Hunter's Moon

By Serena

A/N: SO SO SO sorry for the lack of updates! College is a killer. I'm continually amazing and incredibly thankful for all of your comments! You are all insanely wonderful - not just for continuing to follow this story, but the amount of depth and thought your reviews have... it's just amazing. I am SO grateful, and I can't tell you how much your words mean to me. Every time I read a new review, I'm just floored. You guys have helped shape this story.

Now, this is just a thought, but would anyone consider making a movie trailer for this fic? If you are, let me know!

ROSE AND SHADOW, my superhero short story series, is back up on Amazon! :) If you'd like to check it out, go to my Facebook to get the link, or just Google "Rose and Shadow." :) If you're enjoying this story, I think you'll really like Rose and Shadow. :)

- And as for getting it for the Nook and iBooks, I'm working on it! :)

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Alkyone


Alkyone had never expected to see her former comrades again... especially not like this. After a long night of tea, coffee, and practically all the food in the fridge had be eaten, and many loud Amazon drinking songs later, she was honestly worn out. It was late, around eleven, and the four Amazons had retired back to bed. Their injuries were still severe, especially Artemis's, and Amazons though they were, they still needed to recuperate. Humming under her breath, she threw more paper cups in the trash and grabbed some paper towels.

"Aunt A?"

Alkyone turned to see Helena in the doorway. "Yeah, hon?"

"I'm headed out for the night." Both knew why. "Just wanted to say thanks. For everything."

Alkyone smiled. "Anytime, honey. Be safe, all right?" She held out her arms, and Helena stepped into them, embracing her tightly.

"You know me," replied Helena dryly. She pecked Alkyone on the cheek and picked up her bag, heading out through the back doorway. "Oh, just so you know, Cass is hovering by the cave entrance. I think she wants to do go down."

Alkyone sighed, nodded. "Thanks." She knew it'd only be a matter of time before Cass wanted to be down in the cave full time... maybe even out in the field. Although she agreed with Bruce and her daughter that Cass needed to have time to recuperate, to try and have some kind of a normal life... It didn't look like the little girl thought the same. But Alkyone knew a warrior when she saw one. And she saw the fierce look in the girl's eyes, that drive, that need to fight. It was inborn. Instinctual. Nearly all Amazons had that same look...

But Cass... even more so that most. It was more than a drive, it was a pure need. She was a fighter, through and through. Nothing, not even time nor rest, would change that. Alkyone knew: she'd seen that same look in her daughter's eyes. It would never go away.

Helena threw her bag over her shoulder. "Later, Aunt A. Have a good night."

"Take care, hon. You know you can always stay here, whenever you want - for as long as you want."

Helena paused, nodded. "Yeah, I do. Thanks."

Alkyone smiled faintly, watching as her foster daughter disappeared through the door; and a moment later, heard the engine of Helena's bike roaring away.

Alkyone finished wiping off the countertop and started for the cave's entrance. As she turned the corner, she nearly bumped into Alfred. "Oh, there you are. I was just going to get Cass. Helena told me she's hovering by the cave."

Alfred shook his head. "I suppose I'd better head down there with her. Diana also told me it would be a rough night for them... They'll undoubtedly need some kind of support." His face was grim.

Alkyone didn't like the grave look in her friend's eyes. As they continued down the hall together, she said, "You have that feeling, too? I hoped it was just me."

"I'm afraid so," replied the butler. "My only consolation is that they're together."

"Mmm," agreed Alkyone. "They'll watch each other's backs. If something happens..." She didn't want to think about it. She'd just been through hell during Diana's disappearance.

Alfred placed a hand on her shoulder. "They'll be fine," he assured her firmly. He assessed her appearance now. "And how are you holding up, my dear?"

Alkyone smiled faintly, touched by his constant concern. Before meeting him, no one but Diana had been there for her - and even her daughter couldn't be there in a way that another adult could... especially someone like Alfred. Alkyone had always prided herself on her independence, her self-reliance... but she'd come to rely on Alfred more than anyone else. He wasn't patronizing, or demeaning of her sex... just concerned as a close friend.

"Good. Better." She rubbed her arms, glanced out the passing window towards her old house. "Just a little shocked... I never thought I'd seen another Amazon again, much less... my old troop. Just... a lot of memories that I didn't want to remember."

"I thought we went over this, dearest," said Alfred sternly.

Alkyone nodded. "Right. Yes... Put it aside." She let out a long exhale. "I'm trying."

Alfred placed a comforting hand on her back. She sighed contentedly, leaning into him, and closed her eyes as he pressed a gentle kiss to her head. She hid a smile: Diana was right, he had been trimming his beard. The salt-and-pepper mix was quite handsome, rugged even. But Alfred was a many of many talents and tales: a soldier, bodyguard, butler...

They were nearing the entrance to the cave now. But Alkyone had to ask...

"Do you think it's okay for Cass to be doing this? Going down?" she murmured. "I can't deny that she's a fighter, Alfred. I see it in her eyes. But she's seen so much already."

Alfred paused. "When I was in the SAS, we saw many war-torn countries. Children fighters, ravaged by the bloody fights they'd been forced into. I could never get over those sights," he said, grim. "But Cass is different - in a way. She understands it. She sees things that most adults don't even see. She's clever, especially for a child. She needs tutelage, or she'll just end up out there on the streets, fighting anyway. I've seen that look only twice before... in our own children."

Alkyone nodded, slightly relieved. "I know." She opened the door, stepped inside to see Cass curled up in a chair near the cave's entrance. Slightly guilty, Cass slid off the chair and stared up at her with solemn black eyes.

Alkyone sighed, nodded towards the entrance. "All right. Let's go."

Cass eagerly touched the secret opening and hurried inside the lift, Alkyone and Alfred following behind her. Once down inside the cave, she raced over towards the computer screen. However, her grandparents were not as enthusiastic.

"It's going to be a long night," said Alkyone, uneasy. She felt a chill in the air, heard the bats screech overhead.

"I'm afraid so," replied Alfred gravely.

Alkyone watched Cass study the computer for a moment before the young girl slid out of the chair and head over to the glass cases that held the Batman and Wonder Woman suits. Cass stared up at the empty cases, then looked at a spare Batman suit.

Alkyone and Alfred exchanged looks.

Cass wanted to fight.


Amazon Princess though I was, trained by the best fighters in the world, even I couldn't help but feel wary apprehension as the Tumbler neared Arkham Asylum. The Asylum was in the Narrows, but in the outskirts. It was heavily fortified and guarded - we couldn't even get the Tumbler through. And we didn't want to - we wanted to keep as low a profile as possible. Arkham Asylum was the creepiest, most depressing place I'd ever seen. I was sure that Tartarus would be more welcoming. Old, worn, and dark, Arkham reeked of sheer evil.

After we hid the Tumbler, I took Bruce under the arms and lifted him into the air. We dropped onto the roof of the asylum and waited for Jim to arrive. I looked around below, the chilly wind whipping through my hair and sending a strange shiver through my bones.

An instant alarm rang off in my Amazon instincts: I'd felt this chill before. And the last time it had occurred, I'd gone head to head with the most dangerous god and ended up nearly dead.

I steeled myself. It wouldn't happen again.

"Di? You all right?" the Batman rumbled, his low, throaty voice a warm comfort. He came up behind me, placed a gloved hand on my shoulder. His warmth seeped through my skin.

I nodded. "Yeah. I will be." I glanced down at the guards. "This place isn't exactly the Ritz, though."

"Hardly. The most dangerous criminals are housed here. Insane criminals."

I scowled. "Insane... or just manipulative."

"True," he conceded grimly. He made his way over to the opposite side of the roof and stared down, his long, thick cape billowing in the night. I glanced over at him, startled to see how much he blended in with the grim surroundings. He was a truly fearsome creature to witness. If I hadn't known him almost my entire life... I knew I would be afraid of him. But all I saw was the man who encompassed my entire world. I would be one of the few to see the man behind the mask... and the only person to truly know him completely.

"I'm glad you're here," I said quietly.

A pause, and he glanced over his shoulder, but didn't turn to face me.

"Couldn't have asked for a better partner," he said finally, his voice gruff. "You know that, Princess."

I couldn't help it. "You're sexy when you're Batman," I said, without thinking.

He turned, stared at me.

I couldn't believe I'd said that, either. But I had to smirk, although slightly chagrined. I was starting to sound like Helena. "What?" I said innocently.

He shook his head, muttered something under his breath.

My eyes widened as my Amazonian hearing picked up his muttered words, and I felt myself turning a deep crimson.

He glanced at me and froze. "You heard that, didn't you," he said.

I nodded slowly. There was an extended, uncomfortable pause.

The hum of a car's engine approaching broke the silence; Bruce cleared his throat and looked down to see a car pulling into the secured entrance. Gordon's car.

"Time to move in," he said, and dropped off the building, using a line to drop down to the top window. He unlocked it and slipped inside, me following him into the dark corridor. Instantly, the hair on the back of my head rose; my entire body tingled unpleasantly. I heard screaming, shouting, people banging on doors. I attempted to steel myself, straightened, and moved forward alongside Batman as he swept down the dimly-lit hall. I didn't like what I saw.

"I have a bad feeling about this," I muttered darkly.

"Agreed," he replied. He touched the earcom in one of his bat-ears. "Gordon, you read?" he said in a low voice.

I touched mine as well: it was a three-way connection.

"Gordon here. Where are you?"

"Top floor, west wing," replied Batman.

"Can you meet me on the second floor? I think there's someone you should meet."

One of Batman's lenses raised. I had to be startled, too. We'd kept to the shadows so far... we hadn't exactly planned on going out in the open just yet. Well, there had to be a first time for everything.

"Who, Jim?" I asked.

"His name's Dr. Jonathan Crane; he's one of the asylum's psychiatrists. He says the prisoners have been growing rowdier, more dangerous, and wild. I thought you might want to talk to him. He's... uh... well... You'll see for yourselves."

A pause.

"All right," said Batman. "Be there in two." And he disconnected the link. Together, we sneaked through the halls, carefully avoiding the guards, and reached the second floor, where we found Gordon and a thin, gangling man with longish hair and glasses talking in a dimly-lit room. We waited for Gordon to call for us before announcing our presence, however.

"Uh, Dr. Crane," said Gordon, "There are a couple people I want you to meet."

Dr. Crane tilted his head, his watery blue eyes narrowed. "I'm afraid I don't have time for pleasantries, Lieutenant. I'm a busy man." He adjusted his glasses.

"Then make time," snarled Batman, bringing himself slightly out of the shadow and further into the room. I followed him, standing beside him. Together, we made quite an intimidating couple. We were both taller than Crane and Gordon by a good few inches - Crane by several.

Crane's eyes widened slightly, but then he smirked. "Well, this is a surprise. Didn't expect to see the two most interesting characters in Gotham in my facility."

"I beg to differ," I muttered under my breath.

Jim cleared his throat. "Dr. Crane - I believe you've heard of the Batman and Wonder Woman. They're here to take a look at the inmates - if that's all right with you."

"And if it's not, we don't care," I muttered again.

I felt, rather than saw Bruce's lips twitch upward.

"Oh, no, it's perfectly fine," said Crane. His gaze swept over Batman, and then moved to lock on me. "Dr. Jonathan Crane," said the skinny man, holding out a pale hand to me.

I didn't take it, just gazed at him coldly. He retracted the hand, strangely enough looking no more impressed with me than I was with him. He slipped on hand into his pocket and adjusted his glasses again. He cast me a thin, humorless smile that unnerved me, and slipped by into the corridor.

"As you can see, the facility is the best in the country," said Crane. "We have special techniques to help keep the inmates both relaxed and content."

"I couldn't disagree more," I said, doubtfully, as I glanced into passing windows. When he turned back to me, a thin eyebrow arched, I continued flatly, "This place is a hellhole. I don't like the looks of your security guards, your... methods seem at the least, unorthodox, and this place is just asking to be turned into the breeding ground of serial killers and psychopaths. It's too dark, too easily manipulated. Anyone who comes in here is in danger."

As we went down the hall, we heard strange chanting coming from inside the cells. It was the same chant, over, and over. At first, I was puzzled, but then I saw Bruce stiffen. And then... I realized I'd heard it before.

In the fortress of Ra's al Ghul.

"Batman," I said, coming up beside him, "You hear what they're saying?"

"The Fire rises," he muttered, echoing the chant. "What Ra's al Ghul wanted."

"He is alive, then," I hissed. "And a part of all this."

As soon as I said that, a man from behind a barred cell jumped out a me, rattling inside his cage, so to speak. I didn't rear back, but nearly punched him out of instinct. He tried to grab me, snarling, biting, and Jim pulled out his gun - But Batman grabbed his wrist, stopping him -

I snatched the inmate's hand, yanked it forward, and jerked the man's head right into the bars. The man yelped, dropped to the floor. But I gripped his shirt, pulled him up through the bars, and hissed, "Why are you saying this?" When he didn't respond, I shook him, leaned closer, so Crane wouldn't hear me. "What do you know about Ra's al Ghul?"

"It's coming," whispered the man, grinning maniacally. "The fire rises, Wonder Woman. Soon. Very soon. It's coming. It's coming. Can't you feel it? Can't you feel the heat?"

"No," I said bluntly. I shoved him back, and he hit his cot, still laughing.

Crane was still smiling that strange smile as he studied me. "A tough woman. I like that. I wouldn't mind studying you, Wonder Woman."

"No, thanks," I said coolly.

"Well, if you ever want to chat, let me know." He was still smiling. "You know where to find me. Now, do you have any more questions?"

"No," said Batman, glaring at him. "But we'll be keeping an eye on this place. And you, Crane."

"I'm honored," said Crane. His eyes were gleaming.

Batman shot him one last glare before he and I turned down the corner and disappeared through another window. Once in the air, Batman touched his earcom.

"Gordon, let's talk on the roof," he said brusquely. "In five."


Several minutes later, Jim joined the both of us on the dark roof. I was glad to be in fresh air again, and yet more uneasy about being in the open. Once I knocked out a few thugs, I'd feel better. I needed to hit something, though. Preferably Ares.

Jim pulled his coat tighter around himself and sniffed in the cool, crisp air. "I don't trust Crane," he said.

"What's to trust?" I said darkly, folding my arms over my chest. "That guy's shadier than a Narrows nightclub at two AM."

"He seems to think the prisoners are test subjects," growled Batman. "He's experimenting, not helping. But Crane's not the main issue - we need to focus on the matter at hand."

Jim nodded solemnly. "What are you two thinking?" he asked, grim.

Batman and I exchanged glances.

"War," declared my partner.

Jim sighed. "That's the last thing Gotham needs right now. It's already chaotic enough as it is... More and more mob attacks, feuds, now this Ares guy, more weapons coming in, and as much as I'm trying to stop them, there are too many already. And now war?"

"Maybe it's just what Gotham needs," I said softly, surprising both of them. "To wake up the police, at least. It's going to come down to fighting, one way or another. There's no avoiding it. These riled inmates, the weapons shipments - it's all just the beginning. We just need to make sure the innocents are protected when it does go down. Because it will go down, hard. We all know this. And Ares will come after me again, no question. I'll be ready this time."

Jim nodded, rubbed his temples, appearing to be processing all of this information. "Okay, okay... so we've got hostiles with weapons - how many, and where, we don't know - and a war-hungry demi-god out for revenge and blood."

"Right," I said.

A pause.

"So what's the plan?" Jim asked.

Bruce thought for a moment. "We should split up - take separate corners of the city. Jim, you get any good cops you can find - take the North End, and -"

"No," I instantly jumped in. "Not a good idea."

Jim frowned. "No?"

Bruce's lenses narrowed at me. "Elaborate."

I shot him a dark look. "Strength in numbers, Bruce. We go up against these guys, we do it as a team."

"Splitting up would cover more ground," Bruce snarled.

"And it would also make us weaker," I argued.

"But if we're all in the same area, there's no telling what they can do to the city," returned Bruce. "They'll take advantage of our singular position."

"And maybe you'd care to remember what happened the last time we split up," I snapped, my temper quickly firing up.

Bruce fell silent. I knew that had been a cheap shot.

"I'm sorry," I said.

Jim shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the memory of my injuries.

Batman looked away. "No, you're right," he said gravely. "I was thinking strategically. But we're not fighting under normal circumstances. The last time I encountered Ares, he threw me into a wall. We both have a score to settle, and we'll have to do it together. He's strong, but rash. We'll take advantage of his temper and desire to hurt you."

I nodded. "Agreed. He's a brute, but he's not the smartest god out there."

"But if he's working with Ra's..." Bruce trailed off. "Ra's is no fool."

"Who?" Gordon asked blankly.

"Ra's Al Ghul," said Batman. "Head of the Demon. A psychopathic, but brilliant warlord and fighter. We trained under him some time ago. We thought he was dead... but it's looking otherwise. He might be working with Ares. He would have a grudge against Diana and me - we destroyed his fortress. He'd be clever enough to discover our identities. And... he knows Diana is an Amazon."

Jim shook his head. "Okay, so we've got Ares, criminals, and now this guy. I should probably mention that there's another rumor spreading around... of someone else."

"Someone else?" I said. "Who?"

"It's just a faint rumor," said Jim. "But I don't know if it could be something. There's a name I've heard from a few of the guys we've recently brought in. Someone called Bane. Heard of him?"

Bruce and I exchanged glances, shook our heads.

"We'll look into it," Bruce growled. "But right now he's not our problem. Ares is our biggest threat, even more so than Gotham's criminals, or even Ra's al Ghul. We need to focus on taking him down."

Gordon and I nodded.

"I agree," said Gordon. "I'll get a team together, start combing the Narrows. Loeb won't like it, not that I care. I'll keep an open channel, keep you two in the know."

"Good," said Batman. A pause, then, "Good luck, Jim." He held out a hand.

"You, too," replied the Lieutenant solemnly, shaking it.

And together, Batman and I disappeared into the night. Our next stop... downtown Gotham.


Helena Bertinelli


Roundhouse kick. Punch to the nose. Finish off with a blow to the jaw and a final jump-kick to the chest.

Drop, duck, repeat.

Helena rose to her feet, spat blood onto the ground, and carelessly wiped her bloody mouth. One of the thugs had gotten a punch in. She'd given him an extra kick to the groin because of it. It was more her fault than his; but that didn't mean he deserved any mercy from her.

The night was cold, but her suit and long cape provided warmth in the frigid wind. As her long hair and cape billowed around her, and she surveyed the several unconscious thugs with pleasure, she felt another presence behind her. Without turning, she threw her crossbow up, aimed at the new figure.

She knew who it was without looking.

"Quite a performance," said the husky voice, that for some reason, sent hot shivers down her spine.

Damn. Even if he was a creep, his voice was strangely sexy... and oddly intimate. Almost a caress down her spine.

She resisted shivering again.

"What do you want, Q?" she snapped. "I don't have time for you right now. There's a whole city on the brink of war, and I got enough on my plate." She fingered her crossbow and finally turned her head to face him.

The faceless man paused, and put his hands in his pockets: a disarming gesture. "I didn't mean to startle you last time," he said. "I apologize for how things progressed."

"Cut the bull," she said coldly. "You planned that. You were just showing off. Telling me who I was. About my past. But did you really think I was that weak?"

"I never thought you were weak," he said, his voice quiet. "On the contrary. I believe you're the strongest person I know."

She scoffed. "Don't flatter me. It's not good on you, Q. Just tell me what the hell you want, and leave me alone before I put a few arrows in your chest."

"Fine," he conceded. "I propose a partnership."

She must've heard him wrong. She had to have heard him wrong.

"What, work together?" said Helena sharply. "No thanks. I usually prefer my partners to have a face."

He just stared at her, making her more uncomfortable and irritated; and finally, she turned and started to walk away.

"Huntress." Question started after her.

She whirled around, again aimed her bow at him. "Don't. You think you can pull that kinda crap you pulled last night, and suddenly we'll be all chummy? I don't care if you know who I am. I can take care of myself. And if you keep following me, I will hurt you. I promise you that."

Question halted. "I didn't mean to hurt you," he said softly, his voice strangely rough. "I apologize. Sometimes... I get carried away."

"Ya think?" she snarled.

"I only want to help."

"Help somewhere else. I don't need it," she hissed.

"I know. But I'm still offering. I have my own set of skills... skills I've acquired over the years. And if what you say is true, and I believe it is - we're heading into a war. And we're on the same side, Huntress." He straightened to his full impressive height, towering over her by a good several inches.

She scoffed. "Right. Sure." And she turned away again, just wanting him to leave her alone.

"You were right," he persisted.

She raised an eyebrow, humoring him. "Oh?"

"I still don't trust meta-humans. Your friend, Wonder Woman. She's dangerous. But... perhaps it's what this city needs right now."

Helena glared at him. "Not buying it," she said flatly.

"I'm a cautious man, Huntress." He motioned to the mask. "Clearly. I'm merely attempting to carefully assess the situation, be wary of all the dangers. Because so few people are cautious. Few people even care to look around them. Fewer even think to ask the question."

Helena's eyes narrowed. Oh, hell.

There was a long pause. The only noise was the wind howling around them. And then, she started towards him. Slipped her crossbow into its holster on her thigh. And came right up to him, until she was only inches away from his completely blank mask. She looked up at that blank face through thick, lidded lashes.

She could feel his hot breath on her face. She felt his mask tilting down towards her.

"But," she breathed, "what is the question... or rather... who is the question... Detective?"

The Question froze.

And Helena gave a long, slow, wicked smile.


Thoughts? :)

So, next chapter is going to be intense. I won't say why, but I'm sure a lot of you might guess. Actually, the chapter after that is even worse. Just to give you a head's up. :p

Helena. And Question. GAH. I just love them TOO MUCH. Can we just have a series with them? With Batman, and Diana, and Huntress, and Question? Those four? PLEASE? PRETTY PLEASE?

I hear crickets chirping from DC. As they're ripping the canon apart. Lovely.

Oh, and someone mentioned Bruce not being disturbed enough with Diana planning on killing Ares. He's not okay with killing anyone. But in this case, Ares can't lose. Bruce's still not okay with it, though. And this will become a larger, more pressing issue between Bruce and Diana in the sequels. Especially when it comes to dangerous Gotham villains... and a growing Batclan.

I will TRY to update sooner, my dears!

- Serena