Midnight
Batcave
Batman POV
I was analysing the banknotes pieces but I got nothing. On other side, Leif didn't found him in Gotham. But turned out his luminous blue butterfly mode and his holy light was super effective.
As for me, the only thing, I found was a court of arms. A symbol of a noble family. It must be related to our 18th century Gentleman Ghost but I didn't recalled it.
So, I was going to library tomorrow.
...
25 August 1939
Friday
Late morning
Librarian Wilma POV
I was setting new books in the shelves when I saw a familiar face. Bruce Wayne. My young bookkeeper. I went to him.
Wilma " Oh, is it the young Bruce?"
He stood up closing a book belonging to coat of arms.
Bruce " Hello, aunty Wilma."
Wilma " Still interested in knights and quests. I still remembered you coming here with your mother."
Picking up a page...
Bruce" Actually, I was looking for this cost of arms."
Ohhhh....
Wilma" It's because it's been striped from our history. Craddock family was one of Gotham City's founders. Gentleman Jim Craddock was the last Lord.
He was a wealthy aristocrat and a staunchy loyalist. But he was a gambler, who lost his all fortune including his Heritage Hill property. He thought as a noble, he deserved wealth.
He hated democracy for the revolution. He even became a highway man but he was opposite of Robin hood. Who stole from the poor for himself. Later, he was captured and hung in the gallows. "
After my story, Bruce thanked me and I gave my condolences for his parents. He said he appreciated it.
....
Afternoon
Heritage Hill
Craddock Mansion
James Hancock, the current owner of the house signed up the paperwork for selling it. Lucius Fox was standing beside him. He asked about a painting above the fireplace.
James said that he was his great, great, great uncle. Who was declared a criminal or traitor. His family was ashamed for centuries. As he said that candles fire turned bright blue.
House started to shake and dust fell from the ceiling. Fireplace started to burn with bright blue fire. Jim Craddock, picture fell on the floor. Cracks appeared on IT.
Then, an arm came out followed by Gentleman Ghost. He said to James that how dare he called him a traitor. He said it was James, who was a disgrace on his family.
Who was selling his property to a black slave. This angered Fox and he warned him. At which Gentleman Ghost raised his hands and furniture flew around.
Then, he said to Fox that he would die first. A closed window by planks broke and Batman came in. Batman called him Jim Craddock. Gentleman Ghost asked how he knew him.
He said that he knew his story. Batman threw a batarang but it went through him. Batman tried to punch him but he dodged easily. He swat Batman away.
Batman told Fox and James to leave. They ran away. After many tries Gentleman Ghost let himself hit. Batman hand started to freeze inside his head.
Gentleman Ghost floated inside the flames, telling him that he seemed like a noble. So, he's leaving him alive. But next time, he would kill him.
.....
Evening
Gotham Court
Dent was being thrashed by press for not saving passengers from Gentleman Ghost.
.....
Night
Gotham
Leif POV
Bruce should have called me. As Alfred called me learning that he was up against Gentleman Ghost alone. I flew there quickly. As I reached there, I saw Bruce and his frozen hand.
I told him why he did that. He said that he wanted to test himself against him. Because I won't be here always. I sighed. Then, we brought him home and treated his hand with hot water.
Then, he was worried about Gentleman Ghost. I told him that I had already looked for a mage for this reason in Gotham and for future. He asked who?
I said Linton Midnight. Now, we were going there. In a book store, a black bald person with golden earrings and glasses, wearing green shirt and black pants was reading a book near a lantern.
Swish!
A light green circular swirling portal appeared and Leif in his luminous blue butterfly mode and Batman came out. Without looking at them, he said.
Linton " I would said that shop was closed if you were the kind to listen. So, what a traveller from another reality, who probed my mind earlier for my authentication and our dark knight wants from me."
Batman" I need help against Gentleman Ghost...."
Cutting his words...
Linton" James Craddock. I know. What do you want from me?"
Leif" Help in either sealing him or sending him to hell."
I said. Hearing this, he stood up and went to his book shelf.
Linton " Hows your hand?"
Batman " He's my first ghost."
Looking for book....
Linton" It's good to broaden one's horizons."
Leif " Why does he steal?"
Batman" What's money good to a ghost?"
Picking a book...
Linton" All shades are different. Some stay in thier death place, some do what they do during thier lives. To seal him, you need ritual of this book."
He gave to Batman. Batman held it but Linton still held it.
Linton " You will need original seal of Heritage Hill. It's still belongs to him. You have to burn IT. Second, you need a noble blood. Ritual will be dangerous. Let your traveller friend help you."
Leif" That's all."
Looking at me, he took out a vial.
Linton" Yes but keep this."
He gave me the vial.
Linton ". A boon for a boon. I help you, you help me."
Batman" What help and how?"
He asked.
Linton" Traveller will know."
He said with a smile. We went out in a portal.
....
26 August 1939
Saturday
Early morning
Gotham library
Bruce came out with a suitcase and got inside his limo. As he sat, Leif opened the suitcase.
Leif " Well, there's an old seal which nobody will miss in this age."
Bruce " You could stay home."
Shaking his head..
Leif" Nope besides we are done."
Bruce " Done. We need a noble man living in the Gotham City."
Leif pointed towards Alfred.
Leif" His family lines trace back to Duke Diveshire."
With widened eyes...
Bruce" Why did you never tell me?"
Alfred " You never asked, sir."
He said sarcastically.
Bruce" This can be dangerous."
Alfred" I am prepared, sir."
...
Night
Gotham cemetery
Batman POV
We had started a little bonfire. Then, I opened the book. Pennyworth was holding the seal and Leif was in his luminous blue butterfly mode floating in the air.
I began the ritual.
Batman " With this fire, we burn your ties with this world."
Pennyworth spread the seal on ground.
Batman" With this seal, we cut your claims to this world."
Pennyworth took out a knife.
Batman" With the drops of this noble blood, we cut your existence."
Pennyworth cut his hand slightly and dropped drops of his blood on the seal. Pennyworth rolled it and gave it to me. As I put the book in the suitcase and took the seal.
I throw it inside the fire.
Whoosh!
A fast wind extinguished the fire. From a grave, Gentleman Ghost came out.
Leif " Find the seal! I will handle him!"
He flew forward and took Gentleman Ghost with him. Pennyworth and I started looking for the seal around. Between this, I saw Leif grounding his horse after dodging it's charge with his psychic pike.
Pennyworth " I found it!"
He lit a lighter and seal started to burn.
Gentleman Ghost " AAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
I turned around and saw him burning too in blue flame.
Batman " Good bye James. Burn in hell."
But he turned into a smoke and went towards PENNYWORTH?!! I wasn't fast to reach in time. But Leif was! He appeared before him and shone brightly.
Gentleman Ghost " AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
He turned around after being hit by his holy light. I looked towards Pennyworth and the seal was GONE! I looked around and found it near a grave.
I shot a flare on it and it burnt to ashes. At that time, Leif turned off his light and raised the vial given by Midnight. It's head was shining pink? A lightning surrounded the smoke from of Gentleman Ghost.
Then, he came down and filled inside the vial. Then, Leif put a cork in the opening. Lightning filled smoke was still visible. Before I asked something, he turned around.
I saw him flying towards a hilltop where Linton Midnight was standing in a white three piece and a magician hat?! He gave him the vial and Linton left after taking it.
When he returned to us floating.
Batman " You knew."
He nodded.
Leif " I had a hunch."
Pennyworth" What's he going to do with him?"
He was concerned as always.
Leif " We don't have to know. Let's go home."
...
27 August 1939
Sunday
Gotham Court
Dent's office
Dent POV
My PR manager was giving me an update.
Gorgon" After your train incident, your ranking has fallen badly. Your donors have also taken thier money back. We are broke."
DAMN! Why?! I looked at the glass dome with Gotham City in it and threw it towards the wall.
Bang!
Breathing heavily...
Dent " Gorgon out. I need to think."
Gorgon." Yes, Mr Dent."
After he went out, I looked around and saw my campaign poster. Then, I decided and dialled a number. Ring sounded few times in the receiver close to my ear.
Thorne " Hello."
As I heard the voice of Thorne.
Dent" Thorne. It's Dent."
Thorne " Dent."
I could hear the bastard smiling.
Dent" Let's talk."
Thorne " Sure."
....
29 August 1939
Monday
Late morning
Gotham Court
Barbara POV
I was in the court saving another victim of circumstances. A brunette in brown two piece.
Client " Thanks, Ms Gordon. I can't believe it that I am a free man."
Barbara" You are free because you deserve it. Make sure to start a better life."
He nodded and went out.
Dad" You are freeing criminals."
Sighing. I turned around.
Barbara" He was a victim."
Dad" Because of technicality."
Narrowing my eyes...
Barbara" Shouldn't you hold accountable your cops?!"
Dad" They are good cops. I know them."
I turned around.
Barbara" You only see black and white."
Dad" All crimes are equal."
He opened the door and we went out. I was going to say something when Renee with an officer came.
Renee " Sir, we need to talk...."
???" Hey Gordon."
A guy in black two piece called dad. Then, he raised a GUN?!
Bang!
Officer shot him. Me and dad turned towards Renee.
Renee" Sir, you have a hit on your head."
Dad" WHAT?!"
....
Night
9 pm
Gotham Court
Barbara POV
I was in my office trying to focus on my cases but I couldn't. I was thinking about Dad. Sigh. At that time, I turned left and almost jumped on my chair. Batman was standing before me.
Barbara " What are you doing..."
Batman " I heard about your father's hit. I have been asking around and learned that it's an open hit. Meaning until the job is done, it will continue. More men will come."
My eyes widened...
Barbara" Who did this?"
Batman " According to my information, it's someone from the Black Gate Prison. Gordon has been working for 30 years. It could be a long list."
I covered my face on this for few moments. After removing them...
Barbara" So. This is personal."
Batman " Yes. I will try to gather information until then keep him safe."
Nodding....
Barbara" Ok. I will do this but what.."
I said picking my bag and turned around. But he was gone.
....
Night
11 pm
Gordon residence
Barbara POV
I was waiting for dad with Renee and two officers. I had decided that I was going to take him somewhere safe. Soon, I saw his car coming. He walked towards us with a frown.
Gordon " I told you that I can handle myself."
Renee " But you still have a hit and more men are coming."
She tried to convince him.
Barbara" Dad! Please!"
I pleaded. He slapped on his chest.
Gordon" Listen! I meant something in this city. So, I am not running away. If more men are coming, let them come."
He showed his gun.
Barbara" And what about our neighbours? What if they become part of thier gunfire?"
Hearing this, he looked around and nodded.
Barbara " Let's go."
Renee and officers put emergency stuff and his suitcase prepared by me in a car. We were standing nearby.
Gordon " So, are hired guns victims of circumstances too?"
Barbara" Dad please."
I wasn't in the mood for an argument.
Gordon" Just telling you that sometimes, there's only black and white."
Then, we sat in the car.
.....
12 am
Hillside
Barbara POV
Officer named Marcus was driving the car to a safe house on the top of hills. As we were going, dad saw a GCPD prowl car.
Dad" Did you call for reinforcement?"
Renee " Not me. Did you call them, Corgan?"
She asked the other officer.
Corgan" No. Let's give them the way."
As Marcus did that...
Dad" They aren't ours! Watch out!"
A guy with Tommy gun started shooting at us from the car front left window. Our car's windows got shattered and...
Marcus " AHHHH!!"
Our driver was shot. I crouched down and held the wheel. I hit our car into them. It made thier car drag on the hill. They pulled back thier car and opened fire.
Our back window shattered. Renee, Corgan and dad were counter firing. During this, I saw a steep turn and I turned on last moments. Which made our pursuers' car fell in the river bank.
It exploded on contacting ground. I stopped the car. We came out and saw the burning GCPD prowl car.
Renee " Looks like safe house isn't safe anymore."
Corgan" Seems like this."
I brought Marcus out and bandaged him. But he didn't seem good.
Dad" How are you son?
Marcus" I am good, sir "
He lied.
Barbara " No. He's not. He needs medical attention."
We got in the car and started our return. But halfway, our car stopped. Corgan went out and checked it.
Corgan " Our tank and radiator is hit."
Dad" We need a cover and has to help Marcus."
I saw road going down. I moved forward and saw a poster of Wayne gardens.
Barbara " I think, I have an idea."
I said pointing towards the poster. Seeing it, Renee, Corgan and I pushed the car in bushes. Then, Corgan held Marcus and we moved forward. Soon, we reached the housing community.
Dad" Let's looked for the model house. It will have everything we need."
....
30 August 1939
Tuesday
1 am
Leif and Batman, who had infiltrated the Black Gate Prison to locate the prisoner. Who was behind the hit. Through Leif's telepathy, they found a middle man.
???" It's Muller. I am just a middle man. He has even double the money. Now, a group of pros is coming after them."
They went to him and made him talk. Then, Muller took back the hit. But men were already here. Batman and Leif were moving and flying around Gotham when both heard about car crash near Wayne gardens.
.....
2 pm
Wayne gardens
Batman POV
We reached the Wayne's gardens and I was clearly hearing the gun shots. It was in the direction of our model house. I turned Batmobile towards it.
Leif " I am going first."
Batman " Be careful. You are not bullet proof yet."
I heard a sonic boom. Reaching there, I saw many killers falling on ground trembling after gun shots. Some were already killed by Gordon and his team. I moved forward and help in restraining them.
I jumped on one and knocked him out with a punch.
Leif" Watch your eyes."
Whoosh!
Bright light covered the area. Taking advantage of it, me and Leif took them out. By punching, stunning and fainting them. Then, a guy in bullseye mask came.
Leif " What kind of killer think and speak in background sounds?!"
Huh? He lunged towards me. As he was going to punch me , he said pow. Oh. Then he hit my chin saying bam. He rushed towards me saying whoosh. I side stepped and punched his ribs.
He growled and held my punch. Then, I kicked him. He dodged my right hook and tried to choke me. I elbowed his ribs and punched his throat. He started Panting.
I looked at him and knocked him saying pow. I turned around to see Gordon and Renee coming towards me.
Batman " He's the last. The hit has been cancelled."
Sighing.
Gordon" Good. Finally. Everyone can stop worrying about me."
Batman" But you weren't the target. Your daughter was."
His eyes widened and...
Bang!
A gunshot was heard. We ran towards the direction. Leif wasn't around. As we arrived, we saw Leif with his Psychic pistol. Corgan was down.
Gordon " WHAT DID YOU...."
Barbara " He was going to kill me for hit on me."
She clarified.
Renee" WHAT?!"
Her eyes widened.
Leif" You are safe now. Hit has been cancelled."
Then, we heard the sirens.
Gordon" Go."
Me and Leif went out. I ran towards the Batmobile while he turned into black mode in the air.
.....
4 am
Batcave
Leif POV
As we returned after saving Gordon and his team. Alfred was there.
Alfred " Please fresh up. It's almost morning. I will bring breakfast."
Swish!
PAOA" You have gained a power tonight. I have turned it off until now due to circumstances."
Hearing this, I floated to a distance but I was happy to have PAOA.
PAOA " Congratulations! You have gained Towns Level Beta Class Blaster/Shaker type: Rainbow light with an armadillo skin."
Huh? I felt my skin growing scales but neither I grew a tail nor had long ears and long nose. My shirt and pants ripped apart. I was basically nude.
PAOA " You are able to curl into a ball, rotate and roll around."
Leif" Interesting."
I focused and bent. Soon, I curled into a small humanoid ball equal to a dwarf.
Alfred" My Lord!"
Bruce " How does it feel?"
After some moments....
Leif" Looks like I can't send my voice to you like this. As for sound, it's like tremor sense. Make me wonder, can I sense earthquake?"
Then, I rolled straight and back, left and right. Then, I rolled in a circle.
Bruce " How are you doing this?"
Leif " It's like, I am a hamster running in a wheel. Even though my body is moving, I am getting a sonar picture of my surroundings."
Then, I stopped and started rotating.
Alfred" I say, you stop or can become dizzy."
Leif " Whoa! I am having a kaleidoscope of sonar pictures around me."
Then mid rotation, I rolled left and got shot in air.
Alfred/Bruce " LEIF?!!"
I stopped myself midair with flight.
Leif" That was close."
I flew back as a ball and unfurled. I was in my underwear. I turned human.
Leif " That was something."
PAOA " In that form, bullets will bounce off your scales. But you can't use your wings with it. You are heavy with scales."
She suggested.
Leif" That would be weird too. But I can use luminous blue, black and pink colours. As for light, I will try it later."
PAOA" You will adapt to it in two days and you will have a new power in four days."
....
Night
8 pm
Carnival near Gotham
Carnival was filled with attractions. There were shops, rides and many more entertainment based attractions. People were coming alone or with family and friends.
Bruce had also came with a model called Julie. While Leif was mixed in the public. He was trying to check through PAOA if any circus freak was mutant.
On other hand, Dr Thompkins, a great lady, who run Gotham orphanage. She came with some kids on Dent's call. Seeing Bruce...
Dr Thompkins " Bruce?!"
Bruce went and hugged her.
Bruce " She is Dr Thompkins. A great lady. She has been doing a lot for Gotham children."
He said to reporter, who took pictures. At that time, Dent came.
Dr Thompkins " Mr Dent thanks for calling us."
Dent " You are welcome. Besides that how you know her Bruce?"
He was curious.
Bruce" She was my dad's friend."
Putting her right hand on his chest...
Dr Thompkins " He's also our biggest donor."
Raising his brow...
Dent" As always, Bruce is full of surprises."
Dr Thompkins" Let's have a picture kids."
Kids made different poses. After that Dent crouched down.
Dent " Now have fun. Also spread my word."
Kids run away.
....
8:30 pm
Leif POV
I went towards the... freaks...tent. Sigh. I went there and saw a goat with two heads.
Leif " Embryonic problem."
Moving forward, I saw a guy with two heads, a bearded woman, who had a heart tattoo? There was a guy with reptilian skin.
Leif " PAOA. Are they meta humans?"
PAOA " Yes. These are Epsilon class Changer type."
I moved forward and I sensed thier anxiety. DAMN! At that time, bearded lady saw me.
B.L." What are you doing here, kid? This is not a place for folks like you."
Leif" What if I am like you?"
She raised her brow. I took out my snake tongue.
Gasps!
They were surprised. Then, I turned my skin pink. Thier eyes widened.
Waylon the reptilian skin guy came forward.
Waylon " What are you?!"
Leif " A meta human like you."
I told them.
B.L." Meta what?"
Moving forward, my skin become luminous blue.
Leif " People like us are called meta humans. A sub species of humanity, my kin."
I raised my hand for hand shake.
Waylon" How can you change and not us?"
Leif " It's a lottery system inside our blood which gives different things to all. I am rare."
I said turning my skin black. B.L. looked down.
B.L." So, we aren't completely human."
I patted her shoulder.
Leif" We are not the only one sub species."
They become surprised again.
Waylon" Wait?! Do you mean that luminous butterfly guy?"
Shaking my head...
Leif" That's one of us. I meant sorcerers and half demons."
Gasps!
B.L." Like that ghost appeared earlier?!"
Leif " He was a spector."
I clarified.
Waylon" Ah... tell me are there ones sensitive to sun light?"
My eyes widened.
Leif" WHAT?! There's someone like that here?! Who is that Meta?"
B.L." So, that little girl is one of us."
A kid?! NO!
Waylon" But she can..."
I turned towards him.
Leif " She can what."
B.L. nodded to him.
Waylon " She can take others energy like a vampire."
PAOA" She seems like a gamma class Trump type with double awakening of Epsilon class Changer type."
PAOA explained.
Leif" What's her name?"
B.L. " Natalia. She lives with her brother Anton in mad scientist carriage. She will be in show at 9."
I turned around.
Waylon" Be careful. She has misused her...thing."
Leif" It's power which corrupts. One can control IT!"
I used my Telepathy to talk with them. Their eyes widened again. I nodded and went towards the mad scientist show.
...
9 pm
Bruce POV
I came into the tent of mad scientist with Julie. It's stage had related materials on stage.
???" I am Dr Knight. For years, I have worked to find the potential of our species."
I didn't think so. Meta humans like Leif were humanity's real power.
Dr" Before I use my machine. I need a volunteer for a test."
Looking around us, he pointed towards a tall burly guy in a black suit.
Dr" You please come here."
The man nodded and went on stage among applause. Must be a plant. Dr pointed to a black metallic dumbbell.
Dr " Can you lift it?"
Guy tried but was able to lift it barely.
Dr" Thanks. You can go now."
He came back in the applause. Then, he pointed to a girl.
Dr" You come here."
A ten year old black pony tail girl in a skin skirt, white half sleeve shirt and a skin sweater came on stage.
Dr" Can you carry it?"
Girl " Of course not. It's heavy."
She said with a terrified look.
Dr" Still try it."
She shrugged and tried to lift it but couldn't.
Leif " She's faking it."
Bruce " Leif?"
I inquired further information.
Leif " Just keep watching."
As he said that I looked carefully.
Dr" Now, go inside this machine."
Girl showed hesitation.
Dr" Let's encourage her."
She went inside among applause. He closed the glass door and turned the switch on. Bulbs were shining. Electricity was dancing. Dr was laughing maniacally.
Then, he turned off the switch and opened the door. Girl came out.
Dr" Now, lift it."
And she grabbed and lifted IT EASILY?!
Leif " She's a Meta human with Epsilon class Changer type: sunlight burning. Her second awakening, gamma class Trump type: draining energy of others through mouth from a distance in front of another's mouth. "
Bruce" WHAT?!"
My eyes widened...
Leif" She's being controlled by her power. I can help her and her brother Anton. Bring Dr Thompkins with you behind the tents."
After that I went out to find Dr Thompkins.
...