Hunter's Moon

By Serena

A/N: So many thanks to all of you! :)

UPDATE!: I have conceptual art of Diana's outfit on my Deviantart page OR my Facebook page. For all who want to see her Wonder Woman outfit for this fic, PLEASE go to my profile and click on my Deviantart or Facebook link. :) It'll really help to picture it.

NOTE!: If you enjoy Hunter's Moon, check out my YA sci-fi mermaid novel OCEAN OF EMPTINESS is available on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple iBookstore for $0.99. Please see my profile for direct links to these sites.

If you would like more information, and if you'd like to read a sample chapter, please check out my homepage by going to my profile here and clicking on the link. If you would like to purchase the novel, click on the link on my profile page.

Here's a short summary of OCEAN:

What do you get when you cross a runaway rich kid, a space mermaid, and a stuck-up teen commander with a bunch of pirates in space? ABSOLUTE CHAOS. Throw in a little hint of romance, a few starship battles, and a lot of yelling, and you've got yourself an intergalactic tale. Think Star Wars meets Little Mermaid meets Treasure Planet.

Also, if you'd like to be a fan of me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, links are on my profile as well, as well as a link to my Deviantart page if you'd like to commission me for artwork.

"I've been thinking," said Bruce one night, staring at his massive computer screen distantly. "I think... I need to throw a party."

I was sitting cross-legged on the medical table, tapping away at my own computer, doing some more digging on Maroni's endeavors in the more seedy sections of Gotham, namely, the Narrows. I glanced up at him, and, quirking a smile, said, "Ooh. Open bar, right?"

He shot me an odd look. "I didn't realize you drank."

I grinned. "Themyscira. Lots of wine."

"Damn, woman," he muttered. "Underage, huh?"

"Not there I wasn't."

"I didn't realize you like alcohol," he remarked, surprised.

"I don't. I'm just messing with you." While I smirked, he shook his head and muttered something under his breath. But as I returned my attention to my computer, I suddenly came across something that might be useful. "Hey, Bruce, I found something." I hopped off the medical table and came up beside him, setting my computer down on the main console. The computer synced with the main construct and showed the results on the large screen, revealing a seedy looking bar on one half, and an uptown club. "Look. They're both owned by Maroni's cousin, Tony. I'm thinking that they're probably bases of operations. Not even very well concealed," I added.

"Maroni owns half the town," Bruce growled. "Probably doesn't see the need to cover anything up."

"If we can get in there, to either place, we might be able to get something on Loeb, or even someone from the justice department."

"Yeah, well look what I found," Bruce said, touching the keyboard on his console. "From Loeb's computer. Maroni and the Russian have both been shipping in something for a couple weeks now. Something that Loeb has let slide."

"Drugs, probably."

"Mmm... I don't think so. Shipments are too large to be drugs. And this is too well covered up to be drugs. It's something else."

"So... what? It doesn't say on his computer?"

"No, and I looked through his files."

"We looked through his files."

"That's what I meant," he said, shooting me a dry look. "I think something's going on - something bigger than I thought. Loeb's going to a lot of trouble to cover it up, too." He leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingers together. "I get the feeling that it's beyond even the mafia. There's nothing specific on his hard drive, nothing at all. It's all under the table, all secretive. I don't like it."

"What's to like?" I folded my arms over my chest and glanced down at him. "I say... we pay a visit to this bar. And Loeb. We can make him talk."

"I like the way you think, Princess," he said with a grim smile.

I pressed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently, a supportive gesture. He reached up, covered my hand, and pressed it warmly against his armor. After a second, he released my hand and rose, stretching.

"So this party... what's it for?" I asked.

"Bruce Wayne's introduction to society," said Bruce dryly. "I want to play another angle. I have no doubt that many high-profile mafia members will be there. It'll also give me a chance to see Harvey again. Find out where he's at these days." He moved away from the console and started to pull off his armor.

"What, you can't meet with him alone?"

Bruce shook his head and pulled off the last of his armor, revealing a skintight Under-armor black shirt. "No. I want to see how he acts around Gotham's elite, first. I want to watch him, keep a close eye on his behavior." He set the armor back in its case and ran a hand through his hair, turning back to me. He stared at me for a moment, and I could tell something was running through his head.

"What?" I asked with a curious smile.

He checked his watch, hesitated, then said, "It's two in the morning. You think McDonald's is still open?"

I grinned. "Only one way to find out."

The following morning, I headed off a little early to work. I wanted to make a good impression, for one, and also to hopefully get the horses in a good mood for the day. I was hoping to actually get a chance to train the horses, give them at least a good run. I hadn't exactly discussed that with Mr. Hiddleston, but he had told me that there was someone else in charge of overseeing the stables, a head stablehand, I suppose. Mr. Hiddleston handled the business side of things, but there was someone else who was in charge of actually running the stables and ensuring the horses' care.

I still had yet to meet that man, and unfortunately, Hiddleston had forgotten to tell me his name.

When I got to the stables, I pulled my shorter, auburn wig into a ponytail and tugged off my jacket. The stables were quiet so early in the morning, but it was crisp and fresh outside, and the horses were ready to run. I scratched one of them, Shadow, his name was, on the nose and made kissing noises, grinning at the gorgeous creature.

"You're wild this morning, aren't you?" I crooned to the loving stallion, who snorted and nudged me.

"Are you sure you're supposed to be here?" said a sharp, accented voice from behind me.

I turned to see a tall, honestly buff man standing there, leaning against one of the stalls, his arms folded over his broad chest, and a curious, half-smile on his face. His hair was short, dark brown, and his lips were full. He had scruff - not enough to be a full goatee, but a little more than Bruce's. He wore dark pants, a white button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and thick boots.

However, what fascinated me the most was that his eyes were exactly lustful. They were curious, intrigued. Maybe a little attracted. But it was refreshing. I pulled away from the horse and mimicked his position.

"Pretty sure. Who are you?"

He quirked a smile. "Depends on who's asking." His accent was mostly British - but there was something else I couldn't place.

"I work here. Just got hired by Mr. Hiddleston."

He raised an eyebrow. "To do what?"

I stiffened and glared at him. "What are you saying?"

"Just that you're too bloody gorgeous to be the new worker. The old man's not blackmailing you, is he? Didn't take him for the rotten type.

"He's not," I said, my tone cold. "I'm the new stablehand. Now, who the hell are you?"

"No offense," he said, drawing towards me. He held out a large, weathered hand, covered in curious scars. "Aurelio Dorrance. You can call me Leo. I'm in charge of the other workers here in the stables - which apparently includes you, darling."

After a slight, wary hesitation, I couldn't help but be slightly charmed by his easy smile. While I still didn't like what he'd insinuated, something about him was different. I shook his hand and said, "Diana Prince. Mr. Hiddleston told me about you."

"Oh?" His eyes were mischievous.

"Not you, specifically. Just that I'd be working for someone else. I guess that's you."

"I guess it is." He gave me a half-smile and walked up to the horse I'd just been grooming. Hera, he was tall - even taller than Bruce. He ran a hand over the horse's side, down to its legs. After a few moments, he nodded and turned to me. "Doing a good job with the horses, love. Much experience with horses before?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Grew up with them. I was wondering... if you'd consider letting me take a couple out for a ride."

Dorrance gave me a scrutinizing look. "You ride much, then?" When I nodded, he grinned and patted the horse. "First day on the job, and you're already looking for a promotion, hm?" He took a few steps towards me and continued, "These horses are worth more than what you make in ten years, darling. You have to have clearance to take them out."

"And how can I get clearance?" I asked, the irritation returning.

"Oh, don't get your panties in a twist, love," he said. "Let's see how you work for the next few weeks. And if I see you're doing well with the horses, I might consider it. I'll also need to see your record."

I didn't have one. Crap. Maybe Bruce could make one up for me...

"Fine," I said, still irked by this man. "But I'm going to prove you wrong."

He smirked. "Looking forward to it."

Another week passed. Bruce and I patrolled each night, taking down more criminals and intimidating higher levels of the mafia. We both knew it would be a long initiation into Gotham City, but each night, we grew stronger. Rumors were spreading like wildfire, rumors of the dark knight and the wonder woman. As I flew over the city with Bruce driving below in the Tumbler, I could tell that our plan was starting to work. We still had to go after Loeb, but we hadn't gotten the chance yet. Loeb had gone out of town for a couple weeks on vacation. We'd have to wait for that, at least.

However, another night after we'd taken down a drug lord in Maroni's circle, Gordon and Flass showed up to the scene. However, while Flass just shook his head and took another swig of his flask, Gordon was looking around - looking up, too. More specifically, looking for any sign of Batman and I.

"These guys are startin' t' piss me off," Flass grumbled. I could see sweat on his face; I knew he was nervous.

"Maybe I should pay him a little... personal visit," I said into my com. "That might be fun."

"Behave, Princess," said Bruce, but I heard the amusement in his gruff voice.

"Oh, but where's the fun in that?" I drawled. "I'm just a Gotham street rat. We cook up a little mischief every now and then."

"I know. I live with you."

I grinned at the dry tone in his voice.

"Wait," he said. "Look at Gordon."

Gordon was slowly making his way off to an alley - the alley above which I was hovering on the top of one building, while Bruce crouched on the building directly across from me. As Flass just muttered to himself and made his way back to the car, Gordon started down the alley while the other officers hauled away the bodies. Gordon glanced back, then took another step and looked up. I pulled back so he wouldn't be able to see me, but I looked across at Bruce.

"Not now."

"He wants to talk, Bruce," I said in a low voice.

"No," he argued.

"Why not? You know we can trust him."

"I don't know that for certain. You can't trust anyone in this city, Diana."

My eyes narrowed. "So it's settled then. We'll talk to him." I rose into the air and floated down towards Gordon, ignoring Bruce's harsh order for me to stop. But Gordon was a good man. Wary, cautious, but a good man. I knew that Bruce only wanted to be just as cautious, but if we didn't start a firm foundation with Gordon, then the detective would never trust us. And I, for one, didn't want to be seen as untrustworthy. We were the good guys. And we needed to help that viewpoint by talking with Gordon.

Gordon didn't hear me fly down behind him; he was still looking up when I cleared my throat. He jumped and whirled around, his hand flying to his gun at his belt.

"Relax, Detective," I said, adopting a stern, cool, throatier voice as Wonder Woman. I needed to show that I was in complete control, that I feared nothing and no one. "Not going to hurt you. Besides, you can't shoot me, anyway."

Gordon stared at me through narrowed eyes, but he slowly took his hand off his gun. "Some of the guys say you deflect bullets with those arm bands you got there. Looks like armor."

I tapped on the metal with my finger. "Probably because it is."

"And they say you fly."

"Indeed I do."

"And you have... a lasso. It's making them tell the truth - at least, that's what they say. Of course, half of them are doped up on meth and cocaine, so I'm not sure I can trust anything they say." But Gordon's eyes had flown to my belt, on which hung my golden lasso. Yeah, it was a little weird, even I had to admit.

"Yes, it's... complicated. The point is, we're not here to fight you, Detective Gordon."

"We? Where's your friend?" Gordon looked around.

"Don't bother looking for me," came Bruce's deep, powerful voice from behind him. He sounded pissed; even I had to admit he was incredibly frightening. Gordon turned around to look at him, but Bruce was barely visible in the shadows. However, he slowly stepped out until he was only a couple yards away, his cape pulled together in a long, cloak-like shape. "You won't find me. I'll find you, Detective."

Gordon stepped back so he could see us both at a better angle. "You two are making fast work. What next, Maroni?"

"Yes. First, your boss," Batman growled. "And there's something going on down at the docks. Something's being shipped in. I don't know what it is yet, but we'll find out. Your boss is involved. We just need hard evidence."

"You're going after the commissioner of the police force before you take down the leader of the mafia," said Gordon in disbelief. "Why?"

"Won't do any good to bring in Maroni if there's no one who will ensure he's brought to justice," Batman said coldly. "We're willing to work with you... if you work with us."

Gordon glanced over at the entrance to the alley, undoubtedly watching for someone looking in on our conversation. After a minute, he sighed, slid his hands into his pockets, and nodded. "All right," he said, glancing over at me. "But how will I get in contact with you?"

"Like I said, we'll find you," said Batman. Gordon looked at him, but Bruce had already disappeared.

"He does that," I said, rising up into the sky. "We'll talk soon, Detective. Stay safe." Noting Gordon's mixed expression of awe and wariness at my inhuman flight departure, I hid a small smile and flew off to join Bruce in the Tumbler hidden several blocks away. Once the roof had closed in on both of us, Bruce shot me a glare and revved the engine, taking off into the Narrows streets.

"You," said Bruce, yanking back his cowl, "are incorrigible."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I said serenely, folding my arms over my chest. "Hey, that's where I used to get Frosties!" I suddenly said, pointing to a convenience store that flew by. "And... that's where I almost got mugged a few times. Oh, and that's the shortcut Helena and I used to take from school..." I trailed off as memories came flooding back.

"Your neighborhood?" said Bruce quietly.

I swallowed back a lump in my throat. "Yes. For most of my life." Consumed of thoughts of Helena, crushing guilt and regret overwhelmed me. I needed to find her, see if she was all right. She would probably never want to speak to me again, but I owed her the truth. At least that.

My second week of work, and I'd already developed an odd love/hate relationship with my boss, Stable Manager Leo Dorrance. We'd fight, argue most of the time, but we actually worked well together. He was insufferable, but charming; handsome, but arrogant; a hard worker, but a pain in the butt boss. Despite our bantering, I did actually like him.

One afternoon, I'd taken out a mare, Runs with Fire, to groom her, when a young, freckle-faced worker, Johnny, came up, clearing his throat. I'd noticed his trembling lips and nervous attitude when around me, and I'd dismissed it. But now, I was afraid he'd actually say something. He looked around my age, maybe a year or two younger.

"Um, h-hi," he stammered, turning nearly as red as his hair. "Do-do you need help?"

"No thanks, I got it," I replied.

"Oh. Um, are- are you sure?"

"Yep. But thanks." I hoped he'd get the hint, but of course, he didn't.

"OK. Um... listen..." He came around so he was actually facing me. "Do you... would you want to grab dinner sometime?"

"Anderson!" Dorrance's powerful voice barked. "I'm not paying you to flirt with your coworkers."

Johnny, terrified of Dorrance, who was three times his size, stammered an apology and rushed off. I raised an eyebrow at his departure and turned to face Dorrance, who looked amused and annoyed at the same time.

"He's a good guy," I said. "Little jumpy, though."

"Not paying him to ask you out, Prince," said Dorrance, resting a hand on the horse's back. "Needs to learn that there's a place and time for everything. I'm not one for in-office romance," he said, sounding particularly Hispanic as he rolled his r's.

"Neither am I," I replied. "But don't you have better things to do than ward off particular suitors for me?" I shot him a wry smile and brushed the horse's glossy hair.

"Not at the moment, no," he replied with a small grin.

I rolled my eyes. "You're such a jerk, Dorrance."

He just smirked. "Can't argue with that, darling." However, when we both heard men's voices coming towards the stables, Dorrance stiffened and muttered, "Word to the wise, Prince. Try to stay out of sight, all right? There's a good girl." He gave me a light pat on the shoulder and headed towards the front stable entrance. Two men came through, both dressed in fine suits. One was irritated, and the other, cool and relaxed.

"I'm not taking this deal, Ledgard," one of the men fumed, glaring at the other. "You can't do this to me." He was a short, burly man with thinning hair. "Do you know who I am in this town?" His voice was extremely irritating - almost like a crow cawing. Despite Dorrance's warning, I peered over the horse's back to watch the exchange.

The other was a tall, thin man with long, blond slicked back hair that reached just to his shoulders and gleaming, icy blue eyes. He wore a deep purple tie, and his stance was relaxed, swaggering, almost fluid. When he spoke, his voice sent shivers up my spine: it was smooth, silky, and carried a hint of danger. He was not a man to be messed with. "I've told you before, Cobblepot," he said silkily, "If you don't take it, it's your loss. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business with my manager." He motioned to a silent Dorrance.

The other man, Cobblepot, grew red in the face and spluttered, "This isn't over, Ledgard!" And he stormed - or rather, waddled off outside. A few moments later, I heard a car door slam shut, followed by the screeching of tires.

Ledgard glanced back, then grinned and turned to Dorrance. I couldn't see Dorrance's face, but I could tell he was on edge. "So, how's my mare looking these days? Nursed back to health?"

Dorrance nodded. "Yes, sir. She'll be good to go within a couple weeks."

"Make it one," said Ledgard softly, slipping his hands into his pockets. He moved past Dorrance and headed in my direction. "I want her running as soon as possible."

"I'll do what I can." Dorrance glanced at me, nodded for me to stay behind the horse. But it didn't help anything. Ledgard came up to the horse, moved around her, and suddenly noticed me.

"Hel-lo," he said smoothly. "I don't believe we've met." I didn't like his scouring eyes. "I think I would've remembered hiring you."

"Just started," I said shortly.

"Ah, indeed." He held out a hand. "Jack Ledgard. Your boss, as it were." He smiled, but it was a cruel smile, and his eyes glinted.

I didn't take the hand. "Hands are dirty. Sorry." I threw him a quick smile.

His expression grew hard, but his smile never left his face. "No worries. Your name?"

"Diana Prince."

"Lovely name," he said. "Dorrance," he called out, "You neglected to tell me about this gem you've got hidden away here."

"She's busy," said Dorrance shortly. "Speaking of which, Prince, saddle Fire up, here." He came up behind me and put a large hand on my shoulder. "Time to run her a bit."

I nodded, knowing what he was trying to do. "Yes, sir." I glanced at Ledgard, who looked irritated. "Sorry, sir. Work calls." I brushed past Dorrance and went to get the saddle. But I still felt Ledgard's cruel eyes on me, and I resisted a shiver. That man was dangerous, I could see it in his face. I'd have to be very careful around him. I wouldn't be surprised if he had ties with the mob. And now, apparently, he was the owner of these estates... so in short, I was working directly for him. Lovely.

"Thanks for that," I said as Dorrance and I rode around the training circle together, "But believe me when I say that I can take care of myself."

"Apparently chivalry is dead, then," said Dorrance dryly. "Just helpin' you out, darling."

"I said thank you," I said. "I just don't really need help." When Dorrance shrugged, I added, "When I was fourteen, a boy at school tried to rape me." When Dorrance raised an eyebrow, I continued matter-of-factly, "I punched him so hard that he was unconscious for several hours." Dorrance gave an amused snort, and I went on, "Needless to say, he never came within twenty feet of me ever again. So when I say I can take care of myself... I meant it."

"Indeed you do, darling. But I'm your immediate boss - it's my job to look out for the workers. And since you just happen to be my favorite, I'm going to keep a special watch out for you." At my narrowed eyes, he chuckled. "Not like that, Prince. Bloody hell. You've obviously got a bloke already. Don't worry about me making... unsavory advances towards you." He grinned at my raised eyebrow. "Relax, Prince."

I just shook my head, and we rode in silence for a minute. "Your accent - it's interesting. I can't quite place it," I said finally, curious.

He smiled, but it wasn't a real smile. "Grew up in Central America before moving back to the old country. Mix of English and Mexican, I s'pose."

"Interesting. Whereabouts in Central America?"

"Small island of Santa Prisca, in the Caribbean. You wouldn't know it."

I arched a brow. "I know it's corrupt. I know they're famous for their archaic laws, and that the leaders invoke insane cruelty on their citizens. I'm frankly surprised you managed to leave."

"You make things happen if you're determined enough," said Dorrance with a hard glint in his eyes. "You rise above the others. You become stronger." He blinked and regarded me with an inscrutable look. "You're strong yourself, Prince. You're blunt, stubborn. Must be why I like you so much. Now, let's see what you can do with a horse." He kicked the horse lightly and cantered away.

I grinned and urged my horse to gallop after him. Although he was my boss, he felt like the older brother I'd never had. I felt no attraction for him, despite his rugged appearance, but I still felt mostly comfortable around him. There was only a hint of tension, of wariness, but it was too small to cause any alarm thus far.

So far, I was enjoying my job, and I'd keep it for as long as possible.

That night, Bruce and I were chilling in living room, watching an old movie on lowered volume and reading. It was a few hours before our patrol started, and we'd quickly discovered that relaxing just before our time on the streets did us good. It got us into a good groove, and we worked better together that way - even if we didn't speak throughout the whole time.

"So how's your job going?" Mom came into the room, but to my concern, she looked very pale and gaunt, and she was walking slowly, almost as if dizzy. She placed a hand on the armrest of the sofa before taking a seat, also very slowly.

"Good," I said, watching her with a careful gaze. I also noticed Bruce taking a look at me out of the corner of his eye, undoubtedly curious about my job.

Mom smiled faintly. "Glad to hear it. Is your boss okay?"

"Yeah, he's great. Interesting... but great. Good guy, I think."

Bruce didn't seem to like that. "Great?" he echoed darkly.

"Yeah, great. He's kind of like an annoying older brother." I glanced down at my book for a moment before returning my gaze to my mother. "Mom, you all right?"

"Fine, fine," she said, waving my concern away. "I think I just need some tea... I'll see if Alfred is in the kitchen."

"I'll get him," I said, starting to my feet.

"No, you stay put. I'm fine. I'm not an invalid." She pulled herself to her feet and started for the direction of the kitchen.

The next few seconds would forever be burned into my memory. The next step she took, she gave a slight groan, and her eyes slid shut as she turned completely white.

"Mom!" I screamed as my mother collapsed to the floor.

Thoughts?

OK, so if you can guess who the villain is, props to you. Also, about the stuff that's being shipped - it's not what it is in Batman Begins, just in case you thought it was. It'll come together as we go along and get further into the evil plan. :)

- Serena