Chapter 1: Strange Happenings
Bruce Wayne acknowledged his bat suit displayed in the corner. Bruce had waged battle against the crime that had infected Gotham for years, but never had he considered how great the costs. He thought he had nothing to lose, but he was very wrong.
Alfred, his butler and closet friend, had been missing for 3 days. There were signs of a struggle, but Wayne manor was clean of any foreign fingerprints. Alfred's footprints also stopped in one spot. It was as if he vanished into thin air. All of Wayne manor's private security cameras were wiped. "Where are you Al?", he asked aloud.
Bruce checked the computer monitor. The scan of all traffic and public surveillance was still unsuccessful in finding his friend. Bruce began to nod off, and eventually found himself in a deep sleep.
When he awoke, he was sitting against a cold damp building. He was in an alleyway. The alleyway he'd never forget. His parents lay dead on the sidewalk nearby. Their hands were reaching for each other, but were only just short of reach. Bruce sobbed, and continued to look at them longingly. He wished they could have helped and guided him in his youth. There were so many questions he would have asked his father. Suddenly, as if hearing his thoughts, Thomas Wayne twitched and turned his head towards Bruce. Bruce became terrified,but remained still. "Wake up.", Thomas whispered.
Bruce jolted upright to find himself back in his bat cave, but he wasn't alone. A man donning leather armor and a long beard stood behind the monitor. "I have something of yours.", the man exclaimed. At that he reached into his vest and threw a picture on Bruce's desk. Bruce, bewildered, flipped it over. Alfred was tied in what appeared to be a cellar. "How do you know about me? Where is he!?", Bruce yelled in anger. "There isn't much I don't know. My name is Ras Al Ghul. I'll give you back Alfred if you do what you're known for. You're the world's greatest detective, and I have someone I need found." Bruce was stunned and enraged all at once, but he managed to finally relax and reply, "I'm listening." Ras smiled. "Good. Grab your things. We have a jet awaiting our arrival. I'll tell you everything on the flight."