Becoming Batman

[bruce]

Gotham International Airport.

Alfred Pennyworth waited for the private jet to come to a complete halt. Standing beside the black limousine, he straightened his necktie and brushed off imaginary dust off his jacket, today was a special occasion and he had to look his best.

The main hatch of the jet opened, a ladder then taxied itself to the plane and it's sole passenger exited. Alfred narrowed his eyes at his appearance. He looked thin and disheveled. Slightly pale, but the keenness within his eyes hadn't faded away.

"You've been going without food again, haven't you?" Alfred said, walking towards him.

"Tibetan monks don't eat much. They usually have just one meal a day."

"I thought you were in Japan, sir."

Bruce Wayne nodded. "I was. I uh, had a change in training."

Alfred took the large black duffel bag from Bruce's shoulder, together they walked over to the limo.

"We only got word that you were returning late last night." Alfred informed Bruce. "We're understaffed at the mansion and The company is wondering whether you're planning on returning to take control."

Bruce walked over to the trunk of the limo, opening it for Alfred. Alfred threw the duffel bag into the empty compartment and closed the trunk.

"Let's not hire anyone." Bruce stated, opening the passenger door, then closing it behind him after he entered. Alfred walked over to the driver's side and got in, starting up engine.

"And as for the company-" Bruce continued. "-I've got other plans that need my attention first."

"With due respect sir, Lucius will probably-"

"-want some kind of update. I know Alfred. But there's certain matters...important matters, that I intend to look into first. Lucius has done excellently with the company thus far and I don't intend on stepping on his toes."

Alfred sighed. "If you say so sir."

Bruce Wayne smiled, looking out the window. It felt great to be home, back in Gotham. He felt like he had been gone for more than just a decade but now that he was home he couldn't wait to get started. Bruce was secretly chomping at the bit to get underway with his plans.

"Where to sir? The Mansion?"

Bruce looked at his watch.

"Know anywhere where I could get a decent hamburger, Alfred?"

"I know the best place in Gotham, sir." Alfred grinned. Steering the limo out of the Airport and driving into the heart of Gotham City.

[bruce]

Elsewhere.

It was only his first week in the GCPD for Lieutenant James Gordan. And in that entire week he had learned a great lesson: that almost everyone in Gotham was dirty up to their proverbial necks.

Even his own partner, Flass. He was younger than Gordon but he was no different from the rest. Even now as Gordon say in the passenger seat of the standard issue car, while Flass was receiving money from a local hot dog vendor...obviously protection money. Gordon wondered if he made the right decision to move his family to Gotham.

Perhaps it wasn't too late to move back to Chicago?

Flass re-entered the car and started up the engine. Driving off, probably moving onto the next poor sucker who owed Flass payment. There was a tense silence as neither of the two spoke.

"Something on your mind Gordon?" Flass asked.

Lt. Gordon looked over to his partner, continuing to say nothing.

"Your making people worried Jim, some of us even wonder if you're even going to play ball."

"Save it." Gordon replied. "I'm no rat Flass. But I did take an oath to uphold the law, and that's what I'll do."

Flass chuckled. "How noble lieutenant. You'll come around-"

"-don't bet on it."

"Trust me Jim. If you're not working for The Roman, you'll be working for Thorpe. That's just how it is in this city."

"You're unreal Flass. Delusional."

It was his second day within the GCPD when Gordon got the real lay of the land. Gotham was mostly torn in two by Carmine 'The Roman' Falcone, and his rival Rupert Thorpe. Gordon thought Flass was a disgusting man who should be in Jail, along with the other scum who were on the take but hiding behind a badge and gun.

Suddenly the car stopped and Flass got out, approaching a teenager.

"Ricky, Ricky, Ricky! Where's your dad been hiding?"

"Get stuffed pig!" Ricky spat. "I got nothin' to say to you."

"Well that's too bad Ricky. I guess you'll have to relay a message for me."

Before Ricky could tell Flass where to go, Flass backhanded the teenager; sending the boy flying to the ground. Flass continued to trash the boy by kicking him repeatedly in the face, torse, and legs.

"Enough Flass!" Gordon ordered, coming out of the car and attempting to cease the harassment. Gordon pulled out his gun, aiming it at Flass' stomach.

"That's enough!"

Detective Flass immediately stopped. Looking at Gordon with disbelief, then back to the boy.

"You tell your dad everyrthing. You also tell him that he's on borrowed time."

Flass got back into the car, waiting for Gordon.

Gordon re-entered. Not looking at Flass, and wishing he could have shot him, square in the head.

"You're disgusting." Gordon spat.

Flass said nothing, driving away, Gordon remaining silent. Wishing the day would end so he could go home to his family.

[bruce]

In one week alone, Bruce had gathered enough intelligence on Gotham City to begin forming his plan of attack.

Bu going undercover within the first few days since his return, he had learned that Gotham was controlled by two mafia bosses. The elder Rupert Thorpe, who was termed a gentlemanly gangster, who operated most of the smuggling and racketeering in Gotham City. The other half of Gotham belonging to Carmine 'The Roman' Falcone; A ruthless mob boss who was gaining a fast foothold in the politics, vice, and spreading his corruption in Gotham. Falcone wanted total control of the city and Bruce was sure Carmine wouldn't let anyone stand in his way to have it all.

Sitting on the floor in his study, Bruce looked over his notes and photographs he took while undercover. It wasn't just the criminals that Bruce was interested in. Doing some research on Gotham's law enforcement profiles, Wayne constantly kept hearing about two names of one possible incorruptible police officer and prosecuting attorney.

The first being Lieutenant James Gordon. Recently from Chicago; rumor was that Gordon was a good cop in a bad system. Gordon had recently written a negative citation against his own partner, Flass. Studying the profile, Bruce felt that Gordon was fighting a one man losing battle for the soul of the city.

The other being Harvey Dent. An up & coming prosecuting attorney who was gunning for the District Attorney's office. Dent seemed to be a one man force for law and order. Constantly calling out both Thorpe and Falcone, and also voicing concerns over the treatment of inmates at Blackgate penitentiary as well as championing the rights of patients of Arkham Asylum.

Bruce stood up and stretched. Running a hand through his black hair. He would have to learn more about Gotham's underworld, and to do that...there would only be one man to talk to, Gordon. Hopefully if Bruce could get Gordon to talk, even confide in him..he'd prove to be a great ally.

Bruce looked at his watch, it was nearing dusk. Best to get something for dinner, and get ready for tonight, and whatever it had it store for him.

[bruce]

Wayne Enterprises.

"Bruce Wayne, it's been a long time." Lucius Fox greeted as Bruce walked into his office. The two shaking his hands. Bruce could read actual happiness on Lucius' face.

"How are you Lucius?" Bruce asked. "Keeping busy?"

"Here and there Mr. Wayne, what can I do you for? Is this a hostile takeover?"

Bruce laughed. "No, not really. I just wanted to thank you for handling Wayne Enterprises the way you have. Without you Lucius, the company would have foundered."

"Oh." Lucius mused. "You looking for a job?"

"If one's available."

"Where were you thinking on?"

"Applied Sciences." Bruce answered. "I could definitely see myself starting out there."

"Really, Mr. Wayne?"

In the space of five minutes, Bruce and Lucius Fox rode the elevator down to Applied Sciences department. As Lucius unlocked the doors and switched on the lights, Bruce was taken aback by all the unused boxes.

"All this stuff was never put in production." Lucius explained, walking over to a section of the wall, pressing a button and revealing a sliding drawer. "Take this number: Kevlar utility harness, gas powered grappling gun ."

"Over Here-" Opening a large case. "-Advanced body armor, with a polymer/Kevlar tri-weave."

"Will it deflect a knife?"

"Possibly."

"What about...stop a bullet?"

Lucius thought the problem over before answering.

"Probably resistant to most handgun fire, also resistant to minor electric shock such as tasers too."

"Why was it never put into production?" Bruce asks, looking the suit over.

"Government funding." Fox answered. "Washington decided that the cost of production was too expensive."

"Bean counters, what can you do?" Bruce joked. "May I borrow it?"

"What's your interest?" Lucius wondered.

"Cave diving." Bruce replied. A smirk appearing on his face.

"Expecting to come into heavy fire in these caves Mr. Wayne?"

"Mr. Fox, if you're having concerns-"

"Mr. Wayne? The way I see it all this stuff belongs to you anyway."

"Appreciated Lucius." Bruce replied. It was a spur of the moment idea to borrow the suit, and the harness. He wondered if Lucius could be entirely trusted? Time would tell. Maybe if his initial plans went well, he could bring Lucius in on the whole scheme.

"Anything else, Mr. Wayne?"

Bruce cast a quick look around the gigantic room. There was limitless potential here. Bruce felt as if he had struck oil, or to put it in a better way...he felt like a kid in a candy store.

"No, not at the moment. But if you'd be kind enough, please see that the suit and harness get to Wayne Manor by the evening, if you can."

"I'll get right on it Mr. Wayne."

[bruce]

Gotham City Police Department

It had been a long day for Gordon. It was well into the night and the only thing he could think about was wanting to go home. By now the kids would be in bed, dinner would be cold...sitting in the microwave. The wife would be either asleep or reading a book. Either way she would be really unhappy with him but what could he do? he was a cop; an honest one at that as well.

'Thirty more minutes.' Jim thought to himself. 'Just one half hour then I can go home, get some sleep. Please God...let me off the hook for one night.'

He was typing on his computer. Filing reports of his daily activities, even going as far as writing up Flass for what he had done to the boy...Ricky. Arnold Flass was demented, a lunatic that hid behind a badge and he suspended, or so Gordon thought.

Gordon began to wonder what kind of civil government would let someone like Flass carry a badge and gun. James knew that Gotham was filthy, but he could never have guessed how dirty it all truly seemed.

Without warning, the lights in Gordon's office switched off.

"Don't move.'" Said a voice behind him. "I'm not here to hurt you, just talk."

"Just talk?" Gordon repeated, remaining seated, most of all...calm.

"Just talk." Bruce replied, wearing the Kevlar outfit, black gloves and ski mask. "You're a good cop. Carmine Falcone smuggles drugs throughout Gotham, mainly dealing in Gotham harbor. What will it take to stop him?"

"Hard evidence." Gordon answered, second guessing himself on why he's being so direct. "Nabbing him on scene would help the most. Possibly along with a handful of his lieutenants. Conviction is another problem. Falcone owns nearly 75% of the city. Getting a prosecutor, even a solid conviction would be difficult."

"Talk to Harvey Dent." said Bruce. "He's a good man."

"Then what?" Gordon asked.

"Wait for my signal."

"You're just one man." Confusion showing on Gordon's face.

"Now we're two."

Silence.

Gordon turned around, facing nobody, except an open window.

Immediately Gordon ran out of his office, taking the first flight of stairs to the rooftop. With gun in hand, he kicked open the door, quickly searching the roof of the GCPD only to find nobody else in view.

Gordon swore. 'That's it. I'm heading home. ' He thought to himself. Holstering his weapon. 'I'll worry about the city's weirdos in the morning.'

[bruce]

The Narrows

Bruce watched from the rooftops as the three goons were loading boxes into the nondescript white truck. Tonight would be the first of many. Going after Falcone would be suicidal, he'd have to start out small and build up.

Bruce quickly thought about the meeting he had with Gordon a few minutes prior. He wondered if he was forcing his hand, perhaps he should have acted first THEN go talk to Gordon after a few feats were accomplished? What's done is done and he couldn't take it back.

Now was the time for action.

Jumping off the roof, and landing onto the truck, Bruce dived to the ground and rolled onto his feet. Catching the crooks off guard.

"Hands up! You're all under arrest!" Bruce commanded.

One of the goons looked to another, and they all started laughing, while boxes were in hands.

"Uh oh!" Said one of the thugs. "Captain S&M has come to take us into custody."

"Hey feller-" Said another crook. "-the Iceberg Lounge is over the next block, But dominatrix night was called off!"

"You're under arrest!" Bruce repeated. "Surrender quietly or there's going to be trouble!"

"Buddy, you just don't know." Said a new voice. Bruce turned around to find another three people coming out of the building they were robbing. Six in total. They all put various boxes down onto the ground and brought out steel pipes, 2X4's, and brass knuckles.

"Let's show Karate Guy here how we do things downtown!" The lead goon stated.

Bruce acted quickly, striking out at two of the thieves; managing to knock two unconscious, but leaving his back exposed to which a 2X4 smacked across his back with force, splitting the wood. Bruce feel flat on his face as the remaining four crooks started to pommel and kick.

Bruce caught hold of an ankle and twisted it, causing a audible snap and a yell. Getting to his feet Bruce nearly missed a brick being thrown to his head, crashing a window to which sounded an alarm.

Finally panicking, two of the thieves rushed at Bruce. Bruce struck with a front kick that sent one thug to the ground, hard. While the other thief's right hand connected with Bruce's jaw, sending Bruce backwards.

Right in front of the lead thief, who knocked Bruce out by hitting him across the head with a lead pipe.

"C'mon, let's beat it!"

"What about the others?"

"No time! Let's get movin'."

The crooks got into the truck and drove off. Bruce's vision started to blur, he needed to get away before the cops came. Grabbing the grappling gun, Bruce aimed upwards and fired. In a few seconds he was airborne and climbing over a ledge onto the nearest roof.

Bruce closed his eyes, trying to refocus his vision and catch his breath at the same time. The sound of police sirens grew closer and Bruce instantly found himself on his feet, running over rooftops and heading toward his own car.

[bruce]

Wayne Manor

"They weren't afraid!" Bruce explodes in the study. Casting a look of the giant portrait of his parents. He felt like a total and complete failure, and the knowledge of it cut Bruce to the bone.

Returning home from the botched operation. Bruce went into the kitchen to prepare an icepack for his head. The pain...the physical pain was subsiding, but the emotional pain was intense for Bruce. Even since setting out that night, Bruce felt that something was amiss; off, incomplete.

Maybe he was rushing it? Perhaps it was too foolish to just gear up and head out. On the other hand, what was he thinking? Going up against the scourge of Gotham's underworld...for what? To make a point? The only point he proved tonight was that he could take alot of pain, and act like a total and complete horses ass.

Standing up against the criminals in Gotham City, God what a joke.

To add the salt upon Bruce's ego, it had begun to storm outside. It was too much. Bruce walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a good, stiff drink.

"A Long time ago it was believed that criminals were superstitious and cowardly." Bruce's criminology professor had once said. "But as the decades progressed Criminals became more brave, tougher, caring less about the welfare of others and more about personal gain and making sure their ego's were well known."

Well, tonight Bruce got his first taste of that truth. Deep down he even knew that he wasn't ready. he had acted prematurely and now it was back to the drawing board.

Bruce say down on the couch next to the fireplace, grateful to be out of the Kevlar suit and into some normal clothes. He rubbed his forehead with a free hand and wondered what to do next.

'Give the suit back.' Bruce thought. 'Let the police handle the criminals and Wayne Enterprises will back the cops in anyway we can.'

Bruce got his reply as there was a loud crash of thunder, a brilliant flash of lightning, then the power suddenly switching off.

Then without warning there was a loud crash at the nearest window which made Bruce jump up in fright, followed by the flapping of wings and a squeaking sound.

The creature circled the room, then flew towards Bruce, Bruce ducked at the last moment but continued to look at the creature thanks to the firelight.

It was a bat. A huge, giant, black menacing bat that had broken through the window and into the room.

It was the second sound of thunder, sounding like a sonic boom right next to Bruce, the second flash of lightning, that gave Bruce Wayne the epiphany he was searching for.

A bat.

A freaking bat! It was so simple, so perfect. Bruce stood up, letting the bat fly circles around him. The answer to his dilemma so blatantly obvious that he started to laugh like a madman.

'I shall become a bat.'

Alfred entered a few moments later, just as the power switched itself back on, all in part due to a backup generator behind Wayne Manor.

"Are you alright Master Bruce?"

The Bat flew out of the window it had broken.

"Ruddy bats again sir. They must nest somewhere underneath."

"We have alot to thank that bat for Alfred."

Alfred was immediately confused.

"I don't follow, sir."

"A symbol Alfred, don't you see? As Bruce Wayne I'm flesh and blood, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol...as a symbol I can be incorruptible, menacing-"

Alfred rolled his eyes, the sarcasm clearly written on his face.

"I assume that while you're taking on the underworld in this persona, you'll be hiding your real identity in case of repercussions?"

"You're talking about friends and family?" Bruce wondered.

"Actually sir, I was speaking about myself."

Bruce laughed, Alfred smiled.

"I'll call a repairman straight away sir." Alfred said, leaving the study.

Bruce felt the fire in his stomach increase. He felt a great weight lift from his shoulders.

Gotham City needed a symbol to stand with against the evil on the city's streets. he had it all wrong before. Gordon was right, one man couldn't do it alone but a symbol...an idea for people, an idea that would be incorruptible, Immortal, and frightening to the people whose intent was to harm, extort, et. cetera.

A Batman.

[bruce]

Wayne Enterprises

"Memory cloth." Lucius Fox explained to Bruce. "Developed for firefighters but something more advanced came their way."

Lucius put on an electrified glove.

"It's fire, and tear resistant. Durable and-" He touched the cloth, which solidified into a trapezoid form. "-"run an electric current, the molecules solidify."

"Impressive." Bruce stated. "Can you make it into any shape?"

"If it's based on a rigid skeleton." Fox explained.

Bruce produced a piece of paper from his coat pocket, giving it to Lucius.

"How about this?"

Lucius took the paper, unfolded it, curtly laughing.

"Aerodynamically it's doable." Lucius replied. "But you're wanting it in this form?"

Bruce nodded. "Most certainly."

"The basic design for the cowl and gauntlets are sound, I have just the pieces for it all, they should fit perfectly with the rest of the suit and I'll have it done by this afternoon. However Mr. Wayne, if you really want to get around town; I've got just the thing."

Lucius led Bruce to another testing area, Bruce guessed it was unused for years and mostly for storage. However when he saw the car...his interest peaked.

"This baby was built by WayneTech engineers for Gotham's World's Fair two years ago." Lucius explained. "It was the runner up for Car of the Future, got beat out by LexCorp's design."

"Well, Metropolis is the City of Tomorrow Lucius."

"Another interesting factoid Mr. Wayne, LexCorp spies tried to steal the blue prints for this design."

"They succeed?" Bruce asks.

Lucius shakes his head no. "After the attempt was made, I personally destroyed the blueprints and everything related to the car. She's the only one of her kind."

"Is that so?"

"Yup. She'll go up to 220 MPH, equipped with an jet engine...an F22 Raptor, bulletproof windows as well as the chassis. Give me the rest of the week and I can have her equipped with some extras including shielding, smokescreen, and forward and aft guns."

"Fuel?" Bruce wondered."

"Unleaded." Lucius answered. "I'll hand pick three good people who can keep a secret to make look more 'bat-like' if you will, they won't know who it's for of course. On a related note Mr. Wayne, how are you going to conceal all this stuff?"

"Earlier, Alfred and I discovered a giant cave underneath Wayne Manor. Turns out that there's a passage from the manor into the caves that my great grandfather used. He was an abolitionist during the Civil War, it was part of the Underground Railroad."

"If it's alright, I'd like to come over and have a look at it later. There could be alot of potential there."

Just come over when everything is ready later this afternoon." Bruce said, winking. "But Lucius, the less that know about this the better."

"Mr. Wayne, I don't squeal to anyone. And in case you've forgotten, I answer only to you but if we're speaking confidentially..the less I know about this, the better."

Bruce immediately understood what Lucius meant. "Of course Mr. Fox. As a matter of fact I don't seem to recall having a meeting with you in the first place."

"Now that you mention it Mr. Wayne-" Lucius smiled, shaking Bruce's hand. "-I can't recall anything either."

[bruce]

Underneath Wayne Manor

Lucius Fox took a look around the giant cave. Bruce and Alfred had already began installing a lighting system as well as an electrical system. Lucius was impressed, and told Bruce so.

"I can see the potential." He stated. "Your own personal bat-cave."

Bruce agreed. "Nice name for it." Unlocking the large silver briefcase that Lucius handed him a few moments before.

"Whoa." He said, looking at the cowl, cape, and gauntlets. "This is perfect Lucius."

"Glad you like them Mr. Wayne. The gauntlets are armor plated, with three mini blades attached to the sides. Capable of breaking any bladed weapon. The cowl is slightly armored also, however you won't be able to move your head all that much. I connected it with the cape so as to make one piece and is tear resistant also."

Bruce and Lucius walked over to a work station where Lucius observed that Bruce had 'modified' the dark blue Kevlar harness and body armor. It had a dark gray color to it and the harness looked more like a belt of some kind.

In the center chest area, there was a yellow oval and inside that was a black bat image.

Even the footwear for the body armor was altered. they looked like combat boots from the future, painted a midnight blue.

Alittle bit to the side of the outfit lay throwing stars in the shape of a bat.

"If I didn't know you better Mr. Wayne, I'd say you've gone bats*it crazy." Lucius observed.

Bruce smiled at the joke.

"Why bats?" Lucius wondered.

"Simply because they're hunters, predators, creatures of the night." Bruce explained. "Bats used to frighten my as a boy, and it's time my eniumies share my dread."

"Oh." Was all Lucius could say, continuing to look around what was now the Batcave.

"I'll be heading back." Fox said, shaking hands with Bruce. "The car will be ready in a few days time. Until then I'd advise you to be extremely cautious."

"Thanks again Lucius. Alfred will help you out of here."

Later That Night...

Tonight would be the first of many.

With the near completion of the 'bat-cave' and now with the suit. Bruce Wayne looked himself over the full length mirror that Alfred had diligently brought down from his bedroom. Everything seemed to fir into place. From the Kevlar body armor to the combat boots, to the gauntlets, and even the utility belt and bat-like cape.

All that remained was the cowl.

To which Alfred handed Bruce. The final piece of a long constructed puzzle now coming into place.

'I shall become a bat.' Were his thoughts when the winged creature flew into his study. After weeks of patiently waiting for some kind of sign, some euphoric moment to come to him; there it was in stark, sobering reality.

Gotham City needed something - a symbol to rally against all the corruption, greed, and evil that plagued it. A force within the darkness to counter.

Bruyce Wayne would give the criminals in Gotham a symbol that they would never...ever...forget.

Bruce put on the cowl, first facing Alfred; who jumped backwards in fright. His eyes bulging.

"My word." Was all Alfred could say.

Bruce turned towards the direction of the mirror and saw himself.

A menacing figure that would indeed strike terror into the hearts of the underworld.

"I'm Batman." He stated. Feeling ready, inspired.

"Don't wait up." He says to Alfred, walking towards a black Ducati motorcycle, starting the engine, and driving out towards the night.

[bruce]

Old Gotham

Batman chose his first patrol in Old Gotham, it was mostly Downtown Gotham, littered with Gothic buildings, and cathedrals,. In the daytime it was a tourist attraction, but at night it was something else. During the night it was populated by streetwalkers, drug dealers, rapists, and muggers.

One such rapist, named Johnny Gobb; had just finished beating a prostitute to death and taking the money she had earned for the night. He had lured the woman into a false sense of security, his first intention wanting her life, but decided that he wouldn't go down a murderer's path.

Little did Johnny know that his actions were observed by a dark presence from the rooftops.

Before Batman could deal with the beaten woman, he'd see to Johnny first.

Already choosing his next victim Johnny approached another prostitute, leading her into another darkened alley. Not one for small talk Johnny grabbed the woman's throat and began to squeeze.

Batman acted instinctively, gliding down from the rooftop, the heel of his boot connecting with Johnny Gobb's face. The prostitute screamed bloody murder, running from the alleyway, crying out for the police.

Batman grabbed Johnny and using his grappling gun, swiftly gliding back onto the rooftop from which he sprang.

Throwing Johnny to the ground, the thug sprang to life and tried running for the rooftop access door.When he realized it wouldn't open, he charged for Batman; Batman caught him by the shirt and slammed Johnny back onto the ground once more.

He picked Johnny up and dragged him over the edge of the rooftop.

"Oh God! Oh Jesus! Please don't kill me! Don't kill me man."

"Shut it." Batman snapped. "You're a rapist and I should drop you. Tell me why I shouldn't."

"I'll change!" Johnny weeped, sobbing heavily. "I'll turn myself in. I'm beggin' ya, don't drop me."

"I want you to tell all your friends about me." Batman commanded. "Every single one, if they prey upon the innocent they'll deal with me."

"Who are you?" Johnny cried.

"I'm Batman."

Without another word, batman headbutted Johnny, knocking the thug unconscious and gently placing him on the pavement below. Batman could hear sirens approaching, working quickly he swept down to the beaten hooker, gently taking ahold of her and swiftly, stealthily, placing her body right next to the unconscious Johnny Gobbs.

Fleeing the Scene, Batman decided to pay a visit to Carmine Falcone.

[bruce]

"I need you to accompany me at the docks tomorrow Flass." Said the voice of Carmine 'The Roman' Falcone. "There's something coming in from North Korea. A 'wonderdrug' they're calling it."

Crouching by an open skylight, The Batman was able to overhear the conversation between Detective Flass and The Roman. He didn't have time to simply swoop down and plant a bug at the bottom of Carmine's desk, but made a mental note plant a few here and at Falcone's other locations.

"You got it." Flass replied. "There's a rumor circulating that a certain prosecuting attorney has been spouting off at the mouth about you."

"Is that right?"Mock surprise from Falcone.

Flass nodded. "It'd be a shame...a real one if something bad happened to Dent, wouldn't it?"

Falcone grinned, scratching his pencil thin mustache.

"People get hurt all the time in Gotham. You know - muggings, stabbings...even accidental deaths occur all the time."

"Yeah." Flass agreed, nodding his head. "But seeing as we're such good people, hypothetically speaking...how much do you think we could cover for funeral expenses? In the case of his untimely death?"

Falcone thought it over.

"Ten grand should cover it." Carmine answered. "That should be a giant relief on his surviving family."

"I'm certain it would." Flass agreed.

"Curious thing Flass, most unfortunate incidents happen around the weekends in Gotham."

"Too true Mr. Falcone, too true." Flass agreed.

Hearing enough, The Batman left as silently as he arrived. He needed to make a plan of attack for tomorrow. Arriving ontop of his motorcycle, The Batman started up the engine, speeding away towards home.

[bruce]

Gotham Harbor

Falcone and Flass arrived at Gotham Harbor in a black limousine. Their hired help already unloading a giant red shipping crate. Flass got out of the limo, walking over to a group of men, opening a box. Flass reached inside and brought out a stuffed unicorn.

Flass laughed, then looked at the hired help...wondering why they were staring at him.

"Continue!" he said in a loud, annoyed voice.

Walking back and re-entering the limo, Flass quickly glanced at Falcone.

"Unicorns, cute."

"To be distributed to our dealers." Falcone informed Flass. "Starting out with free samples and when there's free samples...then we charge."

A few paces away, more goons were loading boxes into a large green shipping container. As one good was about to enter the large container, a pair of hands reached at him from out of the darkness, the thug screamed as the other two stopped what they were doing.

"Joey?" One of them called out. "Joey, you alright?"

Suddenly, without warning; the lamplights hanging overhead were smashed. Enveloping the two remaining goons in darkness.

The team of three nearest to Carmine and Flass heard screams, they dropped what they were doing and ran to the scene of panic.

The three thugs formed a circle to spot out what was happening but couldn't see anyone in either the darkness or the dim lighting.

Suddenly The Batman dropped right in the center of the circle, knocking one man out instantly, kicking another one in the chest, grabbing the third by the throat then 'flying' upwards.

His chest hurting less, started to run toward the limo, only to feel something wrap around both his legs, he fell to the ground face first, screaming bloody murder as he was being rappelled toward The Batman.

Flass got out of the limo once more, talking a quick look around. Noticing the unconscious thugs, then running back to Falcone.

"You better scram." Flass said when Falcone rolled down his window. ""Somethings up."

Falcone rolled the window back up, leaving Flass alone.

Brandishing a pistol, Flass screamed out into the darkness.

"Where are you???" he shouted.

"Here." an inverted Batman whispered right behind Flass, causing the crooked cop to jump backwards. The Batman lashed at Flass, knocking Flass to the ground and before Flass knew it, he found himself bound and gagged.

Falcone, trapped and wishing that he didn't send the driver out to help. Remained seated revolver in his hand, trembling.

"Ok!" He said through barred teeth. "Who are you and what are you?"

Suddenly two black hands broke through the skylight in Falcone's limo, hauling the mob boss up, coming face to face with The Batman.

"S*it!" Falcone screamed. Dropping the gun on the floor of the limo.

"You're going to jail." The Batman said to Falcone, who was white with fear, sweating with panic.

The Batman, knocking Falcone out; moved quickly to a giant searchlight, tying up The Roman onto the searchlight, switching it on. It's silhouette making a giant 'bat-like- image in the sky.

The Batman then gathered up all of Falcone's help, along with detective Flass. Tying them all up together then fleeing the scene as the police would evidently arrive.

[bruce]

"Alright, what have we got?" Jim Gordon asks as he approaches on scene.

"Six small time thugs, Detective Flass, and you're gonna love this next part Lieutenant: Carmine Falcone on scene."

Lt. Gordon felt like it was Christmas Day.

The patrolman led Gordon to Falcone, still tied to the searchlight. Gordon looked up toward the sky. Seeing the outline.

'Wait for my signal.'

"Who made the call?" Gordon asks.

"Unknown sir. Anonymous caller. Said something about a drug deal happening in the docks, then rang off." Gibbs and I were first on scene.

"Well done officer." Gordon congratulated.

"Lieutenant? It gets weirder."

"How so?" Gordon wondered.

"The six guys with Flass keep talking about a giant bat."

"What about Flass?"

"He's not talking sir, looks to have soiled himself from the stench of him."

"Alright." Gordon decided. "Cut Falcone down and take him to Central. We've got him on scene. The shipping crates will be registered to him. I'll get a forensic team to analyze what's in the crates."

"Yes sir." The patrolman replied. Gordon walked over to Arnold Flass, shaking his head in disgust.

"Thank you." Gordon said.

"For what?" Flass spat.

"You just helped me earn my captain shield. You wanna tell me what happened here?"

"Go f*ck yourself Gordon." Flass replied.

Gordon noticed that Flass had indeed soiled himself, there were even tear streaks running down his face. Something terrified Flass, and he was a ten year veteran of the force.

The six hired men were all talking about a giant bat as they were being escorted into squad cars. Even Falcone muttered something about a 'bat-man' as he was cut down, and taken into custody.

Commissioner Loeb arrived on scene a few moments later. Gordon was the first to meet him.

"Is it true?" Loeb asked. "We've got Falcone on scene?"

Gordon nodded. "Flass also. Forensics will be taking samples of the crates to see what Falcone was about to peddle."

"Good." Loeb commented. "I'll talk to Harbor Patrol to keep the vessel in port. Who knows what else Falcone has in there."

"There's something else." Gordon began. "Falcone, and six men are talking about a giant bat-like figure."

"And Flass?"

"Not a word."

"This is the second time I've heard about a giant bat." Loeb informed Gordon. "But at the moment, we've got both Flass and Falcone on scene and alot of exotic product about to be distributed. Let's run with that."

"Understood Commissioner, and what about this bat figure?"

"Keep a lid on it." Loeb said. "The press will want to know what's happened, if word leaks I'll fire whoever opens his or her mouth."

Loeb left the scene, leaving Lt. Gordon to ponder what exactly happened here tonight.

He could sense something was in the air. Something in the wind; whatever this 'bat-man'...if he even existed...was, real or imagined. Gordon had a feeling that this wouldn't be the last time he'd hear of him.

Looking out into the waters, Gordon could sense that something was starting. For good or for ill, he'd just have to ride it out and wait and see.

THE END.