Batman

by Cognosco

Thomas Elliot returns to Gotham after the death of his Father nearly 20 years earlier, meeting again with his childhood friend. Little does Tommy know that Bruce has enough to keep him busy-including The Royal Flush Gang, the mistrust of the GCPD and the new gangster on the street known only as "Hush".

"I'm so sorry, Thomas."

Doctor Thomas Wayne held Thomas "Tommy" Elliot, trying to comfort him. Tommy maintained the determined and tough look, staring straight ahead. His steely blue eyes were like the cracking walls of a dam, determined to not break but unable to forget the destruction threatening to seep through. Tommy suddenly broke, crying onto Thomas' shoulder. The Doctor looked over to his son Bruce, mouthing for him to leave. Bruce hurried out the door, casting one final worried look at his friend.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized again, "I could only save your mother. Your father was already too broken."

Tommy frantically asked, "What?!"

Thomas looked at the boy, puzzled. Before he could ask what was wrong, Tommy was backing away. There was a panicked look in his eyes, like he had seen a ghost. Suddenly, he turned on his heel and sprinted out the door, slamming through it. Bruce Wayne was waiting outside the door and tried to grab Tommy to ask what was wrong, but the older boy just pushed Bruce out of the way and continued running. The family butler, Alfred, simply watched the boy as he slammed through the front doors of Wayne Manor and began running into the night, shaking his head with disappointment. Thomas began chasing after him, but returned only minutes later with a tired demeanor.

Bruce was eager to ask his Father about Tommy.

"Did you catch him?"

"No."

"What was wrong?"

"I've not a clue, but the police have already been contacted."

"Is Mrs. Elliot okay?"

"She'll recover, yes," he patted his son on the shoulder, "Get some sleep, Bruce. We can talk more about this tomorrow."

Bruce's shoulders slumped with disappointment, and he blew a piece of raven black hair out of his eyes. Bruce ran up to his room, hoping that the night would go quickly so he could learn more about what was wrong with his friend the next day. Alfred followed Bruce to his room, tucking him in and then returning to Thomas and Martha Wayne.

"I do tell you, sir," Alfred expressed, "something about that boy always did trouble me. The way he talked to Master Bruce about 'battle strategies' and such.."

"Tommy's parents weren't exactly the best of people, Alfred. I wouldn't worry about him, the police will find him," Thomas replied.

Alfred cast one more concerned look at Thomas before retiring to his room.