Chapter 83 (edited)

Bruce had called Kara overnight, urging her not to participate in the parade. "It's too dangerous," he had said, his voice tinged with frustration and concern. But Kara, as Gotham City's chief judge, couldn't simply bow out without reason. The citizens of Gotham needed to see strength and unity, not fear.

"Bruce, I appreciate your concern, but if I back out, it would only undermine the trust people have in me," Kara had replied, her tone resolute.

Bruce had hung up the phone reluctantly, knowing she was right but still uneasy. Alfred, ever the observant butler, noticed Bruce's preoccupation as he handed him a towel and a glass of water. "Master Wayne, if you truly care for Miss Kara, perhaps you should make that clear. But if you're still holding onto Miss Rachel, you're being unfair to both."

Bruce sighed, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. Rachel had made it clear she wouldn't be with him unless he gave up being Batman. Yet, every action he took seemed to widen the gulf between them. Alfred's words stung because they carried the weight of truth.

The morning of the parade arrived, and Kara was preparing for the event. Jennifer, her assistant, was pacing around her apartment, disapproving of Kara's casual attire. 

"You can't wear jeans and sneakers to a formal event," Jennifer groaned, rifling through Kara's closet until she pulled out a sleek white gown, complete with matching heels and a pearl necklace. "This is what you're wearing."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "I'm not the centerpiece of the parade, Jennifer. I'm just there to make sure no one gets hurt."

Jennifer shot her a stern look. "You're the chief judge of Gotham City. You represent dignity and authority. Now, put this on."

Reluctantly, Kara complied, though not without grumbling about the impracticality of such an outfit. As she slipped into the gown, Jennifer noticed something startling: Kara's muscular back, honed from years of rigorous training, stood out sharply. 

"You're a walking steel fortress," Jennifer muttered in disbelief, running her hand over the taut muscles. 

Kara shrugged. "It's functional. Now, give me that corset."

Jennifer balked. "You're going to wear that under this dress? It's backless!"

"I'm not walking out there without it," Kara replied firmly. Her long, golden hair draped over her back, concealing much of the musculature and adding an air of understated elegance to the otherwise striking dress.

When Kara finally slipped on the heels, her height increased significantly, towering over Jennifer, who rolled her eyes. "Do you have to be so tall?" she teased, trying to mask her awe.

"It's not something I can turn off," Kara quipped, giving a small smirk.

As the two women prepared to leave, the tension in the air was palpable. The parade was not only a memorial for Gotham's fallen chief of police but also a glaring opportunity for Joker to strike again. Bruce, ever cautious, was already setting plans in motion to monitor the event. He knew Joker's unpredictability meant no one was truly safe—not Harvey, not the mayor, and certainly not Kara. 

Kara, however, was unfazed. Her focus remained on her role: protecting the citizens of Gotham and maintaining order, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way.