Part 17: Some More Problems (Arc 1: Save Yourself)
[]Sense Weakness: you can see something… like it was a flash… but something else… there was more danger, and you needed to become that danger.
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All you wanted was to face the Shadow head-on, to tear through its darkness, and reveal the truth within. To fight. To change it.
But the moment you stepped closer, a sensation like icy tendrils wrapped around your spine. The Shadow was not just a figure, it was a presence, vast and oppressive, like a suffocating blanket shrouding the entire city. You froze, compelled to see it for what it truly was.
The Shadow began to shift, morphing before your eyes. Its form was hideous and alien, an ever-changing mass of grotesque shapes and writhing darkness. It resembled a monstrous blob, endlessly breaking apart and reforming, its grotesque movements defying any sense of stability. It was chaos incarnate, a being that seemed untouchable, indestructible.
You leaped back as the thing surged toward you, its presence pressing heavily on your chest. Nearby, a girl's panicked voice rang out. "Get out of here! This thing is dangerous!" She was struggling, trying to keep her distance while fumbling with a magician's wand, one that looked like it belonged on a stage rather than in a wizard's hand. Her movements were frantic, her breaths labored, her fear palpable.
Icarus's voice broke through the chaos in your mind. "It's feeding on her fear! She's terrified… If she keeps this up, she's going to die!"
You had suspected as much. The Shadow wasn't just a monster; it was a parasite, thriving on her terror. But even as you recognized this, there was something deeper, something hidden within the mass of darkness. A core, a truth. And you felt it, a spark of power welling up within you, the fire igniting at your fingertips.
"How do I reveal its true form?" you demanded, your voice sharp.
"Reveal?" Icarus began, but then he stopped as if finally seeing what you were sensing. A low, resonant laughter bubbled up from him. "Ah… I see it now! Burn away the darkness with the light of the Sun! Destroy it!"
Heat radiated from your back as the fiery wings of Icarus began to unfurl. The warmth spread through you, chasing away your fear. The hopelessness that had threatened to engulf you shattered like glass. You had the power of your other self. And you weren't going to back down.
The Shadow turned its grotesque form toward you, letting out an inhuman screech that clawed at your ears. It wasn't just a sound, it was a manifestation of anguish, a cacophony of the world's suffering condensed into one soul-crushing wail. It wanted to obliterate you, to drown you in its despair.
But you saw it now, beneath the writhing chaos, a faint light flickered. The Shadow wasn't invulnerable. There was a weakness, a core waiting to be exposed. And all it needed was a little bit of light.
"Icarus," you called, your voice steady. "Burn away the darkness!"
"HAHAHAHA!" Icarus bellowed, his laughter resonating with unshakable confidence. Fire exploded from the wings on your back, illuminating the alleyway with a golden blaze. The flames licked at the edges of the Shadow, causing it to recoil, its dark tendrils writhing as if in pain.
The fire seared through the darkness like sunlight piercing through storm clouds. The wet, sticky mass of the Shadow began to evaporate, peeling away layer by layer as if it were wet paper exposed to an unstoppable heat.
And then the flames grew stronger, feeding on your determination, your certainty that you would uncover the truth. The inferno raged, the flames crackling louder as the Shadow writhed and shrieked, its form weakening with every passing second.
You stepped forward, emboldened by the power coursing through you. The Shadow's cries grew fainter, its form shrinking as the fire consumed it. "I'll reveal what you're hiding," you said, your voice resolute.
And with one final surge of fiery light, the Shadow began to collapse, revealing the truth that lay beneath its twisted exterior.
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What emerged from the flames wasn't what you expected. A small, floating figure took shape, a pixie-like creature bathed in the same velvet-blue hue as the Velvet Room. Her delicate wings shimmered like stained glass, and she hovered above the ground, her expression one of confusion and faint displeasure.
"This place is…" she muttered, her voice like the chiming of tiny bells, "different." Her wings fluttered nervously as she glanced around, her gaze heavy with disdain. "Disgusting and filled with the corruption of the human condition…"
She floated a little closer, her presence gentle despite her harsh words. "I am Pixie," she said quietly, bowing her head. "A fragment of the collective unconscious that you have become connected to. You… you brought me into the light, freeing me from the darkness. For that, I thank you."
Before you could respond, her form began to change. She glowed with a soft, radiant light, shrinking further until she transformed into a blue butterfly. The butterfly fluttered toward you, its shimmering wings brushing against your chest before it disappeared, absorbed into your very being.
You felt a warmth spread through your heart, a subtle pulse of energy as Pixie's essence merged with yours.
The girl you'd saved stared, wide-eyed, her voice trembling as she broke the silence. "What just happened? Did you… did you just use magic?"
"What?" you asked, confused. "What do you mean, magic?"
"That creature, that thing you just fought, was a being of darkness. And the only way to battle them is through magical means," she said, her tone sharp as she narrowed her eyes. "Who is your teacher? Who taught you to do this?"
Ignoring her question for the moment, you turned back to where Pixie had appeared. Something glinted faintly on the ground. As you walked over, you found a wad of cash nestled among the remnants of the battle. You picked it up, fanning through the bills with a satisfied grin.
"Mine," you said simply.
"Who are you?" she demanded, stepping closer, her voice rising with urgency.
You slipped the money into your pocket, flashing a cheeky grin. "My name is Adam," you replied casually. "And it looks like I just made… what, almost 100 bucks saving your life?"
She stared at you, her expression a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. "You're unbelievable," she muttered, shaking her head. "How can you think of money?"
You shrugged, the warmth of Pixie's presence still thrumming softly within you. Whatever was happening, you had a feeling this was only the beginning.
"Want to get something to eat?" You asked. "I think it might be better if we both get something to eat, because I'm beat."
The girl then sighed, knowing she wasn't goign to get an answer now. "Fine... what will we be getting?"
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Dini's Diner was a cozy little spot, one of the few places in Gotham that still had an air of warmth and familiarity. It was clean, comfortable, and mercifully cheap, a rare trifecta in the city. The food wasn't anything to write home about, but the milkshakes? Those were legendary. People joked they were worth dying for, though, in Gotham, that joke often felt a little too on the nose. Plenty of crooks had tried their luck robbing the place, only to get hauled away mid-slurp.
You took a sip of your own milkshake, letting the rich sweetness wash away the bitterness of the day. Across from you, the girl you'd helped earlier was staring at you with a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"So, you had wings of fire," she began, her voice tinged with disbelief. "And you just blasted through almost all of the darkness protecting that thing, while I was struggling to even make a dent."
You raised an eyebrow. "Did you try looking for a weakness?"
Her expression darkened, her incredulity practically radiating off her. "Of course I did! What do you take me for, an idiot?"
You shrugged, unfazed. "Your words, not mine. But you were terrified, I could see it from a mile away. That thing was feeding off your fear. How were you supposed to defeat it when you couldn't even get yourself to focus?"
She crossed her arms, her face flushing with defiance. "I could have defeated it."
It wasn't a lie, you could tell she believed it. But there was something else behind her words, a flicker of doubt she was trying to hide.
"Maybe," you said with a shrug. "But you were going to get hurt if I didn't step in."
"Why?" she asked, her voice quieter this time, almost unsure.
"Because I had the ability to help," you replied simply.
She rolled her eyes, blowing a strand of dark hair out of her face. "A good person? In Gotham? Yeah, right. And I'm Bruce Wayne?"
You couldn't help but grin. "Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't think I was Bruce Wayne. Some people say I have that 'Prince of Gotham' vibe."
She snorted, leaning back in her seat. "Please. Bruce Wayne wouldn't be caught dead dressed like a punk orphan who barely has two nickels to rub together."
"Fair point," you admitted, chuckling. "Though now that you mention it, you do look kind of familiar…"
"Do I?" she said, her lips curving into a sly smile.
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me," you replied, leaning forward slightly. "Since we're on the topic of names and appearances, who are you?"
She tilted her head, her smile widening. "Z."
You frowned, trying to place her. Then it clicked, and your eyes widened.
"Zatanna Zatara," you said, recognition dawning on your face. "I thought you were still touring with your father's traveling performance show?" I heard you were the only one who could be his assistant?"
"Bingo," she replied with a playful wink, leaning back in her chair. "But Dad decided I needed a break from the road. Wanted me to stay in Gotham for a while, maybe have a shot at a normal life with other kids."
You raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into your voice. "But you aren't exactly normal, are you?"
She shrugged, her grin never wavering. "Define normal. If you had the kind of knowledge and power I do, wouldn't you want to help people? To beat back the darkness that goes bump in the night?"
You nodded without hesitation. "Absolutely."
Her words made you think about her father, Giovanni Zatara, the legendary magician whose stage act was equal parts spectacle and mystery. Stories of his performances had always hinted at something more than just sleight of hand, and now, looking at Zatanna, everything started to fall into place.
"You know magic, don't you?" you asked, your voice lowering as if saying it too loud might unravel some secret.
She smiled knowingly, standing up from the table. "Let's just say I dabble. And thank you, really, for saving my life back there. I mean it."
"Anytime," you said, getting up as well. "Though I hope next time we meet, it's not under those circumstances."
She paused, her gaze softening as she studied you. "You're an odd one, you know that?"
"I get that a lot."
"Well," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "maybe we'll cross paths again. Gotham's a small town when you look at it the right way."
"I hope we do," you replied with a smile.
Zatanna nodded, her expression thoughtful, before turning and heading for the door. You watched her leave, the sound of her footsteps fading into the bustling noise of the diner.
Something told you this wasn't the last time you'd see her. Not in Gotham.
Reward: +75 Dollars for the interlude turn.
Met Zatanna Zatara.
Gained a new Persona: Pixie.
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You have 8 turns to save your own life and bring down Maroni's conspiracy.
You have 4 actions.
Special Actions:
[]Fighting the Shadows Of Gotham: You are going to wander the streets of Gotham, and fight the Shadows that prowl it.
[]Reveal the Truth: You have something to show the world, maybe it will be enough to save you. (Warning, you have enough evidence, but do not think for a second, it will stop Maroni… you may need more)
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[]Zatana and the Magical Mystery Tour: You want to know more about Magic... perhaps she can assist you in that endevor.
[]The Creative Usage of Persona's: You have an idea on how to use Pixie and Icarus... maybe it will work. maybe it won't. but you might as well try.
[]On the Side: You want to work... maybe you can offer your services to some of your fellow classmates... who knows who could use a detective.
[] Shadow the Matron: If confronting her is too risky, watching her from the shadows might reveal her alliances and hidden dealings.
[] Examine Crime Scenes: With Bullock's guidance—or on your own—revisit old cases to see what others missed. Fresh perspectives often uncover new leads.
[] Tail Maroni's Men: They're careful, but not perfect. Following them discreetly could reveal key locations and plans.
[] Break into Gotham PD Evidence Room: The police might be hiding crucial pieces of the puzzle. If you're stealthy, you might find something they've buried.
[] Find an Ally in the Media: A good journalist might expose truths you can't. Finding someone willing to listen and act could be the boost you need.
[] Talk to John: John was looking at you, and you could see the floating horseman in the mirror. "Okay, mind explaining to me what the hell is that?"
[] Visit Wayne Tower: Rumors swirl about Bruce Wayne and his secretive dealings. Perhaps someone at the tower knows more about his parents' legacy—and its ties to Gotham's darkness.
[] Follow Detective Bullock: He has his doubts, but he's willing to listen. You just might have the spark of an idea to help him crack the case.
[] Explore Gotham's Underground: The city's tunnels and sewers are more than hiding places—they're a hub of rumors and forgotten truths. If you dare, you might find someone who knows more.
[] Explore Crime Alley: Dangerous as it is, whispers claim that the key to Gotham's deepest mysteries lies in its darkest streets.
[] Visit the Clocktower: Recently, lights have been seen in the supposedly abandoned tower. What could be happening there after dark?
[] Scout the Docks: The port is bustling with shady activity—smuggling, bribery, and worse. Following the right lead might expose how Maroni operates.
[] Train with Bullock: The detective doesn't make it easy, but his no-nonsense lessons in tailing suspects and thinking like a cop could save your life.
[] Research Gotham's History: There's power in knowledge. By digging through the city's archives, you might uncover forgotten truths—or warnings.
[] Confront the Matron: She knows more than she lets on. Confronting her directly could be risky but might force her to reveal something valuable.
[] Do Nothing: The chaos can wait. Take a moment to breathe, process, and gather your strength. Sometimes the best action is rest.
AN: Enjoy and vote in plan format please.
