Chapter 795 "Heading To Gotham"
Leaving a generous sum of money behind as compensation, Jerry bid farewell to the pet shop, his mind already set on the journey ahead.
Following the tumultuous Beau-line incident, Jerry found a semblance of restoration in his magical capabilities.
Advanced spells like Apparition were once again within his grasp, albeit with certain limitations. His teleportation range extended no further than a hundred meters, constrained by the lingering constraints of his depleted magical reservoir.
The purpose behind his visit to the pet shop lay twofold: firstly, the creation of the bell universe afforded him the opportunity to adopt the feline family, providing them with a sanctuary within his enchanted domain.
Secondly, Jerry's departure from Salt Lake City was imminent, with his sights set on the shadows of Gotham City.
Salt Lake City, devoid of corporate titans beyond the Hedare Beauty group, offered little in the way of opportunities for Jerry's rapid convalescence.
Moreover, its sterling public safety record rendered it unsuitable for the clandestine activities necessary to reclaim his lost strength.
Navigating the urban sprawl with feline agility, Jerry swiftly returned to Catwoman's rented abode. Yet, upon reaching the window of her apartment, a mischievous grin crept across his features.
"It seems you've found yourself quite occupied, even in broad daylight!" Jerry chuckled to himself, his amusement evident.
Indeed, within the confines of the apartment, Catwoman and her police officer paramour, Tom, were engaged in a heated bout of passion, their ardor echoing through the walls with fervent intensity.
Despite their brief acquaintance spanning less than a week and their intermittent togetherness, Americans tend to adopt a more laissez-faire approach to relationships.
Such liaisons are often characterized by their casual nature, igniting when passion strikes and extinguishing just as swiftly when interest wanes.
Even Catwoman, previously more conservative in her romantic endeavors before her resurrection, had navigated multiple relationships—from schoolyard crushes to workplace dalliances.
In contrast, Jerry harbored a preference for the British disposition, finding solace in the more conservative norms of British culture.
Compared to their American counterparts, Britons tended to uphold traditional values, fostering a deeper appreciation of Jerry.
His fondness for Hermione, rooted in her alignment with his values, reflected this sentiment.
For a relationship to endure, shared values stand as the cornerstone. While neither conservatism nor openness is inherently superior, a fundamental disparity in values can spell the demise of a partnership.
To an open-minded individual, casual displays of affection and spontaneous revelry may seem commonplace, yet to their conservative counterpart, such behavior may prove intolerable.
Speaking of Hermione, the primary soul currently basks in the holiday sun alongside her in Hawaii.
With the Harry Potter universe seamlessly integrated into the ring universe, Jerry enjoys unrestricted access, capable of traversing between realms and bringing Hermione along at will.
With the Phoenix Force fully harnessed and the Ring World expanding under divine guidance, Jerry found himself liberated from pressing responsibilities.
Channeling the bulk of his energies into nurturing the main soul, he allocated the residual power towards fostering bonds with his loved ones.
Navigating between the DC and Marvel realms demanded equitable time allocation.
Just as two years elapsed in the DC world, Hermione would graduate into adulthood, paving the way for Jerry to pursue a fulfilling future alongside her.
Perched atop the rooftop for a half-hour vigil, Jerry observed Tom's departure from the apartment before discreetly reentering through the window.
"If you're available this afternoon, could you escort me to Gotham?" he inquired.
"Certainly. Let me gather my belongings; I've bid farewell to my friends already," Catwoman replied, swiftly springing from the bed. In a flurry of activity, she adorned herself in the scattered garments strewn across the room, hastening to pack her essentials for their impending journey.
Catwoman's candid admission took Jerry aback, "Are you really leaving? I thought you and Tom got along quite well," he remarked.
While Tom Ronnie embodied the virtues of an exemplary policeman, his ignorance of Catwoman's true identity spared her the burden of exposure.
Catwoman paused momentarily, her expression thoughtful, before resuming her task of packing her belongings. "Tom is a wonderful man, and I value our time together. However, our paths diverge. He is dedicated to upholding the law, while I embrace the freedom of being Catwoman. Gotham beckons to me; it's where I belong."
Indeed, Catwoman's transformation under the influence of the Egyptian cat Goddess rendered her incompatible with the life of a policeman's partner.
Her nightly escapades as a thief clashed with Tom's commitment to law enforcement.
As the plane descended towards Gotham Airport, the announcement served as a tangible reminder of Catwoman's imminent return to her familiar territory.
With a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius awaiting them, the journey's end marked the beginning of a new chapter in Catwoman's adventures.
As the evening descended and the plane touched down, Catwoman eagerly scooped up the cage containing Jerry, disembarking with palpable excitement.
"Jerry, I can't quite explain it, but there's something about this city that feels extraordinary," she remarked with fervor.
"Gotham has that effect on many," Jerry responded wryly. "It's a city of simplicity and honesty, hidden beneath its rough exterior."
With a deft flick of his tail, Jerry unlatched the cat cage and gracefully leaped out.
Transporting cats on flights required meticulous preparation and adherence to stringent regulations, hence the necessity of the sturdy, compliant cage and accompanying documentation.
Initially considering casting an invisibility spell to evade notice until their arrival, Jerry ultimately opted for a transformation spell, conjuring the requisite cage and documents to circumvent unnecessary complications.
"Welcome to Gotham!" Jerry declared, eyeing the signage within the airport before guiding Catwoman toward their next destination.
Navigating through the bustling airport, they made their way to the opulent Gotham Royal Hotel, a sanctuary of luxury amidst the urban sprawl.
Catwoman's coffers overflowed from her exploits targeting the morally bankrupt elite, while Jerry's adept use of the Transfiguration spell ensured their financial security.
"I must say, perhaps next time you change outfits, you could consider carrying me along," Jerry quipped, eliciting a chuckle from Catwoman as they embarked on their Gotham adventure.
Jerry observed Catwoman eagerly don her signature black battle suit and retrieve her trusty whip after refreshing herself with a shower in the hotel.
Unable to suppress his concern, he felt compelled to offer her a gentle reminder.
However, Catwoman's response to his caution was unexpected:
"But Jerry, even though you can talk now, you're still just a cat."
In response, Jerry pondered for a moment, contemplating how to convey his message effectively. He decided to draw an analogy, invoking the tale of "The Frog Prince."
"To you, I may appear as a cat now, but soon, I will regain my human form. Do you recall the tale of 'The Frog Prince'?" Jerry queried, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
His intention was to convey that his feline guise was but a temporary state, much like the frog in the classic story was ultimately a prince trapped in amphibian form.
However, before Jerry could further elucidate his point, Catwoman's eyes sparkled with an idea.
"So, if I were to kiss you, you'd transform back into a human! I can assist you with that!" she exclaimed eagerly, lunging towards Jerry.
Anticipating her impulsive gesture, Jerry swiftly evaded her advance, darting towards the window.
"Never mind, it's futile to explain," he muttered resignedly. "If you're not inclined to understand, then let it be. At any rate, I've offered my warning. Until tomorrow, then."
With a shake of his head, Jerry leaped into the darkness, disappearing in a flurry of movement.
Undeterred, Catwoman followed suit, leaping out of the window with her whip in hand, setting her sights on the affluent estates scattered throughout Gotham.
As night descended upon Gotham, Jerry and Catwoman embarked on their respective nocturnal activities, each driven by their unique motivations and goals.
Catwoman, fueled by her desire to redistribute wealth and revel in the thrill of theft, set her sights on the affluent, intending to steal from the rich and aid the impoverished.
Meanwhile, Jerry, imbued with a sense of justice and duty, sought to confront the city's true criminals, determined to earn little red stars to replenish his magical reserves.
Thus, under the cover of darkness, the unlikely duo commenced their inaugural foray into Gotham, the notorious city of sin.