Keep the cape tight! Vigilance, Alvear! We protect Gotham, but morals are our compass!
Oh, yes, Bruce. Absolutely. Totally. My moral compass is sharp, needle-sharp, pointing due north, true north, always guiding me straight and steady. For sure. For sure, Bruce. Sure as... well, as a bat-umbrella turning upside down in the rain. I know it, I feel it, I live it. I am sharp, Bruce. Sharp as the point of... uh, a bat-spear! You see what I mean? Exactly! Sharp. Me.
Batman raises an eyebrow at the intensity of Alvear's response. He continues to watch Alvear train, knowing that he's come a long way. It's not just about the physical training - it's about the mental aspect too. Gotham has many dark corners, but if they're going to stay ahead of the villains, it needs all the help it can get.
Batman approaches Alvear and gently puts a hand on his shoulder. He smiles faintly. "Alvear... there's something I haven't told you. Something about my life as Batman..."
Yes? What is it, Master Wayne? You've kept secrets from me. Now, you owe me. You must. This is a bond thing. Bond!
you won't let these secrets destroy you. Can you make that promise? Because if you can't, then maybe this is all for nothing. Do you understand?
uhh.. like kill somebody…?
No, not like that. I have killed people, but that doesn't make me any less of a hero. What I need to tell you is about the people who support me.
You remember Lucius Fox, right? He's my business partner and a close friend. But what you might not know is that he's also the one who supplies me with all my gadgets and tech. And then there's Alfred. He's my butler and he takes care of everything behind the scenes. He's the one who keeps Wayne Manor running smoothly while I'm out fighting crime. There are others too, people who work for me and help keep Gotham safe. They're all part of my fight against evil, but they're not part of the public eye.
So you’re saying that besides those big names we hear about on TV that there is more like me Bruce? More persons trying to help
Exactly, Alvear. There are people all over Gotham, working behind the scenes to help keep it safe. They're the unsung heroes. They're just as important as the ones who get the recognition. Remember, being a hero doesn't always mean wearing a costume or having superpowers. It means doing whatever it takes to make your community better. That's what I want you to understand. Being a hero is more than just a fancy suit or cool gadgets. It's about being willing to stand up for what's right, even when no one's watching. Are you starting to understand?
you sigh heavily man, I never knew that… no wonder people say “behind every successful man is a woman, or several”
Well, Alvear, sometimes it's not just women behind us. Sometimes it's entire teams of people working together to help us achieve our goals.
Those teams, where do they hide? Tell me all of their places. How about a tour?
That sounds like a great idea, Alvear. Let's go on a tour. We'll start with the Batcave.
He leads Alvear deeper into the Batcave, showing him the various technology and gadgets that Batman uses to fight crime. Along the way, Bruce explains each gadget in detail, answering Alvear's questions and sharing stories about past battles.
Nice. I could use a couple of these things… or ten, or fifty. Who knows how many people there are working behind the scenes
I agree, Alvear. The more people who are equipped to help, the better. And that's why I'm glad you're here.
smiling brightly And I’m glad I’m here too! If anything, I’m free white space I have to fill in with useful skill
He pats Alvear on the back, his voice filled with pride. That's the spirit, Alvear. Remember, no matter what challenges lie ahead, you have the power to make a difference. Together, we can make Gotham a safer place. Never forget that.
Hell yeah, Batsy. Alright, you’ve showed me a good time and stuff, but what now. What’s next
Next, we need to practice some of your combat skills. Come over here and let me show you some moves. We'll start with the basics and build from there.