Paris France: June 4th, 2013
Bruce was reclining in his chair in Paris, a grim smile on his face. On the tv, every talk show host was debating the merits and the horrors that have arisen because of two costumed "hero's". The occupation and near destruction of Gotham, the destruction in Metropolis, the existence of a person so powerful he could fly, destroy buildings by clapping his hands, and was apparently not even of this world.
Luckily, his computer virus had acted quickly, erasing all mentions of Bruce Wayne to the Batman. Even though he was considered dead, he had substantial money put aside in various accounts under various identities. Pausing the tv on an image of Superman, he gazed thoughtfully at the screen. The man looked human enough, but was the most powerful individual he had ever seen. Browsing through web forums, social media and news reports, Bruce tried to form an opinion of this "man of steel" that was as accurate as possible.
Rising from the chair, he began his morning workout, testing his rehabilitated knees. The expense of the surgery was phenomenal, but he was now in the best shape of his life, requiring no braces or assistance in moving.
His cell phone rang and with a smile, he answered it. "Hello Selena." "Bruce, we need to talk" she replied. Her voice was strained, not like her at all. "Go ahead, what's wrong?" questioned Bruce.
"Are you still in Paris?" she asked. "Of course, I told you I would contact you before I left. Selena, what's going on?"
"Its..its Batman Bruce. He was on the news last night fighting a mutated lizard creature. He put the creature in intensive care."
Bruce sat down, the phone held limply in his hand. Shock, then anger coursed through his veins. Only one person would have been brazen enough to wear the costume and take the name. Only one person who had the ability to do so. Blake. The rookie cop who wanted to make a difference.
"Bruce? Bruce!" Selena shouted. "Are you there?"
"Yes, I am returning to Gotham. As Bruce Wayne."
"But how, Bruce Wayne is dead" Selena proclaimed.
"Even the dead can get a clean slate" Bruce replied, hanging up the phone.
He would need help with this one. Too many people knew he was Batman in Gotham. His virus kept online and media clean of this information, but Commissioner Gordon knew, as did probably a few of his closest friends.
Pausing, he looked at his phone, then dialed a number. "Zatana, I need a favor" Bruce spoke.