112 - Gotham News
The Camera zoomed in on the sprawling skyline of Gotham city, now brighter and cleaner than it had ever been in decades. Iconic Landmark, like Wayne tower and the recently restored Gotham Clocktower, gleamed against the afternoon sun.
"This is Gotham Now, bringing you a special broadcast on a monumental day of the city," The polished News anchor began, her tone upbeat yet reverent. "Today marks the official reopening of Gotham City after years of turmoil and decay. Once plagued by crime and corruption, the city has undergone a transformation unlike anything seen before, all under the mysterious new ruler, Nion."
The screen cut to the footage of Gotham's transformation. Images of crumbling neighborhoods restored to vibrance, graffiti-riddle streets now pristine, once-abandoned building now repaired and bustling with activities, children laughing in newly renovated parks.
The city seemed almost unrecognizable compared to its grim past.
"For decades, Gotham has been synonymous with crime and terror," the anchor continued. "But since the new power rose to rule over our city, Gotham has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Under his rule, Gotham's crime rate has dropped by nearly 90%."
The camera panned to a street corner where a massive Sentinel—a humanoid robot with sleek black plating—stood watch over the bustling crowds. It scanned the area methodically, its presence alone ensuring order.
"Sentinels, his state-of-the-art patrol unit, have not only enforced the law but have actively assisted in solving over 1,000 criminals cases in the past month alone. These Sentinels not only maintain order but also solve cases with precision unmatched by human authorities. Their swift and incorruptible efficiency has all but eradicated organized crime."
The broadcast cut to interviews with Citizens.
"The City is too clean, almost like living in a completely different city," Said one elderly woman. "Never thought I'd see the day when Gotham felt safe. My grandkids can play outside without fear."
"I used to skip meal to afford my insulin," Said the younger man. "Now I don't even need it. The shelter did some super-advanced thing and healed me. It is not only me, but there are other with long term illness who has been heal. For free!"
"I was on the streets for years," a man in his 30s shared, standing near one of the new shelters. "But now I've got a place to stay and a chance to get back on my feet. Gotham finally cares about people like me."
The anchor's voice continued over the montage. "From free medical care and education to city-wide housing programs, Nion's policies have uplifted Gotham's poorest communities, reducing homelessness by 65%.
The back alley's that were once crumbling and neglected are now being renewed. School that were nothing more than cement building have gained life and hope. The education paving path for a better future, offering every child a chance at a brighter future."
The broadcast switched to footage of children walking into a gleaming school building, their laughter carrying over the anchor's narration.
"Today's reopening ceremony is more than just an event—it is a declaration to the world that Gotham has risen from the ashes. A city once feared is now admired for its resilience and rebirth."
The screen faded back to the anchor, her smile radiant. "Stay with us as we bring you live coverage of this historic day. Gotham's mayor, influential leaders, and, of course, King Nion himself, are set to speak at today's celebration. It's a new day for Gotham City, and we're here to witness it."
***
"Gotham's changed. That's what they keep saying."
Ray muttered, adjusting his messenger back and the high quality body cam he had brought with his saved money. He stepped out of his modest apartment in the Bowery District, once notorious for its dangers. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of freshly planted trees—a stark contrast to the smog-filled streets of his childhood.
Ray change his stream of Gotham news to his phone camera. The camera focused on his face, unshaven but earnest, with the city skyline visible behind him. His body cam showed the streets and the people walking it. One that most people from the past would struggle to recognize.
He had been one of the few who streamed the changes in Gotham, one who showed the changes that happened in street level while the news just glorified or doubted it. It gained him a few followers and he tried to be unbiased and only show the truth.
"But for those of us who've been here all our lives, the change ain't just about numbers or news stories. It in the way the city feels," Ray spoke to his followers,
"For everyone new, Hey Folks, I am Ray and this is Gotham_Shifts, I am here to bring you the experience of the Gotham and its changes. You've seen the news, the headline, but I wanna show you what it really looks like to live here now."
He adjusted the Body cam and began his usual walk toward the community center where he volunteered. The camera showed the clean sidewalks, lined with newly planted trees and well-maintained streetlights, families strolling hand in hand and kids playing tag in the small park.
"This used to be the Bowery, one of the worst places in Gotham." Ray explained as he walked. "You couldn't step outta your door without worryin' about gettin' mugged."
The streets he once tread with wary eyes and quick steps now felt strangely inviting. Gone were the menacing graffiti tags from gangs claiming territory; in their place were vibrant murals depicting Gotham's resilience and hope.
He paused to film a mural on the side of a building, depicting Gotham's resilience—a phoenix rising from the ashes, with the words Hope Lives Here painted in bold letters beneath it.
A group of kids ran past him, laughing, as they played tag.
Ray smiled faintly, "Used to be. You wouldn't see kids playin' out here. Not without lookouts for drive-bys and predators. Now? It feels like the city's got a soul again."
As he continued his walk, Ray narrated the changes he observed. His keen eyes picking out the subtle shifts in the city he once knew so well.
"The air is fresher that it feel weird not to feel suffocated. The acidic stench of decay a faded memory. The tower no longer emitted smog. Wayne's renewal energy ended them. They even helped planting trees in the sidewalks. Wayne helped before, here and there with their charity, but they are really rollin' with the changes."
Ray stopped next to a spotless alley, pointing his camera at it. "Back in the day, this alley? You don't come her unless you lookin' for trouble. Now it even got a Cafe where a drug den was," He said, gesturing to a small shop with an outdoor seating.
He chuckled. "Coffee instead of crime. That's somethin' new."
Ray took the narrow alleyway— once a shortcut he would've avoided at all costs.
The camera caught a glimpse of a Sentinel patrolling the area at the far end. Its imposing figure moved with mechanical precision, scanning its surrounding as people passed by without a second glance. Its imposing figure stood like a monument, placing unseen pressure on those that thought of crime.
"Now, these guys," Ray said, focusing on the Sentinel. "They're everywhere. At first, it was creepy, havin' robots watchin' your every move. Still is, but I gotta admit—they've done their job. Crime's down, way down. You don't here gunshots at night anymore. That's something I never thought I'd say."
Muggings, burglaries, even petty thefts were nearly nonexistent. The Sentinels didn't just enforce the law; they preempted crime, identifying potential troublemakers before things escalated. There presence itself guarantee safety.
"Good afternoon, Ray," the Sentinel said in bionic voice, mechanical with a human touch. "Streaming again?"
Ray nodded back. "Afternoon to you too. And yes, today is a big day after all."
The Sentinel gave him a humane nodded. "Please do remember to be careful."
"I will," Ray had never thought he would be chat with a Sentient Robot like a neighbor. But he got to admit, it wasn't all bad. Ray focused the back to the phone, his expression thoughtful.
"This ain't just about safety. Its the little things. The free clinics fully opened by Waynes on every block. Schools that actually teach kids somethin' other than how to survive. Hell, they even got job programs for folks like me."
Approaching the community center, Ray saw a group of youngster controlling homemade drones to race around the center, while a line of people waited to enter. A young woman handed out fresh meals, while a medical worker checked vitals for those in need.
This would not have been possible in this area without attracting trouble from the gangs. They could let hope infiltrated the darkness they had created. They would end it or demand protection fee Yet before the Sentinel, they fear.
Ray stepped into the building, greeted by the hum of activity. The camera caught the scene of life. "Place like this. They've got what Gotham needed. People helpin' people."
"Ray!" a familiar voice called.
He turned to see Mrs. Callahan, the community center's coordinator, waving him over. Her face was lined with years of hard living, but her smiled was warm and genuine.
"I thought you were taking a day off to Stream the Re-opening," She said, placing a stack of books and art supplies. "But it s good that your are here. Can you help me organize this? we just got some donations."
"On it," Ray answered to help.
He moved to help her organized the art supplies and books before carrying them to the library. As he moved through the center, helping where he could. Ray worked the shift before he managed to step out the community center.
"Alright, lets resume the tour of the new Gotham," He stretched, resuming his walk. This time towards the train station. "I should arrived just in time for the Re-opening ceremony to start."
But as he walked through the transformed Gotham he couldn't help but think. In all the changes, something still gnawed at him. Gotham was better—safer, cleaner, fairer—but at what cost? The Sentinels, while efficient, were everywhere, their watchful eyes leaving no corner unseen. The city's vibrancy felt… orchestrated, as if every detail had been meticulously designed by an unseen hand.
"Change is good," he muttered under his breath, almost convincing himself. "Even if it don't feel natural."
***
"Thank you for livening up the city, Robin. For whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. "
Zion muttered, the light of flame dancing across his face. His hand held a primitive lantern, the orange flames illuminating the darkness before him. Yet, even it couldn't illuminate everything.
Behind him stood a boy, wearing domino mask and an advance suit with a red robing stretched across his chest. The boy wonder.
"Its no prob, Zion. We both just want to help the city," Robin replied, even as his tone expressed confusion. "But why are we in the Sewers?"
"For something important, the final step to exorcise Gotham's darkness," Zion answered his eyes gazing into the shadows.
"..."
Zion and Robin, the unlikely duo were now diving deep into Gotham underbelly. Tunnels that interconnected like spider-webs. Following Zion, they were deeper than any living creature had bother too, One that hid the very darkest secret of the city in its very foundation.
Due to Batman demanded presence for the reopening of the city, Zion had borrowed his side-kick for himself.
"We are here," Zion's soft whisper bounced off the tight walls.
Yet as he raised his lantern, the light could not illuminate the dark wall before him, the very bricks seem to absorb light. Zion traced his finger, feeling the hard, uneven wall, his fingers glowing green with magic.
"Open Sesame!" he muttered the magic words. (Its actually, 'Open says me')
With low hum like the wind through the tunnel, glyph of eerie light glowed in red light as the walls sunk into itself, revealing the path that led into the abyss.
Robin standing beside him could not see through the veil, even with his advanced optics.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"