Title: Return To The Knight
Author: Onyx
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Batman/Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson/Robin, and other related characters belong to DC/WB. Therefore, I don't hold any claim to them... although, I wish I could. [But, don't we all? ;-)]
Author's Note: I would like to give a hearty thanks to Dark Jester, who not only helped me with spelling and grammar, but also wrote in Joker's part in chapters three and seven. Thanks a bunch DJ, you are the BEST!
Also, this story, originally titled: Dreams End, was posted in the B:TAS section of FF.N. Since it was taken down, I changed a couple of lines in the story, and grouped chapters 1-4 together and 5-9 together. So, for those of you who may have read it, I hope you enjoy a second reading, and for those of you who haven't read it yet, enjoy!
Summary: A sequel to "Perchance to Dream". Bruce goes home to reality.
Notes: For anyone who has not yet seen the episode, "Perchance to Dream", here is a quick summery to catch you up: After chasing some bad guys, Batman is knocked unconscious and wakes up back at the Manor to find his parents still alive, that he is engaged to Selina Kyle, and has never been Batman. He is living his greatest dream. Which is where the problem comes in... It's too good to be real. His suspicions are confirmed when he picks up one of the newspapers and can't read it (since reading and dreaming take place on different sides of the brain.). He sets out to find The Batman in one of Gotham's old bell towers, and when Bruce unmasks him, it's the Mad Hatter. Despite all the dream could give him, Bruce refuses to live a lie, and throws himself off the tower to wake himself up... to return to being the Dark Knight.
RETURN TO THE KNIGHT
CHAPTER ONE
Alfred Pennyworth sat in the large black chair in front of the Batcomputer, worry evident on his usually calm features. It was nearly dawn and Batman hadn't returned or contacted Alfred at the appointed time. What was more, when Alfred tried contacting him nearly two hours ago, he got nothing. Even the tracking device on the Batmobile had been turned off. With no means of communication, or a way of finding Batman, all Alfred could do was sit, wait, and hope.
"Where is he?" Alfred muttered to himself for the hundredth time. The concern that had laced his voice earlier was turning to panic. It wasn't like Bruce to terminate all contact. "If anything has happened to him..."
At that moment, as if answering Alfred's silent prayer, the Batmobile made its way along the narrow, winding path of the cave and came to a stop. Alfred stood, immediately, and jogged over to the sleek, black car. The roof slid forward and Batman leapt out.
"Master Bruce! I've been trying to contact you for hours! Are you all right?! Where have you been?!"
"I wanted to be alone," Batman said coldly as he pushed past the older man.
"With all due respect, Sir, that is no excuse for leaving me here worried sick! You could have at least contacted me at the appointed time. I was beginning to think something happened to you."
Batman noticeably winced, then continued on his way to the costume vault where he removed his cape, cowl, and utility belt and was changing into his civilian clothes.
"Master Bruce, are you alright?"
Although the older man wore the label of a butler, he was a far cry from it in Bruce Wayne and Batman's world. And it was at times like these, that Alfred Pennyworth shed the butler's skin and dawned that of a father figure. *Something happened out there tonight,* Alfred thought. *Something terrible.*
"Bruce?"
Bruce froze in place. The way Alfred had just said his name. So calmly, full of concern and love. He sounded just like... *Father*. And then, something inside Bruce snapped. He came to life, slamming the vault door shut, causing Alfred to jump. "I'm fine, alright?! Will you just leave me the hell alone!" Through his anger and frustration, Bruce could see the hurt wash over Alfred's face. Suddenly, the anger drifted away, and Bruce took a deep breath, pushing all other feelings aside except for the overwhelming sense of guilt that was rapidly creeping up behind him. "Alfred...I--"
Alfred quickly concealed the hurt and turned his features to stone. "I do apologize, SIR," he responded stiffly. "I did not realize I was not allowed to concern myself with your well-being. I shall refrain from doing so in the future." And with that, Alfred turned on his heels and left the cave.
Bruce closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He walked over to the computer and sank down in the chair - - which, he noted, was warm. *Alfred must have been sitting here for hours waiting to hear from me.* Taking a deep breath, Bruce pushed the thought aside and set to work updating his file on Jervis Tetch, aka: The Mad Hatter.
This had been the second time Batman had gone up against Tetch. The first time had been when Tetch had created mind controlling microchips and became the Mad Hatter, kidnapping a young woman named Alice, whom he was infatuated with. But he had given up on Alice. He wanted to go after Batman... to get the Dark Knight out of his way, however possible.
*I was willing to give you any life you wanted... Just to keep you out of MINE!* Tetch had screamed at him only hours ago.
Bruce slammed his fists down on the computer. The sound of flesh and bone coming into solid contact with metal echoed throughout the cave, stirring its other inhabitants. "Damn him! Why... Why of all things did he have to do THIS?! Why did he have to bring back that pain?!" *I had them...Oh, God, I had them...* Bruce leaned back in the chair and glared at the file photo of Tetch.
CHAPTER TWO
"Bruce? Hey, Bruce, rise and shine." Dick Grayson gently shook the shoulder of his adoptive father and mentor, rousing him from sleep.
Bruce opened his eyes and glanced up into the familiar face of his ward. "Dick?"
"Yeah."
"What are you doing here?"
"It's Friday...I'm home for the weekend...Remember?"
Bruce shook the remaining effects of sleep away as he rubbed his face and yawned. "Oh, right. Sorry, Dick. I forgot." Standing, Bruce stretched, then looked down at his wrist and noticed he didn't have his watch on. "What time is it?"
Dick glanced down at his own wrist. "Umm, little after five."
*Five?! I slept for twelve hours?!* Bruce blinked a few times. It seemed as if he'd only dosed for a few minutes. Felt like it, too.
"You alright?" Dick asked concerned.
Bruce nodded. "Yes. I just wasn't expecting to sleep for so long."
Dick shrugged. "Musta been tired. You have been goin' at it pretty hard for the last two weeks."
As Bruce stepped away from the computer, Dick noticed the picture of the Mad Hatter. "And I take it last night was no picnic in Wonderland?"
Bruce turned and, without a word, shut the system down. "Have you had dinner?" He deliberately tried to change the subject.
Dick was momentarily caught off guard by the question. "Er...no. I was going to ask Alfred for a sandwich when I got in, but....Is he alright?"
There was a long pause.
"Bruce?"
Bruce closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. Alfred and I...I had a...bad night, last night, and Alfred took the brunt of it when I got back."
"What happened?" Dick asked, curious.
"Bruce sighed. "I yelled at him."
Dick stared at Bruce as if he'd grown another head.
"I didn't mean to," Bruce added quickly, seeing Dick's reaction.
"And I take it he doesn't know that." Dick crossed his arms and leaned back against the computer console.
"He stormed out of here before I could apologize."
"Smooth."
Bruce glared at his 'son'.
Dick looked down at his feet. "Sorry."
There was a soft click from up above, followed by the tapping of shoes on stone. Bruce and Dick glanced up to see Alfred descending the stairs with a covered silver tray. "Forgive the lateness, Sir's. I was momentarily detained by a rather nasty spot on one of the front windows." Alfred set the tray down and lifted the cover revealing two plates of guava-glazed chicken, monfongo, spiced date cake with orange glaze, and two tall glasses of milk.
Dick did everything he could not to drool all over the floor. Alfred's cooking was something Dick missed terribly when at the college. "Wow. Thanks, Alfred!"
Alfred nodded to Dick and gave him a weary smile then glanced at Bruce before turning to leave. Dick shot Bruce a look and tipped his head in Alfred's direction.
Bruce took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Aah, Alfred?"
The butler stopped just before the stairs, but did not turn around. "Sir?"
Bruce walked over to the older man and stood beside him. "Look...Last night I--"
A loud beeping noise came from the computer console, cutting Bruce off. Both he and Alfred turned in it's direction and Bruce went over, flipping a small switch. "Yes?"
"Batman? It's Jim. We've got a problem. Jervis Tetch just broke out of Arkham about an hour ago. One guard is dead form an explosion, two others severely wounded. We followed his trail five miles west of the hospital before we lost it. I have officers at the warehouse you captured him in last night, but they've turned up nothing. We could really use your help, my friend."
"You're at the Asylum?"
"Yes, for about another twenty minutes."
"I'm on my way."
CHAPTER THREE
The Batmobile cruised swiftly along the dark road scattering fallen leaves and parting the low mist. The barren trees, set on either side of the road, danced in the light that lay just ahead. Gotham City.
Robin sat in the passenger seat, listening to the low ominous roar of the engine. It was actually quite a peaceful sound. One he'd gotten used to, and sometimes, had fallen asleep to during his first years as Robin, when he and Batman had had a late night. But, tonight, a squeaky crackling sound coming from the driver's side was disturbing the peace. He looked over and noticed Batman's hands flexing on the wheel.
"You grip that wheel any tighter, Bruce, and you'll bend it."
The white slits of Batman's cowl narrowed in response and Robin decided it best not to say anything else. If there was one thing he learned over the years, it was to keep your mouth shut when Batman was in one of his moods.
* * *
"We got nothin' Commish," Harvey Bullock said as he chewed on a toothpick. "Wherever he went', it ain't anywhere around here."
Gordon shook his head. "Damn. What I'd like to know is who in the hell broke him out of there!"
"Who?"
"Urgh!" Jim Gordon turned to the shadows clutching his chest. "Even after all these years you still can't find it in yourself to take pity on an old man's heart?"
"After all these years, I would think you'd be used to it," Batman responded, emerging into the light with Robin in tow. Batman gave a quick nod to Bullock, who returned the gesture and moved off to assist the other officers.
Gordon chuckled then nodded a hello to Robin. "I think it's going to be a long night my friends."
"You said 'who'?" Batman asked, getting back to the situation at hand.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Tetch's cell. The explosion occurred from the outside. We think someone's helping him."
"Any idea who it might be?"
"No. But there's someone inside who's been asking for you."
Batman lifted a brow under his cowl and glanced over at the asylum. Gordon walked through the gates, signaling for Batman and Robin to follow.
Inside the building, echoing screams and moans could be heard. There was a muffled thumping noise coming from one of the cells overhead, and a dripping sound, probably water from a leaky pipe. The lights were dimmed, giving the long hallway a dark gray-green tint, and a mild musty smell hung in the air. Robin couldn't help shuddering. It wasn't often he came here with Batman, and each time he remembered why.
Gordon stopped just outside one of the cells and an intern walked over and unlocked the door. Gordon put his hand out toward the room. As Batman walked over, the intern backed away, eyes wide.
Stepping into the cell, Batman saw a desk lamp sitting on a small metal table that was bolted to the floor. The position of the shade on the lamp left the two back corners of the cell in total darkness. Batman motioned for Robin to stay behind him, then stood in silence and waited. After a moment, there was a low shuffle in the right hand corner and the Joker stepped into the light.
"You wanted to talk to me," Batman stated calmly. Already the tension in the room thickened, making him dizzy with anger, frustration... and strangely enough, pity.
The Joker tilted his head backwards and pressed his lips and fingers together, smiling in the dim light. He nodded once and blinked slowly. "That's right, dearest."
Silence collapsed around them immediately afterward, as though Joker was waiting for the vigilante to say something.
He didn't.
"Fine! Be all dark and gruesome! See if I care!" Joker pulled out a chair and threw himself down into it, folding his legs under him instead of putting his feet on the ground. "I just thought you might want a little hint about who took your friend."
Batman's eyeslits narrowed as he approached the table.
"What information do you have?"
"What do I get out of it?"
"Joker," the Dark Knight growled. "Don't make me have to ask you, again."
Joker pouted and batted his eyes... and then rolled them afterward. "You're just no fun at all! And since I'm feeling generous, I'll clue you in. It's somebody who's just DYING to catch you on film." He made his hands into the shape of an old camera and then started turning his right hand in a circle while squinting through an invisible hole.
Batman clenched his fists, and considered questioning Joker further, but changed his mind when better sense caught him. That was as much help as the Clown Prince was going to be... he could feel it.
CHAPTER FOUR
"Dying to catch you on film?" Robin asked as Batman drove the car back to the cave.
Batman nodded.
"Hmmm. I don't ever remember going up against Tim Burton's evil twin," Robin added with a small grin.
Batman didn't respond. He was too deep in thought. *Why would the Joker want to help me? What could he possibly have to gain from it?* Batman clenched his fists on the steering wheel again as his mind took on every angle of the situation.
"He has to have a very good reason," Batman thought aloud.
"Huh?"
"The Joker. He doesn't do favors unless he gets something out of it."
"Especially not for us," Robin added, crossing his arms and sliding further down in the seat. "Maybe he wants to get Tetch back at Arkham? He's used him before. Maybe the Joker's thinking he might need him again. Like that time he sabotaged the Laff Off?"
"Hmmm...Maybe......"
Batman pushed a small red button on the console of the Batmobile. Up ahead the stone face dropped to a bridge and Batman navigated the car along the winding path until they reached the turn-pad in the heart of the cave.
The roof of the car slid forward. "I want you to go through the criminal files. Look up any connections you can find between Tetch and the Joker. Also look up any outside connections Tetch my have. Anything to do with film," Batman ordered as he leapt out of the car.
"W-wait," Robin called after him, as he leapt out the other side. "Where are you goin'?"
"I have something I have to take care of. I want those files by the time I get back." That said, Batman disappeared into the shadows.
***
The grandfather clock clicked open and Bruce Wayne emerged into the study. He could hear the howling winds outside the massive windows, and the tree branches softly scraping against the panes. A soft orange glow loomed out in the hallway followed by crackling. Bruce followed the noise and light into the den, where he saw a fire lit in the fireplace, a tray of tea sitting on the table, and Alfred Pennyworth asleep on the couch.
Bruce smiled to himself. To see Alfred, still in dress uniform, slouched on the massive piece of furniture, and limbs hanging over the edges, was quite amusing.
Bruce quietly walked into the room and retrieved a blanket from the back of one of the chairs. After shaking it open, he walked over to Alfred, and draped it over him. Alfred stirred and woke, startled to find Bruce leaning over him.
"Hey," Bruce whispered.
"Sir?"
After situating the blanket, Bruce cleared his throat. "I, ah......You fell asleep."
Alfred looked down at the throw covering his body. "Thank you, Sir."
Bruce sat down next to his old friend. "You didn't get much sleep this morning, did you?"
Alfred pushed the blanket down onto his lap and stared at Bruce, not answering. Bruce stared back, catching the answer in Alfred's eyes. It clearly said 'no'.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Bruce fell back into the couch and closed his eyes. He could feel Alfred watching him. Waiting.
*Why is it such a hard thing to say?* Bruce wondered. *Why should I even have to say it? Alfred knows. Doesn't he? Maybe. But still....It should be said. Just say it, you idiot! Say it!*
Bruce took another deep breath, and without opening his eyes, spoke. "I'm sorry, Alfred. I-I didn't mean what I said to you. It's just....Last night...." Shaking his head, Bruce stood and walked over to the window and gazed up at the large full moon that hung in the sky.
"I fell into one of Tetch's traps last night," Bruce began, never taking his eyes off the moon. "He hooked me up to some kind of REM machine, designed to induce specific wave patterns in the sleeper's brain." Bruce turned to face Alfred, who was watching and listening to Bruce intently. "Inside the dream, I woke up back here. At first, things seemed normal. But....You didn't know who Robin was. And then you mentioned something about Selena Kyle and me being...engaged...." Bruce shook his head and turned back to the window. "Later that morning, I went to the study....to go down to the cave, and the clock entrance didn't work. You had no idea what the Batcave was, or that one even existed. Nothing made sense. I thought you were playing some kind of joke on me until....."
"Until..." Alfred urged, rising from the couch and walking over to Bruce.
"Until they were there."
"They?" Alfred asked, raising an eyebrow.
"My parents," Bruce answered, barely above a whisper.
He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cool glass, his parents' faces burning into the backs of his eyelids. A warm, gentle, and familiar hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality. He turned his head to see Alfred standing beside him, concern etched on every inch of his face. "They were REAL, Alfred. As real as you are to me, right now. I can still feel the fabric of my father's shirt in my hands. Still smell the perfume my mother was wearing when I ran passed her. And....And my father's hand on my face...." Bruce reached up and touched his own face where his father had touched him in the dream. "I HAD them, Alfred. I had them back....Just as they would be now if....If....Oh, God...."
"Bruce..."
"They were ALIVE! And I ran passed them without even saying good-bye! The one chance I finally had!" Bruce's voice shook ever so slightly and Alfred could see tears forming in his eyes. "All these years! All I've ever wanted was to say good-bye instead of having them ripped away from me, screaming! And I couldn't do it! I couldn't....I....couldn't..."
Without a word, Alfred drew Bruce into his arms and held him close. After a moment of hesitation, Bruce returned the embrace and rested his head on Alfred's shoulder, grateful for the support.
"I know how you feel, Bruce. Believe it or not, I do. There isn't a day that goes by I don't miss them and wish..." Alfred paused, steadying his voice. "Wish that the Godless bastard who took them from us was brought to justice. Before you, they were my dearest friends. They were my family. My heart bleeds for them just as yours does." Alfred paused, overwhelmed by the feelings brought back to him from the memories. "I don't know what the afterlife brings, Bruce. But I do know, wherever they are, they love you, and if you speak to them, they will hear you."
Bruce closed his eyes and smiled, hugging Alfred a fraction tighter. "I don't know what I would do without you, old friend."
"Probably suffocate under a mountain of dirty laundry, or starve to death. I've often contemplated which would get you first."
Bruce chuckled and regretfully pulled out of the warm embrace to look into the kind brown eyes of his surrogate father. "Thank you. For everything."
Alfred smiled and straightened Bruce's shirt. "I shall always be here for you, my boy. Nothing will ever change that."
Author: Onyx
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Batman/Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson/Robin, and other related characters belong to DC/WB. Therefore, I don't hold any claim to them... although, I wish I could. [But, don't we all? ;-)]
Author's Note: I would like to give a hearty thanks to Dark Jester, who not only helped me with spelling and grammar, but also wrote in Joker's part in chapters three and seven. Thanks a bunch DJ, you are the BEST!
Also, this story, originally titled: Dreams End, was posted in the B:TAS section of FF.N. Since it was taken down, I changed a couple of lines in the story, and grouped chapters 1-4 together and 5-9 together. So, for those of you who may have read it, I hope you enjoy a second reading, and for those of you who haven't read it yet, enjoy!
Summary: A sequel to "Perchance to Dream". Bruce goes home to reality.
Notes: For anyone who has not yet seen the episode, "Perchance to Dream", here is a quick summery to catch you up: After chasing some bad guys, Batman is knocked unconscious and wakes up back at the Manor to find his parents still alive, that he is engaged to Selina Kyle, and has never been Batman. He is living his greatest dream. Which is where the problem comes in... It's too good to be real. His suspicions are confirmed when he picks up one of the newspapers and can't read it (since reading and dreaming take place on different sides of the brain.). He sets out to find The Batman in one of Gotham's old bell towers, and when Bruce unmasks him, it's the Mad Hatter. Despite all the dream could give him, Bruce refuses to live a lie, and throws himself off the tower to wake himself up... to return to being the Dark Knight.
RETURN TO THE KNIGHT
CHAPTER ONE
Alfred Pennyworth sat in the large black chair in front of the Batcomputer, worry evident on his usually calm features. It was nearly dawn and Batman hadn't returned or contacted Alfred at the appointed time. What was more, when Alfred tried contacting him nearly two hours ago, he got nothing. Even the tracking device on the Batmobile had been turned off. With no means of communication, or a way of finding Batman, all Alfred could do was sit, wait, and hope.
"Where is he?" Alfred muttered to himself for the hundredth time. The concern that had laced his voice earlier was turning to panic. It wasn't like Bruce to terminate all contact. "If anything has happened to him..."
At that moment, as if answering Alfred's silent prayer, the Batmobile made its way along the narrow, winding path of the cave and came to a stop. Alfred stood, immediately, and jogged over to the sleek, black car. The roof slid forward and Batman leapt out.
"Master Bruce! I've been trying to contact you for hours! Are you all right?! Where have you been?!"
"I wanted to be alone," Batman said coldly as he pushed past the older man.
"With all due respect, Sir, that is no excuse for leaving me here worried sick! You could have at least contacted me at the appointed time. I was beginning to think something happened to you."
Batman noticeably winced, then continued on his way to the costume vault where he removed his cape, cowl, and utility belt and was changing into his civilian clothes.
"Master Bruce, are you alright?"
Although the older man wore the label of a butler, he was a far cry from it in Bruce Wayne and Batman's world. And it was at times like these, that Alfred Pennyworth shed the butler's skin and dawned that of a father figure. *Something happened out there tonight,* Alfred thought. *Something terrible.*
"Bruce?"
Bruce froze in place. The way Alfred had just said his name. So calmly, full of concern and love. He sounded just like... *Father*. And then, something inside Bruce snapped. He came to life, slamming the vault door shut, causing Alfred to jump. "I'm fine, alright?! Will you just leave me the hell alone!" Through his anger and frustration, Bruce could see the hurt wash over Alfred's face. Suddenly, the anger drifted away, and Bruce took a deep breath, pushing all other feelings aside except for the overwhelming sense of guilt that was rapidly creeping up behind him. "Alfred...I--"
Alfred quickly concealed the hurt and turned his features to stone. "I do apologize, SIR," he responded stiffly. "I did not realize I was not allowed to concern myself with your well-being. I shall refrain from doing so in the future." And with that, Alfred turned on his heels and left the cave.
Bruce closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He walked over to the computer and sank down in the chair - - which, he noted, was warm. *Alfred must have been sitting here for hours waiting to hear from me.* Taking a deep breath, Bruce pushed the thought aside and set to work updating his file on Jervis Tetch, aka: The Mad Hatter.
This had been the second time Batman had gone up against Tetch. The first time had been when Tetch had created mind controlling microchips and became the Mad Hatter, kidnapping a young woman named Alice, whom he was infatuated with. But he had given up on Alice. He wanted to go after Batman... to get the Dark Knight out of his way, however possible.
*I was willing to give you any life you wanted... Just to keep you out of MINE!* Tetch had screamed at him only hours ago.
Bruce slammed his fists down on the computer. The sound of flesh and bone coming into solid contact with metal echoed throughout the cave, stirring its other inhabitants. "Damn him! Why... Why of all things did he have to do THIS?! Why did he have to bring back that pain?!" *I had them...Oh, God, I had them...* Bruce leaned back in the chair and glared at the file photo of Tetch.
CHAPTER TWO
"Bruce? Hey, Bruce, rise and shine." Dick Grayson gently shook the shoulder of his adoptive father and mentor, rousing him from sleep.
Bruce opened his eyes and glanced up into the familiar face of his ward. "Dick?"
"Yeah."
"What are you doing here?"
"It's Friday...I'm home for the weekend...Remember?"
Bruce shook the remaining effects of sleep away as he rubbed his face and yawned. "Oh, right. Sorry, Dick. I forgot." Standing, Bruce stretched, then looked down at his wrist and noticed he didn't have his watch on. "What time is it?"
Dick glanced down at his own wrist. "Umm, little after five."
*Five?! I slept for twelve hours?!* Bruce blinked a few times. It seemed as if he'd only dosed for a few minutes. Felt like it, too.
"You alright?" Dick asked concerned.
Bruce nodded. "Yes. I just wasn't expecting to sleep for so long."
Dick shrugged. "Musta been tired. You have been goin' at it pretty hard for the last two weeks."
As Bruce stepped away from the computer, Dick noticed the picture of the Mad Hatter. "And I take it last night was no picnic in Wonderland?"
Bruce turned and, without a word, shut the system down. "Have you had dinner?" He deliberately tried to change the subject.
Dick was momentarily caught off guard by the question. "Er...no. I was going to ask Alfred for a sandwich when I got in, but....Is he alright?"
There was a long pause.
"Bruce?"
Bruce closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. Alfred and I...I had a...bad night, last night, and Alfred took the brunt of it when I got back."
"What happened?" Dick asked, curious.
"Bruce sighed. "I yelled at him."
Dick stared at Bruce as if he'd grown another head.
"I didn't mean to," Bruce added quickly, seeing Dick's reaction.
"And I take it he doesn't know that." Dick crossed his arms and leaned back against the computer console.
"He stormed out of here before I could apologize."
"Smooth."
Bruce glared at his 'son'.
Dick looked down at his feet. "Sorry."
There was a soft click from up above, followed by the tapping of shoes on stone. Bruce and Dick glanced up to see Alfred descending the stairs with a covered silver tray. "Forgive the lateness, Sir's. I was momentarily detained by a rather nasty spot on one of the front windows." Alfred set the tray down and lifted the cover revealing two plates of guava-glazed chicken, monfongo, spiced date cake with orange glaze, and two tall glasses of milk.
Dick did everything he could not to drool all over the floor. Alfred's cooking was something Dick missed terribly when at the college. "Wow. Thanks, Alfred!"
Alfred nodded to Dick and gave him a weary smile then glanced at Bruce before turning to leave. Dick shot Bruce a look and tipped his head in Alfred's direction.
Bruce took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Aah, Alfred?"
The butler stopped just before the stairs, but did not turn around. "Sir?"
Bruce walked over to the older man and stood beside him. "Look...Last night I--"
A loud beeping noise came from the computer console, cutting Bruce off. Both he and Alfred turned in it's direction and Bruce went over, flipping a small switch. "Yes?"
"Batman? It's Jim. We've got a problem. Jervis Tetch just broke out of Arkham about an hour ago. One guard is dead form an explosion, two others severely wounded. We followed his trail five miles west of the hospital before we lost it. I have officers at the warehouse you captured him in last night, but they've turned up nothing. We could really use your help, my friend."
"You're at the Asylum?"
"Yes, for about another twenty minutes."
"I'm on my way."
CHAPTER THREE
The Batmobile cruised swiftly along the dark road scattering fallen leaves and parting the low mist. The barren trees, set on either side of the road, danced in the light that lay just ahead. Gotham City.
Robin sat in the passenger seat, listening to the low ominous roar of the engine. It was actually quite a peaceful sound. One he'd gotten used to, and sometimes, had fallen asleep to during his first years as Robin, when he and Batman had had a late night. But, tonight, a squeaky crackling sound coming from the driver's side was disturbing the peace. He looked over and noticed Batman's hands flexing on the wheel.
"You grip that wheel any tighter, Bruce, and you'll bend it."
The white slits of Batman's cowl narrowed in response and Robin decided it best not to say anything else. If there was one thing he learned over the years, it was to keep your mouth shut when Batman was in one of his moods.
* * *
"We got nothin' Commish," Harvey Bullock said as he chewed on a toothpick. "Wherever he went', it ain't anywhere around here."
Gordon shook his head. "Damn. What I'd like to know is who in the hell broke him out of there!"
"Who?"
"Urgh!" Jim Gordon turned to the shadows clutching his chest. "Even after all these years you still can't find it in yourself to take pity on an old man's heart?"
"After all these years, I would think you'd be used to it," Batman responded, emerging into the light with Robin in tow. Batman gave a quick nod to Bullock, who returned the gesture and moved off to assist the other officers.
Gordon chuckled then nodded a hello to Robin. "I think it's going to be a long night my friends."
"You said 'who'?" Batman asked, getting back to the situation at hand.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Tetch's cell. The explosion occurred from the outside. We think someone's helping him."
"Any idea who it might be?"
"No. But there's someone inside who's been asking for you."
Batman lifted a brow under his cowl and glanced over at the asylum. Gordon walked through the gates, signaling for Batman and Robin to follow.
Inside the building, echoing screams and moans could be heard. There was a muffled thumping noise coming from one of the cells overhead, and a dripping sound, probably water from a leaky pipe. The lights were dimmed, giving the long hallway a dark gray-green tint, and a mild musty smell hung in the air. Robin couldn't help shuddering. It wasn't often he came here with Batman, and each time he remembered why.
Gordon stopped just outside one of the cells and an intern walked over and unlocked the door. Gordon put his hand out toward the room. As Batman walked over, the intern backed away, eyes wide.
Stepping into the cell, Batman saw a desk lamp sitting on a small metal table that was bolted to the floor. The position of the shade on the lamp left the two back corners of the cell in total darkness. Batman motioned for Robin to stay behind him, then stood in silence and waited. After a moment, there was a low shuffle in the right hand corner and the Joker stepped into the light.
"You wanted to talk to me," Batman stated calmly. Already the tension in the room thickened, making him dizzy with anger, frustration... and strangely enough, pity.
The Joker tilted his head backwards and pressed his lips and fingers together, smiling in the dim light. He nodded once and blinked slowly. "That's right, dearest."
Silence collapsed around them immediately afterward, as though Joker was waiting for the vigilante to say something.
He didn't.
"Fine! Be all dark and gruesome! See if I care!" Joker pulled out a chair and threw himself down into it, folding his legs under him instead of putting his feet on the ground. "I just thought you might want a little hint about who took your friend."
Batman's eyeslits narrowed as he approached the table.
"What information do you have?"
"What do I get out of it?"
"Joker," the Dark Knight growled. "Don't make me have to ask you, again."
Joker pouted and batted his eyes... and then rolled them afterward. "You're just no fun at all! And since I'm feeling generous, I'll clue you in. It's somebody who's just DYING to catch you on film." He made his hands into the shape of an old camera and then started turning his right hand in a circle while squinting through an invisible hole.
Batman clenched his fists, and considered questioning Joker further, but changed his mind when better sense caught him. That was as much help as the Clown Prince was going to be... he could feel it.
CHAPTER FOUR
"Dying to catch you on film?" Robin asked as Batman drove the car back to the cave.
Batman nodded.
"Hmmm. I don't ever remember going up against Tim Burton's evil twin," Robin added with a small grin.
Batman didn't respond. He was too deep in thought. *Why would the Joker want to help me? What could he possibly have to gain from it?* Batman clenched his fists on the steering wheel again as his mind took on every angle of the situation.
"He has to have a very good reason," Batman thought aloud.
"Huh?"
"The Joker. He doesn't do favors unless he gets something out of it."
"Especially not for us," Robin added, crossing his arms and sliding further down in the seat. "Maybe he wants to get Tetch back at Arkham? He's used him before. Maybe the Joker's thinking he might need him again. Like that time he sabotaged the Laff Off?"
"Hmmm...Maybe......"
Batman pushed a small red button on the console of the Batmobile. Up ahead the stone face dropped to a bridge and Batman navigated the car along the winding path until they reached the turn-pad in the heart of the cave.
The roof of the car slid forward. "I want you to go through the criminal files. Look up any connections you can find between Tetch and the Joker. Also look up any outside connections Tetch my have. Anything to do with film," Batman ordered as he leapt out of the car.
"W-wait," Robin called after him, as he leapt out the other side. "Where are you goin'?"
"I have something I have to take care of. I want those files by the time I get back." That said, Batman disappeared into the shadows.
***
The grandfather clock clicked open and Bruce Wayne emerged into the study. He could hear the howling winds outside the massive windows, and the tree branches softly scraping against the panes. A soft orange glow loomed out in the hallway followed by crackling. Bruce followed the noise and light into the den, where he saw a fire lit in the fireplace, a tray of tea sitting on the table, and Alfred Pennyworth asleep on the couch.
Bruce smiled to himself. To see Alfred, still in dress uniform, slouched on the massive piece of furniture, and limbs hanging over the edges, was quite amusing.
Bruce quietly walked into the room and retrieved a blanket from the back of one of the chairs. After shaking it open, he walked over to Alfred, and draped it over him. Alfred stirred and woke, startled to find Bruce leaning over him.
"Hey," Bruce whispered.
"Sir?"
After situating the blanket, Bruce cleared his throat. "I, ah......You fell asleep."
Alfred looked down at the throw covering his body. "Thank you, Sir."
Bruce sat down next to his old friend. "You didn't get much sleep this morning, did you?"
Alfred pushed the blanket down onto his lap and stared at Bruce, not answering. Bruce stared back, catching the answer in Alfred's eyes. It clearly said 'no'.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Bruce fell back into the couch and closed his eyes. He could feel Alfred watching him. Waiting.
*Why is it such a hard thing to say?* Bruce wondered. *Why should I even have to say it? Alfred knows. Doesn't he? Maybe. But still....It should be said. Just say it, you idiot! Say it!*
Bruce took another deep breath, and without opening his eyes, spoke. "I'm sorry, Alfred. I-I didn't mean what I said to you. It's just....Last night...." Shaking his head, Bruce stood and walked over to the window and gazed up at the large full moon that hung in the sky.
"I fell into one of Tetch's traps last night," Bruce began, never taking his eyes off the moon. "He hooked me up to some kind of REM machine, designed to induce specific wave patterns in the sleeper's brain." Bruce turned to face Alfred, who was watching and listening to Bruce intently. "Inside the dream, I woke up back here. At first, things seemed normal. But....You didn't know who Robin was. And then you mentioned something about Selena Kyle and me being...engaged...." Bruce shook his head and turned back to the window. "Later that morning, I went to the study....to go down to the cave, and the clock entrance didn't work. You had no idea what the Batcave was, or that one even existed. Nothing made sense. I thought you were playing some kind of joke on me until....."
"Until..." Alfred urged, rising from the couch and walking over to Bruce.
"Until they were there."
"They?" Alfred asked, raising an eyebrow.
"My parents," Bruce answered, barely above a whisper.
He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cool glass, his parents' faces burning into the backs of his eyelids. A warm, gentle, and familiar hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality. He turned his head to see Alfred standing beside him, concern etched on every inch of his face. "They were REAL, Alfred. As real as you are to me, right now. I can still feel the fabric of my father's shirt in my hands. Still smell the perfume my mother was wearing when I ran passed her. And....And my father's hand on my face...." Bruce reached up and touched his own face where his father had touched him in the dream. "I HAD them, Alfred. I had them back....Just as they would be now if....If....Oh, God...."
"Bruce..."
"They were ALIVE! And I ran passed them without even saying good-bye! The one chance I finally had!" Bruce's voice shook ever so slightly and Alfred could see tears forming in his eyes. "All these years! All I've ever wanted was to say good-bye instead of having them ripped away from me, screaming! And I couldn't do it! I couldn't....I....couldn't..."
Without a word, Alfred drew Bruce into his arms and held him close. After a moment of hesitation, Bruce returned the embrace and rested his head on Alfred's shoulder, grateful for the support.
"I know how you feel, Bruce. Believe it or not, I do. There isn't a day that goes by I don't miss them and wish..." Alfred paused, steadying his voice. "Wish that the Godless bastard who took them from us was brought to justice. Before you, they were my dearest friends. They were my family. My heart bleeds for them just as yours does." Alfred paused, overwhelmed by the feelings brought back to him from the memories. "I don't know what the afterlife brings, Bruce. But I do know, wherever they are, they love you, and if you speak to them, they will hear you."
Bruce closed his eyes and smiled, hugging Alfred a fraction tighter. "I don't know what I would do without you, old friend."
"Probably suffocate under a mountain of dirty laundry, or starve to death. I've often contemplated which would get you first."
Bruce chuckled and regretfully pulled out of the warm embrace to look into the kind brown eyes of his surrogate father. "Thank you. For everything."
Alfred smiled and straightened Bruce's shirt. "I shall always be here for you, my boy. Nothing will ever change that."