Chapter 37: I'm Proud of You
The Batmobile sped through the streets of Gotham, towards Wayne Manor. Harley watched Bruce's face, set with a grim determination, as he maneuvered the vehicle through the cramped streets of the city. The pair had just stopped a simple mugging when the Batmobile alerted them that the alarm at the manor had been switched on, which was not good at all. Without saying a word the two leaped back into the vehicle and sped off towards home.
Still taking the precautions as the Dark Knight is known for, Bruce parked the Batmobile off to the side of the manor, obscured by trees and bushes. Bruce and Harley rushed to the front entrance and was greeted by the door being left opened. Their faces fell and their blood went cold as they slowly and carefully entered the manor.
They were instantly met with the bloodied mess that was Alfred, who had dragged himself to the side of the wall and had pressed the alarm button that was placed underneath the nearby table. The manor was full of such hidden alarm switches. His chest rose and descended infrequently. Alfred painfully turned his head to see them through glassed-over eyes, but said nothing.
"Oh my god! Alfie!" Harley screamed, trying to choke back tears as she rushed to the butler's side and cradled his head.
"I'm-I'm sorry Mrs. Wayne." Alfred said, struggling to just get that simple sentence out of him, "I was careless..."
"Yes this is Bruce Wayne. My mansion has been broken into and my butler has been severely injured. Please send help!" Bruce said into the phone he had quickly picked up to alert the authorities. Once he hung up, he instantly slipped back into his Batman demeanor, "Hang on Alfred. Help is on the way."
"The kids..."Alfred stuttered, coughing, " He took them."
"What!? My babies!?" Harley screamed, on the verge of hysterics.
"Who took them Alfred!" Bruce asked, getting down on one knee to be beside his trusted friend.
"Joker..." Alfred answered, his voice starting to falter. Harley's eyes grew wide and she couldn't help but to sob. She knew what the clown was capable of, and if he was doing to her children even what half of the torture he put her through...she just couldn't imagine it. She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the dark thoughts.
"You have to get them back Master Bruce." Alfred demanded, shakingly reaching up and clasping Bruce's hand in his own, "Don't let that madman hurt my family. Don't...Don't let him take away your happiness that both you and Miss Quinn have fought and struggled so hard to obtain."
"I-I won't let him take our family Alfred." Bruce replied, choking up a bit.
"You have finally found happiness. Finally found a reason beyond vengeance to continue living. Your mother and father would be so proud of you Master Bruce. As am I. I'm proud of the man you have become, and I'm proud it was Harley who made you into this man. I can die happy...knowing you two have each other and have saved one another. Remember to always save one another," Alfred continued, looking at both Bruce and Harley, " and save Abigal and Thomas. D-Don't give up because of me."
"Alfie?"Harley asked softly, noticing that he was closing his eyes. He let out one long breath, and became still. Alfred's hand slowly fell from Bruce's own and dropped to the floor. Harley screamed as tears ran down her face. Police and ambulance sirens could be heard in the distance, but they arrived much too late. Bruce dropped to all fours, tears falling onto his butler's still face.