AM I SUPERMAN?

The familiar roar of the Batmobile echoed through the Batcave, breaking Alfred's worried pacing. Hearing the sound, Alfred let out a breath of relief, straightened his jacket, and hurried to the cave entrance.

The sleek black vehicle shot into the cave, its tires screeching before it slowed to a halt in its designated spot. Alfred moved quickly to the driver's side, prepared for the worst—Bruce Wayne stumbling out, bruised, battered, or spitting blood. It wouldn't be the first time.

But before Alfred could reach the car, the sound of rushing air filled the cave.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Three figures descended through the Batcave's concealed entrance, landing gracefully on the ground. Their sudden appearance startled Alfred, who instinctively reached for the nearest emergency button. His hand hesitated as he realized Bruce hadn't reacted. Instead, his master climbed out of the Batmobile with practiced indifference, ignoring the newcomers entirely.

Alfred's eyes darted between Bruce and the trio. "This is certainly unusual. Since the loss of the previous Robin, Master Wayne hasn't brought anyone into the Batcave for nearly eight years..."

"I didn't invite them," Bruce said curtly, cutting him off. "They followed me."

Alfred raised a skeptical eyebrow but said nothing.

Kaius stepped forward, offering a friendly smile. His system interface had just flashed an update: Bruce Wayne's favorability improved from negative to positive. Sensing an opportunity to further build trust with Gotham's enigmatic hero, Kaius decided to keep close.

Kaius had learned from many versions of Batman's story that Bruce Wayne struggled with trusting metahumans, often viewing them as separate from humanity. But in this instance, perhaps because Kaius was human—or because his mother shared the name Martha—Bruce hadn't outright rejected him. Still, Bruce's aloofness was palpable, his pride making his acceptance reluctant at best.

Despite Bruce's apparent annoyance, he hadn't outright refused their presence, nor had he attempted to eject them from the Batcave. Whether he realized it or not, Bruce was taking a step—however small—toward trusting others again.

Kaius ignored Bruce's brooding demeanor and turned his attention to Alfred. He extended his hand, speaking warmly. "You must be Alfred, Bruce's trusted butler. It's an honor to meet you."

Alfred studied him for a moment before returning the gesture with polite caution. "Indeed, I am. And you must be Master Kaius?"

"Just Kaius," he replied with a grin.

Alfred nodded, his demeanor as polished as ever. "Very well, Master Kaius. Welcome."

His gaze shifted to the two women standing behind Kaius. Diana stepped forward, her regal posture and air of confidence unmistakable. She curtsied gracefully, her voice soft yet commanding. "I am Diana, Princess of Themyscira, an Amazon."

Alfred's expression flickered with surprise. "Themyscira? The Amazon homeland?" His gentlemanly composure broke for just a moment as he let out a quiet, astonished "Wow."

Meanwhile, Fiora stood with her arms crossed, her expression impatient. She regarded Alfred with mild disdain, her Kryptonian superiority showing. Though she appeared youthful, her Kryptonian biology granted her a much longer lifespan than humans—a fact she clearly considered as she thought, "Humans… such fragile, short-lived creatures."

Bruce observed the scene from the side, his irritation barely concealed. Alfred, usually reserved and professional, was far too enthusiastic in receiving his unexpected guests.

"They're not here because I invited them, Alfred," Bruce interjected pointedly, crossing his arms. His eyes darted to Kaius, his annoyance evident. "And don't forget, they followed me."

Alfred turned to Bruce, his expression neutral but his tone subtly amused. "Of course, Master Wayne. I shall refrain from treating them like invited guests, then."

Bruce Wayne leaned against the Batcomputer, his expression unreadable as he eyed Kaius, Diana, and Fiora. A faint smirk crossed his lips. "You know, technically, I could charge you three with trespassing—if the Batcave qualified as private property. That is, if I could find a court willing to take Batman's case."

Alfred, standing nearby, took a deep breath before stepping forward with his usual wry demeanor. "Master Wayne, you rarely have company, much less friends. Perhaps I should prepare a proper dinner? It might do you good to drop the brooding vigilante act for one evening. You could even smile. Or—dare I say it—make a friend."

Bruce's deadpan expression didn't waver. "When, Alfred, did you decide to become so invested in my social life?"

Alfred adjusted his tie, his tone calm yet pointed. "I've always cared, Master Wayne. And forgive me for speaking plainly, but you've buried yourself in this cave since the death of Jason. You can't lock yourself away forever. You're not just Batman; you're Bruce Wayne. And Bruce Wayne is a man—a man who needs allies, even friends."

As Alfred's words hung in the air, he turned toward the visitors, his tone apologetic. "I must apologize for the spectacle. The Master and I often have these little quarrels. Rest assured, he won't take it to heart."

Kaius smirked, sensing Bruce's frustration but appreciating Alfred's honesty. "No worries, Alfred. You're the glue holding this place together."

Bruce exhaled sharply, pushing away from the computer. Though Alfred's words stung, Bruce knew he wasn't wrong. Still, admitting it wasn't in his nature. Instead, he deflected. "Enough. We need to locate the reactor before Gotham becomes a crater."

Kaius stepped forward. "I can fly out and scan the city if you want."

Bruce shook his head. "No. We can't risk Bane spotting you yet. I'll use the Wayne satellite to take a thermal image of Gotham. The super-energy reactor's fusion reaction will give it away."

Bruce sat at the Batcomputer, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Kaius watched the screen as a detailed model of Gotham City came into view. In moments, a highlighted area appeared, glowing faintly on the map.

"There," Bruce said, pointing. "The underground parking lot of Gotham Stadium. A large group of mercenaries is stationed there."

Diana nodded. "It makes sense. A crowded location like the stadium could maximize casualties if the reactor is detonated."

Kaius stepped closer. "The mercenaries aren't an issue. If you're planning to face Bane tomorrow, I can help upgrade your armor. If I'm not mistaken, you've already incorporated some Kryptonian alloy into it?"

Bruce glanced at him, surprised but impressed. "Yes. The alloy significantly increases durability. But its high melting point makes forging it a challenge."

"I can help with that," Kaius offered. "My heat vision can refine it for you. But for tomorrow's duel, Fiora should accompany you. Diana and I will focus on disarming the nuclear bomb."

Bruce's brow furrowed. "You want her to follow me? Why?"

Kaius's tone remained even. "Because we can't trust Bane to keep his word. He has an army and no credibility. This duel could easily be a trap."

Bruce considered Kaius's words. As much as he hated to admit it, Bane's history of betrayal and his expulsion from the League of Assassins made him an unpredictable adversary. Still, Bruce's pride flared.

"Fine," Bruce said reluctantly. "Fiora can follow. But she can't interfere with the duel. I'll face Bane alone."

Fiora, who had been silent, stepped forward. Her tone was firm, almost military. "I'll follow your orders, General Kaius. If it's my duty to accompany Bruce Wayne, I'll do so."

Kaius smirked. "See? She's disciplined. But don't expect her to step in unless you beg her."

Bruce's scowl deepened, but he ignored the jab. His focus returned to the Batcomputer, where he began refining his battle plan. Meanwhile, Alfred gave a small, approving nod, pleased to see his master reluctantly accepting assistance.

As the group began their preparations, Bruce spoke without looking away from the screen. "This doesn't mean I trust you," he said, directing his words at Kaius. "But Gotham comes first."

Kaius's grin widened. "That's all I need to hear. Let's make sure this city survives to see another day."

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