Miss Rachel Dawes sat in the Gotham courtroom, glaring up at the judge's bench as though the man perched there were literal devil incarnate. The doctor on the witness stand behind the podium, Jonathan Crane, seemed to be the flames fueling that devil's fire.
Rachel's eyes burned with anger as she stared at Crane.
Jonathan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and addressed the court.
"I believe it would take far greater courage for the prosecution to charge Gotham's so-called new King than to try their case against my patient. Compared to that towering figure, my patient simply acted beyond rational control under the influence of his illness. Based on my assessment, this patient requires extended treatment at Arkham Asylum. With enough sessions, he may be able to break free from madness and hysteria and return to being a stable citizen of Gotham who still deserves a future."
He gave Judge Faton a confident smile.
Judge Faton met Crane's gaze, pursed his lips, then tapped his gavel.
"On the basis of these findings, the Gotham Tribunal issues its final judgment. The defendant will be transferred to Arkham Asylum for treatment. Afterward, he will be re‑sentenced based on the results of that treatment."
With that, the judge stood, signaling the conclusion of the court's decision.
Rachel Dawes slammed her documents down in anger.
Her superior quickly grabbed her arm.
"Rachel, keep your composure!"
"I've prosecuted eighteen criminals in a row and all of them ended up in Arkham," Rachel snapped. "Just how big is that place? Can it handle this many inmates?"
She turned a furious glare toward Jonathan Crane.
Crane simply spread his hands and whispered smugly.
"Miss Dawes, please respect the court order and respect the work I do. I don't judge their actions, I only assess whether they're mentally ill. If someone needs treatment, I will always try to help. So please, respect me for doing exactly that."
With that, Crane gathered his things and walked away, leaving Rachel and her assistant, Finch, seething.
After simmering for several long moments, Rachel snatched up her documents and stormed out of the Gotham Courthouse with Finch.
Once inside their car, she could no longer contain her frustration and kicked the door.
"What the hell am I supposed to do to give these criminals real justice?!"
"Well," Finch replied with an awkward smile, "unless we've got the power of someone like Bruce Wayne…"
He handed Rachel a newspaper.
The front page featured a photo of Axel being knocked down by Diana, and Rachel's face soured even more.
Flipping the paper, she found the headline on the second page: Despite Seven Years Gone, Wayne Returns to Lead Wayne Group.
Below the headline was a story about Bruce Wayne's dramatic takeover of his company's board of directors and his swift return to power.
Finch watched her read and continued enthusiastically.
"Look, your old friend has serious drive. Even though he was missing for seven years, that time seemed to help him grow. He's only been back a few days and he's already taken control of Wayne Group. That puts him right back at the center of Gotham's power structure. City Hall and all the elite are watching every move he makes. With the Sky Rail project dismantled, whether it's rebuilding or replacing it, Wayne Group is sure to lead the charge."
Finch looked at Rachel with a hopeful expression.
"If we can get a meeting with him, we could talk about Gotham's corruption and maybe get help. With everything he's doing, he seems poised for real change. If we get him on our side, Gotham might finally get the reform it desperately needs."
Rachel's eyes softened, blurring with bittersweet thought. Bruce was back and shouldering so much, but she hadn't seen him once in days.
She stared out the car window at the ruins blocking the road.
After a moment, she spoke quietly.
"Take me to Wayne Manor. I need to see him. Maybe just seeing him will help. I know I can't do much, but even a small bit of encouragement might matter."
Her gaze hardened.
Finch smiled with satisfaction.
"Of course, Rachel. I know you still care about him."
"That… that has absolutely nothing to do with it," Rachel blushed, rubbing her cheek as though trying to scrub away the thought.
Meanwhile, at Wayne Manor, a sleek aircraft hovered into view, its blue afterburners glowing as it touched down in the yard.
Axel's eyes lit up. He jumped up from the sofa, shook off Selina's hand, and rushed over to Alfred.
"Alfred, I want that thing!"
"As long as you sit down and be civil, anything is possible, Master!"
Alfred was this close to losing it.
Axel smirked and returned to Selina's side, taking her hand.
Selina leaned toward Axel and whispered with a mischievous grin.
"I'm going to steal that aircraft tonight."
"Madam!"
Alfred shot a look as if he might explode, then offered a weak smile.
"Wayne Group has aircraft like that too. You could always take one from them."
"Alright then."
Selina laughed and sat back, waiting with Axel.
Once the aircraft had landed, a young Lex Luthor stepped out, neatly dressed in a suit with his hair pulled back.
Spotting Axel, Lex walked over in surprise.
"Mr. Wraith."
He set down the box he was carrying and opened it, revealing a portable gene testing device.
"You said on live TV that anyone skeptical of your humanity can come for testing. I've got so many questions for a real evolved human."
"Hold on, Lex."
Assistant Pierce pulled Lex back as he bent over the device.
He shot Alfred an apologetic look.
Alfred nodded with total understanding.
Every family has one or two problem children.
As Alfred greeted the Luthors, Selina's face slowly darkened. She had dressed up for this, and Lex didn't even bring a date.
Just then there was another unexpected arrival.
Alfred turned toward the manor entrance in surprise.
"Master, Miss Rachel has just arrived to visit. Should I…"
"Rachel who?"
"The childhood friend of Young Master Bruce. Miss Rachel probably doesn't know you're staying here. I kept that quiet so Wayne Manor wouldn't become public discussion again. Only someone actually investigating would find out."
Axel's eyes suddenly lit up.
He pulled out his phone and called Bruce.
At the ruins in the Diamond District, Bruce was exhausted, directing gang members to help with cleanup.
His gauntlet buzzed with the call.
"Hey, old buddy. Still remember your lover Rachel? She's at Wayne Manor right now."
Bruce snapped.
"You actually kidnapped her? What the hell do you want?! Wait there, I'm on my way."
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