whydowefall | Locked journal entry. [beyondtherift.] (Reply)

[Locked to Alfred Pennyworth, Rachel Dawes, Harvey Dent, and Jason Randall, if he's still around.]

Being here in Chicago is the longest stretch of time that I've just been Bruce Wayne in the last two and a half years. Bruce Wayne. Not the Batman and not "Bruce Wayne". It's been nice, not having to pretend. People either don't know who I am, or already know everything about who I am, thanks to the films and comic books.

But doing what I was doing was such a part of me. It was me if I'm being honest. It gave me purpose and direction that I didn't have before.

I've tried. I've tried to go on living as an ordinary citizen but I've caught myself doing so much contrary to that. I take runs around the city to keep in shape and to learn the geography. I took the job at the junk shop so I could build things. I've been out testing my rift ability with the aim of using it.

I haven't been blind to the news or the events in this city either. I see so much that reminds me--in all the wrong ways--of Gotham. And now this crucifixion.

I can't turn away anymore.

I think I may need to find a way to go back to doing what I did before. I think the Batman needs to make a return. I guess that means I'll have to start over, start like I did two and a half years ago back in Gotham.

I figured I at least owed all of you a heads-up about it. And the opportunity to offer any advice, insights, or invective you may have on the matter.

I doubt I'll be talked out of it. Fair warning.