On the outskirts of Gotham, in the ruins of Wayne Manor.
The once magnificent castle-shaped building had turned into a large pile of broken black bricks. The fire five days ago had burned this invaluable place to the ground.
Alfred, who was wearing a long black trench coat and holding an umbrella, stood in the middle of the ruins. It was early winter, and the cold wind blew his white hair. The old butler who had served the Wayne family for most of his life pursed his lips as he looked at the desolation around him. He sighed and bent down to pick up a piece of the Wayne family's gold badge on the ground.
The originally luxurious badge had been melted by the fire, and traces of its original shape could still be seen. Afo wiped the black surface of the badge clean with his gloved fingers, and then held it in his hand. He sighed, walked forward, and spoke to the architects who had gathered to study the reconstruction.
Bruce planned to restore the original castle on the old site. When he was young and frivolous, Bruce hated this lonely castle. But now, he felt the same heartache as Alfred.
This was the legacy of the Wayne family. It was the best gift that the fathers left for their descendants, carrying their spirit and will. But now, the best treasure had turned into ashes in his hands, and this made Bruce feel a deep sense of guilt.
Bruce, who was wearing a denim jacket and gloves, held a cane in his hand, and struggled to find valuable collectibles in the ruins. Other than the heartache, he also had to fulfill the responsibility of a member of the Wayne family. He needed to rebuild his family and everything that he had neglected in the past in these ruins.
After more than ten years, the hatred of his parents had finally disappeared with the death of Ducard. Although the past still appeared in his dreams, it could no longer affect him. He felt that it was time for him to start a new life, not only as Batman, but also as Bruce Wayne.
"I thought a big hero would be different from an ordinary person behind the scenes."
A cheerful female voice appeared behind Bruce. He propped himself up with his cane. The battle four days ago definitely left him with more than just hatred. In fact, if it wasn't for the intervention of another annoying guy, he would probably have to say goodbye to these old friends in the form of a black and white photo.
The last descendant of the Wayne family turned around and saw Rachel carrying a black handbag, wearing a floral dress and a gray coat. The girl stood at the edge of the ruins, stroking her long hair in the wind. Her beautiful eyes were full of smiles.
Bruce wiped his face with his gloves and walked towards her with his cane. Rachel reached out and wiped the dust off Bruce's face. She looked at the ruins around her and couldn't help but sigh.
"I still remember when we were young, we always played in the flowerbed. Look at now, we've grown up and the flowerbed has been destroyed. And you, Bruce, when did you become someone I didn't recognize?"
Her fingers gently slid across Bruce's face. There was a trace of intoxication and a trace of apology in her eyes.
"Seven years ago, I shouldn't have quarreled with you, and I shouldn't have taken you to Falconi. Afo told me that it was because you couldn't let go of your parents' death that you chose to be exiled. But I know that it was what I said that night that hurt you. I'm sorry, Bruce, you shouldn't have to bear all this."
Bruce Wayne shook his head. He wrapped his arms around Rachel's slender waist and pressed their foreheads together. He felt this faint and warm feeling and said softly, "It was all my choice.
You don't have to feel bad, Rachel. This is a path that I chose for myself. I should have borne all this. I should have grown up earlier instead of venting my self-blame and anger on you and Afo. I was too childish at that time. "
Rachel closed her eyes and placed her hand on Bruce's abdomen. That night, when the weak Saber carried the unconscious Bruce back to the bat cave, Rachel was the first to hear the news. She knew who ended the disaster of the city. It wasn't the National Guard or the useless police.
It was him, the man in front of her, the person she loved. He used his life in exchange for the possibility of the city surviving, but this secret was destined not to be known by many.
"Does it still hurt?"
Rachel touched the wound and asked softly.
Bruce held her hand and shook his head.
"It's not as painful as watching you turn and leave, Rachel … I'm back. I'm no longer the childish child. I'll protect you and this city. Are you willing to believe me?"
Rachel pursed her lips. She lowered her eyes and took a step back.
She looked up at him. She looked at this great hero who looked like a fairy tale hero. She saw the anticipation in his eyes.
"I believe you, Bruce. But I don't like Batman … I like Bruce Wayne, the boy who used to play boring games with me in the garden all day. I don't like a hero who would help the weak in the middle of the night. It's too difficult for you to bear the burden of the city and me at the same time. So … I'll wait for you, Bruce."
Rachel, who had just been promoted to an official prosecutor, reached out her fingers and adjusted Bruce's collar. The smile on her face was sincere and beautiful.
"When this city no longer needs Batman, I'll be by your side. Believe me, this is the only thing I want to do now."
"But that will probably take a long time … a very long time."
Bruce smiled bitterly and shrugged. "The security of this city is too bad. I've just started. Even so, I feel powerless. I originally hoped …"
“mua~”
The latter half of his sentence was stopped by a sweet kiss. This was the best gift for a hero who had just saved the city. They hugged each other. In the cold early winter of Gotham City, their hearts were slowly getting closer. Alfred, who was hiding at the side, watched this scene. His eyes were filled with the happiness of watching a younger generation grow up.
Afo never saw himself as an outsider of the Wayne family. Whether it was Bruce or his father, they all saw him as a real family member. In Afo's eyes, Miss Rachel, who grew up with Bruce, was the best choice for the Wayne family's matriarch.
After a long time, their lips parted.
"This is my encouragement to you, my Batman, my hero."
Rachel's breathing was a little rapid. But she still restrained herself and took a step back. Then, she took out a box from her bag and handed it to Bruce.
"I should have given this to you on your birthday, but a lot of things happened on that day."
She patted her bag and said awkwardly, "Well, I should go. There are a lot of cases to deal with recently. The reconstruction of the narrow island is imminent. I will be very busy in the next few months. But … welcome back, Bruce. With you in this city, people will feel comfortable."
"Hum …"
A low rumble from the forest interrupted the sweet atmosphere between the two of them. They raised their heads to look behind them and saw a black motorcycle carrying a crazy black rider out of the forest. Seiber, who was wearing a black trench coat and a pair of large sunglasses, appeared in a domineering manner on the black battleaxe.
As it neared the ruins, it made a quick turn, and the heavy weapon-like motorcycle stopped at the edge of the ruins. Seiber stood up from the motorcycle and took out a cigarette from his pocket. He looked at Bruce and Rachel who were standing there hand in hand with a flirtatious smile and yelled loudly.
"Wow, I can smell the sour smell of love from so far away. To be honest, Miss Rachel, won't you consider me? I'm much more honest than the playboy beside you! "
The teasing made Rachel blush. But as someone who knew more secrets, Rachel also knew what kind of role this wanton guy played that night. She walked up and gave Saber a big hug. This made Saber a little nervous.
"This is for you, big hero of Gotham. I heard they call you the 'Red Devil'. That sounds terrible."
"Shh …"
Saber took off his sunglasses and smiled at Rachel.
"I'm just a mercenary who works for money. But I'm going to lose my job soon! It's really hard to find a job these days. How about it? Miss Rachel, my previous proposal is still valid. If it's you, I can waive the bodyguard fee! "
Rachel patted his shoulder.
"Forget it, Saber. I can't afford a bodyguard like you. Okay, I'm leaving. You and Bruce can continue to talk about saving the world. I won't disturb you."
"Oh, right, I have a gift for you too!"
Rachel patted her head and took out a box from her briefcase. She handed it to Saber, then waved at Bruce and left the ruins with Afo.
Saber jumped down from the motorcycle and threw the cigarette butt aside. He looked at the box in his hand and opened it. There was a brand new black phone lying inside. Saber whistled. It was the latest version of Nokia.
"I say, she's really the perfect wife candidate, isn't she?"
Saber raised his head and said to Bruce who walked to his side, "In our world, at your age, people usually have to start a family. Why? Not considering marriage? I think Afo has been waiting for you for a long time. "
"There are more important things."
Bruce sighed and held the wooden box in his hand tightly. He pursed his lips and looked at Saber who was leaning on the motorcycle. "What about you? What are your plans? "
This question stunned Seiber for a moment. Then, he revealed a smile.
"Me? I'm planning to go out for a walk. I'll go to Star City first, then other places. It's quite boring to stay in Gotham all the time."
"Are you going to find your life's goal?"
Bruce smiled and patted Saber on the shoulder. "Although you're good at fighting and difficult to deal with, I can feel that you lack a goal in your heart. You're always doing things aimlessly. Ducard is a terrible bastard, but at least he helped me find something that I should do in my life, something that I must do."
The son of Gotham stared at Saber.
"You should find one too, Saber. Don't waste your talent, and don't waste your life."
According to his annoying personality, Saber should refute. But in the end, Saber just nodded silently. He put on his sunglasses again and hid his expression and emotions. He looked up into the distance.
"Uh … I will … Also, I'll leave this car with you. Ask Lucius to modify it and add some bulletproof design. Oh, right, do you have a less flashy car here? Riding this thing, the number of people turning their heads is too high."
Seiber turned around and tilted his head to look at Bruce who had a strange expression on his face.
"It's best if it's one that's easy to hide things. I can't just throw everything in the trunk … Hey! Why are you looking at me like that? I'll pay for it! Bastard, deduct it from the reward that Afo promised me! "
"5% of Gotham Pier's shares?"
Bruce rubbed his chin and took out the key to the garage from his pocket. He tossed it to Seiber and walked into the ruins with his cane. He began to pick and choose.
"That's definitely enough. Then, Mr. Shareholder, go ahead and pick any car. The cars inside are all modified and can meet your requirements. The prerequisite is that you don't bring too many contraband items."
"Boom!"
A deafening roar echoed behind Wayne. The son of Gotham shook his head. He stood up and looked at Seiber, who had disappeared into the forest. The wind ruffled his chestnut hair and carried the words that he did not say to Wayne's face.
"Thank you, Saber."
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