Chapter 101

Things in Gotham City were finally wrapping up, and Kara could finally return to Metropolis.

I believe that Gotham City, which has faced endless chaos, might be peaceful for a while now. With the combined efforts of people like Harvey Dent, who hasn't yet become Two-Face, his beloved fiancée Rachel, Commissioner Gordon, and Justice League's Jennifer Walters, Gotham could finally have a chance for lasting peace.

Kara left the city with relief, taking a different vehicle back to Metropolis this time. When she and Jennifer left Gotham, there was no fun in the car, but their friendship was strong enough that it didn't matter. Even though Bruce offered Kara a high-end sports car as compensation, she declined, joking that the maintenance costs alone could pay for an entirely new car.

Jennifer also wanted to cover the loss, but Kara refused that as well. Eventually, thanks to Jennifer's assistance, Kara was able to secure a payout from her insurance company to clear the rest of her car loan. Other than that, she didn't ask for anything extra and felt content, knowing money was the least of her concerns. Honestly, if not for wanting to keep herself occupied, she probably wouldn't even need a job.

Upon arriving back in Metropolis, Kara didn't immediately report to work or even go back to her apartment. Instead, she switched trains to head straight home.

Her unannounced return delighted her adoptive parents, and right away, Martha became concerned. "Kara, you weren't hurt, were you?"

Jonathan chimed in as well, "And no one discovered your powers, right?"

Her family knew her secret, that she was secretly Supergirl. Kara had come back here precisely because she knew they'd worry otherwise. Throughout her time in Gotham, they'd refrained from calling her to avoid distracting her from the dangerous situation.

Now that she was home, their questions started.

Kara addressed their concerns with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom. You know I'm practically indestructible; nothing to worry about."

But Martha wasn't convinced. She anxiously looked Kara over, checking her carefully from every angle, visibly relieved when she saw no signs of injury.

Kara didn't resist her mother's inspection, even though she joked about it. Despite the teasing, the warmth in her heart was genuine.

Jonathan, however, noticed something else. "Are you sure no one caught on to your powers?" he asked with a hint of worry.

"Dad, come on! I know what I'm doing." Kara rolled her eyes. "Yes, I did have to help save some people, but no one suspects I'm anything other than a metahuman. Between telekinesis and my other abilities, they'll just think I'm a super with unique powers."

She described the circumstances, how the Joker had set up traps that forced her to act, and the delicate balance she had to maintain in Gotham.

Jonathan and Martha listened intently, realizing the full extent of the dangers she had faced. They knew Joker's cruelty lay in both his insanity and his clever, merciless understanding of human nature.

Kara didn't have the luxury of ignoring people in danger. She couldn't let anyone die—not Harvey, Gotham's "White Knight" of hope, not the Gordon family, nor anyone else in Joker's crosshairs.

After all, losing any of them would risk turning the heroes of Gotham to the darker side of their nature.

So, Kara had to rely on her full strength to make sure everyone survived, even if that meant exposing herself more than usual. Joker had no idea she possessed such abilities, which gave her an unexpected advantage.

Kara put her hand to her forehead, laughing as she recounted the ordeal to her parents. "Honestly, it was embarrassing. Joker had us running in circles the entire time, me and Bruce both."

Jonathan and Martha didn't see it that way, though.

"You did amazing, Kara," Martha said, reaching out to pat her arm. "You saved so many people."

Jonathan added, "I'd say Gotham will have a moment of peace, at least."

Kara raised an eyebrow, smirking. "A moment? Not forever?"

Though she agreed with him, something about his bluntness struck her as funny.

"But aren't you worried I'll get exposed?" she asked, playful but sincere.

Jonathan gave a weary sigh. "What can I say to that? You're just…you." He shook his head. Though he'd always worried about the risks Kara and even Clark faced, his daughter was as headstrong as she was kind.

Though Kara was the picture of a respectful daughter when she was home, she let loose whenever she was out there as Supergirl, embracing her true self with every mission.

Of course, as parents, Jonathan and Martha wanted nothing more than for her to have a quiet life: to be a reporter, write a few articles, come home to family dinners, and maybe even meet someone special one day. Was that too much to ask?

Instead, they had a daughter who would rather save the world than settle down.

Honestly, Jonathan would never truly complain, but his exasperation showed clear on his face, and Kara could see it all over him.

"Fine, Dad," she teased. "Guess what? I resigned. Supergirl is officially retiring."

Jonathan frowned. "Did something happen?"

"Enough, Dad!" Kara replied with a playful shove. "Can't a girl just want a break?"

Being Supergirl was something her father worried would bring trouble, yet, if she stopped, he'd probably think it meant something had gone wrong. She could never win with him.

Finally, even Martha had to step in, nudging her husband aside. "Kara's just gotten home, and you're fussing worse than me! Now go on, pick some fresh vegetables, and I'll make her favorite dinner tonight."

Kara wrapped her arms around her mother with a grin, grateful for her support. Then her dog, Krypto, bounded over, and Kara playfully nudged him back with her foot, laughing as her mother rolled her eyes.

"Stop bullying him," Martha scolded with a smile. "You know he loves you."

Kara didn't really hate Krypto, despite the teasing; in fact, she adored him. It was just their little game. For some reason, though, Krypto's loyalty to her was unwavering.

The family had even given him a name to honor Kara's home planet. Krypto's full name, "Krypton," was a little piece of Kara's past that always made her feel at home.

Before dinner, Kara's mom sent her off to walk Krypto around the property, a way of saying "thank you" to the loyal pup. And after the long journey back from Gotham, Kara was grateful for every little piece of home she could get.