Post by thekillingjoke on May 31, 2011 0:08:54 GMT -5
Batman #1
By Cornelius Spunkwater
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Bruce Wayne opens his eyes. Artificial sunlight floods from bedroom windows at one side and without is Gotham City standing as an industrial cacophony of skyscrapers and neon lights and exhaust blasting fiery against fake skies at all hours. At city limits dome walls curve gray and lifeless toward a point above buildings highest. Grass lies preserved on Wayne Manor grounds, worth half a million dollars per square foot. This is our new world where citizens wait for Death never knowing what freedom is held in a blade of grass plucked fresh.
Wayne throws aside silken sheets and how cold is his hungry skin. Anymore it is always cold and meals however small push aside madness for time enough. How long before hunger takes control? Each day these meals are less filling. He sits and looks at the view outside and shakes his head and looks toward a mirror on the wall and sees nothing in it. For this he is thankful. On the nightstand beside him there is a meal tray with breakfast.
He reaches for the packet and tries not to look at his bony fingers but fails and closes his eyes. He takes the packet and bites into it and drains it. The warmth refreshes him.
Wayne Manor – 1889
Wayne holds onto the banister and descends the staircase toward the foyer where chandelier crystals hang high. Sunlight filters through windows and casts shadows barred over myriad rooms and furniture. He looks about the foyer and nearby rooms for his mother and father but they’re away and he moves for the large double doors and opens them. Outside he turns and looks at his parents’ home and regards towering spires and arches long. He moves for the front steps and Algernon approaches wearing a dirty apron over his uniform.
Are you going out Master Bruce? Algernon asks.
I’m not sure Algernon. I was going to walk around the grounds a moment and perhaps go into the city. How is your shirt still clean?
Oh. Luck I imagine. Are you not joining your mother and father for dinner?
I think not Algernon. I’m not terribly hungry now.
Very well young sir. Your father will be disappointed. He so enjoys dining with his only son.
I know. Thank you Algernon but I need to gather my thoughts and reflect on some things. He should understand.
I am sure he will. Your father was once young too after all.
Yes. I suppose that’s true. Thank you Algernon, Bruce says and makes for the steps again.
Master Bruce. If you will not be joining us this evening then I must insist you wear your overcoat. It is far too cold to bear the weather in your current state and I refuse to be held accountable should you become ill.
Algernon crosses the double doors and takes an overcoat from the trunk across the foyer. He shakes the dust and folds from it and turns toward the door and extends the coat. Wayne sighs and slides his arms into the sleeves and turns around and looks at Algernon and asks: How do I look?
Quite an improvement I must say. You look very handsome.
May I leave now?
Almost. You need your hat.
It is not that cold.
It is the end of October. You will catch a cold or worse if you do not.
Fine. Give me my hat.
Algernon retrieves his hat from a rack not far within the foyer and says: Here you are. I believe you are free to go now.
Thank you Algernon. Enjoy your dinner.
Wayne leaves down the front steps and Algernon closes the doors and Wayne walks across the grounds and looks on Gotham City yonder growing into a pool of masonry and steel. A railway runs clanking along the city’s edge and beyond that lie the seas collecting what pieces warm of the sunset it can before giving back. So beautiful it is with fall whispers.
Lovely isn’t it? John says standing next to the stable smoking a cigarette and the horses pay no mind to the fumes.
That it is John.
Are you going into the city sir?
I was thinking about it. Can you have transportation ready in a half hour?
Certainly. It probably won’t take me that long to be honest.
Whenever you’re ready, Wayne says and leaves John to his business. A horse snorts and pushes around dirt in the stable and John whispers sweet nothings to the horse. He fastens harnesses to the horses and leads them toward the carriage and situates them proper and strokes each one’s mane. He takes another cigarette and leans against the carriage and lights it and puffs and strokes his beard while Wayne stands watching Gotham and the sun sets further. He turns for the carriage and John smiles and opens the door and secures him and mounts the driver’s seat. John lightly cracks the reins and the horses start for the city. From the window Wayne watches the tide beyond shift.
Wayne Manor - 2115
Downstairs Alfred sits at the dining table eating an English muffin with black raspberry jam and a virgin newspaper waits unread on the dining table but he writes in a small notebook. He bites the muffin and sets his pen down and chews and breathes deeply and watches walls discolored. He glances to one side and Wayne stands in the doorless passage watching him from the room without and Alfred drops his food and says: Master. I didn’t notice you.
Good morning Alfred. Sit. What are you writing?
Oh. Nothing. It’s just a journal.
A journal. How is your breakfast?
Good. It's filling.
Good. I’m glad.
Alfred finishes his breakfast and carries the dish to the kitchen sink and rinses it and places it in the dishwasher. Back in the dining room Wayne still stands and his wings are close against him and he hangs his head down. Now the lonely sound present is Alfred’s breathing.
Are you all right Master?
How long have you been with me Alfred?
I don’t know. I haven’t kept track.
Yes you have. But it doesn’t matter.
No. I suppose it doesn’t.
These meals. These meals are less filling each day. So much that sometimes I feel mad with hunger.
I’m sorry Master. What can I do?
Bring me more blood.
I’m not sure how much more I can bring without raising suspicion.
I said bring me more blood goddammit. I’m trying my best to hold on to humanity somehow, someway. But if I can’t satisfy my hunger one way, then I will find another.
I will get the blood Master.
Good.
Will you go to work today?
Is that a serious question? Since you’ve been serving me, when have I ever left this place? Look at me. I’m a freak even by today’s standards
I don’t know Master. Many people today are taken with body modifications. You might turn some heads but I don’t think you’d be an outcast.
Regardless I’m staying in. It wouldn’t be becoming for the majority shareholder and CEO to show up looking like he’d had an extensive cyberjob.
Very well then. You should know Mr. Powers’ attorney left a message for you earlier. Apparently there are some matters regarding the company that Mr. Powers is concerned about.
What does he want?
He mentioned no specifics.
Did he leave a name?
Harvey Dent he said his name was.
Right. Never heard of him. He can call me via phone conference if Mr. Powers is concerned about something. I’m going to shower now Alfred. Let me know if Mr. Powers or his attorney calls.
Yes Master.
From the kitchen Alfred hears footsteps heavy echo in emptiness seeming so dark even amid the daylight. Pipes creak upstairs. He turns one spigot and rinses what dishes remain and laughs to himself in secret. He wipes his hands clean on his apron and removes it and sets it aside on the countertop where it lies bearing stains crimsoned of meal yesterday a thousand times to now. He flips the light switch and sits and the dining room table and takes his notepad and reads over what he wrote and closes it and puts it in his pocket. He takes the paper and reads the front page.
Gotham City – 1889
Darkness falls as the carriage draws near and moonlight towers numerous burn and drop light on the streets. Wayne looks out the carriage window at street magicians busking for coins and a prostitute dressed red giving men and women seductive looks. She looks at the carriage and Wayne turns away and the carriage draws on. Wayne hears a voice and opens the window and leans out. At the end of Darkwood street a salesman peddles his miracle elixir and talks about his prophecies from distant land. A crowd gathers.
Wayne laughs and shakes his head and looks into the crowd. A path clears and among the lines of people there stands a redheaded lady watching the salesman talk yet never does she approach the stage. She waits.
John. Stop the carriage.
Sir? You can’t be serious. Here?
I’m not buying anything. Just stop the carriage.
All right. As you wish, John says and pulls the reins and the horses grunt and whinny and the carriage stops. Wayne opens the carriage himself and steps down and scans the crowd for this lady lost among light insufficient. There past another crowd parted he sees her standing the same. He walks around onlookers and she doesn’t notice him. He comes from behind and stands beside her and she glances at him and turns away.
Amazing isn’t it? Wayne says.
Excuse me sir?
The salesman peddling those miracle elixirs.
Oh yes. A dozen people have bought his elixir already.
You’ve been counting?
I have. I was curious.
How long has he been up there?
For a quarter of an hour I believe.
Good heavens. I have to ask because curiosity is getting the better of me: Do you intend on purchasing a bottle?
Oh no. I know those potions are worthless. I just enjoy watching people willing to believe in anything promising quality of life no matter what the lie. It’s amusing and at the same time heartbreaking.
People. They do strange things sometimes don’t they?
Sometimes?
Well. Often.
Yes they do.
Might I ask your name?
My name’s Anne. And you?
Bruce, Wayne says and takes her hand in his and kisses the top and she smiles. He looks for a moment back at the salesman and the salesman sells elixirs to a child with leg braces and an old woman whose spine is curved. Wayne looks in her green eyes and still he holds her hand and she doesn’t move away and he says: It’s a pleasure to meet you Anne. Are you from Gotham?
Yes but I don’t live in the city. I happened to be passing through today.
I see. Well then it’s a wonder our paths crossed at all.
Indeed.
Anne. I have a proposition for you.
I’m afraid I’m not that kind of woman Bruce.
No. You misunderstand me.
Oh. What do you mean then?
I was wondering if you’d like to watch people for awhile longer or if you’d rather have dinner with me.
I think I’ve had my fill of people for one night. Where shall we dine?
I have a carriage across the street, Wayne says and directs her and John sits atop the carriage nursing a flask of whiskey and Wayne says: The driver’s name is John.
Bruce. I’m not certain I feel comfortable getting into a carriage with you yet.
What’s the matter?
I have no idea where you intend to take me.
Why to my home.
Is there not another place we may dine?
Please. You must trust me. I mean you no harm.
You make it to be easy in this day and age.
I apologize if I’m being forward.
No. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m behaving foolishly.
Nonsense. You’re perfectly reasonable.
Thank you.
Together they approach the carriage and John notices them and conceals his flask in his breast pocket and climbs down. He waits for them and clears his throat and says: Master Bruce. Who is this lovely woman?
This is Anne, John.
Ah. A lovely name.
It’s nice to meet you John, Anne says.
The same miss. Will she be accompanying you tonight Master Bruce?
Yes. Would you let her inside?
John opens the carriage and holds it for Anne and she climbs inside and sits. Wayne thanks him and follows and sits beside her and John closes the door. He asks Wayne where they want to go and Wayne tells him to go home. John takes position in the driver’s seat and there’s a crack and the horses start. They rock with the jolt and Wayne looks over his shoulder through the window and turns toward Anne and she says: He calls you Master.
Yes.
I assume you are a wealthy man.
You assume correctly. Are you familiar with the Wayne family?
I am.
I’m the first and only child.
Oh my.
What’s the matter?
I don’t know. It’s a little much.
It’s all right. We’ll be home within a half hour I imagine. There you can meet my mother and father.
I would like that.
Wayne Manor – 2115
Alfred takes an antique cell phone from his bureau and sits on his bed with his notepad and plugs the adapter into the outlet. He hooks the cell phone up and dials a memorized number. It rings a few times and the other end picks up and says: Password.
Demon's head, Alfred says.
Is this closed?
Yes. I made sure of it.
All right. Who are you and what do you want?
My name is Alfred Pennyworth. I’ve been in the service of a vampire for over thirty years now.
Has this vampire turned you?
No. I just serve him.
What is his name?
Bruce Wayne.
Really. That would explain a lot.
Yes.
I assume you’re in Gotham then.
That’s right.
Good. My daughter and I will set out in the morning. We’ll need today to prepare ourselves. Call me again in two days time from tomorrow. We should be there by then. That’s when we’ll discuss matters further.
Excellent.
We’ll require half the assets of Wayne’s estate after we’ve laid him to rest. The other half is yours to do as you wish.
That all sounds fine. What should I call you?
Kase. Remember: Two days, he says and hangs up.
Alfred closes the phone and disconnects it and takes the adapter from the wall and places everything under a pile of clothes in the bureau drawer. He takes his notepad and writes two days and places it in the drawer too. He opens his door and looks about but no one is there.
Wayne turns the spigot and the shower stops. He shakes water off his wings and slides the glass door back and reaches for a towel. He pats water off his body and hears Alfred voice muffled talking quietly. He sets the towel aside and leaves the bathroom and goes downstairs weightlessly.
Wayne Manor – 1889
The carriage pulls past the gates around ten o’clock and runs long through the grounds and stops at the front steps. John descends and opens the carriage and Wayne thanks him again and helps Anne down and John closes the door after her. They run around the carriage and he leads her along the steps and together they laugh. At the top the front door opens and Algernon steps outside and says: Good evening Master Bruce. I’m glad to see you home.
I’m glad to be home Algernon.
Your parents were disappointed that you did not join them for dinner.
I apologize. I’ll make a point to dine with them tomorrow night.
Very good. Now I see you have returned with a guest, Algernon says and extends his hand and she gives it to him and he kisses it and says: Good evening miss. I am the primary caretaker of these grounds.
Hello, she says and smiles. My name’s Anne.
Well Anne. I apologize for not being more hospitable but it is unusual for Master Bruce to have guests this time of night.
Oh?
I’m afraid so. I think he fancies himself a bit of a recluse at times.
Okay Algernon, Wayne says and laughs. I offered Anne the opportunity to dine with me tonight. Can you accommodate us?
Absolutely. Your father would never fathom the notion of letting you go hungry and neither will I.
Good. Thank you Algernon.
Thank you, Anne says.
It is my pleasure. Come with me. There is more than enough from earlier this evening, Algernon says and goes through the door and partway through the vestibule someone is descending the stairs and Wayne stops with Anne and Algernon continues toward the kitchen. At the foot Thomas stops in his robe and smiles and says:
Hello Bruce. Who is this young lady?
This is Anne, father.
She’s a lovely woman Bruce.
Thank you, she says.
I see now why you weren’t at dinner.
I’m sorry, Wayne says.
Don’t worry yourself. I’m not angry.
And mother?
She’s asleep at this moment. She will have to cope.
I hope you’re right.
I am. I should be asleep myself in a minute or so. Anne, I’m sorry to cut this short. If it were earlier in the day I would give you a proper tour of my home.
This is a lovely home Mr. Wayne, Anne says.
Thank you. It should be for what I paid, Thomas laughs and walks away and takes the banister and says: It’s time for me to turn in. Both of you enjoy your late supper.
Good night father.
And Bruce?
Yes?
Have your friend taken home after you’re finished eating.
Yes father, Wayne says and Thomas climbs slow the staircase and disappears into the hallway toward the master bedroom and Wayne turns to Anne and asks: Shall we eat?
I don’t know Bruce. I had something earlier. I’m really not very hungry.
Well I’m starving.
Why don’t you eat then?
While you watch? How awkward.
I’ll be content to talk with you while you dine.
All right. But I don’t want you groping at my meal should you feel a curious pang in your stomach.
You evil boy, she says and pinches him. I’ll grab a bite if I wish.
Oh we shall see.
Wayne Manor – 2115
Alfred descends cellar steps one by one. Many light bulbs down here have died and have yet to be replaced. At the bottom he stops and looks across at a door attached crude on a hole in the wall large enough for a man. A light flickers and Alfred takes a lantern beside dusty boxes filled with memories past. He opens the door and it creaks and the lantern’s glow is lost amid darkness twisted. From within is a roar distant but regardless he bears down a path scratched deep and it continues for too long. It always does.
The tunnel opens wide and here is another path spiraling along cavern walls. Below a river echoes along the rocks and winds blow cool at the lantern and it swings in Alfred’s grasp. He scans the cavern and finds nothing and says: Master?
Who were you talking to earlier? Wayne asks and Alfred turns and backs away from Wayne wrapped warm in his wings and in the light his eyes glow like pearls blackened.
Master.
Who were you talking to?
No one Master. I was talking to myself.
You’re lying Alfred. I can hear your heart.
I was talking to an old friend. He and his daughter intend to come to Gotham.
Do they now. And where do they intend to stay?
Not here Master.
Good. Under no circumstances do I want anyone coming here. Has Dent called?
Yes Master. He’s on hold upstairs. I should warn you: His appearance is. Ah. Ghastly.
Interesting. I’ll be in the study discussing matters with this Dent, Wayne says and leaves the caverns again weightless and at the entrance says: And Alfred. Don’t ever use the phone for personal calls again. Am I clear?
Absolutely. My sincerest apologies, Alfred says and Wayne leaves for the study. He rests himself upon a rock and sighs and holds his forehead. He leans back to look at the ceiling with its many stalagmites and swallows. He looks forward and watches shadows beyond the cellar door and listens to scratches soft along the stairs.
Inside the study Wayne sits in a leather office chair and spreads his wings to either side over the armrests and looks over the desktop interface for the wall set intercom. He disables video on his end and takes Dent off hold and cringes. His face is a cyberjob skewered and one eye pupilless and yellow stares.
Hello Mr. Wayne. Are you there?
Yes. Harvey Dent?
Yes. I hope my appearance doesn’t startle you.
No. It’s fine. What is it you want Mr. Dent?
Mr. Powers and I want to discuss the future of Wayne Enterprises. He’s expressed a number of concerns to me regarding your company.
Such as?
Well for instance Wayne Enterprises has a figurehead whom no one has seen. No one has met you face to face Mr. Wayne.
What does that have to do with anything?
Even now you see my face but I can’t see yours. There’s an implied lack of trust when a man refuses to show his face over video communications regardless of his appearance. But aside from phone conferences no one has met you. Shareholders have doubted the existence of a Bruce Wayne for some time now and if there is a Bruce Wayne he must be well into his eighties by this point. This degree of uncertainty, Mr. Powers feels it sets a bad image for investors and I have to agree with him.
And why does Mr. Powers not tell me this himself?
Because we’re facing a harsh reality and he feels it’s best if he has my legal advice.
Fair enough. What are we looking at?
Shareholders need to see Bruce Wayne. That’s all there is to the matter. And if there is no Bruce Wayne then some action will need to be taken to ensure the future of this company.
That sounds like a threat to take my company away from me. Do I need to remind Mr. Powers that I am still the majority shareholder in this company? I do not tolerate mutiny from my employees, Dent.
Try to understand our position Mr. Wayne. Our only concern is for the welfare of your company. Yes Wayne Enterprises played a major role in saving Gotham and Metropolis and every other major city from nuclear annihilation at the turn of the century but that was years ago. This is today and the company is losing money because shareholders are nervous.
Mr. Dent. I have better things to do with my time than listen to idle threats from a damn cyberjob. I’m going to go now and I want you to tell Mr. Powers that he’ll need to find a new employer should I receive another call of this nature.
Please Mr. Wayne. At least consider what we talked about.
Goodbye Mr. Dent.
Wayne Manor – 1889
Wayne and Anne lie together in bed and she rests her head on his chest and sighs heavy and brushes a hand over his stomach. Wayne wraps an arm around her and pulls her close and kisses her forehead. Come here, he says and she looks up to him and they kiss and his heart pounds thud. Thud. Thud. He can’t feel hers.
She moves herself and straddles his hips and runs her hands over his chest. He smiles and she unfastens two buttons on his shirt and he holds her sides. She bends down and breathes into his ear and down his neck.
There’s a guttural hiss inhuman and Wayne feels his neck pierced sharp. He groans and feels life drained from his veins.
By Cornelius Spunkwater
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Bruce Wayne opens his eyes. Artificial sunlight floods from bedroom windows at one side and without is Gotham City standing as an industrial cacophony of skyscrapers and neon lights and exhaust blasting fiery against fake skies at all hours. At city limits dome walls curve gray and lifeless toward a point above buildings highest. Grass lies preserved on Wayne Manor grounds, worth half a million dollars per square foot. This is our new world where citizens wait for Death never knowing what freedom is held in a blade of grass plucked fresh.
Wayne throws aside silken sheets and how cold is his hungry skin. Anymore it is always cold and meals however small push aside madness for time enough. How long before hunger takes control? Each day these meals are less filling. He sits and looks at the view outside and shakes his head and looks toward a mirror on the wall and sees nothing in it. For this he is thankful. On the nightstand beside him there is a meal tray with breakfast.
He reaches for the packet and tries not to look at his bony fingers but fails and closes his eyes. He takes the packet and bites into it and drains it. The warmth refreshes him.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 1889
Wayne holds onto the banister and descends the staircase toward the foyer where chandelier crystals hang high. Sunlight filters through windows and casts shadows barred over myriad rooms and furniture. He looks about the foyer and nearby rooms for his mother and father but they’re away and he moves for the large double doors and opens them. Outside he turns and looks at his parents’ home and regards towering spires and arches long. He moves for the front steps and Algernon approaches wearing a dirty apron over his uniform.
Are you going out Master Bruce? Algernon asks.
I’m not sure Algernon. I was going to walk around the grounds a moment and perhaps go into the city. How is your shirt still clean?
Oh. Luck I imagine. Are you not joining your mother and father for dinner?
I think not Algernon. I’m not terribly hungry now.
Very well young sir. Your father will be disappointed. He so enjoys dining with his only son.
I know. Thank you Algernon but I need to gather my thoughts and reflect on some things. He should understand.
I am sure he will. Your father was once young too after all.
Yes. I suppose that’s true. Thank you Algernon, Bruce says and makes for the steps again.
Master Bruce. If you will not be joining us this evening then I must insist you wear your overcoat. It is far too cold to bear the weather in your current state and I refuse to be held accountable should you become ill.
Algernon crosses the double doors and takes an overcoat from the trunk across the foyer. He shakes the dust and folds from it and turns toward the door and extends the coat. Wayne sighs and slides his arms into the sleeves and turns around and looks at Algernon and asks: How do I look?
Quite an improvement I must say. You look very handsome.
May I leave now?
Almost. You need your hat.
It is not that cold.
It is the end of October. You will catch a cold or worse if you do not.
Fine. Give me my hat.
Algernon retrieves his hat from a rack not far within the foyer and says: Here you are. I believe you are free to go now.
Thank you Algernon. Enjoy your dinner.
Wayne leaves down the front steps and Algernon closes the doors and Wayne walks across the grounds and looks on Gotham City yonder growing into a pool of masonry and steel. A railway runs clanking along the city’s edge and beyond that lie the seas collecting what pieces warm of the sunset it can before giving back. So beautiful it is with fall whispers.
Lovely isn’t it? John says standing next to the stable smoking a cigarette and the horses pay no mind to the fumes.
That it is John.
Are you going into the city sir?
I was thinking about it. Can you have transportation ready in a half hour?
Certainly. It probably won’t take me that long to be honest.
Whenever you’re ready, Wayne says and leaves John to his business. A horse snorts and pushes around dirt in the stable and John whispers sweet nothings to the horse. He fastens harnesses to the horses and leads them toward the carriage and situates them proper and strokes each one’s mane. He takes another cigarette and leans against the carriage and lights it and puffs and strokes his beard while Wayne stands watching Gotham and the sun sets further. He turns for the carriage and John smiles and opens the door and secures him and mounts the driver’s seat. John lightly cracks the reins and the horses start for the city. From the window Wayne watches the tide beyond shift.
- - -
Wayne Manor - 2115
Downstairs Alfred sits at the dining table eating an English muffin with black raspberry jam and a virgin newspaper waits unread on the dining table but he writes in a small notebook. He bites the muffin and sets his pen down and chews and breathes deeply and watches walls discolored. He glances to one side and Wayne stands in the doorless passage watching him from the room without and Alfred drops his food and says: Master. I didn’t notice you.
Good morning Alfred. Sit. What are you writing?
Oh. Nothing. It’s just a journal.
A journal. How is your breakfast?
Good. It's filling.
Good. I’m glad.
Alfred finishes his breakfast and carries the dish to the kitchen sink and rinses it and places it in the dishwasher. Back in the dining room Wayne still stands and his wings are close against him and he hangs his head down. Now the lonely sound present is Alfred’s breathing.
Are you all right Master?
How long have you been with me Alfred?
I don’t know. I haven’t kept track.
Yes you have. But it doesn’t matter.
No. I suppose it doesn’t.
These meals. These meals are less filling each day. So much that sometimes I feel mad with hunger.
I’m sorry Master. What can I do?
Bring me more blood.
I’m not sure how much more I can bring without raising suspicion.
I said bring me more blood goddammit. I’m trying my best to hold on to humanity somehow, someway. But if I can’t satisfy my hunger one way, then I will find another.
I will get the blood Master.
Good.
Will you go to work today?
Is that a serious question? Since you’ve been serving me, when have I ever left this place? Look at me. I’m a freak even by today’s standards
I don’t know Master. Many people today are taken with body modifications. You might turn some heads but I don’t think you’d be an outcast.
Regardless I’m staying in. It wouldn’t be becoming for the majority shareholder and CEO to show up looking like he’d had an extensive cyberjob.
Very well then. You should know Mr. Powers’ attorney left a message for you earlier. Apparently there are some matters regarding the company that Mr. Powers is concerned about.
What does he want?
He mentioned no specifics.
Did he leave a name?
Harvey Dent he said his name was.
Right. Never heard of him. He can call me via phone conference if Mr. Powers is concerned about something. I’m going to shower now Alfred. Let me know if Mr. Powers or his attorney calls.
Yes Master.
From the kitchen Alfred hears footsteps heavy echo in emptiness seeming so dark even amid the daylight. Pipes creak upstairs. He turns one spigot and rinses what dishes remain and laughs to himself in secret. He wipes his hands clean on his apron and removes it and sets it aside on the countertop where it lies bearing stains crimsoned of meal yesterday a thousand times to now. He flips the light switch and sits and the dining room table and takes his notepad and reads over what he wrote and closes it and puts it in his pocket. He takes the paper and reads the front page.
- - -
Gotham City – 1889
Darkness falls as the carriage draws near and moonlight towers numerous burn and drop light on the streets. Wayne looks out the carriage window at street magicians busking for coins and a prostitute dressed red giving men and women seductive looks. She looks at the carriage and Wayne turns away and the carriage draws on. Wayne hears a voice and opens the window and leans out. At the end of Darkwood street a salesman peddles his miracle elixir and talks about his prophecies from distant land. A crowd gathers.
Wayne laughs and shakes his head and looks into the crowd. A path clears and among the lines of people there stands a redheaded lady watching the salesman talk yet never does she approach the stage. She waits.
John. Stop the carriage.
Sir? You can’t be serious. Here?
I’m not buying anything. Just stop the carriage.
All right. As you wish, John says and pulls the reins and the horses grunt and whinny and the carriage stops. Wayne opens the carriage himself and steps down and scans the crowd for this lady lost among light insufficient. There past another crowd parted he sees her standing the same. He walks around onlookers and she doesn’t notice him. He comes from behind and stands beside her and she glances at him and turns away.
Amazing isn’t it? Wayne says.
Excuse me sir?
The salesman peddling those miracle elixirs.
Oh yes. A dozen people have bought his elixir already.
You’ve been counting?
I have. I was curious.
How long has he been up there?
For a quarter of an hour I believe.
Good heavens. I have to ask because curiosity is getting the better of me: Do you intend on purchasing a bottle?
Oh no. I know those potions are worthless. I just enjoy watching people willing to believe in anything promising quality of life no matter what the lie. It’s amusing and at the same time heartbreaking.
People. They do strange things sometimes don’t they?
Sometimes?
Well. Often.
Yes they do.
Might I ask your name?
My name’s Anne. And you?
Bruce, Wayne says and takes her hand in his and kisses the top and she smiles. He looks for a moment back at the salesman and the salesman sells elixirs to a child with leg braces and an old woman whose spine is curved. Wayne looks in her green eyes and still he holds her hand and she doesn’t move away and he says: It’s a pleasure to meet you Anne. Are you from Gotham?
Yes but I don’t live in the city. I happened to be passing through today.
I see. Well then it’s a wonder our paths crossed at all.
Indeed.
Anne. I have a proposition for you.
I’m afraid I’m not that kind of woman Bruce.
No. You misunderstand me.
Oh. What do you mean then?
I was wondering if you’d like to watch people for awhile longer or if you’d rather have dinner with me.
I think I’ve had my fill of people for one night. Where shall we dine?
I have a carriage across the street, Wayne says and directs her and John sits atop the carriage nursing a flask of whiskey and Wayne says: The driver’s name is John.
Bruce. I’m not certain I feel comfortable getting into a carriage with you yet.
What’s the matter?
I have no idea where you intend to take me.
Why to my home.
Is there not another place we may dine?
Please. You must trust me. I mean you no harm.
You make it to be easy in this day and age.
I apologize if I’m being forward.
No. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m behaving foolishly.
Nonsense. You’re perfectly reasonable.
Thank you.
Together they approach the carriage and John notices them and conceals his flask in his breast pocket and climbs down. He waits for them and clears his throat and says: Master Bruce. Who is this lovely woman?
This is Anne, John.
Ah. A lovely name.
It’s nice to meet you John, Anne says.
The same miss. Will she be accompanying you tonight Master Bruce?
Yes. Would you let her inside?
John opens the carriage and holds it for Anne and she climbs inside and sits. Wayne thanks him and follows and sits beside her and John closes the door. He asks Wayne where they want to go and Wayne tells him to go home. John takes position in the driver’s seat and there’s a crack and the horses start. They rock with the jolt and Wayne looks over his shoulder through the window and turns toward Anne and she says: He calls you Master.
Yes.
I assume you are a wealthy man.
You assume correctly. Are you familiar with the Wayne family?
I am.
I’m the first and only child.
Oh my.
What’s the matter?
I don’t know. It’s a little much.
It’s all right. We’ll be home within a half hour I imagine. There you can meet my mother and father.
I would like that.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Alfred takes an antique cell phone from his bureau and sits on his bed with his notepad and plugs the adapter into the outlet. He hooks the cell phone up and dials a memorized number. It rings a few times and the other end picks up and says: Password.
Demon's head, Alfred says.
Is this closed?
Yes. I made sure of it.
All right. Who are you and what do you want?
My name is Alfred Pennyworth. I’ve been in the service of a vampire for over thirty years now.
Has this vampire turned you?
No. I just serve him.
What is his name?
Bruce Wayne.
Really. That would explain a lot.
Yes.
I assume you’re in Gotham then.
That’s right.
Good. My daughter and I will set out in the morning. We’ll need today to prepare ourselves. Call me again in two days time from tomorrow. We should be there by then. That’s when we’ll discuss matters further.
Excellent.
We’ll require half the assets of Wayne’s estate after we’ve laid him to rest. The other half is yours to do as you wish.
That all sounds fine. What should I call you?
Kase. Remember: Two days, he says and hangs up.
Alfred closes the phone and disconnects it and takes the adapter from the wall and places everything under a pile of clothes in the bureau drawer. He takes his notepad and writes two days and places it in the drawer too. He opens his door and looks about but no one is there.
- - -
Wayne turns the spigot and the shower stops. He shakes water off his wings and slides the glass door back and reaches for a towel. He pats water off his body and hears Alfred voice muffled talking quietly. He sets the towel aside and leaves the bathroom and goes downstairs weightlessly.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 1889
The carriage pulls past the gates around ten o’clock and runs long through the grounds and stops at the front steps. John descends and opens the carriage and Wayne thanks him again and helps Anne down and John closes the door after her. They run around the carriage and he leads her along the steps and together they laugh. At the top the front door opens and Algernon steps outside and says: Good evening Master Bruce. I’m glad to see you home.
I’m glad to be home Algernon.
Your parents were disappointed that you did not join them for dinner.
I apologize. I’ll make a point to dine with them tomorrow night.
Very good. Now I see you have returned with a guest, Algernon says and extends his hand and she gives it to him and he kisses it and says: Good evening miss. I am the primary caretaker of these grounds.
Hello, she says and smiles. My name’s Anne.
Well Anne. I apologize for not being more hospitable but it is unusual for Master Bruce to have guests this time of night.
Oh?
I’m afraid so. I think he fancies himself a bit of a recluse at times.
Okay Algernon, Wayne says and laughs. I offered Anne the opportunity to dine with me tonight. Can you accommodate us?
Absolutely. Your father would never fathom the notion of letting you go hungry and neither will I.
Good. Thank you Algernon.
Thank you, Anne says.
It is my pleasure. Come with me. There is more than enough from earlier this evening, Algernon says and goes through the door and partway through the vestibule someone is descending the stairs and Wayne stops with Anne and Algernon continues toward the kitchen. At the foot Thomas stops in his robe and smiles and says:
Hello Bruce. Who is this young lady?
This is Anne, father.
She’s a lovely woman Bruce.
Thank you, she says.
I see now why you weren’t at dinner.
I’m sorry, Wayne says.
Don’t worry yourself. I’m not angry.
And mother?
She’s asleep at this moment. She will have to cope.
I hope you’re right.
I am. I should be asleep myself in a minute or so. Anne, I’m sorry to cut this short. If it were earlier in the day I would give you a proper tour of my home.
This is a lovely home Mr. Wayne, Anne says.
Thank you. It should be for what I paid, Thomas laughs and walks away and takes the banister and says: It’s time for me to turn in. Both of you enjoy your late supper.
Good night father.
And Bruce?
Yes?
Have your friend taken home after you’re finished eating.
Yes father, Wayne says and Thomas climbs slow the staircase and disappears into the hallway toward the master bedroom and Wayne turns to Anne and asks: Shall we eat?
I don’t know Bruce. I had something earlier. I’m really not very hungry.
Well I’m starving.
Why don’t you eat then?
While you watch? How awkward.
I’ll be content to talk with you while you dine.
All right. But I don’t want you groping at my meal should you feel a curious pang in your stomach.
You evil boy, she says and pinches him. I’ll grab a bite if I wish.
Oh we shall see.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Alfred descends cellar steps one by one. Many light bulbs down here have died and have yet to be replaced. At the bottom he stops and looks across at a door attached crude on a hole in the wall large enough for a man. A light flickers and Alfred takes a lantern beside dusty boxes filled with memories past. He opens the door and it creaks and the lantern’s glow is lost amid darkness twisted. From within is a roar distant but regardless he bears down a path scratched deep and it continues for too long. It always does.
The tunnel opens wide and here is another path spiraling along cavern walls. Below a river echoes along the rocks and winds blow cool at the lantern and it swings in Alfred’s grasp. He scans the cavern and finds nothing and says: Master?
Who were you talking to earlier? Wayne asks and Alfred turns and backs away from Wayne wrapped warm in his wings and in the light his eyes glow like pearls blackened.
Master.
Who were you talking to?
No one Master. I was talking to myself.
You’re lying Alfred. I can hear your heart.
I was talking to an old friend. He and his daughter intend to come to Gotham.
Do they now. And where do they intend to stay?
Not here Master.
Good. Under no circumstances do I want anyone coming here. Has Dent called?
Yes Master. He’s on hold upstairs. I should warn you: His appearance is. Ah. Ghastly.
Interesting. I’ll be in the study discussing matters with this Dent, Wayne says and leaves the caverns again weightless and at the entrance says: And Alfred. Don’t ever use the phone for personal calls again. Am I clear?
Absolutely. My sincerest apologies, Alfred says and Wayne leaves for the study. He rests himself upon a rock and sighs and holds his forehead. He leans back to look at the ceiling with its many stalagmites and swallows. He looks forward and watches shadows beyond the cellar door and listens to scratches soft along the stairs.
Inside the study Wayne sits in a leather office chair and spreads his wings to either side over the armrests and looks over the desktop interface for the wall set intercom. He disables video on his end and takes Dent off hold and cringes. His face is a cyberjob skewered and one eye pupilless and yellow stares.
Hello Mr. Wayne. Are you there?
Yes. Harvey Dent?
Yes. I hope my appearance doesn’t startle you.
No. It’s fine. What is it you want Mr. Dent?
Mr. Powers and I want to discuss the future of Wayne Enterprises. He’s expressed a number of concerns to me regarding your company.
Such as?
Well for instance Wayne Enterprises has a figurehead whom no one has seen. No one has met you face to face Mr. Wayne.
What does that have to do with anything?
Even now you see my face but I can’t see yours. There’s an implied lack of trust when a man refuses to show his face over video communications regardless of his appearance. But aside from phone conferences no one has met you. Shareholders have doubted the existence of a Bruce Wayne for some time now and if there is a Bruce Wayne he must be well into his eighties by this point. This degree of uncertainty, Mr. Powers feels it sets a bad image for investors and I have to agree with him.
And why does Mr. Powers not tell me this himself?
Because we’re facing a harsh reality and he feels it’s best if he has my legal advice.
Fair enough. What are we looking at?
Shareholders need to see Bruce Wayne. That’s all there is to the matter. And if there is no Bruce Wayne then some action will need to be taken to ensure the future of this company.
That sounds like a threat to take my company away from me. Do I need to remind Mr. Powers that I am still the majority shareholder in this company? I do not tolerate mutiny from my employees, Dent.
Try to understand our position Mr. Wayne. Our only concern is for the welfare of your company. Yes Wayne Enterprises played a major role in saving Gotham and Metropolis and every other major city from nuclear annihilation at the turn of the century but that was years ago. This is today and the company is losing money because shareholders are nervous.
Mr. Dent. I have better things to do with my time than listen to idle threats from a damn cyberjob. I’m going to go now and I want you to tell Mr. Powers that he’ll need to find a new employer should I receive another call of this nature.
Please Mr. Wayne. At least consider what we talked about.
Goodbye Mr. Dent.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 1889
Wayne and Anne lie together in bed and she rests her head on his chest and sighs heavy and brushes a hand over his stomach. Wayne wraps an arm around her and pulls her close and kisses her forehead. Come here, he says and she looks up to him and they kiss and his heart pounds thud. Thud. Thud. He can’t feel hers.
She moves herself and straddles his hips and runs her hands over his chest. He smiles and she unfastens two buttons on his shirt and he holds her sides. She bends down and breathes into his ear and down his neck.
There’s a guttural hiss inhuman and Wayne feels his neck pierced sharp. He groans and feels life drained from his veins.