His sudden presence startled Catwoman and Bruce, who hastily wrapped themselves in a blanket and a bedsheet, respectively.
"How embarrassing!" Jerry muttered.
"Who are you?" Bruce demanded while eyeing the intruder warily.
Jerry sighed and returned to his cat form. "Wayne Manor is so big, and yet you two chose to 'fight' here?" he remarked dryly.
Catwoman breathed in relief after recognizing Jerry, and she relaxed slightly before explaining it to Bruce. "It's Jerry. We didn't see you in the room when we came back and couldn't help it. But I didn't expect you to turn human like the frog prince!"
Bruce, who was clearly embarrassed, quickly put his clothes back while smiling awkwardly toward Jerry. "We were just..."
Jerry interrupted with a shake of his head. "Don't worry. You can continue later. I came back to say goodbye. Gotham is stable for now, but I need to leave for a while."
He tossed two magic mirrors to Catwoman and Bruce. "If there's something you can't handle, use these to contact me. Just call my name, and I'll receive it if I'm on Earth."
With Gotham's issues resolved, Jerry felt no need to stay. He primarily returned to bid farewell to Catwoman, who had been his closest companion since his arrival. There was a bond between them, a trace of affection that they share since the start of their journey.
Catwoman who was still wrapped in a quilt, approached Jerry with a rare look of reluctance before asking him. "When will you come back?"
Jerry hesitated to answer. "I'm not sure. But I'll try to visit when I can."
In truth, he doubted he would return to Gotham. He had come for the small red stars, and with none left to gather, his priorities lay elsewhere.
Future challenges, such as facing the Kryptonians and Steppenwolf, required his full attention. In those battles, Catwoman and Batman could offer little help and might even become liabilities.
Batman and Catwoman were exceptional compared to regular humans, but their strengths were not what Jerry needed in the fight against the Kryptonians.
Batman's expertise in intelligence, finance, and combat strategy was less crucial to Jerry, who preferred to rely on raw power.
Jerry could generate endless money with magic, he knew more about events due to his foreknowledge, and favored brute force over tactical maneuvers.
This is why this problem, which was originally meant for Superman to handle alone, is best left with his help at most rather than trying to ask Batman and Catwoman.
Jerry's future plans didn't involve Catwoman or Batman.
They were better suited to dealing with Gotham's ordinary criminals and corrupt businessmen, which was safer and more aligned with their capabilities. Maybe, in a few years, they could even start a family, fulfilling Alfred's long-held wish of seeing his Master Bruce to live happily without the need of facing against his old demons.
As Jerry prepared to leave, Catwoman's expression softened. "Take care, Jerry. And don't forget us." She said while looking at Jerry affectionately.
"I won't. How can I forget about you two? You are the people that make Gotham a special place for me!" Jerry promised with a smile, though he knew the road ahead was uncertain.
With one last nod, he vanished, leaving Catwoman and Bruce to ponder the strange encounter and the future of Gotham.
But they smiled after hearing Jerry mentioning how they are special to him because they're his first fortunate encounter in this world.
Hearing that Jerry was leaving Gotham and would no longer be killing people, Bruce breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him solemnly, "Although I still don't approve of your methods, I have to admit they were effective. So, on behalf of the people of Gotham, I sincerely thank you for your help."
For over a month, Gotham had experienced a bloodbath, but the casualties were all individuals who arguably deserved it.
Jerry's actions had indeed changed the environment of the entire city. While Bruce didn't agree with Jerry's approach, he recognized its impact and couldn't help but feel grateful.
Making Gotham a better place had always been Bruce's long-cherished wish. He acknowledged the way he approach Gotham's problem might be lacking, but it might bring a result one day.
However, it was not necessary anymore after Jerry had dealt with them.
This situation was reminiscent of the famous German revenge mother shooting case.
The judge and the police knew the criminal deserved to die, but due to the law and their duties, they could only acquit him. When the victim's mother pulled out a gun and shot him eight times in court, though they didn't agree with her actions, they likely felt a sense of satisfaction.
Even when they arrested her, they still arrested her, but gently. Because they understand her pain of going through a loss, meanwhile, the killer is simply going to be put in a sentence where he has another chance of going out again and still doing the same.
"Be good to her. There's no one in the world more suitable for you than her," Jerry advised.
Jerry knew it was impossible to eradicate crime in Gotham completely. Many criminals weren't deserving of death just simply trying to get by in Gotham.
He had eliminated those with innocent blood on their hands, but once he left, new criminals would emerge to take their place. With Bruce's personality, he would undoubtedly continue to fight crime to maintain Gotham's peace.
Unlike Superman, who could solve crises swiftly without impacting his personal life, Batman was a mortal man.
Every night he fought criminals, he risked his life by not returning home. Bruce's dedication to protecting Gotham came at a significant personal cost. He couldn't provide the same safety and stability that Superman could.
Catwoman, who shared Bruce's nocturnal habits and strength, was uniquely suited to be his partner.
No other woman could endure the constant fear and uncertainty of Bruce's nightly battles.
"I will," Bruce said while looking at Patience with a touch of happiness.
Despite his playboy persona and numerous flings, most of those relationships were facades to protect his identity. With Patience, things were different. She understood him in ways others couldn't.
Something that could only come after they mutually recognize the part of their lives where others can't.
Jerry observed this with a sense of satisfaction.
Patience was unlike ordinary women. She and Bruce shared a unique bond, making them a perfect match.
Even if they were to break up, Catwoman's free-spirited nature meant she would handle it well. Jerry's advice was more a gesture of goodwill than a genuine concern.
"By the way, these are for the two of you as parting gifts," Jerry said as he suddenly remembered something. He took out a pair of small sticks he had prepared from the Bell Universe and handed them to Catwoman and Bruce.
Catwoman and Bruce looked at the sticks with curiosity. "What are these?" Catwoman asked.
"These are magical items from my world. They can enhance your abilities and help you in your fight against crime," Jerry explained. "Bruce, this one will improve your physical strength and agility. Patience, yours will enhance your reflexes and precision."
They accepted the gifts with gratitude. Bruce examined his stick, already contemplating how it could aid him in his nightly patrols. Patience twirled hers, feeling its power resonate with her own.
"Thank you, Jerry. These will be incredibly useful," Bruce said sincerely.
Jerry nodded. "Take care of each other. Gotham needs both of you."
With that, Jerry prepared to leave. Patience stepped forward, wrapping her quilt tightly around herself. "We'll miss you, Jerry. Stay safe out there."
"I'll be back when I can," Jerry promised, though he knew his path was uncertain. He gave them a final nod and disappeared, leaving Patience and Bruce to face the future of Gotham together.
This encounter is truly one of the most memorable thing that Jerry cherishes in his mind, seeing two mortals fighting against the uncertainty of life for the safety of their own beloved is something Jerry could get behind on.
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