A/N: So here is the second chapter of Children of Arkham! The first episode is called Realm of Shadows so I thought for all the chapters pertaining to this episode; they will all start with Realm of and then a word similar to Shadows. The last chapter that is from this episode will be called Realm of Shadows but until then, the chapters will be Realm of Something similar to Shadows. Also, let me know if I had this in the right genre and if I should add one. I wanted Action but that wasn't an option so I had to go with Adventure but I feel that doesn't fit as well. I hear Adventure and think of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones or something like that. Oh well. Let me know!

Thx!

AMM


I remove my suit gingerly and pull on my dress pants before going upstairs into the manor and walking out from behind the grandfather clock. I approach the portrait of my family hanging above the fireplace before clutching my side and wincing again.

"Bruce….you can't keep doing this," Alfred says worriedly as he sneaks into the parlor.

"I have to….no one else will." I grunt out as I switch to be clutching my side with my left hand instead of my right, which goes to support me by grabbing tightly against the fireplace.

"Every drop of blood, everything you've sacrificed….this city is safer now." Alfred insists. "But it's made you a target. And people will keep you in their crosshairs until you've been shot out of the sky."

"I can handle it," I state sharply before moving away from the fireplace, not noticing the bloodstain from my hand I left behind. Alfred approaches me and motions to the medical supplies sitting on the table. I lean against it with my back facing Alfred as he stitches my side together and wraps it before moving to pull shards of glass out of my shoulder.

"I know you're trying to create a myth, but be careful you don't turn into a monster." He warns as he pulls out the last piece. I straighten from against the table, walking towards the neatly folded dress shirt.

"Sometimes you need a monster," I tell Alfred.

"If you want to be intimidating, you're succeeding. Criminals are becoming afraid of you. So are the police."

"It's a scare tactic, Al. Just a performance." I tell him, leaning on the table for a second before picking up the shirt and unfolding it, carefully slipping it on over my shoulders and buttoning it up.

"A myth can't be killed." He tells me as I begin to tie my tie. "You, however, are flesh and blood." I tighten my tie then shrug on my tux jacket, buttoning that before turning towards the door, my hand rising to touch the scratches on my jawline. What will I say if someone were to ask? Cut myself while shaving? That might work. "Step out of the shadows. And be Bruce Wayne tonight."

I sigh. "That's a much harder fight."

"Don't let tombstones be your family legacy." I tense at the mention of my dead parents before taking a deep breath and pulling the doors open.

"Well then, time to save the city." I walk out into the main hall as everyone applauds.

"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" Harvey Dent says over the microphone. "A humble District Attorney like myself is not used to such a ringing endorsement. Even one who cut Gotham's crime rate in half! For too long, this city has burned with corruption and greed under Mayor Hill's authority. But I promise you, a vote for Harvey Dent, is a vote to finally put your foot down. Together, we can stamp out the fire and save our great city!" He raises his champagne glass in toast as everyone applauds.

"If only Mr. Wayne, my campaign's largest backer, could have heard that applause he-well there he is! Fashionable and fashionably late as always. Say hi, Bruce!"

The spotlight moves to me and everyone turns to face me. I wave a hand. "Hi, Bruce," I say jokingly and get a few chuckles.

"Well, I tee 'em up and he knocks 'em down. That's how Mr. Wayne and I do business. Thank you, thank you, everyone, for your unwavering support. Together, we will change Gotham." He raises his glass once more before stepping down the stairs and towards me.

"Mr. Wayne! Thank you for opening your house to us!" Harvey says joyfully as he approaches. He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pats my back before pulling away. "Now I know this is the biggest mansion in Gotham, but I don't think you got lost on your way here." He jokes.

"Where were you?" He says, leaning in closer and lowering his voice. "I know you prefer the brooding billionaire angle. So the sooner we make nice with the donors, the sooner everyone will leave you alone."

"Just wanted to make an entrance," I tell him, leaning back against the column behind me.

"Congratulations, you almost missed it! You are a pillar of this city and my campaign. I need you here and tuxedo'd and shaking hands. No one came here tonight to see me."

A waiter walks by with more champagne and Harvey grabs a flute for me. "They want to see the Bruce Wayne. Am I right?"

"And I can see them just fine from here." I tell him.

"This shouldn't be painful. This isn't a kidney stone. It's only a little face-time with potential donors. Your face, specifically, with a mouth saying, 'Support Harvey Dent.'" Despite the fact that Harvey and I have been friends for a while and I told him I'd finance his campaign, I feel like Harvey's only my friend for my money and popularity. I take a sip of the champagne.

"We're the grease, they're the wheels. And they're rolling in enough cash and votes to help make Gotham a place for families again."

"I'll do anything for Gotham. It's my home."

"It's our home." Harvey corrects. "This'll help you too, Bruce. Once I've turned this city around as mayor, you'll be a hero for funding my campaign." It's like he thinks that's the reason I'm doing this, that that's what I want from him being elected. "Now all I need is a decent slogan. I'm terrible at those. It always makes me sound like a used car salesman. Which, for the record, I have not been since before law school."

"Alright, alright, alright, how about 'A new face for Gotham?'"

"Look at you, that's not half-bad! I'm gonna use that!" As the waiter walks past again, Harvey and I both place our champagne glasses on the platter. "I meant what I said-together, you and me, we change Gotham. A city free of crime, where children can play in the streets again."

"I want that too, Harvey, but you know how rough it is out there. We have to shake things up to make that happen."

"Well, we can start with a few hands, hmm? Come on," he leads me to a familiar couple, making me miss Diana more then I already do.

Before we get to them though, I see a figure hunched over one of the tables, drinking from a bottle. "Oz?" I ask quietly but Harvey pulls me towards the couple.

"Mr. Wayne, I'd like to introduce you to-"

"Bob and Regina Zellerbach. Of course I know these two." I reach out and shake their hands.

"Hello, Bruce," Regina greets adoringly.

"Regina's the chairwoman of Wayne Enterprises and her husband-"

"Voted for Mayor Hill last time." Bob interrupts. "I'll admit it, Mr. Wayne, I don't know Mr. Dent from a pothole on Main St, but I trust your family. If you believe in dent, we believe in you." He raises his glass in cheers. "After all, whoever you support is a reflection on you."

"And we trust someone like you to lead this city to greatness." Regina adds.

"I'm flattered, truly," I tell them. "But this night is all about getting Harvey Dent elected so he can fix those potholes."

"Hmph," Bob huffs. "I think I speak for half the room when I say politicians are puppets."

"Come on now, Bob," Harvey starts. "I'm not a politician, I'm a crusader! No strings attached."

"Old families like ours should flock together, you know. Like birds." Regina tells me, changing the topic back to the previous one.

"You're preaching, dear," Bob tells Regina as she takes a sip of her champagne.

"No, it's true-the Wayne's and Zellerbach's are reminders of the golden age of Gotham." Harvey agrees.

"This city's luster faded years ago, Mr. Dent. Look at Gotham now. Murder in the streets, corruption in City Hall, and that cape bat-freak dealing out vigilante justice like it's the wild goddamn west!" Bob states fiercely.

"Oh Bobby, regarding 'golden age' it seems like you're getting cranky in yours." Regina teases her husband. "There's always hope."

"Forgive me for being blunt, but one man can't save this city." Bob claims. "And it's a dangerous mentality to think so. That's how you get creeps like this Bat-Man."

"I'd say it all depends on the man. Sometimes you need a person who'll go off script." I say.

Bob was taking a sip of his champagne but almost seems to spit it out at my words. "Such as dressing up in a bat costume?"

"And taking out the criminals who ruin our city, though the cape may be a bit much." All but Bob chuckle a little. The cape is necessary sometimes. I didn't like it at first but it's grown on me since I realized how nice it is to have sometimes.

"But don't worry though-I'm not doing this alone." Harvey says. "With Bruce's help, we're replacing the dangerously insecure Arkham Asylum with a state of the art mental facility to help Gotham's most at-risk individuals. It will be dedicated to Thomas and Martha Wayne in the hopes that their fate will never be repeated." I tense at the mention of my parents and remember what tomorrow is, but I can tell by the way that Regina looks to me that she's going to talk about it even more. I look to the ground.

"After all your parents did for this city….to be killed in a botched robbery in some alleyway. It was terrible. Truly terrible." Regina remarks.

"A tragedy like that, at such a young age, must have been crippling." Bob agrees. It still can be if I think too much about it.

"If only that….deranged man….had gotten the right treatment maybe….Well, I don't like to think about 'maybes,' and I'm sure you don't either," Regina adds.

"Yes, well that was a long time ago. I've moved on." No I haven't.

"Of course, of course," they seem to understand I'm done with this topic.

"Together, we'll help the whole city move on." Harvey ensures before we both nod and leave.

"Not saying I doubted you….but that went better than expected."

"It is a night of ringing endorsements." I say. Then Harvey stops, realizing a young woman come in and grab a flute of champagne.

"Well, hello. Harvey Dent, Gotham's next mayor and eager to know you." He greets, shaking her hand as I try not to roll my eyes.

"Vicki Vale, not interested, and reporter for the Gotham Gazette."

The moment reporter leaves Vicki's mouth, Harvey seems to lose all interest. "This is a private fundraiser, Ms. Vale. No reporters allowed.

"Well, you don't mind if I stay and ask a few questions, do you Mr. Wayne?" Vicki asks hopefully.

"Well you can ask me whatever you want at the press conference tomorrow," Harvey assures her.

"Actually, I'm here for Mr. Wayne." Of course she is.

"Tonight is strictly off the record," I tell her firmly. "We can talk, but nothing gets written down.

"I'm okay with that." She shrugs. "I was just hoping to see what makes Bruce Wayne tick. This is quite the social event Mr. Wayne-"

"Ah, come on now, so formal. Call me Bruce."

She blushes slightly. "Well, Bruce, you've been going around pleasing everyone tonight. But, how are you doing? You should enjoy your own party before all the champagne runs out."

"Everyone loves the host-you're king for a day." I shrug.

"Just a day? I would've guessed Bruce Wayne has that feeling year round."

"Yeah well I take nights and weekends off." I tell her then she squints her eyes and step closer but I step back.

"Mr. Wayne, you've got something on your collar. Is that blood? Yeah, it looks like-"

"Oh, this? That's nothing. Just cut myself shaving." I tell her.

"What, your butler didn't help you this time?" I glare at Harvey, unappreciative of his joke.

"Kidding, kidding," he says under my intense glare.

"Do excuse me, Master Bruce, but another….guest….has arrived." Alfred says as he comes up behind me.

"I'm sure they'll find the bar."

"You may want to greet this one personally sir." I look over my shoulder and see Carmine Falcone walk in with some of his men.

"Carmine Falcone?" Vicki asks. "Is the Dent campaign soliciting votes from Gotham's biggest crime family?" When Harvey immediately goes on the defensive, I know something's up.

"Falcone's never been convicted of anything except being a businessman who loves this city. Excuse us, Ms. Vale." Great so I get to come too. I offer a small smile and shrug of my shoulders before following Harvey.

"And what kind of business do you think he's in?" I ask Harvey as I approach him at the small makeshift bar where a server's pouring him a scotch.

"The one that controls enough votes to get me into City Hall. This is the necessary evil of politics, Bruce. It's in the service of a better Gotham, for all of us. At least hear him out before you kick him out. Falcone requested to speak with you directly. Maybe he can change your mind." Harvey tells me as Falcone walks further into the room, grabbing people's attention.

"Jesus, Harvey. Inviting a known criminal to your fundraiser? Doesn't exactly look good for your squeaky clean image."

"Let me worry about that. A word of warning, Bruce? Play nice." And with that, Harvey throws back his head and downs the rest of his scotch.

"You know, I've been in a market for a new house," I hear Falcone saying as we approach him. "Decent walk up, sky-high ceilings, plenty of room for my cars….I think I'll take it. Thought the décor offends my eyes. Oh man, all flash, no class."

"Let's talk privately, shall we?" I ask Falcone.

"I like this guy. Ready to do business before we even introduce ourselves. But we'll get to that." He turns to me, offering his hand. "Carmine Falcone. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. You're a respectable man, I hear." I look from his outstretched hand to his eyes with sharp intensity and he pulls his hand back.

"Gentlemen, perhaps we'll all be more comfortable in the parlor," Alfred suggests. "Follow me, if you will," I look to Falcone then follow Alfred.

"You should know, Mr. Falcone, my analysts say we're raising triple what Mayor Hill has-" Harvey says, beginning to follow us into the parlor before being stopped by one of Falcone's men. "Hey, what's-"

"Private audience," the man says.

"Oh, come on, guys." Harvey complains. "Bruce?" He looks to me.

"You'll be fine out there, Harvey. I saw plenty of skirts to keep you busy for a few minutes. Have a drink, have a talk."

"Harvey stays with us," I tell Falcone who glares for a second before relenting.

"A man's home is his castle-I respect that. Seen and not heard," Falcone tells Harvey.

"Whatever you-" Harvey begins before Falcone cuts him off.

"Ah! Ah! What did I say?" Harvey quiets before quietly going to sit in one of the chairs off to the side. "Mr. District Attorney here wants to make sure the rules are followed." Falcone says as he helps himself to the Scotch sitting on the poker table. "But in my experience, there's the law and there's doing what's right. You understand? And I'd rather see Harvey actually help this city, instead of just saying he will. The man talks too much, chaps my face with words." Falcone says as if Harvey isn't in the room.

"Unlike most people I've met, Harvey actually has integrity." I defend. "He's trying to make Gotham a better place."

"So am I. So are you. Hey, we all carry this city on our broken backs. Might lighten the load if we do so together." He finishes the Whiskey and sets it on the corner of the pool table. "I ain't here to chin-wag about politics, Mr. Wayne. Gives me indigestion. I got enough of that as is." He sticks a hand out and one of his men pulls one of my pool cues off the rack and hand it to him. " So, let's talk relationship." He tosses the chalk cube to me and holds out the tip of the cue.

"Chalk this for me." He says, nearly orders, before softening a bit. "Be a pal. I can get Harvey the Mayor's seat….or I can pull it out from under him." I grab the chalk cube and toss it back to Falcone. "Whatever happened to being a gracious host?" He asks as he chalks his own cue. "Okay, imagine….this is me." He says, holding up the white ball. "And these are all my friends in Gotham," he gestures to the neatly arranged pool balls waiting to be struck. "The businesses. Restaurants. Clubs. Docks. Unions. Politicians." Falcone gets to the end of the table, lines up his shot, and shoots, sending the balls rolling all over the table.

"I make them all move. And I want to keep everything moving if Harvey gets elected. That's why I came here tonight, to your lovely home, hoping to make a new friend. One that can help Mr. Dent see the light, if need be." I cross my arms over my chest. "Between your businesses and mine, I bet we employ half the city."

"Yeah, that's not happening." I tell Falcone.

"This isn't a deal with the devil," Falcone insists before slamming his pool stick down on the edge of the table. "You listen to me, kid. I know somewhere inside that tuxedo, you understand this situation." I uncross my arms as Falcone comes around the table to stand in front of me. "Money gets money. The risks, the alliances, the hidden costs. Your father knew which hands to shake." We both glance at the family portrait. "And which to break." He says as he drops his voice and leans in closer.

"Don't you dare talk about my father." I have to refrain from growling back.

"Woah, you're getting worked up over nothing," Falcone insists, leaning back and acting causal again. "Hell, I knew him longer than you did. People don't say 'no' to me. Not for long." Then the door opens and Alfred stands at the doorway.

"Master Bruce, your guests are leaving. I recommend seeing them out. You wouldn't want to be rude."

"Heed your butlers advice, kid," Falcone tells me as he begins to walk towards the door. "Oh, and I'm no longer interested in buying the house. The owner's a prick. And he's gonna get what's coming to him." Like I would even sell him the house.


A/N: So that's a wrap on the second chapter! Falcone?! What?! Why did it all end in a Church? *wink wink to a different game* For those of you who haven't played the game or aren't interested in the game, I think this might be an interesting story to just read, especially because of all the twists and turns it throws in here. I know I didn't expect any of it as I played through.

Thx!

AMM