Ken was in the shelter, reading a book on Japanese folklore he borrowed from the library. He was hoping to find any more information about Ghouls, but right now his concentration was being interrupted.
There was some sort of commotion towards the main entrance. It had been going on for quite a few minutes, however he hadn't heard screams or anything of the like.
'So what could it be?'
Ken stood, curiosity getting the better of him, and hoped he could see over the building crowd of homeless teenagers.
Only to freeze—
'Bruce Wayne'
In the thick of the crowd, a bright casual smile on his sharp face. He was shaking someone's hand, it was an adult, Ken hadn't seen him around before.
He was easily chatting with the wide eyed teenagers and even signing autographs. Ken glanced around, he wasn't the only teenager hanging back.
Some looked too nervous, some looked like they didn't really care and the others…they looked resentful. Eyes burning with envy, rage and loathing for the Prince of Gotham.
Yet the billionaire had no body guards, there were no cameras, or women to impress.
It actually seemed genuine.
Then all too suddenly, the billionaire's bright blue eyes flicked up, straight towards him. For a moment, not even a single second their eyes met.
Then his focus shifted, onto one of the countless people surrounding him.
Ken quickly dropped his head, trying to read his book. He was still on a page about Ghouls, but he just couldn't concentrate.
Ken glanced back up, Bruce Wayne was now making his way around the shelter. An older man stood right beside him, gesturing and explaining something Ken couldn't hear over all the commotion.
Ken dropped his head once more, diving into the book as he slumped back against the far too soft communal sofa.
He felt stupid, he kept reading the first line but he completely forgot what had happened seconds later. He shook his head, he was getting frustrated as he went back to the beginning to reread the line.
'Ghouls are, what I consider the natural predator to huma—'
"What are you reading?"
Ken snapped his head up, Bruce Wayne stood a few feet away, hands casually in his pockets.
The surrounding commotion had died down, but just because he didn't have a crowd standing around him, didn't mean he didn't have dozens of eyes glued to him.
Ken felt the eyes.
He didn't like it.
"Uh, Japanese folklore" he said, embarrassment rising to his cheeks.
He really hoped Bruce Wayne didn't think he was obsessed with Japan or something.
He wasn't!
"Not because I'm Japan obsessed or anything—" Ken rushed to explain. "—I'm just looking for…something specific" he finished lamely.
Bruce Wayne didn't seem bothered by his awkward explanation. In fact the man seemed interested as he all too casually dropped into the seat besides Ken.
Ken couldn't help the surprise that filled him at the Billionaires move.
"Something specific?" Bruce Wayne asked as he eyed the page Ken was currently on.
Ken shrugged. "Yeah, but I think I'll find it soon." He responded cryptically. Bruce nodded, his eyes lit up with interest as he eyed Ken.
"So what's your name?" Bruce asked, Ken felt another wave of surprise but was getting used to it.
Bruce Wayne was…peculiar.
"Ken."
"I'm Bruce."
—-
"How was the visit, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked the man as he returned from his visit to a teenagers homeless shelter. Bruce hummed, he was holding a book, its price tag still visible.
"It went well, I have reason to believe Patient 037 is undoubtedly Ken." Bruce said as he set the book down on an old, but expensive wooden cabinet.
"And that conclusion came from…?" Alfred prompted.
"He's researching folklore, specifically I saw him on a page about 'Ghouls'." Bruce said as he took off his expensive suit jacket, hanging it onto a coat hanger.
"A Ghoul?" Alfred questioned.
"It's a creature from Japanese folklore, it looks human but feeds on human flesh." Bruce finished, his tone even as he loosened his tie. "I believe he's studying, looking for answers."
Alfred nodded. "He's looking for something to rationalise his…cravings?"
Bruce nodded. "I also found out that 'Ghouls' cannot consume anything other than human flesh." Bruce dropped into a seat, facing Alfred. "I asked about him, and the staff noticed he is never around during meal times."
"So you believe he has no other option than human flesh?" Alfred asked, assessing Bruce. "That's a leap, what if he simply prefers human flesh"
Bruce didn't respond, and Alfred noticed a stubborn look in his eyes.
"You are…particularly interested in this case." Alfred observed, Bruce was far more…emotionally invested than usual. "Can I ask why?"
Bruce didn't respond right away, but when he finally spoke his voice was quieter, almost reluctant.
"Because he's not a monster, yet."
There was a heavy, tension filled pause.
Alfred took a slow step closer, his tone soft but cutting.
"You're thinking of young Jason, aren't you?"
—-
"Eyes on target." A detached voice announced.
"Copy that." Another replied, tone clipped and sterile. "Maintain line of sight. Do not engage until signal."
Gotham's rooftops were a maze of wet concrete and rusting ventilation. The foggy city below unaware of the manhunt crawling over its skin.
A light mist hung in the air, catching the warm glow of the streetlights. The rooftops glistened like oil. Somewhere in the distance a siren wailed.
Typical Gotham.
But none of that was the focus.
It was on patient zero-three-seven.
The target was young with black hair. Seemingly unaware of the eyes tracking his every move. He walked without care through the isolated industrial district.
A black SUV idled two over blocks back, lights off. Two streets ahead, in their target's predicted path were three undercover agents.
A dark drone hovered above, invisible in the constant fog that haunted Gotham.
Ken turned down a narrow street. Shallow puddles bursting beneath his feet as he quickened his pace.
He glanced behind him, just once.
Nothing.
But a chill crawled up his spine regardless.
Somebody was watching him.
—-
What do you guys think of the story so far? Anywhere specific you want it to go? Any characters you wanna see?