You could hear a pin drop in the room. Everyone was silent as they watched in wonder at the massive display with such accurate detail that it wouldn’t look out of place in an architect's showroom.

It reflected the dark theme that Gotham is well known for but also had softer tones. Futuristic skyscrapers rose above, and holograms of flying cars passed by in organized groups. 

“I call it Neo Gotham. The city of the future! A city we can all call ourselves proud citizens of. A city with cutting edge technology that can make both the air breathable again and water to be clean enough to drink without worry.”

A clap could be heard. Then another. Next thing I know the entire crowd is applauding him along with me and Jaina as we glance at one another both with smiles on our faces. Hers was one of happiness but mine may appear to be happy but inside I was thinking why reveal this now?

A suspicion in the back of my mind takes root but I play along as a gorgeous woman with blond hair in a bun with a platinum white dress with two straps walks up to Bruce giving him a peck on the cheek as she hugs his side as he waves at the crowd.

Once the applause had settled down enough people started asking questions. 

“How long have you had this planned for?” 

Bruce turns to the man after enjoying the moment with whom I assume his current girlfriend is. Samantha Vanaver who is up in the air if she is one of the Owls or not. None of my drones had snagged a ride on her but then with how many rich assholes live in this city, I wouldn’t be surprised if she is one.

“For several years now. It’s something I have dreamed of doing for some time now.” He says all of this with a far-off look in his eyes.

“What technology do you speak of that could help with the air and water pollution?” I ask above most other voices getting Jaina to look at me.

“I am glad you asked Will!” He says with a cocky smirk on his face as several members of the crowd look at me before focusing back on Bruce.

He pulls a remote out of somewhere and clicks a button, and a hologram showing two machines springs to life.

Looking both over I can already glean what their purposes are. 

“I give you how this city can become livable again for all. This machine here is the Anemoi,” He gestures at the sleek angular machine in the shape of a triangle with tubes and fans under its casing, “It will draw in the air from atop the skyscrapers and tall buildings around Gotham and filter out toxins and pollution releasing clean breathable air.”

“And before anyone says a thing, yes it is yet another piece of equipment from Wayne Tech's research and development department.” He says earning a few chuckles from the crowd as he has a smirk on his face as some people who had questions looked a little embarrassed.

“The other machine is Tethys,” Much like the Anemoi it was sleek and modular in design while being surprisingly advanced but then it’s not like Batman uses current date equipment let alone outdated, “It will be placed along the sewers and waterways of Gotham like the docks to clean the water drawing out all the contaminates creating fresh drinking water.”

He steps away as the images fade away as a few servants wheel in something as the crowd parts before it giving them plenty of space like they don’t want to touch the help. 

The machine looks like a scaled-down Tethys as one of the servants has two glasses. One has water that looks like it had been taken from a pond with far too much mud and moss growing in it. The other is empty.

Handing Bruce the dirty glass of water, “I will show you just how effective it is. This is a smaller, scaled-down version of what will be used to help our city.” He dumps the water into an open hatch on the machine as it whirs to life and everyone can see it work as an image forms above the machine showing its internal workings drawing out the scum of the water.

The crowd is in awe as even Bruce’s date or whatever she is has her mouth hanging open but it would seem she and Jaina have that in common as Jainas eyes would have to be pried off of what is being shown.

In a matter of seconds, the water has gone through the machine and is dispensed out of a nozzle. Clean water comes out of it crystal clear like nature intended as Bruce holds it up. One of the servants brings him a wand that looks like an electric thermometer.

Placing it inside as the numbers show alongside the image showing a loop of the water in the process of being cleansed. The numbers quickly scaled down to a zero showing no contamination in the water.

Bruce took it a step further and drank the water letting out a satisfied sigh as the crowd erupted into applause as many of the people surrounded him, clapping him on the shoulder or just trying to be near the man of the hour.

I on the other hand calmly walked past several people looking over the model city of Gotham's future. It does look somewhat similar to what I remembered of the look of Neo Gotham from Batman Beyond.

Albeit far lighter and not as gloomy or cyberpunk looking but the similarities were there. Despite being capable of just taking a glance at a distance and perfectly remembering it I prefer to marvel at the level of detail they went into this with.

The windows on the buildings, the artistic designs, and even the material the models are made of were done in such a way as to add to the detail of the models. Looking over each section I can see the areas it would encompass of old Gotham when comparing it to my mental Map of Gotham.

Bruce even went out of his way to ensure proper living conditions judging by the giant buildings with amenities inside of them for the less fortunate of Gotham in areas like Crime Alley and the Bowery. Though if that will work out is another thing entirely but at least he cares. 

“Quite impressive…” Jaina says standing beside me as I look at the holograms of flying cars zipping by the buildings. 

“Let it never be said that Bruce is not ambitious when it comes to the well-being of this city.” I remark back. “Before I forget, we need to talk Jaina. It’s about some upcoming business.” I say not turning to look at her.

Despite the nonchalant way I had said this she picked up on the fact that it was important. Well, besides the fact she knows that I am Silhouette and here in person which has implications that something is going down.

“Well then as soon as we have time we can talk about it.” She says calmly without giving anything away. 

Glancing once more over at Bruce seeing many of the elite of Gotham shower him with praises my mind is churning along looking at what his angle is. Then it hits me as a ghost of a smile graces the corners of my mouth at it being so simple yet effective. 

You sly dog Bruce, you're trying to get their attention so they might bring you into the fold. 

The hours went by as the party winded down, I and Jaina enjoyed each other's company talking about the things happening in Gotham and our hobbies. Jaina in particular enjoys music and likes to dance to it occasionally while she seemed somewhat interested in my own hobby of video games having played a few when she was much younger.

We also discussed some movies, most of which she brought up I didn’t have a clue about, and promised I would watch them later on when I had a chance. Stepping over to one of the tables where Alfred was directing some of the servants around with the food.

“Alfred, sorry to bother you but can I…” I begin to ask as he raises a single eyebrow at me as I internally say screw it and just ask the question, “Can I take some leftovers with me?” 

It came out a little more sheepishly than I intended but Alfred of all things had not expected that question going by the look of surprise on his face as both eyebrows rose higher and higher before a faint smile formed on his face. 

“You most certainly may Will.” He says having a servant fetch him a container as they swiftly leave and return with plastic tupperware.

“Take as much as you wish.” 

Grabbing a few pigs in a blanket and stuffed mushrooms while making sure I could fit the big millionaire sandwich inside of it. 

“Please give my compliments to the chef, for they have shown me that what I have been eating before is not truly living,” Holding out the container to emphasize the sandwich, “This is living and it would seem Bruce has been doing plenty of that.”

Alfred merely shakes his head in exasperation before nodding at me, “And I thank you for the compliment. Now I must go because there is much to clean up and organize. You have a good night Will.” He says turning on his heel before I could even respond to learning he was the one who had a hand in all of this food.

Bruce you lucky bastard you…

Saying my goodbye to Alfred before being drawn from my envy of Bruce having such an awesome father figure as the steps from Stilettos make me turn to see Bruce with his date or whatever she is to him.

He glances down at my plastic container of food and then gives me a smirk, “I see you like Alfred's cooking. Can’t say I blame you, his meals are the best.” 

What I take notice of is despite Bruce's gaze being warm towards me Miss Vanaver on the other hand looks perfectly calm and approachable, yet I can see it if only for a brief fraction of a  second. A look of disgust at me and Jaina as she approaches us before it smooths over so fast that one would think it never had happened. 

“Will, Jaina. This is my girlfriend Samantha Vanaver.” He says introducing us as I politely nod to her as does Jaina.

“I have met Jaina Hudson before but I don’t think I have seen you around any of the social gatherings in Gotham.” She says tapping the side of her jaw and looking deep in thought.

“This would be my first party being attended in Gotham. William Hardigan, owner of Solution Incorporated. Please just call me Will. The company that has been trying to clean up the streets and helping with construction efforts after the gang war.”

She blinks in surprise before a gentle smile greets me, “It is a pleasure to meet the man responsible for helping this city in its time of need.”

Waving my hand in a so-so gesture, I just saw an opportunity and it conveniently lined up with helping the city out.”

“So what were you doing before you came to Gotham?” Bruce did a good job of masking his real reason for asking such a question. Or maybe I am being too paranoid myself.

“I was working a 9-5 job before I came here. Some things happened and I was the last of my family and had nothing left for me back in Phoenix.” 

The three froze up hearing that. Jaina had a look of uncertainty but also sadness though I think she assumed it was a fabricated backstory. Samantha looked sad but again I am rather certain she doesn’t care and it’s an act.

Bruce on the other hand has his entire body rigid before the warmth on his face fades away as a deep sorrow can be seen and felt from the man. Even Samantha and Jaina both frown when they look at Bruce.

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He says, trying to apologize.

“You're fine.” I say waving the man off, “You didn’t know and it is part of life as unfortunate as it is. It’s also part of the reason I came to Gotham. Nothing was holding me back any longer and I had nowhere else to go so I came here.” 

“Rather surprised you would be willing to come to Gotham of all cities and not Metropolis or Central City.” Samantha said looking curious as to why I chose this city of all places.

“Well I had lost the last of my family and with nothing left to live for…” I lead off with that as they all widen their eyes as they connect the dots.

“You… came here to die?” Bruce said in disbelief yet the sadness that clung to him he managed to reign it in.

“Maybe. A part of me might have wanted to end it, but another part remained stubborn.” I say going with the fabricated story using parts of my own life in it to help with the act, “But after having managed to help so many people in the mother of all Hail Marys that faded away. After all, I can’t fade away just yet with so many people depending on me.” 

Bruce’s expression turned into something that looked like genuine respect and warmth on his face while Samantha looked like she didn’t know what to say or make of what she just heard.

“I am happy to hear you managed to find some purpose or meaning to go on at least.” He says, shaking his head.

The best way I have learned to not give away when you are lying is to mix in sprinkles of truth. In this case, utilize my history with my family and my circumstances mixing it into the character I am acting as to make it look more genuine. 

“Well for someone who came here to simply let it… end, you have done a fine job of growing your company Will.” Samantha says cutting in. “Any new projects you intend to help the city with?”

I put on an act with a look of contemplation on my face, “Simply help the city however I can while giving anyone who wants a shot at a better life a job that they can be proud of. As things stand it is all the same thing at the end of the day, some parts of the city people want cleaned up.” 

“It is rather interesting that the gangs have not attempted to attack your people.” She says leadingly looking suspicious while Bruce shifts uncomfortably and Jaina even glances at me but mostly gives Samantha a look with some heat behind it.

No idea what is going on with that look Jaina is giving her but I give her an honest answer or about as honest as I can. 

“Well after your city's equivalent to the boogeyman came out I doubt many gangs are going to be concerned with attacking a cleaning or road crew when they have far bigger things to be concerned about.”

Samantha merely smiles at that, “Fair point Will. Apologies but more often than not in this city people are not what they like to portray themselves as.” 

A soft laugh has me turning to see Jaina herself chuckling like Samantha just made a delightful joke. Something that Samantha herself picks up on if the frown she has is anything to go by.

Even Bruce is looking between the two of them as he and I share a look both having no idea of what is about to happen.

“Oh, that is a good joke, Samantha. The irony in that comment alone…” Jaina says, wiping away a fake tear as Samantha bristles.

“Excuse me? I merely speak the truth.” 

“Then speak for yourself and stop projecting onto other people.” She says much more aggressively as she steps closer, pressing herself into my side as I look at her like she has grown a second head.

Looking back at Bruce for help to see him raising his hands as he looks like he wants to step away from whatever is happening right now. 

You damn coward! You are crazy enough to fight the Joker yet you can't get control of two women about to have a cat fight?

“Projecting?! How dare you-”

“Enough!” I raise my voice louder than intended as both women quiet down looking wide-eyed before remembering what just happened between the two of them as they glare at one another.

“I don’t know what brought this on between you two, and yes I know what you were saying were subtle accusations towards me and my character Miss Vanavers.” I say sending a pointed look at whatever she is to Bruce.

She opens her mouth to speak looking indignant but I cut her off.

“And I understand your suspicions since this is Gotham. But always assuming the worst about anyone is rather insulting especially when you decide for whatever reason to make a verbal jab at them when you don’t even know me. I understand and I am willing to let it go. Now can you both calm down?”

I say looking between the two of them as they both look tense and ready to have it out but both let out deep sighs.

“Fine.” Samantha says crossing her arms and looking away while pressing herself into Bruce’s side who looks like he just saw a biblical miracle performed before his eyes.

Jaina on the other hand just presses herself further into me and I will not lie I love the way her body feels against me. “Alright.” Is all she says as she looks at Samantha.

What the hell is even going on?

Looking at Bruce hoping for an answer only for him to give me a wink and nod of approval to just make me even more confused. Simply shaking my head and waved goodbye as I and Jaina walk to the main entrance to Wayne Manor.

“Will, you have a moment?” Bruce's voice comes from behind as he quickly walks up to me and Jaina. Giving her a questioning look she rolls her eyes and nods letting go of me and heading outside.

“I can spare a minute or two. What’s up?” 

“I know this might be sudden, but would your company be willing to do a couple of projects for my company?” 

“Bruce my company is a cleaning company with some parts of being decent at construction. What use could you have for that?” I ask him curious where this is going.

Thinking back to that city model and thinking there is no way in hell he is about to do what I think he is.

“Sure your company has only gotten their foot in the door for construction but from what I have heard from others they are highly recommended. That project for the future of Gotham is not going to become a reality with no one working to make it real, I want your company's help in making it a reality.” He says earnestly but I have strong suspicions on what this is.

Why ask me this? Why not the already established construction companies and crews? As capable as my construction crews are in my company they wouldn’t be able to compare to others unless I pull some massive shenanigans with the engineers, hunters, and anything else that is far from mundane.

He suspects things about my alias, the company itself, or maybe it’s just the iconic Bat Paranoia that everyone gives grief to the character about. Regardless, it was rather odd to give an opportunity like that to a complete nobody he just met in one night. Yes, my company has grown by leaps and bounds taking advantage of the aftermath of the gang war but it is still a newly established company.

“Bruce, why are you asking me something like that? You just met me.” I say back evenly, not letting my suspicions be known.

“Will, your company has, unlike others, proven it is so far on the up and up. I apologize for Samantha's behavior, she and many others in Gotham have come to the belief to not trust anyone or anything. That whenever something seems too good for this city then it usually is not.” 

Staring at him for a good long while before responding to him, “First of all you don’t need to apologize for anything Bruce, that is on Samantha and I don’t hold anything against her. I get it even if I don’t agree with it. Secondly, I doubt my company could meet whatever deadlines you would have for the contracts on whatever you want built.” 

Adjusting my grip on the plastic container holding the leftovers Bruce responds, “I understand, and despite what you might think you being honest with me right now is the same reason I would prefer to have your company work with mine. We can work out something if you choose to accept it. All that I ask is that you think it over at least. Here, this is a number to get in direct contact with me if you make up your mind.” 

Holding out a card with a number on it with the Wayne logo as I take it noting the number before pocketing it. “Besides the nuclear war, you and I just avoided a moment ago it was a wonderful night and I enjoyed myself more than I thought. You're a lot cooler and nicer than people give you credit for. That and you don’t come off as big of a playboy as everyone makes you out to be Bruce.”

Bruce chuckles, offering his hand one that I gladly accept, “Oh don’t be fooled, stick around long enough and you will see that of those things you mentioned the last you are mistaken on. But…” He says making a show of looking around as he glances back before stage whispering to me, “With me and Samantha being a couple, can’t exactly go around doing that.”

Well it was an enjoyable party, you have a good night Bruce. Also, how do I get your Tupperware back to you?” I ask getting a chuckle out of him.

“That’s a good one… Wait, you're serious? You can keep it. Have a wonderful evening Will.” He says as I just walk away feeling like an idiot but I have to stay in character. It also helps that asking such a question is something I would have done before all of this came into my life.

Stepping outside enjoying the nice air as the sun sets made for a beautiful sight, with the figure of Jaina standing further on the lawn enjoying the sight as the sunlight reflected off of her dress and jewelry mixed with her dusky skin made for a wonderful sight. Unfortunately, it ended far too soon for me as she turned to face me.

Checking my contacts and seeing that several of the drones managed to snag rides on most of everyone with several managing to get into the lower sections of the mansion. Save of course for Samantha Vanavers. Her drones are not active… 

Interesting.

Walking over to Jaina who is looking at me falling into step as my ride stops out on the road leading to the manor's front door. “Need a ride?” I ask with a smile.

“I would appreciate it.” Holding the door open she slides in as I follow behind as the driver leaves the manor behind.

“So your Silhouette?” She says to me.

Thank goodness I had the contacts send out a pulse for any bugs on me or the car and it came back negative or we would be having Batman breathing down my neck.

“Maybe,” I say with a lopsided smirk that she frowns at before shaking her head. “Not quite what I expected under that mask of yours… What was so urgent you needed to speak with me?”

“Are you aware of the Grandmaster's plan for Gotham?”

She freezes abruptly before stiffly turning to look at me, “No. Is it bad?” 

She says this hesitantly, not sure if she is going to like what she hears.

“Very bad. They intend on wiping out the vast majority of Gotham's lower class and middle class to cleanse the city.” 

While I remain calm I can hear Jainas breathing and heart rate pick up. Her eyes dilate as she registers and processes what she just heard beginning to become stressed with goosebumps forming on her dark skin. She almost seems like a teapot left to boil for too long, the only thing missing is the steam.

Placing a hand on her shoulder snapped her out of whatever was going on as she looked at my calm demeanor unbothered by this news.

“Why are you not panicking over this? This is horrible!” 

“Because I cannot stop this by panicking.” 

My calm tone is at odds with her frantic form right now as it seems to work albeit only slightly as she makes herself calm down as best she can seeing how I am like a boulder amidst a storm.

“Treat it like you would a horror movie. You have seen a horror movie haven’t you?” I ask skeptically, legitimate curiosity if she has ever seen one.

She looks at me like I am an idiot before responding, “Of course, I have seen a horror movie. How is this like those movies?”

“What happens to characters who panic and freak out in some of them?” 

She stops realization settling in as she voices the words in her head aloud, “They usually die…”

“There you go. I understand that this has you worried, but know that I have been busy trying to hopefully stop this without the Court becoming aware of what we are up to and it’s not like I could go out and tell you this with the amount of interested parties that may be listening in. From the looks of things that is not likely to happen with the timeframe we have to work with and we will come into some type of conflict.”

“You mean what you did with Donovan?” She says taking deep breaths to force herself to calm down as she appears to be in the right state of mind now to think clearly about this.

“Yes. The issue is I can’t just replace them on a whim, the ones impersonating them need to know their mannerisms and normal behaviors to ensure people don’t get suspicious and if they change it has to be a believable change over time.”

“Alright, how many members of the Court have you managed to subvert so far?” She says hiding her discomfort at what I am doing, whether it is out of fear I will do this to her or some other personal reason.

The car is going along the road with the hunter going along the scenic routes letting us enjoy the sights of the sun setting over the landscape.

Not that it is being enjoyed by Jaina as she is all business now knowing what is coming.

“So far it is at a fourth of the Court at least in regards to the people I have seen at the meetings. I have estimated it would be more than even that but with this venture, it can be whittled down to a third, maybe if we push our luck get close to half.”

“A third should work.” She says as the wheels churn in her head while I fiddle with my cuffs on the suit.

“Why is that?” 

“You were not told of the rules the Court goes by, one of them is a vote that can be done when the Court as a whole believes that the acting Grandmaster is not acting within the best interests of the Court.”

I stop messing with my suit and turn to look at her as she looks into my eyes, “How do you know this? Last I checked you were similar to me in how the Court only views us as useful tools and not equals.”

She scoffs at that, pulling out a compact to check over her makeup. “I simply kept my distance and listened. Much like with servants or the help, not all of Gotham's elite have a habit of making sure they cannot hear their conversations.”

I merely chuckle seeing as how despite it being such a bad idea to tell such things in front of potential leaks they still do it simply because they think those people are beneath them and nothing will come of it. Jaina continues to speak, seeing my amusement and her eyes crinkle slightly.

“They treat me only slightly better, but listen long enough you learn some laws and rules the Court has and the history behind them.”

She puts her compact away satisfied with her makeup despite it being near perfect as far as I was concerned.

“There was an incident over a century ago in the Court where the members of the time had enough of the current Grandmaster who was no longer acting with their interests and… a civil war broke out amongst the Court.”

“Of course they did, and unfortunately for the rest of us and Gotham they are still around so it wasn’t enough for them to crumble.” I say not hiding the scoff and derision in my tone at both the misfortune of dealing with these pompous idiots and the fact they haven’t clashed like this again with so many egos running amok.

“What happened after the fighting had stopped when the surviving Court members had taken control was when a new rule was put in place. If a third of the Court members all unanimously agree that the Grandmaster must step down, they have the talons' support in doing so with the appointment of a new Grandmaster.”

“Then we have our new Grandmaster.” I say nodding to her as she adopts a contemplative expression, the thin line of her lips dipping into a frown.

“Still weary of me? It's alright and I understand.” my reassurances if anything make the frown deepen as she gives me a look.

“It's not that. You proved from not only saving me but also sharing your plans with me when it would have been far easier to just do what you did with Donovan.” She says calmly yet not coldly, taking a breath and letting it out before continuing.

“Even though I still do not like your methods with what you did to cause the gang war, I understand your reasoning especially when not everyone can be saved.” She says all of this with a surprising amount of honesty.

Her heart is steady despite the faster rate it beats, but none of it is a lie. “Then what is bothering you?”

“I doubt it will be that easy to dethrone the current Grandmaster. If there was one lesson of many that I had learned in my time living in this city would be that those in power have managed to stay in power because they learned from the mistakes of the past.”

In other words, she believes the Grandmaster has contingencies to stay in power should the rest of the Court turn against them. Nothing shocking about that and it is something I had believed myself. A den of vipers masquerading around as a flock of birds.

So someone acting as their appointed leader wouldn’t be in such a position without some means to maintain their power. 

“Unlike the city's mayor who has others prop him up to power, I do believe the Grandmaster has several aces hidden up their sleeves to keep themselves in a better position should the worst come to pass.”

“Do you have any clue as to what it is?” She asks, looking hopeful.

“A vague idea.” 

My honest answer has her shoulders slumped as she looks at me bewildered. She doesn’t even need to voice her question aloud for me to know what it is.

“I know many things and have eyes and ears in many places, but for all of that, I am not all-seeing or all-knowing. I am flattered you had believed I was.” I say leaning back and relaxing in the seat.

Before Jaina can comment I cut her off voicing a suspicion I have, “But I do know the Court somehow has connections to the supernatural part of the world.”

This gets an incredulous look from her. Turning and facing her as she digests what was just said, “Yes there is a magical community. One that the Court has connections to according to the Grandmaster.”

She opens and closes her mouth after thinking better of what she is going to say. “That… is not something I expected to hear yet I am also not as skeptical as I should be.” 

Tilting my head at her now wondering what she had encountered or witnessed that made her say such a thing.

Picking up on my curiosity she answers. “Wonder Woman has talked about her gods being real several times when asked. The Justice League has also fought supervillains who were supposedly using magic.”

Nodding my head at her statements. All valid points and having me acknowledge the existence of the supernatural side of things would line up with that. However, that also would depend on the person being open-minded enough to accept such things. 

People who are not open-minded tend to refuse to believe such things despite the evidence that suggests otherwise even if it was staring right at them face to face.

“I trust you enough since you are reasonable with an intelligence that puts everyone I have known for their intelligence to shame. If you say it is… magic, then I believe you.” She says all of this with an acceptance that caught me off guard, having not expected it.

After that, we fall into a companionable silence as the car drives on before a bit of curiosity has me asking a question. 

“So what was going on between you and Miss Vanaver?” I asked her, interested in what story she had as to why they were so hostile.

Jaina huffed before looking at me as she was enjoying the sights of nature before entering the city.

“Despite how she and her family liked to portray themselves to the rest of the city, years ago I had the misfortune to see them for what they really are.”

I merely sat and listened to her story, “It was when my parents were still alive before the accident. It was a charity event held by the Vanaver family and my family was surprisingly invited when most of Gotham's elite would dismiss us.”

“My father was happy to finally attend something with the elite of the city, not taking it to heart like he should have when they treated us like we were outsiders. At first, it went surprisingly well as my father would discuss things like the state of his company and the affairs of the city.” She develops a small smile at the mention of her father as the fondness of better times bleeds into her tone.

Then it turned to a frown, “It was enjoyable until John Vanaver the head of the family before he and his wife had passed, introduced themselves to my family and he tried to get me and Samantha to stay together during the party.”

She clenches her hand before I place a hand on her shoulder earning me a mixture of emotions as she looks at me before she gives me a nod as I take my hand back.

“It went well enough to an outside observer, but for me it was miserable. To most people, she and her family are good at hiding it, but the charities they all run are simply a mask they wear to appear like they care about the everyday citizen in Gotham.”

“How do you know this?”

She snorts at that, “Because Samantha told me so. When we were introduced a part of me didn’t trust her and I couldn’t say why. But as time went on she started giving me compliments on my clothes or appearance but it sounded rehearsed. I was blunt and honest as a young girl, my parents always told me to be honest with people so long as it’s not rude.”

Something I could agree with, my Dad made sure to get me to understand that. It was for different reasons beyond just morals and values but out of reputation since no one trusts a person who lies nonstop.

She continues looking deep in thought as if she was reliving it again, “I asked her if something was bothering her, why she said things that sounded like they were read from a script after it had been going on for over an hour.”

“What did she say?” I was curious where this was going.

“She tensed up and looked me in the eyes with such hate. Told me because she was being forced to talk to a commoner like me who was beneath her.” 

My eyes widened at that. 

“You look like I did when I first heard her. A few seconds passed as I finally realized what she had said. And I let her know what I thought of what she said…” 

She trails off as a smile forms on her face that leaves me wanting to know what she did. 

“I take it you insulted her back?” 

A light laugh escapes her as she covers her mouth, “No… I punched her in the face and we wrestled on the ground in front of everyone.”  

“Pfffft.” That is all that comes out before I laugh and she joins me.

“You,” I get out between laughter, “Punched her, and then you two wrestled on the floor. Let me guess what happened next, Samantha lied and said you were mean for no reason or started it, and when she called you out you attacked her and everyone believed her.”

She mulls it over giving a hesitant nod, “Mostly correct, besides everyone believing her. My parents demanded to know what happened and I explained on the spot in front of everyone. Even her parents. Her father looked calm, but I could see it in his eyes. He was furious.” 

“At you?” 

She shakes her head looking perplexed herself. “I don’t know. He apologized to my parents and me personally as he saw us out, while everyone around us believed Samantha.” She grumbles about the last part not looking happy about it.

“Learned that after the incident when rumors started coming up about me and my family and most influential people would not have much to do with us beyond just business and that was only if they had to. So the history we have and what she said to you it should be no surprise I called her out.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you Jaina. And I appreciate you looking out for me.” I say feeling bad for her yet thankful she thinks highly enough of me to come to my defense. 

I halt any thoughts of her simply getting closer to me by getting into my good graces. That is not conducive to a partnership especially if it leads me to betray her when she has no intention of doing so to me.

“Don’t be. You had nothing to do with it and you have treated me as a person and not something to control or conquer. With us working together we can bring meaningful change to this city.” She says all of this with a warm smile as the anger and frustration fade away.

After that, we fall into a comfortable silence as the car drives on and we plan together in hopes of a better future for Gotham as whatever is giving me these powers had given me two more and by this point I was just eternally grateful nothing beyond what was given invades my poor aching head.

 Another attempt at creating super soldiers, this formula creates a virus that can enhance a person to superhuman strength, reflexes, and endurance. Additionally, normal Extremis users gain the ability to generate extreme amounts of heat through a complex metabolic process, generating heat from their bodies up to several thousand degrees Celsius on any part of the body they desire. When regenerating body parts, the wounds take on the appearance of burning ashes while growing back the lost body part, in a matter of minutes, and cooling into regular skin, flesh, and bone. Be wary however, as this makes you light up on thermal sensors, and should your body heat up too much, you may end up exploding. Keep this in mind.

 You possess the good fortune to have an Innate Talent. Innate Talents are abilities that people are born with, and usually only one in two hundred people will actually have one. They can run the gamut of all sorts of things, though there is no certainty people will be born with an ability they will actually be able to make use of. For example someone born with an innate talent for learning magic doesn't actually help them find a magic teacher, and thus some innate talents may go to waste. Thankfully for you you can choose what Innate Talent you have from the following list. You possess the unheard of ability to have more than one Innate Talent, assuming you purchase more than one.

 You're really, unnaturally, good at making magic items. If you know how to make something then you can make it magical. Spoons, bowls, armor, books, weapons, toasters, anything. You actually have to know some magic in order to enchant items with a magical effect, and you don't gain any skills in actually making items, so if you want to make magic swords you'll have to learn some magic and then how to make regular swords first. You can copy down into scrolls any spell you know, which others can use to learn those spells (if they are capable of using that magic system and put in the time to study) or use them as one-use magic items. Additionally any magic item you create will be marginally better than it would have otherwise been, regardless of whatever abilities you might have brought with you from other worlds. You don't have to have this talent to make magic items or spell scrolls, but someone that does have this talent will always be much better than someone that doesn't.