The next morning returning to Wayne Manor still crippled in the back Bruce was determined to try and readjust

But Alfred simply wouldn't let him

Alfred: Master Bruce I really must protest. You are in no condition to stand. Your spine is completely broken....

Bruce: That's why....I need the EXO suit.

Alfred: Even if that stabilizes your spine I will not risk your life more than the Batcave this Bane probably the most greatest foe you may never defeat.

Bruce: And if I don't.... what'd you think will happen to Gotham?

Bruce had him there Alfred sits on the bed with him

Alfred: I understand sir. It's just....when I saw Bane...do that to you....it brought up that night Jack Nappier murdered your parents. It flashed in my eyes the moment I heard that snap. I made a promise to your parents too Master Bruce. A promise....that I would protect you and I haven't.

Bruce: I know. But I can't abandoned the people of Gotham. I didn't just become Batman for them. My father tried to help people too....I only created Batman to finish what he started.

Alfred: I know but both your intendeds always end in the same way. Faced down in the darkness.

Bruce: Alfred I'm still alive.

Alfred: My point is.... raising you as my son....made me love you like a son. And seeing Bane break you in half....it broke my heart in half.

Bruce: Alfred I get it. I know each time you look at me you still see the boy you read bedtime stories to. The teenager you drove to his prom night. But if I don't get back out there soon....half of Gotham may suffer my parents fate. Dick and Barbara can't stop Bane and Freeze on their own.

Alfred: We both agree on that. I just....if I wasn't old....I would be out there with you.

Bruce grins

Bruce: You have been.

Bruce grabbed Alfred's hand

Bruce: You... always been there for me. You... haven't just been my father...you...been my best friend. I know I don't seem grateful but I am. I couldn't.... manage this without you. You helped me see errors in my ways about Nappier and Copplepot. And the only thing that made me see what you tried teach me....was when Selina killed Shrek. Joker and Penguin should have been put in Arkham. Even the Riddler. Least Harvey is getting the help he needs. I been trying to redeem Batman's will ever since. You....are what taught me my code Alfred.

Alfred smiles moves by his speech

Alfred: Thank you sir. That means so much.

Bruce nods then came a personal question

Bruce: Alfred.... because of everything I do....did you ever... regretted anything while working here?

Alfred: You mean looking after Gotham's greatest hero who was the son of the hero before him? No sir. My only regret is that I was never out there with you....until you told me just now....that I was.

Bruce smiles and nods

Bruce: It's time.

Alfred was still against it but after that heart to heart talk....he knew Bruce was right

Minutes after it was a painful job but Bruce was hanging upside down on his exercise rail like in 89

trying to regain any strength working through the pain of his broken back

Bruce used his training in Japan to work around his condition wasn't easy like it wasn't if you try to lift a a couch with your bare hands

The next day in the Batcave Lucius delivers the EXO suit

A Bat suit able to stabilize Bruce's condition the way Dick's arm brace did him

Lucius: The EXO suit packs enough strength that should be able to hold your condition....but I can't say sitting down or standing back up will feel like a spa.

Bruce in a wheelchair nods

Bruce: I'll work through it Lucius.

Lucius: I can see where Dick built his confidence.

More time passes and each time Bruce is in bed he tries to stretch out trying to ignore the pain but didn't stop him from screaming in agony

Each time he was in his wheelchair in the Batcave he worked tireless trying to fix the Batcomputer with Alfred and Dick even Barbra's help

Barbra: Here. You have the red wire tangled with the blue wire. That's why you're only getting static.

Bruce: How do you managed all this?

Barbra: My mom was a scientist. After she and my dad divorced she taught a lot of her intelligence. See they both inspired me to make a difference. I have my mom's brains and dad's brawns.

Bruce: You sure do.

Dick: She even taught me a thing or two in college and on our own patrols.

Bruce: That costume....you made it yourself?

Barbra: Yeah. You could say that.

Bruce: You maybe in need for an upgrade.

Barbra: Say what?

Bruce: Dick's been telling me how you been helping him protect Gotham while I been recuperating. All though.... it's a bit risky but I guess Freeze and Bane will make a lethal complimation.

Barbara: You mean....you... wanna recruit me in your team.

Bruce: Not sure if it's a good idea. You'll even need professional training. But first....Alfred?

Alfred presses on his watch and on the top floor it opens levitating up an in case Wayne Teched Batgirl suit designed the way the Bat and Robin suits are

Barbra: Oh my god....

Alfred: When Master Dick and you took charge on protecting the city Mr. Fox took the liberty to design something in your size Ms Gordon.

Barbra: This is incredible.

Bruce: Just know this team won't be an easy job and you'll have to fallow orders like them a lot. The rules I place are what keep us alive on any dangerous case.

Barbra: I understand.

Bruce: Good. Now first things first....we find out where Bane and Freeze are hold up and we wait on Selina on that.

Dick: I still don't trust her Bruce. I have no doubt what so ever she won't turn on us the SECOND she gets the chance.

Bruce: That doesn't matter. What matters is we stop them.

They nod

Soon enough Barbra FINALLY manage to get the Batcomputer back on line

Barbara: We're ready.

Bruce nods again

After more time Lucius and Alfred helps Bruce place the armor of the EXO suit and as it automatically straps on it was a hell of a pain when it pushed on his broken spine

Bruce let out an agonizing yell as it did

But after a few minutes....

....Bruce.... finally....

....stands up

Alfred: We'll done sir!

Lucius: Think you'll fight as well as you'll move?

Bruce: One way to find out.

Bruce was able to swing a kick to break off a chunk of the wall for the armor seemed strong as steel

Bruce: I'll take it as a yes.

(Bruce is back on his feet! But does it mean the return of the Batman? Find out on the next chapter.....)