Chapter 29: Chapter 31: Batman’s Vigil - Gotham Through My Eyes
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Gotham's Unchanging Heart
The world outside Gotham has changed. Pokémon, magic, gods, and aliens now walk the Earth. New York is filled with heroes who fly, Metropolis gleams with hope, and ancient wizarding schools reveal hidden magic. But Gotham? Gotham remains Gotham—a city of shadows, crime, and chaos.
I wouldn't want it any other way.
It's been weeks since the merging of worlds, and while the others adjust, I've been busy preparing. Gotham doesn't forgive those who fall behind. I've seen too many try. Too many fail. And in this new world, failure isn't an option.
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Morning at Wayne Enterprises
Wayne Enterprises has always been the backbone of my war on crime, but now it's more critical than ever. Lucius has been indispensable. His expertise in integrating technology with Gotham's infrastructure has already saved lives, though he insists on teasing me about my workload.
"This merging of worlds is a goldmine, Mr. Wayne," Lucius said this morning, laying out blueprints for energy-efficient upgrades to the Narrows. "Stark's AI systems, the magical wards we're studying from Hogwarts—Gotham could become a safer, smarter city."
I nodded, examining the schematics. "Focus on defensive measures first. The city needs to be secure before we innovate."
Lucius raised an eyebrow. "And I assume you're still working on your own 'upgrades' in the cave?"
He wasn't wrong. Every night I test new tools, perfecting them for the chaos this world has thrown at us. This merging brought opportunities, but also threats—threats Gotham isn't ready for.
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New Challenges
Pokémon in Gotham have been… an adjustment. They're not inherently dangerous, but they're unpredictable. Zubat colonies in the Narrows. Growlithe partnering with the GCPD. A Snorlax blocking the downtown expressway for eight hours. Even my surveillance drones struggle to keep track of them.
The criminals are worse. Some of them see Pokémon as tools, others as weapons. The smuggling rings I've intercepted are proof enough of that. Last night, I broke up a deal involving Pokéballs, rare candies, and experimental tech stolen from Stark Tower.
It's escalating, and I need to stay ahead.
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New Inventions
I've spent weeks refining my arsenal. The usual tools—the grapple gun, smoke bombs, and EMP batarangs—are effective but need upgrades for this new world.
1. Pokémon Countermeasures:
A capture inhibitor—a device that blocks unauthorized Pokéballs from functioning in certain areas.
A tranquilizing aerosol—safe for use on Pokémon, designed to subdue them without harm.
2. Enhanced Tech:
A magical energy scanner, inspired by my meetings with Doctor Strange and Hogwarts. It identifies lingering magical signatures, allowing me to track and neutralize magical threats.
A multi-spectrum drone network, capable of detecting invisible threats, whether they're Loki's illusions or a Cloaked Pokémon.
3. Combat Suit Upgrades:
The suit now incorporates nanotech borrowed from Stark's research, allowing for rapid repairs in the field.
New gauntlets designed to withstand energy-based attacks, whether from magic or advanced weapons.
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Night Patrol
As I step into the Batmobile each night, the weight of the city presses down. Gotham doesn't sleep, and neither can I.
Tonight, the Narrows are alive with movement. Zubat swarm the skies, and rumors of a smuggling operation draw me to the docks. The Batmobile roars to life, its engines quieter now thanks to Lucius's new modifications.
When I arrive, the criminals are already at work. Crates of stolen Pokémon supplies line the docks—Pokéballs, tech, and even what looks like rare Pokémon eggs.
I drop into their midst without warning, my fists and gadgets doing the talking. They never see me coming. By the time I'm done, they're bound and ready for the GCPD.
But there's more. One of the crates contains experimental tech stamped with Stark Industries' logo. This isn't just a local operation. Someone bigger is pulling the strings.
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The Joker's Game
Back in the Batcave, the Batcomputer hums as I review the night's findings. The smuggling operation is part of something larger. Gotham's villains are adapting to the new world, and I'm playing catch-up.
Alfred interrupts my thoughts, setting a cup of tea on the console. "Another long night, sir?"
"Longer than usual," I reply, scanning the files. "Joker's been quiet. Too quiet."
As if summoned by my words, the Batcomputer pings. A message flashes across the main screen, the Joker's grinning face filling the monitor.
"Batsy! Oh, I hope you're not too tired. Things are about to get interesting! Pokémon, gadgets, magic—it's all so much fun! But don't worry, I've got something special planned just for you."
The screen flickers and goes dark.
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Preparing for the Worst
I stare at the blank screen, my mind already racing. Joker thrives on chaos, and this new world has given him endless opportunities.
I can't stop. Not now. Gotham depends on me.
I spend the rest of the night working—analyzing Joker's message, refining my countermeasures, and preparing for the inevitable confrontation. My new tools aren't just for defense. They're for war.
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Reflection
As dawn breaks, I stand on the rooftop of Wayne Tower, overlooking the city. The streets are calm now, the chaos of the night contained. Pokémon and people move through Gotham like they belong here.
But I know better. This peace is temporary.
The world may have changed, but Gotham hasn't. And neither have I.
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Daniel POV
From his cosmic perch, Daniel watched Bruce's tireless work with admiration. "He's relentless," Daniel said, leaning back. "In a world of gods, wizards, and aliens, he's still just a man. But he's the one they'll need the most."
The Ancient One nodded. "Because where others see chaos, he sees patterns. And where others stop, he begins."
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