Batman: Twilight of Heroes

What makes a hero? 

Is it made of strength? 

Is it made of speed?

Is it done by confronting your fears?

Are heroes born from a sense of duty fulfilled?

Can a hero be built?

Or as seen so far, do they arise because of a tragedy?

All the answers may or may not be correct, it is all really ambiguous and definitely complex. But there are doubts that can and should be answered.

We've all seen our share of heroes, young men and women who stand up for what's right, taking on impossible missions, always in the name of justice.

But which of them are symbols?

Which of them has a legacy so great and powerful, that it can never be killed? 

They are the ones who teach us more than anyone else, they are the ones who never give up and keep fighting until the end.

But is there really one? 

Earth - 1612 (DCAU - Alternative line) 

In the depths of space, in a galaxy far, far away, a large ship could be seen. A high-tech marvel, the creation of a futuristic and extremely technologically advanced humanity.

Inside, in the corridors of the ship, a woman ran desperately in a hurry and at great speed towards the main control room.

She has pale skin, blue eyes, and long platinum blonde hair. She wears a dark green sleeveless swimsuit that covers her neck, fingerless gloves in the same color scheme, gold earrings, eyeliner, a gold belt around her waist with a gold "A" on it, and is barefoot. 

This was Mareena, an Atlantean. Youngest daughter of the King of Atlantis, the Legendary Aquaman and Queen Mera. Codenamed Aquagirl, she was a key member of the current Justice League. 

Upon arriving at the main area of ​​the ship, she saw a man fiddling with some of the control panels. The owner of the entire spaceship, and also the leader of the mission they were on.

He looked to be in his early 40s, was tall, had black eyes and hair the same color, but white on each side. 

He wore a body-hugging costume, mostly black, with the neck to torso white and bearing an alternate symbol of the former El House of Krypton. This was obviously the one formerly known as Clark Kent, now known simply as Superman.

"Mareena, has something urgent happened? What's the problem?" 

The Kryptonian asked, worried as he saw Mareena entering the room so abruptly and with such urgency.

"Kal, Batman contacted me before the monthly report. He couldn't reach the ship's main network, so he spoke to me on my personal communicator. He seemed a little disturbed about something, unlike his usual serious self, he wanted to talk to you. I don't know what it is about, but I believe something must be happening on Earth." 

Concern took hold of Superman upon hearing the Atlantean's words, so he quickly nodded and as Mareena left the room, he reconnected the ship's control panels and made immediate contact with Batman.

Immediately, as expected, Batman responded. Therefore, a very realistic hologram was materialized on the panels, showing the Dark Knight himself.

He possessed a strong physique, extremely robust at the peak of humanity, which was well evidenced by his tight-fitting attire. His uniform was completely black, with the exception of his intimidating white eyes and the red bat on his chest.

This was Terrence McGinnis, or simply Terry McGinnis. The "unnatural" son of Bruce Wayne, legacy of the original Batman and current bearer of the mantle.

"I'm sorry Terry, I was doing some repairs to the ship's controls and so you couldn't make contact." 

The Man of Steel apologized and Batman shook his head at his words, while removing his hood, revealing his haggard face.

"It's okay Kal, I should be the one apologizing, bothering you on such an important mission. I apologize for that, I know how much the League is needed in the Daxamite War. You guys do your job there, while I, Static Shock and the other heroes work here on Earth. By the way, where are Barda, Green Lantern and the others?" 

His tone of voice expressing curiosity did not fool Superman, who noticed his tiredness, stress and attempt to avoid the main topic. Something strange coming from Gotham's protector, who normally remained cool and centered, but now seemed simply exhausted.

"Barda, Green Lantern, Warhawk, and the others are still on Daxam, helping to contain the attacks and trying to stabilize the situation. The Daxamite war is far from over, and each of them has an essential role to play here. But you don't want to know about that now, what's the problem? Did something happen on Earth?"

Superman watched Terry closely, realizing the weight of whatever was about to be said. Silence fell for a brief moment, until the Dark Knight sighed and finally revealed:

"Kal... it's about Bruce."

Superman frowned when he heard that name. It was rare for Terry to refer to him this way, usually maintaining a professional demeanor and referring to Bruce as "Wayne" or "the old man."

"What happened?"

Superman asked, his voice thick with concern.

Terry hesitated, looking away for a moment before looking directly at the hologram of Kal-El. His face was lined with the weight of responsibility and emotional exhaustion.

"Bruce... he's dying, Kal. This time, there's nothing we can do. Not even the League's technology, WayneTech's advances, or cutting-edge treatments can stop it. His body... it's failing. The doctor said it'll be a matter of days, maybe less."

Superman felt a tightness in his chest. Even after so many decades, Bruce Wayne remained one of his greatest allies, one of the few men he truly respected and called a friend.

"Terry... I'm so sorry. I wish I could go back right now. I wish I was there."

"I know, man. I know you'd come back if you could, but the League needs you on this mission. And Bruce... he knew this day would come. We knew. But still..." 

Terry paused, running a hand over his face. 

"Before he goes, I wanted to ask you a favor. Something I know would mean a lot to him."

Superman nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"I want you to record a message for him. A video, something he can see before the end. Something that shows him that, despite everything, he was never alone. That he had allies, friends... a family."

Superman felt a lump in his throat. He had never imagined Bruce Wayne reaching this point. To him, Bruce had always been unshakable, indestructible. But now, faced with reality, he realized that even the greatest of warriors needed a dignified goodbye.

He took a deep breath and nodded, his expression resolute.

"I'll do it, Terry. He deserves it. More than anyone."

Terry closed his eyes for a moment and nodded in gratitude. 

"Thank you, Kal. I know he's never been the sentimental type, but... I know this would mean a lot to him."

Superman then stepped away from the screen and looked directly at the ship's holographic recorder. He knew this would be one of the hardest messages he had ever had to record, but for Bruce Wayne, he would do his best.

After all, the Dark Knight could not leave without knowing the impact he had on the world... and on the hearts of his allies.

Neo Gotham City - Wayne Manor

Current location: Batcave 

2 days later 

The Batcave seemed colder than usual. Shadows stretched across the stone walls, and the constant sound of medical equipment filled the heavy silence of the room. In the center of the cave, Bruce Wayne lay on a stretcher, supported by machines that prolonged the inevitable. He was no longer the ruthless warrior who had once ruled Gotham, now he was just a man at the end of his journey.

Barbara Gordon walked slowly down the driveway, her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, her eyes carrying the weight of decades of struggle and regret. 

Behind her, Tim Drake followed, a little more stooped than he usually was, but still with the sharp gaze of someone who had spent his life in the darkness of Gotham.

As they approached, Barbara sighed, crossing her arms.

"I never thought I'd see you like this, Bruce."

His voice was firm, but there was a trace of restrained emotion. 

"For so long, I saw you as indestructible. I think we all did."

Tim let out a weak laugh, shaking his head. 

"Yeah, boss... I thought you'd survive it all. That in the end, you'd be the one to bury us."

Silence fell between them for a moment. Bruce didn't open his eyes, but they knew he was listening. Always listening.

Barbara sighed, looking down at her hands before continuing. 

"For years, I blamed you. I blamed you for us going down this path. As if it was your responsibility to stop us. But... the truth is, this was our choice. No one forced us. You gave us purpose, Bruce. You welcomed us. And deep down, I don't think any of us would have chosen a different path."

Tim nodded. 

"For a long time, I thought you made us into this too. But now I see that if it weren't for you, Gotham would have swallowed us anyway. You gave us something bigger to fight for. You made us better."

Barbara looked away, a bitter thought crossing her mind. 

"Dick didn't come. He... could never completely forgive what this life did to him. But I know that, deep down, he never stopped respecting you."

Tim clenched his fists, his tone becoming more serious.

"And Jason... Bruce, what happened to him wasn't your fault. We've always known that. But you've never forgiven yourself, have you? You've always carried that guilt. Always felt like you should have done more." 

He looked at the old mentor with a firm gaze. 

"But Jason made his own choices. Just like we all do. You can't carry this alone. You never could."

Barbara leaned a little closer, her voice softening. 

"You taught us to be strong, to never give up. And now, Bruce... now it's time to rest. You did more than anyone could have done. You were more than a mentor. You were family."

Tim took a deep breath, his eyes growing slightly teary. 

"And you know what? If we had to do it all over again, knowing how it would end... we would still choose you."

The beeping of the equipment continued to fill the silence. Bruce said nothing. Maybe he couldn't. But deep down, they knew he heard. That he understood.

And that, finally, maybe he could find some peace.

Barbara then looked at Tim, a slight melancholy crossing her face. 

"You know, Bruce... the Bat-Family didn't die with our generation. Terry has carried on the legacy with a determination that reminds me a lot of you. He's not just a kid in a suit. He understands what it means to be Batman."

Tim smirked. 

"And his brother Matt, following the same path? A new Robin for Gotham. I never thought we'd see that again, but it's funny how this city always finds a way to forge heroes."

Barbara nodded. 

"And we can't forget Elainna Grayson. Dick never wanted her to go down this path, but I think deep down he knew it was inevitable. She's as stubborn as her father, and as determined as you. The Batwoman of the Future."

Tim crossed his arms.

"There's also Nissa. It's not easy to carry the name Batgirl, but she's living up to it. Maybe even better than we did in the beginning."

Barbara smiled slightly. 

"And Maxine... Oracle. I see so much of myself in her. A brilliant mind, an incredible hacker. But she's not just a support for Terry. She's a pillar of this new Bat-family."

Tim sighed. 

"Gotham will always need a Batman... but the truth is, he's never been alone. Not then, not now. You started something, Bruce. Something that will never end."

They were silent for a moment, just listening to the sound of the equipment. Barbara leaned in a little closer, her voice becoming softer. 

"You can rest easy, Bruce. Your legacy is safe. And most importantly... you were never alone."

And for the first time, however briefly, Bruce Wayne opened his eyes.

With visible effort, his hoarse, weak voice broke the silence. 

"Are they... ready?" 

His gaze, still heavy with experience, swept over Barbara and Tim's faces.

Barbara smiled, holding his hand firmly.

"They are. You trained them, directly or indirectly. They carry on your legacy with pride, Bruce."

Tim moved closer. 

"Terry is strong. He has that same stubborn streak you've always had. Matt still has a lot to learn, but he's on the right path. And the others... they're proof that the Bat-Family was never about blood. It was about choice."

Bruce closed his eyes again, letting out a long, tired sigh. 

"Well... then... Gotham will be safe."

Barbara squeezed his hand lightly. 

"Yes, Bruce. And we will never forget what you did. Who you were."

Bruce, for a moment, seemed to relax. For the first time in many years, the weight of Gotham was no longer solely on his shoulders. The darkness finally allowed him to rest.

The Batcave remained silent for the next few days. Time seemed to slow down inside as Bruce Wayne lay on the gurney, surrounded by the life-sustaining equipment. But even at the end of his journey, Batman never stopped.

Terry McGinnis walked down the cave steps with firm steps, removing his mask and wiping the sweat from his forehead. He stopped beside the stretcher and crossed his arms, watching his old mentor.

"How do you feel?" 

Terry asked, his voice carrying a mix of concern and respect.

Bruce slowly opened his eyes, his expression hard as ever. 

"Like a man who has seen better days."

Terry let out a sigh and leaned forward a little. 

"You don't have to act tough with me, Bruce. I know this is hard for you."

Bruce let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. 

"Difficult? Maybe. But inevitable. Gotham will always need a Batman. And now... that burden is yours."

Terry nodded, absorbing the words. 

"I know. And I'll be here, just like the others. Matt, Elainna, Nissa, Maxine... We're the new generation. We don't have to carry this burden alone."

Bruce looked at Terry with an appraising gaze. 

"Do you really believe that? That you're ready?"

Terry smiled slightly. 

"Yes. Because you taught us how to be."

Before Bruce could respond, an alarm sounded throughout the cave. The screens began to flash with signs of criminal activity. The Jokerz gang was attacking the industrial district.

The Bat-Family's communication activated and Maxine Gibson's voice echoed through the channel. 

"We have a problem. The Jokerz are wreaking havoc in the industrial district. We need to act fast."

Terry adjusted his mask and turned to Bruce. 

"Duty calls."

Before he left, he took out a small device and placed it next to Bruce. 

"Turn this on when you're ready. It's something Superman left for you."

Bruce stared at the controller for a moment before closing it in his hand. His eyes, once heavy, now held a new intensity. He watched as Terry walked away, and then the figures of Matt, Elainna, Nissa, and Maxine appeared at the entrance to the cave, ready for battle.

The Legend of Batman would continue.

POV - Bruce Wayne 

Silence reigned once more in the Batcave as I was left alone. I laid my head back on my pillow, allowing myself a rare moment of reflection. How long had I really been fighting? Years? Decades? The truth is, it felt like an eternity.

When my parents died, I thought my life was over there, in that dark alley in Gotham. But it wasn't. It was there that something was born. Something that would consume everything I was and transform me into a symbol. Not a man, but an idea. The fear I instilled in criminals was the same fear I felt that night. I became what I feared most, so that no one else would have to feel that same terror.

But at what cost?

I lost so much. People I loved, friends, allies. Dick, Barbara, Tim... Jason. Each of them suffered because they were by my side. Because I believed that fighting Gotham was worth it. And I knew that deep down, they all blamed me in some way. I blamed myself, too. But in the end, they stayed. They understood. And that tells me that maybe I did something right.

Now I see the next generation taking up the mantle. Terry, Matt, Elainna, Nissa, Maxine. Each with their own reasons, but all united by a common purpose. Like me, they found meaning in the darkness. I used to believe that the fight would never end, that my mission was eternal. But now, as I lie here, watching the future take shape, I realize I was wrong.

The mission will always continue. But it doesn't have to be mine anymore.

And then there's another thing that bothers me. Something I always left behind. What's left of the man behind the bat? The answer was never simple. Women have passed through my life, some leaving marks that not even time could erase.

Andrea Beaumont... She was perhaps the only one who could have taken me away from this life. She could have given me peace, a chance to live away from the darkness. But fate was cruel. We lost each other before we even had a real chance. In the end, she chose her revenge, and I chose Gotham. And maybe, deep down, there was never any other choice.

Selina Kyle. The woman who challenged me the most. Between us, there had always been a game, a dance between right and wrong, between desire and duty. I wanted to believe it could have worked, that we could have found a middle ground. But in the end, I could never trust her completely…and she would never accept the confinement my world demanded.

Zatanna... A reminder of simpler times. She saw something in me that few others did: a man beyond the bat. But I knew I couldn't give her what she wanted. My path was already set, and hers belonged to a world of magic and light, far from the shadows of Gotham.

Talia al Ghul. A woman wrapped in promises and betrayal. The attraction was inevitable, the bond we shared unbreakable. But in the end, we were guns pointed at each other. She always wanted me to be something more...something I could never be. And I could never fully trust someone whose love was shaped by manipulation.

Barbara Gordon... Perhaps the most complicated relationship of all. She knew me like few others, understood the shadows I carried, because she knew them herself. Our connection went beyond the uniform, but there was always something holding us back. The sense of duty, the age difference, the guilt. I admired her. I always have. And in another life, perhaps, we might have found something real. But the truth is, I never knew how to let anyone in. Not even her.

And Diana. Wonder Woman. Maybe if I had been a different man, our story would have been different. She understood me in a way few others could. But I knew that deep down, she belonged to a world of hope and light, while I had always been a man of the night. And maybe deep down, I had always feared that if I allowed myself to love her, I would pull her into the darkness with me.

In the end, it was always like this. I convinced myself that Batman couldn't love. That relationships were weakness. That emotional ties were chains that would keep me from fighting. But now, as I lie here, I realize that maybe that was my biggest lie. I could have loved. I could have had a life beyond this.

But I never did. And now... now it's too late.

So many failures, countless mistakes. How many people I could leave behind, I could abandon in the end.

---

Dick Grayson...

He was the first. The boy who reminded me I was still human.

When I met Dick, I saw in him a reflection of what I could have been, and what I had become. Losing your parents like that… no one should have to go through that. I knew how all-consuming that grief could be, how it could transform you into something unrecognizable. So I did what I thought was right: I gave him a purpose. I thought I could guide him down a path that would lead him away from the darkness.

But deep down, the truth is that he saved me more than I saved him.

Dick brought light to a world I no longer believed could have color. His presence in the mansion, in the cave… he forced me to remember that there was more to it than just the mission. I wanted to protect him from the anger, the hate, the emptiness I knew so well, but Dick had always been better than me.

Stronger, where it really matters.

He didn't let the pain define him. He didn't let Batman's shadow consume him. When he walked away, when he decided to become his own man, I felt pride…and also resentment. Because deep down, I knew he was right. He didn't need me, not like I needed him.

I never said that. Maybe I should have.

And even after all our disagreements, even when he confronted me, when he left me… he always came back when I needed him. Because despite everything, he believed in me.

Dick Grayson was, and always will be, the best of us.

---

Jason Todd...

Jason was my biggest mistake. My biggest failure.

I found him on the streets, furious at the world, with a reckless courage that reminded me…of myself. I thought I could guide him, tame that anger. I thought I could give him purpose, like I had with Dick. But I didn't realize, until it was too late, that Jason didn't need a general. He needed a father.

And I failed.

I failed to see beyond the uniform, beyond the mission. I pushed him too hard, demanded too much… and he wanted to prove himself worthy. I should have realized how vulnerable he was. I should have protected him better.

I remember that night every day. The sound of that explosion… the weight of that silence afterward.

I lost him. And it was my fault.

But the worst came later. When he came back… I didn't know how to fix what was broken. Jason was no longer the boy I had rescued. The pain, the anger, the feeling of abandonment, all of it had shaped him into something I never wanted him to become.

And I couldn't blame him. Because he was right. I left him to die.

Maybe if I had been less Batman and more Bruce… maybe Jason would still be with me, by my side, and not at war with everything I represent.

---

Tim Drake...

Tim was different. He didn't fall into my life by chance, he chose to be in it.

A boy who saw beyond the myth, who discovered the truth and decided he needed to act. I never wanted a new Robin after Jason. I never wanted to risk losing someone like that again. But Tim… he didn't give me a choice. He knew I needed him, even before I admitted it.

And in the end, he was right.

Tim has always been the most like me in his mind. A natural born detective. Brilliant, dedicated, meticulous. But unlike me, he never let the mission erase his humanity. He saw the darkness that surrounded me and chose to dive into it, not out of anger or revenge, but because he believed someone had to do it, and that I shouldn't be alone.

He carried more weight than I would ever admit. It wasn't just the mantle of Robin, it was the burden of keeping Batman whole. There were times when I would have lost myself to the darkness if it weren't for him.

I asked a lot of Tim. More than I should have. And he always answered the call, even when it cost him his innocence, even when the world was falling apart around him.

I never thanked him like I should have. Maybe if I had, he wouldn't have felt so alone.

—

Alfred Pennyworth…

"Alfred..." The name echoed in his mind like a distant whisper, a painful memory that never quite dissipated. He no longer remembered the exact sound of his voice, but the words... they remained.

When his parents died, Gotham would have swallowed him whole, a boy lost in the chaos. But it was Alfred who held him steady. He wasn't just a butler. He never was. He was the anchor that kept Bruce from sinking into the abyss. On nights when he had nightmares, Alfred was there. On days when anger threatened to consume him, it was Alfred who reminded him of his humanity. And every time Bruce fell, it was Alfred who picked him up.

"You don't have to carry it all alone, Master Bruce." Those words echoed heavily in his memory. At the time, he hadn't listened. He'd believed Gotham's burden was his alone to bear. How many times had Alfred warned him that this cross was too great for one man to bear? How many times had he ignored it? Only now, in the twilight of his life, did he understand how much he had demanded of that man.

Alfred hadn't asked to be a part of Bruce's crusade, but he had remained. He had witnessed his victories silently, wiping the blood from his robes. He had suffered each defeat in silence, enduring the pain of watching the boy he had raised slowly fall apart. He had never turned his back. Not even when Bruce had pushed him away with his stubborn pride.

There was a time when Bruce thought the mission was everything. That he could lose everything but this. But looking back, what hurt the most wasn't the broken bones or the scars that covered his body. It was Alfred's absence, the lack of his advice, his unshakable calm, his presence that made the mansion not seem so empty.

"If I had listened more... if I had rested a little." 

But time does not restore what was lost. Alfred was gone, and Bruce never got to say the words that now burned in his throat.

"Thank you... and forgive me."

The darkness of the cave seemed to weigh more heavily. For a moment, Bruce could almost hear Alfred's steady footsteps descending the stairs, his soft but firm voice telling him it was time to rest. But he knew it was just his mind playing tricks.

Still, part of him wanted to believe that wherever he was, Alfred was still watching him, and that somewhere beyond that darkness, they would meet again.

—

Terry McGinnis...

I never wanted there to be another Batman. Not after everything I've lost.

But Terry… Terry proved to me that the legend cannot die.

He's not like the others. He didn't have a childhood stolen by tragedy, he didn't grow up under my watchful eye. He lived a life before he became Batman, and perhaps because of that, he understands the weight of that mantle in a way none of us ever have.

When I first met him, I saw a reckless boy, driven by guilt and a desire for revenge. But what I discovered was something deeper. Terry has a heart… something I lost a long time ago.

I trained him like I trained others, but at some point I realized that Terry didn't need to be molded, he needed someone to believe in him.

And I believe.

He carries the mantle with a resilience that amazes me. Every time he falls, he gets back up. He doesn't let grief or duty consume him, he finds a balance between being Terry and being Batman. Something I've never been able to do.

I see in him a future I never thought possible. A Batman who can be more than a symbol of fear, someone who can inspire hope.

And in the end, maybe that's my greatest accomplishment. I started this... but Terry will continue it.

And for the first time in a long time, it gives me peace.

But then this device… 

Clark Kent...

Superman.

The greatest symbol of hope the world has ever known.

And yet, to me… he was always Clark.

From the beginning, we were opposites in almost every way. He, the man who came from the stars, raised on a farm surrounded by love and kindness. I, the boy who lost everything and buried himself in a world of shadows. He always believed in humanity, even in its worst moments, I learned to distrust before I even believed.

But somehow we made it work.

At first, I didn't trust him. How could I? A being with that power, with the ability to destroy everything in an instant, it would be foolish not to consider him a threat. Maybe it was paranoia, maybe a survival instinct... but I always prepared myself for the day he might turn against us.

And yet he never did.

With all that power… he chose to protect, to save, to believe. Even when the world rejected him, when it feared him, he never strayed from the path.

Clark taught me something I'd never admit out loud: that true power lies not in strength, but in control. In choosing to do the right thing, even when it's easier to give in.

I tested him. More than I should have. Maybe because part of me never believed that someone like him could be real, a good man with no ulterior motives, no dark secrets. I always knew that if he ever lost faith, the world would fall with him.

But Clark… Clark never fell.

And over time, I realized that he wasn't just a safeguard against the threats of the world. He was a friend. Perhaps the only true friend I've ever had.

How many times has he saved me from myself? More than I can count. In my worst moments, when everyone else walked away, when the darkness seemed to swallow me, he was always there.

He believed in me. Even when I stopped believing in myself.

I never told him that. I could never express how much his presence meant. But silently, I trusted him more than anyone.

And now, here I am… at the end of it all, holding this device and anticipating the video he left me. He always knew what I might need, always taking care of me, even when I didn't deserve it.

If there's one thing I've learned from Clark, it's that true strength doesn't come from power, it comes from the heart.

And if I could go back in time, maybe I would thank him.

Because without him, I would have been lost a long time ago.

...…..

Well, it's time to see what the man of steel has in store for me.

End of POV

With difficulty, but without hesitation, Bruce presses the device. A screen in front of his stretcher turns on and the video begins.

The image flickers a little before stabilizing. The figure on the screen is unmistakable: Superman. But it's not just the legendary symbol that's there. It's Clark. His face, still quite young and immortal in the face of time, carries something that is rarely seen on it: melancholy.

"Bruce..."

He takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I know you'd hate this. You've never been one for sentimentality, never wanted to be treated as anything other than what you are: a soldier, a guardian, a man on a mission. But this time, I can't let this go by in silence."

Clark's gaze wavers for a second. It's the weight of decades spent with a friend, a rival, a brother.

"I remember the first time I saw you. You were a shadow. A mystery that even I, with all my vision, could not fully see. I thought we would never trust each other, that we would be just two opposing forces orbiting the same mission. But I was wrong."

A small smile appears on his face.

"Over time, I realized that you weren't just the Dark Knight. You were the man who always did the impossible with his own hands. The man who, even without flying, was always there to catch me when I fell."

Bruce, watching the video, does not react immediately. His eyes remain fixed on the screen, but his trembling hand lightly grips the sheet.

"You always said you were just a man. Just a human. But, Bruce, you were more than that. You were the wall the world always beat against... and never gave in."

Clark's voice shakes a little.

"And now, for the first time, you're about to rest. I wish I could stop it. I wish I could take you with me, pull you out of this fate, like we've done so many times. But I know this is the one fight that not even you can win."

Bruce lets out a sigh. He knows Clark is right. He always has.

"So for the last time... I say thank you. Thank you for being the person who never gave up. Thank you for being the brother I never knew I needed. Thank you for teaching me that strength doesn't come from the powers we have, but from the choices we make. Thank you... for being my friend."

Clark bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect he rarely made. But then he raised his head and smiled mysteriously.

The action made Bruce raise an eyebrow slightly.

"Before I say goodbye for good, there is someone else who would like to speak to you. So I will leave that time for her now."

Bruce felt like he had somehow already died, because his heart definitely stopped when he saw the stunning woman who appeared on the screen.

Diana Prince 

Known to the world as Wonder Woman, she is the embodiment of grace, strength and immortal beauty. Her presence is imposing and majestic, carrying an aura of power and nobility that sets her apart from any other woman.

Her long, dark hair, a gleaming black like the deepest night, falls in soft waves over her shoulders, framing a face with perfect features. Her eyes, a crystal-clear and penetrating blue, shine with the wisdom of someone who has witnessed centuries of history, but still maintains the indomitable flame of a warrior. Her gaze is firm and compassionate, capable of inspiring both fear and hope.

Her flawless, golden skin seems sculpted by the gods themselves, reflecting the light with a subtle glow, as if she were made of more than just flesh and bone. Her full, naturally reddish lips curve into a smile that combines gentleness and confidence, capable of soothing troubled hearts or challenging enemies with a simple bow.

Her body is a masterpiece of athletic perfection, muscular yet feminine, every curve sculpted by arduous training on Themyscira. Her broad, powerful shoulders bear the responsibility of protecting the world, while her slim waist and long legs express a harmony between strength and elegance.

When dressed in her iconic scarlet-red and gold armor, Diana transforms into a vision of godhood. Her bust is adorned with a golden eagle, a symbol of freedom and courage, while her blue skirt, with silver accents, flows gracefully with each firm step. Her red, knee-high boots emphasize her proud, unbeatable stance, while the golden tiara atop her brow shines as a reminder of her royal lineage and sacred mission.

Diana Prince is not only beautiful in appearance, her beauty goes beyond her physical appearance. Every movement is marked by a natural elegance, a mixture of delicacy and raw power. She radiates a warm and welcoming presence, but in her heart burns the fire of a warrior who will never back down in the face of injustice. She is, in every sense, the perfect union between goddess and woman, an icon of strength, compassion and immortal beauty.

She hadn't changed at all, as if not even a day had passed, it was a supernatural sight. A torrent of emotions that Bruce couldn't control came flooding back.

Emotions that only a woman like Diana Prince could cause in the original Batman.

The image flickers slightly before stabilizing. Diana Prince appears fully on the screen. Her face, still stunning and immortal, carries a visible weight in every line. Her blue eyes are darker, reflecting pain and longing. She takes a deep breath before beginning to speak, her voice firm but tinged with melancholy.

"Bruce... If you're watching this, then... it's too late for me to tell you everything I've ever wanted to in person. I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry I wasn't there. That I couldn't hold your hand one last time. I should have been. But the responsibilities I carry... They always pull me away. They always take me away from the ones I love the most. And now, they've stolen you from me too.

I never told you... I could never tell you how much it hurt to be away from you. After my mother died, everything changed. The day Hades attacked, when Themyscira went up in flames, I lost everything. The woman who raised me, who taught me to be who I am, died in my arms. And in that moment, I understood that the world of men was no longer my place.

I had to be the Queen. No one else could carry that weight. And to do that... I had to leave the outside world. I had to leave you.

I wonder, so often, if things could have been different. If I had chosen you, instead of my duty. But no matter how many times I ask myself, the answer always comes back to the same place: I couldn't. And that has destroyed me more than I ever let you see.

I didn't love you because of your heroism, or the bat you became to save Gotham. I loved you because underneath it all, you were the strongest and most vulnerable man I've ever known. Because you carried the world's pain on your shoulders and yet, day after day, you chose to fight. And maybe, deep down, I loved you because I knew how much it cost. Because I felt the same way.

You didn't compromise. You never allowed yourself to give up, no matter how deep the darkness pulled you. And as much as it hurt you, as much as it isolated you, it was that part of you that I loved. That I will always love.

But my responsibilities... They are a prison, Bruce. They tied me to Themyscira, kept me away from you when I needed to see you most. I would give anything to be by your side now. To feel your hand holding mine, to hear your voice, to tell you that nothing, not distance, not years, has changed the way I feel about you.

I loved you yesterday, I love you today... And I will love you until the end of time.

If there is something beyond this life, if there is a place where pain and duty cannot separate us, I will meet you there. I promise.

Goodbye, Bruce.

I love you. Always."

Her voice falters for a moment, and she closes her eyes, as if trying to hold back tears. When she speaks again, her voice is softer, more vulnerable.

"You always said you weren't afraid to die, but I know the truth. I know that deep down, what haunted you most was leaving the ones you loved behind. You lived so long in the shadows, carrying a weight no one should carry alone. But you weren't alone, Bruce. You never were. I was with you through every battle, through every lonely night, even when distance separated us.

I think of the nights we fought side by side... the silence after battles, when it was just you and me. When you let me see the man behind the mask. And in those moments... I felt like nothing could keep us apart. That somehow, we would find a way to be together.

But fate has never been kind to us, has it? There has always been something... a new threat, a new responsibility. We have always had to sacrifice parts of ourselves for the greater good. And now, my greatest regret is that I didn't tell you enough... that you were my world.

I would give anything to go back in time. To hold you one more time. To whisper in your ear that you were not alone, that you never will be. Because even now, even when your body is gone, you live in me. In my heart. In my soul.

And if eternity is given to me, I will wait for you, Bruce. In every sunrise, in every sunset. Until we can meet again, I will carry your name with me. Always."

The screen went black for a moment, the silence in the Batcave was deafening, even depressing. 

In the shadows of an old refuge, old Bruce Wayne reflects on the figure of Wonder Woman. In his eyes, marked by time and the battles he has lived, Diana has always represented much more than a warrior of immeasurable strength; she embodied the essence of light amidst the darkness that so often enveloped both Gotham and Bruce himself.

He recalls that even when the world seemed plunged into an abyss of despair, Diana's firm and compassionate gaze was capable of restoring faith in humanity. Her courage went beyond the physical, manifesting itself in a moral and spiritual way, like a beacon that illuminated the tortuous paths and demonstrated that justice could prevail without resorting to cruel methods. In every gesture and word, there was a serene certainty that empathy and compassion were the most powerful weapons against hatred and violence.

Over the years, Bruce had learned that while the scars of the past never completely disappeared, the presence of someone like Wonder Woman had the power to transform the solitude of the darkest days into a journey filled with meaning. She had taught him the importance of seeing beyond the shadows and appreciating the best in human nature, even when fate insisted on testing the resilience of hearts.

Now, with the years weighing heavily on his shoulders and the struggles of the past fading into memories, old Bruce finds solace in the memory of the integrity and ideal that Diana represented. To him, she remained, and always would remain, the embodiment of hope, a constant reminder that despite all adversity, light can always emerge, renewing faith that a better world is possible.

Amidst the silence of what had once been the Batcave, his thoughts only turned to her, Diana. How much he loved her.

It wasn't immediate, nor was it easy; he never allowed it to be. Love, for Bruce, had always been a vulnerability, a gap that the enemy could exploit. But with Diana, the rules he had imposed on himself seemed to lose their strength. There was something about her, that unshakable strength combined with a quiet tenderness, that cut through his most rigid defenses. And, over time, he realized that, with her by his side, the loneliness he had always believed to be inevitable no longer seemed so unbearable.

There were moments, rare and precious, when he allowed himself to let his guard down. When the weight of Gotham became too much, she was there, offering not only comfort but understanding. Diana never tried to change him or condemn his choices, but she never backed down from his darker side either. She accepted him as he was, and that, more than anything else, frightened and attracted him in equal measure.

But Bruce always knew that their love would not be simple. He belonged to Gotham, to his crusade, and she, to the world. Still, on silent nights, when the city was asleep and his demons gave him a respite, he allowed himself to imagine a future where he could be just a man beside the woman he loved. A future where the darkness he lived in would not keep him from her.

And even now, with time slipping away and the battles of the past becoming distant memories, his heart still held onto her. Because in the end, she was the closest he had come to escaping the darkness. The closest he had come to being truly happy.

The screen flashed again, Superman appeared once more, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"You don't know how hard it was to tell Diana about this, thank goodness she kept that old League communication device. I hope it was enough, there are so many things I wanted to talk about."

I wish I could be there, I wish I could see you one last time, but there's no time. When I get back to Earth, my best friend will already be dead. I wish I could get in touch with the others, Wally, J'onn, Shayera. 

Creating a special moment for you, for all of us. It won't be possible and I... I...

I am really sorry…

Goodbye, my friend. The world will not be the same without you. And I… I will miss you every day."

A tear ran down the Man of Steel's cheek, one last smile was all Bruce saw.

The video ends.

Silence.

Bruce stares at the screen for a few seconds. His breathing is shallow. His eyes shine, but not with pain, with acceptance. One last thought passes through his mind:

"He was always a sentimental fool."

His body finally gives in, as if his soul only requires watching this video before resting. Bruce Wayne has finally stopped fighting.

The last thing his eyes saw was a report on the Batcomputer, a journalist reporting how Batman had stopped the Jokerz with other heroes by his side.

A faint smile formed.

Then, with one last breath, the Dark Knight closes his eyes. And Gotham, for the first time in decades, becomes a little darker.

That's how it happened.

That's how…

The Vengeance 

The Night 

The BATMAN died.

In an unknown place…

In Bruce's vision, suddenly, everything went white. Sensations beyond his being took over him, somehow he felt his body again.

But the question was, how?

Bruce felt his body grow younger. The pain was gone. He was standing, wearing his classic Batman costume, but something was... different. The surroundings were vast and ethereal, a space that seemed to stretch on forever. He frowned, trying to make sense of where he was.

"Hey, Batsy! You're finally awake!" 

Said a high-pitched, excited voice.

Bruce turned around, seeing a tiny figure wearing a colorful outfit and an exaggerated cape. The being floated before him with a wide smile on its face.

He had a cartoonish appearance, standing about two feet tall. His costume resembled Batman's own uniform, but in more vibrant shades of blue and purple, with a short, yellow cape that flowed behind him. 

His utility belt was disproportionate to his size, almost decorative, and a black mask covered part of his round face. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, and his pointy ears were even more exaggerated than Batman's own. 

There was an almost childlike energy in his movements, but his eyes carried a gleam that suggested a knowledge beyond what his appearance suggested.

"Who are you?" 

Bruce asked, his tone serious and firm as ever.

"Well, I'm Bat-Mite! A being from the Fifth Dimension, one of your biggest fans!" 

He gave a theatrical bow.

"A fifth dimensional being? So you're like Mr. Mxyzptlk?"

"Like Myx? Hah! Please, Batman! I'm much more refined. Myx is a show-off who finds it funny to irritate that alien in the blue leotard. I, on the other hand, have much more sophisticated tastes. Like you! The greatest detective in the multiverse! Ahh, it's a dream to be here!"

"Multiverse? So, you know other versions of me?"

"Oh, you have no idea! But honestly, none of them come close to you. I mean, sure, there are some Batmen out there who are... interesting. But you? You're practically a living legend! And you know what's even cooler? You're an alternate version of Batman from the DCAU! Ohhh, that Batman was awesome! Cold, calculating, but with a heart of gold hidden under all that dark pose. The fans love him! He's like the "Ultimate Batman" to a lot of people!"

"Fans?"

"It's complicated. Higher dimensions and all. But basically, in some universes, your adventures are... well, epic stories that everyone follows. And Batman from Batman: The Animated Series? Pff, he's an icon! The voice, the car, the style... Ugh, perfection! And you remind me so much of him! Isn't that great?"

"I don't usually worry about popular approval."

"I know, I know! Part of the charm, right? The 'I am the night' thing and all. But seriously, you're quite the hero. No wonder I picked you as my favorite. Between you and me, Myx never got the appeal. 'Oh, why don't you make fun of Superman?' he says. Silly. He never had good taste."

"Why are you here?"

"Oh, I wanted to see you in action up close! I could be elsewhere, but... hey, you're Batman! And I won't miss a single second of your journey. And if you need a little magical help, just call. Consider me a die-hard fan always at your disposal. By the way, have you thought about a cape with a little more shine? No? Ok, it was just an idea."

"No."

Bat-Mite sighs emotionally.

"Always so serious... I love it!"

"But by the way, you're in a very special place, Bruce. Some very powerful beings wanted to see you, but before that, I thought you deserved a little tour."

Before Bruce could respond, Bat-Mite snapped his fingers, and in the blink of an eye, they were standing in front of a gigantic hall.

The place glowed with golden light, and holograms of legendary figures floated on the walls.

"Welcome to the Heroes Hall of Fame!" 

Bat-Mite announced enthusiastically.

"Here are immortalized the greatest heroes of the multiverse!"

Bruce looked around the room, recognizing names he had expected to see. Superman stood prominently, his symbol glowing brightly. Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash... all the icons who had shaped the history of superheroes were there. However, one name in particular made him pause.

"Booster Gold?" 

Bruce frowned.

"What is he doing here?"

Bat-Mite laughed, shaking his head.

"Oh, I knew you'd be surprised by this one! Booster Gold may look like a full-time clown, but he's done more than you might think."

Bruce crossed his arms. 

"Explain."

"Remember the Justice League Unlimited episode 'The Greatest Story Never Told'?" 

Bat-Mite asked, hovering around Bruce. The hero was confused about what that fifth-dimensional being was talking about, what was Justice League Unlimited?

"While everyone was busy fighting Mordru, Booster Gold saved the universe from a dimensional singularity that would have erased all existence. And that was just the beginning."

Bruce arched an eyebrow, now understanding what event Bat-Mite was referring to, but still skeptical. 

That day, Bruce had only asked Booster to control the crowd, he even remembered criticizing the hero afterwards for the poorly done task, and something like that had really happened?

"And no one ever knew?"

Bat-Mite nodded, his expression more serious. 

"Exactly. After that, he became a sort of guardian of time. While you dealt with visible threats across timelines, he traveled in secret, repairing temporal ruptures and stopping universal threats without ever receiving recognition."

For a moment, Bruce remained silent, reflecting on how many unsung heroes carried invisible burdens. Perhaps, in the end, they weren't so different after all.

"In the end, he never wanted glory. The hero who started out for fame ended up being the most selfless of all." 

Bat-Mite concluded, crossing his small arms.

 "Just like you, Bruce. Sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones whose stories no one will ever know."

Bruce looked at the name of the Booster Gold again, this time with quiet respect, understanding that in many ways, the legacy of a true hero went beyond what met the eye.

"But anyway, come with me, Batsy! Let me show you some incredible places in this SENSATIONAL place! You'll love it, in the meantime I'll tell you your purpose here, the others are still arriving, we have plenty of time."

Bat-Mite spoke full of emotion, while laughing and flying everywhere.

Bruce began following the fifth-dimensional being, wondering who "the others" were.