Chapter 57 (edited)

With Kara's determined efforts—whether completely all-out or not—Bruce Wayne finally succeeded in thwarting Ra's al Ghul's ambitious plan to destroy Gotham City.

However, when it came to Kara taking Ra's life, Bruce realized her methods might have gone too far.

This led to a fierce argument between the two, resembling a clash not just of personalities but of philosophies. Neither side was willing to yield.

Caught up in their heated debate, they overlooked a critical issue: they hadn't stopped the speeding train, which was hurtling straight toward Wayne Tower.

They also forgot the key task they had assigned to Gordon before arriving at Arkham Island: to use the Batmobile to destroy a section of the elevated train track if they failed to stop Ra's. This measure was meant to delay him, potentially destroy the machine, or, with some luck, eliminate Ra's entirely.

But they failed to contact Gordon in time.

"You seriously forgot something so important?" Kara looked at Bruce in disbelief. "Aren't you supposed to be the great Batman? The world's greatest detective? Are you sure you're not just some rookie trying to figure out how to work a lock?"

Bruce didn't take kindly to her remarks and shot back, "And you forgot to stop the train! Weren't you just at the controls a moment ago?"

Kara crossed her arms, exasperated. "Bruce, do you think train operation is part of my degrees? At best, I've got a driver's license!"

"Fine. This isn't the time to argue," Bruce growled, reaching for his communicator. "I'll call Gordon now. And stop using my name."

"You started it."

The two continued exchanging barbs like stubborn children unwilling to back down. But just as Bruce was about to call Gordon, an explosion erupted ahead.

Bruce and Kara exchanged a tense look. It was too late.

The support columns of a section of the viaduct had been blown apart, sending the track and part of the bridge crumbling into chaos.

At that moment, Bruce's phone buzzed. Alfred's voice came through, laden with concern. "Master Wayne, please don't tell me you're on that train."

"Hi, Alfred. Yes, I'm here too," Kara interjected with a smirk, making sure she wasn't left out of the concern.

"It's alright, Alfred. We'll be fine," Bruce reassured him while casting a sharp glance at Kara. "We have to move. Now."

Thanks to the gliding capabilities of Batman's suit, their escape wasn't as precarious as it could have been. They just needed to leap off before the train reached the collapsed section.

Smashing through nearby windows, the two vaulted out of the train just in time. In mid-air, they unfurled their capes, transforming into dark, bat-like silhouettes gliding toward safety.

Their mission was effectively over. The remaining work involved containing the toxic gas Ra's had unleashed and coordinating with the Gotham Police Department to manage the aftermath. Batman, as always, would vanish into the shadows afterward.

The advanced technology of the Bat-Suit allowed the duo to glide across a significant portion of Gotham City, landing safely at the remains of Wayne Manor.

Upon arrival, Kara surveyed the charred ruins of the mansion and couldn't resist a quip. "If I'd known your place was going up in flames, I would've grabbed a few relics for safekeeping. What a waste."

Bruce shot her a sidelong glance, unimpressed. As if he wanted his home burned to the ground.

They made their way into the Batcave, where Alfred was waiting anxiously. Seeing both of them safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I was beginning to fear the worst."

"Finally," Kara said, removing her helmet and shaking loose her golden hair, which shimmered even in the dim light of the cave. The effect was mesmerizing, drawing Alfred's admiration despite himself.

Alfred turned to Kara and, with warmth in his tone, said, "Miss Kara, given your indispensable help in this ordeal, Master Wayne would like to extend an invitation for you to stay here for a few days."

Bruce, mid-way through removing his gear, froze and glared at Alfred in disbelief. He hadn't said any such thing.

Kara, ever observant, chuckled. She saw right through Alfred's ploy. It was obvious he was trying to play matchmaker.

"Thanks, Alfred, but maybe after you rebuild the manor. It's not exactly livable right now," Kara replied, smiling. While the Batcave was intriguing, she had her own life to return to. Plus, her family would be worried if she didn't show up soon.

"And besides, Alfred," she added, her tone playful, "I'm not the one you should be focusing on. If you're trying to set Bruce up, Rachel is more his type. Or maybe one of my friends who's been holding a candle for him for years."

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Are you done?"

Kara shrugged. "Fine, I'll leave you to brood in peace." She began removing the remaining parts of her suit, reverting to her casual attire. Her eyes soon landed on a sleek prototype motorcycle in the Batcave, one Bruce was clearly still working on.

Her face lit up. "Now that's a beauty. Mind if I borrow it?"

"No," Bruce said flatly. "It's not ready. The last thing I need is for you to crash it."

"Wow. Stingy much?" Kara huffed. "Alright, Batman, just wait until I write about you. You're done for."

With that, she departed, leaving Bruce to his work and Alfred shaking his head in quiet amusement.

The night was over, but it was clear their complicated partnership had only just begun.