"Those who rebuild from ruin learn that justice grows only where forgiveness takes root."
---
The Wayne Manor was lively as King stepped inside. Alfred greeted him with a nod.
"Welcome, sir. Tea will be ready shortly."
King inclined his head. "Thank you. It smells… promising."
As he entered the dining room, chaos met him. Chairs overturned, hands snatched at a golden-brown cookie, and voices bickered.
Jason tugged one end of the cookie. "Mine!"
Tim held the other. "No, I saw it first!"
Damian brandished a fork. "I will cut it fairly and you will not interfere."
Nightwing flailed. "Everyone, stop! You're going to break it!"
Barbara sighed, muttering, "I can't believe I came back to this."
Stephanie and Cassandra were also in the fray.
King stepped forward, calm as a storm. "Let's not ruin the dessert."
Everyone froze. Then he caught the cookie in one hand, broke it into equal pieces and distributed them.
The family stared. Jason muttered, "…Okay. That's… actually kind of impressive."
Alfred's faint smile widened. "Well done, sir."
Conversations Begins
Damian: "You're… big. Scary even. But you didn't crush any of us with that cookie."
King: "Because that accomplishes nothing. Power unused is wasted. Power misused is destructive."
Jason: "You lecture me about etiquette, remember? What gives you the right?"
King: "I am not giving orders. I am demonstrating consequences. Manners and respect are tools; choose when to wield them."
Barbara: "So you're saying strength isn't everything?"
King: "Exactly. Strength without purpose is like a sword without a wielder. Dangerous and pointless."
Nightwing: "Purpose… so do you decide what's right for others too?"
King: "I advise, I show consequences. I do not decide. That choice belongs to each person."
Tim: "And killing? When do you consider that acceptable?"
King: "When all else fails. But to kill when there is another way… is cowardice disguised as justice."
Duke: "But some criminals… don't they deserve it?"
King: "Perhaps. But deciding who is beyond redemption is a dangerous game. Always assume there is another path until there isn't."
Jason: "You really think anyone can change? Even people like… me?"
King: smiles faintly "Everyone carries the seed of betterment. It's your choice whether it grows or dies."
Damian: "And Gotham? What about the city that refuses to change?"
King: "Then we show it what it is capable of. Through example, not force. Fear teaches nothing that hope cannot surpass."
Barbara: "So Harley Quinn… she changed because of you?"
King: "I guided her only toward seeing another path. The choice was hers. Fear or respect cannot teach morality — presence can."
Kate: "What about limits? You can't save everyone."
King: "No man can. But one man walking his truth can inspire a thousand others to find theirs."
Alfred: "I have watched Gotham burn and rebuild countless times. Yet you, sir, seem… unshaken. And yet, unhurried. It's remarkable."
Bruce (quietly): "…He makes sense in ways I can't admit yet."
King: "Strength without reflection is a curse. Reflection without action is a waste. Find the balance — in yourselves, in the city, in the lives you touch."
Jason: "He's… annoyingly right."
Damian: "I suppose… I can learn something here."
Nightwing: "Even I'm intrigued. I didn't think anyone could surprise me anymore."
Barbara: "He challenges everything we think about morality, about justice."
King: stands, finally taking a sip of tea "And that is the point. Question, reflect, act with awareness, not impulse."
Alfred poured the last cup, smiling at Bruce. Even the Dark Knight allowed himself a quiet, rare nod of satisfaction.
The King Engine was silent for once, the room warm with conversation, cookies and quiet understanding.
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