Batman : Of Moth and Men

Chapter 4- Gaining Control

Dr. Cameron van Cleer entered his apartment. He turned on the light and exposed the mess that he called home. There were fold out tables, littered with glass jars. Each jar was home to an insect of his affection. Sitting next to his outdated TV set was a wooden chest which gave stability to a stained glass aquarium. The aquarium was inhabited by over 100 moths.

Can you believe that monster?, he screamed. He walked over and opened up his apartment window. He sighed as he felt the cool sensation of the breeze.

He sat on the couch and laid his head back. He took in a deep breath and kicked off his shoes. He looked over at the aquarium and smiled.

You are my true friends, he said in a low voice. He reached over and grabbed the remote on the arm of the couch. He turned the TV on to the local news.

Breaking News! The Gotham Science Museum has been broken into and many exhibits have been vandalized, including the newest one sponsored by Bruce Wayne.

He jumped off the couch and in a fit of rage, threw the TV remote. It managed to miss the TV, but hit the aquarium and knocked off the lid.

Oh no, he yelled. As he dashed towards the aquarium, moths began to fly out and fill the room. He in horror as the moths made their way towards the open window. He placed his hands over his face and started to weep. Moths please don't go.

He used his soft hands to wipe the tears from his eyes and noticed they had stopped at the window. He stared in amazement at the fact they didn't leave. He tilted his head towards his right shoulder and said "Moths, come to me. "

The moths began to gravitate towards him. They circled his body, from head to toe, and became part of who he was. They all landed on him and awaited his next command.

Could these moths have truly bonded with him? Is it possible that through his love and care for these Moths, that they respected him and now obeyed his every command? Or could it be the formula in his body that allows him to communicate with the moths? Either way, He was now their master.

These thoughts paraded throughout his mind as he indulged in the moment of his new identity.

At the museum, Batman stood with Commissioner Gordon. Why would anyone vandalize a museum exhibit, Batman? I don't see the relevance.

Just then, a taxi pulled up and Dr. Cameron van Cleer stepped out. He started running towards the museum. He barged right between Batman and Commissioner Gordon. He stared at the chaos and dismemberment.

Batman asked him, Do you know who would have wanted to do this to your exhibit, Doctor?

Dr. Cameron van Cleer started to breathe deeply and clench his fists. He began to nod and get angry. Yes, I know exactly who has done this. BRUCE WAYNE.

Batman looked at the Commissioner puzzled. He began to walk around and look at the destroyed exhibit to see if he could find any clues.

Commissioner Gordon said to the Doctor, I really don't see any reason why Bruce Wayne would destroy your exhibit? He practically funded it!

What is money to man like Bruce Wayne? He may have paid for the exhibit, but he doesn't truly appreciate what it is.

Commissioner Gordon frowned and turned away from The Doctor. He met back up with Batman and told him what he had heard. It's the craziest thing Batman, one minute he and Bruce are friends and the next minute it seems Doctor Cleer wants him on a silver platter. Any idea who actually do this?

Batman replied, Nothing appears to be stolen. Looks more to me like an act of rage. Someone wanted to destroy the exhibit and hurt Doctor Cleer. Maybe it's time I start asking him the questions.

Batman's attention was drawn to something coming straight towards him. A tiny moth landed on his shoulder.

 Commissioner Gordon laughed and said, Well imagine that! What irony, eh Batman?"

Batman replied, "Yeah...irony."