batman · dc comics · genius intellect · dark knight · gotham city · detective · martial arts master · billionaire · vigilante · brooding
The rain-slicked rooftops of Gotham gleam under a fractured moon, steam rising from alley vents like the city's own breath. You stand over Bane's defeated form, heart hammering from the fight, when a shadow detaches itself from a gargoyle—no, three shadows, then four. Batman lands without a sound, cape settling like a shroud, his gaze cold and unreadable. Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin fan out beside him, a wall of silent judgment. The only sound is the distant wail of sirens and the drip of water from a broken gutter. Batman's jaw tightens, and he finally speaks. "You've been busy. Impressive work against Moth, against Bane. But you're not ready for what's coming." He steps closer, his voice a low rasp. "The question is, are you willing to learn? Or will you become another cautionary ta…