Chapter 1: Kansas, 1993
The shaking of an unpaved gravel "road" under a 1971 Ford Thunderbird wakes Bruce from his nap. He keeps his eyes closed for a few minutes, enough to hear his father Thomas remark, "See that sign, Martha? We're in Kansas now." Bruce opens his eyes to see Thomas behind the wheel and a rather large town behind them.
Bruce's mother speaks up. "Three hundred miles to Smallville. We're almost there." Bruce looks out of the back window towards Kansas City. They are most definitely not in New Jersey. The narrow, two-lane gravel path is surrounded by nothingness as far as the eye can see, with a forest off to the southwest. It's nothing like the busy Gotham streets that Bruce has been surrounded by all his life.
The air feels different here, as if it carries a subtle hint of freshness, free from the heavy pollution of the city. He takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp scent of earth and wildflowers. The quietness of the surroundings amplifies every sound—the gravel crunching under the tires, the wind rustling through the trees, the distant chirping of birds.
Through the car window, Bruce catches glimpses of the vibrant colors of nature—rolling hills covered in emerald-green grass, fields of golden wheat swaying gently in the breeze. It's a picturesque scene that evokes a sense of serenity and tranquility, a far cry from the chaotic and crime-ridden Gotham.
As the Thunderbird rolls along, Bruce's gaze lingers on the small wooden houses dotting the landscape. They seem to have a charm and simplicity that he finds… quaint. He wonders about the people who live in these homes, their stories, and their daily lives. Are they content in their simple existence, or do they yearn for something more, as he does?
Bruce's attention shifts to the distant forest, a mysterious realm beckoning him with its untamed beauty. He can't help but wonder what secrets lie within those ancient trees, what creatures roam the depths of the wilderness. It's a stark contrast to the concrete and steel jungle he's accustomed to—a world where shadows and darkness have taken root.
Smallville, with its vast open spaces and uncharted territories, holds both promise and uncertainty for Bruce. It's a blank canvas upon which he can redefine himself and embark on a path that will lead him towards his destiny. He clenches his fists, feeling a surge of determination coursing through his veins. In this new town, he will find his purpose and rise above the shadows that haunt him.
With each passing mile, Bruce's anticipation grows, mingling with a hint of unease. He's ready to confront the unknown…
But he'd rather be in Gotham.