Chapter Text
Prelude
Gotham City, it's dark, dirty, and gritty.
Crimes fill the night,
Punctuated with screams and gunshots.
He is here because he needs to be.
He is here because he has to be.
He made a promise all those years ago in an alley as his parents died.
He's here because he was spared.
He's here because there's nobody else who will do what he can.
Some say he's insane.
Some call him a criminal, or a vigilante.
Some think he's a monster or a shadow in the night.
Some think that he's their worst nightmare.
He works outside the law for justice.
He is ...
The Batman.
It's very late, nearly daybreak as he flies silently over the rooftops.
It's been a rough night but yet it's far from over.
As the morning approaches his senses start to become sharpened, more on edge.
It's quiet now and he considers calling it a night when he sees a tiny Bat-Signal reflecting off the clouds.
He's curious whether it's a lonely child who can't sleep tonight, or if this is a genuine call for help. He follows the beam of light to an alley between two long-deserted apartment buildings.
He focuses his binoculars and panics a bit at what he observes, and then he efficiently throws himself over the edge of the building, opening his cape he glides soundlessly down to land in the alley.
There lies Batgirl unconscious as a young child hovers protectively near, stroking her hand and gently talking to her.
The little boy is fearless as Batman lands, he seems to be waiting for him as he switches off his plastic flashlight.
"It's okay Batman, the bad guy is gone and I'm watching her. I was waiting for you to see my Bat Signal. She was crying before but she's okay and sleeping now."
Batman's astonished at the little tyke's bravery, he can't be more than four or five years old!
He kneels to check Batgirl's pulse, it's steady while she appears to be sleeping and is breathing evenly.
But what happened here earlier?
He needs answers!