THE BATCAVE

Bruce has returned to Wayne Manor, but he is found in the Batcave. He has taken the vial of vampire blood from his desk and is over at his forensic lab. Bruce is looking through his microscope. Through the lens, you can see blood cells that are infected by an unknown organism.

Bruce looks up from the microscope and says to himself, "Whatever this organism is, it seems to have spread throughout the victim's bloodstream and killing everything in its path, thus transforming the victim into a whole new being: a vampire".

On the main computer screen, the image of Barbara Gordon is seen. She speaks to Bruce, "Hey, Bruce, how was last night"?

Bruce says, "I did what you suggested, Oracle. I went out and had fun. Now, I can get back to work".

Oracle nods and says, "I see. Well, I did go through all the data you gave me, the other night". Bruce asks, "And"?

Oracle says, "I can't argue with you, on this. These books are definitely for real".

Bruce says, "I'm glad to hear it, Oracle. Now, I'm here working on this vampire blood sample".

Oracle asks, "Where'd you get it? I doubt you got it from you-know-who".

Bruce says, "It's from one of Dracula's vampire women at Arkham".

Oracle asks, "Do you think he'll be making more vampires"?

Bruce answers, "So far, it's unlikely. Before the massacre at Arkham, I ran into him in Gotham. He said he wanted me to witness the kind of cruelty he would inflict on the criminal underworld".

Oracle asks, "So, what? Is he interested in taking your job"?

Bruce says, "No, he's just doing it for the pleasure. It doesn't make any sense. He was once a remarkable man; a generous ruler and a fierce protector of his people. When the Ottoman Empire invaded Wallachia, Dracula protected his people, no matter the cost".

Oracle says, "But don't forget, Bruce. Vlad the Impaler also impaled his own people".

"Yeah, he did, but they were probably murderers, rapists or thieves. That's probably why he impaled them", Bruce replies.

Oracle answers, "In case he hasn't noticed, this is not the fifteenth century and we're not in Wallachia. His brand of justice does not apply to 21st century Gotham".

Bruce looks over at the Batcomputer and says, "As I said before, Oracle: He just doesn't give a shit".

Oracle asks, "How long have you analyzed that blood"?

Bruce answers, "For the last six hours".

Oracle asks, "What do you think you can do with it"?

Bruce shakes his head and gives Oracle his most honest answer, "I'm hoping to fully analyze the blood and then try to synthesize a cure. Vampirism infects the blood, like a disease, so therefore, there's a chance that it can be cured".

GCPD HEADQUARTERS

Back at Police Headquarters, Commissioner Gordon has returned to work, after some much needed rest back at his home. He goes into his office and is followed by Chief Ramirez and Dr. Casper.

"Alright, you two had better give me a sit-rep on where we're at on this case", Gordon says.

"Honestly, Jim, we have nothing to report. Since the Arkham killings, dispatch has not had a single 911 call. No crime to report on the streets. It's like every criminal in Gotham is beyond scared shitless", Ramirez says.

Gordon turns his attention to Dr. Casper and asks, "What have we got, doctor"?

Dr. Casper simply shakes her head and says, "Jim, I'm still trying to wrap my head around what you and Miguel told me the other night; about what you two saw in Arkham…but from the evidence I've seen on all the victims, there's no doubt that you guys are right about this shit. Plus, the morgue has exceeded its occupancy, thanks to these killings".

Gordon looks both his partners in the eye and says, "Now, remember what I said, you two. We keep this between us. You don't tell anyone else. Is that clear"?

Ramirez and Dr. Casper shake their heads in response and they leave the office.

THE BATCAVE

Back at the Batcave, we find Bruce, continuing his attempts to put together an anti-virus from the vampire blood sample. Bruce looks through the microscope. At the same time, he takes a syringe, filled with a dark blue liquid and shoots it into the blood sample on the tray. Obviously in the time he has had, Bruce has synthesized a possible vampire anti-body. Bruce observes. Through the microscope, he can see the blue liquid has now taken over the tainted blood cells. They appear to be cured. Bruce has a look of relief. Perhaps he's found the cure.

Bruce says, "It works".

Through the microscope, the supposedly cured blood cells remain intact. Perhaps Bruce spoke too soon, for as he continue to look through the microscope, he witnesses the cells returning to their infected state, but three times worse than what they were before. Bruce is furious by his failed attempt.

Bruce shouts, "Goddamn! Son of a bitch"!

Bruce knocks the microscope to the floor in an angry tantrum. Then, Bruce falls back to his chair and cools his jets.

"That was the twentieth attempt to find an antidote", Bruce says.

Then, he grabs the vial, containing the vampire blood he had taken. He looks at it very carefully. Then he speaks, "It's hopeless".

Bruce continuously stares upon the vial of vampire blood. There is a look of wonder on Bruce's face. If he's thinking what we're thinking he's thinking, then he's as good as fucked. It would spell disaster for not only Batman, himself, but all of Gotham City. Suddenly, Bruce pops the top of the vial and brings it up to his mouth. One sip of that tainted blood and it is "Adios, muchacho", for the Caped Crusader. But with every ounce of willpower, Bruce doesn't drink the blood. Slowly, but surely, Bruce pulls away the vial of blood from his mouth. Not a single drop of vampire blood was taken. Bruce just looks at the damned vial-thing and suddenly, he throws it across the cave. CRASH! The vial shatters against the cave wall and the blood is splattered all over the wall, too. Bruce glares at the shattered vial and the blood pouring down from it. We are fortunate. The Batcomputer switches on and Oracle is seen on the screen.

She asks, "Bruce, what's the update? Where are you on that anti-virus you said you'd make"?

Bruce keeps on glaring at the shattered vial and doesn't answer Oracle's question. She gets agitated and calls out his name again, "Bruce"!?

Bruce doesn't make eye contact with Oracle, but he gives her his cold answer, "There is no way to make a cure, Oracle".

Oracle asks, "What"?

Bruce turns his attention to Oracle and repeats, "You heard me. There is no way to make a cure for something that cannot be stopped. It's the process of vampirism that cannot be reversed. Once you're infected by the blood of a vampire, it's over. I know that now, yet it's taken me over twenty failures to finally realize that".

Oracle looks at Bruce and says, "Come on, Bruce. What's going on"?!

Bruce calms down and says, "You wouldn't believe what I was going to consider doing, Barbara".

Oracle looks at Bruce's expression and picks up on what he means.

She asks, "Oh, shit, no. Bruce, you didn't! You didn't even consider pumping your veins with that shit".

"I thought about it and I almost did it. Fortunately, my will prevailed", Bruce says.

Bruce shakes his head and then says, "I have to be honest with you, Barbara. These last few weeks have been hell for me, thanks to the very presence of Dracula and vampires. None of this shit should be happening".

"Bruce, listen to me. You will find a way to stop him. I know you will", Oracle says.