Chapter 56
[1st POV]
In Wayne's office, besides Bruce himself, I also met a woman named Sasha Bordeaux from my "Observation":
Name: Alexandra "Sasha" Bordeaux
Level: 35
Race: Human
Class: Guardian
Subclass: Bodyguard
Attributes: Willpower, Lonely Woman, Former Soldier
Age: 30
Stats: See details.
Then I recalled that there had been mentions of "Dark Knight" having bodyguards in his "real life."
After all, he is a public figure, and his wealth doesn't protect him from all horrible situations.
"I'm glad you accepted my invitation, Mr. Dinklage."
Bruce smiled.
"It was hard to refuse. I was curious to speak with you and to understand the reason you wanted to talk to me."
He gestured toward a seat, inviting me to sit, and I took it.
"I think you've already guessed."
He replied, his smile fading, "By the way, I almost forgot to introduce you. This is my bodyguard, Alexandra Bordeaux. Sasha, this is Detective Isaac Dinklage."
"It's nice to meet you."
We nodded to each other in unison.
"As I mentioned, Detective, we have matters to discuss—about our... alternate identities."
"Alright, I don't mind."
I said, leaning back, "In fact, I've been expecting this for a while."
"What are your goals?"
Bruce asked in a respectful tone rather than in an interrogation.
"To protect this city. I think that's pretty obvious. I've never hidden that, and generally, I don't like hiding things but sometimes I have to."
"I understand."
Bruce said, nodding slowly, "Secrets are hard to keep. They leave a mark—on life and on you personally. You change, sometimes shutting yourself off. You become harder..."
'Where is he going with this?'
I wondered.
"... And when you're on your own, that change happens faster and with far deeper consequences. Anyway, I wanted to apologize from the beginning for the incidents by the docks and on that rooftop. The first time, I lost my temper due to... personal stress, and on the rooftop—that was Jason. He's still young and impulsive."
"It's a reflection of his childhood."
I replied, shrugging, "But I'm not holding it against him—or you. Just try to relax and not to repeat it again. And let me remind you, I'm a police officer, and I answer to the law—as an officer."
I emphasized the last part, "But not to you. And I won't let your demands compromise my own principles."
Bruce looked at me momentarily with a face I couldn't read.
He looked for a moment at Sasha Bordeaux and then at a picture on the wall of his family from when he was at most ten years old.
"Understood."
Bruce replied, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "If your words are true, then I have nothing to worry about. However, I am curious to hear where this power of yours comes from? I've checked reliable sources, and you're neither a metahuman nor a magician. Yet your abilities go beyond normal human understanding. Also, they're not technological—or at least, not of Earthly origin."
"I can't tell you everything just yet."
I responded, "But I can share a little. The power you saw is called chakra. You may heard of it in your travels and it's similar to the chakra known here, but with significant differences. It's difficult to explain, but in short, it's a blend of spiritual and physical energy. This energy grants me certain abilities to manipulate it within and outside of my body. With it, I can perform different 'tricks,' which I call techniques."
"And where did you acquire this chakra, if it's not a secret?"
"That part, I'm not ready to disclose yet."
"I see."
Bruce closed his eyes, taking it in, "I assume you have questions for me as well. I'm willing to answer some of them—at least, I'll try."
"I pretty much already know what I need to know about you."
I replied, "The main question is, how will our relationship go from here?"
"I see no reason for us to be enemies."
Bruce responded.
"As long as you don't start killing innocents or lose yourself to your power, I have no reason to view you as a threat. I'm also open to working together."
"However."
He continued, "I would have a major problem if you started seeking out opportunities to kill."
"I'm a cop."
I sighed, tired of having to explain.
"I don't really have a choice in the matter. If there's a way to solve a problem peacefully, I take it. I thought that much was obvious."
"I don't mean your profession. I'm referring to the possible 'secret life' you might have under another identity."
"I understand."
He smiled slightly, but I didn't feel any huge joy coming from him as he was skilled at hiding his emotions.
It was difficult to read what he truly felt without empathy.
"Then I won't keep you any longer. The evening is far from over, and I hope you enjoy it."
We exchanged a handshake and a nod with Bordeaux, and I left his office.
Clearly, the Bat-family had likely heard our conversation with surveillance was probably set up so they'd know what was said and what was happening.
Overall, I think the conversation went well. I expected it to last a bit longer, but I'm not complaining, one step at a time.
The rest of the evening was spent chatting with Pam or stepping out with Gordon for a "smoke."
Finally, as the evening ended, Pam and I left Wayne Manor together and headed home.
...
[3rd POV]
Nanda Parbat
A red and green light shined into the hall where an old man stood. The red came from the numerous candles scattered around while the green emanated from the Lazarus Pit.
The assassins and followers of Ra's al Ghul were hidden by shadows that remained in the corners despite the lighting.
No one knew his name. Even Ra's al Ghul himself seemed to have forgotten the name that was given to him at birth.
Ra's al Ghul had lived for centuries, his long life granted by the restorative powers of the Lazarus Pit.
He had witnessed the reigns of monarchs, the rise and fall of empires, and countless great discoveries and conquests.
Ra's had no regrets but understood clearly that his time was approaching.
The restorative water no longer healed his body as swiftly as before, and he had aged slightly compared to a century ago.
The heavy doors to the Hall opened, interrupting Ra's thoughts as the words of the woman entering filled the room.
To be continued...
...
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