Throughout the entire trip, Bruce wondered where exactly Willow was taking him. After leaving Wayne Enterprises, they took a quick Bullhead ride down towards Mantle before taking a drive into the city. His silver-haired companion kept a tight lip throughout the entire ride and would often say "I don't want to ruin the surprise" whenever he asked. It wasn't that he felt like in any sort of danger; he just dislikes being kept in the dark.

"You know, if you're going to bring me out here and kill me, you could've at least bought me dinner first." joked Bruce from the passenger seat.

Willow rolled her eyes at his humorous suggestion and continued driving. "Don't worry, we're almost there."

It took a bit of time before his brain started to make some connections to the closing area. The deeply enclosed areas between buildings and street corners, the wither and decay of the different structure walls, even the placement of the lampposts. The place was far too familiar for him already and didn't need time to realize where he was. After all, this place had haunted him for the last couple years.

"Why are we in Park Row"

It wasn't a question. That was a statement he wanted answered.

"Because I wanted to show you what our fathers did for this community". Willow answered with a calm demeanor. She already sensed his focused and serious attitude so she had to tread carefully.

Bruce made no other vocal response. He did nothing but glare straight out at the streets and grip his knees till his knuckles turned white.

Silence filled the car they drove alongside the growing denseness in the atmosphere. It wasn't until they stopped by the sidewalk and Willow mentioning they had arrived did everything deflate. Leaving the car, Bruce looked at the large towering building that was before them.

The place stood out like a candle in the dark. Instead of the dark and grimy walls similar to the other buildings, this one was bright, clean, and freshly painted. It was a major detract from the old and ruined streets that plagued the entire area. It must be quite a common area as there was a steady flow of people coming in and out. Another thing that caught his attention was the sign that hung above the entrance, 'W&S Foundation Free Welfare Clinic'.

Bruce was bewildered about the purpose of him being there. Numerous questions ran through his head as he processed the scene. How is this connected to his family's legacy? What did this have to do with either him or his father?

All his questions would eventually be answered as Willow gestured to him to follow her inside.

Inside seemed to be a lot bigger than it was on the outside. It was an open-space packed with a lot of people; many volunteer doctors and nurses were moving around, various waiting patients sat in rows of chairs to the side, and a great many other people carrying in different medical supplies and necessities.

Something Bruce noticed as they walked through the place was that a lot of the staff were very familiar with Willow, often smiling and greeting her with sincere expressions whenever they passed by. Another thing was that he felt everyone's eyes on him wherever they went. Being under any sort of spotlike made him feel too exposed and vulnerable. In fact, just being there made him uncomfortable.

"What is this place Willow?" asked Bruce, his eagerness to leave somewhat dripped from his voice.

"This," She gestured to the entire facility. "is the Wayne-Schnee Foundation Welfare Clinic. Your father and mine completely funded this facility and more around the city to help those who are in dire need."

The foundation name caught him by surprise. "Wayne-Schnee?"

A smirk plastered Willow's face before explaining the history:

"Our fathers started and ran the organization even before we were born. An institution aimed at helping and improving the lives of youths and the impoverished. There are a dozen more places like this within the Kingdom and originally had plans to go international. However, after the death of Thomas Wayne, Wayne Enterprises cut their share of the funding and discontinued any association with the foundation. Since then, daddy has been the one covering the expenses to keep the foundation going, to the extent of closing some locations down to keep others running."

They finally stopped in front of a wall that commemorates the institution's founder; portraits of both Mr. Nicholas Schnee and Dr. Thomas Wayne.

"But even after everything that had happened, daddy never had the heart to change the foundation name."

Bruce gave a light chuckle before smiling at his father's portrait and commemoration. His father had always been the type of man to give to the community and not ask anything in return. A trait that both his parents tried to instill in both their children. While he wasn't sure about his sister, he at the very least took their lesson to heart…in his own way…

Something else then caught his attention. Next to the portrait of Nicholas Schnee was a large plaque that says 'Memoriam of the loving Crystal Schnee'. "What's this?"

"That's a memorial for my mother. Daddy originally built this place for her." Willow answered with a heavy heart. Her eyes glistened, but held back any tears. They were getting off track. "Come on, allow me to introduce you to-"

"Bruce?"

The sound of that voice had gotten his attention real quick. He hadn't heard that voice since…

Turning around, Bruce found a familiar, but older looking woman he hadn't seen since his youth. Her once dark hair was now overwhelmed by long streaks of white hair. Eye bags and crow's feet now lingered under eyes. Even with her aged look, she still wore her signature white doctor's coat over her current ensemble.

"Bruce, this is-"

"Doctor Leslie Thompkins"

At the mention of her name, Doctor Leslie gave a joyful smile before walking up to Bruce and giving a longful embrace, which he too returned.

Willow looked surprised by their sudden interaction. "I see you've both met before."

"Of course. After all, what kind of person would I be to forget one of her godchildren." Letting go of their hug, Doc. Leslie released a hearty laugh at Willow's, once again, shocked expression.

Bruce took the opportunity to explain their relationship. "Willow, Doctor Leslie was my father's best friend and a very close friend to the family. She's also my and Summer's godmother."

"A godmother who hasn't seen one of her godchildren in years. How about we get some privacy and catch up in my office?"

Whilst Bruce nodded in agreement, Willow spoke otherwise. "Actually, how about you both go on ahead? It would seem you two have a lot to catch up on and I wouldn't want to intrude'. She then left without another word. Now left with his godmother, the Wayne-son had no other choice but to follow Doc. Leslie to her office.

Upon entering, one would've thought the place was hit by a hurricane. Scattered around her desk and couch were bundles of envelopes and folders alongside stacks of boxes that piled the many chairs. The photos and her framed doctorate looked to be gathering dust on the wall, as well as the unorganized books and binders on her shelves.

"Forgive the mess,I haven't found the time to properly organize my office. It's been quite hectic over the last few days." Doc. Leslie said as she walked over to clear a nearby seat for her guest.

Just as she was about to get a hand on the stack of boxes, Bruce had already beat her to it and lifted it to a neater space of the office before placing it down with ease.

You really do take after your father. thought Doc. Leslie before taking a seat behind her desk.

The room turned still and awkward once both occupants sat down. They hadn't seen each other for the longest time and now they had been reunited, both unsure where to even begin.

"I heard you were back a couple weeks ago." Leslie started. "Had it not been for the busy hours in the clinic, I would've paid a visit to the manor."

Bruce felt touched by her thought of visiting him. Unfortunately, he couldn't say the same thing back. "You shouldn't have to adjust me into your busy schedule. If anything, I should've paid you a visit."

"Wayne's and their courteous attitudes." Leslie chuckled in response before changing topics. "Speaking of, how is Summer? I hadn't heard from her for a while."

Now that was a topic he was hoping to avoid. But deflecting the question would make her even more suspicious of him. "Sum's doing well; she's currently in Vale trying out for Beacon Academy."

"So she's aware you're back in Atlas?"

Shit. "Yeah"

Leslie eyed her godson with suspicion, almost as if she could see right through him. Whether or not she believed him, he couldn't tell. She always had a knack for seeing through barriers he often put up.

"Bruce, what really brings you here?"

"..I…came to learn more about my father," admitted Bruce. "This entire time, I thought I was keeping his legacy alive in my own Willow made me realize that I barely knew what my father had done for the kingdom and what he had left behind."

Hearing his explanation, Leslie looked at him with sympathy and rapport. Had it been someone else giving him that look, he would've brushed them off with disdain and anger. But Leslie Thompkins wasn't anyone else.

He then felt her hand placed over his as she reached over her desk to comfort him.

"She was right to bring you here if you wanted to understand more about your father," said Leslie.

"This place was…IS your father's and Nicholas' crown jewel, their first and one of their biggest achievements in turning Mantle into a better place. Both of them had been men of philanthropy and wanted to help Mantle. So, the Wayne-Schnee foundation had been made. For months they had been working hard to make this place a reality. The clinic was their pledge to the community to bring in positive change for everyone, regardless of who they are. Behind you and Summer, this was one of your father's best creations by far."

It took a while for Bruce to digest everything he heard. In fact, he wasn't sure if he could even comprehend the extent of his father's generosity and ideals. Everything had been…overwhelming to say the least.

This got Bruce thinking: what was he supposed to do now? His entire reason for even coming back was to change the kingdom through the cowl. Strike fear to stop injustice. He wasn't a philanthropist. But he also can't leave his father's greatest achievement to rot. So…what is he supposed to do?

The grip of his godmother tightened; she must've sensed his inner turmoil.

"Don't treat this as something you have to live up to, Bruce. Just being the good man you are would already be enough."

Hearing that only wretched him even further, but his face made no indication. Bruce simply nodded and gave his best mask to thank the doctor for her attempt at kind words.

After giving his farewell to the doctor, Bruce made a quick haste towards the exit of the facility. Willow was nowhere in sight, probably helping other people somewhere in the building. He wasn't sure if he wanted her to see him like that anyway. He needed some time alone.

Once outside, his lungs finally breathed out the air he didn't know he was holding. His eyes closed as he tried to relax all the tense muscles around his body. It took a while but he finally calmed down enough to continue moving. Gods, he needed something to keep his mind busy.

"Sir, do you plan to do this all night?" Alfred asked aloud whilst he laid a tray of refreshments and snacks next to his charge.

"Motive, Alfred." Bruce, already in the suit with the exception of the cowl, ignored his caretaker and continued to stare at the crime board in front of him. "There has to be a reason why he's doing this."

With Chuckie Sol currently in police custody, the Phantasm had to be looking for his next target. Unfortunately, any lead that led to another captain either ended with the guy already dead or gone from both the kingdom and the mob. Like hell was he waiting for the Phantasm to strike again or a new lead to pop up.

He had collaged an entire board regarding all cases relating to the Phantasm, the correlation between each case, everything he knew and discovered about him, and possible ideas of motivation behind the murders. But it felt like there was a key missing detail behind it all; like there was something tying it all together. For the past couple hours, Bruce just sat in front of the board and brainstormed any possible clue or detail he may have overlooked. It was a huge frustration to the butler after the third hour of him not taking his eyes off the board.

Alfred knew whenever the young Wayne set his mind onto something, he wouldn't be able to stray away from it. A trait that is constant with each Wayne generation. He might as well be talking to a brick wall whenever he tries advising them during their moments. "Let us assume the MPD were right with their theory, that our perp is a rogue Huntsman doing some vigilante justice."

"Then why target the Salvatore mob specifically?" Bruce raised as he leaned closer to the board, almost like looking at the situation in finer detail. "The Falcones and the Maronis are bigger and have a lot more influence on organized crime. No, there has to be something we're missing."

A thought hit the Wayne-Butler. "Perhaps looking at the situation from a different angle, Sir. With more of the Salvatore mob being taken out of the picture, it opens up new territory for the taking. Instead of it all being related to vigilante justice-"

"- it could be a possible hitman from the other crime families."

With that in mind, Bruce finally stood from his chair and pulled on his cowl before heading out.

"Going anywhere specific sir?"

"Following up on leads" Batman growled before flying off to Mantle once again.

A late night pour had started coming down onto the slums of Mantle.

While many found the rain as inconvenient, others took it as the perfect opportunity to meet up. And that's exactly what the heads of Maroni and Falcone crime syndicates did.

In an abandoned building somewhere in the southern slums of Mantle, their meeting took place. Whilst the place looked to be uninhabited, several guards patrolled the area to make sure the meeting would be uninterrupted. Crime bosses Sal Maroni and Carmine Falcone sat in the comfortable office whilst drinking and laughing with one another.

"You wouldn't believe how long MPD had been searching through that building. Had they actually did some research on this place, they would've noticed they were searching through an old toy factory!"

Falcone howled in laughter as he held his own gut. "I'm not sure what's worse: the fact they lacked the foresight to check or that they never noticed the tip came from us."

Now both men bursted into a fit with some tears even falling from their eyes. Once they've both calmed down, Sal nabbed the bottle of whiskey and poured out for both their glasses. They cheered their glasses before gulping the liquid down.

"Heard what happened to Valestra?" asked Sal.

Falcone snorted as he placed down his drink. "I'd be surprised if someone hadn't. News regarding his captain's murders have been playing 24/7."

"Think he'll come after us?" queried Sal, but only made the other boss chuckle.

"The Bat? Pretty sure the cops would get him before he gets to us."

"I meant the Phantasm."

Now that got Falcone's attention. "That freak? You worried about him?"

Sal raised a brow at Falcone's unperturbed demeanor. "Guy's going takin' out Valestra's mob every other day. Once he's done with them, he might go after us next."

"I doubt it."

"And you're sure of that because?"

Falcone repoured in his glass once more before explaining:

"Whoever that guy is has beef with only Valestra and his mob. He was determined enough to search for Valestra's captains even when they went into hiding and the cops breathing down his neck. We've got more influence and territory and had every opportunity to take down one of our operations. And yet here we still are, untouched and still working like business as usual."

"You in cahoots with Salvatore Valestra?"

"Well, no-"

"Then you got nothin' to worry about! It's Valestra's problem, and if he gets taken out, then it would be a bonus for us."

"Eh, you make a couple good points." Sal agreed as he took another swig from his glass. "We got nothin' to worry about."

Unbeknownst to the mobsters, their conversation was currently being overheard by a third party from outside.

"Well, we can abandon our current theory on the involvement of other mob's."

Hanging from the heavily pouring side of the building, Batman grumbled once again at another deadend of their investigation. At least it wasn't a complete waste of time. If none of the other mobs were being targeted by the Phantasm, then his motive must be much more personal. But that doesn't fully narrow it down as there had to be hundreds, maybe thousands, of people that would want Salvatore dead. He needs a new lead.

"Alfred, I need to find where MPD is currently holding Chuckie Sol. He may be our only lead on finding the Phantasm."

"Hang on, sir…..Ah here- oh, dear. That might be problematic sir."

"Why?"

"Because Chuckie Sol has recently been reported as deceased."

"Damn it!" Gordon yelled out, slamming his office door behind him.

Around 2 hours ago, Chuckie Sol was escorted out of MPD detainment and transported for proper incarceration. Mid-transit, they lost contact with the convoy due to the rain messing with their communication equipment. They only started to get worried when the Incarceration Facility that was supposed to hold the mob captain reported no pick-up or updates on his delivery. It was recent when they found the convoy ambushed and Chuckie Sol dead in the back. While no cop was gravely injured, they still lost a possible lead on the identity of one of their perps.

Heading towards his office window, he lifted it open before taking out a stick from his pack of cigarettes and lighting it. The cold breeze of the rain outside flushed into his office as Jim took a drag. He deserved at least one smoke after the entire night's shitshow.

Whilst smoking from the window, he heard someone enter his office from behind. Jim already knew who it was since almost everyone in the department would always knock before entering.

"Thought you quit smoking, Jim." Detective Bullock stated, keeping his alcohol flask back in his coat.

Jim's only response was a snort as he put out his stick before tossing it out. "I'm sure you've heard what happened." He said before taking a seat behind his desk. He was meaning to talk to his old partner and life was fortunate enough Harvey came to him instead of the other way around. When they still had Sol under custody, Harvey was tasked with interrogating the mob captain whilst he took care of the higher-ups and the press. "Tell me we at least got something out of him."

Much to his disappointment, Harvey shook his head before answering. "Guy knew absolutely nothing. Only that someone was taking out Salvatore Captains and that he was soon next. He was scared shitless when our guys burst through the door so he fled the scene, only to bump into that Phantasm bozo and eventually end up on the roof with the Bat."

Captain Gordon could only pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration as another lead went cold. With the Phantasm in the wind and the Valestra mob now in deeper hiding, that only left one more person to find. He was gonna regret asking this.

"Harvey, I need every file we have on this 'Batman'."

That caught the detective by surprise. "Say again, Jim?"

"I need everything we know about Batman; every official sighting, any eyewitnesses, cases that involve him, people he's taken down. I don't care if it's through word of mouth or written on a piece of paper, just get me it as soon as possible."

Although still in disbelief at the Captain's request, Harvey abided and left his office to get him everything they had.

Alone once again, Jim took out his pack to light another cigarette for the paperwork he's gonna have to go through. It was going to be a looooong night.

I do not own any of the characters. All characters and names used are owned by either Rooster Teeth and Detective Comics (DC)

Next update would be for Rise of the Girl Wonder. Already half done with it anyway.