The Multiverse Coin Collector

Chapter 5: Bonds over Burdens

The drive back to the Gordon household was quiet, save for the occasional hum of the car engine. The weight of the evening's events hung heavily in the air. Barbara had fallen asleep in the backseat after her checkup at the hospital, her body finally succumbing to exhaustion. Alysia had been reunited with her parents, who were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. Now, it was just James, Barbara, and Sam in the car.

Sam, still in his Ryu form, gazed out the window. Gotham's streets were eerily quiet at night, the shadows of its towering buildings stretching far into the distance. He couldn't help but feel a certain tension in the city—a constant undercurrent of danger that reminded him of how fragile this place could be.

When they arrived at the house, Sam took a moment to observe it. It was a modest, well-maintained home with a warm and inviting atmosphere, a stark contrast to the city outside. He stepped out of the car, his massive frame towering over the vehicle, and followed James as he carried Barbara inside.

The house was cozy, filled with a mix of old furniture and personal touches—a shelf of books, framed photographs on the walls, and a faint smell of coffee lingering in the air. Despite its warmth, Sam noticed the absence of certain details. There were no signs of a woman's touch—no extra shoes by the door, no feminine ornaments. He didn't ask, though. He had learned to read people enough to know when not to pry.

James took Barbara upstairs to her room, gently tucking her into bed. Her breathing was soft and steady, but her face still carried the strain of the day's events. James sat by her side for nearly an hour, stroking her hair and whispering words of comfort.

Meanwhile, Sam waited in the living room, seated cross-legged on the floor in meditation. His mind was calm, yet aware. Kit had advised him to stay alert in Gotham, and he wasn't about to let his guard down.

Eventually, James came down the stairs, his footsteps slow and heavy. When he reached the living room, he saw Sam still meditating, his eyes closed and his form perfectly still.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," James said softly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sam opened his eyes and gave a small nod. "It's fine. I understand."

James hesitated, then asked, "Are you hungry?"

Before Sam could respond, James was already heading to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with a plate of sandwiches and a couple of beers. Setting the food on the dining table, he gestured for Sam to join him.

Sam took a seat across from James, who opened one of the beers and took a long sip. "Hope you don't mind sandwiches," James said with a tired smile.

"They're fine," Sam replied, his voice calm and steady. He picked up a sandwich and began eating, appreciating the simple but satisfying meal.

As they ate, James broke the silence. "So… Ryu, right? Who are you, really? I mean, you show up out of nowhere, save Barbara and her friend, and you're clearly… not from around here."

Sam paused for a moment before replying, sticking to the story he'd crafted. "My name is Ryu. I'm from Japan. I came here to travel."

James nodded slowly, seeming to accept the explanation. "A traveler, huh? I always wanted to travel. See the world, you know? But this job…" He chuckled, though it was tinged with regret. "This job keeps me chained here."

Sam tilted his head slightly. "You're dedicated to your work. That's admirable."

James laughed softly. "Admirable, maybe. But it comes at a cost." He took another sip of his beer, then leaned back in his chair. His expression grew more somber. "You might be curious about Barbara's mother. The truth is… Barbara isn't my daughter. She's my niece. After her mother died, I took her in and raised her as my own."

Sam listened quietly, his sharp eyes catching the flicker of pain in James's expression.

"As for my own wife," James continued, his voice heavy, "she divorced me years ago. Took my son and went to live with her parents. Said it was because of my job. And… she wasn't wrong. This job consumes everything. It cost me my family." He let out a bitter laugh. "And tonight, it almost cost me Barbara. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would've happened."

Sam could feel the weight of James's guilt. He set his sandwich down and spoke with quiet conviction. "You can't blame yourself for everything. What matters is that Barbara is safe now. You did what you could, and you'll keep doing it."

James looked at him, a flicker of gratitude in his tired eyes. "Thanks, Ryu. I mean it."

They sat in silence for a while, sharing their simple meal and a few more drinks. The atmosphere grew lighter as James loosened up, though the beer was clearly taking its toll on him.

"I'll tell you this," James slurred, his words starting to blur together. "You're a… a good guy, Ryu. I don't know where you came from, but… Gotham could use more people like you."

Sam gave a faint smile, watching as James's head drooped lower and lower. Before long, the man was fast asleep, his head resting on the table.

Sam, immune to the effects of alcohol in his Ryu form, stood and carefully lifted James from the chair. He carried him upstairs and laid him gently on his bed, making sure he was comfortable before leaving the room.

Returning to the living room, Sam settled onto the sofa. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, his mind wandered. He was a stranger in this world, navigating its challenges one step at a time. But tonight, he'd made a difference—and that, at least, was something he could hold onto.

With that thought, Sam closed his eyes, letting himself drift into a light, alert sleep. The quiet hum of Gotham surrounded him, but for now, it was a rare moment of peace.