An Icy Beginning

by Arkham Master

Nearly two decades after seeing his parents killed, Bruce Wayne becomes the vigilante known as Batman to show the people of Gotham City that it doesn't belong to criminals. Meanwhile, a vengeful villain known as Mr. Freeze emerges to kidnap Bruce's old friend, Ferris Boyle for revenge as well as to save his dying wife. Will Batman save the day or will he be put on ice?

2. Chapter 2: The Prodigal Son Returns

Chapter 2: The Prodigal Son Returns

It's been nearly two decades since young Bruce Wayne witnessed the murder of his beloved parents. Now, Bruce was finally returning home to Gotham City after being away for nearly ten years. He had left Gotham for that long because he traveled all over the world learning various types of martial arts, as well discipline, honor, courage, and all sorts of training to become a great warrior. Before he left, crime and violence was worse than it had ever been in Gotham and he had finally decided it was time for someone other than the corrupt cops of the GCPD to do something. Bruce spent most of his time away in Nepal which is where he did most of his training. In present day Gotham, Bruce now a grown man got off of his plane and was anxious to reunite with his butler and surrogate father, Alfred. He made his way into the airport and by the Starbucks stand, he saw Alfred standing with a sign that said Bruce Wayne. Bruce walked over to Alfred as soon as he saw him. Alfred saw his master and his eyes began to tear up with happiness. "Hey, Alfred.", Bruce said with a smile on his face. "Oh, Master Bruce! I can't tell you how happy I am to see you again!", Alfred said. They both then shared a long and comforting hug. Once they unhugged, Alfred said to Bruce, "Let's get you home, sir.". Within 20 minutes later, Alfred was driving Bruce home to Wayne Manor, but was taking a nice long drive through the city as a little detour. "I hope you don't mind a short drive through the city, sir. I just thought you might like to see it again before we get to the manor.", he said. "I don't mind at all. I see not much has changed here.", Bruce said. "Indeed. Gotham is still ripe with crime and corruption and most people seem to be too afraid to do something about it.", said Alfred. "That's the main reason why I came back.", Bruce said. "What do you mean, sir?", Alfred asked sounding confused. "Alfred, I came back to Gotham to show the people of this city that it's time for change. It's time to show the scum that the city does not belong to them. Nobody has faith in the GCPD anymore since most of the cops in there are corrupt themselves. And if nobody else is willing to take a stand, then I will.", he said. Alfred remained silent for quite a while before Bruce spoke again. "And I'm going to need your help, Alfred.", he said. "You can count on me every step of the way, sir. But I don't know exactly what kind of fighting you learned while you were away, but if you honestly are planning on taking on Gotham's villainous contingent, I just pray it will seriously end up paying off.", Alfred said. "Well, I'm not going to do it as me. I need to be something that criminals will be afraid of. Something that they believe is not a man or is capable of doing things no ordinary man can do.", Bruce explained. "I see. Now I will support you every step of the way, sir. I just worry about you regardless.", he said. "I know. But you don't have to worry about me. I truly believe that I can make a difference in Gotham. It's about time that the city goes back to the days when it was a safe and happy place like my father longed for it to be.", Bruce said. "But to do this, I will need equipment, a car, and most importantly, a suit. Do you think you can get me in touch with my old friend, Lucius Fox from the advanced technology department of Wayne Enterprises?", he asked. "You don't need to ask me, sir. It's your company after all. You can get in touch with whoever you like yourself.", Alfred said. Bruce slightly chuckled once he remembered that. "That's true.", he said. "But I do highly doubt we have enough room in the manor to store all kinds of high-tech equipment for this escapade of yours.", Alfred said. "I wasn't thinking of setting up shop in the manor. I was thinking more that old cave that I fell into when I was a kid.", Bruce said. "You mean where all those bats attacked you?", Alfred asked. "Yes. I really feel that's the perfect place for my private work.", he said. They were almost home when Alfred quietly said to himself, "Oh dear. I just pray you will be alright, sir and that this will not lead to your death.".