Synopsis: "A Hero's Come Back" - "Harper Row takes a huge gamble by coming to Mary and asking for her help; leading the rest of Team Batwoman to learn of Kate's survival. With Gotham on the verge of anarchy, Team Batwoman races against the clock in order to find a way to awaken Kate from her comatose state and give the city back its one true hope."
Mary was rushing back to Harper Row's home. No thoughts were going through her head. Only a single goal. Seeing with her own eyes if Kate was truly okay. There was no time for self doubts about this being a lie or what kind of state she'd be in. She just needed to get there and that's what Mary did.
Inside the apartment was indeed Batwoman. Alive. Mary could see her faintly breathing. She almost fell to the ground upon seeing her sister was actually okay. Tears did start pouring like a waterfall until she became able to breathe and focus. Next was giving Harper a major hug. "Thank you thank you!" Mary exclaimed happily then got back to thinking like a doctor. "What's her status been like? And how did you find her? Has she been here for the last month? How did you manage to keep her alive all this time?" Mary asked rapidly and checked on Kate all over for anything visually wrong.
Harper Row took a moment to reply, processing all that and Mary's reaction as it was definitely stronger than expected to have happened. "Uhh. Well I had some medical knowledge. And she just seemed to be in a coma. Was sorta just hoping she'd wake up soon. Know it was a Crow who shot her. Which is not cool by the way!"
Mary laughed at that part for a moment, though still having a million emotions happening at once. At least it sure felt that way.
"Anyways, yeah. I figured the hospital wasn't a good bet. And from what I know you are pretty schway, so you know.
Mary looked confused putting up her hands for a pause. "What the hell does Schway mean?"
"Oh just a dumb word. Probably wouldn't catch on right? Anywho, I was scared until now to risk anyone seeing her. Uhh, question. Do you know her? Like I mean personally? Cause like I'm pretty freaking excited that Batwoman was alive too, but not anywhere near that!"
She turned around for a moment before turning back to Kate. "Uh, well. I'm an excitable person! Wait, so you didn't take the mask off at all? Seriously?"
"No! She's a real hero! I'd never want to disrespect her like that. Besides that mask might be good luck. Can see a bullet bounced off it. See?" Harper pointed to the headshot.
"Well I'll be damned. Her suit wasn't supposed to be able to take a Kryptonite bullet. Thank god we weren't right!" Mary said excitedly. "Though I think you're right, Batwoman needs a hospital now. Err my clinic. I know what she needs and have exactly what's required to help her out of this."
"Huge relief! Would've sucked, gone through all this and she ended up, well you know.' Harper Row said with a great sigh of relief to that news.
Mary gave a hug very tightly, almost enough to cut off breathing. Was as hard as she could physically do it. "Thank you, thank you, for saving Batwoman and keeping her alive. For protecting her at risk of yourself and her privacy too. Know she'd really appreciate that."
"You're welcome." Harper said with a head nod.
Mary immediately then called up Luke right away.
"Hey Mary." He yawned. "What's up?"
"Nothing major, just Batwoman is alive. You, Julia and Black Bat need to get your butts down here! We're bringing her back home!" Mary exclaimed proudly and trumpetly.
Batwoman
Casting
Ruby Rose is Batwoman
Vanessa Morgan is Ryan Wilder
Stephanie Beatriz is Renee Montoya
Ashley Burch is Harper Row
Luke wasted absolutely zero time in getting to Mary's location arriving at the same time. Moving so fast up stairs that they were almost out of breath, if not for being in shape.
Ryan Wilder however was still asleep, he felt it was best to hopefully leave her to have some sleep. As it seemed Ryan looked for any excuse to escape from having to rest.
And Julia, she just wasn't answering her phone. He thought about leaving a message, but decided telling in person would likely be the better option.
Upon reaching inside, he saw with his own eyes absolutely relieved. Kate Kane was indeed still alive.
"Oh thank god!" Luke exclaimed and hugged Mary, almost lifting her off the ground in excitement.
"Yeah! Remember I'm fragile though!" She reminded, he was stronger than he seemed at first glance. And Mary looked in his direction frequently so noticed this detail.
Luke awkwardly let go. "Right! Sorry."
"Oh well I mean you don't have to be sorry! Hugs are uh, nice. Like really nice, should do that more often!
Harper cleared her throat. "Hi. Hey, I'm Harper Row." She said to Luke.
And the two remembered why they were there. Which was slightly embarrassing.
"Okay, thanks Harper. Seriously we couldn't even be here for you I don't want to imagine what would've happened to Batwoman."
"You know, almost like you care about her like a sister. Which would be pretty hella cool if that was true." Harper Row remarked sarcastically. "Seriously, the secret is safe with me."
Mary looked relieved. "Thank you times a million for this."
"Well, now that she knows I can ask you a question Mary." He started to say, but looked concerned about asking. It wasn't going to be easy for a yes. "Maybe, just maybe we should bring her dad along too."
Mary put up her hands. "No! No way in hell! He literally shot her!"
"Jezz. I thought I had family issues." Harper Row muttered sitting down away from them.
They weren't really listening to her.
"Mary, if we want Batwoman err screw it Kate to be better he could be helpful! He didn't mean to shoot her. Mean obviously feels a ton of guilt. Maybe this is a chance to make up for his screw up. She needs all the family available to wake up. And you know, surely it'll help your dad's recovery too knowing that she's still alive."
With that logic, Mary stopped arguing and took a sigh. Had to agree. And now that was settled, they went to pick up Jacob Kane.
Didn't take long for them to move Kate, as fortunately she wasn't too heavy and Harper Row had a wheelchair laying around which she gave to them. It was still kinda awkward pushing away the comatose hero. Though it was important to get Jacob.
"Hey, dad?" Mary began saying coming in first not wanting to give him a heart attack next. "Okay, this might sound crazy but we have a really amazing, the best surprise ever actually! Just stay calm alright? You're still hurt and I'd rather you not die here. Not after who we found. She'd be angry with me."
Jacob was confused and slowly looked over. His eyes widened as he got emotional upon seeing Luke pushing in Kate. Alive. Truly alive. "Kate!" He exclaimed and had a couple tears come into his eyes. "I should have had faith, like Gabi showed me. Should've believed that she was still alive." He said softly to himself. Feeling some reassurance in his beliefs. Even though he didn't always believe so strongly anymore. This was a moment he did.
Seeing him cry was certainly not something Mary saw often. Which couldn't help making her a bit emotional all over again.
He composed himself. "I don't understand how is this possible?"
"Longish story. What's important right now is that we need to help wake up Kate!"
Jacob looked deadly serious. "I'll do anything. Whatever it takes to make her okay."
"Great. Well, we or I should say Luke, as I rather leave you here, thinks that taking her to our cave should help." Mary explained simply.
He looked confused. "What? You have an actual Batcave?"
"Yes we sorta kinda do. It's pretty cool honestly. And I would rather not bring you, but I'm doing this for Kate's benefit." Mary blatantly expressed. As she had no desire to hold back. Not even a little after everything.
"Okay. Whatever I can do to help. That's all that matters to me now. I'll do anything Mary." He said with sincere honesty. It was clear how much it meant to make up for the mistakes.
They left the clinic heading on their way to the Batcave, with Luke calling one more person to meet up with them upon reaching Bruce Wayne's former office. That being Sophie.
The four made it to their destination meeting Sophie who wasn't aware yet of why they wanted to meet. Though wasn't happy upon seeing Jacob.
"What is he doing here!?" Sophie asked angrily and puzzled by them bringing the man who had hurt her. Really bad with making her a fugitive and until now thought Jacob killed Kate. Before she continued to yell and defend herself, Sophie saw Kate. Switching tone completely. "Oh! Kate! She's alive!?" Sophie asked, absolutely shocked by this development.
Mary nodded excitedly. "Yes! Alive! And it's absolutely the best news ever. Least feeling like it right now. Anyways, we need to go to the cave."
"The Batcave? For real?" Sophie asked and shook her head just looking at Kate, focused on her most of all. "Will this help? I mean wouldn't being in a hospital setting be better for what? A coma?"
Hearing that got head shakes from Luke and Mary, with the former talking. "We think it will be better this way. Not to mention safer too."
"High chance of her waking up here of all places I'd bet!" Mary exclaimed in agreement with him.
Sophie shrugged, unable to really disagree and let them continue, as they all headed into the cave.
Both the newcomers were shocked upon entering the cave. It was unbelievable for them at first, mostly Sophie who cared more about Batwoman from the start. Seeing it was Kate, who was still alive and the place she operated out of as well. That was huge to take in. She was scanning the room while Mary and Luke got her comfortable.
Jacob was watching them carefully. "Do you have any way of waking her up besides having faith?"
His daughter glared over. "Well I was hoping talking to her and having her around her bats would help! Comatose states are extremely frustrating. Doctors can't really do anything besides keeping her healthy and comfortable. We just gotta wait. Speaking of which! I should get her fluids set up and everything else she needs."
"Do you need help?" Jacob offered, wanting so badly to be useful.
She shook her head. "Sit down, don't die and start talking to Kate." Mary replied back and walked off while speaking.
While they tried to wake Kate Kane and her father began talking, inside her head something was going.
Kate Kane was in her childhood home, confused and could hear something muffled. Was like voices. Only couldn't understand them clearly. Sounded like her family.
"Hey! What's happening!" Kate cried out, but heard nothing back. "Okay, this is freaky. Am I dreaming? What was happening before? Oh wait, the bridge. Gunshot." She started to realize something was very wrong. Like by a lot.
Kate went to the front door trying to open it, noticing the outside wasn't really there. And that the voices seemed to be louder there. The door wouldn't budge up however. "Okay. This isn't right. Am I dead? Isn't quite what I imagined the afterlife being like."
"You aren't dead dear." A voice said softly behind her.
Kate spun around to find an even bigger shock. That being the sight of her mother Gabi. "Mom?" She couldn't help but laugh and smile. "This isn't beating the dead allegations."
She laughed too. "I promise you're not dead. Though you aren't waking up either."
"Oh. Coma or purgatory? Actually, I know purgatory is real. Okay not going to even think about that. Can you help me wake up? I can imagine Luke and Mary are having a fit." Kate remarked, trying to kick the door down.
Gabi touched her hand. "I'm sorry that isn't going to work. You need to be ready to wake up."
She sighed frustrated by this and turned back to her mother. "I don't know if you're really my mom or not. All I know for certain is that my friends and family need me back. Gotham needs Batwoman!"
"Maybe you need rest. Some time to figure out why you aren't waking up then." She suggested sitting down and offering Kate to sit beside.
Kate sighed and relented sitting next to her mother. Having a moment to breathe, so to speak, she immediately hugged her mom. Not really able to keep up the strong exterior in case she was real. "You have no idea how much I've missed you."
"Nor do you." She replied softly, hugging her back. Both weren't keen on letting go.
Back in the waking world, the heroes were trying to figure out what to do next. They weren't sure if this was really working as planned.
Kate was still unresponsive as Sophie had tried speaking to her first but gave up quickly. Given how things were she didn't think she helped improve the state of affairs.
Now with a chance to speak Mary came over to her sister. "Hey, sleepy head. Really wishing you'd wake up! Tell Sophie to stop pouting. Say you don't want to hear me being all sentimental and to stop hugging you." Mary said with a little laughter, imaginating that happening between them.
Still was the silence Mary stopped laughing now. It was so hard seeing her like this. "Okay. I'm going to be annoyed if you don't wake up. Please? After all the craziness we went through, we can't have it end like this. You survived the headache of Alice, multiple times. A freaking vampire or whatever that lady was. Survived that Hush creep. Took on The Scarecrow without fear. Kicked that crazy woman Safiyah's ass, thanks by the way again. Oh and stopped a zombie invasion too! How many superheroes can say they did that? So there is no freaking way a little old gun shot is enough to take you down and out!"
Still she heard nothing.
"Okay. Well. I love you know that? Can't even remember right now if I've told you that. Surely I did? Mean come on! You're my sister, my only sister, even if we haven't always gotten along. I always did love you Kate. And we need you. I really need you. So please. If you can in some way hear me. Wake up." Mary then walked away, not sure if that was any help to her sister. Was so frustrating having so much medical knowledge, but still unable to wake her up.
"That was sweet of you." Luke said as she came over.
Mary gave a nod and sat next to him. They said nothing else for now. Though Mary was fully intending on going back to try talking more to Kate.
Now though, it was Jacob Kane's turn to try talking to her. Physically it was challenging, but he didn't care. Not right now. Kate needed him and he needed to see her.
"I don't know if you can hear me, but I want to believe that you can hear the words I have to say. And firstly, how sorry I am. This is all my fault. You wouldn't be here and none of this would be happening if your father wasn't such a damn fool." Jacob began saying with extreme frustration directed at himself. Which was completely understandable.
Mary was listening a little to what he was saying, though didn't turn to look. Not wanting to give the impression she cared.
After a pause Jacob continued on speaking. "You're strong and right now, I'm absolutely certain that strength came from your mother. I have no clue if any aware part is angry at me for that gunshot that caused this mess. If not for me, you have to know Kate that Gabi would want you to fight. To come back to us. It sure as hell isn't time yet! Not to die. This city needs Batwoman. And I was wrong as hell for not seeing what a hero you were being all this time. Upon waking up, better get an ear full for how much I've screwed up. I'm deserving of it. So please. Wake up Kate." He gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then sat back grabbing where it hurt. Jacob was then silently praying for his daughter.
Across the city, trouble was brewing. As motion had started with Montoya, The GCPD and The Crows all mobilizing on taking down Black Mask. Montoya wasn't aware of what had happened with Batwoman. Even having that knowledge wouldn't change, acting on the information was critical in case of the mobster moving location. By all accounts, this was going to be a massive assault. And the worst kept secret as it was revealed on the cops radio. Along with the Crows.
Via the Crows was how Julia knew to start setting up a vantage point with a sniper rifle which accounted for her whereabouts. She had an insider who gave the tip. And she knew under Krauser's Crows, there was no chance she'd be kept out of the incoming conflict.
Same applied for Ryan Wilder who was called by Montoya. She didn't want to bother Luke, wanting him to get some rest. Unaware of Kate being found.
"I'm glad you're here Black Bat. Keep an eye out for the Crows, I got a bad feeling they'll still take shots at you." Montoya said, looking up at a fire escape as Black Bat was trying to keep out of sight.
Ryan gave a nod back and thumbs up. She then kept watch over some of The Crows setting up for their own assault. Some of the members of GCPD and Crows were having petty arguments. Which annoyed Montoya to no end, but she could care less right about now.
All that mattered was getting payback now for what happened since Black Mask's terrifying return. And the chaos that followed. "I want this block locked down! Want bodies making the biggest perimeter physically possible in case of any escape attempts!" Montoya exclaimed, moving around and getting everyone's attention. They all listened as Black Mask was truly trapped.
Although, it wouldn't make it easy to bring down the crime lord. That monster wouldn't be going down without a fight.
Back inside of the head of Kate Kane, she was speaking with her mother still. With the voices of her family becoming slowly more clear. Their pleas of needing her back were so clear.
"Why can't I wake up?" Kate questioned standing back up. And glared up at the ceiling. Even that looked like home. As nice as it was to be back here after such a long time. Leaving was still all she wanted.
Gabi stood back up alongside her. "Part of you is trying to wake, Kate. Then another is just tried. Exhausted. Mary pointed it out? Did you hear? She can be quite talkative."
"Yeah. I've had a busy year. Couple years. And longer. So what? That's never stopped me before. I'm not afraid." Kate declared bravely.
She gave a nod of understanding and touched her daughter's face. There was a lot of emotion in her eyes. "Someone can only take so much. You were shot in the head by your father. After narrowly stopping a zombie outbreak. And fighting an old love of yours. Have to admit, that's a lot. For anyone dear. I think part of you is afraid. Taking too much. It's okay not to always be brave. Not always unstoppable."
"I have to be brave. And can't be afraid! The Black Mask is out there killing people. They need me. Now." Kate replied back angry and once more tried busting through the door. All the brute force wasn't working still. She stopped again. Now sitting on the floor looking at her mother. "What exactly can I do? What will make me wake up?"
Gabi sat next to her, pulling her closer. "Give Kate Kane more of a life too. Find someone special. Love. Spend more time with your sister. Mary. Go to that bar of yours. There are options. Open yourself up. Don't close yourself down. Especially not after this. I know that's your first instinct."
Kate had a tiny chuckle. Knowing her mother or who or whatever was absolutely correct. There was no point in disagreeing. "If I promise, will I wake up?"
"You wouldn't lie to your mother would you?" She asked with a little smile. And gave her daughter a hug.
"If you are my mom. No." Kate hugged back tight. Took a deep breath. "I love you mom and I miss you. Hope one day, us and Beth can be together again."
She gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead. "Don't give up on Beth yet Kate, you might just be surprised." With that cryptically said, she then disappeared and the door seemed to slowly open.
Kate started to approach. Felt stronger. And now ready. The time for resting was over.
Inside the Batcave something strange and remarkable was happening. All the bats uncharacteristically started reacting to something. Or someone. They started to fly together. In a swarm above everyone's heads.
Something was going on.
Mary realized first to go check on Kate running to her side. The instinct seemed to be right as her sister began to move ever so slightly. An amazing sign. Which was reflected by the bats continuing to fly around.
The other three in the cave stood up, coming closer to witness what was going on. As Kate Kane, Batwoman, was actually awake. The hero's eyes began to open slowly as everyone got emotional seeing it with their own eyes. The seemingly impossible happened. She was ok.
Mary practically threw herself at Kate. "Oh thank heavens you woke up! Took you long enough!" She hugged her.
To Mary's surprise, Kate Kane hugged her right back. "I'm glad to be back with you Mary, could somehow hear you all talking to me." She softly said, still getting her bearings back after the rest.
"I second what Mary said!" Luke exclaimed, taking a humongous sigh of relief over Batwoman finally being awake. Then processed to check on what was happening in the city.
Jacob Kane was next as he managed to come over to see her. "So sorry for shooting you Kate."
"It's fine. I'm just glad you're here dad. As long as you don't shoot me again." Kate replied sarcastically with a little smirk. Though it also hurt a bit still. And noticed he was hurt as well. "What happened to you?"
He paused for a moment and pointed at Luke's monitor. "There are more important things right now Kate. I think the city needs Batwoman."
Kate turned over and saw the footage of the police starting to engage with Black Mask's forcers. Along with Ryan too present. "You're right. They need me."
Starting to get up, Mary helped her and Sophie came over too. Looking worried and awkward around her.
"Do you think we'll get a chance to chat later?" Sophie asked softly.
Kate nodded looking at her with a simple smile. "Yeah. I'm glad you're here Sophie. And promise we'll talk more. I owe all of you a rain check." She turned over now to Luke who already knew what she'd say.
"I got something that might make a splash for your welcoming back. Hopefully it'll work as intended." He handed it over.
"Well Luke, I'm still alive. So I got confidence in your work." Kate Kane replied, giving him a touch on the shoulder before looking at her bike.
Mary started to bite her nails. "Are you sure you're ready? To drive? To fight crime? You were in a coma for a month!"
She looked over at her sister and then at the bat suit. "Let's find out."
Over with Ryan Wilder, she was in a fierce battle with Black Mask's thugs trying to get to the main baddie. She was having trouble given how much resistance she was getting from them and gunfire in her direction. To make matters worse, a couple of Crows got her in sight. Opening fire.
She ducked for cover while kicking one of the thugs down with her. Giving them a knockout punch. Trying to figure out what to do next. The fight was seemingly a bit hopeless given two different sides were trying to kill her and she was only one woman. Not enough to stop this. To end the fight.
However, something was getting people's attention. Someone was coming and that person was Batwoman.
Kate Kane was riding in on her motorcycle with a swarm of bats right behind her following in toe. The heroine was carrying a device that was attracting them. Before the False Facers and Crows for that matter, knew what was happening. Batwoman threw the device right into the middle of the conflict as the bats swarmed all over making a dramatic turn. And Impossible for the shooting to continue.
Commissioner Montoya rightfully got her people to back off, smiling seeing that the city's hero was back.
And Ryan Wilder was having a similar reaction seeing Kate glide over the wall, like nothing had happened. She was back and brought a lot of bats with her. The two acknowledged each other. They gave one another a nod. As a proper welcoming back would come later. Now the goal was clear. To take down Black Mask. "Go get him Batwoman!" Her partner exclaimed, cheering her on.
That helped Kate as she was ready to bring down Black Mask. She moved towards the inside as now he was practically all alone, backing up money to try running away from here to who knows where.
A couple of body guards tried to stop Batwoman, although a little rusty. They weren't a problem with them getting easily dispatched.
He spotted Batwoman absolutely shocked and that turned into anger as he grabbed a big gun opening fire. "Die!" Black Mask shouted.
Batwoman waited until he emptied his weapon. "I've died one too many times. Sorry to disappoint you." She replied sarcastically and leaped at the villain giving a strong punch to the gut. "That's for terrorizing the city in my absence. And this. As a bonus!" Another punch was given at the villain as he got knocked over now.
The Black Mask wasn't done yet, as he grabbed a knife and tried stabbing Batwoman rapidly which she stopped. It did leave a mark on the suit though. She twisted his arm and threw away the knife cuffing the villain now. "Not so tough without your army of thugs are you?"
Black Mask tried struggling to get loose fighting to break free. "You're going to regret this! I will have my payback for what happened to my daughter!"
"Your daughter?" Batwoman asked genuinely confused about what the villain was talking about. "What did I do to your daughter? I've been in a coma?"
He grunted and tried one last time to hit Batwoman before she pushed him away on the way outside. "A fire at Arkham. A riot. One that happened because of you! And this isn't over. She's in a coma too. So if it's the last thing I do. I'll get even with you. Put you back in a coma!"
Batwoman smugly brought him outside for all his thugs to see. "I don't think you're in a position to be doing anything now. No more threats. It's over. And for the record, I am sorry about your daughter."
"That doesn't change a damn thing!" He shouted.
All The Black Mask's men were overwhelmed by the bats and invasion of authorities, for the ones who could see. They knew it was all over with their boss now captured and the return of Batwoman.
Some of them threw down their weapons and prepared to surrender, not really keen on getting shot by the gun happy Crows. Or cops.
With the Black Mask captured it was over.
Reunited, Batwoman and Black Bat dragged the villain out of his base of operations with the rest of the thugs giving up.
Commissioner Montoya came over with some cops preparing to hall him now off to Blackgate Maximum Security.
Before this happened, he started shouting again. "You fools don't know what's coming! A new generation of crime! The Five Families will come to Gotham! And you'll wish you had me back in power! Once they come and are together, no one can stop them! You're going to suffer! And bleed! All of you!" His warnings were worrying, but there was nothing that could be done right now. And for now, this was absolutely a victory for the heroes.
With Black Mask taken away, Montoya came up to the two heroes. "I'm beyond happy to see you back here, Batwoman. On behalf of the entire city. Thanks for the assistance as always. Welcome back."
"Me to commissioner, Montoya. Glad to be of service. Though I have a feeling you and Black Bat had the city handled."
"Having you can't be so easily substituted Batwoman." Her partner Black Bat replied happily.
Montoya was pleased and turned around for a moment. She was about to continue speaking to them, but as usual, they disappeared. The commissioner couldn't even be too annoyed about that. Batwoman being back alive and well, that was good enough to make up for anything. Even all the cleanup of this mess was left behind. She felt relief that the threat of Black Mask was over, though couldn't help but have a sliver of worry about what The Crows would do now that Batwoman had survived. And now that the danger posed by Black Mask and his False Facers was done.
Speaking of which, Montoya's concerns were founded at Crows HQ. Krauser was just informed about the return of Batwoman. He was pissed. And had a private moment of anger inside of Jacob Kane's former office.
The new leader of The Crows Krauser came out not long after getting the attention of everyone. Got everyone to gather for a meeting. "Batwoman is back! This is unacceptable! And her partner, Black Bat, is still breathing! I'm appalled by this failure on all your parts! The main directive for us is to make sure those masked criminals are eliminated! Dead in an unmarked grave with their entire operation burned to the ground! If that doesn't happen public opinion will turn against the Crows once more! This needs to be fixed, yesterday!" He shouted and stormed off, right back to his office slamming the door behind him.
However, someone else came to the door, opening it up. A woman, one he was very familiar with. Riley Hudson. His soon to be second in command and current girlfriend. "Are you alright Brian?"
He took a breath. "Peachy Riley. This isn't how I envisioned my command post here to begin."
The woman looked unbothered sitting down. "We have time to turn this around. Fix things and right the ship. Fix the mess Kane left us with. The plan is still in motion and this doesn't have to be a setback. All our enemies are going to hurt. And we can have a proper shot at Batwoman."
A smirk came on Brian's face hearing that. "Suppose you're right. I'll feel better once we take care of things."
"I already took Moore's place. That's a good start. Still working on locating her. Perhaps we should talk about details over dinner, a drink?" She suggested, which was positively received and the two got closer.
Over the airwaves of Gotham, Vesper Fairchild was having the usual broadcast and was about to share feelings about the return of Batwoman.
"In case somehow you haven't heard listeners! Batwoman! Yes that one! Is alive and back in action! This was so unexpected and the best surprise we as a city could have asked for! She brought down The Black Mask and showed The Crows who the true hero of the city is! Sure isn't the creeps with guns. The ones abusing and taking our rights away? Yeah, not them! I think it's safe to say things are looking up in Gotham City! With a crime boss finally taken down and a hero back, what else could you ask for? So, on behalf of all the reasonable people in Gotham, we give you a major welcome back Batwoman! Don't give us another scare like that again! And a side thanks to Black Bat being a great partner to Batwoman. We're officially lucky to have two kickass heroines watching our streets again! And all the better for it!" Vesper happily exclaimed, not hiding her excitement at all. And wanted all of Gotham to know that things were indeed seeming to be looking up.
Kate and Ryan headed back to the batcave, now that the threat was over. With Black Mask down and out. The False Facers were finished.
The two had something quite important to do now, that being taking a moment to soak in their victory. Of not just a villain taken down, but best of all having Batwoman back to them in good health.
Once Batwoman came back, everyone came by and took turns giving Kate big hugs. All so grateful she was back. And Kate didn't say anything about the hugs, as she was glad to have been missed. And could understand clearly everyone was having a rough go of things the past month. During her absence. So it felt good to lift up her own team's spirits too, along with the city's.
As everyone was excited, Julia came along not too long afterwards and everyone was done hugging her. "Hell of an entrance luv! Could see it from the rooftops!" She said and too also came up hugging Kate thrilled to see her back. "It's damn good to have you back."
"It's good to be back." She said and looked over at everyone.
Julia continued with her news. "I heard from a fantastically useful contact inside of The Crows that Brian Krauser is having a fit over your survival. So I'd say you did a good job pissing off that bundle of joy."
"Well deserved." Sophie added, sounding pretty happy about that. Like she was especially not a fan of his.
That got a smirk from Kate who felt it meant she was doing a good job if her enemy was not a happy camper. Though she looked over at Luke who was looking really relieved more than everyone else. Made her curious.
He noticed that and explained himself happily. "I thought for sure Kate that you were a goner. That I screwed up on my modifications."
Everyone got confused, looking at him puzzled by that information.
Luke continued and explained further. "Well after getting the info of the Kryptonite bullets, thanks by the way Julia. I had to think fast. Those could kill you and The Crows seemed to have a lot of it. Needed to figure out the best places to reinforce and with the time I had, the head seemed like the best bet. Really the most fatal place I could think of shooting someone!"
"You picked the right spot Luke." She ended up giving an extra hug, extremely grateful for his quick thinking. "Still though, you couldn't have done more? Felt like getting hit by a wrecking ball. And you know, the whole coma thing." Kate pointed out, not really seriously. She was just grateful to be alive.
Luke nodded a lot hearing that. "Can't disagree there. If I had more time maybe could've prevented that from happening. Although given it was a countermeasure just built with the suit, I'd probably have to try hard to find a perfect work around."
"Let's hope Krauser doesn't have anymore of those bullets." Kate remarked and touched the headpiece where she was shot. She looked back around at everyone in the room. "I'm guessing I've got some catching up to do over this past month. Got some phone calls to make. Tell some of the other heroes I'm not dead. Probably was a major deal." She said with a confident smirk, mostly kidding. "I guess got myself a list to go right though."
Mary smiled looking as if she knew something. Which she did. "Yeah, the first thing on the list is you explaining to us why you didn't tell us that you knew all along Kara Danvers was Supergirl!"
Hearing that Kate was taken aback since as far as she was aware nobody knew of Supergirl's true identity "Uh, damn. How do you know that? Is Kara okay?"
Luke realized that explained about the article by Kara revealing that Batwoman was a lesbian as they were close and she trusted her with sharing that with the world. He then immediately showed on his tablet what happened with her revealing her identity to the world. "She's fine. Just went public with her identity."
Excited and jealous Mary went closer to Kate starting to give a look of wanting some details about that. "Did you know this whole time who Supergirl was!? I'm going to freak out if the answer is yes!"
For a moment, Kate thought about how to answer. And decided on the truth as there was no point in lying. "Yeah, I knew for about three years since I met her not long after becoming Batwoman."
"Oh. My. God. That's so awesome! And I'm pissed you didn't tell me! Though it's just so cool! You knew Supergirl this whole time! And her real name!" Mary exclaimed ecstatic about learning that information. "I'm going to need deets! And I suspect now she was your friend you mentioned back around that whole imposter creep Batman time huh? Oh I have so many questions now!"
Kate chuckled and rolled her eyes playfully. "I'll have to ask her first."
While they chatted, Jacob Kane thought back to when Supergirl helped out with the fake Batman about a year ago. Now he realized that Kate must've reached out to Supergirl for help with that situation to help save them. Things made a lot more sense now for the former commander of The Crows.
After they stopped talking, she decided on telling everyone to go home. Get some sleep. Well deserved and overdue.
As everyone started to leave however, Kate did notice there was something up with everyone. After being in a coma, she figured it could wait for another day to figure out what else she missed with her friends and family. Seemed like there was more than being let on by all present. Though Kate wasn't too worried, not now after she was back and able to get to the bottom of anything wrong. After all, it was her job to help out her team. And after they covered for her over the past month, she figured they all deserved her help in return.
After everyone left, Kate had gone on her own way having no intention of sleeping just yet after having a very long sleep already. For now, she wanted to say one more personal thank you. A very special one to the person who kept her alive during that month and rescued her in the first place.
Harper Row was at home, watching tv and the news, even though she almost always hated it. Tonight she didn't cause Batwoman to be all over it with her victory of Black Mask and triumphant return. She had some comfort in knowing that her helping the hero worked out perfectly.
The woman of the night herself came knocking on the window motioning for her to open up the window, which she did. Very egure. "Batwoman! What are you doing here! I figured you'd never wanna be back here after napping for a month."
"Well, I had to say thank you Harper. For saving me. And respecting my secret identity from what I've heard." Kate said coming in, stepping in and taking a quick look around the place.
"I didn't do all that much. Don't want to over-sell myself." She awkwardly said, scratching the back of her head.
Batwoman gave a reassuring glance over at her. "I say you should sell yourself proudly. This victory is in large part because of you."
She didn't look fully in belief of that being true. Awkwardly laughing. "Thanks anyways Batwoman, it's hella cool you are back."
"Thanks Harper and I didn't come empty handed." She revealed and handed over a small device. "I suspect you'll like it."
The young woman inspected the thing, trying to figure out what was given.
Batwoman went back to the window sitting on its side and looked back. "In case of emergencies, you deserved a way to contact me. And the rest of the team. So this isn't a goodbye."
Harper looked so grateful and gave a happy wave as Batwoman glided out the window, grappling away. Heading back into the night as Gotham's protector.
Elsewhere, at the sametime. The Black Mask was being transported to prison. To go where he belonged. That was until the transport abruptly stopped in the middle of the road with some sounds of gunfire going on outside.
The villain chuckled to himself, thinking he knew exactly what was going on out there. His gang came to rescue its leader, as there was no way a guy like him would go down this easily. That's what he told himself as he prepared for the doors to fly open and to spot his guys.
However, half of that happened. The doors flung up, but not a soul was there behind the doors. Like a ghost had done it.
"What? Is this some kinda prank? It's not funny!" The villain shouted.
A laugh came out, like it was all around him.
Black Mask started to sweat. "What's going on? Come out here and fight me coward! I'm not afraid of anything! Nobody!"
No response was given.
"Say something! Come on! Out wit-" His words were abruptly stopped as he began to get strangled, choked by seemingly nothing. "Who are you?" The Black Mask managed to say.
"Only a rumor." The ghostly figure replied simply.
And Black Mask dropped, dead. Then there was still nothing around the truck, as it seemed like not a soul had entered. And none left the vehicle. It was almost like a ghost had committed the crime. No evidence or clues left behind as to how this could've possibly happened.
In Response To C.G
Hey C.G, sorry I don't have a longer response for you this time. I hope things are a bit better with NCIS as of late. And in general although the real world things like the US elections have been pretty bad to see (can only imagine for you being an American) hope won't affect things too deeply. I won't say more, as I don't want to go on a tangent about Trump.
Hope the tv season has been treating you better so far anyways.
Also a huge thank you for the extensive ep description for ep 4 it helped a crap ton with getting this done faster. I have the one for ep 5 you posted sometime ago and will start working on it asap. Feel free to do the same as before, it was seriously a great resource for getting the chapter done faster. I would have been done even faster if not for another major distraction going on for my writing, but I still think I can hopefully keep up this pace.
As always, thanks for sticking around C.G and for the patience. I look forward to seeing your responses.
(Oh also I hope Superman and Lois season 4 is giving a satisfying, although to soon of an ending so far for you)
And thank you to every other reader as well for continuing to read.