Disclaimers: I only own Dr. Diana Campbell and possibly the plot. I do not write this for profit. I merely do this all in good fun. I do not own Batman/Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Lucius, or the Gordon family and I never will own them. Cripus Allen and Renee Montoya belong also to the DC Universe. I've got most of my information from comics, all of the Batman movies, the novelizations, and the book Gotham Knight and its animated version.
A/N: Yes, I know – it has been a long time since I last update this story. Forgive me! I tried. I really did. I hope you enjoy this chapter and no – the Joker is not in this chapter. Forgive me about that. I assure you he will be in the next one. Reviews appreciated!
Summary: Gordon and Batman rely on each other, but when a threat is against Gordon's family Gordon must rely on Bruce Wayne. What will happen? Will Gordon notice the mysterious disappearances? Post Dark Knight
Loyal Friends ~ Worthy and Unworthy Answers
Jim awoke to a silent alarm in his head. He yawned as he sat up, and stretched his arms forward as he did so. He looked around at the room that he was staying in. The sight was still new to him – so he looked cautiously.
Its colors were very different from his home.
My home's burned to the ground.
The walls were a mix of blue and gray. The windows were to the west as the blinds blocked the sunlight. There was a ceiling fan right above him and it was softly spinning; giving off a cool breeze.
He turned to his side and found his wife Barbara lying fast asleep; probably dreaming of better things.
Careful not to disturb her slumber which was must deserved, Jim got off the bed and walked to the bathroom connected to the bedroom.
He urinated, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and fixed his hair by running his fingers through the gray and brown.
Seeing another door at the end of the bathroom he walked to it, took the knob and turned it, and pushed the door softly open.
The first thing he saw was his two beloved children sleeping near each other; back to back and hands under their heads.
Their innocence captivated him.
But he knew that some of that innocence was sucked away from them after the evils of Dent constructed by the Joker, and now the Invisible Hand.
Their fear pained him; haunted him everyday. He wanted peace so badly. He wanted to be able to close his eyes without seeing the endless possibilities of more trouble coming into his life and his family's.
He needed peace.
Last night had been exhausting for all of them; to Barbara, to little Jimmy, and to sweet Barb. They had come to Wayne's penthouse in a late hour. And no once could fall asleep for another four.
He quietly left the children and entered a slightly unfamiliar hallway. His mind vaguely flashed to the other night.
Alfred leading us…
He walked in the opposite direction of his memory. He walked. He walked and he walked; further and further until…
He found it.
Big home.
"Good morning, Commissioner Gordon."
The voice belonged to one Alfred Pennyworth. The old Englishman was near a long dining table. He stood straight and proud in his suit as some sort of secret-ness radiated from him.
Jim couldn't say anything. He didn't know the man very well. But the butler wasn't a stranger.
"Master Wayne is out on business and he apologizes for not being here to meet and greet you and your family," the butler slash guardian said with a soft assuring smile.
Jim couldn't help but feel like an intruder. He didn't understand why Batman suggested that he and his family should stay with the one known as the Prince of Gotham. And what befuddled him even more was that Wayne let them stay.
Why?
I didn't ask the Batman how he knew Wayne.
He opened his mouth to ask a question, but Alfred was ready and spoke.
"I know last night was very troubling," he said. "But I'm afraid that I don't carry all the answers. When Master Wayne comes home I'm sure you can ask away and he'll answer."
Jim nodded; turned suddenly feeling a little exhausted. What could he say? He had nothing his mouth. He was sure that even if he did speak the volume in voice wouldn't be audible. Why? It was because he was more than confused. He was exhausted. He started walking back to the hallway to the portion of the penthouse he resided in.
"Would you like me to make you and your family some breakfast?" Alfred then asked.
Jim smiled slightly. He was about to decline, but a look from the other man stopped him from doing so.
"Pancakes – blueberry pancakes, I suggest. Thank you."
Alfred smiled wider this time and in his eyes came sympathy.
"You're very welcome sir."
The butler soon departed to most likely do as he suggested and as what Gordon requested.
So Jim sat on the couch facing the large window that gave an amazing view of Gotham City.
He ran his hands through his hair and groaned. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
His mind flashed to the other night.
He was watching helplessly as the fire consumed his dear home. He caught glimpse of the firemen trying to stop the wild like fire from destroying anything else.
He held his wife and his children; protective like only a father can be.
He then noticed something in the shadows. He knew full well that it was probably the Batman.
He let go of his family and stealthily walked to towards the shadows and was met by the standing form of his Dark Knight.
At that moment, he wanted to blame it all on the Bat. He really did. He wanted to be able to cry out in belief that the vigilante that he considered to be a close ally and friend was the reason why the other worldly came and targeted Gotham City.
But the wants never came true. As he looked at the man in Kevlar his mind thought of the good things that have come thanks to the emergence of the Bat.
His wants became needs. He needed comfort. He needed a friend. He needed a protector.
And despite the pain, Jim felt totally safe near Batman.
"Batman!" cried softly the young voice of his son Jimmy to his surprise and probably Batman's.
The young child ran to the figure of the Bat and wrapped his arms around him in obvious pleasure.
Batman didn't move. He just looked straight in Jim's eyes.
"I would have done anything to prevent this if I could," he hoarsely said.
Jim nodded with a slight smile.
It was some sight to see his boy hugging Gotham's unsung protector.
Something about it spoke of humanity; Batman's humanity.
"The family is not …" Batman went on to continue, but he could not finish for the sentence was finished by none other than the young boy that was clinging to him.
"Safe…We know…But you and Dad can protect us…"
The utter faith and devotion that little Jimmy had for his father and for the Batman was striking.
Jim finally took the boy in his arms and nodded.
He believed that he would do all he could to protect his family, and he believed that the Batman would do so as well.
They would do it together.
"I can't protect you alone." Batman said. "In the morning…in the day…when the sun is out…I'm not Batman…I'm someone else…But I know of a person that can help you both in the day and the night – during the times when I unfortunately cannot be there."
And that someone was Bruce Wayne.
There were so many questions about this in his head. Why did the Invisible Hand target solely him and his family? Why Gotham? Why did the Batman advise him that he should send his family and himself to find refuge with Bruce Wayne? Why would Bruce Wayne agree to do such a thing?
It was all so very confusing. There were so many questions. He knew fully well that for the first two questions he may never get an answer. So he decided that the last two were reasonable.
So when Wayne comes home…
He'll probably have found the answers.
Hopefully.
…………………………………………………………………………………………........
Bruce Wayne was at a luncheon for the praise and accomplishments of one Dr. Diana Campbell. He had received an invitation for the luncheon last afternoon by the events manager slash counselor Jordan Goyer. He accepted, of course, despite knowing that he had a family of four currently tucked away at his penthouse. He would give them all his time – later.
It was his curiosity that propelled him to go along to this celebratory luncheon. Ever since his meeting with Dr. Campbell, his gut had a feeling emanated by it. He wasn't exactly sure if she was suspicious of him, but he wasn't all that trusting towards her either.
Just curiosity...
He was seated with his somewhat friend, and a good honest man Nikolas Wilsom III, Clay Carter, and steel owner Albert Townsend. Also in his table was the head psychologist of Harvard, Dr. Jane Simonson, and Dr. Walter Dalton of Princeton, the penguin-like Oswald Cobblepot, and the intriguingly suspicious blue-eyed Dr. Diana Campbell.
She was seated in front of him. Her blue eyes ever so mysterious were looking around her with a smile of pure amusement.
"Dr. Campbell, sources tell me that your newest patient is an infamous man." said Dr. Dalton with an informative smile.
Ears perking up, Bruce paid careful attention to the woman sitting before him.
Campbell smiled at the man charmingly. She nodded and said, "Yes. I should have known that your reach into the psychology world was far, long, and high." The guests at her table laughed. Bruce did after a few seconds, but finished his along with the others. "I have not taken a patient per se – more of I've chosen a particular person in Arkham that I have yet to profile."
Intrigued even more, Bruce sat up straighter, and watched as Dr. Simonson asked with a curious grin, "Who?"
Campbell's eyes flashed that quick flash that he had seen at the funeral. Bruce once again felt suspicious.
"Ah, well I'm sure you will find out…." she said with a slight shrug. Her eyes then met Bruce's. And again her eyes flashed, and then became brighter. "My new patient will surely be – well, is…" She broke her gaze with Bruce, and looked at all of her guests around the table. "The Joker."
Collective gasps came from everybody at the table except from Dr. Campbell herself and Bruce.
Bruce resisted the urge to scowl. The Joker was his worst enemy. His greatest enemy was the Joker. The Joker killed Rachel.
"How's the sessions?" spoke up Cobblepot. His nose which was like a beak seemed more definite as his eyes was wide as saucers.
Campbell smiled a little. "No sessions yet, but I'm going to get there. Okay – two meetings that is all. But his file, however small, is enough. He's one of the most interesting personalities that I have ever encountered. He is indeed a psychologist's dream with all of his tics and spasms."
"What would you classify him as?" Bruce suddenly asked despite himself.
But he knew why he asked it. He knew very well that Dr. Diana Campbell was the most world renowned and respected profiler slash psychologist in the world thanks to her interviewing over countless criminals and helping law enforcement catching them. He needed to get another viewpoint on the Joker. If it was from her. Then so be it.
"Would he be a psychotic or a psychopath?" he asked.
He held Campbell's eyes once again. Her blue sapphires met his brown chocolates.
"I would say that he's a new breed of criminal." Campbell stealthily said. "He's a purposeless criminal, the enemy with no rules, and is out for anything and supposedly cannot be understood."
"So you cannot understand him?" Bruce asked; knowing full well that he was challenging her. But he needed to know if the Joker could be understood.
Campbell smiled a smile that sent shivers down Bruce's spine unwillingly. "If analyzed correctly, and approached diligently, then the misunderstood can be understood."
Bruce nodded. He had already come to that conclusion deep within his mind, and only received reconfirmation on those thoughts.
"I have come to learn from the first look in his file that he enjoys highlighting man's hypocrisy and making people question their values and how sincere they really are." Campbell continued; not breaking eye contact.
"And has he succeeded with you – even if you met him twice and have yet to have a full session with him?" Bruce asked again; scrutinizing her deeply.
Campbell laughed. "Oh, he's yet to try – I have yet to let him speak. Besides – doctor patient confidentiality restrains me."
Bruce put up a smile, and laughed as well. "Yes, confidentiality is a must. I would not want to have my own broken. So let's keep that man's unbroken as well despite the world's curiosity."
He would have to find out more about Dr. Diana Campbell and her study about the Joker.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
"Climb up higher… Climb to the heavens…"
He sharpened his knife.
"Climb the tower…Climb to Babylon…"
He smiled.
They could hide, but he would find them.
Until then, he would just have to kill more.
"Climb."
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Alfred smiled as the Gordon family explored their new surroundings. The two children were braver than their parents and were continually touching things while running back and forth.
James Gordon, on the other hand, moved like a snail; refusing to touch anything. And then he finally stopped in front of the window looking out at the skyscrapers with a slight frown on his face.
Alfred knew the dangers that were directed towards the Gordon family. Master Bruce had explained to him about the situation earlier in the day. He knew he wanted the Gordon family save as well.
He didn't ask him why, because he already knew the answer. He knew that Gordon was there when Master Bruce was in the police station. He knew very well that Master Bruce wanted the commissioner to be his ally. And Gordon did become an ally – an irreplaceable one.
Jim Gordon was not only an ally, but also a knight of Gotham. Alfred knew that the White Knight was supposed to be Harvey Dent, but he knew about the events in the warehouse where Rachel died. No, it was Jim Gordon who was the knight. He was the White Knight.
He walked to stand beside the man.
"Feel free here sir," he said. "There's room for everyone."
Gordon nodded, but his eyes remained at the city; shadowed. "Until I get answers then I'll relax."
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Dr. Diana Campbell submerged herself in the ice cold bath. The water covered her and consumed her.
As her temperature dropped, flashes of distant memories came to her mind's eye.
Tick tock…tick tock…
Her running on the grass as a child.
Tick tock…tick tock…
Watching the pin drop.
Tick tock…tick tock…
"Sleep, my dear goddess, Diana…"
Tick tock…tick tock…
She runs toward open arms of her mother.
Tick tock…tick tock…
Watching the man fall a part.
Tick tock…tick tock…
The wolves howl before the hunt.
Tick tock…tick tock…
"The will to act."
Diana came out of the water. She kept her breathing steady. She didn't panic. Memories were memories. They did not haunt her. They only gave her evidence of who she was.
She smiled.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
The children were playing on the living room floor with their newly acquired toys that Alfred purchased just for them online. Barbara was sleeping on the couching with a slight smile on her face.
Jim just watched.
The day had gone alright for them. They didn't go out. He had expected to feel suffocated inside the penthouse, but he didn't. He enjoyed the time he had with his family. He enjoyed feeling just a little bit safe after the hell they went through last night.
Alfred had gone to the far west of the penthouse.
The elevator made its noise.
You're home.
Deciding that he should go out to the balcony, Jim did just that and hoped that Wayne would take the clue.
They needed to talk. And he would get his answers.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bruce undid his tie, and threw it aside. He looked around and then found Alfred smiling at him from the west side of the penthouse. He nodded at his dearest companion and looked around to see where the Gordon family was.
His day at the luncheon brought no other answers for Dr. Diana Campbell's time was spent elsewhere with many different people of her occupation and some socialites.
He would find another way to get answers from her and her sessions from the Joker another time.
His eyes then found the children. Jimmy and little Barb were playing with some toys on the main living room floor. It was a strange sight to see children in his penthouse; hearing them laugh was strange too. But he found it comforting. He liked the idea of his home not being as dark and solemn as it could sometimes be.
He noticed that Barbara was sleeping on the couch. He smiled at her. She was a formidable woman in her own right. She kept the ship moving for the Gordon family. He would always be grateful for that.
After looking at the three for a while he then noticed that Jim was not among them.
Alarmed, Bruce was ready to search the whole penthouse for him until he saw the man standing outside; leaning on the balcony rail as he looked out at the skyscrapers before him.
The alarm subsiding, Bruce nodded at Alfred and then preceded to get out into the balcony to stand beside the man he considered a friend and one of his most trusted allies – even if the other man didn't know him – only his counterpart.
He too leaned on the balcony rail, but not with his front. He leaned with his back and then crossed his arms as he watched the children play, Barbara sleep, and Alfred smile at the sight of the young ones.
"I presume you are wondering why you are here…" he started.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
The voice of Wayne was a slight surprise, but that's what he wanted. He had stayed as still as possible as the man approached him and then leaned on the balcony with his back.
"Among other things." Jim replied. A lot. He wanted to know a lot. He needed to. Because if he didn't, he wouldn't feel right.
Bruce heard the slight suspicion in the older man's voice. I don't blame you. How could he? This man has had a lot of reasons not to trust anyone. Yet he trusted Batman. And he knew that Jim did not understand why Batman would want him to stay with him – the playboy.
"I heard about your plight – a scary – no, a frightening man is after you and your family," he continued slowly; very slowly.
Jim took in a breath. I can still see it. He could still feel it too. He nodded as he let it out. "The Invisible Hand.
Bruce looked at Jim even though the older man stared out into the city.
"Yes," he said. He knew that speaking the supposed truth would ease the other man. It would be hard to understand at first, but Jim would be convinced. You have to. "I was confronted by this Batman." He laughed slightly. "This was the first time I saw the vigilante face to face." He paused. "Few moments later, I sent Alfred to prepare for your arrival."
Silence.
Bruce didn't like when a silence filled a space between him and anyone that he was speaking to. Anything can happen during that silence.
Jim was confused. Why would Batman go to Wayne? Why? What did Batman see in the man? Batman wanted him to take refuge in a place where the most parties happen. Bruce Wayne was a billionaire playboy. He was the Prince of Gotham. Why?
And yet his mind flashed to that little boy who had lost everything. His mind flashed to that stricken face. He remembered when he tried to comfort the boy. It was the least that he could do. No one else tried.
But this man – beside me. He's not that boy. What did he know? He checked on Bruce every now and then since that fateful night at the opera. The boy was withdrawing and lashing out.
And then he disappeared and became a man of the people – well, at least the wealthy ones.
Or so it would appear.
He liked to think that the boy he grew to care about despite himself had become a better man.
"Are you going to arrest me?" Bruce suddenly asked.
The silence had become to long and drawn out to him. He had to end it. He knew it would take quite some time to get Jim's full trust with him as Bruce. But he knew that he could.
Because he had always trusted Jim. You were the only one to comfort that night. Jim was the only one. He needed Jim – much more than he ever had realized.
Jim was surprised by the question. He took a moment, and then turned to face Wayne who was looking at him intently. The utter seriousness in his face was strange.
"What?" he almost gasped; not understanding.
Bruce smiled at catching the older man off guard. "I conferred with a wanted man."
Still a little flustered, Jim replied, "Yes, you did. But I have no evidence to arrest you."
"You got a confession." Bruce insisted; furthering the fluster in Gordon.
Jim still didn't understand what was going on. He also didn't understand why he felt so awkward.
"And it would be quite hypocritical since this was Batman's idea…" he acknowledged slowly. "I agreed to it."
Bruce nodded. Indeed you did… I'm glad. "Yes…I think he was the one to bring you here – obviously with your consent." He then looked at Jim intently; testing the other man a little. "I thought you wanted him caught."
Jim frowned slightly. "I may have at first." He then shrugged; hoping that will make him less awkward. It wasn't like this was his first time talking to Wayne. That car crash when you wanted to go pass that red light. But then again – for that moment, he did think that Bruce had a heart and knew more than he should.
In the morning…in the day…when the sun is out…I'm not Batman…I'm someone else…But I know of a person that can help you both in the day and the night – during the times when I unfortunately cannot be there.
Is this why Batman chose Bruce? Was there something that he didn't know? Was he not the first ally of the Dark Knight?
Jim wasn't so sure. He wasn't sure about anything anymore.
Bruce smiled a small smile, but it was the most assuring one he gave. "No room for speculation. I intend to keep you and your family safe until this Invisible Hand is captured."
This is the opening. Jim asked it quickly, "How did he convince you?" Was it that Wayne was an ally before him? Or was it that Batman just convinced the playboy to do something?
It was getting dark. It was time for Batman to come out.
Bruce smiled a smile that was both charming and serious. "I should ask the same of you."
Jim was stunned.
"It seems we both are not what we appear to be."
Bruce checked his watch. He thought of an exit quickly.
"Forgive me. I've got an important meeting downstairs. Goodnight. We'll talk sometime again tomorrow. I guarantee it."
Jim watched as the man walked away; silent and less awkward, but still a little stunned.
There indeed was more to Wayne then he first thought.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
His family was already sleeping. But him – he couldn't. So he just stood against the balcony rail; looking out at the city and the bright lights that filled Gotham.
His conversation earlier with Wayne didn't reveal much. It only brought more questions.
Jim still wanted answers.
"Jim."
He turned towards the familiar voice.
It was Batman.
He was hiding along the shadows, but Jim could still see him. His eyes have grown accustomed to it.
Batman tilted his head. "I know you are confused. But you have to trust me."
Jim ran his hands through his hair and then nodded. "You know I trust you."
How could he not trust Batman? Batman was a friend, an ally, and his family's protector. He could never stop trusting Batman.
I just want answers.
But before he could ask the questions, Batman answered them all. The dark vigilante stepped a little closer to Jim.
"It wasn't hard to convince him. I landed here one night. He found me. We stared at one other. I didn't hide. I found no reason to. What would that playboy do? And then he showed me his true colors."
Jim was in slight awe at what he heard.
"What did he say?" he asked.
Batman tilted his head once again.
"Don't ever stop fighting."
And with that, he jumped off the balcony and flew into the night.
Jim watched his shadow form disappear. The brush of the wind his jump gave just hit him. He closed his eyes.
He had gotten an answer. But it was a vague one. He would have to learn more.
But for now. He just needed to sleep.
He was safe.
Batman said it was so.
He trusted Batman.
His family was safe.
TBC
End-note: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Once again, I apologize for not updated so soon, but school's a bother, and then vacation came. Yes…I hope to have the next chapter up. But I don't know when. Reviews appreciated!