What If?: Knightfall Part 1

[Bane]

It is done. Gotham’s guardian, long revered as a mysterious and unstoppable scourge of the criminal element, is nothing more than a bloody and crumpled heap beneath my feet. The rumors that traveled thousands of miles by way of hundreds of prisoners to my own personal hell have proven false. This man cannot possibly be the demon of my dreams; he is as fragile as every other person who has crossed me on my path to conquest. He is not the night, as some have said. He is merely a man who happens to move by night. The fear that emanates from the mention of his name is not fear itself, but a carefully constructed myth reinforced by Gotham’s own ignorance. Fear does not move on its own. It does not hide its identity behind a mask. And it certainly does not BREAK.

Fear is a poison hidden in all of us. When properly utilized, it can paralyze a person, preventing them from carrying out even the most basic functions necessary to survival. By breaking into Arkham, I unleashed the latent fear in every citizen of Gotham. People trembled behind closed doors, begging the Batman to save them or pleading with the villains to end their misery. By breaking the Batman, I have ended any hope of salvation. Everyone must now pledge allegiance to me or share his fate.

Though the Boy Wonder will no doubt resist my advances, he poses little threat to my takeover of Gotham. I can break him any time I choose. Gotham’s underworld, however, offers a decidedly greater challenge. Which one of the monsters I released from Arkham will be the first to bite back at the hand which feeds them? Will it be the Joker? Poison Ivy? Two-Face?

It doesn’t really matter. These criminals are too self-absorbed, too drunk off their newly found freedom, to be of much consequence should their perversions turn my way. The most important objective has been accomplished. Batman has been broken and Gotham is left without a protector. As I take in the view of the city from my base of operations, I sit down and revel over the magnitude of my success.

[Nightwing]

I have ta say for the first time the jobs really gettin to me. I've been awake for the past 2 weeks chasin down escapees from Arkham. I dropped Croc in the municipal sewers, freed victims from the Hatter's mind twists, solved Calender Man's riddle, and conquered countless other psycho's games. Now I'm in the middle of getting Baby Face and his gang until my communicator blasts an emergency message.

All I hear is Oracles voice saying that Batman has been broken. I dunno what she means but I do know that it doesn't sound good. I immediately call Wayne Manor and am answered by Alfred.

"*sniff* Waynes residence"

"What's Barb talkin' about?"

"I presume you are reffering to the fact that Bane has defeated Master Bruce in combat."

"Really?"

"I'm afraid so master Dick."

"Is Bruce gonna be OK?"

"I'm not sure. His spine has been severely damaged. He may never walk again."

"Give Bruce my best. I still have work to do out here. Tell him I'll see him as soon as I can."

"Very well master Dick. I shall *sniff* tell him."

Alfred is understandably shaken. He's known bruce since he was born, and taken care of him as his own son since Bruce's parents were murdered. He was kind enough to do the same for me after Bruce took me in. As much as I learned to be a hero from Bruce, I learned the most a about being a decent person fron Alfred.

Now that Bruce is hurt though I don't know what the future holds, and now I can't worry about that. I, along with gothams other heroes, have to do my part in cleaning up Bane's mess. Speaking of which Babyface is just exiting his hideout to except a shipment from none other than Falconie himself.

I Lept down from the building I was perched from and fired my grappling hook so that it grazed the back of Baby Faces head enough to knock him out and stick in the ground and pull me. I Stood and postured as quickly as I landed.

"Ok you guys know the drill. Easy way or hard way. Your choice."

It's always the hard way isn't it. A few wingdings, some well placed staff hits, and a gas bomb later I have the situation tied up with a bow for the authorities. I guess i should really go visit Bruce now. Surely things aren't as bad as Alfred made em sound. Of course it's not. Bruce is always ok.

[Robin]

The soulless stares of those of those around was all to familiar to Tim. There were some like himself who wanted to be there but not all people value their education until it is to late. In some ways being in this class room was like being on patrol.

Sitting in his government class he knew why the ones that consider themselves cool were missing. The same reason why most of them drop out before graduating and turning to a life of crime. But then again Time reminds himself that even those who are like himself have turned just as quick as drop out Poison Ivy is a prime example.

He was glad today was not an oral report day in fact he may have been the only one their happy about a pop quiz. It took him very little time to get it done. He was happy his was his last period of the day he had to get home his doctor had told him that his father had made a breakthrough.

It’s been hard since his mother died and his father was hurt but thanks to Bruce some things had gotten a bit easier. The bell ending the school day snaps him out of his day dream grabs his books and heads for his locker.

After putting his books away and grabbing his jacket and his book bag he heads for the pay phone and calls a cab. The ride home is longer than usual but he knows it only because he to eager to see how his father is doing.

He pays the cabbie and gives him a tip grabs his things and hops out the cab. Walking up to the door h was preparing himself not to expect to much not to get his hopes up to high. So he takes a deep breath before entering the house Dr. Kinsolving was standing beside his fathers bed with a smile on her face but Tim was lost in the moment he had noticed what was different.

“So Tim can you tell me what’s different?”

At first he would be able to say no and be the truth now that he looks he sees his father is no longer on the respirator. But knowing doctors love to have a big reveal he gives a curious looks ad shakes his head.

“Tim I am happy to say your father is no longer his respirator!”

This was his true emotion he walked over and hugged he and thanked her. After the hug she reminds him that even though this was a big step he still had a was to go before he still has a was to go. After giving a smile of understanding and a nod and heads to his room.

He waits until he is asked if he is hungry he tell her he fine but thanks. Tim knows the doctors routine very well he pulls out his Robin suit he knows he can go out on patrol but decides against it.

A buzzing noise awakes him in the middle of the night he didn’t remember switching his cell phone to vibrate. Rolling over and opening his book bag he pull his phone out. Taking the phone and looking at the L.C.D screen he sees the call is coming from Wayne Manor he answers right away.

“Tim Master Bruce……Master Bruce needs your help!”

The voice on the other side sounded like Alfred and he sounded hurt.

“I’m on My way!”

Slipping out of his window without making a noise and get in his father’s car heads right for the mansion. What ever it is it must be bad even though Bruce has been working himself pretty hard even for his standards there is very little he can’t handle.

Tim get there as a stranger vehicle speeds off of Wayne Manor. Driving up he stop and jumps out and runs to the front door. Any other time he would be happy he had driven the car there but this was no time for that he had to get to Alfred and Bruce telling himself they are ok.

He finds Alfred on the floor face down rolling him over Tim seen that he was hurt bad but he was still breathing. His eyes open and he at first didn’t recognize him.

“Master…… Master Tim the mansion has been assaulted and master Bruce taken!”
“Who could have done this Alfred?”

Helping him to his feet and then over to the sofa he gets him a drink of water.

“I’m not sure Master Tim but I know Master Bruce had a keen interest in him I believe I recall him refer to him once as Bane I think!”

Two pass since that night and Dr. Kinsolving was now helping Bruce also. Wrecking one of Bruce’s sports cars to cover for his injury was easy to do since very few people were there when Bane hurt Bruce.

He knew it would only be a matter of time before rumors began to go around the underworld of the city. Tim knew Dick had to know about Bruce and was on his way if not already being there he had to meet with him and Bruce and Oracle to see what they were going to do next.

[James Gordon]

It is 3 am two weeks into the breakout of Arkham; I have slept very little in the past two weeks. Pouring another cup of coffee must be the 100th cup lost track after the first few.

The caffeine is keeping me awake to a point I’m exhausted beyond words and yet I’m pushing myself way past my limits.

Between Batman, Robin, Nightwing and the other heroes of the city, they have been working on rounding up the villains from Arkham. I have rounded up quite a few of the villain’s thugs No sooner I book a villain back to Arkham another villain appears, from the heroes.

And I go through the process all over again; the heroes must be exhausted as I am if not more they have to fight the villains before bringing them in.

One of the officers comes to my office saying that Babyface and his gang have been rounded up and they are at this location. Sighing as I stand up grabbing my coat and hat then head out to where Babyface and his gang are.

Once we arrive the villains are bonded and tied, “alright men you know what to do let’s get these thugs off the streets,” walking over to Babyface and cuffing him and taking him to the wagon where the rest of the gang are.

Heading back to the station and going through the process and book Babyface back to Arkham and the gang to Blackgate they are loaded up in different wagons and taken away.

Sitting at my desk taking my glasses off and rubbing my eyes they feel so heavy wouldn’t doubt that they have some very heavy suitcases under them from the lack of sleep, when all the villains are finally rounded up I’ll probably sleep for a week. Wiping my glasses off and putting them back on and I drink more coffee.

[Nightwing]

I waited in the shadows for GCPD's finest to come pick up Baby Face and his gang. I took that time to catch my breath a little. As soon as the situation cleared up I hopped my way across three buildings and into the alley. Uncovered my bike and sped toward Bruce's.

Alfred's gotta be overreacting, but he never overreacts. Bruce is always OK, but he hasn't contacted me in the last thirteen hours. In situations like this prison break, he contacts me at least every six hours. Maybe this is worse then I thought.

I then rev my cycle full throttle dodging through the traffic. Just outside of the city I cut sharply through the woods. Whizzing closely pass tree after tree a door in a mountain opens . My wheels squealed as I slid into the cave. I ripped my helmet off as I stepped of the bike and quickly walked to where Alfred and Tim where. Now I know things are worse then I thought

"Where's Bruce? What's going on? He's OK right?"

[Robin]

The weight of recent events are weighing heavily on his mind. His father’s health was one thing now but Bruce’s situation and helping Alfred along with his nightly patrols to help get things right again are threatening to overwhelm him. The worse thing was that the criminals were beginning to notice Batman’s absence and are committing crimes at times they would have thought twice about when Bruce was on the streets.

Dick has been spotted in town which is good Tim was planning on patrol this night and taking the next off as he has been up for the past thirty-six ours and didn’t want to chance it when even the small time crooks where getting bold. Going downstairs to get a drink he checks on his dad Dr. Kinsolving has been helping Bruce as well so while she is gone has to check in on his father from time to time.

He needs the caffeine to make it through his homework after grabbing a Pepsi from the refrigerator he walks over to his father bed and sees he is sounds asleep after checking make sure his reading were all stable he goes up to his room. Three pages of reading, pages of math, and twenty or so yawns later Tim finishes his homework

The front opens and Dr. Kinsolving voice echoes through the house as she calls for him she must have news about Bruce and maybe he sent a coded message through her. Walking down the stairs he pretends to wipe the sleep from his eyes he walks up to her.

“Tim have you eaten anything?”

“No?”

Looking in her hands he sees she had gotten some chicken she must have went to the Wing Shack on the way back to the house. She like him has been working harder since what happened when she does get to sleep it’s not for long and she rarely has chances to eat Alfred must have talked her into getting this much.

“Tim would you please join me in eating this I am afraid I may fall asleep at the table plus it will feel good to talk to someone who will talk back”

He sees that she is wearing a tired smile as she says that and understands her need for companionship so he joins her in going into the dining room and takes a seat across from her at the table. The food was smelling incredible he thinks to himself as he receives a plate and another can of Pepsi she pass him a fork and a spoon also.

“So What piece chicken would you like Timothy? From where I come from it is said that man will always go for the piece he most likes in a woman!”

In his mind he thinks of every time he ate chicken and it always comes down between a breast and a thigh which makes it hard to say what he wants now because of what she said. The sound of her laughter breaks him out of his thought he then realizes he was blushing pretty hard and laughs himself he laugh was so warm and cheerful he couldn’t be mad at her.

“I am sorry Tim that was not professional of me to tease the son of my client please forgive me.”

“It’s alright Dr. Kinsolving I usually would take a thigh or a breast but I think I will take a leg tonight!”

They must be tired Tim thinks because if they weren’t what he just said would not have made them both laugh they way they did. After the laughter dies down they both gets some food and begins eating she eventually tells him how both Bruce and Alfred are doing even though he didn’t need to hear it from her as he has been there more than a few times but Bruce didn’t send any type of message through the doctor but she does tell him that Alfred talked her into getting the food for the both of us and begged her to get some sleep.

Tim had to fight to keep a laugh in as he thinks to himself that Alfred must be happy to have someone listen to him when he tells them to get some rest. After they finish he helps her clean up he goes up stairs and get her a nice thick blanket as soon as he returns he find her in the lazy boy by his father asleep hitting the switch he reclines it for her and puts the blanket on her.

There were a lot of criminals still out there Like The Joker, the Riddler, Killer Croc, and of course Bane. He knows going after one of them would be a mistake but there are a lot of ones left he would see if he can get line on Professor Crane himself first if he does then he will see if can contact the Outsiders maybe Zatanna if not them then he would track Nightwing down and ask him and see where he feels they should go from there.

Putting his Robin costume he slips out the window and heads straight for the mansion. Once inside Wayne manor he can’t fight the memories that flood to the front of his mind. Alfred hurt the house wrecked the clock ripped from the wall. Taking a deep breath he shakes it off and heads down into the cave and finds Alfred waiting for him at the computer.

“Young Master Timothy it is good to see you I have the cave ready for as I anticipated you would be here tonight!’

“Thanks Alfred I might your help I am looking for any clues I can on our good friend the Scarecrow I decided to make him my first target!”

“As you wish Sir!”

He does a quick bow walks over to one of the other computer as Tim goes to the master computer. The roar of a motorcycle gets his attention and a smile comes to his face as he knows how it is without a doubt and his timing could not have been better.

[Nightwing]

I dropped my helmet and made a b-line straight to Alfred. I notice a somewhat excited Tim as I passed him, but I was more concerned with Alfred's report of Bruce's condition as well as his own.

I hugged Alfred and he moaned in a reserved cry of pain.

"You OK Alfred? Can I get you any thing?"

"Uhh, huh huh. No master Dick I will be fine. It's master Bruce I fear for."

"Please have a seat" I quickly throw one of his arms over my shoulders and lead him to a comfy chair in Bruce's "library" section.

"Please master Dick, you worry for not."

"Just entertain me Alfred"

He sets in the chair reluctantly

"Very well master Dick. My feet are quite sore. Thank you sir."

"I don't want thanks. I want explanations."

"Yes, yes of course."

I hate being so forward toward Alfred, but Bruce's condition could hugely effect Gotham. More so than before now, it's horrifyingly evident. Alfred explained to me in detail the attack on the cave by Bane.

"Where is Bruce? Take me to him."

"Very well. He actually asked for your presence before I was forced to induce him into a coma."

I helped Alfred back up from the chair and assisted him as he lead me to Bruce. I notice Tim once again and say nothing to him. I know his father is critical as well, but to be fair Bruce in critical condition puts Gotham in critical condition. I at least gave him a half assed smile in hope he can accept it as a sign of my hope for his father and Bruce, who has been mine.

[James Gordon]

Throwing an emptied coffee cup in the back of the car have been moving around the city rest of the night booking villains back to jail, yawing can’t remember the last time I actually took enough time to get a quick nap in. Thank goodness for coffee and energy shots it’s been only thing that has been keeping me going the past couple of days.

Getting a call that Black Mask has been cornered and Black Mask’s thugs have more or less hunkered down for a good long fight I can hear the guns firing from both the thugs and Gotham’s police force in the background.

Picking up the CB mic, “call the swat team in with all they have in man power, weapons, teargas and smoke bombs,” telling my lead officer. “Already called the swat team they should be here shortly,” the lead officer said.

“Alright sounds like you are a step ahead I will be at the location shortly.”

“Roger Commish,” And the lead officer signs off.

Shaking my head as I race to the location this is going to a fairly long standoff with Black Mask, if they are hunkered down like I think they are I know they won’t budge either.

Yeah this is going be a long day a head once I arrive at the location the swat team arrives also the leader of the swat team heads over to where I was.

Both of us slipping between squad cars to my lead office, he gives me a quick rundown of what has happened and sets a blue print of the building that Black Mask been cornered in.

Looking at the layout of the building I could see there were not many options taking a moment looking, only option was to have a couple of the swat team guys penetrate the building and see where Black Mask and his thugs have hunkered down.

Looking at the leader of the swat team, “The only option I can see would be to a couple of your guys get inside the building and see where Black Mask and his thugs are located."

Jake looked at the blueprint after a moment he looked back to me, “there are at least two ways that could get in and it might be a little risky but I’m willing to take that risk, I will radio you as soon as we get a fix on where they are.”

Nodding to Jake, “alright Jake go and be careful. I’ll order rest of the team to be ready with the Grande launchers with smoke bombs and tear gas.”

Jake winks at me and he sets off to get two others to with him to the building. My lead officer looks at me, “what are your orders?” he asked.

“Have our men continued with what you are doing we are more or less distracting the thugs this should give Jake enough time to slip into the building and give us a good idea where they are in the building.”

Again slipping between the squad cars over to the swat team vehicle told the men to take positions with the Grande launchers have them ready with smoke bombs and tear gas as soon as I get a location I will give the team the signal to fire the Grande’s

The swat team members nodded and got themselves ready with
their weapons and got into position ready to fire on my mark.

About 20 minutes had gone bay and Jake spoke into his radio saying that the thugs on the second floor of the building and were hunkered down on the north side of the building. “Jake get out there at once as soon as you are out we’re going to move in fast and hard.”

“Roger Commish I’m moving out now!”

Looking at the swat team, “move around the building completely men hit the second floor on all sides,” I said to them.

The swat team quickly moves out and surround the building, a couple a minutes later Jake radioed me that he was out and in position with his men, and I radioed the swat team to fire the smoke bombs and then the tear gas.

On cue the smoke bombs are fired on all sides and then the tear gas radioed Jake to move and also told my lead office to move in as well moving to front of the building as Jake took the back.

It didn’t take long to round up the gang and Black Mask once everyone was sorted and taken off to jail. Walking over to Jake, “nice job Jake thought we would be held up for a while, which I didn’t want thought it would be better to hit hard and fast.”

Jake smiled, “yeah sometimes it’s best to hit hard and fast especially with this lot hard telling how long it would be before this lot would finally given up if we didn’t hit like we did. Anyways Commish I believe this calls for a short rest, and some food before heading out again. Forgot the last time my team had anything to eat, I’m sure we will see each other soon later Commish.”

“Alright Jake be safe,” I said as I moved back to lead office, “take the bunch of ya get some food and rest while you can.”

“Yes Sir!” And the lead office gathered the mean and headed off for food and rest.

Speaking of which think I better do the same though I know there is going to be a lot of paper work to be done. Shaking my head getting into the car, grab something to eat head back to the station for a short rest and another cup of coffee.

[Nightwing]

I can hardly hold my my tears back when I see Bruce in the tangled webs of heart monitors and cathedars. I don't know what I expected. He places himself in danger every night. What did he think was gonna happen.

He's taught me to use the darkness to my advantage himself. I guess I placed the consequences to the back of my mind, but seeing Bruce like this has made it all too real. I can't let it scare me though. I have to be strong. If not for my parents, then for his and for Tim.

Ah man, I was so cold towards Tim. His dad is knocking on deaths door,but I'm so concerned with Bruce, but he's exceptional. One of those who you won't beleive is ever finished. Tim's dad is a regular Joe, a man, someone me, Bruce, Tim, and all of us in the bats shadow have promised to protect.

As I reflected, watching over Bruce's body, Alfred handed me a note.

"The hour has been reached. Master Bruce asked me to relay this note to you."

The note was wrapped in a bat shaped card with it's wings closed, enterlocked. I can only guess this was Alfred's doing. It would be annoying if not appropriate. I unfolded the wings to read

"Dick, I took you in when your parents where murdered. I provided you with the best of education, martial skills, and criminal investigation. I am so proud of your progression from a red vested side kick to an honest to goodness hero of your own beliefs. That is why this is the hardest thing I have ever asked of you.

No one save Alfred has ever touched my life as you. Our lives have crossed into so many paralells, and bringing you into my home has taught me more then I ever thought believable. When I lost my own parents I realised something must be done about Gotham's dark underside, when I took you in I realized I wasn't the only one who hated Gothams influence on honest people.

If you're reading this then you know I am....incapacitated. You, of all Gotham knights, know that If it weren't necessary I would never ask you to accept this burdon. It is unfortunately necessary due to my current condition.

You must take up the mantle of the bat. You are the only one I trust to follow me. You are the only one prepared. It will be harrowing, and it will test your mettle farther then you ever beleived possible, but you are the only one I can trust, no, believe will continue the legacy of the Batman."

So this is how it happens. I always knew I'd have to take over for the stupid bastard. Why now though its to soon. I'm not ready for this. *Grabs bruce by the neck hole of his scrubs* "I NEVER WANTED THIS OLD MAN!"

Alfred pulls me back. Not just away from Bruce's body, but back to reality. This world needs the fear of the darkness, the harshness of the night. It needs the fear of the Batman.


As I left Bruce's room I saw Tim setting unsure of his role and concerned for his own dad.

"Hey. Hey Tim. We are needed. You ready?"