A young reporter was standing in front of what seemed to be a junkyard.

"There are few who can forget the terrible events of last week," she said, "but for some, this has only brought them closer. The victims of the Joker's attack say that they've felt a wave of support from countless people they've never even met."

The shot changed to an elderly couple. "It's been incredible," the old man said. "We've been through hell, but the support has been amazing. I'm just thankful to those heroes who stood up for us. How they managed to save every single person is beyond me."

The reporter was back on the screen. "Earlier today, Bruce Wayne announced a donation of over three million dollars to help with the cleanup. While it's certainly not enough, it will go a long way to helping those affected by this tragedy."

Batman switched off the TV. He was standing in the centre of the Batcave, surrounded by Nightwing, Superman, the Flash and Green Lantern - all back to normal.

Goku stood alone in front of the screen.

"So that's it then?" he said as he turned to face Batman.

"That's it," said Batman. "Thanks for the use of the Dragonballs to resurrect everyone and for saving this planet. If there's ever anything we can do to repay you, just get Bulma to give us a call. She should know how to work that," he added, pointing to the phone-shaped device in Goku's hand.

"Oh, hey, it was nothing!" replied Goku.

"It was far from nothing," said Superman, stepping forward. "You saved us all. We owe you."

"Well...perhaps if you get some free time, we could spar," said Goku.

Superman smiled. "Unlikely, since Batman doesn't want to physically disturb the barrier between dimensions any more than necessary," he said.

"I think it's time for you to go back now, Goku," interrupted Batman. "We don't want to keep this portal open any longer than is necessary."

Goku smiled and walked towards the portal. Then he turned back to Batman and bowed. "Thank you for training me," he said. "I just have one more question. Where did you get all those senzu beans?"

Batman smiled. "I got three wishes," he said. "The first was your revival. The next was for a million senzu beans to appear in the Batcave. And for my third wish, I asked Shen-ron if you would be able to handle this new training."

"Wow," said Goku. "You really thought this through!" Then he turned and headed for the portal once again. "Goodbye!" he shouted as he left. "It was nice meeting you all!"

Then he was gone.

"Well, I gotta run," said Flash. "I haven't eating in nearly half an hour and I'm starving!" With that, he took off at breakneck speed through the exit tunnel.

"Much as I'd love to stay and talk, I've got things to do too," said Nightwing. "See you round, guys."

"I've got to go too," said Green Lantern as Nightwing disappeared into the elevator. Then he turned to Superman. "Let me know if you need any help with the cleanup," he said.

"Will do," said Superman.

Green Lantern smiled, then took off, heading out the tunnel the same way Flash had disappeared.

Superman looked at Batman. He had already turned back to the computer. "Thanks for everything," Superman said.

"You don't have to thank me," said Batman.

Superman opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again. It didn't need saying. He smiled and flew through the cave after Green Lantern.

He emerged in downtown Gotham and headed straight for Metropolis. He could hear the sounds of people sitting down to dinner. The laughing, the happiness. Almost in defiance of the tragedy of last week.

He rose high into the air and listened to the sound of the world below. It was peaceful. But there would always be pain. He could hear a child screaming in hunger. A man wailing over his dead child. The groans of a mugging victim left for dead in an alleyway.

There was pain everywhere and there always would be.

And for some reason it made him want to laugh.