NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Interesting questions...
The whispers follow me through Gotham Academy's marble hallways like persistent shadows.
"Did you hear about Wayne's ward and the Commissioner's daughter?"
"Apparently they were quite cozy at the Foundation gala..."
"Madison says Barbara practically staked her claim right in front of everyone..."
I maintain my composed expression as I navigate between classes, ignoring the sideways glances and hushed conversations that pause momentarily when I pass.
Gotham Academy's elite student body may dress in expensive uniforms and carry designer bags, but their gossip mechanisms operate with the same ruthless efficiency as any high school - just with better vocabulary and more strategic social calculations.
By lunchtime, the rumors have evolved from simple speculation to elaborately constructed narratives about a secret romance between Barbara Gordon and myself, complete with fictional details about how long it's been going on and who might have witnessed what.
"You know, the more you ignore them, the more they'll talk," says a voice beside me as I sit alone in the courtyard, focused on my advanced physics textbook.
I look up to see Barbara sliding onto the bench next to me, setting her lunch tray down with deliberate casualness.
"I thought ignoring them was the strategy," I reply, closing my book.
She shrugs. "Depends on what you want. Ignoring them preserves your dignity but fuels their imagination. Confronting them just gives them more to talk about."
"What's option three?"
"Give them something else to focus on," she says pragmatically. "High school gossip has the attention span of a goldfish. One new scandal and they'll forget all about us."
I consider this as I unwrap my sandwich. "So I should create a diversion? Perhaps transform into Chromastone in the middle of the cafeteria?"
Barbara chokes slightly on her water. "I was thinking more along the lines of joining a school club or something, but sure, let's go with public alien transformation. That wouldn't draw any attention at all."
Her dry humor makes me smile despite the situation. "Point taken."
Across the cafeteria, I notice Madison and Clarissa watching us with undisguised interest, whispering to each other behind manicured hands.
The yacht party invitation sits untouched in my desk drawer at Wayne Manor - a social obligation I have no intention of fulfilling.
"They're still watching," Barbara notes without looking up from her lunch. "Want to really give them something to talk about?"
Before I can ask what she means, she reaches over and steals a french fry from my tray with exaggerated familiarity, laughing at something I haven't said.
The performance is subtle but effective - playing into the rumors just enough to make our observers think they're seeing confirmation.
"Clever," I acknowledge. "But won't that just reinforce their assumptions?"
"Yes, but on our terms," she explains. "If we control the narrative, it's less interesting to them.
Basic psychology - people want what they think they've discovered, not what's openly displayed."
"You've dealt with this before," I observe.
"Gotham Academy's social politics are their own special kind of warfare," she confirms with a wry smile. "Being the Police Commissioner's daughter comes with its own rumor mill. You learn to adapt."
The conversation shifts to our upcoming AP Physics test, a welcome return to normal academic concerns.
Barbara is one of the few students who can keep up with me intellectually, though I'm careful to maintain my cover as merely "gifted" rather than revealing the full extent of my knowledge.
As lunch period ends, we gather our things to head to separate classes. Barbara gives me a friendly pat on the arm - a gesture calculated to be visible to our observers while remaining entirely innocent.
"Good luck with Calculus," she says. "And don't worry about the gossip. By next week, someone else will be the center of attention."
"Thanks for the guidance," I reply sincerely. "This is... not my area of expertise."
She smiles. "Everyone needs backup sometimes."
As she walks away, I notice Madison approaching with determined purpose. I brace myself for another awkward social encounter.
"So, you and Gordon, huh?" she says without preamble. "Interesting choice. I wouldn't have pegged you for the bookish type."
"Barbara and I are friends," I say neutrally. "We share academic interests."
Madison's perfectly shaped eyebrow arches skeptically. "Right. Well, the invitation to the Hamilton's yacht party still stands.
You might find the company more... stimulating than study sessions with the Commissioner's daughter."
"I appreciate the invitation," I reply, gathering my books. "But I have research commitments that weekend. My work at GSI requires consistent attention."
"All work and no play makes Samael a dull boy," she says with a pout that's probably meant to be enticing. "But if you change your mind, the offer remains open. Very open."
She brushes past me with deliberate proximity, her perfume lingering in her wake.
I head to Calculus, reflecting on how different these social dynamics are from the straightforward challenges of Young Justice missions or GSI research.
The rest of the school day passes in a blur of classes, each one offering minimal intellectual challenge but requiring careful social navigation.
I maintain the persona we've decided on - serious, academically focused, politely disinterested in social engagements - while deflecting continued inquiries about my relationship with Barbara and declining further invitations from Madison's social circle.
By the final bell, I'm mentally exhausted in a way that physical training never achieves.
Maintaining a consistent public identity while constantly monitoring social cues and implications requires a different kind of stamina than combat or scientific work.
Alfred is waiting with the car, as always perfectly punctual. "Good afternoon, Master Samael. I trust your academic pursuits were rewarding today?"
"The academics were fine," I reply as I slide into the back seat. "The social politics were exhausting."
"Ah," he says knowingly. "The rumors from last night's gala have made their way to the hallowed halls of Gotham Academy, I take it?"
"With impressive speed and creative embellishment."
"Perhaps a quiet afternoon would be beneficial," Alfred suggests. "Master Bruce is occupied with Wayne Enterprises matters until this evening."
"That sounds perfect," I agree. "I could use some time to work on my research at the manor."
As we drive back to Wayne Manor, I reflect on how quickly my life has settled into this new routine - school, research, training, patrol.
It's structured and purposeful, if occasionally complicated by unexpected social dimensions.
Back at the manor, I head straight to my private study, eager to continue my analysis of interdimensional barrier properties based on the GSI data.
The work is engaging enough that I lose track of time, the afternoon slipping away as I refine equations and run simulations.
It's nearly dinner time when the familiar blue rectangle of the Omniversal Observation System materializes in the center of the room.
I quickly check that my door is locked and activate the sound dampening measures I've installed to prevent Alfred or Bruce from detecting these conversations.
[OMNIVERSAL OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
[PARTICIPANT: SAMAEL MORNINGSTAR, AGE: 20]
[STATUS: CONNECTED]
[SESSION 5 INITIALIZING...]
I pause, noticing the addition of an age indicator that hasn't appeared in previous sessions.
Twenty years - my actual mental age rather than my apparent physical age of sixteen. Interesting that the System recognizes this distinction.
The rectangle expands into the familiar quadrants, revealing my three counterparts from different realities, each with their own age indicators:
Azula, Age: 19
Light Yagami, Age: 17
Sōsuke Aizen, Age: 467
I can't help but react to Aizen's displayed age. Nearly five centuries old. I knew Soul Reapers in Bleach were long-lived, but seeing the number quantified is startling.
It puts his calculated manipulations and patience in a new perspective.
Light's eyes widen momentarily before he composes himself. "Four hundred and sixty-seven years?" he asks, unable to completely mask his shock.
"That's... not possible in my world. No human could achieve such longevity."
"In the Fire Nation, only the spirits and ancient dragons are said to live beyond a century," Azula remarks, studying Aizen with new interest.
"Are you claiming to be some manner of spirit being, sir Aizen?"
Aizen's smile remains unperturbed. "My existence differs fundamentally from what you would consider 'human' in your worlds.
Age becomes rather relative when one's soul has transcended certain limitations."
"Well, this is certainly an interesting addition to our little gatherings," Light comments, recovering his composure though his eyes still betray fascination.
"The System seems intent on revealing more about us with each connection."
"Indeed," Aizen agrees. "Though numbers can be such limiting descriptors of experience."
Azula's expression remains carefully controlled, though I can see her reassessing Aizen with this new information. "Age is merely a number. Power and capability are what truly matter."
A message appears in the center of our display:
[SESSION 5 OBJECTIVE: PERSONAL ASPIRATIONS]
[PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS LONG-TERM GOALS AND MOTIVATIONS]
[FOCUS AREAS: LEADERSHIP, RELATIONSHIPS, LEGACY]
[TRUTHFULNESS REQUIRED - SYSTEM DETECTING DECEPTION]
"How delightfully intrusive," Azula remarks, though I detect a hint of wariness in her tone. "Shall we begin with you, Samael? Your situation seems to have evolved significantly since our last conversation."
"It has," I acknowledge, deciding to be cautious but truthful. "I've established myself within the existing power structures of my world while maintaining my independence of purpose.
I'm currently gathering resources, knowledge, and connections that will be useful for my longer-term objectives."
"Which are?" Light prompts, seemingly eager to move past the revelation of Aizen's age.
I consider how to phrase this without revealing too much specific information. "Reform of a fundamentally flawed system.
The world I'm in suffers from systemic corruption and inefficiency, with power concentrated in the wrong hands.
My goal is to gradually reshape these structures into something more effective and just."
"A noble sentiment," Aizen comments with that enigmatic smile. "Though I find that 'reform' often requires more... decisive action than most are willing to contemplate.
When one has observed systems fail for centuries, patience with incremental change tends to diminish."
His casual reference to his lifespan causes Light to shift slightly, clearly still processing the implications of interacting with someone of such age.
"I'm not afraid of decisive action when necessary," I reply. "But premature moves without proper foundation lead to failure."
Light nods with apparent approval. "Patience and preparation are essential. Though I'm curious about your methods.
Do you intend to work within existing power structures or replace them entirely?"
Before I can answer, a new message appears:
[RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS QUERY]
[PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS ROMANTIC ASPIRATIONS AND FAMILY PLANNING]
[TRUTHFULNESS REQUIRED]
This unexpected shift in topic catches everyone by surprise. Azula's composure slips momentarily, while Light looks distinctly uncomfortable.
Only Aizen, with his centuries of experience, maintains his unruffled demeanor.
"This is... an unusual direction," I observe carefully.
"Indeed," Aizen agrees. "Though perhaps revealing in its own way. Our approaches to personal relationships often reflect our broader philosophies."
Light clears his throat. "I've had little time for romantic entanglements. My focus has been on my education and... other priorities."
I can read between the lines - pre-Death Note Light had casual relationships but nothing serious, viewing most people as intellectually beneath him.
"The Fire Nation royal family has traditions regarding suitable matches," Azula states with practiced formality.
"As princess, my future union would naturally be of strategic importance to the nation. However, I have yet to directly encounter any man worthy of such a position."
Her careful phrasing suggests she's navigating between truthfulness and discretion.
I suspect she already has specific plans regarding potential political marriages, but isn't ready to reveal them.
Aizen's smile never wavers. "In my long existence, I have experienced various forms of companionship, though none that would qualify as what humans typically consider 'romantic love.'
Such attachments can be... limiting for beings of our nature."
"Four and a half centuries without forming a lasting attachment?" Light questions, his analytical mind clearly trying to comprehend such a timespan.
"That suggests either remarkable self-sufficiency or a fundamentally different approach to relationships than humans typically experience."
"Perhaps both," Aizen acknowledges with a slight inclination of his head.
All three now look to me expectantly.
I decide to be straightforward but measured. "My current position has unexpectedly placed me in the path of various romantic interests, though none aligned with my long-term objectives.
As I expand my influence and establish my position in this world, I've considered that multiple relationships with multiple women might be both strategically advantageous and personally fulfilling."
"Multiple relationships?" Light raises an eyebrow. "That's rather... unconventional for modern society."
"Perhaps," I acknowledge. "But my ambitions extend beyond conventional boundaries. Traditional monogamy may not be the most effective approach for someone in my position."
Azula's expression remains carefully neutral, though I detect a flicker of calculation behind her eyes. "In the Fire Nation, powerful men often maintain multiple consorts.
It's a sign of status and influence. My own father has several concubines besides the Fire Lady."
"And in your case, Samael?" Aizen inquires with subtle emphasis. "Is this consideration primarily strategic or personal in nature?"
"Both," I answer honestly. "I see no reason why strategic advantage and personal fulfillment need be mutually exclusive.
The key would be finding partners who share my vision and complement my capabilities, rather than those seeking merely status or superficial connection."
A message appears:
[TRUTHFULNESS CONFIRMED]
[PROCEED TO LEGACY DISCUSSION]
[QUERY: HOW DO PARTICIPANTS WISH TO BE REMEMBERED?]
This seems to be the System's way of acknowledging our honesty while shifting to safer territory.
The relationship discussion has clearly revealed more than some participants intended, creating an undercurrent of tension.
"An interesting question," Aizen muses. "Legacy implies an ending, which I do not intend to experience.
But if I were to consider it... I would wish to be remembered as the one who transcended the artificial boundaries between worlds and states of being. Changing all with that transendence."
"I will be remembered as the greatest Fire Lord in history," Azula states with absolute conviction.
"The one who expanded the Fire Nation's glory beyond all previous limitations and brought true order to a chaotic world."
Light considers his response carefully. "I would want to be remembered as the one who created a world where good people can live in peace, free from the fear of evil. A world of true justice."
When their attention turns to me, I respond with equal care. "I wish to be remembered as someone who fundamentally transformed a broken system into something better - not through destruction alone, but through strategic reconstruction.
Someone who saw beyond the limitations of existing paradigms to create something more effective and just."
Aizen's smile deepens slightly. "Interesting that all of us speak of transformation rather than preservation. We are, it seems, united in our recognition that the status quo is insufficient."
"Though our methods may differ significantly," Light adds, glancing again at Aizen with what appears to be a new level of respect mixed with wariness.
The revelation of Aizen's age has clearly altered Light's perception of him.
"Methods are merely tools," Azula dismisses. "It is vision and will that truly matter. Though I imagine with centuries of experience, sir Aizen has refined his methods considerably."
Before the conversation can continue, I notice a subtle shift in the lighting of my room - someone has turned on the hallway lights. Alfred or Bruce must be approaching.
"I may need to disconnect soon," I warn the others. "My current location may not remain private."
Aizen nods understanding. "The constraints of your new living arrangement, I presume."
As if in response to my warning, a new message appears:
[SESSION 5 CONCLUDING]
[ANALYSIS: ALIGNMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES NOTED]
[DIVERGENCE IN METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH CONFIRMED]
[RECONNECTION WILL OCCUR AT NEXT SIGNIFICANT DECISION POINT]
The window begins to shrink, but not before Azula makes one final comment: "Consider carefully who you allow close to you, Samael. Not all who appear loyal truly are."
With that cryptic warning, the connection terminates, leaving me alone in my study just as a knock sounds at the door.
"Master Samael?" Alfred's voice calls. "Dinner will be served in thirty minutes. Master Bruce has returned and wishes to discuss your school progress."
"Thank you, Alfred," I reply, quickly closing my research files and arranging my desk to look as if I've been working on schoolwork. "I'll be down shortly."
As I prepare to join Bruce for dinner, I reflect on the revealing nature of this latest Observation System session.
The age displays, the explicit requirement for truthfulness, the probing into personal relationships - all suggest the System is moving toward something more specific than mere observation.
As I head downstairs, I compose myself for another performance - the serious, academically-focused ward of Bruce Wayne discussing his school progress over dinner.
Just another mask in the increasingly complex web of identities I'm navigating in this new reality.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!
Yeah, these people are all paranoid and wary individuals - they need to be forced to talk or there is only going to be the vaguest most useless words thrown your way.
So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)