A/N: 10/29/2021

Hey, all! Back again! It's looking more and more "So Far Away" won't be out until next year. Sorry about that. I hope these stories can hold you over until then.

SYNOPSIS: Ember's progress has left Bruce impressed, earning her more trust. Moreover, Bruce has acquired information about Ember's family. And Ember decides she wants to venture back to her past and wants Koutetsu to come along. Post-"Iridescent."

How the Fire Burns

Not every emergency in Gotham was a crime. Sometimes, there was a malfunction of a truck, causing a potentially deadly pileup on the freeway.

But that didn't make it any less of a crisis.

A fuel semitruck's circuitry shorted out on the freeway, causing the truck to malfunction, slide to across the highway, and crashing into the concrete wall. The crash triggered an immediate 20-car pileup, stopping traffic on the entire freeway.

As the Gotham heroes headed for the scene, Ember arrived before her team. She rushed for the truck first, getting driver out of it and moving him away from the truck. Ember headed back for the cars and, while most of the citizens were already leaving their cars, she saw a man and woman trying to open the back door to their car.

Inside was a little girl.

Ember rushed over, "Look out! Look out!"

The man looked up, panicking, "My daughter!"

"Watch out!" Ember grabbed the door handle and, with all her strength, ripped it off, tossing the door aside. The little girl jumped out into her parents' arms.

Ember saw the fire growing, heading dangerously close to the tanker. "WE GOTTA MOVE!" Ember shouted, hurrying the family along.

Ember looked back and saw they may not clear the road in time. She looked at the family, "GO! GO! GET OUTTA HERE!" She looked at the crowd, "EVERYONE! GET OUTTA HERE! GO!"

The family ran away as fast as they could, as did the rest of the crowd with some picking up the driver, and Ember ran back toward the fire.

Ember stared at the flames and steadied her breathing, "Okay, okay!" She then whispered to herself, "Okay, Shell. Just like they told you. Just like you practiced! This is the real deal! C'mon, bitch! C'mon! Focus! You can do this! You can do this! SO DO IT!"

The fire's heat hit its peak and the tanker exploded.

Immediately, Ember threw her hands in front of her.

And began to absorb the flames into her body.

Ember strained to keep absorbing the flames, the force of the explosion alone almost knocked her off her feet. But she didn't stop. She refused to fall. She kept her stance braced, absorbing the flames and heat. The strain was beginning to get to her, but she kept her stance, screaming out as she kept absorbing the fire.

Batman arrived on the scene in the Batmobile seconds later. As Batman witnessed Ember's feat, he stared in wonder, "Whoa!" He quickly moved the Batmobile over the fire and dropped extinguisher capsules on the fire, smothering the remaining flames.

With the fire out, Ember dropped her arms in exhaustion, doubling over and grabbing her knees. She took a few hard breathes, doing her best to breathe regularly. "Damn." She managed to straighten up and heard clapping and yelling.

Ember turned around to see the spectators, and near victims, cheering for her.

Batman smiled at Ember then called over the comms, "Tell me you saw that!"

"I did," Bruce replied.

"Nice try. I heard the implied 'impressive'."

"Hurry up and help the wounded. The rescue crews are almost there."

Batman held his smile as he got to work.

Minutes later, after they got most of the vehicles cleared and while the medical teams were checking everyone out, Batman patted Ember on the shoulder. "Great work," Batman nodded.

"Thanks," Ember nodded. "I… I just thought… I'd better try, ya know?"

"I know. You did good, Ember. You did real good."

Ember smiled beneath her mask. "Thanks, Batman."

Later that night, Terry, Basem, and Hayate were back in the Cave with Bruce, watching various footage of Ember's rescue feat. Michelle went back to hers and Hayate's loft, exhausted from her efforts on the freeway.

"That was so damn cool!" Terry cheered. "You guys should've seen it live!"

"She's come so far," Hayate smiled. "I'm very proud of her."

"We all are." Terry looked at Bruce, smiling and with a raised eyebrow. "Right?"

Bruce glared at Terry and exhaled. "Right."

"Touchdown!" Basem shouted. He blinked then looked at Terry, "Did I say that right?"

"Perfect," Terry nodded.

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Since we're on the subject of Michelle, I discovered something, very interesting and a bit surprising."

"Bruce, we know all the crimes she's committed," Basem groaned. "It's in the past. Tonight, absolutely, proved that."

"It's not that." Bruce typed and the information appeared on the screen.

Terry blinked. "You found some of her family?"

"Yes. And, according to this… they've been looking for her."

Terry and Basem looked at each other, then they and Bruce looked at Hayate.

Hayate stared the screen. "I'll speak to her."

"When you do…" Bruce said, "bring her here."

Terry, Basem, and Hayate looked at Bruce in shock.

"You mean…" Hayate began.

"Yes," Bruce replied. "It's time."

Terry chuckled, "So, she's finally graduated!"

"She didn't quite make the Dean's List." Bruce smiled. "But close enough."

The following morning, Michelle awoke to the smell of breakfast. She smiled, got up, put on a robe, and went into the kitchen, finding Hayate cooking.

"Oh, yeah," Michelle smiled. "I could totally get used to this!"

Hayate smiled at her. He leaned his head to the side. "A robe?"

"I didn't know if we were alone or not." Michelle playfully tugged at the robe cord. "I could… take it off… if you want."

Hayate blushed a bit. "Best to leave it on for now. I'd rather not be distracted."

"Like anything could break that concentration of yours."

"You do a rather impressive job."

Michelle just smiled, finding it hard not to blush. She was determined to stop fighting that one day.

Hayate finished cooking and they ate breakfast, recounting Michelle's actions last night and their results.

"I impressed the boss?" Michelle blinked. "Wow! That's… really cool."

"You impressed all of us," Hayate smiled. "With that… with all of your efforts… comes a measure of trust you've long since earned."

Michelle's eyes widened. "I'm… I get to see the Cave?"

Hayate nodded.

"Whoa." She started steadied her breathing, "Okay, okay. That's huge."

"It is. But…"

"'But'?"

"Our boss found something out that we think you should know," he explained.

She jerked her head back. "Uhhhh, okay?"

"Some of your family? They've been looking for you. And no, not in the negative. They've wanted to make sure you're safe."

Michelle stopped. Her mind spinning to comprehend that. "What?"

"Your uncle and aunt," Hayate answered. "Mitchell and Isabela."

Michelle let out a stunted breath. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Uncle Mitch and… a-and Auntie Bella, they've… they've been looking for me?"

"Yes. For a long time."

Michelle took a moment, staring out of the window. Of what family she did have, Mitchell and Isabela were her favorites. She loved them with all her heart. But she thought they hated her. All this time and she had been wrong.

She had to make it right.

Michelle turned to Hayate. "I wanna see them."

"Of course," Hayate nodded. "We can go to the Cave and then…"

"No," she interrupted. "I… I wanna see them first."

Hayate blinked in surprise but nodded. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I… I-I-I need to see them, Hayate. They… they were the only good family I had. Them and my cousins. But… I thought… they didn't want anything to do with me. They're alive and they've been looking for me. Before my life… goes any further in this direction… I need to see them."

"I understand."

Michelle stared at him. "Will you… come with me?"

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes. Please. I… I'm usually so tough but… I'm a kid around them. And… if this goes bad… I need someone who'll remind me… who I've made the decision to become."

Hayate stared at Michelle, regarding her with sympathy but pride. He took hold of her hand. "It would be my honor."

She smiled.

Greens Fork, Indiana.

Hayate had traveled to a lot of small towns in his life, but he was convinced Greens Fork was the smallest town he had ever seen, even smaller than his hometown of Hida. But he could see it in Michelle's eyes: once upon a time, this town was her whole world. She even asked Hayate to drive slower, so she could take the town in.

"I left here with my mom when I was fourteen," Michelle whispered as Hayate drove through the town. "My mom ditched me at 17. I dropped out of high school… wandered a couple of years… then started getting into trouble. I changed. I had to. But here… God… it's like nothing changed!"

"Why did your mother leave and take you?" Hayate asked.

"She left because she was total bitch and slept with every single man and half the married ones in the county. It's a serious coin toss as to who the hell my dad is." She sighed. "And she took me… because she didn't want Uncle Mitch to raise me right. She hated him being right about anything. She hated her brother. And I had to suffer for it."

"I'm sorry, Michelle."

She shook her head, "It's not your fault."

"When did you get your powers?" he asked. "You weren't really on the radar of law enforcement until about 15 years ago."

"They first showed up right around when I was 15." Michelle lit a small clove of flame in her hand. "I hid it from my mom so she couldn't use it against me. Didn't really start using them until I was on my own. If I was gonna be bad, I was gonna do it myself. I tried to be… 'normal' at first. When that didn't work… I became even more of a bitch and total jackass."

Hayate looked at her then back at the road. "That's not who you are anymore."

"I'm still a bitch. I'm just more toned down with it now. But I'm talking about when I was at my worse. The thief and mercenary who took a job that got innocent people killed. Sometimes… I can't believe I was ever a part of that." She paused. "I hope they can forgive me."

"They will."

"Why are you so confident?"

"Because I know you. The 'you' you are now. You're not Blaze. You're not the thief, not the mercenary. You're not that person anymore. You've worked for a long time to correct those wrongs. And because…" Hayate stopped in front of the house, putting the car in park. "…they loved you then. And they never stopped. Because they kept searching for you."

Michelle looked at house and felt her throat tighten. "Holy… it's exactly the same. Even the fence is still kinda messed up." She looked at Hayate. "What if they… hate me?"

"Then you'll know. But trust me… it's the not knowing that will be far more unnerving later."

Michelle nodded and took a few breaths. "Okay. Okay." She looked at the door then at Hayate again. "Please, come with me."

Hayate turned off the engine and got out. He went to Michelle's door and opened it for her. She smiled at him and, anxiously and nervously, looked at the house. They walked up the cement path and stopped at the door.

Michelle raised her hand to ring the doorbell. But stopped. She looked at Hayate.

He smiled and nodded.

Michelle took a deep breath. She looked back at the door and rung the bell twice. A few minutes later, an older woman of Latina descent opened the door.

The woman stopped, her eyes growing wide. "Shelly?"

Michelle gasped. She giggled and felt tears forming, "Hey, Auntie Bella. Sorry if I'm late for dinner."

Isabela, immediately, grabbed and hugged Michelle with all the strength she had.

"Oh, my God…" Isabela whispered.

Michelle hugged Isabela back, trying to keep from crying. Hayate smiled at the scene.

"Bella?" a voice came from inside.

Everyone looked up.

An older, full-bearded man hobbled into the hallway, "Who's at the…" His eyes went wide.

Michelle laughed. "Hey, Uncle Mitch! Long time no see!"

Mitchell hurried to the door and hugged Michelle. "Lil' Shelly!" Mitchell cried.

Michelle hugged him back, burying her face in his shoulder. "Uncle Mitch!"

Isabela put her hands together in praying position, thanking God for allowing them to see Michelle again.

Mitchell released the hug, separating himself from Michelle, "Let me get a look at ya!" He looked her up and down. "Did some growin', did ya?"

Michelle giggled a bit, prompting Hayate to smile a bit wider. He wasn't sure she'd ever giggled like that before.

"A little bit," Michelle said to Mitchell.

Mitchell smiled and he and Isabela looked at Hayate "And who is this young man?" Mitchell asked.

"Hayate Kisaragi, Mr. Prince," Hayate bowed and rose up. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Mitchell offered his hand to Hayate, who took it, and they shook, "Pleasure's all mine, son. Pleasure's all mine." They released the handshake.

Hayate looked at Isabela. "Mrs. Prince. A true honor."

"It's very nice to meet you, too," Isabela smiled. She looked at Michelle with a raised an eyebrow.

Michelle cleared her throat. "Uhhh… yeah… Hayate's my… coworker. And… a small bit of my boyfriend."

"Wow," Mitchell said. "If you're gonna insult the poor boy, you can at least wait until he can't hear it."

"What?! I panicked!" Michelle rubbed her arm, "I've never brought a guy to meet you before." She thought for a moment. "I've never dated a guy I'd want to!"

Mitchell had a smirk come across his face. "So, Mr. Kisaragi is special, then?"

Michelle smiled warmly and looked at Hayate. "Yeah. He is."

Hayate smiled back at her.

Michelle looked back at Isabela and Mitchell. "Hayate's my boyfriend. Why he puts up with me, I have no idea. But… I'm just really grateful he does."

Isabela grinned, fondly, at them. "We, uh, were just about to have dinner. Please, come in."

Michelle inhaled, deeply, catching the scent of the food being cooked. "Oh, woooooow. Are those your famous enchiladas?"

"I don't know about famous. But yes."

Michelle looked at Hayate. "You are so in for a treat!"

They went inside and sat down to eat dinner. As they ate, Hayate noticed how at home Michelle seemed with Mitchell and Isabela. She was smiling, happy, and relaxed. He was thrilled to see her like this.

"How are Julian and Maria?" Michelle asked, as they finished eating.

"Both married," Isabela answered. "Julian and his wife live in Chicago, and Maria and her husband moved to Mexico City. They're both doing well, got kids of their own."

"Nieces and nephews?!"

"Julian has two girls, and Maria, two boys and two girls."

Michelle blinked. "What? Did she lose a bet?"

Isabela laughed. "Her middle two girls were twins. And you know she always wanted to have kids."

"Yeah. She did." Michelle smiled, happily. "That's awesome. I'm happy for them. I miss them."

"They're going to be thrilled we found you! I can't wait to tell them!"

"I'll have to vid-call 'em sometime. Catch up."

Isabela smiled. "They'd love that."

"Well!" Mitchell said, moving his empty plate away. He interlocked his fingers. "While I'm glad you're here, Shelly, and I'm lovin' this catchin' up… there are… a few things I really need to ask you."

Michelle took a deep breath and exhaled. "I… figured there would be."

"Are we doin' this pretty?"

"No, sir."

"Alright. Hard part first. Where's your mama?"

Michelle just stared at Mitchell.

"Yeah, I was afraid that was your answer," Mitchell said, regrettably. He shook his head and steadied his breathing, trying to get ahold of his anger.

"When did you see her last, mija?" Isabela asked.

"When I left one morning for school, my senior year," Michelle answered. "We were living with this dude. Can't even remember his name. They were asleep when I left. I came back… and they were gone. And so was their stuff. And mine."

"Oh, Jesus…" Mitchell rubbed his face.

"I never even went back to school. I just got a job wherever I could. I was living on the streets for a while. Then… I started doing some… not-so-good stuff to survive." Michelle shook her head. "I haven't seen or talked to her since." She sniffed.

Hayate took hold of her hand.

Mitchell lowered his hands and exhaled. "Why didn't you come back here? Why not just… come home?"

"Because…" Michelle moved her hand from Hayate's. "I thought I'd… be too much to deal with. For more than one reason."

"What do you mean?" Isabela asked.

Michelle lifted her hand up and summoned fire to surround it.

Mitchell's and Isabela's eyes widened at the feat.

Michelle extinguished the flame. "Mom didn't know. I hid it from her." She scoffed. "She didn't even know I was a metahuman. She can't even use that as an excuse for why she ditched me."

Isabela blinked. "That… couldn't have been easy to keep secret."

"Nope. I mean, no, ma'am."

Mitchell shrugged, "Must make barbecuing easier."

Michelle and Hayate laughed, softly.

"But that didn't answer my question."

"Sir?" Michelle asked.

"Why didn't you come home?" Mitchell asked.

"Are you serious?"

"I asked, didn't I?"

Michelle struggled to find the right words, "I… wanted to. I… but… I just… I…" she stopped and groaned. "C'mon, Uncle Mitch! With how Mom acted when she snatched me outta here! What she did, what she said! I've done some messed up stuff, but even I'd never use half the words she said to Auntie Bella! Then, I find out I'm a metahuman and I thought… I thought… you'd think I was… a freak."

"Michelle Belladonna Prince!" Mitchell said, urgently.

Michelle jerked her head back.

"You think I've never seen some weird stuff around? Superman has been a thing since I was a boy! Metahumans are a part of life! And you bein' one don't make no nevermind to me! I don't care if you grow an extra head!" Mitchell laughed. "You are always welcome here."

"And you know I married your uncle, mija," Isabela joked. "Strange has been a part of my life even before I said 'I do'."

Michelle laughed. But stopped as her smile fell away. "It… wasn't just that. I… changed after Mom left me. I hardened. Became… a different person. In some ways, I was proud of being tougher. But… in a ton of ways… I didn't like who I turned into. No matter how much I tried to hide it. I just… did what I had to so I could survive. Then… it wasn't about survival. It was who I was. It wasn't a good person. I couldn't… I didn't feel like I deserved to come back."

"This is your home, mija," Isabela insisted. "Us and your mother… we didn't get along. But that wasn't your fault, you didn't cause it." She patted Michelle's hand and exhaled. "I'm sorry you were caught up in that."

"It wasn't your fault, Auntie. It never was. It took me a long time to figure that out. I guess… somewhere in my stupid brain… I blamed you guys for not stopping Mom from taking me. My way of trying to cope, I guess."

"You should blame me," Mitchell said, regrettably. "I should've told Margaret to kiss my ass when she said she was leaving with you. I should've slugged her across the face. God knows it wouldn't have been the first time."

"She always tried to paint you as this awful person," Michelle said. "I never believed it."

"Hey, I ain't no saint. But I never gave her nothing she didn't beg for ahead o' time."

"I believe it."

Mitchell leaned back. "I always told Margaret… she can live how she wanna live. But if she ever hurt you… I'd never forgive that. It's why she ran off with you. She wanted to do what she wanted, whether you got hurt or not." He set his jaw, "And if I saw her now, I'd…"

"Hey, don't be like that, Uncle Mitch." Michelle thought about Hayate, Basem, and Terry. "My friends… my best friends I have now, taught me… it's harder to be the bigger person… but always worth it." She looked at Hayate, "It really does have its rewards."

Isabela smiled. "This young man has made quite an impression on you, Shelly."

"You could say that, Auntie."

"What do you do, Mr. Kisaragi?"

"Please, 'Hayate' is fine," Hayate answered.

"And, honestly," Michelle spoke up, "we… can't really say."

Hayate looked at Michelle, a bit taken aback. They had a story ready to go in preparation for the question. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Michelle looked Mitchell and Isabela. "I never want to lie to you guys. But… I also don't wanna give too many details, either. I'll just say… it's dangerous… but it's worth it."

Mitchell and Isabela looked at each other, concernedly, then back at Michelle. "Is it something you want to do?" Isabela asked.

"Yes. For sure. Auntie… I spent a longtime stuck in the angry, rebellious stage. Now… I can do something with my powers that… that matters. It makes a difference. For the first time… I'm proud of my life. And I've… been surrounded by some of the greatest people I've met since I left Greens Fork."

Mitchell smiled. "Wow. You seem like you're proud of yourself."

"I am."

"Well!" Isabela smiled as she rubbed Michelle's hands. "Whatever you're doing now, I'm just glad you're safe. I mean… you are here. With Hayate, here. And if you have trustworthy people around you… that's all I can ask for."

"I can trust them with my life," Michelle replied.

"I hope I can meet them all someday."

"I hope you can, too."

"Perhaps we can arrange a group trip," Hayate said.

"Oh, that would be hilarious!" Michelle smiled.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, Michelle," Mitchell said. "But look at you! You turned out amazing!"

Michelle stared at Mitchell. "You… really think I turned out alright?"

"You came home. You're healthy. You… met a nice boy. You got people you can count on. You're smiling, you're alive, you're healthy, you're in one piece. I'll take it." Mitchell's smile slowly fell away. "Because… I thought… you'd…"

"What is it, Uncle Mitch? What's wrong?"

"Shelly. You had every right to hate us and never come back."

"Hate…" Michelle gasped. "Hate you? I blamed you… but I never hated you. I love you both. I missed you." She stopped. "I… I hated me! I didn't come back as soon as I could and I… I thought you'd think I was a freak. I've committed crimes and…"

"And, like I said…" Mitchell smiled, "…you turned out alright."

Michelle nodded. "Did some jobs. Cleaned up my record. And… I really do like what I'm doing now. I'm proud of it."

"And you can be very proud of her, Mr. and Mrs. Prince," Hayate declared. "She's one of the bravest people I've ever met."

Michelle blushed and looked down, smiling all the while.

Mitchell laughed. "Ohh, yeah. You got it bad!"

"Not in front of him, Uncle Mitch!" Michelle gritted. "See! This is why I never let you meet a boyfriend before!"

"And how many have you had worthy of meeting me before Mr. Kisaragi, here?"

"Okay, look! That valid question is not the point!"

The whole table had a laugh at that.

After dinner, Michelle and Hayate walked around Greens Fork. As they walked hand-in-hand around town, Michelle pointed out every place she was at as a kid. Hayate smiled to see Michelle in this state. He could feel it; she was happy and the last bit of her shackles were finally being destroyed.

They traversed a bit more, soon heading back toward Mitchell and Isabela's house, when Michelle stopped and Hayate looked at her.

She stared at him, lovingly. "C'mere," she whispered.

He moved closer to her and she placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I've…" Michelle began, "…never… felt like this… with anyone in my life. I'm sorry if I scare you off… but I am so close to falling in love with you."

"I don't scare so easily, Michelle," Hayate declared. "I could easily feel myself falling in love with you. When we're ready."

"That's fair." She stared into his eyes. "Are you ready?"

He gazed at her. "Yes. I have been for a while. Are you?"

Michelle nodded, "Yeah. Yeah, I am."

They kissed again. After the kiss, they stared at each other and Michelle giggled. "Oh, Terry and Basem are never gonna let us live this down!" Michelle groaned.

"Never," Hayate agreed. "It seems to be a recurring theme among us all. Falling in love when we least expect it."

"Worse things could happen. Trust me, I'm good with it." She stared at him. "Can we go home in the morning? I just… want a little more time here."

"I understand. And absolutely."

Two Days Later.

After getting back from Indiana, Michelle took another day to gather herself before going to the Cave. With a little time left before they would start patrol, her and Hayate made the drive to Wayne Manor. Once they drove up to the house, Michelle stared at it in awe.

"Whoa," Michelle whispered. "Spooky house. Sure we're not missing a group of meddling kids and a mangy dog?"

Hayate laughed.

"Sorry. Most of my childhood was me and Uncle Mitch watching cartoons." Michelle smiled. "Some of the best times of my life."

"He seems like a lot of fun."

"You have no idea! But I hope you can find out one day."

They exited the car and went inside the house. Michelle just took in the size of Manor, taking a special note of the room with the painting of Thomas and Martha. They continued on to the study where Terry and Basem were waiting, both with smiles on their faces.

"You ready?" Terry asked.

Michelle nodded. "Let's do this."

"Awesome. Hayate, I'd be sad if you didn't open the door."

Smiling, Hayate walked over and opened the hidden door behind the clock.

"Okay, that's pretty cool," Michelle admitted.

They all descended down the stairs, entering the Cave. Slowly, the lights in the Cave all came on.

Michelle froze in place on the stairs, taking in everything she was seeing. "Wow." She looked and saw the computer. She focused on the chair, though she couldn't quite see Bruce's face yet. "That's the boss?"

"Yep," Terry answered.

"Okay." Michelle steadied herself. Then saw Ace. She gasped, excitedly, then squealed, "Oh, my God, it's a puppy!"

Basem and Hayate laughed, immediately.

"You like dogs?" Terry asked.

"I LOVE dogs!" Michelle declared.

"Well, he's a terror!"

"Oh, I bet he's a cuddle buddy! C'mere! C'mere!" Ace walked over and Michelle knelt down and petted him, "See! He's such a good boy!" She scratched behind Ace's ears, "Aren't you, boy?! Yes, you are!"

Ace barked in approval.

"He's never liked anyone that fast!" Terry groaned.

"Correction," Basem said. "He's never liked you. Period."

"Anyway! Michelle, Ace. Ace, Michelle."

"Hello, Ace!" Michelle rubbed his head. "Oh, this was a good idea because I got to meet you!"

Ace barked again.

Michelle laughed then looked at computer chair again. She cleared her throat and stood up straight. "Ummm. Sorry about that."

"It's fine," Bruce declared.

Michelle recognized the voice from the comms but now it sounded clearer. And more familiar. She got closer and the light gave her a clearer view of Bruce's face.

Michelle's mouth fell open. "Wayne?! Bruce Wayne?! Holy shit!" She quickly turned to Hayate, "Is that Bruce Wayne?!"

"Yes," Hayate confirmed.

"I've been working for Bruce Wayne?! I've been doing superhero stuff for Bruce Wayne?! I went from Amanda Waller to Bruce Wayne?! That has got to be the best lateral movement in employment of all time!"

Terry and Basem laughed.

They all walked closer to Bruce and he stood and nodded, "A pleasure to finally meet you in person, Michelle."

"You, too, boss," Michelle stuck her hand out and Bruce shook it. They released the handshake, "It's actually amazing how much makes sense knowing you're backing all this."

"It usually does."

"Wait a sec." Michelle turned and looked at the display cases. "Oh. My. God…" She turned back to Bruce. "You're… the original! Y-you're the first!"

Bruce nodded.

"I need to sit down. Or keep standing. I don't know. I don't wanna touch anything I shouldn't!"

Bruce laughed. "I have to admit… I misjudged you, Michelle."

"I'm used to that," Michelle shrugged. "And honestly? I don't blame you. I do plenty of misjudging myself. Plus, when you first ran into me, I was working for Tumulus after all."

"We've all been deceived before. I don't hold that against you. You've more than redeemed yourself since then."

Michelle smiled. "The first Batman just told me I redeemed myself." She wiped a tear from her eye, "I don't know how not get emotional at that. When did I get like this?"

"Sometime around you decided to become a superhero," Terry smiled.

"You're a strong person, Michelle," Bruce explained. "You made the choice to turn away from the path you were on and walk down one of self-sacrifice and justice. If only every criminal we fought were as smart and as brave as you."

"Not that brave, Mr. Wayne," Michelle replied. "I just didn't want Ter or B to hit me again."

Terry and Basem laughed.

"Still a wise choice," Bruce said. "The road ahead will still be hard, Michelle. In all honesty, it doesn't really get easier. There are moments of respite, as you well know… but never easier."

"I can't lie…" Michelle said, "that actually works for me."

"And while I'm usually against dating within the team… I trust Hayate's judgement."

"Same," Michelle smiled.

"And so far…" Bruce smiled. "…you haven't given me a reason not to trust yours."

"I'm trying."

"And that is all I needed to see. You keep trying, Michelle… and that'll always make you a hero."

Michelle nodded. "Thank you, sir. I'll… always try. I promise."

"And you can call me Bruce."

"Thanks. Bruce." Michelle took a deep breath and exhaled, getting rid of the last of her worry. "So… what happens now?"

"We go on our nightly patrol," Terry answered, patting Michelle's shoulder. "After you meet Bruce, it's all downhill from here!"

"That was the saddest…" Basem began, "…yet most accurate… statement you've ever made."

"I must disagree with Terry's assessment," Hayate replied. "I've had fun since I moved here."

"And you're going to tell me becoming friends with Max and marrying her was 'downhill'?" Bruce asked. He looked at Basem, "Or Sally?"

Terry and Basem looked at each other then at Bruce. "We will run through 100 training modules each to keep you from telling them," Terry said, desperately.

Bruce smiled.

"200!" Basem shouted.

"I have a better idea." Bruce looked at Michelle. "Michelle."

"Yes, sir!" Michelle said.

"You want to stay on my good side?"

"Was that a serious question?"

"Terry and Basem are going to spar against you," Bruce replied. "You get use your powers and they… get to be alive."

Michelle looked at Terry and Basem, "Sorry, guys. I mean, you're my best friends and all, but…"

"We get it," Basem groaned, regretfully. "We did this to ourselves."

"We don't get the suits, do we?" Terry asked.

"I could always call Max and Sally," Bruce replied.

"Don't hold back!" Basem said, beggingly, to Michelle.

"Please, hit us as hard as you can!" Terry pleaded, as well.

"This is the weirdest group of people I've ever been around." Michelle smiled. "Feels like I'm home."