Welcome To Gotham
Gotham City looks beautiful in winter, sleek white snow covers the street and glistens on the modern day architecture. The mood is happy, yet frantic. People losing their minds over a day that is over before it ever begins, spending hard earned money on gifts that 6 months from now will be out dated and "old" in some strange sense.
The streets have been the safest they've ever been, the odd ruffling of feathers from up and coming gangs but Jim and the GCPD have nipped that in the bud at every opportunity. So where have I been? Why hasn't Batman appeared and stopped any of this? Well, the simple answer is…he hasn't been needed. What has that meant for me? I've finally been able to focus on Wayne Enterprise, steering the company into the modern age, enhancing on what my father, Thomas Wayne worked so hard to build. It's been 5 years since the Batman last appeared, the media crave for his next appearance but the people of Gotham are content without him.
"Master Bruce, I think you should come and see this"
Alfred, dear old Alfred. Since Batman has stopped he's been more and more at ease everyday. He knew I had to do what I did, but for years he's been my guardian and helped me when I needed it the most. It's been hard letting the Batman go for so long, but it's the least I can do for him.
"Whats wrong Alfred?"
"I think sir, you have been summoned" the sky is glistening with stars but in the distance a familiar glow, my calling. It's been years since I've seen my symbol in the sky. Memories and adrenaline fill my blood. But why now?
"Shall I fetch the suit sir?"
"No it's okay Alfred I'll go, lets just hope it still fits"
The cave feels damp and dingy, covers over everything, hidden. I can see the suit in the corner of the room, it still has its familiar shine. The case hisses and the door slowly slides open. It feels heavier than I remember, but it has been 5 years. Surprisingly I slip into it with ease, thought I had gotten fatter but I guess not. The belt is still fully stocked. Batarangs, smoke pellets, taser, line launcher and tranquilliser gun. It doesn't clip like it used to, I knew I'd put on a few pounds.
It still takes me breath away how beautiful the city looks at this time of year, everything seems calm, the way things should be. The light gets closer, I'm starting to get gassed already. I wonder what he could want? Why now? If he wanted a catch up he knows where I am.
The light is above me, but where is he? A small orange flicker catches my eyes and there he is, Commissioner James Gordon. 5 years later and he still looks how I remember, it's a shame he's taken up smoking again.
"I thought you quit?"
"Old habits die hard, how have you been?"
"Good, But we both know I'm not here for a catch up" Jim draws the last bit of life from his cigarette before flicking it off the roof. I still cant wrap my head around why I'm up here with him.
"The media is gonna have a field day with the light back in the sky but, I had to tell you this face to face. Bats, Bruce…I'm done. As of next week I retire. This is a young man's game now, my sorry old ass can't keep up with this new generation."
"Who's taking over?"
"Michael Akins, I've been training him for a while now. A good kid, smart like Barbra. I hope you don't mind but I've given him some Intel on you and the light, just incase you ever feel like re-appearing for good."
"Jim, you know I'm done, Gotham doesn't need Batman anymore. It's had you protecting it for the last 5 years and look how it is. The kid won't need me"
"I know, I know. You're a good safety net to have Bruce, It puts people at ease." Just as Jim finishes his sentence and spark of light flickers from behind him, and then a roar of fire fills the winter sky. The sound that follows is indescribable but it fills the city. We both run to the edge of the roof as officers meet us at the top. Jim looks at me, a familiar fear and dread comes over his eyes.
"Batman, that came from Arkham. This can't be happening"
"Jim get every officer you can over there. Nobody escapes"