Two sides of the same coin

Chapter 15 - Return to Gotham

After the both of them finished eating they boarded the boat that would eventually take them back to Gotham. They had almost crossed the water that separated them and Gotham when Bruce decided to start a conversation.

"So what am I supposed to do when we get to Gotham?"

"You will meet an acquaintance of mine, she will guide you through the beginning of the task."

"Acquaintance?"

"Yes, we came to an agreement. In return for giving her objects she has requested she will help you."

"But what exactly am I doing?"

There was a pause of silence between the two as Jeremiah considered if he should tell Bruce now or when they arrived. After a moment, he met Bruce's eyes with a serious expression still considering if Bruce was even ready in the first place.

"Kill James Gordon."

It took a moment for Bruce to reply, of course he hated Gordon but not enough to kill him even if he did let his mind linger on the thought of it before. Even if he was working with Jeremiah and Ecco now didn't mean that his former code of no killing had faded out of existence, it was still there although somewhat weaker than before. He knew he had to find a way out of this predicament he found himself in but, before he could think about it anymore the boat slowly came to a stop.

Bruce looked up at the large walls that surrounded Gotham, he couldn't tell if it was meant to guard Gotham or trap Gotham and it's citizens in. As he observed the wall he noticed a hole in the walls that looked like it wasn't exactly designed to support the walls but to intrude in on them.

Jeremiah brought the boat next to the opening then brought it to a stop. He stood up and headed towards the edge of the boat next to the wall. Bruce was about to warn him that there wasn't anything there other than water but when Jeremiah exited the boat and landed in the water he was somehow standing on top of it. Bruce looked at Jeremiah then to the water and back again, confused by how exactly he was doing that. Jeremiah on the other hand was trying his best not to laugh at Bruce, how exactly he was seemingly standing on water was obvious. He moved his hand towards Bruce, signalling for him to take it. He carefully grabbed his hand while keeping his eyes on the water, he stood up and carefully placed one foot on the water. He immediately felt some sort of floor almost directly underneath the water. He tried his best to hide his blush of embarrassment but Jeremiah quickly noticed and couldn't help but let a smirk and place his opposite hand in front of his smirk not to hide the fact that he was smirking but to attempt to hold back a giggle. Bruce noticed and quickly stood up, walked past Jeremiah, and into the opening in the wall while still trying to hide his embarrassment. Jeremiah turned around and quickly caught up with Bruce.

They walked through tunnels the entrance lead to, sometimes going up and down stairs. Bruce held the flashlight while Jeremiah led the way. Although they had been walking for some time, Bruce couldn't get his mind off of him being expected to kill Gordon. He hated him but would never forget the many years where he had become a father figure to him. Bruce might not have been here now if it wasn't for Gordon and Bruce knew he couldn't kill him.

"So, kill Gordon? Why?"

"Take a guess as to who has the most will power to connect Gotham back to the mainland."

"Gordon."

"Precisely, why deal with him when he has power if you could deal with him when he's weak?"

Bruce remained silent, it did make sense to take your enemy down while they're weak only a fool would give up that chance. He continued to think of a way out of the situation, there had to be a way. He became so caught up in his thoughts that time flew by him and before he knew it ten minutes passed and they arrived at the end of the tunnel.

Sunlight spilled into the tunnel which temporarily blinded the two but, after their eyes adjusted they continued to walk towards the exit. As Gotham welcomed them back, the destruction became more obvious to Bruce. Even the sky seemed different, a more emotionless color which painted the whole city in the same color. Most buildings still remained although some seemed to have burn marks that clung to it's walls. Cars were littered every direction Bruce looked and the wind carried weightless newspapers through the city's streets and alleyways.

"Welcome back to Gotham."

Jeremiah said as he walked past Bruce and towards a building that seemed to be hugged by the towering buildings beside it. Jeremiah didn't have to look back at Bruce for him to follow. Bruce had become accustomed to following Jeremiah without him having to tell Bruce each time he wished him to follow.

As they walked into the small building, a coffee shop welcomed them into the building. Instead of a coffee shop that had been taken care of and cleaned they were met with the remnants of one. Glass cups were shattered around the shop while knocked over plants let their dirt flow onto the ground. The walls seemed to have been burned in some places and in others covered in unknown materials. The only thing that remotely looked decent was a round table in front of the shop's front window. Two chairs sat on each side, which were also perfectly clean. It was almost like it was immune to any damage that anyone, even time attempted, to cause.

Jeremiah, already used to the scenery, continued to walk over to the clean table and sat down on one of the seats provided. Bruce continued to look around, tempted to assume that the rest of Gotham was in this ruined state. Eventually he made his way to the table and sat down in front of Jeremiah.

"Aren't we supposed to meet someone?"

Suddenly a thud was heard in one of the backrooms and quiet footsteps followed behind.

"Well well well, look who finally decided to show up."
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