The Silhouette and The Forge 
Chapter 14

Looking out at the surroundings, seeing the surreal scenery before me. Like night and day when compared to the images that come to me of Gotham City. The pothole-filled streets were riddled with trash, blood, and god only knows what else with the smog-filled skies disappearing to be replaced with trees and grass so green you would think it was an illusion. Trimmed to a neat cut that would be reminiscent of a golf course with the amount of care put into it. Birds and even squirrels can be seen flitting about doing their daily tasks to live just another day in this madhouse of a city.

 My destination can be seen from the car windows in the backseat of the taxi. Gotham University. A massive building with wonderful architecture with Greek-inspired pillars and decor while also holding that colonial ascetic some houses have with numerous windows lining the outer parts of the building. Numerous current and future students move about on the grass enjoying the atmosphere.

The sun surprisingly shines through the clouds in this area making everything warmer and happier. This is giving me some uncanny valley vibes right now. To think this is still in Gotham. Well might as well enjoy myself as my head turns to gaze at some of the women jogging in shorts. 

Mhmmm. Yeah, I could get used to this. 

The taxi pulls up on the side of the road close to the stairs that lead up to the main entrance. Looking at the driver an older man with olive skin and a black beard with gray peppered in it nods at me with me giving a nod in return. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Javier. And here is the money for the ride.” Holding out a handful of dollars that the man takes from me and counts out.

“Don’t need to thank me, Daniel. Are you sure you don’t want this to be free? You helped me immensely with the wounds I got and it’s the least I could do for you so just take your money back.” He says to me holding the money back out to me. Both of my eyebrows rise in surprise. 

A chuckle leaves me, “Mr. Javier take it. You need to survive as well and I’m not exactly hard on money. Don’t want you getting in trouble with your boss.” Bringing my hand up to his own and closing his fingers around the money. He hesitates at first but relents with a tired smile.

“I appreciate it Daniel and I will pay you back for this kindness. You have a good day and I wish the best for you with your education.” He says with the door opening and me getting out with my backpack hanging off one shoulder. 

“You don’t owe me anything. Just stay out of trouble and enjoy yourself since I know you noticed that I slipped you extra.” Waving at him as he smiles back at me before he drives off. Some students were gazing at me looking snazzy in shorts and a simple white shirt with the logo of a random punk band I never heard of. 

Looking around me several teenagers and young adults getting dropped off in far better-looking cars or driving themselves as they park them. If I was several years younger I would feel embarrassed coming in on a rundown taxi that had seen better days.

But I’m not. Why would I feel shame when I have more money than some of these people's families? And those that I don’t with some time will surpass even them. Not saying this to toot my own horn, just stating simple facts. 

Once upon a time, I didn’t like being singled out because of how poor I was. Now it doesn’t even faze me with how much has been amassed. Several businesses are starting to blossom and they are growing as they patch up Gotham with the numerous smaller gangs starting to fall under my control. Before money would have been viewed as the only goal. Now it’s just another tool added to my arsenal to accomplish whatever goal in front of me.

Breathing in and enjoying the smell of nature that doesn’t have chemicals in the air that makes me feel the need to shower while using steel wool and some bleach. Walking up to the long flight of stairs as several students stop and look at me. Noticing some of the women who were jogging occasionally took glances at me as they moved by.

I take back what I said about that power that made me look good in whatever I wear. Fighting off the urge to preen at the attention they give me and instead make it to the doors and walk inside the main lobby where many students were walking about and others just mingling with friends standing about. After a short wait in line to get to the front desk where several employees are helping students I am told to wait there alongside the other students after showing proof that I got a free ride to the school.

This got some looks from other students as I heard them talk about it not knowing that I could hear them. Some looked down on me for not having the money to come and do this myself and others thought that I could be of use to them. I had to fight off the urge to not laugh at these people. Did they seriously expect me to just do their homework when they bat their eyelashes and smile at me? 

To be honest I wouldn’t even do it if they offered me their body in return. Sure several of them are not bad-looking, but they will never be attractive enough for me to lower myself to doing that for them. Others just kept to themselves talking about random things in life like video games such as the ones being released on my website. 

Using my time to look at the building and take in the scenery. Light poured out of the numerous light fixtures that were not overpowering, a clean and smooth marble flooring that you could see the reflection out of it like it was a mirror. Many pictures from abstract art to paintings of scenery, people, and animals adorn the walls of the area. Many of which were valuable. Guess they wanted to make a statement.

Small cupboards lined the walls with the wood shining in the light with how polished they are, and the numerous chairs and seats ranging from leather chairs to upholstery ones with wood legs and armrests were filled up with students relaxing. The seats looked comfortable enough to sleep in. 

Before long a woman who looked to be in her early forties walked in with her heels clacking on the floor before she gathered us up and showed us around the college. Quite the display of wealth when you see the amount of decor in the building itself.

Showing us around the numerous halls with the different sections dedicated to math, acting, science, and so on. The ones that got my interest were the branches of the science departments for biology and botany. Biology was something that I took an interest in when I was still in high school just never had the means to go to college for it. And Botany because of Dad and his garden and the power granted to me giving me all the information on several unique hybrid plants out on display in the hall.

Credit where it’s due, they were made from species that would be difficult to get to interbreed, but not impossible. I even enjoyed the fragrant smell they give off that is sweet but not overpowering to the nose. A door opens with a man stepping out of the class and our guide seems ecstatic at seeing him, “You all are just in luck, this gentleman happens to not just be a professor but one of the best zoologists that have ever graced Gotham University with his presence. This is Kirk Langstrom!” 

“The same man who put forth the theory that it is possible to create hybrids of different animal species that were compatible with each other while keeping the DNA stable?” My question gets our guide's attention and Kirks as he briefly looks over at me.

“Yes! The very same. Kirk you alright?” Her excitement dims upon seeing the bags under the man's eyes. The guy looks like death warmed over.

“Yeah, just a little tired is all Debara. And yes young man, I am that Kirk Langstrom.” He responds scratching at the stubble lining his jaw.

“I am impressed that the university managed to get you to work here considering your reputation in the zoology field.” I can’t speak for most other versions of him since I never knew much of his character besides the obvious things most anyone would know, but this Kirk seems like a genuinely good man if what he is hoping to create is any indication according to the rumors going around. But time will ultimately tell in the end.

A chuckle escapes Kirk, “I appreciate the praise but if anything it should be me who is grateful for the opportunity to work here. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get a proper laboratory for the research I’m trying to do.” He says with a laugh while rubbing the back of his head.

“I can only imagine considering how many companies around this city would attempt to squeeze every bit they could from someone like you. Between that and just how slim and scarce a proper facility would be to find around here.” I say back to him as he stops rubbing the back of his head. He looks to be middle-aged, with light brown hair cut short blue eyes, and stubble growing around his jawline. He looks exhausted.

“Oh, it’s far worse than you could hope to dream-” He glances over to our tour guide and she gives him a look. He clears his throat before continuing, “But that’s not important. What did you think of the theory I proposed?” He asks me with genuine curiosity in his eyes that can be seen despite how tired he looks.

“I found it interesting and would love to see if it is achievable. It would take time but if it’s achieved, it would expand our understanding of genetics and could lead the way to curing illnesses and diseases that current medicine struggles with by adding the traits of certain animals to people. Of course, the media and any naysayer that just doesn’t like you getting the limelight would make it out to be something you're not trying to do, never mind saying it’s impossible.” Excitement bled into my tone to the man while pointing out how he has had his fair share of people speaking poorly of him. 

Warping and twisting what he said or did into something that is the furthest from it. Some people even went so far as to compare him to certain groups in history. Making a master race for starters. Even without the perfect memory and all the knowledge getting poured into my greymatter I still remember all the news stations mostly being against Kirk when he put forth the theory and the backlash that came from it.

His smile widens dramatically as I go on. Stuff like this was always cool to me when I was a kid even if it was science fiction. But here… it is very real. And that makes it even cooler.

“I’m glad to see the younger generation is not so easily fooled by others. Tell me what you think of bats-” Someone clears their throat and we both look over to see the guide is not looking too pleased at the both of us. 

“Sorry Debara. Got a little carried away there.” He says sheepishly.

“It’s alright Kirk, if anything it shows why you are considered an amazing teacher at our university. Well, what do the rest of you think of learning under this man?” She says gesturing grandly at Kirk while smiling. 

“So could you give us superpowers?” A random girl who was barely paying attention to what had been going on questions. 

Kirk and even Debara just look at her with a look that screams what is wrong with you? Taking a breath Kirk humors her, “If by superpowers you mean studying the advantageous traits and abilities of animals in hopes of one day curing diseases or other ailments, then I possibly can.” 

She stares back at him not even caring in the slightest now. A guy speaks up next to me, “What types of diseases could you cure if what he said about your theory could be proven true?” A guy asks gesturing at me.

“Ah, well many diseases. For starters, certain species like sharks, whales, and elephants have shown a remarkable resilience to cancer. If we crack their genetic code we could take those traits and use them as a way to cure cancer. Or amputees that have a missing limb, take some species of lizards or other animals with highly desired regenerative abilities and they could get their missing limbs back!” 

“Whoa. That’s pretty cool!” He says back in awe with several of the others murmuring in excitement now besides a few not caring.

“Yeah it is, isn't it?” Kirk seems slightly happier now despite how tired he looks.

“Well, I’m glad to see most of everyone is warming up to a possible professor at our fine institution. Unfortunately, we don’t have any more time for Dr. Langstrom. Thank you Kirk for making time for us!” 

“It’s alright Debara and hope you all enjoy the rest of your day.” 

“Now that the different classes and the associated sections are out of the way, the next stop is the library and game room.” At the mention of the game room, a lot of people perked up. Several fist pump at the mention of it as they discuss what games and consoles they have amongst themselves.

As they start to file out I walk up to Kirk before he goes back into his room. “Before I forget the name is Daniel Cunningham Dr. Langstrom.” I walk up to him and offer my hand in a shake.

He brings his hand up and gives me a firm shake. “I look forward to having you in one of my classes, Daniel. And please just call me Kirk. It was a pleasure meeting you and the rest of the students and seeing Debara in this neck of the woods.” 

…

The fluttering of wings can be heard above as the darkness obscures the roof of the cave and the bats move about as they had always done. Standing on the platform before a massive computer with numerous screens with all kinds of files and information splayed across it.

Hmmm. Staring down at the results from the Batcomputer, Bruce couldn’t help the respect and fear he felt for Silhouette for managing to create all of this. The screen shows him the chemicals used in the creation of the drugs most being simple household items and what few that are not could easily be made. All to create an incredibly powerful tool that simple criminals could become greater threats than they otherwise would be. 

The newest iteration of these drugs slowly entering the city has been touted as having minor side effects compared to the first wave. Not even taking into account the higher-end drugs touted for having twice the potency. This wave of drugs has been no end of headaches for Bruce and it would seem it’s getting worse. The only silver lining is the amount being sold has slowed down significantly. 

Even school students have recently been caught using these ‘mentats’, glancing over to the small pill-like drugs alongside several others that had been examined. Those small pills could be argued to be some of the most dangerous albeit for different reasons than the others if the wrong person manages to get enough. 

Given enough time and resources when using these in theory would make someone into a nightmare to deal with. A feeling of thankfulness goes through Bruce thinking of how Riddler for all his intelligence is still vulnerable to the mental issues that hold him back. 

Massaging his temple feeling the headache he has been dealing with comes back much stronger with this newest complication. After what happened that night Gotham has settled down into an eerie unnatural quiet. One that even he was unnerved by. 

The time he had spent out on the streets patrolling and dealing out justice was never this quiet. Some enterprising criminals have made some moves but nothing significant and are hesitant to do anything further. Fear and tension grip the city just waiting for what comes next.

Even Penguin has stopped some of his operations and pooled his men together for the others that were still running. From what I was able to gather he is afraid. Many others were in similar situations when the Court had made themselves known. That is if it is the Court of Owls. I don’t know whether it was truly the Courts forces I had fought that night or someone simply using the likeness of them.

If it was them, then why? Why send out so many of their forces to just kill most of the criminals they came across while leaving some survivors and in other areas leaving behind evidence showing they were the culprit? A warning? Possible. If so, who was it for? 

I am either missing pieces to this case or it may not be the Court. The stories about them always talked about how they were assassins that stuck to the shadows. Several suspicions flit through my mind but nothing substantial. Besides the possibility, someone is using their likeness for some unknown reason.

Hard to say currently with what little I have to go off of. The weapons they had left at the scene of the crime were well-made blades with owl motifs placed on the pommel or other such forms of decoration. The blades were good but nothing made by a mastersmith, the metal itself being simple steel. 

Yet those things had proved so dangerous that even without their weapons they were a threat that must be taken seriously. The memory of being backed into a corner and beaten within an inch of his life surfaces. Only a handful of times has that ever happened in Bruce's crime-fighting career.

Leaving the file open in regards to who the perpetrator is with several ideas being put down while filling in the current known capabilities and possible weaknesses of their forces along with anything else worthwhile putting down. 

Feeling the pain killer wear off as the aches and pains make themselves known. A grim reminder that for as capable as he is, in the end, Bruce is still just a man. All the more reason to be better prepared next time. Taking the medicine that Alfred had left for him and downing the pill with some water as he focuses on the next case. This alliance of the smaller gangs is forming. 

Rather quickly at that. Normally they would never even attempt to do so, but whoever was responsible for the massacres of that night whether it was the Court or a group masquerading as them had pushed those gangs into a corner forcing them to band together. And so far unlike most of the other alliances that happen between the gangs with them never giving any aid or aiding the others with less than the bare minimum, this time around they are helping one another far more than they have in the past. 

Despite the criminal element being frightened and jumping at shadows doesn’t mean they have fully stopped probing the others for any weaknesses. Some of the other smaller gangs that attempted to attack the others out of desperation when they were vulnerable were met with resistance from the other gangs sending out their own to help protect them. Yet another thing I am going to have to deal with when my current priorities are not occupied with the current major threats to Gotham. 

Just as Bruce was going to continue with the information on the case files the sound of steps is heard echoing through the cave. A sigh leaves Bruce, as that sound only means one thing. Alfred had caught him trying to continue with his work. 

“Just as I expected. You know you are supposed to be resting and relaxing Master Bruce.” Alfred says to him with a raised brow at him. Bruce turns in his chair to face him with a frown on his face.

Before Bruce can say anything Alfred continues, “I understand your concern for the city. But the city is not going anywhere anytime soon, and as commendable as your efforts have been, it's time to rest.” Alfred walks up, shutting off the screen Bruce was typing on to his annoyance. 

A sigh escapes Bruce before he stands up to fully face Alfred, “Very well. I know all too well not to try and argue with you on this Alfred.” This gets a smile out of the closest thing Bruce had to not only family but a pseudo-father after what happened. 

“As you should Master Bruce since I am a master at getting others to do as I ask. And I have only gotten better over the years.” Alfred responds, bringing the corners of Bruce's frown into a brief smile with the memories of Alfred finding one way or another to get him to stop working albeit briefly. 

“The party will be happening within a few days and I would recommend getting some rest before that time comes. It wouldn’t do to have you too tired to enjoy the atmosphere of the festivities.” Alfred walks up placing a hand on his shoulder and guiding Bruce back to the stairs of the Batcave with the Batcomputer shutting down most operations besides the current most important tasks of studying the drugs. 

Bruce thinks to himself about his next plan. If it truly is the Court then this party would have members attending it. If they are as old as Gotham itself according to the stories and how far back the stories originated then some of the wealthiest families and notable individuals in the city will be a part of it. And many of them always attend the parties held in the manor. 

Bruce walks with Alfred up the stairs and out of the secret passage behind a bookcase that seals silently behind them seamlessly blending in with the rest of the wall with no sign of the passage existing. The room is like the rest of the Wayne manor, not ostentatious but showing its rich history all the same with the walls holding the occasional portrait or painting of some kind with the numerous furniture and decorations giving it a warm lived-in feeling.

Walking past the piano in the room and down the hall with Bruce ignoring the now dulled pain as he always has when injured. Past massive rooms meant for large gatherings that have tables set up in preparation for the party that is coming up. Despite how Bruce would portray himself to the public, he was never one for parties even before his crusade had begun. 

It was merely a tool to help him conceal himself from those who would connect the dots and realize who he is. Best to show behavior that would not fit his real persona to ensure those that he is trying to help and those that wish to harm Gotham and its people never find out who he is. 

But the parties also had other uses that Bruce learned over the years after Alfred had several thrown for him without him knowing. How he did that is still beyond Bruce, but if there was ever someone who could fool Bruce and keep him in the dark it would be Alfred. The parties were to the guests thrown by Bruce and he acted as if they were and hid his surprise upon seeing several wealthy and elite people in this city coming to his mansion without him even knowing what was going on.

Never mind how Alfred managed to get all the decorations and party set up without Bruce being none the wiser until the actual party guests had arrived. To this day Alfred still won’t tell him how he managed it.