Chapter 122: The More Things Change.(3/4)
Along the way Lash encountered a lot of rats, lots, and lots of rats! That was not entirely uncommon in the sewers. But these rats didn't run. They watched with interest as Lash, and Vyllith walked through the tunnels. More than once Lash used his nature spells to heal, and mend several broken rats who were either injured, or diseased. Thanks to Beast Speak it was like a cacophony of white noise. He couldn't pick out a single voice. However, the rats were there to see if he was friendly or hostile. Odd.
Croc's town was located in the main nexus point of service tunnels, pipes, and canals under the Old Gotham, island. Every island in Gotham had a nexus point. The points were about the size of an NFL football stadium. Not just the field, but the seats, the multiple layers of food services, facilities, and parking. The points were very large, and could hold a lot of people if you were economic about space. Old Gotham had three of these points in them. Croc controlled the largest one.
When they reached the one mile mark before they reached the town they encountered a patrol. This patrol consisted of several homeless, and more specifically rat-men. The homeless understandably freaked out when they saw Wraith standing in the dark tunnel. But the rat-men called out in joy and rushed to over to say hello. The rat-men were supernatural community members who couldn't afford glamour charms. Not everyone in the community was rich, as so many liked to believe.
Lash and Vyllith was escorted towards the town. While the rat-men talked about all that had happened in the town. It had not been easy. During the invasion when the EMP went off all of Gotham had lost power. Except for Croc's town. The thousands of feet of concrete had protected them. So for the first time in decades the sewers was the safest, well off place in all of Gotham. So, what happened? War happened...
First it was tiny skirmishes, scouts from gangs. Even the occasional invader who was moving around in the dark. But what really surprised the citizens of Croc's town was that surface dwellers came down and tried to evict them. They claimed this place belong to Gotham and that they had no right to it. That was until Croc pulled out a title to the entire nexus point. Shield and Sword to the rescue. They had done it before the invasion. So when legal methods failed the city sent in cops, swat, and the mafia to push them out. Didn't work. All of this was under the instruction of the former Mayor Adin.
Croc had heard that Lash had ousted the corrupt politician and told the patrol teams that Wraith may be visiting soon. Sure enough, Lash showed up so the patrol team escorted him back to the town. A town was definitely what it had become. They had taken a boat through a canal towards the town and came out into garbage version of Venice? The canals ran through the whole town, and along the edges of the canals were buildings 3-5 stories tall. Built up, and secured in place with scaffolding, and bamboo?
But what was really surprising was that the whole town had a source of light. Months ago, or maybe over a year ago? Lash had come to the town and built air purifying trees that cleansed out toxins, and kept the air clean. The town had cleaner air than Gotham did, and it was in the sewers! The trees could grow with out natural light but at a reduced rate. But alternative means of fuel could provide. These trees were scattered around the town and were maybe 20 feet tall when he had planted them. Now? They towered over the whole town, their branches reached up towards the ceiling of stone, and metal. Their leaves gave off ambient light, bright enough to fill the nexus point with lantern light.
Each canal had electrical water wheels, again something Lash had built. They had stayed in working order thanks the self repair function. Dozens of people sat on pedal powered generators next to the wheels in an effort to store more power. The boat that Lash, and Vyllith were on docked at a pier and they disembarked. Lash cast Sooth, Nature's Supplement, and Nature's Kiss on the patrol team in thanks. While another team of of were-crocodiles showed up to escort them the rest of the way.
The town had different layers. Each layer was separated by a stair case, and would go up about twenty or so feet. Then that layer would have several hundred feet of space, along with other canals that would move out of the nexus point into the Old Gotham sewer system. Each layer had a gate house, along with a wall along the layer's perimeter. Apparently they had been invaded several times and used the layers as choke points. Lash was angry, specifically at himself. Never once did he ever come to check on the town during the invasion. He had wanted to, but something had always come up.
The town was alive and kicking. Hundreds of people pushed through the crowded streets. Though they made way for the were-breeds, and surprisingly Agent Wraith. Many criminal elements made themselves scarce when they saw him. Given it was Croc's town Lash was obligated to clear it with him before he arrested anyone. Lash saw a few dozen Blood-Kindred, blood-mutts. They glared with clear hostility at Lash but he simply waved at them in recognition.
Croc's home was a three story mansion that Lash had built for him originally. It was covered in spell wards, charms, and talismans. Along with security cameras, an electric fence, and a gate house with what looked like a minotaur wielding a M61 vulcan mini gun sitting in the watch tower. Behind Croc's mansion was a telecommunication tower. Thanks to Technomancy the tower could access radio, telephones, and the internet.
Lash took a glance behind him as they scaled the last stair case up and saw the town behind him. Each home was built out of a combination of scrap metal, drift wood, clay, and bamboo? Lots, and lots of bamboo. He noticed several of the buildings on their rooftops had gardens with growth lamps over the plants. He'd have to see about installing a Daylight item in the ceiling. Something that could simulate the night and day cycle.
They were brought the main doors and soon ushered into main briefing room. Lash could hear Croc's creole accent from the other room and it brought a smile to his face. He heard an older mans voice, along with a young girls. They were discussing territories, and supply lines. When Lash, and Vyllith walked in Croc looked up and a face splitting grin spread across his face. He walked around the grand oak table that was in the middle of the room. His crocodile scaled arms opened wide, and Lash joined him with his own.
“About time you came to visit my scaled brother! Big ole daddy said you'd be coming by!” Croc said in his creole accent, he squeezed Lash in a hug and he returned the gesture.
Waylond Jones aka Killer Croc in the comics. Or so named as King Croc in the Dream Engine stood approximately at 8' (243 cm) tall, with solid muscles, and crocodile scales. A lot like Lash in his Transformation state. He had hard major scales along his bones, and outer portions of his body with little movement. While the inner portions of his body like the joints, and inner arms, and thighs. He had more akin to soft leather, or snake scales. His face was vaguely human like, his nose was flat like a snakes, while his jaw was slightly elongated. His lips could be pulled back to reveal long fangs, and a few molars. When he smiled it was terrifying. He currently wore a tailored made gray suit. Pants, vest, jacket, white buttoned shirt with the top four buttons undone, no shoes. He looked good!
“This is Vyllith my hell knight.” Lash said as he turned and gestured towards her. Vyllith stepped forward and bowed from her waist towards him then stood up straight. Croc looked at her with a divine gleam in his eye.
“Straight out of hell you are. Good, this big man here needs someone watching his back.” Croc said with a grin, and Vyllith's body language softened a bit at the compliment.
“Come, let me introduce you.” Croc said as he turned to gesture towards an older man, and a young girl who stood, and sat at the table respectively.
“This is Otis, and his daughter Cleo. Or as they are often called Ratcatcher, and Ratcatcher 2.” Croc said with a smile as the little girl at the table pouted at him cutely.
“Uncle Croc!” Cleo complained about the name. Croc grinned at her, and Lash could see the adopted love, and familial bond between them.
Otis aka Ratcatcher smiled at them both then nodded at Lash. He stood at approximately 5'10” (177 cm) with a wiry academic frame. Or maybe he just suffered from malnutrition. He had wild, and crazy gray hair that puffed out from his head like Einstein. He wore a leather/hide coat made from animal skins. Along with an assortment of belts, buckles, and gadgets. Boots, pants, shirt, coat, and a mask that looked like a rat mask. His eyes were deep brown, and there was a warmth to them.
Cleo aka Ratcatcher 2 was a young girl who was maybe 10 years old? She had short black hair that was chopped, and layered just above her shoulders. Her amber colored eyes were alight with curiosity, and wonder as she looked at Lash and Vyllith. She wore a set of leathers, and hides like her father. Boots, pants, shirt, jacket, and her own little rat mask. On her shoulder was a rat wearing a gray molted vest. The stitching was basic, and Lash assumed Cleo made it for the rat. The rat waved at them, and Lash nodded in reply.
“So, you here to work? Or just dropping by?” Croc asked as he sat down on a high back chair that could take his weight. Cleo jumped from her seat and climbed into Croc's lap. She kicked her little legs back and forth as she looked at Lash.
“Work, I'm currently repairing Gotham on the surface. I've done renovations and repair on most of the utilities in Gotham. Approximately 51% of Gotham's surface is repaired. But I wanted to come here and check on the town. I've been meaning to come by for a while now, but...” Lash said, and didn't finish his sentence.
“But what?” Cleo asked, and her father came to her side and ruffled her head hair. She smiled up at him.
“He's been busy, my love. Do you remember the bad men that came from another world? Agent Wraith here put a stop to them.” Otis said to his daughter who grinned at Lash.
“Thank you!” Cleo said, and Lash felt his heart turn to mush just a bit.
“Well if you are taking requests. Can you update the water wheels? Otis here is responsible for the pedal generators but they only go so far. We also need at least two more water towers, preferably four.” Croc began as he stood up, but carried Cleo in his arms. He brought down a town map to point out the preferred areas.
“I can do that, I can also create a simulated night and day cycle through the trees. The light they give off could be used to help grow the gardens in the town. I can also create garden soil.” Lash began, to say...
“Bath house!” Cleo shouted, with her arms raised into the air. Lash glanced at her, then at Otis.
“We get the discovery channel down here.” Otis replied with a smile as he winked at Cleo.
“Yes, we can build a bath house. With King Croc's permission.” Lash asked, and Cleo turned her bright amber eyes at Croc who visibly deflated under her gaze.
“Ya, sure kid.” Croc mumbled and Cleo cheered.
“Now for the buildings in the town. Do you want building supplies, or do you just want me to do what I did before?” Lash asked, and Croc had to think about it.
“I think supplies would be better. The people in the town have taken great pride in building this place into a home. Though I am sure many would love to have a smart house contained with in a sewer. I believe it would cause more problems than anything.” Otis said softly.
“Why papa?” Cleo asked.
“People always want more, kid. Rules of the world.” Croc answered, and Otis nodded in agreement.
“You should let Wraith update your security as well. There are a lot of gaps in your defenses.” Vyllith suggested by Lash's side.
“Also we'll need a bit of money, if that is still on the list?” Croc asked with a grin. Lash shrugged his shoulders and stepped off to the side.
When Lash had come to Croc's town to help build it up he had donated $500,000 US dollars to the contribution to the town. Despite the fact the Croc ended bathing in the money for a few minutes. It went to a good cause. Lash walked over to the side of the room and raised his hands up. He accessed his Money Storage and his Achievement: Damn, I've got 99 problems but money isn't one of them! Once a day, every day 1% of your total liquid assets worth will spawn in your Money Storage. (Chapter 38)
Stacks of cash materialized from thin air and slammed into the floor with a resounding boom! The whole mansion shook lightly, and a were-croc peaked into the room and stood frozen at the pile of money in the corner. Approximately 5 million US dollars in cash. From twenties, fifties, and hundred dollar bills. Lash glanced back to see Croc's, and Otis's jaws hanging open at the sight of it. Cleo on the other hand ran over and started to climb the pile of money. Then stood at the top with hands on her hips, standing proudly.
“5 millions should be fine, right?” Lash asked, in a dry tone of voice. While Vyllith's shoulders shook up and down. She was trying not to laugh.
“I've missed you...” Croc said with a smile as he walked over and proceeded to wash himself in cash. Lash wasn't sure if Croc meant that for him, or for the money?
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Lash updated the water wheels they produced, and stored 100% more power, ran silent aside from the churning of the water. They kept their self repair function. Along several additional sockets, and USB ports for charging. Oddly enough he saw several people living there with tablets, and laptops. They may not have been the original owners! But they did have them. Each canal had at least 1 water wheel, while others had 4. Anymore and they would disrupt the natural flow.
4 more water towers were put into place. Nature Domain spell scrip were inscribed along the lids of the towers to naturally collect water over the course of time from the ambient magical energy in the air, as well as moisture. The towers of course had self repair, and self filtration included. One such towers was placed directly over the new bath house! It was designed like a modern day Roman bath house. White stone, red clay tiles on the roof. Changing rooms with Renew, and Immaculate on the laundry boxes. Two separate baths for both genders, then one large bath for mixed. The whole place had Renew, and Immaculate on the whole building.
Lash altered the design of the air purification trees. Tied them to a day and night cycle. During daylight hours the tree's give off enough light to visible see the town, while also bathing the gardens thanks to Daylight, and Growth. Then at night the light takes on a muted silver glow to simulate the moon. Thanks to the money donated by Lash they could buy garden soil, and also increase the security. He did however use Fabrication, and Alteration to create building supplies. Nails, screws, planks of wood, metal, copper wire, etc, etc. Along with a plethora of tools.
Last but certainly not least Lash built a school house! Each room could hold about 25 people, 4 rooms per floor. 5 floors each. Each room came with a holographic projector and the whole school had a very minor VI instructor. The core of the VI was located in Croc's mansion, secreted away. Lash also linked the town up with Vici in case of emergencies. Despite the instructor VI being basic it still had a wealth of knowledge from preschool, to an Ivy League education. The only issue was it wasn't affiliated, or certified to give out diplomas.
Otis absolutely lost his mind with the school and was overjoyed that Cleo could get an education. It is the hope, and dream of every good parent that their children will have a brighter future then their own. Cleo loved to learn. Before the school was even done she was already in the class room talking to the VI about the neural pathways of animals brains. Smart kid! Turned out Otis, and Cleo were both Meta-Humans. They had Animal Empathy, and Animal Telepathy. Specifically vermin, and or small animals. Like rats, squirrels, raccoons, lizards, and bats! Among others of course.
It was midday when Lash finished, and it was time for him to get back to the surface. Approximately 70% of Gotham had been rebuilt. At least the area's that had accepted help. After that he needed to visit Selina, Lizzy, and Isabella before he left for Metropolis. He said goodbye to Croc, Otis, and Cleo who called him Uncle Wraith when he said goodbye. Gah...Heart strings!
Lash, and Vyllith reached the surface with ease. He cast Earth Swim and carried her up. They emerged on a city street much to the surprise of the citizens walking the cross walk. Then surprise, surprise someone threw a brick at him. The brick bounced off of Lash's skull crest and his head tilted slightly to the side. Vyllith pushed her thumb against her chain sword at her side and prepared to cut the individual in half. But Lash raised a clawed hand towards her, then looked towards the man who threw the brick.
The man looked to be in his thirties, stood about approximately 5'8” (172 cm). He had thinning hair that bordered on the common horseshoe bald pattern. A dirty flannel shirt, and white tank top. Along with faded blue jeans, and work boots. He had a bit of a gut, but thick strong arms. He looked exhausted, with his blood shot eyes, and dirty clothes Lash could tell he was a working man. A construction worker? Oh....That would explain the hostility.
“You and your fucking monsters stole my job, asshole!” The man shouted.
“I am sorry for the inconvenience, citizen. However, if you are looking for work the CSA or Ghost Industries is hiring. They will even pay for the technical school as long as you sign a contract with them.” Lash said, as he adjusted his animalistic voice to be softer.
“I am not working with a bunch of freaks!” The man shouted, and all good will towards the situation evaporated with that sentence. Lash's amiable attitude left him, and a sort of pressure started to swallow the area.
“That...Was fucking stupid.” Another man said, pointing towards the construction worker.
“What the fuck is wrong with you man! Agent Wraith was throwing you a bone! I bet he was this close from writing you a recommendation. And you throw it all back into his face!” Another citizen called out. It was clear that the construction worker was out numbered. That was a pleasant surprise.
“Wraith! Don't listen to him man! You keep being you. The city needs more people like you.” A woman called out, and several people cheered. The construction worker was swallowed in the crowd and Lash lost track of him.
Lash and Vyllith spent a few minutes speaking to the people. A lot of them had homes recently restored thanks to Lash, and his Manifestations. A few did ask about CSA, and Ghost Industries. It was true about the technical school. As long as they signed a work contract to work for them once finished they would pay for training. Even full tuition in they were in school. Then someone asked if Lash intended to fix Gotham University. That...Was an excellent question.
Gotham University was a state college located in Gotham...Obviously. It had a self contained campus. Traditionally 0-1st year students were required to live on campus. (If they could afford it) While everyone 2nd and above could choose to live on campus, they were of course a lot of cheap student housing around. Gotham University had a wide variety of academic scholarships. But was primarily a football college. Facilities were top notch as the Wayne family often donated to the school. It was clean, up to date, and a sense of pride came with those that attended the college.
Not anymore! The University was a wreck. Lash and his Manifestations had actually ignored the entire campus because it was not considered a vital system that needed to be repaired. Yes, they did repair schools! But the university, not so much. The college dorm rooms were either jam packed full of students and or people. While others were in ruins, or currently on fire? The olympic size pool was putrid green and had a body floating in it. The library had been pillaged for insulation, and kindling. While the class rooms had been converted into living spaces.
“Attention! To any and all currently living on campus! This is Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security. I am currently in the process of repairing, and renovating Gotham University. None of you are required to move from your current location. But be aware that tiny machines often referred to as nanomachines will be deconstructing, and reconstructing the environment around you. Attacking them would be ill advised.” Lash said, enhancing his voice through Reality Warping.
“Vyllith please guard my location. I am going to go into Meditation while I do this.” Lash asked her as he began to draw a ritual circle on the ground.
“As you wish, but I should inform you that Selina asked that we meet her at nightfall.” Vyllith said to him, he paused. When did that happen?
“She called while you were building Croc's town, you were busy.” Vyllith supplied the answer.
That left Lash with about four hours to rebuild the whole campus. That could work! He finished drawing the ritual circle and stood in the center. He started to float above it with Telekinesis and created the Phantasm illusion of tiny green, and blue machines flying from his body. Then he used his Archmage title effect (Chapter 105)
Congratulations User! Minor Reality Warping has evolved into Basic Reality Warping.
Effect: Slight increase to spell power.
Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.
Effect: Slight increase to spell manipulation control.
Effect: Slight increase to spell range.
Effect: The User can now change minor things, and the change remains even after the spell wears off.
Lash winced, and had hoped for something a little more substantial. But it was Basic after all. First the water, power, and sewer lines were repaired. The areas that were on fire on the campus were put out thanks to Elemental Manipulation. The pool was cleaned, and the body identified and Decomposition was used on the bloated corpse. The college campus dorms, staff, and faculty homes were repaired, and renovated. The buildings were taller, and each room was given a Compression Transformation. Each dorm room became a mini studio apartment. Beds would come out of the walls, or floors. Mini kitchens, tables and or desks. Closets, dressers, and bathrooms with showers. Way better than having to share a community bathroom. While the staff, and faculty homes were so much better.
The library was rebuilt. Thankfully the college had an accurate list of all its books. Lash easily replicated the entire collection with Fabrication, Alteration, and since he was on a role he used Technomagical Construct to make another minor VI. Just like he did in Croc's town. The VI would be tied to the school and holographic projection strips would be placed around the entire campus. Lash of course hid the VI core away from prying eyes, and linked the whole place to Vici for emergencies.
The main facilities were repaired of course. Class rooms, labs, etc, etc. The buildings were taller and could accommodate more students. The overall design and art style remained at least cosmetically. While Compression Transformation saved a lot of space in every building. Then of course, solar panels, wind turbines, and photokinetic glass was built into the whole university. Once Lash was finished with Gotham it would produce more renewable energy that it consumed. Eco-friendly for the win!
Lash finished up and opened his eyes. He was surrounded by hundreds of young men, and women who began to cheer the moment he stirred from his Meditation. Vyllith had her sword out, but it wasn't raised. She shrugged at him and sheathed her sword now that he was awake. Lash set his feet down and canceled Telekinesis. A holographic image appeared in front of him. The VI had taken the appearance of a old man college professor from the 1970's. They had on a suede jacket, bell bottom pants, mutton chops, with a grin on their face. Ghostly blue, and calm soothing voice.
“Thanks for the update, creator. Just call me professor! Alright boys and girls get your asses to bed! We start school tomorrow!” Professor shouted and the students jumped into action despite taking orders from a holographic ghost.
The sun began to set on the second day of reconstruction and 90% of Gotham had been repaired. The rest of the city either didn't want help. Or didn't really need it. Gotham had been redone with Lash's help. Garden tree streets, with clean wide roads. Grid pattern set up, with out the towering insanity buildings with weird architecture. Yes, Lash would miss the exotic architecture. But it was far more stable this way. Subways, and L-trains had all been repaired. Harbors redone, and ready to receive, and send. Gotham was open for business!
Congratulations User! You've completed a hidden objective.
Hidden Objective: Rebuild and renovate over 80% of Gotham City. Help bring it into the next century.
Reward: Increased reputation with the people of Gotham.
Reward: The spirit of Gotham will be more inclined to help you if you are in trouble.
Reward: 500 Dream Points.
Reward: 100 Ability Evolution Points.
Reward: Increase reputation with the people of Croc's Town.
Reward: The User has gained 10% better understanding of how to build, and manage a city.
“I'm....tired...” Lash confessed, which was odd because his tear drop power stone was constantly recharging his energy. But it was more of a mental exhaustion.
“Should we just head home? We can see her tomorrow.” Vyllith suggested, but Lash shook his head. But he also smiled when Vyllith said head home. Yes, that was right it was their home.
Lash cast Invisibility on himself, and Vyllith. Then wrapped them both in a Telekinesis flight field. They lifted off the ground and started to fly towards Wayne Manor. He also cast Sooth, Nature's Supplement, Nature's Kiss, and Immaculate on them both. The euphoric energy from the nature spells poured over them both. While they were also cleaned. Lash then reached out through Connectivity to the Gotham City JLI message board.
[We finished up, heading to the Bat cave. Unless something happened while we were busy?] -Wraith.
[Wooooo! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My building has power again. I was rocking two generators before.] -Shadow Spy.
[Robin is back... We need to talk.] -Cat Woman.
Lash didn't like that one bit. So he tightened the Telekinesis flight field around them both and sped up. The acceleration increased the draw of energy. But the power stone was quick to replenish him. The Wayne estate is a massive piece of land located on the section of Gotham known as Bristol. It is where most of the 10% of Gotham live in their huge manors. It is also the same area where the Warden HQ is, as well as Kali's home....Kali, there was someone he hadn't seen in a while. Lash pulled up the Warden information page... She was still registered as the Blood-Kindred city master but was currently visiting Washington DC. Hmmm, maybe Lash could see her when he went to see Lex.
Lash landed them both at the front door. He pulled the Invisibility off but placed a baffle field glamour around them and the door. To anyone watching it would look like Alfred was responding to a group of well dressed individuals who came over for dinner. Yes, two individuals who didn't drive, and simply appeared. Lash was tired, OK! At least they wouldn't see Agent Wraith visiting Bruce Wayne.
Alfred Pennyworth is the British butler and valet to the Wayne Family. He took up the role of legal guardian of Bruce Wayne, after the murders of Bruce's parents, Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha. Alfred has acted the part of grandfather to the Bat family since its creation. Richard Grayson loved him, as did Barbara, and in his own way Jason. Selina, and Alfred got along very well. Not once did Alfred ever judge Selina for her background. He especially took a liking to her when Selina helped Bruce some resemblance of peace after so many years of torture.
Alfred stood at approximately 6' 0” (182 cm), he had a healthy pale skinned complexion. (Don't get a lot of sun when your the butler of Batman) He deep ocean blue eyes that held fierce intelligence, and loyalty. He had been balding, but recently his hair had returned to a rich black with a bit of silver through its roots. Lash had used Restore Youth on him and given him 10 more years. He had a athletic f-->>