Chapter Ten

Here is the next chapter everyone! I hope you enjoy it.





Bruce's POV


I walk to the kitchen massaging my temples as I do so. Recovering memories did take a lot more out of me than I expected. I don't even believe we made that much progress either. At the rate we're going, it's going to take me a long while before I remember all that I had forgotten. I enter the kitchen with a frown upon my face. Alfred is standing in front of the refrigerator searching for something. He closes the fridge and looks at me, "Can I get you anything, Master Bruce?"


"I just need something cold to drink. My head hurts from trying to recover lost memories," I tell him. He nods his head grabbing a cup from the cabinet. He walks over to the fridge and takes out lemonade. He fills up the cup and hands me the drink. I nod my thanks and sip from the cup. The sour drink slides down my throat. Alfred nods his head and returns the lemonade back to the fridge. "What is the matter, Master Bruce? I can tell that there is something wrong, so don't try to avoid answering the question," Alfred says facing me. I look at him and don't say anything. "I'm fine, Alfred. Just trying to bring up some more memories," I reply. He nods his head, even though it is clear that he isn't convinced. "How is it going? The boys and you have been working rather hard to bring everything back. Has it been working?" Alfred asks.


I sigh, "It's taking a bit longer than expected. It works and it doesn't work. I can remember some things, but others I can't even bring up an image of the event happening."


Alfred nods his head solemnly, "I guess you'll just have to keep trying than." I nod my head and grimace. All I can think about is what happens if I don't remember. I can't stay here. I'm in no position to be a father. I'm in no position to become Batman or the Bruce Wayne that everyone knows. It would probably be better if I just left and returned to Ra's side. "Maybe I can be of some assistance. I'm someone you still remember even though your memories have been altered. There is a possibility it will work better with me. After all I did raise you," Alfred says cutting through my thoughts.


I nod, "It wouldn't hurt to try."


"Alright, than. I remember the day of your parent's funeral. That was the day something inside you changed. Deep down you were still the same old Bruce, but you kept up a shield. You put on this mask that made you seem like an entirely different person. I have always seen you as my son, so I could see past that mask you had put up. I didn't understand it at first. I thought that it was just you grieving, but the mask never left. When you turned twenty, you traveled around the world. You told me that you went to a monastery where you learned to fight. When you returned, I could tell that you were fully immersed in the role of Batman," Alfred says.


I shake my head and correct him, "I changed the second my parents were killed. I never went to any monastery. I met Ra's Al Ghul and he taught me how to fight with no mercy. I only returned to tell you that I would not come back to Gotham until my training was complete." Alfred shakes his head and frowns. I look at him, waiting for him to explain what is wrong. "You have things mixed up. That is not what happened. Your memories were altered. When you came back to Gotham, you began to carry out your pledge to ensure no one else had to go through the same thing you did," Alfred finally explains. I grimace and think for a minute. I can't recall anything that Alfred has brought up. I think for a few minutes. It is as clear as day that I would never remember. I couldn't stay here. "Alfred, would you mind doing something for me?" I ask.


"Of course, Master Wayne. What is it?" Alfred replies.


"Watch over the boys. Make sure they are safe. Raise them like you raised me," I say. Alfred looks at me with a face of disbelief. I look back at him, my face showing how serious I am. "Of course, I'll look after them. They are my grandchildren. Do you plan on going somewhere? You really shouldn't go anywhere when you still don't have all your memories returned," Alfred says.


I scowl, "That is the issue. I don't have my memories returned. They are not coming back. It would be best if I just left. I can't stay in Gotham. I will return to Ra's and leave behind all of this."


Alfred looks at me disappointed, "You can't just leave. The boys would be heartbroken. You're their father."


"I'm not their father. Their father is lost somewhere. I'm just some man that looks like their father, but never will be," I say.


Alfred shakes his head, "What about Gotham City? Who will protect it? And Wayne Enterprises? Currently, Bruce Wayne is on a vacation and is set to return in a week. What do you expect us to say? We can't just fake your death."


"Gotham will be fine. Batman hasn't been out and about, the city is still standing. Dick can take over as Batman. I don't care what excuse you make. I can't run a company. I don't know anything about this company that this other Bruce Wayne owns," I state.


Alfred glances out the window, "You've given up on hope. There is still a chance you may remember."


I chuckle, "You can't give up on hope when you had none in the first place. I want to remember, I really do. But, we are all wasting time trying to reach something unreachable. I don't remember adopting anyone. I don't remember this group of flying heroes in brightly colored costumes. I don't remember ever coming back to a Manor where there are three boys yelling at one another every day. And, I'm not going to. I'm not the Bruce Wayne you all remember. I'm the heir to the Demon's Head. I'm not some father or famous bachelor or some hero. I'm not going to waste my life trying to do something that I can't. So, I am leaving. I don't care if you disagree, it is my choice. I only ask that you take care of the boys. That is the only thing I care about." Alfred walks over to me and wraps his arms around me. I stiffen before taking a deep breath and hugging him back. "I will watch the boys. If you are positive that this is what you want to do, I will not stop you. I may disagree with what you are doing, but I have to let you make your own choice. Son, I will miss you. Please be safe. And I have my own request. You have to tell the boys that you wish to leave. Say goodbye to them. You may not think you are their father, but they still see you as their dad," Alfred says releasing me from his tight embrace.


I nod my head, "Thank you, Alfred. For everything. I will go tell the boys now." Alfred gives me a warm smile. I walk out of the kitchen and make my way back the study. When I arrive there I peak through the door. The boys seem to be in deep conversation. I cough to get their attention, "Boys, I need to tell you something."




Thank you for reading! I hope that you all enjoy. I may not be updating for a bit since I have family coming over, but I'll try to get a new chapter for you all as soon as possible. Please vote, comment, add this story to your library, and follow me. See you all next time.

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