The Darkest Knight » Places

         A short while later...

Batman was packed up and ready to head out of the cave, it was only 9:30pm but the sun was well set, and the criminal element would be swarming already. It was a good time to pick up intelligence, survey any noteworthy criminals on the ladder. After setting everything up in the batmobile, Dick checked over everything else he would need to carry in the suit. A few moments later the engine was fired up, and as the batmobile sped through the tunnels it left a fiery trail behind it. The first objective was to go through the Narrows, the section of Gotham that people and cops feared worst. Tonight Batman flew solo, there was other work to be had for Damian. Tim was also busy tonight in Bludhaven, even in the heat of this war Bludhaven needed protecting. More specifically it needed to be protected from the incoming criminals looking to lay low from Gotham.

There were little clues to be had on the heavy hitters in Gotham, they were obviously well hidden and biding their time. Making sure whatever they were planning came to fruition. Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, the lot of Gotham's rogue gallery was on the loose. Rumors were circulating that the Joker was looking to lay siege to Arkham and claim the territory for himself. Penguin and Two-Face still had an unfinished war. All of them were still active and doing business as usual, paying no mind to the small rumors that the Bat was back. Batman hadn't made any introductions to them yet, he was biding his time too. With the business of Jason Todd aside, it was time to focus on striking decisively at the heart of criminality in Gotham. The best way to do that again, was the same as the first. Fear.

         Sometimes when I wake up, it's still hard to believe he's gone. Bruce always seemed beyond death, like he could stay ten steps ahead of it forever. Almost my whole life has been devoted to the cause he believed in, despite us never seeing quite eye to eye on how to believe in it. I never wanted to become Batman, more specifically I never wanted to become Bruce Wayne. I never wanted to believe so coldly in the world the way he did, always suspicious of everyone. But people forget that Bruce never chose to be that way, the world made him that way. The same as it's made me. In the end I suppose I was foolish to think I would never become the Batman. My destiny was chosen for me the night Bruce watched that monster slay my parents. The night I watched my parents die. It was a bond made in tragedy, which lead to the burning desire for justice. But with Bruce that would sometimes become confused for vengeance. I know for myself what that feels like, I fought the pangs of revenge the night I confronted my parents murderer. I think Bruce had a harder time shaking those demons.

As I lay in bed under the protective roof of Wayne Manor, I can't help but feel Bruce's presence still among me. Like his spirit has been etched into the walls, the very fabric of the structure. In a way it gives me strength, but in a way it makes me feel just a little uneasy. I've never questioned my capabilities or my judgment before, and Bruce always valued my views above all others. But with him gone it seems like a confirmation in my mind that I'll never get, he was always there to objectively look at what I wanted to do. He was always there to lend his advice, to confirm my strength for me, but now he can't. I always thought I had a firm grasp on Bruce's world, that I understood it better than anyone else. I can't imagine I'd overlook the fact that with the title of Batman, comes the weight of the world. No wonder Clark was scared of him.