Matthew Wayne always felt like an outsider. Following the apparent death of his father, Bruce Wayne, the new Prince of Gotham City was headed toward a dark path. But when an old foe of Batman past returns to wreck havoc on Gotham, Matthew must live...
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- - - - THE BATCAVE (1999) - - - - On a dark and stormy night, in Gotham City, things are finally quiet. After a riot of Arkham criminals are finally locked up things seem to be finally calm. But all but one criminal is accounted for.
Deep below Wayne Manor is the Bat-cave, the lair of the vigilante Batman. In the Bat-cave stands Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth watching footage of The Joker is inside the Mayors home and is holding the mayor and his family hostage.
Bruce watches with a determined look on his face as Alfred looks over at Bruce with a look of worry.
Alfred Pennyworth: Master Wayne, I must protest.
Bruce Wayne: He's calling me out, Alfred. If I don't do something, people will die.
Alfred: I request that you at least call Master Grayson to assist you.
Bruce: He called for me and me alone.
Bruce walks over to his suit case, which hangs his BatSuit. Next to it was a Nightwing suit, a Robin suit, and two Batgirl suits. Bruce takes the Batsuit out of the case and begins to wear it.
Bruce[cont.]: This is the life I chose, Alfred. It's my responsibility.
Alfred: That may be true but don't forget you have other responsibilities that you need to attend to.
Bruce: I know. But the war goes on.
Bruce then pulls his mask over his face and is now in his full Batman costume. Batman then walks to the Batmobile and gets in it. Before he drives away, he looks over at Alfred who has a look of worry on his face.
Bruce[cont.]: Tell him that I'll be back and that... I'll always love him.
After making that last request, the top of the Batmobile closes and it drives through the waterfall and into the darkness leaving Alfred to watch in fear. Meanwhile, in bedroom fit for a Prince, 10-year-old Matthew Wayne sits in his pajamas and looks out the giant window at the Gotham City Skyline. As Matthew is looking out into the city, lost in thought, Alfred walks into his room and to tuck him in.
Young Matthew Wayne: Is Dad still at work?
Alfred: Yes, unfortunately. But, he'll be back. He wanted me to wish you a goodnight and to tell you that he loves you.
Young Matthew: Yeah.
With a look of disappointment on his face, Alfred tucks Matthew in and turns off his night light. As Alfred is about to head out, he looks back at the young child and wishes him a good night.
Alfred: Goodnight, master Matthew.
Young Matthew: Goodnight, Alfred.
Alfred then closes the door and now Matthew is all alone, in the dark. The only source of light is the city skyline that shines bright even from a distance. All Matthew could think about, as he drifted asleep, was wondering where was his father in that shining city. The next day, a news story is playing on the team. A special news coverage from Gotham City very own Vicky Vale with a super that reads under: Batman: Missing
