Batman: Man Made of Nothing

Chapter 5: The Droplet

Batman returned to the Bat-cave exiting the bat-mobile noticing that Carrie was at the computer desk in her Robin outfit. He approached Carrie removing his cowl noticing she was sleeping laying her head on her arms at the bat computer. Batman noticed footsteps coming from behind him and heard Alfred's voice.

"She refused to leave the cave until you returned, Master Bruce. Ms. Kelley appears to share in your stubbornness. She practiced for a long time getting a feel for her costume", he said, as his voice echoed through the cave. He stood on the balcony above the costume displays of Batman's previous protégés and obsolete suits. Alfred started to make his way down to the bat computer as Bruce spoke looking down at Carrie.

"Do you remember why I picked her, Alfred? Why I even considered allowing her to be a part of this life", asked Bruce, curious as to what Alfred might say.

"I think the key word that doesn't belong in that question is "Allowing". I honestly believe Ms. Kelley would be trying to help people whether you brought her into the fold or not", said Alfred, knowing all too well his experience being with Bruce and the other members of the Bat-family.

"You're right, Alfred. When I heard about her taking on purse snatchers, helping those in minor emergencies, and simply doing what she could to make Gotham a bit better. Despite her upbringing she wants to do good. And she puts herself out there without any tech or highly skilled training", Bruce said in a subtly proud tone.

"Just make sure she's ready. Training her hard and preparing her to the best of your abilities like you did with Master Richard and Ms. Gordon is all well and good. But I think you know what I'm going to say next", Alfred said in a calm, but concerned tone.

"Gotham is still Gotham....", Bruce said trailing off taking a pause. "I can only hope for when a specific moment comes she doesn't just survive but also rises from it", said Batman in a concerned tone.

"Specific moment, Master Bruce hasn't the poor thing been through enough", Alfred asked confused.

"I'm talking about "The" moment, Alfred. What she went through was a traumatizing experience, but when you're tested to the pinnacle of your physical and mental ability to keep fighting and surviving. The moment you decide that even though you have no control and no chance of winning. You still find a way to keep going", said Bruce putting his hand on Carrie's shoulder hearing her slight change in breathing knowing she has been awake half way through his conversation with Alfred. Bruce looks at Alfred with a small smirk and Alfred immediately catches on.

"Well Master Bruce, just remember she is still a teenager and some freedom to be so, can do Ms. Kelley some good. Now, I dare say, we must get the young lady up and bring her to her room to rest for what little there is left of the morning", said Alfred, as he shook on Carrie's shoulder.

"Ms. Kelley, it's time to go up to your room. You have school in a few hours and I will not have you dawdle and be late for class", he continued as Carrie pretended to act as though she was just waking up.

"Alright Alfred alright, let a girl stretch a moment", Carrie said, in a pretend raspy tired voice stretching out her arms and legs.

"You did plenty of that before training and I graciously allowed you to stay in the cave, because you promised that when Master Bruce returned home you'd go up to your room" said Alfred, in his proper lecturing tone.

"You're right Alfred. Fine, I'll head up. I know when to choose my battles. Boss, glad to see you made it back okay", she said, smiling at Bruce as she made her way back up to the manor.

"Have a good day at school Carrie. And since it's Friday why don't you spend some time with your friends", said Bruce in a calm, tired tone.

"Are you sure? Don't you need help looking through the CCTV footage to find our killer", Carrie asked, confused as though wanting Bruce to change his mind.