Title: Battered Heart
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one

"How are you feeling this morning, my daughter?" Hippolyta asked as she entered Diana's room.

Diana turned and smiled at her mother. She had been up for hours standing on the large balcony looking at the beautifal view.

"Better, thank you."Diana replied quietly. "It is so pretty here."

"You always liked the view of the ocean." Hippolyta commented as she joined Diana on the balcony.

"I have been having dreams; of another time."Diana said."Of airplanes and war

"We were created by the Gods ." Hippolyta responded. "Your dreams are from the time you first left us."

"I did so against your wishes."Diana surmised.

"You thought you could do good for the world of man."Her mother stated. "You did. What are your dreams telling you?"

"There was a man who cared about me. Kind eyes, a good heart."Diana explained.

"He discovered our island by accident. His plane broke through our barrier and crashed. To this day I am not certain why the barrier failed." Hippolyta replied quietly.

Memories began to tickle Diana's mind. Slowly images surfaced. Of a man trapped in a sinking broken machine. Diving into the water, pulling him to safety. Then...oh no.

"There was a battle."Diana commented sadly. "Because I saved him."

"You remember!" Hippolyta exclaimed happily. "Everything returns?"

Diana shook her head.

"Not everything, not yet."The dark haired woman replied. "The battle so many died."

"Yes." Hippolyta said softly as she captured her daughter's face in her hands. "But that was not because of you."

Diana was feeling the grief of that day as if for the first time.

"I..."Diana began.

"No, daughter." Hippolyta said firmly. "They stepped through the doorway that was open. That was not your fault."

Diana nodded and as the tears flowed freely her mother pulled her into an embrace. After several long moments Diana composed herself enough to ask.

"The man I saved."Diana inquired quietly. "What was his name?"

"Steven."Her mother replied. "Steven Trevor."

"Bruce."Clark called.

Bruce had been walking the grounds of the village that Diana had grown up in, He stopped and looked for Superman. Clark came off a small side street a few feet away. Bruce joined him.

"I heard Diana is making progress."Clark commented quietly.

"Yes her mother said a few memories have returned and she's growing stronger."Batman responded with a smile.

"I'm happy for her, we all are."Clark replied as he turned to face his teammate. "We do need to return. The others and I were talking and Barry offered to return with the plane to get you and Diana in a few days or a week whatever time table you decide."

"Of course, that's a good idea."Bruce replied. "All of you have helped so much already."

"Just another day of saving the world."Clark quipped with a smile. "I'd stay, but I've lost enough time with Lois already."

Bruce nodded looking out at the ocean.

"Tell Barry to return in two weeks."Bruce instructed. "And give Alfred the option."

"I will."Clark said as he took a few steps away and then stopped. "Bruce, a bit of advice."

Bruce turned.

"I've seen how you look at Diana when you think no one else is looking."Clark continued quietly."You guys gave me a second chance at life and with Lois. This is your chance. You and Diana both deserve some happiness."

Bruce watched as Clark walked away. He knew Superman was right. Bruce just had to decide if he was brave enough to take that chance. Or if there was enough of his heart and soul left for he and Diana to build a future with.