The Multiverse Coin Collector

Chapter 7: New Encounters and Unraveling Twists

The morning air in Gotham was crisp, with a faint smell of rain lingering from the night before. Sam, still in his Ryu form, stood at the doorstep of James's modest home. James and Barbara stood just inside the doorway, the soft glow of the hall light behind them casting their shadows out onto the sidewalk.

"You're really sure about this?" James asked, his voice tinged with concern. His hands fidgeted in his jacket pockets, betraying his unease. "I mean, Gotham's not exactly the safest place to wander around alone."

Ryu gave him a warm smile, sharp teeth peeking out slightly. "You've already done more than enough, James. I'm not the type to impose further. Besides…" He placed a clawed hand on James's shoulder, leaning in conspiratorially. "You've got a bright little star to look after."

Barbara peeked out from behind James, her small face crinkled with worry. "Will you come back and visit?" she asked softly, clutching her stuffed toy tightly.

Ryu knelt to her level, his usually fierce demeanor softening. "Of course, little one. You've got my word as a dragon." He placed a hand over his heart and grinned. "Take care of James for me, yeah? Make sure he eats something other than toast every now and then."

Barbara giggled, the sound lifting the somber mood. "Okay. But you have to promise to visit!"

"Deal," Ryu said, rising to his full height. He gave James a final nod, his crimson cape fluttering as he turned and walked down the cracked pavement. As he disappeared into the distance, he de-transformed into his normal self, blending seamlessly into the chaotic streets of Gotham.

---

The Chase for Silver Coins

Sam tapped the holographic display on his watch as he navigated the grimy alleyways of Gotham. The silver coin markers blinked on the map, their positions shifting every time he got close.

"Another wild goose chase," he muttered under his breath.

Kit materialized on his shoulder, her small wings flapping lazily. "Honestly, at this point, I'm convinced these silver coins are sentient. They're like, 'Oh, you're here? Time to skedaddle.'"

Sam scowled but kept his pace brisk. He arrived at the latest location—a narrow alley lined with dumpsters. The flickering light of a neon sign overhead cast eerie shadows. He searched thoroughly, overturning trash bags and scanning every nook and cranny.

Nothing.

"That's the third one," Sam said, frustration evident in his tone. "Every time I get close, it vanishes."

Kit crossed her arms, smirking. "Told you. Silver coins are for suckers. Go for the bronze ones first. They're steady, reliable...like me."

Sam shot her a side-eye. "Reliable, huh? Last I checked, you were napping when I got ambushed by those thugs."

"Details," Kit said dismissively, waving a tiny claw. "Now, let's find some bronze coins. They're less moody."

He sighed and tapped his watch again. Two new markers appeared, each glowing a faint bronze. One was marked inside a trash can nearby, while the other was located at the Gotham City Park fountain.

---

The trash can wasn't hard to find—it stood at the corner of a bustling street, its lid askew and flies buzzing around it. Sam grimaced, rolling up his sleeves as he approached.

Kit perched on a nearby mailbox, her nose wrinkled. "You've hit a new low, treasure hunter. Dumpster diving in Gotham. Bold move."

"Unless you're volunteering to do it for me, keep the commentary to yourself," Sam retorted, leaning over the can.

The stench was overwhelming, a mix of rotting food and unidentifiable substances. Sam dug through the garbage, muttering curses under his breath, until his fingers brushed against something smooth and metallic. He pulled out a bronze coin, the image of a young man holding a frying pan etched onto its surface.

"Character unlocked: Soma Yukihira," Kit announced in a sing-song voice.

Sam examined the coin with curiosity before pressing it against the screen of his watch. The coin dissolved into white energy, which swirled and was absorbed into the watch.

"First one down," Sam said, straightening up. "Let's hope the next one's cleaner."

---

The park was a rare oasis in Gotham's urban chaos. Sam approached the central fountain, its water sparkling in the weak sunlight. A few joggers and dog walkers moved about, paying him no mind.

Kit fluttered around his head. "Well, at least this one doesn't smell like a sewer."

Sam peered into the clear water, spotting a bronze glint at the bottom. He rolled up his sleeve, crouching by the edge. His fingers brushed the cold water as he reached in and plucked out the coin.

This one featured a grinning swordsman, his pose cocky and self-assured.

"Character unlocked: Kentaro Oe," Kit announced with a flourish.

Sam chuckled, holding the coin up to the light. "A swordsman, huh? Could be handy."

He pressed it against his watch, watching as the energy dissolved and flowed into the device. Two down, and he was starting to feel a sense of progress.

---

Elsewhere in the city, in a shadowy alley behind Gotham High School, a boy struggled to his feet. His face was bruised, his lip split, and his school uniform was torn. Blood dripped from his knuckles, scraped raw from a futile attempt to defend himself.

The sound of laughter echoed as his attackers walked away, their voices dripping with arrogance.

"You think he'll snitch?" one of them asked, his tone mocking.

The leader smirked, tossing a glance over his shoulder. "Nah. My dad's on the school board. That loser wouldn't dare."

Their laughter faded as they rounded the corner, leaving the boy alone in the dim light. He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, when a glint on the ground caught his eye.

A silver coin.(Dabi)

His swollen fingers reached out, trembling, and closed around it. The image on the coin depicted a man with white hair and scars, his expression both menacing and calm. The boy had no idea who it was, but the moment he touched the coin, a surge of energy coursed through him.

Blue flames erupted, engulfing him in an instant. His wounds healed, his body stretching and transforming. When the flames subsided, the boy was gone.

In his place stood a tall figure with white hair, scarred skin, and eyes that burned with malice. He flexed his fingers, flames dancing at his fingertips, and laughed—a deep, unsettling sound.

"Finally," he said, his voice dripping with derision. "This city might actually be worth my time."

He turned, his coat billowing as he strode toward Gotham High. The air around him shimmered with heat as he muttered, "Let's see how these bullies like playing with fire."

---

Back at the park, Sam pocketed his watch and stretched, feeling a slight sense of accomplishment. Kit landed on his shoulder, yawning.

"So, what's next, oh fearless dragon?"

Sam smirked. "We keep searching. This game's just getting started."

But as he walked away, a faint chill ran down his spine, like a predator had just entered his territory. Somewhere in Gotham, the stakes had just been raised—and Sam had no idea what he was about to face.

To be continued...