Chapter 8
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. I am making no money on this.
Bruce and Alfred hadn't spoken in nearly four months now. In the beginning, Alfred tried to make conversation, but Bruce pushed him away. He seemed to slide right back into playboy mode. He was working on his swagger and grin daily. Alfred was starting to wonder if the act had been taken too far. The elderly gentlemen would watch Bruce from a distance waiting for him to crack. He never did. The pain Bruce must be feeling had to be taking its toll. Alfred knew it was taking a toll on him as well.
The toll had been taken and paid nearly in full. Every night Bruce used the local thugs for target practice as Batman. He would release any rage pent up on the local theives and would be rapists. It was so unlike the previous way Batman protected the weak. He used to fight crime in order to protect the weak. Now it was all about vengeance. The sad fact was that Bruce was well aware of it and could care less.
Batman was out and about in the usual areas. He hadn't made his presence widely known yet. With Gordon gone, he knew that it would be only a matter of time before someone in the police department realized he was there and would welcome him back. Through the grapevine of being Bruce Wayne, he had heard that there were several supporters of Batman who only came forward after he had "retired." If someone didn't come forward, then his vengeance could be carried too far. Gordon kept him in line. With Gordon's help, the Batman went from vigilante to respected co-worker in a sense, anyway. He was not always respected, but that wasn't what mattered to him. He had one man's help and that was enough.
Of course when Batgirl came along, Batman realized he had a fan following. With several attempts to release her, he found that her determination could actually be an asset. She was fiercely loyal, until the end….Barbara…his Barbara. Batman continued his thrusts and round house kicks to the groin of his opponent. No, Batgirl…not Barbara. They were two different people…well not really. Kick. Maybe, or was it him that was different…Punch. Batman wasn't focusing the way he should be. He hadn't been back that long. Maybe his confidence was too high…Batman allowed himself a forward block to the perp in front of him but clearly misjudged the reaction. The man seems to be expecting it and did a move that throw Batman off his balance and down on the pavement. The perp laughed, wiping blood off of his mouth. Batman allowed him his victory. When Batman stood up however, several men who were hiding in the shadows emerged and forced him back. Batman eyed his surroundings to seek escape only to hear…
"Well, well, well, look what the Bat dragged in." It was followed by a horrible laugh. Batman knew he was coming face to face with his future. Batman hoped he was ready.