Chapter Three: The Return of the Steel Fang

Quick note: The interlude out of the way, back to the main story.

Thursday night

It was a beautiful late spring evening. The sun hadn't quite set yet, but it still look dark all the same.

It was going to be a full moon tonight, and that meant that the skies would be bright, but the bright lights of Gotham made the sky look even brighter at times. And it was especially bright in the northwest business district.

Wonder Woman, wearing her red top, gold arm straps and black pants ensemble, flew under a twenty-foot neon sign and dodged large metallic spider legs, they were moving incredibly fast. She smirked at the funny sight of these criminals. She remembered dealing with them years ago with Batman. Though the memories were a bit fuzzy and how those circumstances had occurred were somewhat difficult to remember.

Even to this day, she still didn't know if she should be flattered or insulted about having helped Batman take them down the first time. Though she did remember how ridiculous the villains looked in their silly costumes. Giant metal spiders or octopuses, she couldn't tell and - quite frankly - it was probably not worth asking about or even attempting to understand.

Wonder Woman thought about how this night started off so well. The previous few weeks had been long and stressful and last week they set this night up. Unfortunately, as soon as they got ready to eat dinner, a call from the Batcomputer signaled trouble in the city. And after making the split second decision to suit up and join Batman in the business district, she had sincerely hoped that this would be quick and that they could return home for dinner and finish the night off the way they had wanted.

A few hours earlier…

Diana was ready, wearing a nice and simple get up. She debated whether to where a form-fitting and sexy looking black dress which would leave nothing to the imagination, but it wasn't as if they were going to a fancy restaurant or play. Besides, she wanted to feel sexy, but also relaxed and casual about the entire night.

She gave herself a look over and nodded her head satisfaction. Wearing one of her favorite pair of blue jeans - which showcased her full behind – and a short sleeved snap-front shirt in black with the top two buttons open to showcase her ample cleavage. She straightened everything out and smiled.

Perfect.

Picking up her choice of shoes, she lifted herself off the carpeted floor and placed her shoes on. The benefit of having powers was she didn't always have to sit down and could hover. Floating back down, she turned on her heels and look at herself in her vanity mirror, making sure her light amount of makeup, mostly eyeliner and some shadow were just right.

Finished with her preparations, she walked out of the master bedroom and down the hallway to the main staircase where she knew Bruce was waiting. After only a short time, she reached the staircase and looked down with a bright smile at Bruce waiting for her patiently.

Bruce looked up and saw her and gave her slightly bemused expression. He was dressed in a long-sleeved collar shirt, black in color and dark blue jeans that matched his eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle at what they both wore tonight.

"What's funny?" Diana asked as she reached the bottom and gave her husband a curious expression.

"We match." Bruce replied smiling back. "I didn't expect that."

"Well, Mr. Wayne." Diana reached up and made sure Bruce's collar was adjusted properly. She leaned in close and spoke in a huskily "You should expect the night to end exactly how we want it."

Bruce gave her a suggestive look. "Well, Mrs. Wayne, I might want to behave."

"Good idea."

They leaned forward to kiss before being interrupted by a small cough. Turning their heads to the left, they saw Alfred standing not to far away.

"Sir, Madam, drinks and appetizers are ready when you are." Alfred spoke in his dignified and regal manner.

"Thank you Alfred." Bruce said pulling away from Diana. He offered her his arm and she took it with a smile.

Several moments later, Alfred lead them to the dining room where there drinks were prepared and small plates set up with utensils. Bruce helped Diana sit down and she thanked him. Taking his seat across from her Alfred poured them their glasses of a very light wine mixed with cranberries. Alfred placed the bottle back on the small tray at the end of the table next to two large empty glasses and a pitcher of ice water.

"Shall I bring the appetizers?" Alfred asked.

"Please." Diana smiled her husband's surrogate father that she adored so much.

"Thank you, Alfred." Bruce said nodding politely.

Alfred nodded his head and turned to the kitchen. Let alone Bruce and Diana started to share small talk. A few moments passed and Alfred brought out a large cart of appetizers, each was different from the last and was quite varied.

Bruce and Diana took their portions, while Alfred departed to continue cooking the main course. Because it was still early, he didn't have to rush and knew they had plenty of time to eat.

Enjoying the different foods, of both Asian, south American, and European, they commented on how Alfred was, as always, the master chef. Bruce admitted that they should do something nice for him the next time and Diana agreed.

Time passed and Alfred returned to claim the empty plates and take the cart away. So far the night had been perfect and everything that could go right so far did. For Diana it was exactly how she hoped it would be. She thought about how exciting tonight was going to be.

Diana was about to speak, when Alfred walked in and interrupted their conversation.

"Sir, Madam, a signal from the Batcomputer has appeared. It sounds very serious." Alfred told them, despite the seriousness in his tone, it also sounded as if he was heartbroken over breaking the news.

Diana's face immediately went from cheerful to a mix of disappointment and anger. On a night that was meant for them, Gotham couldn't rest. She knew deep down it was possible something would happen but she hoped it could wait. Once again, the Amazon Princess was reminded of the harsh realities of living in a city such as Gotham.

Crime never stops and neither could the man she loved.

"Thanks Alfred." Bruce said, he sounded mildly annoyed that on all nights, crime would crop up. Turning his head toward Diana, "I'll be down in the cave."

Bruce excused himself and headed towards the library. Diana paused as she thought about getting up, but quickly deduced that whatever was going on could be serious.

"Miss?" Alfred asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm joining him Alfred." Diana told him, proceeding towards the library. "If it's serious then he'll need my help."

"Understood." Alfred nodded his head. "Shall I place the main course on hold for now?"

Diana turned and smiled at him. "Yes, please, and thank you for everything Alfred." She was genuine in her gratuity and gave him a look of adoration at his kindness.

Alfred smiled back. "Of course, Miss Diana. It pleases to no end to see how happy you and Master Bruce can be."

Diana stood looking at the elderly man, standing straight and his hands clasped behind his back, impeccable as he always was.

"Be safe my dear." Alfred told her, breaking the comforting silence.

"Always." Diana replied with confidence as she sped off to the Batcave prepared for whatever was to come.

Present…

And so it was that they found themselves dealing trouble and that was the Steel Fang. When Wonder Woman saw them, she tried to stifle a laugh and not make light of the situation. They were dangerous, but how much, she was going to find out.

Wonder Woman dodged more swipes and stopped in mid air and used her gold and red bracelets to block a swipe from one metal leg and was pushed back by a few feet at the blow. Though, it wasn't as violent as she thought it would be.

Lowering her arms, she saw the leader of the group staring down, while his two partners were busy terrorizing innocents on the street below. She looked at the red, blue and black suited criminal and once again tried not to laugh. She knew how pathetic they were. She just wasn't sure if they knew it.

Or cared for that matter.

"You can't stop us Wonder Woman!" Barked out the leader of the Steel Fang. "We will rule this city! You will not defeat us again!"

Wonder Woman floated in the air and crossed her arms, these three were silly and not much of a challenge. The Amazon had dealt with far worse and more dangerous criminals than these three. She figured they would be done soon enough.

"You rule this city now?" Wonder Woman replied trying to hold back from snickering. She looked down at the street and saw Batman taking care of the other two. He already had one knocked unconscious and was taking care of the other.

Batman was pulling out his Batclaw and fired at the other Steel Fang member. The claw grabbed the back of the villain and Wonder Woman could see Batman yanking with all his strength to pull him down. After a brief struggle, the other member went down with a loud slam.

After retracting the claw, he jumped forward and landed on top of the fallen member and delivered a knock out blow. He immediately looked up to see Wonder Woman at a standstill with the leader.

As if sensing that Batman was watching her, she looked down and smiled.

"I think you heard him. I need some help." She yelled to her partner.

The leader laughed loudly. "No one can stop me!"

He quickly lifted two of his metal legs and was about to swing at Wonder Woman, but was suddenly hit with three explosive balls, hitting him in the face, chest and at one of the legs. He quickly fell with a loud thud.

Moments later, two of the Steel Fang members were lying flat on the ground and the other was hanging upside down from a light post.

Batman and Wonder Woman stood next to each other as they waited for the police to arrive. As they waited, Wonder Woman couldn't help but laugh.

"What's funny princess?" Batman asked with his usual tone of voice, not quite neutral, but not emotional either. Indifference seemed more apropos given the circumstances. Though he knew what it was that his partner was laughing about, he made a point to ask.

"Well, it's these same three men again. And they thought they were unstoppable." Wonder Woman said. She placed her head in her hand and shook it.

Batman sighed. "I never thought I'd see them again. But, much like last time, they were pushovers." Though he was trying to remember when they had first fought them and what exactly it was about. He did know that she assisted him, but didn't quite remember what came afterwards.

Then, he nudged closer and pushed back some hair covering Diana's right ear. She knew what this was about.

"I'm sorry our night was ruined so far." It was Bruce whispering and not Batman. "I'll make it up to you somehow."

Diana smiled softly and whispered low enough for him to hear. She knew that his cowl had enhanced earpieces, so he could hear the lowest, smallest noise.

"It's okay, we'll make things up as we go." She whispered back. "We'll still end the night the way I want it too."

Those last words were spoken with a seductive tone. And as she pulled away, she had a small and seductive looking smirk.

Batman smiled. "Sounds like…."

He was interrupted by the Steel Fang leader opening his mouth.

"For crying out loud! Did you two take my advice all those years ago and get a room?!"

The pair turned their heads to look at him. Neither showed annoyance, but amusement that the leader was running his mouth again.

"I'm freezing my palp up here! Again!" The leader was clearly annoyed, but apparently he still hadn't learned his lesson from a few years ago.

"Excuse me." Wonder Woman said. She smiled at Batman.

"Take your time, but be nice." Batman said with a hint of humor. He pulled out the object the Wonder Woman would need to silence the leader.

Wonder Woman took it and spun it around in her fingers as she turned and headed towards the upside down Steel Fang leader.

"Yeah, that's right, why don't you both head to the Batmobile and have your fun…." He paused and his eyes went wide. He knew what was going on and he didn't like it.

"Hey! Is that what I think it is?!" He started to panic and began sweating like there was no tomorrow.

Wonder Woman lifted her left hand up and held the object that the leader feared most.

"No! No! No! Keep that away from me! Not again! Aaaahhhhhhh!" The leader of the Steel Fang quickly realized that he should have kept his mouth shut and save himself the trouble.

Batman shook his head and laughed inwardly at what was going on in front of him. At least they would have some fun tonight.

Next: Rooftop.