Maria

by ConcoctionMaster

Talia had erased her from memory. Bane spends every free thought wondering if she still exists. How long will it take for him to realize that what he'd been searching for has dropped into his clutches? More importantly how long will it take this anonymous woman to regain lost memories of the past? and once regaining them will it be the key to saving Gotham from annihilation?

11. Chapter 11

Past

Maria and Talia followed closely behind Bane as they walked across the pit. They tried not to look at the crazed stares of the other prisoners, but it was hard not to when the stared so intensely. Normally they would be in their cell, but caught wind that someone had lighter fluid-and winter was closing in fast. It didn't snow, but in the winter the days were cold and the nights were frost-bite freezing.

Having a fire would be beneficial, especially to the children. Bane couldn't leave them alone to go fetch the item, and he didn't like that they had to come with him, but he wouldn't know what to do if they were in trouble and he couldn't get to them. It was easy finding the man with the lighter fluid. He tried to bargain with Bane. And to the man's defense he was a new prisoner so he didn't realize that you don't bargain with Bane. If he wanted something you gave it to him and if you didn't you died.

And that's what happened. He snapped the man's neck and took the fluid.

That night they had a fire. It wasn't big but it was warm. The children were pressed against Bane as he wrapped blankets around them.

"Teach me to kill." Talia said, all of sudden.

"Why?" he asked,

"I don' want to be afraid anymore." Maria stared at her sister.

"Its not that simple little one."

"Who was your first kill?" Bane glanced at her,

"I was your age the first time I killed someone. During those years… there's was a shortage in food. Many starved to death. One day, as food was lowered into the pit, I had managed to grab a few loaves of bread. A man came at me, and to protect what I had I stabbed in the chest many times. All I remember, after that, was feeling very…very numb." Maria took his hand,

"Sorry ya had to do that." He smiled at her. Somehow, despite everything she'd seen she still maintains this sense of innocence. Talia, however, was whom he worried over. Everyday she seemed to become darker. They had to keep their innocence. It is what allowed him redemption. Their pure souls were to be prized, like precious jewels.

"Your hands don't need to be tainted with blood Talia. That is why I am here."