Chapter 17: Second Reunion
Bit of a small change here. I realized too late I have two characters named George in this story, so I changed James's father to Adam. My bad!
"We really gotta stop meeting like this." James joked. "I mean damn, you're practically stalking me."
"Ha. Ha. Ha." Hanna walked forward and sat in a chair near the breakfast table.
"So where's mom?" James asked. "I'm sure she wouldn't wanna miss this."
"She's on her way." Adam answered. "We need to deal with this as a family."
"Deal with what?" He asked. "For all we know, I haven't committed any crimes."
"I know what that means damn it." Hanna scowled.
"Enough." Adam interrupted. "That isn't helping James. We need to talk this out."
He sighed. "Alright."
Once Amy Davis had arrived, everybody sat down at the breakfast table together for the first time in years.
"Alright then." George Adam Davis started. "Your mother and I have known about you two for a long time. We've been talking about this for a while and we decided to get back together."
Hanna and James nearly jumped out of their seats.
"Really!?" James exclaimed, surprised. "Seriously!?"
"No way!" Hanna added. "When!?"
For the first time, their parents smiled.
"We have not set a date yet, but sometime soon." Amy answered. "Trust me, you two will be the first to know before the rest of the family."
Hanna and James looked at each other incredulously. They couldn't believe the news.
"This is…unreal!" Hanna cried out. "How many years has it been!?"
"Six." James answered somberly.
"Good. Now let's get down to the real business at hand." Adam said sharply.
Both young adults stopped and sat back down.
"You two are in interesting positions." Amy explained. "Both of you have unimaginable power and it's incredible the things you've done. However…"
"I do not like where this is going." Alcor spoke.
"Neither do I." James thought back.
"Hanna." Amy started. "You've done what you did for James isn't that right?"
Both of them gasped. Hanna slowly nodded.
"You knew that James would eventually have to fight the enemies you have fought." Adam added. "You did not want him to get into that."
"Wait what?" James interrupted confused. "What do you mean I'd have to fight them? All the people she has killed?"
"You need to know James." Amy answered. "Remember Novus Ordo Seclorum?"
"The new world order group." He nodded. "Yes all of the dead are members of—"
"They know about us." Hanna interrupted.
"Yeah and?" He asked.
"Had I not intervened, they would've come after you." She explained. "All those dead people? They all wanted you out of the way. They all knew that you harbored a connection to that incident at the high school. Remember Abigail's parents were part of that organization and they—"
"Have met me numerous times." James's eyes widened. "I was dating her…and I met them often!"
Adam nodded. "I knew her parents as well. I defeated them in court before, and they knew who we were. It wasn't good. Your mother and I came to the conclusion that they created Lilith solely for bringing out your rage power. Once she had released that power, she could steal it from you and leave you for dead. NOS would've had a very powerful weapon in their hands had you not fought back and nearly destroyed the school."
"That doesn't excuse all the people I hurt." James spat, nonplussed. "Many innocent students should have been killed by my power but I was lucky that Batman had been watching the whole time."
His mother nodded. "Regardless, what's done is done. James, I know you are furious at your sister and you have every right to be. However it was us that gave her permission."
He gasped. "W-what!?"
"Like we said before, we did not want you to be targeted by this dangerous organization." Hanna explained. "Like it or not, the killings are keeping the peace."
"But won't they just keep coming after me then?" James protested. "Now that you've rattled their feathers they're surely going to try to get us."
"Not true." His father answered. "Batman and the League knows about NOS. NOS isn't stupid enough to try to go all out and try to take you away. However we also know that they have an influence on Cadmus. Specifically Amanda Waller."
"Waller…" He muttered as Amy continued.
"Batman has kept contact with us since your memory was wiped." She said. "The reason why NOS did not come you after the high school attack was because they were under suspicion for the attack itself and therefore was forced to lie in wait. Believe it or not the organization back then was not as large and dominant as it is now. But while they're still under suspicion, they've grown large enough to take action. Be careful James. What's going on in Arkham City is no coincidence."
"There is one last thing you should know James." Adam said. "The reason NOS is coming after us isn't because we won a court case against them. They've lost cases before, but what makes this one so significant was that a lot was riding on this particular case. Had they won or if they had reached a settlement, this would've ended any media coverage and anymore questions that would've been asked. NOS likes to stay in the shadows, and because they lost this particular case it nearly led to some of their members being exposed. But because of their attacks on our family, their identity was kept secret. We were hit hard by them and nearly ruined for beating them."
"So this isn't just a revenge thing?" James asked.
"It never was." Hanna shook her head. "Our work is finally bringing NOS out of the shadows and into the spotlight. As long as we could shed some light on their organization, they'll be targeted and they'll have a much harder time getting anything done."
"But killing their members!?" He spat out. "You're telling me there is no better way?"
"Unfortunately, if there was we'd already be doing it by now." Amy answered. "Your father and I don't like it either, but this is the only effective method of exposing them."
Batman stood on top of a water tower overlooking the slums of Gotham. Looking down into the streets, he could see thugs fighting it out amongst each other for food and other supplies. Gang wars had become common pretty quickly once Arkham City opened. It was to be expected.
"Why is all of this happening at once?" He thought. "NOS, Quincy Sharp opening a prison, and now Hugo Strange is present?"
Thinking back to the events that just transpired, he remembered his conversation with Hugo Strange before escaping.
Flashback
Bruce Wayne found himself tied to a chair blinking in and out of consciousness. He could barely remember what happened.
"I should thank you." Strange said. "Capturing Bruce Wayne is so much easier than capturing the Batman. And now that we have you, Protocol 10 is ready to begin. It will be my legacy; a monument to your failure. And if you try to stop me, I guarantee everyone will know your secret."
He shook his head. "Even if he did expose my secret, I would still make every effort to stop him. He doesn't scare me, or this Protocol 10. I will find out what he's planning."
No, it wasn't Strange he was afraid of. Despite Protocol 10 being an unknown to him, the fact that so many events are happening at once are what was worrying to him.
"Is it possible that Strange is part of NOS?" He wondered. "This grand organization appears to have members from all over the world, yet seem to operate in the Western Hemisphere the most...Why?"
The Dark Knight then looked up into the sky. The snow was light, and but the clouds were dark. He could see the lights of the buildings illuminating the sky along with the guard towers that surrounded the prison.
Finally, he thought about James.
"His family are connected somehow to all of this..." Batman thought. "There has to be more than just the incident 6 years ago as well as the kidnapping. That court case...I need to find out more. For now however, I need to stop Sharp and the other criminals that are running rampant in this prison."
Leaping off the water tower, he dove through the air and activated his cape. Flying at high speed, he looked towards the courthouse and saw a squad of thugs by the door.
"Looks like a trial is about to begin..." He realized. "And three guesses who the attorney is gonna be..."
James and Pam clicked around his computer searching for new homes. With the large lottery winnings he was finally able to move out of his apartment and into an actual house. Plus, he wouldn't need to pay a mortgage because he would be paying in full on the first day. Regardless, his mind was still on the conversation he had with his family. He couldn't believe that his sister was actually acting on orders from their parents in order to keep him out of danger.
"It sounds insane…" James thought.
"But it's also arguably what parents would do, albeit not with their own daughter." Alcor suggested.
"But that's just it." He replied. "She volunteered willingly to the killings. Not that it was hard mind you but it just sounds nuts!"
"We'll just have to see how things play out in Arkham City." Alcor said finally. "We can assist Batman when we can but at the moment the core of NOS is untouchable and unknown."
"Agreed."
"How's Max doing?"
"He's doing fine." The plant user nodded. "He mostly keeps to himself but is learning every day.
James looked down at the ground. Despite all that's been happening, he was well aware of his absence from taking care of the child.
"Pam I'm—"
"Don't be sorry." She interrupted. "I understand what you're doing. I know you miss him but you want to keep NOS far away from him. That's noble. However that doesn't mean that you can't see him at all."
"I know." James nodded. "I'm just afraid at what Cadmus or NOS might do if they found out where he was."
"We'll protect him." Pam assured him. "Right now though I know you have a lot on your mind. I just can't believe your whole family is in on it."
"Me neither." He sulked. "This also means I'll have to tell them about you."
"I don't think they'll mind me too much now." Pam grinned. "Plus they'll love the fact you're dating a bombshell."
James rolled his eyes. "Alright, then maybe you could—"
Just then Pam stretched her bare legs over his own; she wiggled her feet onto his and pressed her chest against his chin.
"Damn you…" He muttered as he dove at her clawing at her top. She giggled and kissed him deeply…
A few hours later...
James lay down next to Pam as she slept. Watching her contently, he suddenly began to sense a third presence in the room. Bolting upright, he looked around alarmed at the source of the energy.
"Alcor! Can you sense that?"
"I can." He replied. "And I think I know where it's coming from."
The college student looked down at Pam, who was still asleep. Tracing his eyes downwards, he suddenly stopped at her stomach. Activating his Solarium, he looked into her abdomen.
"No...fucking...way..."
"Pam! Wake up!" He shouted.
Her eyes flew open and she looked around in alarm.
"What!? What James? What's wrong?" She asked quickly while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Pam..." He started nervously. "What you took that pregnancy test those months ago...Did you check if it was a false negative?"
"N-No..." She looked at him strangely. "Why?"
"When I've been gone...Have you been feeling morning sickness? Or have you been vomiting?"
She froze, coming to a realization. "I...I...well...FUCK! Why didn't I realize it before!?"
Looking down, she placed a hand on her stomach. Closing her eyes she suddenly felt a response of energy through her.
"Oh...my...lord..." Pamela Isley gasped loudly. "I'm...I'm...I'M PREGNANT!"
"OH MY GOD!" James threw his arms around her. "She really is going to exist!"
"Jaime Davis is coming!" Pam hugged back with tears in her eyes. "Finally...we're going to have a family! You, me, Max, and Jaime! Together!"
In an unknown location…
"He has no idea." A voice spoke.
"He will soon enough." Another said.
"His world should not exist."
"He should never have been born…"
"His life is nothing but an obstacle."
"Progress must continue."
"But we can use him."
"But time will be patient."
"The final solution will be the end." They all chanted.
"Computer…activate protocol…eleven…codename…Wayne."
"If you don't hurry, the leading lady might be found dead in her dressing room…"
"I'm sorry my love…"
"Oh lighten up Bats! It's not like you got a girl to save now huh? Sorry, too soon? BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!"
"Batman! What happened!?"
"He's been missing for two weeks Tim…"
"Joker Forever."
"I will blow this place sky high!"
"Give me that!"
"What have you done…?"
"I'm done here."
"Hey kid, is he alright?"
"Yeah…yeah he is…"
"The Joker…is dead? That's unbelievable!"
In just three days, all hell broke loose in Arkham City. The Joker, Penguin, and Two-Face were involved in a fierce gang war that threatened to envelope the prison. Batman was then infected with the same titan virus as Joker, and it slowly ate away at his health. At the same time, Mayor Quincy Sharp revealed to be just a tool for Hugo Strange to try to destroy Batman. Protocol 10 ended up being a plan to murder all of the crooks and criminals in Arkham City in order to purge Gotham of its crime. However Strange ended up being a pawn to Ra's Al Ghul, who would later commit suicide to prevent capture by the Batman. To top it all off, despite the Dark Knight acquiring the cure to the titan virus, the Joker ended up finally succumbing to the virus and dying in front of the Batman.
Despite Harley Quinn's attempt at revenge by capturing him, Tim Drake as Robin would intervene with help from Barbara as Batgirl and would free him from her clutches.
Nine months after Arkham City was shut down with Hugo Strange, Talia Al Ghul and the Joker being some of the big casualties, crime has dropped greatly in Gotham. The people of the big city started to feel hopeful for the future for the first time in a long time. Until…
November 4, 2016
2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS
"I'm Vicki Vale reporting live from Independent Headquarters at Gotham City Hall." The blond reporter spoke. "The Ohio and Florida results are in and Former Gotham University Professor Harold Johnson has won the 2016 Presidential Election. Despite some states still not reporting their results, the winning of both swing states pushes Johnson's electoral tally over 270 votes. Plus with multiple strong states still outstanding, pundits are saying his tally could go over 390 votes for the first time since 1988. Many political experts are calling this win a massive victory for the independent party. Others are saying this win could put an end to the two-party system as we know it. This is the first time a candidate from a third party has won the Presidential race as well as massive majorities in Congress in U.S. history. With an independent controlled Congress, it gives the President a huge mandate to make some major changes."
Meanwhile in the main shopping center people were finishing off their shopping night about to head home when suddenly…
All the large screens in the city suddenly went static. Everyone stopped and looked up wondering what was wrong. Suddenly, a cloaked figure with yellow eyes appeared on every screen.
"Gotham." It spoke. "This is your only warning; for I will unleash your greatest fears. Tonight, is the beginning of the end of your dear city."
Screams went up, and people started running in terror.
Gotham General Hospital
"Push Ms. Isley!" A doctor yelled.
"I'M TRYING GOD DAMN IT!" Pam screamed out.
James noticed his hand was hurting massively. But he knew that was because Pam was holding it so tight.
"Come on…" He thought. "Healthy baby come on…"
Pam screamed again, but James then heard another sound.
It was a baby's cry.
Looking, he saw the doctors pull out a baby that was crying and fussing about.
A tear ran down James's eye. "Scan."
"Female." Alcor said. "7.5 lbs., no diseases or genetic deficiencies. Perfectly healthy."
James clapped his hands together. Pam looked at him weakly.
He smiled at her. "Perfectly healthy baby girl."
Tears started to run down her eyes. "Thank heavens."
As James waited outside while the doctors washed the newborn child (Jaime), he looked up at the TV and was watching some political news.
"In accordance with the new Congress…" New Senate Majority Leader Alyssa Beck started. "We are here to succeed where both parties have failed. With our new majority, we plan to push this country forward into the future."
With independents controlling an astounding 67 of the 100 seats in the Senate and 333 of the 435 seats in the House, both the Democrats and Republicans are left weakened and battered. Only 16 Democrats and 17 Republicans are left in the Senate as well as only 50 Democrats and 52 Republicans in the House, both parties are now forced to confront a difficult truth—"
Suddenly the transmission cut out.
"What the!?" James stood up, staring at the screen. The next moment, Scarecrow's face appeared.
"Gotham." He spoke. "This is your only warning; for I will unleash your greatest fears. Tonight, is the beginning of the end of your dear city."
He quickly took out his Ari1 and phoned in Joe.
"Are you seeing this?" He asked.
"Unfortunately." Joe nodded. "This is bad; really bad. How's the baby?"
"Perfectly healthy." James said quickly. "Look, we've got to—"
Suddenly, another call came in. He quickly added Batman to the line.
"James." He spoke. "I'm guessing the both of you have seen his message?"
"Yes." They said together.
"Then you know he's not bluffing." Batman said. "By the looks of it, he's planning to unleash a deadly nerve toxin that will cover Gotham City completely. The both of you need to either get to higher grounds soon or get out of the city altogether."
"Don't worry." Joe cut in. "Our base has higher levels that towers over the city. If the nerve toxin does get released, we should be able to avoid it just fine."
"Be careful James." Batman said. "Scarecrow is not the only threat that is now apparent. I—"
He suddenly went silent.
"Batman?" James called. "BATMAN!"
"James!" Batman replied. "Get out of that hospital now! They're looking for you!"
"W-who's looking for me!?" He called back. "Who!?"
"Get off the line and get out of there!" He said. Just then the line went dead.
"Joe? Batman!" James yelled.
Suddenly, he heard screaming coming from the main lobby. Switching to Nightshroud, he bolted to the front desk. Bullets were suddenly whizzing past him as he saw nurses and doctors being gunned down by…
"What the!?" He gasped. The young warrior quickly noticed that the soldiers were clad in red and black. Just then, all the soldiers turned their guns on him.
He quickly blasted the ceiling and collapsed the floor. The debris struck the soldiers in front of him and sent them to the ground.
Nightshroud quickly flew at full speed to Pam's room.
He blasted the door open. "PAM! WE GOTTA GO!"
The doctors inside gasped. "What is going on!?"
"James what is happening out there!?" Pam asked urgently.
"A bunch of unknown soldiers are shooting up the place!" He said quickly. "We gotta get out of here!"
I know some people are going to be put off by me summarizing Arkham City's plot so quickly. I apologize profusely! But I wanted to include a piece of the arc into the story because they all fit into the grand scheme of things. The problem is they aren't the central points of the events. Well...they sort of are...but I cannot reveal that yet! But one thing to know is this: There are THREE chapters left! Hang on tight! Things are about to get even more crazy!