Bruce Wayne

Chapter 03: Limitations and Illusions

A year had passed since Winston had first arrived, and Bruce continued taking every challenge thrown at him. It was beginning to make Winston more than a little concerned.

"During certain situations, it's vital to remain motionless," Winston explained, taking a small packet from his shirt pocket. "If multiple enemies, perhaps too many to fight, are looking for you, staying still can save your life. To that end, your next lesson will be in this very important discipline."

"What's that?" Bruce asked as Winston opened the miniature envelope.

"Itching powder," Winston answered. "Hold as still as you can. If you move or scratch, the test will start over."

Bruce breathed deeply several times in his cross-legged position on the back lawn, bracing for the challenge to come.

                                                                                                ***

Alfred and Winston stood on the stone patio behind Wayne Manor, watching Bruce from a distance. The child hadn't moved since the test had begun more than two hours ago. Both men could see the perspiration on Bruce's face and arms, but the nine year old was also showing a resiliency beyond measure.

"Master Bruce is doing quite well," Alfred commented.

"It's starting to worry me," Winston replied, keeping his gaze upon his student.

"What seems to be the problem?" Alfred questioned.

"Oh, come off it!" Winston retorted brusquely. "We've both trained our share of agents. What I see in Bruce, you couldn't have missed it with a blindfold on."

"He does seem rather intense in regard to his lessons," Alfred mentioned.

"During the time I've been his instructor, I haven't had to push him as much as other students I've trained," Winston stated. "Bruce is the one pushing. He keeps insisting on going further, more demanding challenges and tests."

"You know where this is leading, of course?" Alfred questioned rhetorically.

"There is only so much a human body can be put through, no matter how strong the will," Winston said. "By relentlessly pushing his own limitations, sooner or later, Bruce will run into a challenge he isn't prepared for. He'll hit it head on, and it will kill him."

"Training Bruce was the only way to get him over his fears," Alfred explained.

"It's consuming him," Winston pointed out.

"Is this why you chose today's particular lesson?" Alfred queried.

"One of them," Winston confirmed. "His desire for training is becoming an obsession. These lessons on restraint and control will help in his self-defense studies, but I'm also hopeful they will aid him in learning how to slow down."

"I saw the problem when he first started," Alfred admitted. "Because of his determination to be protected from all threats, I knew he'd find a way to learn on his own if we didn't teach him. At least with us here, he can study in a supervised environment, and when he hits the wall of his limitations, we can either keep him together or cushion the impact."

"You forgot the option of picking up the pieces," Winston remarked.

"I'd welcome a better alternative if you have one," Alfred said simply, clasping his hands behind his back.

"I know we're doing the only thing we can," Winston said, frustration in his tone. He sighed deeply in resignation. "I just wish we could do more. The kid deserves a better life than the endless training and the punishing discipline he's getting into."