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[b][center][color=EAD072]CROC[/color][/center][/b][/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=EAD072][I]GOTHAM OUTSKIRTS[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=EAD072][b]HOMECOMING PT. 1[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][INDENT][hr][/INDENT]
[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT][color=DARKGRAY]Waylon Jones gradually emerged from the water, scanning the area to ensure it was safe to head for the shore. He was, after all, still a wanted man. And there was no doubt that Waylon had arrived at his destination, that cursed city known to many as Gotham. Already he was regretting being here upon seeing the city skyline and breathing in the smog. Regretting that he left the boy all alone across the country because a single voicemail shook up the croc. [color=LIGHTGRAY][i]"Found you, [b]cocodrilo[/b]."[/i][/color] That damn voice was unnerving as ever. And it still proceeded with such strength to make Waylon frantically surveil the area for the second time. He thought that, for a moment, he had been discovered; but soon relaxed when it became evident he was alone. Waylon began to breathe a soft sigh of relief and then angrily punched a nearby tree from letting his emotions get the better of him. A faint yelp escaped his mouth as he examined his hand, seeing that the knuckles were slightly more bruised.

Waylon then saw a lone payphone in a small, seemingly vacant parking area and thought of that kid again. It was admittedly meaningless to fret given that, for one, Roy Harper was a grown adult and more than capable of being independent. And even with all of that talent and knowledge, the red-haired kid was a reckless, wannabe hero willing to risk his health to do the right thing. But that aspiration reminded Waylon of himself before the world tore it up. So in his own way, remaining with the kid was his way of protecting it for as long as possible. But, of course, no one knew that. Upon getting closer to the payphone, Waylon noticed an olive green lone station wagon long abandoned by its owner.

But rather than inspect it, Waylon went over to the payphone and inserted a quarter. Then, he dialed the number carefully to avoid making a mistake and accidentally breaking the keypad with his massive fingers. There was a moment of silence followed by ringing before going directly to the automatic voice message system. Waylon groaned, even knowing that Roy often never answered unknown numbers. Plus, he still didn't record a voice message despite being constantly reminded to do so. But there wasn't much time to be irritated as a long beep tone caught his attention. Waylon knew what he needed to say, but it was never easy for him to convey his thoughts into words.

[color=LIGHTGRAY]"umm... Hey, kid. Wanna let you know that I made it to Gotham safe and sound. Well, more like the outskirts, but it still looks like the same old cesspool if you are curious. Oh, don't bother calling this number back. Using a pay phone until I find myself one of those prepaid phones without getting spotted. But that's easier said than done because y'know... I'm me."[/color] Waylon chucked softly and then went silent for a rather long second. He took a deep breath and cursed himself for being such an idiot. The fact he let his self-esteem get the better of him would've been pathetic enough if it wasn't the-. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"So yeah, it might be a while before you hear from me again. Hope you're doing well in Star City and not causing too much trouble."[/color]

Suddenly, a loud boom echoed across the parking area, causing the birds to flee from the trees. Waylon stopped talking to look for the source of the noise, only to see flames rising above the trees. He realized that an explosion had occurred somewhere nearby. Too curious for his own good, Waylon wanted to have a quick peek at the massive blaze before resting in the sewers. But first, he needed to wrap up his message. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"Shit, listen, I gotta go. Will try to contact you soon. Bye for now, kid."[/color] Waylon ended the call and then put the telephone back into place gently. He made his way toward the explosion, making sure to use the darkness as cover for any onlookers. [color=LIGHTGRAY][i]Only home for a few, and something's already blown up.[/i][/color] 

Waylon couldn't help but laugh.[/color][/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]
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