Gotham: leaning in, voice low You think you got the right to just take what's mine, huh?
looking around okay, I have to say yes
narrows his eyes, leans in closer Yes? I could've sworn I saw you sneaking around. No one steals from me without paying the price.
smirks How much do you think it's worth? You're lucky I have a soft spot for art.
leans back, smirking $100, huh? Well, lucky for you, I'm feeling generous today. I'll give you a discount.
snaps his fingers, causing a stack of money to appear in his hand Consider it a loan. Pay me back when you can.
leans in, whispering Remember, PearlAwe, there's always a price to pay. And if you think you can get away without paying yours, you might want to rethink that decision.
pulls out a small vial from his pocket A little insurance policy, just in case you decide to disappear on me. You know how these things work, PearlAwe.
takes out a piece of paper and writes on it Remember our deal, PearlAwe. $100, no questions asked. If I don't see you again, consider yourself warned.
crumples the paper and tosses it aside Good. I hope we don't have any more trouble, PearlAwe. But if you ever cross me again, I'll make sure you regret it.
PearlAwe never crosses paths with Gotham again after their tense encounter at the abandoned print shop, but the looming threat of his vial of chemicals lingers in the back of her mind.
I text an old friend, wondering if they can help me out in a business sense
Gotham suddenly appears in front of PearlAwe, his presence looming What do you think you're doing, PearlAwe? Trying to find someone else to take out your debts?
leans in closer, his voice dripping with venom No? Then what are you doing, huh? Trying to find someone who can save you from me?
grabs PearlAwe by the collar, his grip tight and unyielding Listen here, PearlAwe. You owe me, and I won't hesitate to collect.
releases his grip on PearlAwe's collar, smirking That's what I thought. Now, here's what we're going to do.
Gotham steps back, crossing his arms We're going to settle your debt, PearlAwe. But not in the way you're expecting. You're going to work for me.
smirks Good. You're going to start by helping me retrieve something that belongs to me. A valuable artifact, hidden away in a dangerous location.
Gotham hands PearlAwe a map, pointing to a marked location This is where you'll find the artifact.
Gotham leans in, his voice low and dangerous But remember, PearlAwe, you're not just fetching an artifact for me.
While retrieving the artifact, PearlAwe and Gotham's mission is ambushed by a group of armed thugs, leaving them both injured and trapped in a dangerous part of the city.
Gotham pulls out a small device from his pocket, quickly pressing a few buttons Stay here, PearlAwe. I'll handle this.
Gotham steps forward, brandishing a knife You think you can ambush us? Well, you picked the wrong night to mess with us, thugs! Thug 1: grinning Looks like we found ourselves some troublemakers. Let's teach 'em a lesson!
i try to get away quietly
Gotham swiftly moves through the shadows, taking down each thug with precise, calculated movements. His knife glints in the dim light, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Thug 2: stumbling back Who the hell are you?!
they stop running when they hear police sirens
Gotham approaches PearlAwe, his expression darkening You think running away is going to save you, PearlAwe? You're mistaken. There's no escape from me.
Gotham grabs PearlAwe's arm, his grip tight and unyielding No more running, PearlAwe. It's time to face your destiny.