Batman: Point of No Return – Chapter 1

Bruce Wayne stood motionless as a statue in the plush dining room of Wayne Manor, gazing across Gotham as the setting sunlight danced over the skyline.

There weren’t many times Wayne allowed himself this kind of reflection. He was a man of wealth, of power, and of respect amongst his peers in this city. By day, a well-mannered billionaire who filled his hours with luncheons, fundraisers and various meets and greets for the many foundations and charities he lent his face and name to, not to mention his money.

By night, he was the avenger of the fallen and weak, born out of anger and the need to vanquish those who sort any ills against society. The Dark Knight, whose very name was revered and feared in equal measure by good and evil alike, was always somewhat of an enigma.

“I’m Batman,” he whispered to himself through a clenched jaw. It was as if he had to try and remind himself just what it was he was trying to achieve as this figurehead of justice. The events of the past days whirled around him, like ghosts. Spirits of memories that only burned brighter when he closed his eyes to dampen the waves of anger and grief.

The sun had finished its lazy descent behind the skyscrapers of Gotham City, leaving a fiery sky. Normally it was a view Bruce Wayne loved to watch, one of the most beautiful views this city could offer. That same view he’d often used to astonish dinner guests during desert; the perfect end to the perfect meal.

Now it left him empty, as if Gotham itself was burning. Was he just seeing it for what it really was? A seething hotch potch of villains and criminals? Sometimes it was hard to see past the seemingly endless stream of street punks and scumbags, to notice the citizens around him, going about their lives, doing the best they could. Earning an honest dollar for them and their families, most wanting nothing more then to be well fed, have a nice home, and be happy in their own little corner of the world.

“I’m one man”, he mused, not sure if was talking to himself or if it was just the voice in his head. “I’m just a man, a fallible one at that. How can I protect all of these people when I can’t….”

Wayne pushed the thought aside. He felt tired, physically and mentally. It was as if every fibre in his body was begging to be given a break.

“How much longer can I keep doing this?”