Out of Time (BatJokes 18+)

Going Back

He could go back.

It could end up being a blessing in disguise or a curse in the making. Or perhaps, it wasn't real at all.

But all the scans said it was.

At this point, he was willing to take the risks. He wasn't afraid of the consequences. Not anymore. Not after everything he's been through. A fantastic opportunity lay before him, and he'd be a fool if he didn't jump at the chance to at least attempt to try it.

He could go back. He could see them again.

And that's all it would be. Just to see. That's what he argued with Alfred about and he promised the father-figure that's all it would be. He knew better than to wish for the ultimate outcome. What he truly wanted. To change things. Even though with this new 'power', it would be as easy as a snap...

But then he'd never hear the end of it from Alfred. If Alfred would even remember their conversation from the change at all. Which he most likely wouldn't.

But he couldn't do that to him. Not to the only person he cares about left. It would be a betrayal of trust - even though the butler would have no recollection of it. He himself would. And he couldn't live with such a lie.

However, besides the personal issues, Bruce wasn't ignorant to the dangers of tampering with history. Enough theories have been run on the idea to burn on millions of minds that it would never be a positive experience in the long run. There were risks.

And the way his life was? What a surprise that would be an issue.

"I don't like it," the old butler said, hands clasped behind his back as he stared up at the large computer screens. The data and schematics of the anomaly dominating each one. They flashed the location in pinpoint latitude and longitude, with others trying to do their best in getting a solid reading on the strength and pulses it generated in seemingly sporadic patterns. Another one was single-handedly identifying the type of anomaly and whether or not it was a danger to interfere with.

So far it gave no indication of being hazardous nor phasing out anytime soon. In fact, based on the readings, it appeared to have been here unnoticed for some time now.

Bruce sat in his plush chair facing the screens with Alfred standing to his right, the dark emptiness of the Batcave engulfing them from behind. Bruce looked up at his friend while the light from the data illuminated every detail of his lined face. It made him appear much older than the playboy cared to admit. Or perhaps it was showing him what was already there, but he simply refused to see.

Time was running out for the older man and it frightened him to see it. He sighed out his nose and turned back to the many display screens. He had to force himself to focus on this task at hand.

"I know you don't. But I swear to you Al, I'm not going to do anything drastic. I'll just be an observer who's not getting involved in any major life-changing situations."

Alfred side glanced at him with an eyebrow raised. "Only observing, Sir?"

Bruce glanced back at him but couldn't hold the gaze. He felt himself being analyzed. There were times he hated how well the man knew him. "Well... perhaps squeeze in a handshake or two," he mumbled his confession.

"You already know my thoughts on all of this," Alfred sighed, eyeing the information before them, "so I won't bother to repeat myself - not that it would have any change in your opinion once your mind is set." 

Both Bruce and Alfred turned around when they heard a crash in the distance followed by the sound of a cluster of startled bats flapping into a frenzy. There was no reaction from them when this happened, for this wasn't the first time it has occurred. Stalactites were common in this cave system and having them break off and scaring the living daylights out of the flying residents who dwelled in the tunnels was hardly a surprise to the two men by now. Eventually, all the sound settled back into its usual quietness.