[ EU ] Wayne Enterprises goes bankrupt , forcing Batman to pursue justice through more economical means .

Financial mediocrity did not suit Bruce Wayne. Once known as a man of expensive tastes and lavish self indulgence, he now found him self cooking for one in a three bedroom apartment that, while more than enough for most, was a stark and unsettling departure from his usual way of life. The pasta dinners and pre-owned mercedes-benz E-class were not the things that kept Bruce up at night, though. The playboy lifestyle that he had know had only been a cover for a greater love that had been equally lost, justice. 
 
 `` Batman'' has always been an exceptional man with exceptional means, and despite Bruce Wayne's best efforts the loss of one aspect of the bat's presona led to the collapse of the whole charade. The `` poor man's Batman'' had carried on for a fortnight or two, stoping petty criminals in their tracks, and even some bigger game. But just as the elbow joint became damaged and immobile, so too did the knee and neck. A bat that ca n't fly is little more than a mouse. Not being able to fuel and store a 1.3 million dollar vehicle of war does n't help either, though luckily enough for Bruce the `` batmobile'' was repossessed along with the rest of the company's assets; `` one less worry,'' he told himself. 
 
 Still, the boy who had watch his parents murdered remained at the heart of the man who had just lost everything. For Bruce, life now was akin to being at a buffet with your mouth sewn shut and your stomach empty. It did not take long for the scum of gotham to realize that the enigmatic vigilante who had been their bane was nowhere to be found. The city had turned to shit. Burglary, murder, rape, arson, all manner of crime had spiked in response to the newfound boldness of it's perpetrators. Still, Bruce Wayne hungered for justice. 
 
 `` Okay everybody, we've got a few new faces tonight!'' proclaimed a slender and grizzled man of 65. `` This here is Jennifer, a substitute teacher; Danny, who's a bank teller by day; and Bruce, who, well, what is it you would say you do these days Mr. Wayne?'' `` Let's just say I'm not exactly enjoying retirement, Jack. And please, call me Bruce.'' `` Well Bruce, Jen, Dan, the guardian angles might not be the national guard, but were glad to have you and so is Gotham! Now, our beat tonight is 65th through 104th on the west side of town, so we best get a move on!'' 
 
 Bruce was n't one to just sit at home, but it was all he could do not to laugh at these plumbers and cooks who fancied themselves hero's. Still, he was there with them. `` Mr. Wayne?'' said a young man who sidled up next to Bruce as the group started north, `` It's great to see you here, but, do n't you have anything else to do? I heard you were gon na run for mayor.'' `` You ca n't fight crime from behind a desk kid, I learned that the hard way, if you want justice done you've got ta get your hands dirty.'' `` Oh, well, I was real sorry to hear about your company, but its great to meet you! I'm Brian.'' The young man scurried away, clearly starstruck. His next greeter was not quite so timid. 
 
 `` Well, I guess what they're saying is true, you must be worse off than me if this is the best thing you can think to do with your time.'' `` I'd be offended if I was n't so sure that most people are worse off than you,'' said Bruce to the woman. She was tall, almost as tall as him with straight black hair and green eyes. Her skin was pale and flushed in the late autumn chill. `` Most people would n't recognize Ralph Lauren purple lable, and the $ 1500 boots,'' replied Bruce. The woman smiled slyly, `` You can take the money away from the man, but his eye for good taste remains, I see.'' `` Who said anything about good taste,'' said Bruce. `` How witty, the musings of a mind that found a way to loose the better part of a trillion dollars, impressive.'' 
 
 `` Let's cut to the chase, Brucey, as much as I love street justice I'm only here for my sister, she's wet in the pants for this kind of thing and considering that she's newly widowed I felt obliged to tag along. The common life does n't seem to suit you and I've got a penthouse all to myself that will make you forget all about your financial woes, at least for tonight.'' The Woman smiled, clearly thinking that she had the former hero on the hook. `` Sorry,'' said Bruce, `` I'm here to help, not entertain the fantasies of widow's sisters who like to prance around in their mothers pearls.'' Bruce left the shocked young woman in his wake. In the past he might have been entertained by such an invitation, but his mood had been sour recently. 
 
 The sound of a whistle pierced the night. The group turned as one. `` Let's check it out, gang!'' said Jack as he ran towards the commotion. The 10 or so good-doers ran one block, and then another, and another until they came to the scene. Three men surrounded a girl no older than 15. `` What the hell do you three think your doing!'' yelled Jack. `` Well, we were just about to have our way with this little piece of ass, but now that the cavalry has arrived I guess this rape is about to become a murder as well,'' said one of the men as he pulled out a gun. `` You ca n't shoot all of us,'' said Jack bravely. `` Us?'' said the man inquisitively. `` I think your friends are about ready to high tail it out of here gramps, if your smart you'll do the same, I want pussy tonight, not some old farts blood.'' Jack looked over his shoulder and saw the fear and apprehension in the rest of the group, but he stood fast. `` I'm not going anywhere without the girl,'' said Jack bravely. `` You just got yourself shot, old ma...'' 
 
 A cinderblock hit the would be shooter in the head, it must have fallen from 30 feet. His two cohorts looked up and drew their weapons as a figure fell from the same height onto one of their backs. Bruce had knocked the second man unconscious and raised his limp body as one would a shield, brandishing the criminal's gun against his accomplice. `` Drop the gun!'' growled Bruce. The criminal deliberated momentarily, then complied. Bruce Wayne shoved the unconscious rag-doll of a man towards the final assailant. The would be rapist dodged the knocked out perp, but not Bruce's fist. `` Who are you?'' whimpered the man as he lay on his back. `` I am justice, I am the night!'' roared Bruce before putting the criminal to sleep with a furious head-but. 
 
 The group cheered as it sprang into action, some helping the girl, others restraining the men who were quite immobilized to begin with. `` Son, I do n't know what the hell you just did, but by God am I glad your with us,'' exclaimed Jack as he embraced Bruce. Everyone came and congratulated him in turn, but Bruce Wayne did n't hear them. He was drunk. It had been too long since Bruce had fulfilled his thirst, he had almost forgotten the taste. He barely even remembered giving a statement to the police when they finally arrived. 
 
 As the group finally began to disperse from the scene of the action Bruce saw the dark haired woman standing alone across the street, smiling at him. Bruce walked up to her. `` I do n't think I got your name before Ms. purple label,'' said the Hero. `` Nicky,'' replied the young woman. `` Well Nicky, after all this excitement I think I could use a comfortable place to sleep tonight, do you stand by your offer?'' asked Bruce with confidence. `` I would n't be waiting if it was n't still on the table.'' The two hailed a cab and left. 
 

