Your Greatest Failure

Chapter 5: Perfect Reflection

Alfred sat on his chair, his eyes never leaving from the box in front of him. The wooden box is covered with scratches: some deep, others twisted in random directions. The golden lock already rusting, has the initials JP. The initials of his father, Jarvis Pennyworth.

Jarvis was the first butler of the Waynes. He was the first butler of Thomas Wayne, he was there when he first met and fell in love with Martha. Alfred would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy hearing how they fell in love. Alfred was around the same age as Thomas and Martha, but he was never treated like 'The Butler's son'. He was Alfred, someone Thomas didn't mind sharing a drink with and someone Martha asked for assistance in the kitchen. He was their friend long before he was their butler.
Six years before Jarvis retired, he began to act differently. He became more secretive, even around Alfred. And one day, he began walking with a cane. He tried to assure Alfred that his many years in the military was finally catching up to him.

After Master Bruce was born, Jarvis left for Indonesia where he died. After Jarvis's death, Alfred was given, by Jarvis's will, a note with a mysterious box.

The note read,

Alfred,
For my son. Thank you for the memories. If you are reading this, it means I have fallen to my death. Hopefully ,it was brought upon old age, but I'm afraid my life was never so kind. Now with my end, I fear you feel that my responsibilities fall onto you. My cross was never for you to bear; I wish you to bury it along my body. Oddly enough, I know it's already strapped to your back.
Enlightening you with my knowledge after death is all I can give. Here at Gotham, as you know, has been a home hard to live in, but a home nonetheless. In order to protect Gotham, protect the Waynes. They are the foundation for Gotham, but it sadness me to remember their many flaws that none, not even you, can be aware of. Their skeletons hide deep in their closets. But every evil was re-paid with good, I can assure you. Until you fall to your death, know our life was never one of comfort or filled with grandeur , we always had to fight. Rightly so, the Waynes are no different, but their battle was fought in the dark while ours was on the battlefield.
Anytime you feel that a Wayne, no matter how pure, is breaking: look inside this box. Even if you have doubt, or worries, this box will show you the creatures behind the Wayne's shadow. The day you are cast with doubt, follow it's signs, and mines.
Right the wrongs they didn't make.

Jarvis Pennyworth

Alfred was given the letter a week after Jarvis passed, and a year before Thomas and Martha were murdered.

He paid no attention to it- at first. But, before their departure, Thomas and Martha were making questionable decisions. When they passed, he was tempted to open the letter, but the only Wayne left is Bruce- and Alfred can never doubt him. There were times when curiosity did shadow Alfred, but he couldn't see what that box contains. Almost as if it was Pandora's box, but what questioned Alfred the most was how the claw marks injured the box's design.

"If they hid in the shadows, then that's where it bloody well ought to be!"

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"Happy to see we came to an agreement. I'll see to your release--" Before Hush could finish, Joker busted into a fit of laughter. He places his hand on Hush's shoulder, wincing to regain his breath. Joker, pinches Hush's nose, making his head move side to side.
"Aren't you adorable! Leave it to the professionals, Kiddo," Joker softly slap his cheek, grinning and showing all his teeth.

"Remove your hands," Hush threatens with a menacing voice. Joker opens his mouth in an 'O' and circles his head. His head falls back , small chuckles escaping him. Then, he opens his mouth wide and gives a big 'Ha'. Joker playfully caresses the top of Hush's head as he speaks, "Lookie here," He picks up speed, almost ripping his bandages. "Blah! Blah! Blah! Woo! Woo! Why don't you have a lookie here?!"