Batman: Hero of Gotham

65- Something Good Can Come Out Of The Bad

One week later..

"As to last week's events at Arkham Asylum, a spokesperson for the GCPD assured us that the breakout has been contained and all inmates have been returned to their cells. Miss Vale is missing and presumed dead following a gruesome battle with the caped vigilante, known only as the Batman. Her death marks the end of Children of Arkham's reign of terror." Bruce and Alfred sat in the entertainment room of Wayne Manor, listening to the news regarding the events of the week before. A bottle of liquor was set on a table with two shot glasses in front of the two of them. Alfred took a sip of his drink.

"If the public knew the half of it..." Alfred started.

"It's just better that they don't." Bruce finished, taking a sip. Alfred had an eyepatch covering his injured eye and it looked as if his eyesight in it would never be replenished.

"Any word from Ms. Kyle?"

"I don't expect I'll be hearing from her anytime soon."

"With everything that's been going on, I haven't gotten a chance to thank you for what you did. Sacrificing your identity for my safety. But, it was a dangerous thing to do nonetheless. You could lose everything. The secrecy you've worked so hard to maintain...would be gone."

"I needed to make her talk, and I thought she would talk to Bruce Wayne."

"A good strategy. It was Bruce she wanted all along. And my eye...at least there's something left of it. A scar that will forever be there." Alfred sighed. "And a memory that will never be forgotten. My doctor did assure me it adds character." Alfred chuckled along with Bruce. "We will get through this, Bruce. Don't lose sight of the fact that you've done some real good for Gotham. You should be proud."

"Lady Arkham, Penguin, Harvey...they won't be the last to threaten Gotham."

"Likely not. But you'll be ready. In the meantime, let us hope for some peace. To peace." Alfred held up his drink. Bruce held up his. The two of them clinked and took a sip. "Comissioner Gordon is currently giving a speech to Gotham and he requested all of Gotham's 'leaders' be there to stand behind him. Leaders like you. Let Gotham see who Bruce Wayne truly is, and let them know what you plan to do with their future."

"This could be a fresh start."

"For you, and for this city. So what do you intend to do for tonight?"

"Let Gordon know that Batman will be in attendance tonight. Not Bruce Wayne."

"You'll make quite the impression. Gordon will be grateful."

Batman arrived in the back parking lot of Wayne Enterprises. While he was walking down an alleyway, he saw Gordon smoking a cigarette and muttering to himself about what he will say up on the podium. Batman dropped next to him, startling Gordon and making him drop his cigarette. "Batman! Is everything alright? I assume you aren't here to give a speech. So, what is it?"

"It's an important day. Your first address to the city as acting commissioner. I wanted you to know that I stand with you. I want Gotham to know that there are people who will fight for them." Batman responded.

"I'm glad you feel that way. The city's on edge. Tonight could make all the difference. You're one hell of an addition to this line-up. Gotham's best and brightest have turned out for this. I know you aren't a man of many words...but I'd like to say something to Gotham, on your behalf. Is there anything you'd like them to know? Maybe how you'd like to be seen? Moving forward?"

"Tell them I'll always be watching out for them."

"I'm sure they'll appreciate hearing that. You know, I always wanted this--to be commissioner one day. Just didn't think it would have happened like this. With Grogan in the ground and me on the surface. Just sad is all." 

"I should probably get going. I have some business to attend to."

"Right. See you around, Batman." Batman got into his Batmobile and drove off, late for a meeting with someone whom he's never met before.