Chapter Fourteen
"Sleep, perchance to dream"
Metropolis
After struggling first to stay on the couch and then to get at least somewhat comfortable, Clark finally managed to fall asleep.
He opened his eyes to the bluest sky he'd ever seen. Clark was in midair, just hanging far above the ground soaking in the warm rays of the sun. A smile spread across his face and happiness seemed to well up inside of him. Stretching his arms out wide as if he were greeting the dawn, Clark felt at peace with the entire world.
The flutter of cloth caused him to open his eyes and look above him. In the next moment she was in his arms, her lips pressed hungrily to his. Unbridled passion seemed to cause the very air around them to ripple. In an almost desperate need, they joined and became one. Gasps of pleasure escaped her lips, as groans of sheer ecstasy rumbled from deep in his throat.
Beams of light surrounded them, flickering and dancing off their joined bodies. When it seemed they would cross over from sheer bliss into madness at the joy they were sharing, their peak arrived simultaneously.
"Karen," he gasped, the word ripped from deep inside of him. He could feel every inch of her against him, so perfect so right. They lingered in each other's arms, not wanting it to end. Kiss after kiss only stoked the fire again. Her lips made a sensuous line along his cheek to his ear and he heard her whisper.
"There's a storm coming.'
The sound of distant thunder made him open his eyes and see the dark clouds slowly appearing on the horizon.
"We'll make it through," he replied. There was something about the look in her eye that troubled him. He wanted to reassure her, but her lips claimed his once more.
"MORNING!'
The voice was like the blast of an air horn to his sensitive ears. Clark's eyes popped open and for a moment he didn't know where he was. In the next instant, the world began to shift and he realized just before he hit the floor, he was in his apartment.
The sound of laughter made him glance up just in time to see Kara walking into the kitchen.
"It's going to be a long day," Clark groaned. Slowly he untangled himself from the sheets and got off the floor.
New York
After Batman's exit, it took Karen quite awhile to calm down. She went around and double checked all her windows and doors and remembered to set the alarm this time. She thought about calling Clark but he would just be upset. She had handled it, so there was no reason to worry him.
Pouring herself another glass of wine, she dropped into the sofa and turned on the TV. She felt so keyed up, she just wanted to unwind and calm down with some mindless entertainment. She immediately switched to MTV.
About an hour later, she turned off the set and headed to her bedroom. After a quick shower she climbed under the covers exhausted. Moments later she was asleep.
It was the rustle of the wind that made her open her eyes. She found herself sitting on a porch, fields stretching out in every direction. The tall grass gently swayed under the warm sun. It was an unfamiliar place, but she found it quite soothing. As Karen glanced around, she noticed three glasses of lemonade sitting on the table next to her. One was different, appearing to be a young child's cup. For some unexplainable reason this brought a smile to her face.
The sound of laughter made her turn back towards the fields. It took a moment, but then she saw a small figure running through the grass. Karen couldn't make out whom it was, but from the sound of the laughter they were having a marvelous time.
There was something so familiar and comfortable about this place, even if she had no idea where she was. Lazily, Karen picked up the closest glass of lemonade and took a sip. The tart flavor mixed with just a hint of sweetness and the cool liquid felt wonderful as she swallowed. Relaxing and leaning back in her chair, Karen noticed for the first time she wasn't wearing her usual power business suit or even her costume. She was wearing a plain white blouse and khaki shorts. She was barefoot; a pair of worn sandals lay haphazardly on the porch in front of her. Usually she would have guessed she was on vacation, but this didn't look like any resort she'd ever been to. It looked like a home and somehow she knew it was her home.
Before she could question this, she heard someone calling her name. Looking up, she saw Clark walking through the fields towards her. He smiled and gave her a small wave. She returned them with her own. Karen heard the laughter again and saw the small figure run near Clark before heading off in the opposite direction laughing even louder. Karen saw Clark chuckle and shake his head. He continued to walk towards Karen.
She let her eyes take him in. Karen found herself getting excited just looking at him. She had always thought he was handsome, even before they had started dating. Seeing him here for some reason only heightened these thoughts. She absently licked her lips as her eyes devoured him. The thought he belongs here too came to her mind.
The shrill cry of birds caught her attention. Karen hadn't noticed it before, but there was a large willow tree in the yard of the house. A flock of blackbirds landed on the branches one after another. Their harsh calls were irritating to her. Karen covered her ears and glanced over at Clark, but he didn't seem to notice them. He just continued to walk towards her smiling.
Karen wasn't sure how much more of their piercing cries she could take and was about to get up and shoo them away, when they stopped. She glanced over and they all seemed to be looking into the distance. Everything was silent for a moment, and then the sound of engines came. The birds began to make a racket and then flew off.
Karen watched them disappear into the sky before turning to look at Clark. A gasp escaped her lips as a huge earthmover appeared directly behind him. It was the size of a three story house and as wide. He didn't seem to notice and kept walking towards her. It started as one earthmover then another appeared and then another and another and another. Movement to Clark's left caught Karen's eye. It was the figure that had been laughing. She suddenly realized it was a child. It too didn't seem to notice the earthmovers heading right towards them both. Karen stood up and waved, shouted at Clark to move out of the way, but the din of the earthmovers drowned out all other sound.
They were getting closer and closer to Clark and the child, yet neither seemed to notice. Panic began to set in, as they were almost right on top of both of them. Karen started down the steps but stumbled and fell. Scrambling to her feet again, she saw the earthmovers were impossibility close to Clark and the child. Yet still they seemed unaware. In desperation she screamed.
"Clark!"
Karen sat up, surrounded by darkness. She didn't know where she was for a moment, but then realized she was in her own bedroom. Her heart was going a mile a minute and she was covered in sweat. Trying to catch her breath, she repeated over and over, "it was only a nightmare, only a nightmare."
The Watchtower
It was the late shift and as usual, Jonn was working it. Tonight he had company, as Wally had drawn the shift too. He wasn't happy about it. Usually Jonn worked in silence, monitoring both Earth and the neighboring systems for any trouble. Wally liked to talk.
"Jeez, could this be any more boring up here," Wally commented. "I don't know why I got stuck on the late shift."
"As a senior member, it was your turn," Jonn replied.
"No one mentioned this when I signed up. I feel like a mall security guard."
"If it helps, we are providing a valuable service," Jonn offered. "We are the first line of defense if anything happens."
"You'd think that would help, wouldn't you, but it doesn't," Wally said. The two fell into silence again as they started another round of checks. Wally liked to do everything fast, but Jonn insisted he slow down. To Wally's mind it took forever to finish. He sat back when they were done and sighed as the clock moved so slow. He fiddled with some of the knobs and switches until he felt Jonn's disapproving glare,
"Sorry," he weakly offered. Jonn turned back to his console. Wally began to hum. For some reason power ballads had been running through his head all day. He started humming quietly but as one song shifted into another he got more and more into it. When Wally reached the chorus to 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls he just had to sing it.
"Wally, please," Jonn said.
"What? Oh, sorry, not a music lover either, huh?"
"Not that music, not here."
"To each his own," Wally replied.
Silence fell over the monitoring room again.
"So let me ask you something Jonn, as a man of science," Wally began.
"Yes?"
"Hypothetically, who do you think would win in a fight, Road Runner or Coyote?"
"Wally, I really don't have time for that sort of thing," Jonn replied.
"I think it would be Road Runner," Wally continued. "I mean he's faster and smarter, thought Coyote must be richer to afford all those gadgets from Acme."
"Are you talking about the cartoon characters, Wally?"
"Yeah, in your opinion, who would win?"
Jonn looked at his friend for a moment. He knew once Wally was off on one of these tangents the best thing to do was go along with him.
"I would agree, Road Runner would win," Jonn said and then turned back to the control board.
"How about between Black Canary and Huntress?"
"I don' t like to speculate about two of our teammates fighting."
"Aw, come on, Jonn, it's just a question,' Wally protested. "Besides, they already have fought in that Thunder Dome or whatever. So if you were in the stands, who would you have bet on?"
"If I had been there I would have tried to stop it," Jonn replied.
"But if you couldn't, Jonn," Wally persisted. "Who would you, with all your Martian logic, have wagered would be the winner?"
"I believe it was Diana that won that night, Wally," Jonn countered.
"Yeah, that's right, though, I think Canary could have taken Huntress," Wally admitted. "She has a nasty streak."
"Thankfully, we'll never have to find out."
"Well, since we're on this, how about between Diana and Power Girl?"
"Wally, please."
"I'd have to go with Diana, She has all that Xena warrior woman stuff is in her background," Wally said.
"Wally, I don't like to speculate on who would be a winner or loser if our teammates fight," Jonn replied.
"I think we both know if those two fought the audience would be the real winners, Jonn," Wally smiled. "Add some Jell-O and you've got yourself a pay-per-view bonanza."
"Wally."
"You know, speaking of Power Girl," Wally said conspiratorially. He moved over towards Jonn. "Kind of wild what happened with Kara earlier, wasn't it Jonn?"
"She had a shock," Jonn replied.
"Oh, I know, I know," Wally said. "Did she happen to tell you just what it was that gave her such a big shock, Jonn?"
"That's private, Wally."
"She did, didn't she," Wally smiled.
"I promised I wouldn't say anything," Jonn replied.
"I get it, but since I was the first one there and already know, I thought we could maybe, you know, talk about it."
"Didn't you promise Superman not to," Jonn asked.
'Well, yeah, but if you already know, I wouldn't really be breaking my promise of not telling, would I?"
"I would prefer to respect their privacy, Wally. I would suggest you do the same."
Jonn turned and moved over to check some of the incoming data.
"But Jonn, come on, Power Girl and … "Wally started to protest, but Jonn cut him off.
"Please, Wally, pick another subject if you must talk," Jonn replied.
Wally was frustrated and sat just staring at Jonn. Jonn didn't acknowledge him and continued to work.
"Okay, Jonn, have it your way. So if you want to talk about something else," Wally started. "Why don't you tell me why you're dress like a green Batman?"
Jonn turned and look at him, then look at his costume and finally back at Wally.
The Watchtower
Diana turned over on her League issued bed and sighed. Creature comforts usually didn't mean that much to her, but she secretly had to admit she missed her bed back on Themyscira. Perhaps she would have to check into one of those sleep number beds she'd heard about on the radio. Diana wasn't sure what a sleep number was or if she had one, but whatever number this bed was it wasn't it.
It took longer than usual, but finally she drifted off.
Diana opened her eyes when she heard the sound of car horns. Flashing lights seemed to surround her. It took a moment, but then she realized she was on the Ginza in Tokyo. The horns blaring made her realize she was standing in the middle of traffic. Moving quickly, she got out of the road and jointed the crowd moving down the sidewalk. She absently noticed she was wearing traditional garb like she would back home.
Everything seemed to be moving so fast. The lights, the sounds, the smells were almost overwhelming to her. People passed by her giving her looks. They were all dressed in the most unusual ways, a myriad of colors and textures. Everywhere she looked there was something new and interesting to see.
Before she left her home, Diana had always tried to imagine what the outside world would be like. She'd listened to all the stories her sisters told her and knew it was a cruel, mean place, but somehow it still fascinated her. The few sisters that had gone out to do research told tales of amazing, confusing sights they'd seen. It only made Diana want to see them for herself more. As much as she could sympathize with her sisters and the horrible suffering they endured, she really couldn't share it with them. Some things you might be able to imagine, but will never know unless you have experienced it yourself. It was just another reason that many times she felt a distance between herself and her sisters.
Now she was out in the Man's World, on her own. It was like walking through a door and finding yourself a thousand years in the future. This world was completely different than anything she knew or imagined. On Themyscira, there was a timeless quality to life. If she traveled back five hundred years into the past, nothing would seem different from today. The Man's World wasn't like that. Everything was in constant motion and change.
The culture shock when she first arrived had been enormous. For all her confidence and outward poise, Diana felt like she was desperately trying to catch up. Things everyday ordinary citizens took for granted in the Man's World were mysteries to her. Her frame of reference might as well have been from another planet.
As she walked down the street, exotic smells tempted her nose, while the constant din of the machines, music, and announcements; and flashing lights from the pachinko parlors filled her other senses. Wanting to escape the crush of the crowd, Diana spied a coffee house and navigated her way towards it. As she pushed open the door and entered, the sight of many of her teammates greeted her. They were scattered around at various tables laughing and talking. Other patrons filled the establishment, but took no notice of her.
Diana spotted Kal looking over and waving for her to join them. He had always been the first to extend a hand of welcome to her since her arrival in the Man's World. Diana made her way over and took the empty chair between Wally and John. A steaming mocha was placed in front of her as everyone offered greetings. Diana smiled and returned their hellos. She felt so comfortable at that moment, a part of something. The original seven members of the League were there along with Dinah, Ollie and Vixen.
As Diana enjoyed a sip of her mocha, the conversation seemed to pick up where it had left off before she arrived. As comfortable as it was being here with them, Diana found it hard to follow the conversation. She didn't get the jokes that everyone else got or the references. As time slipped by it seemed they had started to speak in a completely different language, one that she didn't understand.
Looking around the table, she saw that others, aliens like Shayera, Jonn and Kal didn't seem to be having a problem. Diana turned and listened to what John was saying and it all seemed like nonsensical words to her, but it brought laughter from the others. She glanced down the table and even caught Bruce momentarily smiling. The familiar feeling of being isolated came back to her.
Wally turned and asked her a question. She didn't understand a word of it. Dinah came to her rescue and put it in simpler words. They all seemed to find it very amusing that she hadn't understood.
"Don't worry, Princess, it takes a while to get up to speed," Kal offered sincerely. Diana smiled and shrugged. She hated it when he called her Princess. She knew he just did it to tease her and most times it made her feel apart of the group, but there were other times when it just reminded her of how much she wasn't.
This was her home planet and she had grown up here, yet he had come from the stars and fit in far better than she could. He did it so well, that most of her teammates didn't even think of him as an alien any more. They all look at her as if she were some oddity from the pages of some history book.
Her attention was drawn to Vixen and John as Wally made a comment. Everyone else laughed and John admitted guilt to something. It took her a moment, but Diana finally realized it had something to do with their nonverbal communications. Everyone else had seen something, whether it was their body language or a touch that indicated to them they were growing closer.
Diana hadn't seen it. She never saw it. The whole process of socializing and dating was a mystery to her. Since coming to the Man's World, she had been intrigued by the interaction between couples. She felt the same wants and desires as any other woman, but had no experience. While all the others had grown up around the opposite sex and learned the dance over time, she was a complete novice.
Looking at the other women at the table, Diana felt a twinge of envy at the easy way they teased and played along with the others. She heard her name being spoken close to her ear and as she turned, Diana found herself face to face with Batman. He was speaking to her, but she didn't understand a word he was saying. The room seemed to shift around them and in the next instance they were back on that rooftop in New York.
Diana turned to ask him what was happening, but he was already speaking. His words were garbled except for the last four, "for you and I."
Diana was confused and didn't understand. As she started to ask him what he meant, Batman stepped back into the shadows. They seemed to engulf him.
"Wait!" she cried out, but he was already disappearing. Diana lunged forward to catch him, but missed ad landed hard on the rooftop. She opened her eyes and found she was back in her League room aboard the Tower. She was alone.
Metropolis
Kara tossed and turned on the bed, still angry and confused over everything that had happened. She heard Clark come home, but she didn't want to speak with him. She listened as he first tried the guest room but then moved out to the couch. A smile crossed her face as she heard him repeatedly fall off the couch.
Slowly the stress of the day caught up to her and she snuggled down in the warm covers and closed her eyes. Slumber quickly came.
The intense red light made her stir. As she glanced at the bedroom door, it seemed to be surrounded by the light. Throwing back the covers she quickly moved over to see what was going on. When she opened the door, Kara had to shield her eyes. As she finally adjusted to the light, she realized it was sunlight, red sunlight. Stepping out into the other room, Kara immediately noticed it wasn't Clark's apartment anymore. It took a moment, but then her breath caught in her throat. This was her home on Krypton. She was home.
Kara rushed over the window and gazed out at the glittering capital. It seemed nothing had changed. Hoping against hope, she began to search through the house but no one else was home. It was in the kitchen area she saw a glass of juice sitting on the table with a note propped up against it. Kara moved over and picked it up. It simply said, at work, see you soon. The familiar handwriting brought a smile to her face. Setting the note down she picked up the glass of juice and tasted it. It was one of the many exotic blends only found on Krypton. She was home, really home.
It a mad burst of energy, she got dressed and sprinted towards the door. Just as she was about to leave, Kara noticed a crack in the wall next to the front door. She was too excited to examine it closer and headed out. In the distance she could see people moving about their daily lives. There was a park just across the way and she headed straight for it. Everything seemed so lush and full of life. The red sun seemed very intense and she guessed it must be the middle of summer.
Kara thought she spotted some of her friends just over a hill in the park. She waved to them, but they were too far away. She was already sweating, but didn't stop and ran harder towards them. Each step seemed harder than the one before and she was breathing hard. The sun seemed huge in the sky and the heat was so intense.
A gust of wind nearly knocked Kara over and as she looked up the trees and vegetation began to shift in color and wilt before her eyes. She heard concerned shouts from the others in the park. The very turf below her feet withered and died before her eyes. The trees began to brake apart and turn into dust. The winds picked up in speed and now the air was filled with dust.
Panic gripped Kara and she started to rush desperately towards her friends. The crackle of lightening lashed across the sky, yet she didn't stop. It seemed with each step everything surrounding her turned to dust and ash. Kara screamed as she saw her friends fall to the ground, gasping for air. The red sun was so bright she had to shade her eyes, yet she continued on. Her lungs were burning. Just as she reached her friends, the very earth below them began to shake.
"NO!' Kara screamed, but it was too late. She watched in horror, as they all seemed to freeze for a moment and then crumble into dust. The earth shook violently and she was knocked to the ground. A vast fissure ripped open, swallowing everything around her. Kara tried desperately to hold on, but slowly she was being pulled into the hole. Tears rolled down her face, as she felt so helpless to stop it. The red sun was even bigger and so intense it hurt her eyes to even glance at it. A huge wave shook everything, tossing and turning her haphazardly. Kara felt herself falling and falling deeper into the hole. The red sun seemed to explode and everything went white.
"Gotcha," A gentle voice said and then a strong hand came out of nowhere and caught her.
The all-encompassing white light shifted and became yellow. Kara was finally able to see again and looked up as the person that had saved her. It was Clark and he was smiling at her. A rush of joy went through her and she launched herself into his arms. Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as she clung to him.
"It's going to be okay, I'm not letting go," he whispered softly to her. She just stayed in his arms for a long time. Slowly she was able to calm down and when she finally looked around her, Kara saw she was on the Kent farm. She had never been so happy to see it in her life.
The farm house door opened and Ma Kent stepped out on the porch wiping her hands on her apron.
"Come on, dinner," she shouted. Kara smiled, knowing Ma would try and get her to eat more. Feeling much lighter, Kara started to walk towards the house. She turned to look at Clark, but he was staring off into the distance.
"You go ahead, all be right behind you," he said and then started to move off. Kara wanted to protest, but knew he had responsibilities. She headed towards the house. As she got closer, Kara felt a bead of sweat rolled down her cheek. This made her stop, as she usually didn't sweat even on the hottest days on the farm. She looked up and something had changed. The bright yellow of the house was now sun bleached and faded. Kara turned back to call to Clark but he wasn't where he was before. She heard a rush of wind above her and glanced up just in time to see a figure in white, with a red cape fly over. A tremor went through the ground.
Kara suddenly realized it was happening again. She turned and saw the house fall in on itself and then turn to dust. The golden fields were parched and dead. She was alone with death all around her.
"Clark!" She screamed, but it was swallowed up by the wind.
Kara sat up in bed, gasping for air. Her eyes were wide in panic. She was clutching the sheets so hard they tore like tissue paper between her fingers. She was in Clark's room, in his apartment. She started to use her vision to see if he was still on the couch, but the memory of the last time she used it came back to her. Instead, she listened. Kara could hear the slow deep breathing of Clark in the other room. Lying back down, she just concentrated on it and slowly calmed down.
It was almost sunrise and she lay there quietly just listening to his breathing. It was reassuring to her. It was when he mumbled the name Karen that Kara got up. The dream was still in the back of her mind, but she was also pissed. She marched out into the living room and saw how close he was to falling off the couch. A wicked thought came to her mind and she smiled. Moving over and leaning down close to his ear, she shouted, "Morning!"
As she headed into the kitchen the sound of him hitting the floor brought a smile to her face.
Gotham
Bruce hadn't slept in several nights. He'd been pushing himself harder and harder. His trip to New York hadn't gone quite as he planned, but he had delivered his message. He sat alone in the bat cave, going over all the police reports for that evening. His body was beyond exhausted. As he scanned another report, the type became blurry to him. Bruce sat back and shook his head, taking a deep breath. He knew he needed to take a break. He tried to fight against it, but slowly his eyes closed.
He felt the cold rain against his skin and heard the prayers being spoken. As Bruce opened his eyes, he realized he was at a funeral. He'd been to so many in his young life that they had almost become second nature to him. Familiar faces were gathered all around a fresh dug grave. Black clouds hung low in the gray skies. It was a time of mourning, only Bruce didn't know who they were mourning for. He felt someone circle their arm through his and turned his head to see Selina standing next to him. Before he could say anything, another arm slipped around other arm. Bruce turned to see Diana standing on this side of him.
A mad cackle rang out. It was all too familiar to Bruce. Instantly he was ready for an attack, only it never came. At least it never came at him. He heard a gasp and then saw Barbara shake and then slump to the ground. Bruce pulled away from Selina and Diana and rushed over to her. Blood was running from her mouth and she looked up to him with a strange questioning look in her eye.
"No," he whispered, but there was nothing he could do. The left arm of his tailored suit morphed into his Batman armor. He turned to ask the others for help, but they had all turned and were walking away. He looked back down at Barbara, but she was gone. He was face to face with his parents' tombstones. His pants and shoes changed into his Batman tights and boots.
The rain came down harder. Bruce wiped the water from his eyes and the world shifted again. It was still raining, but the new scene was a very familiar one to him. It was the site of Jason Todd's death. His suit jacket and shirt changed into his Batman battle dress. The mad laughter came again. Bruce turned and found himself looking down at Gotham's main street.
A parade silently moved down it. The participants were all dressed in black and carried white balloons. Perched on the ledge above them he couldn't make out their faces. As it passed just below him, the balloons were released and soon Bruce's entire field of vision was filled with them.
He heard a woman's scream, but couldn't see anything. He batted the balloons out of his way, but there were too many of them. There was another scream, only this time the woman's voice sounded so familiar. Bruce then heard crying. In desperation he fired his line blindly and launched himself from his perch. Balloons scattered as he swung through. He sensed the ground fast approaching and braced himself for impact.
It never came, for in the next moment he was standing in Selina's hospital room. Bruce felt himself chock up as he saw all the tubes and machines hooked up to her. He reached out and gently took her hand, wanting to tell her how much she meant to him, but before he could speak, something caught his eye. It was his Batman mask and it was lying on her bed. He picked it up and slowly pulled it on. The bed was empty when next he looked.
Bruce slowly walked out of the room. He was back on the ledge, high above the city. Darkness seemed to be gathering all around, yet off in the distance he saw a lone ray of light. Standing in the shadows, he couldn't look away. A figure emerged and soared overhead. Diana. She looked like one of her Gods up there in the sky. The light seemed to follow her. Bruce felt the pull of the light, but instead of moving towards it, he turned away. His full Batman cape billowed out around him.
Below he spotted the parade again, only this time they were shouted and carrying signs. He moved down towards them for a better look. They seemed to be moving towards a central location. As Bruce followed, he could make out the signs. They all said 'never forget'. The rain was still pouring down and as Bruce moved along the ledge his foot slipped. He couldn't seem to catch himself and in the next moment was plunging towards the street.
He landed hard, but as he looked around he was back in the cemetery. His parents' tombstones looked weathered with age and several others joined them. The names on all the stones were of people he cared for. They were all dead. Bruce struggled to stand, but his body felt tired and weak. He was surprised to find a cane in his hand. He had to use it to stand. He wasn't wearing his Batman outfit anymore, but a loose fitting black suit.
The sound of an automobile pulling up made him slowly turn. A driver stepped out of the modern looking vehicle.
"Are you ready to go home, sir," the stranger said.
"Yes," Bruce replied, but his voice had none of the usual force behind it. He found it difficult walking and slowly made his way to the car. As the driver opened the door for him, Bruce gasped at his reflection. He was an old man, stooped with age. He somehow managed to struggle into the car and the drive set off. A few short minutes later they arrived at Wayne Manor. Again the driver opened the door for him. Bruce climbed out and started up the steps. He turned to say something to the driver, but the man was already back in the car and leaving. Bruce turned back and headed inside.
The house was still the same, perhaps older. The one difference was the silence. Bruce headed into the study and poured himself a drink to take away the chill. There was fire going and a rather mean looking dog lying in front of it. As Bruce dropped heavily into one of the chairs, he realized they were the only two in the house. He was alone.
Bruce gasped and sat up in his chair. He blinked several times until he realized he was still in the Bat cave. The reports were still on the screen in front of him. Silence filled the room.