A/N: Here it is. The last chapter... God, this is somewhat terrifying. I mean, I've been working on this for almost ten months. But it was worth and thank you to everyone who's ever followed, favorited, or reviewed. You guys make me so happy! :D (Special thanks to My Purple Skies, Starcrier, and, most of all, jaguarspot, for reading through and helping me become a better writer.) As for the sequel, I will try and have the first chapter out ASAP but the Nolan Batman films are insanely complex and trying to dissect them is a lot of work. Also, I have a few other stories that I'd like to get started on before the summer's over. But anyways, please review and above all enjoy!

The Dark Knight Rises

"I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss. I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous, and happy. I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known," Commissioner Jim Gordon quoted from A Tale of Two Cities. Only the five people who really knew the true Bruce Wayne were there at the funeral: Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, Jim Gordon, John Blake, and Jenna Dawes. And while the funeral wasn't the grand, public occasion that would be expected of the "Prince of Gotham," it was far more heartfelt and personal, which was what everyone who really knew him knew he deserved. Lucius patted Alfred on the shoulder and he, Gordon, and Blake left Alfred and Jenna at the grave sight.

"I'm so sorry. I failed you. You trusted me, and I failed you," Alfred sobbed to the graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne that stood side by side, right next to the grave of their only son.

"We both did Alfred," Jenna whispered hoarsely. She hadn't talked much the past few days and the little noise she'd made had mostly been sobs. "Can I say a few things Alfred? Alone?" Alfred nodded and walked away, still sobbing a little. Jenna carefully sat on the ground in front of the three graves, her long black dress pooling around her. Jenna sat there for a little while, lamenting before she began.

"Hey Bruce. What's it like in heaven? I hope it's that's what you deserve. Are Mom and Rachel there? If they are, could you say hi from me? I really miss them." Jenna sighed. "They're making a statue to honor the Batman. Can you believe it? They spend eight years cursing your name and the next thing we know, they think you're the greatest hero of all. But you always were, they just didn't realize until too late." At this tears began to rise in her eyes and she started to sob again. "Oh god, why did you have to be so damn noble? Why couldn't you have done something selfish for once in your life, you stupid, selfless son of a bitch! Just once… But no, you couldn't. And I guess that's why I love you so much… and why it hurts so much." She started to get up. "I was serious when I said I was never going to forgive you, you know. And I still am." With that, she turned her back on her father's grave and left.

That night, the 'most important people' in Gotham gathered in what remained of City Hall to honor the Batman. The new Mayor, an old man with a cane called Quincy Sharp who'd been the former warden of Blackgate Penitentiary, was giving a speech, saying how the Batman was a hero, and a role model to all and how the people of Gotham should never forget his sacrifice, but truthfully Jenna wasn't listening. The Batman was the pariah, as well as the messiah of Gotham, and he was never meant to be idolized or glorified. Because he wasn't a hero, he didn't do this for fame or money or anything other than to help people. Mayor Sharp finished his speech and walked over to the deep blue cloth that covered a towering figure. He pulled down the cloth to reveal the caped and cowed vigilante who had given his life and soul to save the people of Gotham, forever in bronze. Everyone but Gordon and Jenna clapped as they looked over the masterpiece dedicated to a man that none of them really knew. Jenna took a soft breath before she stood, a bouquet of black roses in hand. The people gathered slowly stopped clapping as they saw her approach the statue and lay down the bouquet on the pedestal at the feet of the Dark Knight. The young woman clad in black then looked up into the bronze face of the man who had saved the city, and whispered, "Goodbye old friend." Gordon then made his way over to her side and the two began to make their way out. However, they found their way block by dozens of reporters and cameras.

"Commissioner Gordon, Miss Dawes, can we have a word?" Vicki Vale asked, pushing her microphone into Gordon and Jenna's faces. Gordon moved to tell them to stop but Jenna just said, "It's fine Jim, I have to face them eventually." He frowned but nodded and let them approach, leading off some cameras to talk to them separately.

"Miss Dawes, what do think of the Batman's sacrifice?" Jack Ryder interrogated.

"I believe he was the true hero of Gotham City and has changed this city for the better. He will be missed, but his sacrifice will not be in vain," Jenna said, as loudly and strongly as she could, trying to keeper voice from cracking.

"You knew he was innocent the whole time?" Vicki Vale inquired.

"Yes, and framing him for Harvey Dent's horrible crimes was one of the most difficult and heart breaking things I've ever done," Jenna replied.

"Were you ever involved with the Bat?" Jack Ryder asked.

"I helped him on occasion, but other than that no."

"Are you in love with him?" Vicki Vale questioned. Jenna looked down and sighed before she responded.

"He was my father figure, my hero, and was always there for me when I needed him. But no, I never looked at him in a romantic perspective."

"What about the rumors of you taking his example and becoming the vigilante known as 'The Batgirl'?" Jack Ryder inquired. At this Jenna smiled sadly, as though remembering a memory long past.

"In another life, maybe I would've been the Batgirl," Jenna lamented. She shook her head. "But not this one. That position has been filled by someone far more… capable than myself." At this Jenna looked to the sky and nodded at something… or was it someone?

"LOOK THERE SHE IS! IT'S THE BATGIRL!" The cameras turned wildly to see, standing high up on a gargoyle atop the old broken clock tower, the Batgirl in all her dark glory.

"I hope that answers all your questions," Jenna said before she walked off to get a cab. The cab, however, only dropped her off behind the clock tower and taking a set of keys from her bag, Jenna opened the door and began to make her way up to the top of the tower. Climbing up a very old and probably very dangerous wooden ladder, she entered the clock to find the Batgirl there waiting for her. They looked at each other for a moment before they both broke out into smiles, ran to each other, and embraced.

"Thank you so much Babs,"Jenna murmured into her surrogate little sister's hair.

"Anything for you, big sis," Barbara Gordon replied, grinning madly behind the graphite cowl.

Jenna knocked tentatively on the door of the DA's office the next day. "Come in," a woman's voice said. Jenna opened the door to reveal her boss, District Attorney Marion Grange, working diligently at her desk. Grange barely glanced up from her paper work but stopped entirely when she realized who it was. "Miss Dawes."

"I'm here to turn in my resignation," Jenna said, handing the attorney an envelope. "I'm so sorry for the problems I've caused the DA's office, it was never my intention to do so, but I will gladly accept the consequences." Marion Grange looked at the envelope and shook her head.

"I can't do that Miss Dawes," she stated, and continued when Jenna gave her a confused look. "You see, ninety percent of the DA's office that survived occupation has threatened to resign if you do, and considering the Dent Act is being repealed, all the criminals that have been arrested, and all the ones that are still at large… we're going to need everyone we can get," the older woman explained. Jenna blinked, trying to make sure she was hearing correctly.

"So I'm… not fired?" she inquired. Marion smiled.

"No. Now go home, you look dead on you feet and I have a feeling you haven't had a decants night's sleep in quite a few months," Marion turning back to the papers on her desk. "But I expect you to be in the office bright and early on Monday. Understood?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am," Jenna replied, nodding and smiling ever so slightly. She turned to leave but stopped and turned back when she got to the door. "And thank you, Ms. Grange… for everything." Marion nodded at Jenna, who walked out the door and down the hall. SHe only made it halfway to the exit when Jenna collapsed against the wall, hand over her mouth, and started laughing silently with hope. It was time she made a phone call.

"JENNIFER RACHEL DAWES YOU ARE A COMPLETE AND UTTER BITCH YOU KNOW THAT?" Danny Jackson's voice screamed from the phone Jenna was holding. "FIVE MONTHS I KEPT THE NEWS ON, HOPING, BEGGING, AND PRAYING THAT YOU WERE ALIVE AND YOU KNOW WHAT I GET? THE ONLY WORD I EVER HEAR IS YOU GETTING SHOT FOR TRYING TO SPEAK UP AGAINST BANE! DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT HOW TERRIFIED I WAS? NO, ACTUALLY, I WASN'T TERRIFIED, I WAS PETRIFIED THAT I WAS GOING TO LOSE MY OLDEST FRIEND!" Jenna Dawes just stood there, listening to her friend's tirade, not having the energy, will, or strength to respond. Danny continued to shout for five minutes until she suddenly stopped. "Ok what's wrong?"

"What?" Jenna rasped.

"I've been shouting at you for five whole minutes and you haven't said a word. What happened? You're only quiet when you're grieving, thinking, or have duct tape over your mouth." Jenna took a shuddering breath before she explained.

"Bruce is dead Danny. He died the day the bomb went off. The same day as the Batman."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Jenna," Danny apologized.

"It's just… I feel… so lost and alone right now. I just wanted to hear a familiar voice. Remind myself that not everyone's gone."

"I'm sorry Jenna. Is there anything that I can do?"

"Maybe you could come down to visit sometime? Not right now, housing and hotels are insane at the moment but maybe in a few months, when things are a little more stable? I'd like to meet your girlfriend in person."

"I think we can arrange that," Danny agreed.

"I guess I'll be seeing you."

"I guess so. Talk to you later Jenna."

"Talk to you later Danny."

"Mr. Wayne's will was not amended to reflect his more modest estate. Nonetheless, there are considerable assets to dispose of," the lawyer explained to those gathered. "The contents of the house are to be sold to settle the estate's accounts and the remainder is left in its entirety to Alfred J. Pennyworth, with seven percent set aside for Jennifer R. Dawes. The house and grounds are left to the people of Gotham City on the condition that they may never be demolished, altered, or otherwise interfered with and that they shall be used for one purpose and one purpose only: the housing and care of the city's at-risk and orphaned children. My clerk can help with the smaller correspondences and instructions." Jenna stood from the table and made her way over to the desk in the next room. At the desk, she collected an envelope with her name that apparently contained the inheritance Bruce had left her. After thanking the woman behind the desk, she turned to leave only to find John Blake walking into the room. They walked up to each other, uncertain as to what they should say.

"I'm sorry for you loss, Miss Dawes," John managed.

"Thank you, Mr. Blake," Jenna nodded.

"I hope to work with you again sometime," John said, outstretching his hand.

"I have a feeling we will," Jenna responded as she took it and shook it. With that she turned and left.

When Jenna got home that day after volunteering and helping rebuild Gotham, the first thing she did was open the envelope Bruce had left to her. There were many things inside it, the largest being a letter. Jenna opened it and began to read, almost dropping it when she did.

Dear Jenna,

I know you are probably still angry with me and you have every right to be, but I hope that you'll learn to forgive me… one day. I know leaving you was cruel and I'm sorry I didn't say a proper goodbye, but I need you to understand that Alfred was right. There are too many painful memories in Gotham for me to remain here and live a happy life. I'm starting somewhere new and I hope that we may see each other again. But know this; you are my daughter, Jennifer Dawes, and I can't think of anyone better than you to watch over Gotham and guide the newest vigilantes in the protection of the city.

Your Loving Father,

Bruce Wayne/Batman

"I'm still never forgiving you!" she shouted at nothing in particular but that didn't stop her from breaking out in an ear-to-ear grin and shouting "YES! Yes, yes, yes, yes!"

Grinning like the Joker, Jenna took the other three things out of the envelope: another, smaller piece of paper, a set of keys, and another smaller envelope. Picking up the smaller piece of paper, Jenna looked at the writing on top, which said: This is the Tale of Gotham's Reckoning and the Woman who almost broke the Bat. Jenna shook her head and left that one for later. Jenna opened the smaller envelope to find her charm bracelet. Smiling to herself, she turned the envelope to find two little words written on the front: For luck.

Shaking her head, Jenna looked outside at the sky to find a familiar form shinning bright. The Batsignal glowed in the skies of Gotham once again and Jenna couldn't help but feel a little sense of hope at the sight of his symbol. With that, the keys drew her eyes, and Jenna tentatively picked them up she knew full well what they opened and wasn't sure she was ready for it. But thinking of Bruce's final written words to her, Jenna decided that she was.

Jenna wandered through the halls of Wayne Manor, a home that had sheltered generations of Waynes and now would shelter generations of Gotham's orphans and at risk children, up to the study. Plunking some skin crawling chords on the horribly out of tune piano, a hidden door in the bookcase opened. Jenna then made her way into an elevator and put her key in the slot, unlocking the lift. WHen the lift stopped Jenna found herself once again inside the Batcave. However, she wasn't alone.

"You know there are easier ways to get in here," Jenna called and John Blake turned to see her standing there.

"I figured there were other ways in but I didn't know where to find them. This was the way he showed me," Blake explained.

"Well he always was the one to take the more difficult path," Jenna commented. There was a pause. "I heard you quit the force," Jenna added.

"Yeah. But Mr. Fox was very kind to offer me a position as his personal assistant. Helping him out with running the company… and maybe a little bit in Applied Sciences," Blake smiled. Jenna nodded.

"Well I'm sure it'll be a great job," she assured him. She looked around the place. "So, he, uh, left you this place?" Jenna asked.

"Yep," Blake confirmed. Jenna nodded and bit her lip.

"Well, that's a little odd because he left this place to me too," she explained, holding up her set of keys. John's eyes widened a bit at that.

"Oh…"

"Yeah…" The duo stood in silence for a while before Jenna broke it by saying, "I guess that means we're going to have to work together."

"I guess so," Blake agreed.

"Alright then." Another brief pause before Jenna stated, "Well, if we're going to be working together, I want to set up a few rules."

"Who put you in charge? Besides, he left the cave to me," John argued.

"He left the cave to both of us, and truthfully, you need me more than I need you. At least right now."

"I think I could manage on my own, thanks," John shot back, smiling smugly

"Oh please you won't make it through one night without me," Jenna grinned.

"What makes you think that?" he asked.

"Do you even know the password to the computer?" The cocky grin slipped off the former detective's face. "Or how to drive the Batpod?" John rubbed the back of his head as though he'd just been hit around the head with something, before he looked around the cave.

"Um… I'm sure I could figure it–"

"Or how to become darkness and shadows?" Jenna said, appearing suddenly right next to him. John jumped back in surprise.

"Woah!" Jenna smiled. "You enjoy doing that very much, don't you?"

"Yes I do. Now for the rules. Rule one: don't tell anyone your identity." John nodded at that. "Rule two: don't let anyone into the Batcave without telling me. I will kick your ass." John looked as though he was about argue but was cut off by a look from Jenna that clearly said, Don't cross me. He nodded. "Rule three, and this may be the most important one: be careful and don't forget to have a life outside of the cave. The last thing I wanna see is someone else being consumed by this." John nodded again.

"Sounds reasonable," he admitted.

"Do we have a deal?" Jenna inquired, holding out her hand. He smiled slightly before he took her hand and shook it. "Yes ma'am." Their grips on each others' hands lasted a little longer than normal, before they released. The duo turned away from each other and stared somewhat awkwardly at the waterfall in front of them. Suddenly, Jenna did perhaps one of the most impulsive things of her life and kissed John Blake on the cheek, before turning away again, blushing bright red. John and Jenna both stood there, stunned at what had just happened. They turned back to each other, before they jumped on each other and locked lips. They had no idea how long they stood there but it felt as though the world could be ending right around them and they wouldn't care. They broke apart, arms wrapped around each other, and they smiled.

"Would you like to go out for coffee?" Jenna questioned.

"I thought you didn't like coffee," Blake pointed out. Jenna shrugged.

"People change." John smiled.

"I could do with a coffee." They smiled at each other, walked toward the lift, and got in, hand in hand. The lift closed and they smiled at each other. God knew what was in store for them, but they would face it when it came… and together.