Chapter 44: Chapter 44 (edited)
Kara Kent was enjoying a peaceful evening at the Kent family farm. After taking a month's paid vacation from the Daily Planet, she had embraced the quiet, simple life of Smallville. Kara had grown fond of working on the farm—not that the chores were endless, but they gave her something to do. Roasting sweet potatoes or corn fresh from the field was a small pleasure she shared with her family.
Despite her best efforts to stay under the radar, trouble seemed to follow her. That night, her flip phone buzzed loudly on the bedside table, jolting her awake.
Groaning, she grabbed the phone and answered. "Bruce, it's late. What could possibly be so urgent that you'd risk waking me up? If this is some kind of prank, I swear, I'll kick you into orbit tomorrow."
On the other end of the line, Bruce Wayne's deep voice was laced with tension. "Kara, I need your help. Gotham City is in danger."
Kara sat up, rubbing her temples. She wasn't eager to get involved. "Bruce, I'm just a columnist trying to enjoy her time off. Why would you think I could help with something like that?"
Bruce's voice turned firm. "You can fool others, but you can't fool me. I know what you're capable of. Everything I spent six years learning from the best teachers around the world, you mastered in less than a year. You're stronger, faster, and more skilled than I am, Kara. Gotham needs you."
Kara hesitated. He wasn't wrong, but she didn't like admitting it. While she preferred to live a quiet life, Bruce knew her well enough to push the right buttons.
"Fine," she said after a long pause. "Who's the enemy?"
"The League of Shadows," Bruce replied grimly. "And their leader, Ra's al Ghul."
Kara frowned. "Wait, isn't that the organization you trained with? And didn't you deal with Ra's already?"
"It's complicated. I'll explain everything when you get here," Bruce said, his voice brooking no argument.
Realizing there was no way out, Kara sighed. "Alright. I'll head out. But don't think for a second I'm doing this for free. If I'm helping, I want a suit like yours—and access to the Batmobile and all your tech."
Bruce hesitated. Even for someone as wealthy as him, her demands stung. But he needed her help too badly to refuse. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll have Alfred send my private jet to pick you up. But don't think this is a blank check."
"Noted," Kara replied with a smirk. "And for the record, you're lucky I'm too nice to make you wear something as ridiculous as my costume."
Bruce let out a dry chuckle. "Says the woman lecturing me about costumes while roasting corn in flannel pajamas."
Kara rolled her eyes. "Touché, Bat-boy."
After hanging up, Kara stared at the phone, realizing she'd been outmaneuvered. "Damn it," she muttered. "That smug billionaire always has an angle."
The jet arrived within hours, and Kara found herself flying toward Gotham. As she stared out the window, she mentally prepared herself for what lay ahead. She might have been reluctant, but deep down, she couldn't stand by while people were in danger.
Bruce was waiting for her at the Batcave, looking every bit as grim as she expected. "We don't have much time," he said. "Ra's has mobilized the League. If we don't stop him, Gotham will fall."
Kara crossed her arms. "Then let's get to work. But you still owe me that Batmobile."
Bruce smirked slightly. "It's safe in the cave—for now. Let's see if you earn it."
Kara rolled her eyes but couldn't help feeling a spark of excitement. Trouble had a way of finding her, but at least she wouldn't face it alone.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone