Batman : One Final Fright.
Chapter 01: committed to memory.
' no parent should bury their child and no child should bury the parents, I managed to do both in my lifetime '
It has been six years since the incident with the Red cowl, now known to some as Jason Todd, the second Robin to the iconic crime fighter from Gotham and the second ward to billionaire and philanthropist Bruce Wayne. In those years the man on all fronts threw himself even harder on both keeping the people of Gotham safe at night while keeping track on the corrupt in plain sight during the day. To that end he did not pursue to recruit yet another Robin but rather mentor another youth with potential to carry on his legacy should the day come when he no longer could continue his crusade to protect Gotham.
Gotham's financial district, 22:30 pm.
As Batman glided from rooftop to rooftop keeping watch on the district down below he could faintly hear a faint yawn from his comns.
" go home Mcginnis your'e done for today"
on the other line, the 14 year old Mcginnis answered as followed.
" I'm not tired, just a slow night… well slower than usual."
at that Batman acknowledged while insisting on his last order.
" let Alfred take you home, you're no good to me or anyone else being tired and over worked."
at this Mcginnis relented as he was sitting in front of the computer in the Bat cave as he answered.
" understood boss, let me just finish reading the updated files on the patients at Arkham."
with that said and done the 14 year old continued reading the files in a fast paced rate until he landed on an interesting note.
" I got here an update on a parole hearing on one Mr. Freeze, it scheduled for the next three days, is that cause for alarm?"
with that Batman answered his 'employee' as follows.
" no, not yet anyway, great job for today."
As Batman finished his patrol for the night he arrived back at the cave at about 03:30 am as an aging Alfred waited on him patiently near the Batmobile's parking area with a pressed suit on his forearm. As Batman stepped out he greeted the father figure/ butler as follows.
" thank you now try and get some sleep, i'll be perfectly fine handling everything from this point."
at this Alfred responded in his usual droll.
" how ironic."
at that Batman/Bruce Wayne caught the tone as he replied.
" I suppose so but as of right now I'm needed being awake and razor sharp"
with that Bruce Wayne changed quickly into the suit Alfred was carrying as said man concluded the conversation.
" even the sharpest of razors can become dull if it's not properly maintained."
at that Bruce Wayne acknowledged his second father with a soft smile before heading out to his next appointment, this time at the Thomas Wayne memorial hospital for a very important meeting. As he drove to the hospital the following thought came to his head.
' mom… dad… hoping you're resting easy'
As soon as Bruce Wayne arrived at the hospital he began to dodge reporters and fans alike with ease as an employee on behalf of the hospital led him to a specific floor where a few high profiled patients were being taken care of, mostly patients with rare disorders or even people who otherwise wouldn't have been abled to pay it unless he himself wouldn't intervened. As both employee and Bruce reached their destination the hospital worker addressed mr. Wayne.
" the doctors are already inside waiting."
thanking him Bruce took a closer look at the name plate next to the door before entering
Miss Freis.
As he entered he immediately asked.
" how bad are the bad news?"
with that the doctors present started to clear their throats as they tried to find out how to break the news to the one who personally employed them to do their best keeping miss Fries alive, in the meantime Bruce scanned quietly the patient's vital signs while keeping an act of some ignorance as he sighed.
" firing or berating you would be futile, I want you to be honest with me."
with that said and done the head doctor cleared his throat replying.
" without being too technical, in her current condition she's dying slowly and at a steady rate."
with that Bruce Wayne 'ventured' a 'guess'.
" and if we try to rush her cure or use what's already available now it will only hasten her death, is that about right?"
with that the head doctor gave a shameful nod as Bruce continued the conversation.
" what about her father's research?, or even he himself?, any chance we could find a cure utilizing these options?"
with that the head doctor replied sternly but honestly.
" in all honesty sir we don't have the luxury to make heads or tails of Dr. Freeze…. Fries's extensive research on cryogenics and the thought of turning to the man itself poses unnecessary risks for the entire hospital sir."
with that Bruce Wayne became very quiet for a few brief moments before addressing the head doctor in charge.
" I'm well aware of the risks involved with setting Mr. Freeze free but we're talking about the man's daughter, his own flesh and blood, how do you think he'll take it if we let his daughter die simply because we treated him like the monster he's become rather than the man he once was?"
at that the head doctor nodded.
" well I suppose an arrangement can be made for Dr. Fries to act as a consultant on his daughter's future treatments."
at this Bruce Wayne gave the doctor an optimistic smile concluding the conversation with.
" that's what I like to hear. Now if you'll excuse me I have some more appointments to tend to, keep the good work."
with that said and done Bruce Wayne found his way back to his car as he began driving towards Mercey Island, north of Gotham City, just outside of the city limits as Alfred checked in via video call.
' how was the doctor's appointment sir?'
with that Bruce/Batman answered.
" the doctor gave me some troubling results, I'm forced to pay a visit at Arkham."
at this Alfred asked immediately.
' shall I prepare a change of clothes for you sir?'
at this Batman replied.
" no, for the moment Bruce Wayne is needed more."
at this Alfred surmized.
' well due be careful sir.'
at this Batman/Bruce gave a reassuring nod to Alfred before ending the call driving towards his destination in silence.
Mercey Island, a couple of hours later.
Mercey Island like Gotham itself is a place rich with history and incidents all revolving around the giant gothic mansion in the wooded hills of the island, how giant you may ask?, enough for it's towers to touch either the moon or the sun and for its sheer decadents to overwhelm your senses, or even enough to attract the attention of arguably the most notorious criminal Gotham ever produced, The Joker. As Bruce Wayne made his way closer and closer to the property's entrance, a gaunt individual with a world weary expression greeted Gotham's favorite son, Jeremaiah Arkham.
" good morning warden…"
at this Arkham stopped and cut off the arriving Mr. Wayne.
" it's doctor for the time being, now let's not waste time on idle chit chat and head inside."
at this Bruce asked innocently.
" have I came at a wrong time?, I could come later if…"
at this moment Arkham cuts him off again.
" it is not a matter of timing Mr. Wayne, I just don't wish to overstimulate our patients given their backgrounds."
with that said and done Bruce Wayne gave a polite nod.
" then let's talk shop, I need a favor from you Arkham."
without a single shred of surprise Arkham continued the conversation as follows.
" and that favor might be what?"
with that Bruce answered.
" I need you to grant Mr. Freeze access to his daughter."
with that Arkham mulled the request over before he directed Mr. Wayne towards his office for a more discrete setup for them to continue their talk. Once inside the office Bruce noticed a plaque on the office's desk reading the following.
' you don't have to be mad to work here but it helps'
" a ramaninat from the old facility Mr. Wayne."
with that Bruce gave his response with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, indicating that he wished to continue the talk.
" cute."
once Arkham made sure to close the doors to his office he continued the conversation where they've left it off.
" quite a tall order, I assume her condition deteriarated significantly for you to ask me of this."
with that Bruce answered politely but pointently.
" that's an understatement."
with that said and done Arkham kept quiet drawing out the silence between the two before asking the following.
" what would you have me do Mr. Wayne?"
at that the following answer.
" influence the parole board into granting Mr. Freeze a temporary leave from the assylum so he either may save his daughter or if worse comes to pass to say his final goodbye to her."
at this Arkham adopted a pleasant demeanor as he gave his following response.
" who's better than me in acknowledging the importance of one's family but…"
at this Bruce paid him back in kind by cutting him off.
" let me guess, you don't want to overstimulate your patients."
at this Arkham went quiet, sensing the aggressive and displeased tone in Mr. Wayne's voice as he cleared his throat.
" that is the official stand of Arkham Assylum however I can at least promise to make an effort to convince the parole board towards leniancy."
at this Bruce gave a sigh of relief saying.
" I guess that's some progress at least, in the meantime I'll let myself out."
before Bruce Wayne could see himself out of the office a soft but very distinct knock came on the door. As the door openned a larger than life orderly, both in size and presence with a neighborly and friendly face spoke up.
" sorry to bother you doc but all of the patients with special needs are all present and accountable back in their cells….. I mean rooms per your request."
at this Rkham responded dryly.
" is that all Franklein?"
at this the orderly got a bit nervous, feeling like his headmaster from elemantary school was scolding him as he tried his best not to fumble his words.
" there's one minor thing… some patients from general population want an extra hour of TV time in the common room…"
at this Arkham calmly cut him off.
" there are schedules and routines for a reason, that said and done we can start half an hour early after breakfast so we could still keep to our regiment.
At this orderly Franklein replied with.
" understood chief, thanks."
with that the orderly went on his way, business as usual as Bruce Wayne followed suit towartds the exit as he caught up with the orderly on the way out.
" orderly Franklein wasn't it?, may I have a word with you?"
at this the orderly gasped in surprise and excitement as he replied.
" anything you need Mr. Wayne sir!"
at this Bruce smiled softly as he genuinely couldn't resist the contagious enthusiasm as he replied.
" tell me honestly, can I put my trust in Jeremayah Arkham?"
with that orderly Franklein took a moment to think before answering.
" gee I've been working here for a while now….. between you and me this is a proper madhouse and Arkham is a bit out there….. but I believe he means well, does that help Mr. Wayne?"
at this Bruce concluded the conversation as follows.
" call me Bruce, Mr. Wayne was my father."
with that orderly Franklein nodded in agreement as he offered to escort Bruce back to his car. Once Bruce began driving away he made his way back into Gotham to continue patrol as Batman up until Mcginnis would stop by for his after school job.
Wayne manor, 16:00 pm
As Alfred drove the family car through the manor's gates he couldn't help but to notice that young Mcginnis was sporting a black eye on his face while nursing a wounded shoulder.
" care to tell me how you got those young master?"
at this Mcginnis tried his best to avoid the subject by saying.
" school bullies, nothing I can't walk off."
at this Alfred simply asked.
" have you been chasing them again?"
at this Mcginnis sighed.
" they were bullying smaller kids, what would you expect me to do? Ignore them when I could've helped?"
with this Alfred concluded the conversation with.
" what's done is done, now let's get you patched up, I'm certain master Wayne will keep you busy over the next few days."
with that said and done the both of them entered the manor heading towards the Bat cave as Alfred treated Mcginnis's wounds. Once it was done Batman returned like clockwork into the cave.
" Mcginnis I have an assignment for you."
at this the teen replied with.
" somehow I would seriously doubt if you hadn't, what's the job?"
with that Batman replied.
" I need you to investigate Jeremayah Arkham and a few members on the parole board handling Mr. Freeze's case."
with that Mcginnis went straight to work as he asked out of curiosity.
" you don't trust many people do you?"
with that Batman retorted in a manner of fact tone.
" I trust those who have proven to be trustworthy."
at this Mcginnis noded as a small sliver of doubt etched across his face as he asked quietly and cautiously.
" why do you trust me for?, I'm just a punk causing and chasing trouble."
at that Batman answered briskly but reassuringlly.
" I see potential for good in you."
with that Mcginnis agreed reluctantly while deep inside he fought the urge to make a blind bat joke as he began working away, occasionally taking small breaks to try and desperately catching up with his pilling homework. By the time 20:00 pm came around the Bat computer was displaying the financial status of both Arkham and all the parole board members assigned to Mr. Freeze as the teen asked.
" is there anything I should be looking in specific?, it feels like I'm looking for a needle in a stack of needles."
at this Batman replied while returning from another patrol in Gotham city.
" try and focus on sums that can't be explained on an IRS report."
at this Mcginnis asked further.
" like donations or sudden 'lottery wins'?"
with that Batman nodded.
" precisely."
with that Mcginnis continued searching through the files and lists as he asked.
" say how thorough is thorough in your book?"
with that Batman answered as he caught the boy's meaning.
" as in you're asking for permission to use less than legal or actually flat out illegal means to achieve your goal."
with that Mcginnis gave him a slight nod silently saying 'yes' as Batman gave the following answer.
" I'm the last one you should ask a question about legality, that said and done use those means once you exhausted all other options available."
with that Mcginnis nodded while still focusing on the computer screen silently saying.
" every last option, got it…."
with that the two continued on working until about 21:30 as Mcginnis pointed out something.
" found something, while directly no parole board member has been bought off directly I've managed to trace several cash influxes to next of kin with one name coresponding to those influxes, one Irving Boldger."
with that Batman thanked him in his usual way.
" that will be all for today."
with that said and done Batman disappeared before Mcginnis could say anything else only for Bruce Wayne to appear a few moments later leaving the teenager confused in his place.
" I'll be driving you home tonight, Alfred's working hard enough trying keeping up with me."
with that Mcginnis noded as he followed Mr. Wayne asking.
" you want me to continue working from home as well?"
with that Bruce replied.
" no, for two reasons, one you still got studies and school to occupy you, second, child labor laws."
at this Mcginnis nodded silently saying 'makes sense'
the drive towards the Mcginnis residence could be described as comfortably silenced as both driver and passenger were both preoccupied with their own thoughts. As Bruce Wayne pulled in towards Mcginnis's apartment building he noticed an older red headed woman waiting by the building's entrance as Mcginnis, also known to a select few as Terry asked.
" does she looks angry to you?"
with that Bruce took a quick look at her face and body language.
" worried from what I can tell."
with that Terry sighed with worry.
" until next time… that is if she won't ground me for life."
with that Bruce offered.
" would you like me to intervene on your behalf?"
with that Terry politely refused.
" you're doing too much for me as it is but thanks."
with that said Terry Mcginnis exited Bruce Wayne's car as his mentor/boss made sure he entered the building safely while he noticed Mrs Mcginnis aproaching his window.
" thanks for keeping him off the streets, he scares and worries me sometimes."
with that Bruce smiled softly.
" you're welcome, it's my fault he gets home late anyway, so much work too little time."
with that gave a pleasant, polite yet stern in nature nod saying.
" can you promise that he'll get home earlier next time?"
with that Bruce gave a stern yet reassuring nod of his own as he honestly said.
" I can't make promises I know I can't keep but i'll make sure he calls you if he's ending his work day late."
with that Mrs Mcginnis gave a small sigh of relief before asking.
" would you like to come in for late dinner?"
with that Bruce Wayne politely answered.
" thanks but unfortunately I have to keep working late myself."
with that said and done Bruce Wayne pulled out of the drive way as he drove off into the night, however it wasn't back to any office but the manor itself, towards the Bat cave, thanks to Mcginnis's contribution he had a new lead to check and an ace in the hole to make sure Mr. Freeze could help the doctors save his own daughter. As he got closer and closer towards the manor something about mrs. Mcginnis's words lingered in his mind until something clicked, putting emphasis on the word scare. As he walked through the doors Alfred in his night wear was waiting to greet him.
" insomnia old man?"
with that Alfred replied.
" with you sir it's part of the course."
Bruce did not reply as he opted to enter the Bat cave and though they exchanged quick glances Alfred knew something was bothering the young master's mind.
" a penny for your thoughts sir?"
with that Bruce or rather Batman replied.
" someone's trying to keep Mr. Freeze locked up, and I have a hunch as to who."
with that Alfred quickly, well as quick as an aging butler could, followed Batman into the cave as he spotted Batman doing research on the Bat computer as he asked.
" pardon me for asking but why should he be released?"
with that Batman answered gravely.
" because his own daughter is dying."
with that Alfred pieced together that this bit of news had something to do with his appointment at Thomas Wayne memorial hospital as he said.
" forgive me master Wayne I should have realised it sooner."
at this Batman sighed a bit before replying back.
" not your fault old friend, go back to sleep I'll manage from here."
with tha Alfred nodded before his curiosity peaked.
" dare I say manage what sir?"
with that Batman gave a small smile.
"Mcginnis found a mysterious benefactor depositing money into bank accounts belonging to a few relatives related to the parole board handling Freeze's case."
with that Alfred took a closer look at the name popping up on the screen.
" Irving Boldger…. I assume it's an alias."
with that said and done Batman finished his search as the result came up with.
' The Wizzard of Oz.'
with that Batman uttered his worst suspicion.
" scarecrow…."
with that Batman per his routine dove into the new lead in the investigation, hoping to get somewhere before the parole meeting, speaking of routines. Over the next few days Mr. Freeze has spent most of the time in the infirmary as orderly Franklein made sure everything ran smoothly and more importantly was making sure personally that Victor Fries was relatively healthy enough to make it through the night.
" are there no other patients you should tend to?"
with that orderly Franklein stopped what he was doing as he was surprised that the usually quiet, distant and stand offish Mr. Freeze was conversating with him as he replied genuinely.
" is there a reason why I shouldn't?"
with that Freeze answered with no emotion in his voice.
" you're tending to a dead man, your skills are wasted on someone like me."
with that the orderly got infurated however he kept an even tone.
" don't start with that nonesense, you've got a daughter that needs you out there while I've got no one, now pull yourself….."
before he could finish the sentence he bit his tongue as he was about to open an old wound as Mr. Freeze asked with worry clear in his voice.
" so it is true isn't it?"
with that orderly Franklein sighed.
" yes, but don't you worry Mr. Wayne's trying to do everything he can for you to see and hopefully save your little girl."
Mr. Freeze said nothing at first as he gave orderly Franklein a long, cold and piercing stare as he judged the man's sincerity after being betrayed by the last person he ever trusted as he simply replied with.
" it has been long since I said thank you to anyone but thank you, for both you and Mr. Wayne"
as the days to his parole hearingwent by agonizingly slow said date arrived as the former doctor turned criminal was being brought in front of the panel as the room was quiet and tense until one board member spoke up.
" you served a decade out of a life sentence, do you feel rehabilitated?"
at this Mr. Freeze didn't speak at first, he just gave an indifferent stare before he finally chose to speak.
" rehabilitated?, that's a funny notion."
with that the board member replied with the same indifference.
" answer the question please."
with that Mr. Freeze felt anger rise inside of him but still he didn't show it.
" I was getting to that…. I lost my humanity to that faithfull accident, the very substance that keeps me alive is eating away at me so no matter where I go I still remain a prisoner of sorts."
with that another board member spoke up in a feminine tone.
" let me ask you this, what do you intend to do if we release you from Arkham?"
at that Mr. Freeze's features softened along with the tone of his voice.
" I want what any father wants, tend to his daughter for whatever time he may has."
with that the board members almost robotically joted a few notes as they said in unison.
" you'll receive our decision soon, thank you, you may go now."
with that orderly Franklein entered the room as he escorted Mr. Freeze out back to Arkham Assylum.
Arkham Assylum, Dr. Arkham's office, a few hours later.
As Orderly Franklein entered the office he took notice that the good doctor was waiting for him with an anxious expression on his face.
" you needed me for something sir?"
with that Arkham spoke plainly.
" two things, one regarding your new orders, the other thing is much more concerning."
at this Franklein asked cautiously.
" concerning?, concerning how?…."
with that Arkham wasted no time on Franklein.
" I want you to stop giving special treatments for the patients, every one last of them, from now on they get nothing but the bare minimum understood!?"
with that Franklein spoke in a defensive tone.
" oh I understand alright, I understand you don't want me to do my job even though we're talking about sick human beings, well guess what, I'm not doing it."
at this Arkham gave him a strange smile saying.
" you'll do it unless you'll want to continue practicing medicine here or any other instotution in the state."
with that Franklein bit his lip as he clenched his fists while Arkham specified his orders regarding the patients, stating that they won't be alowed contact with the outside world by any means and their interactions would be kept to newspapers and magazines only, among the patients was included as well. Later that night Mr. Freeze was enjoying a book in his cell as orderly Franklein made his rounds wheeling a wheelchair.
" is something the matter?"
with that orderly Franklein spoke quietly and softly.
" I'm taking you to the closest phone, you deserve to be with your daughter."
with that orderly Franklein helped Freeze into the wheelchair as he quietly wheeled him towards the phone as the former doctor asked.
" please hand me the phone and give me a few moments of privacy."
with that Franklein nodded saying.
" sure thing, I need to check the security cameras anyway."
with that said and done Mr. Freeze was helped with making the call before being left alone as Franklein went to make sure both of them didn't get caught on tape. Just as Franklein was making sure they didn't get caught Mr. Freeze has already made his phone call setting a plan in motion. With that said and done Franklein came back asking.
" did you take care of business?"
with that Mr. Freeze simply replied with.
" it would be best if you didn't involve yourself further."
with that Franklein nodded a bit nervously before quietly returning Mr. Freeze to his cell quietly in his mind thanking him for not making him more of an acomplise than he already made himself out to be already.
Gotham city's Central police department ,the roof, a couple of days later.
As we follow one of the most decorated police officers in Gotham, one comissioner James Gordon, said veteran policeman went up to the station's roof with Batman lurking in the shaddows as said officer turned on the Bat signal both out of habit and warning to the criminal element in said city.
" a few hearsts vanish from cemetaries all over Gotham, a few sedatives from a number of hospitals and a few refrigiration units disappear in a blink of an eye, got any insights to what Freeze is up to now?"
with that Batman answered.
" his daughter's condition has deteriorated, leaving her on a very short borrowed time by this point."
with that Gordon nodded as he sighed in frustration.
" and I'm guessing there's a reason why they didn't give him a day pass."
with that Batman replied.
" Scarecrow, I'm already looking into it further."
with that both men reached a silent agreement while Gordon concluded the conversation.
" I'll get my best men and women on it, making sure that the damage done by him is contained to a minimum."
with that Batman further added that Gordon should focus his efforts on either banks and hospitals before disappearing. With that said and done Batman tracked down some of Mr. Freeze's old crew, tailing them to their latest hideout as Alfred checked in through the video screen in the Batmobile.
' I take it you won't be confronting Mr. Freeze directly anytime soon.'
with that Batman replied.
" at this point and time it would be pointless."
with that Alfred gave a slight nod before asking.
' I imagine you'd want to keep track on him from afar?'
with that Batman gave a short nod before ending the conversation as he kept on the trail of Freeze's goons as they led him into an abandoned whearhouse for a defunuct refrigarators company. Using every stealth tactic at his dispossal he tagged the goons and the infamous Freeze suit with microscoping long ranged trackers before leaving quietly leaving no traces to his presence.
Back in the Bat cave. About an hour later.
Bruce Wayne kept himself busy preparing his suit for yet another encounter with Mr. Freeze as Alfred walked in seeing an all too familiar expression on his face.
" may I suggest a relaxing evening for once sir?"
with that Batman/Bruce answered.
" for what goes through my mind right now?!, I don't think a distraction is in order."
with that Alfred nodded.
" very well sir, what goes through your mind this time?"
with that Bruce sighed.
" I figured out Freeze's escape plan, I also know that he managed to recruit someone from the inside, now all I have to figure out who and why."
with that Alfred nodded in understanding.
" very well, get some rest and i'll make myself a cup of tea, you'll need fresh eyes on this one sir."
with that Bruce sighed in relief.
" what did I ever do to gain such loyalty?"
with that Alfred answered with a twinge of sarcasm.
" oh just being yourself sir."
speaking of loyalty, as predicted Mr. Freeze managed to escape Arkham with his crew sneaking him out of the facility as a corpse while the villain himself instructed his henchmen to deliver him quickly to the last cryo suit not impounded by the GCPD. Bringing him to the abandoned refrigirators werehouse Mr. Freeze slipped into the suit. While attaching the prostetic arms to the stumps that were once his arms one of his henchmen asked.
" so now that you're free boss, what's our next move?"
with that Mr. Freeze wasted no time making sure his Freeze gun was functioning properly as he froze the henchman in place as he quickly fell and broke apart to tiny bits of frozen flesh.
" you mean mine."
with that now a frightened henchman spoke quietly, and when it said spoke in actuality a stutter of utter fear came out.
" what's your…. Next… move?"
with that Mr. Freeze coldly answered.
" finding my daughter."
with that one of the henchmen blurted out.
" and how are we supposed to do that without getting caught by Batman or the cops?"
with that Mr. Freeze paused for a moment before answering.
" we'll make Batman and the police do our work for us."
with that said and done Mr. Freeze began putting his new plans into motion along with Batman now tracking his every move.
Later in the day, enroute towards Gotham's first national bank.
As Batman trailed Mr. Freeze towards the first national bank he contacted Gordon with an update about the villain's whereabouts. As he arrived on the scene he noticed that ice glaciers formed around the entrance with some of the villain's usual goons making sure no one tries to go in and out holding back GCPD's finest behind a barricade. Rushing towards them and catching them by surprise the goons were knocked out by a couple of punches to the face and stomach as Batman simply said.
" start melting the ice, the more hostages inside the more Freeze has the upper hand."
with that said and done Batman disappeared from view as he used a smoke bomb and his iconic/ reliable grappling hook to try and gain access from the roof, allowing him to sneak by faster in comparison if Mr. Freeze caught a glimpse of him, seeing that he wasn't dealing with a garden variety bank robber he knew that whatever time he bought wasn't long. As he made his ways through the vents and shadows of the building he made his way towards the main floor as Mr. Freeze exclaimed.
" I've been expecting you, we need to talk."
with that Batman answered.
" let the hostages go, you're not doing yourself any favors by keeping them."
with that Mr. Freeze replied.
" I'm making sure I have your undevided attention."
with that Mr. Freeze tried to freeze Batman in place but the detective managed to dodge it in the knick of time.
" if it's about your daughter then you already have it, let the hostages go and i'll take you to her."
with that Mr. Freeze strenghtened the ice barrier he made while asking.
" and why should I trust you when you thwarted my attempts to cure my daughter on multiple occassions?"
with that Batman played his ace in the hole.
" because I know she's dying and no father should ever bury his daughter."
with that Mr. Freeze seized his rampage as he concluded the conversation.
" well played."
with Batman's help on the inside the GCPD rushed inside with EMTs as they tended to the hostages while a few of them surrounded the villain with MP5s aimed directly at him that is until Batman spoke.
" move."
with that said and done the policemen did as Batman told, reluctantly as the hero addressed Mr. Freeze.
" follow me."
as Batman led Mr. Freeze to a fortified and modified S.W.A.T van designed especially for him he began to hear the following murmur from a few flat foots.
' are yousure we could trust him?'
to anyone else that statement could've applied to the now surrendering super villain Mr. Freeze however Batman suspected that statement was sent his way and in all honesty him from a decade ago would've agreed with said sentiment if not for the fact that he noticed that his enemy has become slower in both mobility and responses otherwise he wouldn't have been able to dodge the last few attacks without frostbites at the very least. As Batman made it to the van's driver window he said in his usual tone.
" towards the Thomas Wayne memorial hospital."
with that said and done Mr. Freeze was as secure as one can as the police van began driving away with the Batmobile right on its tail as the comms went off with Gordon's voice asking.
' what can we expect while we're enroute to the destination?'
with that Batman simply answered.
" I speculate that Arkham will try to send a few people to recapture Freeze."
with that Gordon asked.
' why would Jeremiah Arkham of all people would try such a thing?'
with that Batman concluded the conversation with the following.
" his ego is a powerful motivator, then again we could be purely speculating."
with that said and done the only obstacles the convoy encountered were the notorious traffic jams that pleauged Gotham city, and yes, even with the police sirens blaring as the S.W.A.T van pulled in towards the hospital's entrance. With Mr. Freeze bein escorted out the vehicle Batman was not far behind as he adressed Gordon and Gordon's men.
" wait outside and guard the perimeter."
with that said and done the group did as they were told as Mr. Freeze and Batman made it inside with the villain attempting to speak before being politely cut off.
" don't thank me just yet."
with that Mr. Freeze answered quietly.
" fair enough."
with that Mr. Freeze and Batman made their way throughout the old hospital wing towards the more modern section in complete silence with their destination being the express elevator. Once they entered said elevator Mr. Freeze asked what most civillians would ask Batman.
" curious, you've swore to defend this cesspool of a city from criminals and maniacs such as myself yet you won't contemplate on killing us to do so?"
with that Batman corrected.
" I have many times, the older I get the more the thought runs through my head."
with that Mr. Freeze asked.
" then why haven't you already?, I know you heard those murmurs just as well as I "
with that Batman sighed in frustration.
" if I do that not only would I prove my detractors right, making me just as unstable as the villains I fight but I'll be betraying a promise I made ages ago, besides there are cases like yours."
with that Mr. Freeze gestured Batman to explain himself as he did.
" many people forget that you were the first victim to your own weapons."
with that Mr. Freeze nodded in understanding as eventually both reached their designated floor as Batman stated.
" if all else fails be prepared to bury your child."
with that Mr. Freeze entered the hospital room first in complete silence as he gazed upon his bedridden daughter as he quietly said.
" perhaps I was blind to the fact that I already have burried her."
with that Batman caught the tone in his voice as he countered with.
" have you quit?!, have you given in to your worst fears?!"
with that Mr. Freeze or rather Victor Fries answered with a sound mind and body.
" I haven't but my daughter deserves her father staying with her until the very end Mr. Wayne."
If Batman was ever caught with his guard down by the revelation he wouldn't let it know outright yet the thought still crossed his mind while Mr. Freeze ripped the top part of his mechanical suit as an insulation suit was revealed along with a few electrical circuits running around it as the villain started reprogramming a few of the suits functions.
" before you ask, like any curious mind I had a few suspicions, you see you can change a persons tone of voice or even its timber but in the end you can't change a person's nature with such ease."
with that Batman countered, still trying to save the villain's…. no, the man's life.
" I suppose so, since we're speaking of nature, you were never suicidal, so for your daughter's sake stop, she'll need her father once she wakes up."
with that Mr. Freeze/Fries gave a glimpse of a genuine smile as he quietly said ' I'll be with her till the very end'. With that said and done Batman wasted no time as he left the villain alone as he began searching the floor for potential victims to save as his suspicions kicked in. Evacuating a few nurses and patients out of the floor and into the elevator his suspicions were confirmed as a loud explosion was felt just as the elevator reached the lobby however instead of being encased in a torrent of flames the room which Mr. Freeze was in and several rooms next to it were completely covered with ice from the self destruct said villain executed. As Batman escorted the survivors out of the lobby into the care of the GCPD a morose comissioner Gordon approached Batman.
" you rescued everyone you could."
with that Batman sighed.
" strangely those words don't comfort me, make sure the two of them will receive a propper burial."
with that Batman slowly but purposefully walked away towards the streets of Gotham while Gordon contimplated what could help his old ally in crime fighting.
" you've already helped him, you've treated him like a human being right up to the very end, that's more than he could've hoped for."
at this point Batman stumbled intoa fresh perspective to his Arkham staff problem as he quietly said.
" thank you."
Gordon focusing on the task of recovering Freeze was about to ask what for but Batman per usual has vanished. while Batman was driving around Gotham continuing on his usual patrols to get the distinct sting of defeat out of his mind he contacted Alfred in the Bat cave only for Terry to pick up the line.
' you've reached the Bat cave hot line, how may I help you?'
with that Batman plainly said.
" I was expecting Alfred to answer."
with that Mcginnis answered unphased.
' yeah well I convinced him to take a nap after he picked me up from school early, so what do you need?'
with that Batman wasted no time giving Mcginnis a research assignment before ending the communication as the teen promised to report back once he found something of value, speaking of which.
Downtown Gotham, the old neighborhoods district, around early evening.
In a building no realestate agent would find any value in selling one former orderly Franklein was heading up to the middle floor of a ten storie building as he fished out a pair of keys to an apartment marked with an unkempt and delapidating number, 44. walking inside the actual apartment was fairly maintained though it was still old by the looks of things. As Franklein went on about his day by poking around the fridge for a cold one he was about to park himself on his sofa though he wasn't particularly care free nor did he expect to actually relax when he noticed a sillouhette coming from the direction of his bedroom.
" you don't waste any time, so I won't waste yours."
taking a sip from his drink Batman appeared in front of him asking.
" not going to make excuses?"
with that Franklein replied Frankly.
" I don't have any, I helped Freeze escape."
with that Batman got straight to the point.
" what Arkham does in the assylum is wrong but…"
at this Franklein just snapped.
" it's not about him, it never was… it was about Mr. Freeze, that man was hurting inside every day he's been in that looney bin and I treated him as such, if you want that excuse there you have it…. I helped him because it was the right and moral thing to do."
with that Batman just silently looked at the man in front of him as he tried to maintain his breathing after he got himself rilled up. Once Franklein's breathing returned to normal he asked Batman.
" please?, tell me no one was hurt or killed by my actions"
with that Batman answered clearly and with compassion in his voice.
" I was there to make sure it didn't happen."
relieved Franklein asked further.
" and Mr. Freeze?"
at that Batman reassured the man as best he could.
" he's reuntited with his daughter."
with that a bitter sweet smile etched on Franklein's face as he muttered.
" well at least he managed to say goodbye to her at least."
at this Batman didn't need to ask who Franklein was reffering to, thanks to Mcginni's research he learned that the orderly was a widower after his wife passed away suddenly while having a routine check up at the clinic. Franklein couldn't do anything to stop it and didn't have a chance to have a final moment with her, a predicament that Batman could relate with the man as he escorted him out of the building as Gordon was parking his police cruiser outside the apartment building. As Franklein extended his arms in front of his torso waiting for the cuffs to be slapped on him Gordon stated.
" Batman informed me of the situation, there's no need for handcuffs."
with that said and done Franklein nodded as he got in rthe back of the cruiser while Gordon took a moment to reassure Batman.
" we'll take good care of him."
with that Batman's only reply was.
" thanks Jim, I trust you will."
with that said and done Gordon turned toward his cruiser as Batman disappeared into the night while Franklein commented.
" how does he do that?"
with that Gordon smirked.
" that's something I ask myself every time."
with that said and done the cruiser pulled away as Batman soldiered on with his crime fighting as the days turned into weeks as if nothing happened though in his mind he knew this kind of status quo wouldn't last long.
The Bat cave, a couple of weeks later.
Batman kept true to his words and convictions as he kept stopping crimes as they were happening while tracking down every movement of one his worst enemies. Dr. Jonathan Crane or better known to the public as Scarecrow with Mcginnis by his side to help.
" say?, did Gordon had to arrest orderly Franklein?, he was one of the good ones wasn't he?"
at this Batman sighed as he replied.
" yes he was and deep inside he still is, but you have to remember, actions have consequences, every choice you make has reprocussions and the law has to be faair to everyone otherwise it's ineffective."
with that Mcginnis shrugged.
" I guess so… but it's still unfair."
with that Batman replied with a manner of fact tone.
" life is often unfair."
with that said and done the two continued their investigation into Crane as Alfred walked into the Bat cave.
" Gordon's on the line, it is time sir."
with that said and done Batman thanked Alfred as he got up from his seat heading towards the Batmobile.
" Mcginnis, finish your work by the time I get back."
with that Mcginnis nodded in understanding as Batman drove away as he said to himself.
" and the party never stops for me…"
with that said and done Alfred quietly gestured Mcginnis to go back to his task at hand as the teen did. In the meantime in Gotham city the streets were unusually quiet as the Batmobile drove towards the cemetery where Fries and his daughter were being laid to rest. From afar Batman watched the proceedings as the priest gave his eulogy to the deceased while the only ones in attendants were a few of Gordon's best men and women along with Gordon himself. When the crowd dispersed after filling the grave Batman came to stand and ponder for a few minutes in front both headstones. On one hand Freeze was a cold calculating villain, a real menace to Gotham, on the other he was a grieving husband and father trying to make sense of the tragedy he was thrown into. In the end Batman could only utter this.
" may you find what you've searched for in your next life."
with that Batman shifted his focus to Frie's daughter headstone as he added.
" may both of you will."
with that said and done Batman left the cemetary as he continued patrolling the city for the majority of the day. At the end of the day Batman returned to the Bat cave as he checked in with Mcginnis's progress.
" well there's good news and bad news, the good is that Crane mostly keeps to himself, keeping a low profile, the bad is that while I was researching about his last known whereabouts I found an alarming spike of heart failure incidents on otherwise healthy people."
with that Batman simply asked.
" what does your intuition say?"
with that Mcginnis stated.
" I fear there's a connection somewhere between the two."
with that Batman looked at the clock on the Bat computer before stating the following.
" you're done for now, meet me in the gym, I'll teach you a few self defense techniques before you go home."
with that Mcginnis stated without surprise.
" he noticed, of course he did."
with that both Mcginnis and Batman spent the next thirty minutes to an hour studying and training a few self defense techniques before Bruce Wayne drove Mcginnis back to his home, keeping the promise of returning his protégé in a sensible hour. Once he politely said goodbye he began driving back to the manor when he got a call from Gordon on his cellphone.
" I'm listening."
with that Goordon simply replied.
' it's about our mutual friend Franklein, a few of his neighbors found him at home unresponsive.'
with that Batman sighed inwardly as he asked.
" where is he now?"
with that Gordon answered.
' with me at the morgue.'
with that Batman asked the following question.
" has the cause of death been determined yet?"
with that Gordon stated that for now it seemed like the primary cause was heart failure as Batman concluded the conversation with.
" i'm afraid it's not as simple as heart failure, i'll fill you in once i'm at the morgue."
Gotham's city morgue, a few moments later.
As Batman entered the facility Gordon was already waiting on him as the hero got straight to the point.
" a few cases of perfectly healthy people dropping dead of heart failure within Gotham and the surrounding areas."
with that Gordon nodded as he added.
" I know you don't believe in coincidences but our orderly friend was a far cry from a clean bill of health."
with that Batman hit the last nail in the coffin.
" those cases came into connection with another M.D, one Jonathan Crane."
With that said and done Gordon didn't hesitate for a moment before contacting his officers and those in charge in the morgue as he ordered them to halt the autopsy while he contacted bomb squad on the radio. A few minutes later bomb squad took command of the scene as Gordon waited nervously for their findings.
" let's hope this is just paranoia and that I'm worried for nothing."
with that Batman stated.
" still better safe than sorry"
As bomb squad cleared the area the autopsy went ahead as planned with Batman preparing to step in if one last minute surprise remained however that surprise never came which caused Batman's mind to go into overdrive until one thought clicked with him.
" Gordon send a few of your men to the cemetery."
with that Gordon only replied with.
" already did."
with that said and done Batman began running towards the Batmobile as he got in swiftly, making an even swifter exit as he revved up his engine mentally scolding himself for not even thinking of the possibility sooner. As Batman drove as fast as he could through the city he eventually got a call from Bullock of all people and with his usual charm he started.
' hey Andretti slow down will ya?, the roads here are hell to drive on without your nuclear toy car swerving all over the place.'
with that Batman's only reply was.
" causing property damage is the last thing on my mind, now get to the cemetery and block the exits"
Now Bullock had a reputation of being about as smart and sharp as every other blue collar guy, that didn't mean that he was stupid as he asked.
' Gordon said you think that someone would try and steal something from Freeze but why and who?'
with that Batman responded as he concluded the conversation.
" focus on the task at hand, if and when we catch the culprit I'll make sure that he answers your questions."
by the time Bullock and his men were arriving close to the scene a mysterious figure covered head to toe with clothing and accessories was seeing fleeing the cemetery heading northwest as he pocketed a vial filled with blue liquid in a ratty and faded trench coat. As Bullock stepped out of the police cruiser he addressed the men who followed him.
" listen up you's grunts, spread out and search everywhere and I mean everything, every street corner, every house and every sewer holes if necessary now move."
with that said the cops who came with Bullock did as they were told as Batman himself arrived a couple of minutes later as he head straight towards the Fries's grave site confirming his suspicion to be true as he witnessed what remained of Victor Fries's desecrated grave with the lid of the coffin opened for everyone to see, as Bullock joined he saw what Batman did.
" as for why, it seems the grave robber wanted a blood sample from Freeze."
holding in his dinner Bullock asked.
" now who would be that nuts…. To do a thing like that?"
with that batman answered without hesitation.
" I need to pay a visit to Dr. Arkham"
with that Bullock became confused.
" the doc who runs the coockoo's nest? Why do you think he'll have answers?"
with that Batman replied.
" if you take in the smell you'll notice faint traces of industrial strength disinfectant, the kind that hospitals use."
with that Bullock concluded the conversation by saying.
" i'll take your word for it, now let's cover up the poor bastard before I puke…."
although Bullock's manners were reminiscent of a bull in a china shop both men could at least agree on the sentiment as they made sure Mr. Freeze's body was yet again in its coffin undisturbed as they covered it up for one final time.
To be continued in chapter 02: fear factor part 01.