DC : Architect of Vengeance

The maintenance tunnel stretched ahead, dim and narrow, with emergency lights flickering over damp, stained walls. The clone led Falcone and Maroni deeper into the old treatment plant's underground passages,their footsteps echoing in the tight space.

"This is incredible," Falcone marveled, examining the tunnel's construction. "How long has this been here?"

"Since the old treatment facility was operational," the clone replied, accessing Theo's knowledge of the prison's history. "When they modernized, they sealed most access points but left the infrastructure intact. Perfect for situations like this."

The tunnel system connected directly to Gotham's older municipal infrastructure—storm drains, utility corridors, and maintenance passages that predated modern surveillance systems. Both criminals were beginning to understand the scope of what Theo had arranged.

Maroni was practically bouncing with excitement. "Jesus, Theo, we could've been running smuggling operations through here for decades! Think of the fortune we missed out on."

"That's exactly the kind of vision that's going to make us unstoppable," Falcone agreed, his mind already making plans. "The Architect thought he was so smart, cornering us into Blackgate. But all he did was hand us the keys to an empire he doesn't even know exists. Hahahaha!!"

The clone guided them past abandoned equipment & pipelines, all covered in dust from years of disuse. The treatment facility's underground network was more extensive than either criminal had imagined—a forgotten maze beneath Blackgate's perimeter.

"Theo," Falcone said, "I want blueprints of every tunnel, every access point, every connection to the outside. When we're back in business—and we will be back by next week—this will become our private superhighway."

"Already one step ahead, Mr. Falcone," the clone replied. "The eastern exit connects directly to the old industrial district. From there, we've got storm drains linking to downtown, the docks, even City Hall's basement levels."

They reached a wider chamber where multiple passages converged—clearly a central hub for the facility's original operations. Emergency equipment lined the walls, all abandoned when the new systems came online.

"Fucking brilliant," Maroni said, surveying the space with growing excitement. "Underground command center, invisible to every surveillance system in the city. We could run operations right under the GCPD's nose."

The clone watched as both men were feeling the intoxicating rush of victory. They weren't just walking—they were practically bouncing.

"Sal's absolutely right," Falcone said, his voice carrying the magnetic confidence that had once commanded hundreds. "The Architect thinks he's been hunting us, but what if we flip the entire script? What if this becomes our killing ground?"

"How so?" Maroni asked.

"Simple," Falcone continued, "Everyone expects us to run scared, to disappear from gotham like common rats. But what if we do the opposite? What if we stay right here and turn this freak into the hunted?"

The clone led them toward the tunnel's eastern terminus, where the treatment facility's network connected to the industrial district's drainage system. Both criminals were now absorbed in planning, treating their escape as accomplished fact.

"First priority," Falcone said, his confidence now absolute, "we eliminate everyone who helped him map our operations. Then we recruit. Hell, we'll probably have a waiting list—half this city wants that shapeshifting psychopath dead."

"What about Batman?" Maroni asked, though he sounded more curious than concerned.

Falcone laughed—actually laughed. "Batman's a boy scout with daddy issues. The Architect's just another freak who got lucky against unprepared targets. But the Roman? The Roman has been killing freaks since before this city knew their names."

The clone checked Theo's watch—perfect timing. The eastern exit was less than a hundred yards ahead, where freedom awaited in the abandoned industrial area beyond.

"Almost there," the clone announced. "Once we reach the surface, you will be free men."

Both criminals quickened their pace, eager for freedom's taste. They had no idea they were walking directly into the web.

The eastern access point loomed ahead—a heavy maintenance door marked with faded warnings about the abandoned treatment facility. The clone worked Theo's key ring, finding the access card that would grant them passage to the surface.

"This is it," Falcone breathed, anticipation making his voice tight. "The moment we step through, Carmine Falcone is back in the game."

The electronic lock beeped softly, accepting Theo's credentials. Beyond lay a metal staircase leading up to ground level, where the industrial district's maze of abandoned buildings stretched into the night.

Maroni clapped the clone on the back with genuine warmth. "Theo, you actually pulled it off. You really got us out of that concrete box."

They climbed the metal stairs, emerging into the cool night air of Gotham's eastern industrial district. Abandoned warehouses stretched in every direction, their broken windows like dead eyes watching over empty streets.

"You know what's beautiful about this?" Falcone said, adjusting his hair like a king adjusting his crown. "That shapeshifting freak thinks massacring half the meeting would destroy us. Instead, he just cleared out our competition and handed us their territories on a silver platter."

"We should send him a thank-you card with flowers," Maroni laughed, the sound echoing triumphantly off empty buildings. "Docks, gambling dens, even the Bertinelli shipping routes—all ours for the taking now that their bosses are rotting in the ground."

Falcone spread his arms wide, embracing the night like a conquering hero. "Gentlemen, breathe deeply. That's the smell of resurrection, revenge, and revolution all rolled into one. Carmine Falcone isn't just back—he's been reborn."

"So where's our chariot?" Maroni asked with a grin, scanning the empty lot. "Time to ride off into our glorious future."

"Should be right here," Falcone said, his voice carrying absolute certainty. "Theo, you said our people would have the car waiting with engines running. Where are they?"

The clone stood silently for a moment, then smiled with Theo's rugged features. When it spoke, the voice carried a coldness that neither criminal had heard before.

"I'm afraid there's been a slight change of plans, gentlemen."

Notes : Dont mind the map in this chapter. I think i messed up the map somewhere.

Suggestion : The Daily Prophet : Hogwart's New Seer (This one is really good so far.)

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DC : Architect of Vengeance

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