Chapter 13

Gotham City- Several years later

Batman crouched against the stone and watched from the shadows across the alleyway. In the window, he could see the small child tied to the chair. Dried tears streaked her dirty face, and her school uniform was rumpled from her restraints. After hours of watching, he knew there was only one man guarding the girl.

Her name was Allison Dresden, the 9 year-old daughter of Franklin Dresden. Dresden was the manager of Gotham National Bank, and worth millions in his own right. Allison had been kidnapped thirty-six hours ago, and a ransom note demanding fifty million dollars was delivered the Dresden at the bank thirty-four hours ago. Gordon and the MCU had managed to locate a witness. Batman had used his powers of persuasion to get more from the witness.

"B," Oracle said in his ear piece.

"Go," Batman said adjusting his position, he knew why she was calling, his team, was in position.

"Batgirl, Robin, and MCU are in place. Gordon is ready." He was already up and moving, leaping off the roof when he told them to go. He crashed through the window sending bat-a-rangs flying at the lone man. They struck home, hitting the man on the forehead, knocking him unconscious. With the flexible handcuffs, he secured the man and made sure the room was clear. Batman moved to the girl, cutting her restraints, she leapt into his arms. He heard the click of the pressure switch. He dove out of the window as the room exploded.

The blast knocked him into the wall, but he twisted his body so when they slammed into the wall he took the brunt of the impact. They dropped into a dumpster, a few stories below. He pulled them out of the dumpster, but the girl refused to let go of his neck.

"I knew you were real, Jennifer and Mandy said you weren't, but I just knew you were real." She said in a soft voice, that was almost a whisper. She hugged tighter and he could hear her crying again

"Now, you have a good story for your friends; now let's get out of here." He said in the least gruff "Batman voice" he could manage, and hugged her back.

A few minutes later Gordon and Montoya came around the corner. Gordon knelt next to the pair. He heard the Batman consoling the girl. Over the years it was something he rarely heard the younger man do. Batman said something to the girl, who nodded and reluctantly let go of his neck and took Gordon's extended hand. As Gordon and Montoya led her away, Allison looked over her shoulder and watched the man who rescued her smirk, give a small wave before disappearing to the shadows of the early morning.

As the Batmobile rumbled to a stop in the cave, Alfred met them at the bottom of the platform. He hurried Tim and Stephanie to the showers, Tim was late for school, and Stephanie's first class was in an hour. Bruce went to the changing area, stripped out of the uniform and dressed in sweats. He made his way upstairs to the master suite. Diana had already left, but she left a note in the bathroom for him. It was on her personal stationary that he had gotten for her for their first wedding anniversary. He scent lingered on the thick paper.

Bruce,

I hope this finds you well, I know Alfred would inform me otherwise. I have to go to Themiscyra for a few days. I miss you already.

All my love,

Diana

He smiled as he took his shower and dressed for the meeting he had with the Chinese Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation in a few hours. He was looking into their new semiconductor technology.

Mount Olympus

Diana and Hippolyta strolled through the halls of Mount Olympus; their stride was steady and determined. The white chiton trimmed in gold Diana wore flowed around her legs as if it were alive, reminding her of way Bruce's cape acted sometimes. She had never felt this nervous. She had faced the gods in combat, and hordes of creatures straight out of Stephen King's worst nightmares, but this visit was by far the hardest thing she had ever done.

As they came into the throne room, the pantheon of Greek gods lined the walls. Upon the raised dais was Zeus himself, to his right was the queen, Hera. At his feet, Athena, Artemis, Hestia, and Aphrodite knelt on thick pillows. Diana strode forward and at the base of the dais, she knelt. Hippolyta followed, but knelt a few feet behind Diana.

"My lord Zeus, my lady Hera, patron goddesses of the Amazons, for many years I have faithfully served you in many capacities, and have made many sacrifices. Recently I have given myself, my love, my soul and my innocence to a mortal man that I love with every part of my being. He reciprocates my love passionately. The love I feel for this mortal is like nothing I have ever felt before, but there is something missing. I was molded from clay and you bestowed me with the breath of life. However, I was created barren. As my mother before me had, I too long to have a child of my own. I come before you to petition for a child."

Zeus stood and walked to Diana. Looking around to the gathered mass he asked: "Who among you assembled here have words to part on our Champion?" His voice was like thunder.

Athena stood, "my lord Zeus, the progeny of this union would serve mankind and the gods valiantly."

Aphrodite stood, "my lord, the progeny of this union would be loved by many, including those assembled here."

Hades stepped forward; he had forgone the dark armour for a dark knee length chiton. "Brother, I have watched my daughter and the mortal for some time now. Although I was not in favor of this union, the mortal has proven himself in both combat and his heart. I know that his love for her is pure and not a dalliance and that he would die for her without question." Hade walked to Diana and laid his hand on her shoulder, he noticed that she flinched slightly under his touch, but he ignored it. "I would be honored to have the mortal as the father of my grandchild."

Several more gods stepped forward and some were for, and some were against the petition, shouting erupting from both sides. Zeus walked around listening to what each god had to say. Zeus stopped in front of Hippolyta, holding up his hand. The chamber silenced. "Queen of the Amazons, tell us your opinion."

"My lord, it has taken me a long time to come to terms with my daughter's choice of mates. And though I wish she would reconsider her request, part of me is in favor of this, it would do my heart good to hear the cries of a child again."

Zeus nodded absently stroking his beard. "Persephone, escort Diana outside, and send her home while we debate this matter." The lithe goddess in the light color chiton led Diana towards the door. As Diana passed Hippolyta, she looked up into her eyes, reached up and touched her daughter's hand. There was a pained look in the queen's eyes, they held hands for a second, Diana felt the strength, warmth and love her mother felt for her. Diana let go and turned to send a pleading look to Hera before exiting the large chamber.

Gotham City-Manor

Upon returning to the manor, Diana had changed into a faded pair of jeans and one of Bruce's older T-shirts. The shirt was a comfort to her, making her feel as if he were holding her. Pacing in their bedroom, thousands of thoughts went through her mind. The dread she felt was weighing heavy on her heart. Unable to keep her feet or her mind still she went to the kitchen where she found Alfred putting the final additions on a fruit salad for lunch.

"Welcome back Madam Diana." Alfred said with a genuine smile when he saw her. It was an infectious smile, and she couldn't help but return the smile. She had learned over the past months, no matter the problem, when Alfred smiled at her she always felt, welcome.

"How many times must I tell you it's just Diana?"

"That would be inappropriate for the mistress of the house."

"So you keep reminding me." She said to the older man she loved like a father.

"And I shall continue to do so until I am no longer able to." Alfred said matter-of-factly. She smiled and touched his shoulder. They sat and enjoyed the fresh fruit salad and each other's conversation, which was light in nature. Alfred regaled her with a few not-so-embarrassing stories of Bruce's youth.

They spent the next several hours trading stories, some that Alfred had not heard. His subtle laughter filled the kitchen, and put her at ease.

"Now my dear, we have been here for hours, and have yet to tell me what's bothering you." Alfred said as he was making tea. Diana stared at him, he always knew when something was wrong, and whether it was to be discussed or not.

"My marriage to Bruce and the years living here with you and him has been the happiest times of my life, but something has been missing." Diana said softly. "Some of our friends in the League have had children, and it has awakened a longing I didn't know existed, and this morning, my mother and I petitioned the gods to grant me a child."

"Dear girl, you may have been made of clay, but you were still made a woman. Most of the women I have ever encountered, no matter their station in life or personal goals, wanted to be mothers. Why should an Amazon be any different? How many of your sisters left to have families of their own?"

Diana nodded in agreement, and gave a number of Amazons that had left over the centuries, but it did not ease the tension. The sagely old man laid a consoling hand on her shoulder. "If there is any goodness in the world, they would grant your petition."

Watchtower- Emergency Meeting Several hours later

Diana entered the conference room with Flash; both had an iced mocha in their hands. Their conversation was light, catching up with each other. Kal was standing behind his chair, he was angry and she could see it.

"Everything okay Kal?" She asked.

"No, Luther escaped." He spat out. "Where's Bruce?"

"Gotham, something about a riot in the bottoms." She said as she took her seat. There was an unusual wave of nausea that swept over her. She took several deep breaths to get it under control. She was relieved that no one had seen her, because John and Shayera were having a friendly argument about little Rex's first day in school.

J'onn sat next to Diana. "Are you alright Diana?"

"Just an upset stomach." J'onn nodded and listened to Kal as he started his briefing. Kal kept it short. He told them that Lex Luther, with the help of several meta villains had escaped from prison. Superman had briefed them on the latest information. During the meeting Diana had fought back another wave of nausea. She had adjusted herself several times, trying to get the armour to stop rubbing against her sensitive breasts. Diana took J'onn's hand in hers and tapped the side of her head.

Are you sure you are alright Diana?

No, I think the nausea is getting worse, can you take a look?

Of course.

Diana followed J'onn to the infirmary. Once there she stripped down and put on the small paper gown. J'onn completed a thorough examination, along with a battery of questions, and took several vials of blood. As she dressed in the Champion's armour she felt pressure on her bladder. After using the restroom she met with J'onn in his small office along with a woman doctor, they were looking over the results.

"Congratulations Diana…"