batman investigation she wanted to meet her greatest accuser face to face
"Ziri, the woman speaking against Superwoman in all those hearings. She probably living it up in some fancy building on the upper side of the city" Jimmy said
"Actually no, she renting an apartment in the slum district. She doesn't even have police protection" Claire said
"Why would someone like her be living in a crappy apartment, with no police, in the most crime infested city in America" Jimmy asked confused
"That Jimmy, I what I want to find out" Claire said determined as she looked out to Gotham, she never noticed it till now but the entire city seemed to have a darker aura surrounding it.
Gotham City, Mid-town District
After the ferry ride both Claire and Jimmy agreed to handle their personal business first before doing the main assignment. They both boarded a taxi and drove to the address Jimmy found, to where Martin's family lived. The came up to a decent looking apartment, Claire and Jimmy exited the Taxi and paid the man before driving off. The entered the building and read the Mailboxes 'Selby, 3D'.
"Do you want me to come up with you" Claire asked worried
"No, no I need to do this alone. You do your thing Claire I'll be fine" Jimmy said reassuringly, Claire nodded and watched him ascend the stairs
She then exited the building and stood outside the main door and looked up. She moved her glasses to atop her head and focused on the building, soon she saw through the bricks and saw Jimmy making his way to the third floor. She watched him make his way to the door marked 3D, he appeared to have a moment of hesitation and took a step back. But Jimmy took in a deep breath of air and knocked on the door. After a few seconds an elderly African American woman came to the door with a little girl. Jimmy appeared to be introducing himself to the woman, after a few minutes of talking Jimmy pulled out the photo and explained the reason for coming. The woman held in a gasp as she held the photo, Jimmy thinking his job was done decided to walk away. But, he was stopped when the woman put a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see that the woman had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. From what Claire could see she invited Jimmy into the apartment, she then called for other people in the house. Claire saw that the family was built of the old woman, an elderly man, and the young girl. Jimmy appeared to be happy as he was introduced to the family. Claire realizing Jimmy would be okay put her glasses back on her nose and went on her way too find Kahina.
Claire walked down the streets of Gotham, from her research Kahina Ziri was living in one of the many slum districts of Gotham. Like Jimmy said before her choice of living space and the lack of objections from her peers was very suspicious. This was the top of list of things Claire needs to do while in Gotham City. As she walked through the city streets see noted how more grimy it was here than in Metropolis, not just in the literal sense the street were quite dirty but just the overall feel of the city. Ever since she stepped into the city her senses have on edge, like some primal fear awoke within her making her hair stand on end and be wary of every corner. Although the feeling was prevalent Claire knew she of all people had nothing to worry about. Claire began reading the directions she printed out, she was only a few mere blocks away from her destination. Suddenly she felt something press against her back
"Don't scream and follow me" a male voice whispered from behind, Claire complied and was brought to an empty alley
"Wallet, Watch, phone, and the bag now. MOVE IT" The man said pointing a gun a Claire, Claire simply gave him a small smile
"Sir I know that times are tough now, but you're not going to solve any problems especially your own with a gun in the long run. I think maybe you should take a minute and re-think this whole thing" Claire said kindly as she gently pushed the gun away, she knew that people only turned to crime out of desperation. She hoped that by approaching this in a calm and kind manner she could waylay the gunmen without using her abilities
The man brought the gun to his side and appeared to be thinking Claire's words over
"You know what Miss your right, I'm gonna change my life" The man said happily, Claire smiled believing she may have reached him. But then the gun was brought up to her eyes, Claire looked down the barrel with a surprised expression
"I'll do it after you give me all your valuables. And while you're at it why don't you give me a little peak under your bra" the man said viciously
Upon hearing that Claire's surprised face fell to an annoyed frown. She knew while some acted out of desperation there were those who were just creeps. Claire looked down at the pavement and removed her glasses pocketing them, the gunman looked confused as Claire slowly brought her head up revealing her glowing red eyes. Over the course of the year Claire had gained better control of her powers, one such being her heat vison. She has learned how to control the intensity of the beams, she can have them be strong enough to melt metal instantly or simply weld them together. She could even have them be weak enough to be unnoticed by the human eye, a trick she was quite fond of was using her heat vison as a heat flash. The beam was weak enough to not burn anyone aside from giving them really dry skin, and it caused them to become blinded by the red light. It was very useful for dealing with large groups of armed people and hostage situations, and know she was going to use it on him though a bit modified due to his request. Instantly red flash emerged from Claire's eyes illuminating the alley and engulfing the man in red. Once the flash had died down the man laid on his back in the alley skin slightly red, and his hair and eyebrows gone"
"YOU STUPID BITCH, I'LL KILL YOU, WHERE ARE…." The man yelled angrily, but once his vison cleared he realized he was the only one in the alley.
The man looked around confused trying to figure out where Claire was, she was currently standing atop a building looking down at the newly bald man.
"Guess I better pick up the pace" Claire said slightly annoyed by the inconvenience, she then began jumping from roof to roof reaching her destination
Kanhia Ziri's Apartment Building
Claire entered the building the words Woodstock carved into the stone over the door. The complex itself wasn't as bad as she heard children were running down the halls and a women was doing her laundry in the hallway. Claire excused herself as she passed the woman and her clothes finally coming to the door that led to Kahina's room. Claire examined the door and took a deep breath, she was about to face her greatest ill speaker face to face. Claire gathered up her courage and finally knocked on the door. Claire stood there for a few seconds waiting for a reply or some kind of sign that she was home. Suddenly Claire heard a whistle from the Laundry woman, she was wondering what Claire was doing. Claire then pulled out a newspaper with Kahina's face on it.
"Is she in?" Claire asked holding the paper up
"No, she's been gone" The woman said as a matter of fact, Claire frowned at the news
"What'd she do, officer" A male voice said from the end of the hall, Claire turned and walked towards the voice
"I'm not a cop. I'm a reporter. The young lady living here…" Claire said gesturing to the door and examined the man.
He was an elderly African American grey hair, worn down clothes, and a hat on his head. From Claire could see he was blind in his right eye and was scratching off lottery tickets.
"She hasn't been back little miss. In fact, if she's smart then she got out of this city. And you need to get out of here before dark. Unless you want to run into him" The man warned Claire surprising her
"Don't listen to that nonsense. Only people scared of him, people who got reason to be" The woman said approaching Claire
"Scared of who?" Claire said determined and curious
The man pulled out another lottery card and began scratching it off "There's a new kind of mean in him. He is angry. And he's hunting" The man said as he handed Claire the lotto card.
Claire looked at the card her eyes wide in surprise, the man had scratched off the symbol of a bat onto the card. Claire narrowed her eyes at the symbol
"Looks like I'm jumping straight to my Batman investigation" Claire thought to herself as she stared at the card
"You know it didn't always used to be like this. He's always been hard, but never this hard. Something changed him" The man said as he worked on another card
Claire looked at the man then pulled out a paper pad and pen from her messenger bag
"Sir, what did thing used to be?" She asked kindly
Gotham City Police Department
Claire had gotten a lot of quotes from the tenants of the building on the Batman. They said he only attacked the guilty, that he made them not afraid of the evils of the city, that he was a hero. Claire thought it was commendable but she couldn't look past what was in front of her, she pulled some photo's that came with the previous letter that brought her here. It was of the most recent victim of the Batman's Justice, the photo's showed his bruised face and body. And it showed the brand Batman left on him, on the photo was written
"Is this Justice?"
No Claire did not think so, although he may have done some good for this city his actions were inexcusable. And what the old man strengthened Claire's fears about him, he is getting more Brutal, he's tipping over the edge and may soon be danger. Which is why Claire came to the police department, she hoped she may get to talk to the man and get his side of the story. The evidence of his criminal activities were irrefutable, but she mostly wanted to hear about the Batman. Claire walked into the building and to the front desk of the Department
"Um excuse me, I'm Claire Kent, I'm from the Daily Planet, I was wondering if…." Claire began to ask the officer, but was stopped by a yell echoing from the halls
"NO YOU CAN'T DO THIS" A man yelled
Claire turned to see the man she was looking for being dragged by police to the front door
"NO, NO YOU CAN'T DO THIS, I HAVE THE MARK, THEY'LL KILL ME" the man screamed as the police forced him outside
"What are they doing to him" Claire asked worried
"He being transferred to Blackgate ma'am" the officer said
"Oh that's a mistake" another voice said, Claire turned to see a criminal handcuffed to a chair
"Why" Claire asked boldly
"The Bat branded him, anyone who has the Brand doesn't last long in Blackgate. People just see it and snap" the man said gleefully, Claire's eyes widened in horror
"He'll have protection right. Be put with less violent inmates" Claire asked the officer concerned for the man's safety
"I can't give out that information" The officer said before walking away, Claire's frowned deepened as looked down and saw a cartoon of a police officer beating a criminal with a baseball bat and bat symbol floating in the sky
She then heard voices from outside, she walked out to see the man being forced into an armored truck with other criminals. There was also a women holding a crying child, she was being held back by the police as she yelled towards the man. They were speaking a different language, but she was obviously worried about him. The man tried to reassure her that he'll be fine as he was seated in the truck and drove away. The woman stood there with the baby in her arms, the police handed her a plastic bag which she took forcefully then walked off. Claire followed the woman to the end of the street.
"Excuse me miss" Claire asked kindly getting the woman to turn around
"Are you that man's wife, I would like to ask you some questions" Claire asked trying not to be rude, The woman put her child down then faced Claire with sad and angry eyes
"He wasn't my husband, but I know what he did. But he was a father, he was that to. They moved him to Blackgate, inside they know. They know the mark kills, the guards don't care, and the Bat is the judge. One man decides who lives, how is that justice" The woman said angrily
"Miss please talk to me, help me change this" Claire said sympathizing with the woman
"With what your pen, your words" The woman said in disbelief
"Yes, I work for the Daily Planet if I get this printed, if I get people aware of this things can change" Claire said hopefully
"For a man like that words don't stop him, you know what stops him… A FIST" the woman said defiantly before grabbing her child and walking away
Claire did not pursue her she stood there with a determined look on her face, her resolve to end this strengthened. She turned back to the police department ready to ask a few more questions.
Hours Later
The sun began to set in Gotham city as Claire sat on a bench looking up at the buildings. Despite the grimy feel the city did hold a gothic charm to it, many of its buildings very old and showed their age with dignity. Claire spent most of the day asking the police questions about the Batman. Most of it was a dead end, but there were a few who were willing to spare a few words. Apparently the commissioner had close ties with Batman, and supposedly gave him information on certain cases. Despite this clear breach of the code of Conduct, many of the officers had only great things to say about him praising him as the cop Gotham needed.
"James Gordon huh, maybe I can get a meeting with him" Claire said as she leaned in on the bench
Claire then pulled out her phone wanting to check the time, Claire eyes widened in shock when she looked at the screen. 27 missed calls from Jimmy Olsen and 15 messages from Jimmy Olsen
"SHIT" Claire cursed herself as she dialed Jimmy's number, the phone Rang then Jimmy picked up
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU CLAIRE" Jimmy yelled worried
"Jimmy I am so sorry, I got caught up in something and…" Claire said trying to console him
"Did you get anything on football" Jimmy said worried, Claire didn't answer but shrunk a bit into her jacket realizing her folly
"Shit, neither did I. We are in so much trouble" Jimmy said hysterically
"Jimmy, just calm down we'll work this out back at the Planet. I'll meet you at the Ferry" Claire said and Jimmy agreed hanging up.
Claire sunk into her seat looking at her note pad and everything she wrote during the day
Ferry to Metropolis
Jimmy spent most of the boat ride telling Claire about his interactions with the Selby's, he sat and talked with them, played with the daughter, and took some photos for the family. They were very grateful towards Jimmy and the fact he went there to return the photo. Jimmy felt fulfilled after doing this
"Yeah they were all really nice, apparently Langston has a younger brother named John. They were close when they were little, but they divided when Langston joined the government. Poor kid involved with the gang now, rarely comes home now" Jimmy said sadly
"Oh Jimmy I'm glad you're happy. If you want I could look into the brother try to find him, John Selby right" Claire asked
"That would be really cool Claire, but first tell me what you were up to. Kahina wasn't the only thing you were after was it" Jimmy said accusingly
Claire sighed then reached into her pocket pulling out the Lottery ticket and handed it to Jimmy. Jimmy looked at the ticket surprised by what he saw.
"The Batman" Jimmy said confused
"He's dangerous Jimmy, the way he's doing things is wrong. Innocent people are getting hurt and nobodies doing anything about it" Claire said as she looked back at Gotham
"Isn't he like the good guy, a hero, like Superwoman? He fights Criminals doesn't he" Jimmy asked
"He is but he's doing it wrong. He views the criminals he fights as animals with no consideration for the safety of them or the people who depend on them. Even worse I think he's on the verge of becoming the very thing he fights" Claire said
"I heard he'd done a lot of good for the city. Maybe he just needs someone to show him a better way, like Superwoman" Jimmy said hopefully
"Yeah…. Maybe" Claire said as Gotham receded farther and farther from view