The Penguin's Heart (Oswald Cobblepot fanfic* orig charac)

The Maniax! Strikes

Jerome P.O.V
I was grateful to Galavan for breaking us out. It was time that I had some proper fun. Dropping some "poor" souls from the top of the Gotham Gazette was a wonderful appetiser. The city was terrified of us as our work made the front page. Galavan pointed out that we needed a real show stopper now that we caught their attention. For now, we would just do a few tricks to keep the publics eye before our grand performance. All I really cared about was what he promised: Red.

Evy/ Red P.O.V
After we found dads secret lab, I knew that I had to stay behind. Ozy was sweet & understood but still hated the separation. I did too so I sent a few tantalising pictures. I knew I would be in trouble when I returned but loved messing with him to care. Currently, I was helping Bruce & Alfie clean up the place. It was taking the entire day due to the excessive cobwebs & dust from being abandoned.

The place was spooky even to me. I couldn't fathom why Dad would need pints of blood, body armour & guns. Bruce was confused too but was too curious about the computers to care. Alfie was horrified when he found a vest with two casings in it. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to seal this place for good; out of fear that we would meet dads grim ending too.

"Are you certain that you want to turn that bloody computer on?" I asked as I blocked it from my eager brother

"Have you truly thought about it?" Alfie asked since we both didn't want to

"This computer could contain all my fathers research into Wayne enterprises. All this time, I've been looking for a smoking gun, & here it is." Bruce replied, oblivious to the blaring danger

"Exactly, a smoking gun. Now, guns are for grownups, aren't they?" Alfie asked hoping to dissuade him

"Its a metaphor, Alfred, not an argument." Bruce replied before turning it on.

Alfred & I were disappointed. I slyly handed him an ax while Bruce happily looked at the screen. I moved out of the way so he could smash it. Bruce screamed at him to stop but I held him back. Only when the computer was completely smashed did I release him. He broke down in tears as confronted Alfie.

"Its ruined! Its ruined! Whats wrong with you? Why would you do that? Answer me!" Bruce screamed as he looked completely betrayed

"It had to be done, Master Bruce." Alfred answered

"This was the key to exposing Wayne enterprises. Everything I've worked for. Everything, everything my dad worked for is now gone because of you!" Bruce screeched as his voice cracked

"If I had known what was down here, I would have never helped get you in!" I yelled back as Bruce glared at us; the pain evident in his eyes.

"I mean look around you! Liters of blood, a bulletproof vest with two slugs in it! Guns, weapons! I mean, whatever's on that computer probably killed your father & I'll be damned if I watch you suffer the same fate, Master Bruce." Alfie added, hoping that Bruce would understand as he collapsed to the ground.

"Bruce, its our jobs to protect you. Make sure that you don't get in over your head. Trust me anything that was too much for Dad is going to be far more dangerous & complicated for us." I tried to explain as I gently placed my hand on his shoulder. He just brushed me off while remaining silent. Now I was starting to cry as he avoided my gaze & gestures.

"I'm trying to protect you. I'm trying to keep you safe." Alfie justified

"I want you to go. No, Alfred. I want you to go & never come back, do you understand me? You're fired." Bruce croaked out which shocked both of us. "You can stay for the night. But, I want you gone tomorrow morning. Evy, I don't want to see you for a while."