= =THE KNIGHT'S LAST TEMPTATION= =
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Dark Knight Trilogy or Batman or any related character. That belongs to Bob Kane, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. Batman is a creation of Bob Kane and Bill Finger. The Dark Knight Trilogy is a creation of Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer. This applies to all chapters.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello, everyone! English is not my native language, so my sincere apologies for possible errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Reviews (negatives and positives), suggestions and beta readers are very welcome. Hope you enjoy it.
FULL SUMMARY: Bruce, Miranda e Damian are back in Gotham City and will face new challenges and enemies. When betrayal, wounds from the past, power and hero activities are added to the mix, building a family can become a major complication. In this heartwrenching sequel to "Full Circle" discover how people who've lost touch with their own hearts must learn to love and trust the ones in their lives in order to embrace the joys of family life.
* Although he'd barely survived treachery and sworn to never think the best of anyone ever again, Bruce Wayne must fight to reclaim the love of the only woman who are still capable of touching his heart.
* Deep down, Miranda Tate thinks she's not worthy of Bruce's love and affection, so she keeps hiding herself behind a barrier of cynicism, believing she's indifferent as well as invulnerable.
* As the new Gotham's champion, Damian Blake is an impetuous young with some talent, but that is far from being the perfect fighting machine the city needs.
Prologue
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
People say Florence should be seen for the first time at night. And the sun had already set, the sky was bright and the air was cool and crisp by the time Alfred began to walk along the Arno, after enjoying a drink at his favorite cafe.
He had visited Dante's and Michelangelo's city a lot of times before, but he was still able to marvel at the beauties presented by the place that glistened the Renaissance spirit.
On the left, the Tuscan hills looked like to be born just across the river; on the right, at the old downtown, floodlights were illuminating the old gray stones.
He walked over to the famous Ponte Vecchio – with its old shops that seemed to be dangled in the graceful arc – and kept going towards the north, walking through the oldest part of the city until arriving at his hotel, which was situated somewhere between the Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore.
His thoughts were racing a million miles a second. He knew Batman had single-handedly saved the city by sacrificing himself. But could he be mistaken?
Did he see what he saw? Or was it just an illusion, fooling his eyes and tricking his mind?
Inside the hotel's lobby, a beautiful front desk clerk looked up from the reception desk to see him at the exact moment he crossed the main entrance.
"Mr. Pennyworth," she addressed him, smiling and cutting off his thoughts.
He stopped, turned and went to her.
"Yes?" he asked the elegant brunette.
"This was left for you," she said as handed him a manilla envelope.
"Thank you," he thanked her, a little bit surprised.
She simply nodded in return and he moved off toward the elevator.
As the empty elevator – except for his presence – was climbing, he opened the envelope without much hesitation. His eyes raced over the small paper sheet. He recognized the handwriting. His heart grew lighter still and he smiled as his eyes once more laid on the paper.
It was an invitation for a meeting.
TOMORROW. 09:30 AM. CHIESA DI SANTA CROCE(1). LATER, WE'RE GONNA CELEBRATE DAMIAN'S BIRTHDAY.
CI VEDIAMO DOMANI.(2)
B.
Reaching his room, Alfred suspected he would stay up that night with the thought of that note. They finally would meet again.
He is alive indeed!
After all the sacrifices Bruce had made lately to save his city, after all the battles he had had to fight against his enemies and inner demons, it seemed he had finally found peace.
San Cappano, Villa around Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Next morning, Bruce exited the bedroom to the sunny balcony.
So peaceful, so quiet, he concluded satisfied. Perfect.
He inhaled deeply the pleasant scent of bush. Before his eyes lay the lush mountainous countryside, vineyards and olive groves; the cypress trees seemed to be fingers pointing to the fully blue sky.
His bedroom – like all others – had a balcony, and was situated in front of the house – a 13th-century historical building in the shape of an 'U' – and had a view to an open patio.
Over there, at the wonderful villa Miranda had arranged for them, on the outskirts of Florence, he was feeling almost completely recovered from the severe experiences which he had gone through months ago. Thank God, he was beginning to breathe more easily now, without the looming fate of millions of people at his hands and the responsibility to stop the bloodshed laying squarely on his shoulders.
So much had happened in the last months that he did not know where to begin. Despite all the bad stuff that had happened, at least there was an asset – he discovered he had a son with his long lost love from his college years, who never told him anything about it. He had learned that Damian John Blake – the young thief who had stolen his fingerprints – was indeed his son who had been given up for adoption by Miranda, shortly after she had given birth to him. Though heartbroken to be apart from her baby boy, she had agreed that the child would be well off with an adoptive family and away from the League of Shadows' plans. The infant had been adopted by a couple of circus performers, who sadly had passed away a few years later, leaving the boy all by himself.
Somehow knowing that had made him more determined to succeed in his last battle to save Gotham and the people he cared about. And thanks to the Bat's autopilot and ejector device he had been able to remain alive and in one piece to see his son again.
That had been the turning point, when he had decided to get away from Gotham – at least for a while – partly to avoid facing his role as 'the city's favorite son', but more in an attempt to redefine himself and find new purpose and direction for his life. Especially now he had found out he was a father.
Excitement and anxiety was filling him at the prospect of celebrating his son's birthday for the first time.
Sixteen years.
He had missed out on the first years of Damian's life. He was no longer a child anymore. He was becoming an adult, a remarkable young man. His father's pride and joy.
The relationship between them happened kind of naturally. With each passing day, they were becoming closer and discovering they shared the same interests and ideas.
After filling up his lungs with fresh air, he smiled. Then he leaned over the iron rail and peered down the garden. Birds were singing on every corner. It seemed like a good sign. A presage of a good day. Seeing Alfred again was just icing on the cake.
Once he discovered he had a son, he knew he was the protective kind. The kind that would do anything on his power in order to ensure the kid's welfare. That meant he and Miranda had to put their differences aside if they intended to make that work. After all, both of them were looking out for their son's best interests instead of their own.
Miranda's betrayal had made him plumbing the depths of despair. She had been the first person Bruce had trusted with his heart since Rachel, and even then Bruce had come to realize he did not love Rachel the way a man should love a woman, he loved her because of the possible security she offered him. Miranda had changed Bruce's way of feeling and that was… frightening, even now.
Bruce cannot stop thinking about those blissful moments of passion he and Miranda had shared that day in Switzerland. However, things between them become awkward as she seemed to try to forget the whole thing, keeping herself away from him and using Damian as a shield and excuse. Now, they were barely speaking to each other, outside of the polite pleasantries that they exchanged at home in front of Damian.
If it not had been for the kid's insistence, she would never had offered a guest room in her manor. He was sure she had good intentions towards their son and she would never tear them apart, but he felt as though he were always walking on thin ice with her.
Nor he would be allowed to live a million years he would comprehend the mechanics of a woman's mind.
Given what Damian had told him and what Mme. Montolieu – the Tate Manor's governess – had let slip, Miranda's early life had not been easy as she had faced a trial after another. He could understand why she had done what she had. However, there was a part of him that was not able to fully trust her yet, although she seemed to be sincerely remorseful.
Always mind your surroundings.
Ducard's voice kept echoing through his mind, reminding him strongly of necessary to trust by distrusting.
Bruce shivered inwardly. How could she had done that to him? How could she had betrayed him like that? Shock, disbelief, pain, fear, and anger – Bruce had felt them all. And yet at the same time part of him could understand what might have motivated her.
He went back to his bedroom, headed over to the closet and got a robe out of it, making himself ready to start the day.
For even after everything he had endured, Bruce had faith in new beginnings.
The moment she woke that morning Miranda was overwhelmed by disappointment and frustration. The nightmare had come back. She had hoped the change of scene would help, but here she was, tense and trembling, because of the deep-laid guilt that was her constant shadow. But if that were the case she had to learn to live with it and get on with her life, or the guilt would destroy her.
As she tossed the linen aside and rose from her bed, she reached for her ivory silk robe to get ready for start the day. And today was a special one simply because it was Damian's birthday.
Her baby was turning sixteen.
Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she remembered this day sixteen years ago. It seemed it had been yesterday she had been blessed with the most precious gift. Her son.
Unfortunately, she had had to give him up for adoption in order to keep him safe and to have a chance to grow up in a real loving family.
For years she had suffered with the decisions she had made and had been convinced she would never be able to feel herself whole again.
But thanks to fate, there was one chance to go back to the point where everything had started. One chance to keep it together when things had fallen apart.
Before marching off to the bathroom, she looked out the window to see what kind of day she would have. The sparse clouds of the previous day had moved in promising to bring a clear blue sky. Maybe Miranda was looking for one sign to make her believe it was true – that she and her son were indeed under the same roof and they would get a day to celebrate his life.
Then she gave a sigh and turned her face up to the sun, revelling in the knowledge that at last she was free. Free from the past and free from those who wanted to manipulate her. She was still stinging from bad memories and suffering from nightmares related with the war waged against Gotham, but she would not sit back and let others cast her in the role of victim – neither of villain. She would rebuild her life, but on her own terms.
She went to the ensuite bathroom and jumped into the shower. Her troubles and thoughts were being smoothly washed away by the fresh water and fragrant soap.
Minutes later, she pulled on clean Capri pants with a short sleeve white lace shirt over the top. She wanted to be comfortable, so she dressed simply that morning. Quickly combing her dark chocolate hair into a ponytail, she glanced at herself in the mirror and grinned, satisfied with the result.
She did not want to look like a seductress or too fancy, neither as she was trying to lure Bruce. Things between them had become so confusing since the day he had come back from the dead. She was not hoping for that spark of passion so sooner, but the fire between them made their battles explode with a heat of uncontrollable force. However still, he never said that three special words. And she doubted he ever would. They had shared great sex but she suspected – no, she was sure – that love was not part of the equation.
So, why should she invest her time and energy in a man who was not capable of loving her?
They even had had a little chat about what had happened months ago and she had told him what he had demanded to know. However she was not looking for his pity or sympathy – perhaps just his understanding. Miranda knew nothing would excuse what she ultimately had done, or would justify why and how she had betrayed him. But she had wished he could try to walk in her shoes.
She was feeling happy but something about being near Bruce in such a close way and knowing they shared a son made her feel out of balance, like she had no control over the entire situation they were or over her own feelings.
She believed maybe it was best for them to part than to continue their dysfunctional relationship.
The bitterness of her past was best left buried beneath the new flesh she had grown over her old wounds. And besides she had Damian to think of now.
Why things between us need to be so complicated? She asked herself, as she exited her bedroom and wandered down to the kitchen to have breakfast.
When Damian's eyes opened he felt like his was still dreaming. He was not yet got used waking on a bed so comfortable.
He hauled himself out of bed and slightly pulled the curtains away from the balcony door, admiring the outside scenery. He did not know if it was because of his state of mind, but all the colours seemed a little brighter here on the villa. This was as close to perfect as it got.
So much had happened lately. It was still hard to believe that it all really had.
Gotham's siege had stripped most of his last bit of innocence away. He had lost so much. His closest friend Colin Wilkes was dead. He was like a brother to him. If he would be still alive, he probably would be there with him.
At least he had got revenge on Bane. Killing the masked mercenary had given him a pleasant feeling somewhere deep down in his soul, making his anger to soothe a bit. This thought would probably make his father shocked.
His father...
If someone had told him a year ago that he would end up reuniting again with his biological parents and they all would share some kind of vacation overseas, he would have said that person was completely nuts.
And there he was. At a wonderful place with his parents.
For years he had lived a life without ties, and although he had had wonderful and loving adoptive parents, since he had become orphaned again he had started to think about those who had given him life.
The only clues to his impressive heritage had been a golden necklace with a robin shaped pendant – a gift Bruce gave to Miranda that she had left with their child – and a hospital ID wristband – with his mother's surname.
It had been strange at first not to be on his own anymore. Of course he had his buddies but it was not the same thing. A mother and a father made all the difference in someone's life. And despite all the tribulations by which they had passed through, both of them seemed to be committed to his welfare.
He felt sure that whatever happened would give him a whole new view on life. It wasn't everyone who got the chance to start over with a clean sheet.
Damian's optimism took flight.
He realized that he liked his new life and had little desire to go back to Gotham. Even though his father had left to him an important legacy, he had made it clear that Damian would don the cape and cowl only in case of extreme necessity and just after proper training.
Unlike Bruce – when he had begun his nocturnal activities –, Damian did not see a city's brighter days ahead but instead considered himself the last line of defense.
He believed mankind needed heroes. But sometimes the legend of the hero was even more important than the hero himself. Even though that legend would resonate forever, last winter, the Gotham City protector's career – more or so – had come to an end.
Maybe, he was hoping for the best after all.
Anyway, his mother had other plans for him. She asked if he wished to go back to school and eventually attending college. He replied he had attended a distance school for gifted children till about two years ago, and would like to ponder his options before making any decision.
As a prodigy child, he probably would not have difficulties in being accepted into an Ivy League college.
For now, he would like to concentrate only on recovering the lost time with his parents. Today was his birthday and he could not imagine a better way to spend this day than in the company of people who loved him very much.
He changed his pajamas into casual clothes and trudged into the bathroom to begin his morning routine.
As he came down the stairs, Damian noticed a glorious, delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Guided by it, he ran into the kitchen where he found the hired italian chef.
"Something smells delicious," he stated.
"Buongiorno, signore Damian,(3)" said a cheerful Angelo.
"Hello, Angelo" he replied, loving the cosy atmosphere of the kitchen.
"Your mamma(4) and your papà(5) are waiting for you on the porch to have breakfast outside," the italian man informed him as he filled a tray with various foods. "Shall we?" he invited the kid to follow him.
Damian nodded and smiled slightly before heading toward the porch.
Life was never sweeter and the future never looked brighter.
(1) Basilica of the Holy Cross
(2) See you tomorrow.
(3) Good morning, Master Damian.
(4) Mom
(5) Dad