Life After Gotham (Batman Fan Fiction)

Chapter 4: The Crane Household

Hey guys, sorry it took so long for me to upload this chapter. i promise i'll try to post the next chapter soon!

I also wanted to compliment the amazing SuspiriaMoon and her keen eyes! If you did not read her comments, she answered my previous question correctly, stating the James is the decendent of Johnathan Crane, aka ScareCrow! Because of this, i want to dedicate this chapter to her!

I also want to dedicate this chapter to bridge2enigma, who is a character in this story. Her first appearance in the story shall be in this chapter, so you may know.

Now, back to the story! Enjoy <3

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            "Wake up, sleeping beauty; we're here", James said, shaking me awake.

            I opened my eyes to see James looking down at me with his faded blue eyes, which are hidden behind his black framed glasses; his light beige skin, which is a bit darker than mine; and his brown and black streaked hair, with a few strands falling into his face.

            After a while of me memorizing his face, just in case I get lost and need to find him, his shy smile changed into a frown, as he asked,” Why are you staring at me? My face isn’t that ugly.” I began to blush as I turned my glance to our surroundings, so I could see where we are.

            In front of us is a large, two story mansion that looks like one of those haunted houses in horror movies. But, unlike the movie houses, this one is real and looks a lot eerier than the ones in the movies.

            The paint on the building is cracked and is faded with overgrown plants weaving through multiple holes that lines the walls. Along with the walls being cracked, the windows all seem to be cracked, too, looking like an explosion happened here.

            I continued to stare at the house in awe as James placed me on the ground, so I was standing up, facing the house; as he said,” What? Don’t like it? If you don’t, we can go to my family’s other house…”

            “No, I like it; but this place seems to be extremely… different”, I replied, cutting him off. I turned my glance from the mansion to him, who is watching me with a shocked expression on his face.

            “What? Cat got your tongue”, I teased before I stuck my tongue out at him and walked closer to the house.

            When I was at the bottom of the steps that lead to the front door, James grabbed my right wrist and put his hand on my left shoulder, along with his head on my right shoulder; and whispered into my ear,” Before we get inside, your last name is Kaleen, and don’t tell anyone that you’re from Catania, or that you’re the descendent of Selina. I am going to protect you; but if you accidentally say something when I’m working, I’m not promising that they won’t kick you out of Phobiason, but I swear that they won’t hurt you or kill you. The worst they would do to you, other than kick you out, would be injecting you with fear toxin…”

            “Fear toxin?”

            “I’d rather not tell you what that is; it’ll scare the living hell out of you. By the way, try to hide your emotions, especially when you’re scared or afraid. Understand?”

            I sighed in grief as I turned my head towards his head and replied,” Crystal clear!” He nodded as he let go of me and walked towards the door, while I followed behind him.

            Before he could open the door, the door swung open with a girl, who looks like she is a younger than I am, standing there looking irritated.