Batman and Robin: Futures End #1

Issue Details

Synopsis

BROTHERS IN ARMS Robin is suspicious of Alfred's motives in sending him zig-zagging all over the city to take care of minor gangs. Something must be going on that he needs to be distracted from. Something involving Batman.   Batman, meanwhile, confronts a man dressed as the Heretic, pointing out that if this man really was who he is pretending to be - a member of the League of Assassins, he never would have allowed himself to be caught on camera that morning killing two Wayne Enterprises lawyers. Back at the Batcave, Alfred analyzes the man and warns that this person is a close match for the Heretic that Bruce saw killed. After all, the al Ghul family still has at least one functioning Lazarus Pit. Bruce, though, has to be sure of who is behind the mask. As he attacks with all of the tools available to him, Bruce begins to realize that his opponent far outmatches him.   Angrily, Duke warns that he can't be treated like every new villain that Batman faces could kill him like Damian was killed. Batman has to learn to trust him to handle himself. He challenges Alfred to prove that Batman doesn't need his help tonight. Alfred will only give him directions to bringing down the next gang on his laundry list.   The Heretic has sprained Bruce's wrist and broken three wrists, requiring Alfred to release pain-blockers in the Batsuit. He warns Bruce that Duke wants to help, but Bruce refuses to take the risk. Alfred reminds that whether this is the Heretic or Damian himself, Bruce is on the cusp of a stress-induced stroke, and risks death if he persists. Ignoring Bruce's shrug-off, he gives Duke his next target.   Bruce tries to appeal to reason with his opponent, but his efforts are in vain. Alfred can see that this attacker is too strong, and begs Bruce to let him call in Robin. Bruce's vitals are in crisis, and he is near death when Duke arrives. Where Bruce had failed, in his weakened state, he tackles the Heretic and thrusts two syringes into either side of its neck, causing the body to burst into flames. Batman screams, knowing that the fire will erase the evidence of just who it was. Duke grabs a fire-extinguisher, grumbling that he should have been present for the entirety of this battle. Bruce's eyes darken as he comments that he couldn't let what had happened to his son happen again.   Duke explains that he is Batman's partner, and they need to talk about things like this when they arise. Batman hurriedly gathers a DNA sample from the charred carcass and sends it to Alfred, who warns that he won't apologize for sending Robin his location. Batman does not ask him to, and gladly accepts a ride from his partner.