The mannequins had all been neatly dressed for the occasion. The male shaped ones were rocking white beards and little red hats. The female shaped ones wore long red skirts covered in white wool. It was the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas. The mall was crowded, everyone was doing their Christmas shopping, trying to pick out the right gift for the right person. Red and white lights illuminated the pillars that were supporting the structure and a catchy tune was ringing through the hallways. Victor remembered how he and his dad used to do their Christmas shopping right here in this very mall. A few years ago, obviously, but the mall hadn't changed a bit. The small dents on the wall that Victor remembered being there hadn't been repaired either. A lazy work ethic or perhaps just not enough funds.

"Excuse me, sir? Sir? We're raising money for the Pinkney Orphanage, would you care to make a contribution?"

Had he been asked this question a few weeks ago, Victor would've said yes, but this Christmas hadn't been kind to him. He lost his job due to budget cuts at Gothcorp, Ferris Boyle had told him personally that he regretted the decision and that he hoped Victor would find a new job soon, that hadn't been the case, however. Victor had trouble paying rent and had applied quite a few times to various tech companies, all without success.

"No, I'm sorry." He answered and started looking around again. It was noteworthy that even the local criminals knew this was a time of peace. The Gotham Gazette didn't have a lot to report on, mob bosses were spending time with their family, their friends, this wasn't the time to make a mess of Gotham, not today.

He reached the grand sliding doors and stepped through them. "We hope to see you again." A security guard happily told him. The sky had turned dark, night was upon Gotham. Streets were still crowded, laughs and smiles filled the usual quiet alleys. His phone began to ring and Victor opened a new e-mail he had gotten.

"Mr. Fries,

We at Wayne tech have looked over your application and are happy to report that we would like to meet face-to-face. A man of your caliber shouldn't have to spend Christmas time unemployed and your experience and past employers made us excited to work with you.

We'd like to host the interview at 10 AM, tomorrow. You are too enter the tower at 1939 Kane street and let the receptionist know you've arrived. We understand that with the holidays well in their way you may not be able to attend at the requested time, in that case, do please let us know.

Regards,

Lucius Fox."

His face lit up, perhaps there was hope after all. Victor had been eager to get back to work and to do some actual science again. He put his phone away and reached his apartment building. His apartment wasn't big or beautiful, but it was enough. He had access to gas, electricity, water and most importantly, it kept him warm enough to survive the cold snow.

He took off his coat and started reading the newspaper that had just been dropped on his doormat.

"Mysterious vigilante saves couple after robbery"

So much for the most wonderful time of the year, Victor thought to himself.

"Written by Vicky Vale,

Gotham residents Aaron Black and his wife Christina Black fell victim yesterday to a horrible robbery. The criminal, reported to be a Caucasian man in his 30's was carrying a gun and threatened the couple for money. The next thing they remember, a huge smoke cloud took over and the crook was nowhere to be seen. The only evidence left was a bat shaped projectile stuck on the floor. 'Who could do this? It all happened so fast, whoever it is out there, we just want to say thank you.' Aaron Black spoke. Reports of this so called 'Batman' have been increasing as of late and the Gotham Gazette will do her best to keep you up to date. For more information visit our website at ."

Vicky Vale, Victor had met her once. His university was hosting a science fair and a young, inexperienced and most of all nervous reporter came stumbling in. He had heard later that it was her first real job. She looked the part too, not quite sure how to adjust herself to such an unfamiliar setting. Vicky grew up to be a though journalist, even having a friendly rivalry between herself and radio host Jack Ryder. The two made no secret that they were each other's competition. He had talked to her too. Victor had made what he liked to call a 'reverse-volcano'. Instead of spitting lava and heat, this specific volcano erupted with blue liquid and cold. It was what started his interest in various cryo developments and while now it didn't seem like much, he was incredibly proud of it at the time.

He dropped the newspaper and decided to call it a day. He had an interview to look forward to and perhaps even a new job at the cryo development team over at Wayne tech.

While in bed, he thought about what the future would bring. Would he ace the interview and launch a successful career? Would he flop, be the laughing stock of all of Gotham City's intellect and would he end up homeless?

The rest he had received was somewhat uneasy with a magnitude of thoughts occupying his mind. He looked in the mirror, shaved, and took a cold shower to wake himself up. He was ready for this, ready to get to work again. He grabbed his finest clothes and wore his black leather shoes. The route to Wayne Tower was familiar to him. Victor remembered the many times he had to visit the tower as part of his university work. Snow had made the usual black tower completely white, with more snow approaching. Wayne Tower hadn't fell short of Christmas decorations either, two large trees to either side of the entrance were wrapped up in Christmas lights. Once inside, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the huge hall he had found himself in. Employees were walking around, busy in conversation or relaxing on some sofas. In front of him, a small desk was stationed with a woman typing away on a computer.

"Name?" She asked.

"Fries,- Victor,- Victor Fries."He stuttered. "I'm here to see mister Fox?"

The lady turned her chair around and tilted her head down, exposing her eyes behind the glasses. She made a sound that sounded like a 'meh' and started typing away again. "Wait here, Lucius will see you shortly."

Victor moved over to a white empty couch and sat down, now he finally had the time to fully examine the hall. TV monitors were covering the walls, showing the news, statistics, the stock market. Occasionally, a special screen would show new research being done at Wayne Enterprises. A large fireplace occupied another wall, no doubt to serve as decoration.

An elevator opposite of him opened his doors and a man with glasses and grey hair arrived. He looked over at Victor and shook his hand. "Lucius Fox, mister Fries it is an absolute pleasure to meet you. We were very enthusiastic to have received your application. Your work at Gothcorp truly speaks for itself. Let us go to my office to further discuss your application, top floor." Lucius spoke, a sense of pride in his voice.