Batman: Building a Legend #1

[spiritofvengeance]

Batman: Building a Legend #1
Two Shots in the Night

Written By: Daniel Dyer
Edited By: Mike Bowen


I have been in the employ of the Waynes since before young Master Bruce was born. Thomas and Martha Wayne are an unique couple. Never were there more loving or caring parents. They would give Master Bruce the world, if it were possible. And young Master Bruce? I have not seen a happier child. A boy full of life and vigor. It is a true tragedy what befell him.[/i]

“Martha, are you almost ready?” asks Thomas Wayne, yelling up the grand staircase in Wayne Manor.

Martha starts down the stairs, putting on her shoes as she goes.

“We have time dear. The movie doesn’t start for another hour.”

Thomas rolls his eyes and just calls up the stairs, “Bruce! Hurry up, son!”

“Coming down!” yells Bruce as he turns a corner upstairs.

Bruce is wearing a black cape, black bandana mask, and black hat.

“Make way for the Fox!” exclaims Bruce as he hops up on the staircase’s railing and slides down it, ending up crashing into his father.

“Umph!” Thomas says, getting knocked to the floor. “Easy, son.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

“Boys will be boys, isn’t that right, Alfred?”

“Quite right, Sir.”

****

[spiritofvengeance]

As I stated, Mr. Wayne was a loving father. He understood the rambunctious nature of his son and made some allowance for such. He knew his son was just excited. After all, they were going to a private screening of the remake of a classic movie. One of the young Master’s favorite heroes. “The Mask of Zorro”.

“Martha, you and Bruce go get some snacks. I’ll pick up our tickets.”

Martha kisses Thomas to which Bruce contorts his face. “Ewww.”

“Watch it, young man. Now, come along.”

****

[spiritofvengeance]

The movie was a grand experience for all. Full of action a daring duo. The Young Master did love Zorro. He wanted to be a hero like Zorro and the Grey Ghost. Master Bruce was on the edge of his seat throughout it all... I’d imagine.

“This way,” Thomas tells his family as he starts down an alley. “The ice cream parlor is just this way.”

Bruce smiles as they head down the alley, on the way for a special treat. A night out with his parents, taking him to see his favorite hero on the big screen and then onto desert. Tonight sure was a good night.

“Stop right there,” a man with a gun says.

All three Waynes stop in their tracks.

“Hand over all you have.”

It happened so quick. Bruce was frozen in his tracks. What could he do? A boy of no more than 8. His parents were cooperating with the man. Handing over their wallets and such.

“The pearls, too,” yells the mugger as he grabs Martha’s pearl necklace, and it snaps.

Bruce isn’t quite sure what happened next but he remembers the two gun shots followed by two thuds to the pavement. The mugger runs off and Bruce falls to his knees as it begins to rain. Bruce’s tears fall with the rain drops, as his face begins losing that youthful joy. The once happy boy can no longer think of any joyous thoughts. His world has just been destroyed.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

The funeral was in a few days. The Mister and Missus were buried in their private cemetery on the estate. It was quite a turn out. All of Gotham City was there to pay their respects to Gotham’s favorite couple.

“We are gathered here to pay our respects to the lives of two of Gotham City’s most influential couples...”

Bruce does not hear the preacher. He does not pay attention to the people gathered for the funeral. Most of them he doesn’t know. Most of them his parents didn’t even know. Bruce just stands there, anger, rage and... sadness bottles up inside him, until he bursts and just starts running.

“Master Bruce?” Alfred says as he runs for the boy.

“Leave me alone, Alfred.”

“I certainly will not.”

“I said...” but before he finishes, Bruce strips on a root, slamming hard to the ground, which also gives way. “AHHH!!”

“MASTER BRUCE!” Alfred yells as he rushes over to the hole.

“Master Bruce, are you okay?! Say something!!!”

“I...ow...I... help. I’m scared. It’s dark. It’s so dark...”

In the distance a man watches, his long trench coat flowing around him.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Days later, half a world away. An ancient man sits on a throne.

“You were right. He is the one the prophesy speaks of.”

“Drakon. This is important. You must follow the boy’s advancement. If the prophesy is true, he will be the one to lead my League of Assassins. He will be the one that replaces me, and weds my daughter.”

“Yes, my lord. I will indeed follow the boy’s life. I will become his shadow, Lord Ra’s al Ghul.”

“Very good, Drakon. Now leave me. I have business to take care of,”

As Drakon leaves, Ra’s al Ghul, the Demon’s Head begins looking over scrolls and parchments.

“Ahhh... yes. ‘And the orphaned boy of privilege shall soar into the night as if unto a bat. He shall seek retribution for the crimes committed by man, and shall become a scourge to the world. A dark creature of the night.’ Yes, we shall see what you become, young Bruce Wayne.”

Continued...