Song: La route – Joniore
A week later -
Alex arrived at the shelter in the Narrows to see Lila after her recent ordeal and hospital stay. Parking her bike in the alley adjacent to the shelter, Alex removed her helmet and shook out her hair, the sunlight catching the determination in her eyes.
Lila was sitting on the shelter steps, chatting animatedly with a group of teenagers. Her face lit up when she saw Alex approaching, and she sprang to her feet, calling out excitedly. "Alex!" Rushing forward, she wrapped Alex in a tight hug, which Alex warmly returned, lifting Lila slightly in the process. "Hey, chérie," Alex greeted with a smile.
Lila's enthusiasm bubbled over as she shared her news. "Alex, there was an anonymous donation to the shelter! We're getting renovated!" She didn't pause for breath before adding, "And there's more! There was also a donation for my university studies! I can finally work to become like you!"
Alex's heart warmed at the news, pride swelling within her. She knew exactly where the donations had originated. Her mind drifted back to the recent video call she had with her father, recalling the moment she'd convinced him to help.
Flashback on Video Call
"Hey, Dad," Alex began, her face framed within the screen of her laptop. "I have a favor to ask. It's about Gotham..."
Her father, Henry, peered back at her through the digital connection, his expression softening. "What is it, Alex? You know you can ask me anything."
"I want to make a significant donation to the shelters here," Alex explained, her resolve clear even through the screen. "Gotham needs it, Dad. These kids... they need a real chance."
Henry's eyes widened slightly, understanding the weight of her request. "Gotham," he murmured, a city that held memories of his best friend, Thomas Wayne. "You're really taking to heart what Thomas tried to do for this city, aren't you?"
Alex nodded, her voice earnest. "I am. It's our turn to help, to make things right. You've always said we should be the change we wish to see. I'm trying to do that here."
Henry leaned back, the lines of age and care etched into his face softening. "You're more like him than you know, Alex. Thomas would have been proud of you—proud of your courage. And so am I."
He paused, then added with a decisive nod, "I'll sign off on the donation. And it will be anonymous. Let them feel the support without the weight of a name."
"Thank you, Dad," Alex said, a grateful smile touching her lips. "This means everything to me."
Back in the present, Alex looked at Lila, her eyes reflecting the pride she felt. "That's fantastic, Lila! I'm so happy for you."
Lila hugged her again, tighter this time. "I'm going to make it, Alex. Thanks to you."
Alex chuckled softly, her heart full. "You're going to do it on your own merits, Lila. Just remember, I'll always be here for you."
They stood together, the steps of the shelter a small haven in the sprawling challenge that was Gotham, a testament to the small victories that were paving the way for greater change.
Alex secured her bike in the alleyway next to the shelter, ready to leave, when the unmistakable click of high-heeled boots echoed on the pavement. Turning, she found Oz striding toward her, eyebrows raised in mock surprise.
Song: "Special Affair" by The Internet
Oz grinned, leaning against the wall with a casual air. "Ya' followin' me now, doll? Startin' ta think ya' fancy me."
Alex rolled her eyes, her hands resting on her hips. "What are you doing here, Oz?"
Oz's smile didn't falter as he surveyed the gritty surroundings of the Narrows. "It's the Narrows, my turf."
Alex squinted skeptically. "Yeah, okay..."
Oz's expression shifted to a more serious tone as he nodded toward the shelter. "Overheard ya' talking to the gal', she doin' good now?"
"Yes, she's fine," Alex responded, keeping her tone neutral despite the curiosity piqued by his unexpected appearance.
Oz crossed his arms, his tone taking on a probing edge. "I couldn' help but overhear the conversation about an anonymous donation suddenly poppin' up to a shelter that barely, if ever, gets attention from government officials. Seems kinda outta the blue, don't ya think?" He raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion lacing his words.
He leaned in closer, his voice lowering. "Wha' kinda connections do ya got exactly, sweetheart? Ya ain't messin' around with the wrong crowd, right?"
Alex met his gaze steadily, her response measured. "I have the right kind of connections, Oz. The kind that want to make a difference, not the kind that keep pulling it down."
Oz chuckled softly, stepping back with his hands raised in a gesture of mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Just makin' sure. Gotham's got enough villains without the good guys goin' bad."
Alex fixed Oz with a determined look, her tone unyielding. "like I said, Oz. Not your type of mobster crowd. I just know a few good people willing to help those who really need it."
Oz scoffed, his smirk carrying a skeptical edge. "Good people, huh? In Gotham? I'll believe it when I see it. Nobody does somethin' for nothin' around here."
"You're wrong, Oz," Alex countered, her voice impassioned. "People do care. It's about showing hope, showing that someone is willing to look out for them. It's about addressing the real issues—poverty, corruption, mental health. That's how you prevent crimes, not by feeding the cycle of greed and fear."
Oz raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with irony. "Ya' really do fit the role of knight in shining armor, huh, toots?"
Alex sighed, her expression softening as she looked around the gritty surroundings of the Narrows. "People turn to their worst selves when pushed by despair, greed, or the pursuit of fame. Sometimes, they just break... become loose screws in a machine that's too worn to function properly."
Oz remained silent for a moment, then offered a small, acknowledging smile, his gold teeth catching the sunlight. "So, darlin', have ya had time to consider my invitation to dinner? I'm serious about ya, really wanna get to know ya better. Just give me a chance, and I promise I won't disappoint ya, doll. Do it for a pal, eh?"
Alex shook her head, a wry smile crossing her lips. "Two things, Oz. First, you're a mobster, and I'm a cop—worlds apart. Second, you're not my type. I prefer younger men, old man."
A flicker of irritation crossed Oz's face at her mention of 'younger men.' "Careful, doll," he warned, his voice low. "Ya don't wanna get on my bad side."
"I'm leaving, take care, Cobblepot," Alex retorted, her tone firm yet not without a hint of respect. "And Oz, if you want people to give you a chance, maybe start by picking the right side."
She zipped up her leather jacket, ran her fingers through her hair to tie it back in a low ponytail, then slipped on her helmet with practiced ease.
Oz watched her every move, his eyes trailing down her form. "Damn, doll, the way ya handle yourself... could make a man rethink his whole life."
As Alex mounted her bike and leaned forward to start it, Oz felt a twinge of discomfort—a mix of desire and concern. He watched her poised to speed off, his heart rate ticking up. "Fuck, I'm really fallin' for ya, Alex," he muttered to himself, the realization dawning with a mix of excitement and dread. He was not just worried about the implications for himself but for her too, caught in the dangerous allure of a life he knew all too well.
With a deep breath, he called out to the empty alleyway, a hint of reverence in his voice, "Alex Victoire…"
Song: New person, same old mistake – Tame Impala
As the engine roared to life, Alex sped off, leaving Oz standing in the fading echoes of her departure, a complex storm of emotions whirling within him as he contemplated the risky terrain of his growing affection for Gotham's rising star.
As I ride through the winding streets of Gotham, the wind slicing against my face, I can't help but think about the weight of the responsibility I've taken on. The city flies by in a blur of lights and shadows as I cross the Gotham Bay Bridge, heading deeper into the heart of this troubled yet vibrant city. The familiar chords of "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" by Tame Impala fill my ears, mirroring the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind.
People need me. They need hope. If I can be that beacon, then I will embrace that role with all I have. It's daunting, but maybe this is my purpose. I think about my grandparents—how they always believed in doing what's right, in justice and kindness. I ride not just for them, but as them; avenging their spirits by fighting against the darkness that consumes this city.
I weave through traffic, the engine's roar a fierce cry against the night. I'm determined to protect those who can't protect themselves, to be the shield for the vulnerable. Listening to those who feel forgotten, showing them that someone does care—that I care.
These streets, with their endless stories of loss and redemption, remind me that my journey is just beginning. There's so much more to do, so many more to help. With great responsibility comes great challenges, but I'm ready. As the song whispers through the speakers, "I can just hear them now, how could you let us down?" I know the path won't be easy.
But as I ride, the city sprawling out before me, I feel a fierce determination take hold. This is my fight now. Gotham is my home, and its people my charge. I'll stand for them, fight for them, be their hope. And maybe, just maybe, we can find a new way forward, together.
Ending Credit Songs:
Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden
Pretty Face – Soley
Take What you Want – Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott
Nirvana – Smells like teen Spirit
Skylar Grey – Coming Home Part II
-END Vol 1-
Hello Everyone! This is the end of Vol 1 of this very very VERY long story. I hope you all enjoyed a good read & let me tell you one thing. We're just getting started!
Once again, all songs & Batman 2022 & Penguin 2024 do not belong to me & never will! What do belong to me however, are my OCs! I loooove Batman 2022, Especially Bruce's character & vibe, he tops it off as my favoriteeee character honestly.
