Chapter 30 : A Different Kind of Hero

Black-Gate Penitentiary

A dark haunting shadow moved past two dead prison guards leaning against a wall, sitting in their puddles of their own blood. "Human's are so easy to destroy." Battas the bat demon snarled. "Such a delight to devour."

The white brick walls were stained with blood from the ruthless brawls that happened during the evening hours. A brawl that raged between the monsters and the freaks that harvested chaos and fear on the streets of Gotham.

The smell of death hung in the air as a foul stench that never faded. Each cell was inhabited by inmates that Batman and the Gotham Police Department took down during their reign of chaos.

One cell that was set to be in locked down at all times contained one raging animal that craved for power and control. A shadow slithered into the cell unnoticed by security. The shadow formed into the demon Battas and peered into the darkness at the bulky figure wearing a tube like mask.

"Why are you here little bat?" The harsh voice asked. "Come to have your reckoning with me?"

Battas licked his fangs. "Oh I assure you I'm not the bat you think I am... Bane."

"How do you know who I am?" Bane asked as he arose from the floor menacingly.

"I know much about you mortal. How you broke the Batman's wings, how you threw him into that pit and then nearly destroyed his city. You've done great that suits our standards."

Bane didn't care for praise. "Why have you come to me?"

Battas placed his claws on the bars. "I've been sent to claim you."

"Claim me? For what demon?"

"How would you like to be free from these bars that have so contained your raging soul? To walk the streets of Gotham and crack the skulls of those that defied your orders... And finally destroy the Batman once and for all?"

Bane smiled from behind his mask. "I would kill for that."

"That's what I thought." Battas swiped his claws onto the bars and effectively sliced it open then entered the cell. "Tonight I shall provide you your freedom Bane. For you are a Titan in this world that knows the Bat's weakness."

"I underestimated him. I will not repeat it."

"I know."

Bane stepped out of his cell and surveyed the area with surprise. "Where are the guards?"

"Don't worry. They won't be any trouble." Battas replied licking his blood stained claws.

"Now come, there is someone that wants to meet you face to face and offer you something that you crave in your veins."

"What?"

"Power."

"To destroy the Batman and the man behind him: Bruce Wayne."

Battas smiled evilly, "Yes."

Bane cracked his knuckles loudly. "I look forward to hearing the bat's bones break as I crush his body in my hands and squeeze the blood out from his veins."

On the rooftop of the MCU, Commissioner Jim Gordon waited by the ignited searchlight patiently. He sipped his coffee that was made an hour ago from one of the female detectives in the Family Crisis Department, which would mean he'd been sitting up here for better close to that amount of time. Times like this more often than not gave him time to think or enjoy the evening air while anyone else would've been annoyed to be kept waiting this long.

He lifted his head and looked up at the moonlight as dark clouds blew overhead and the wind blew his grey hair. "Where are you?" He thought looking for any sign of his trusted ally the Batman. He figured that his cape and cowled friend was busy just like every night. As he began to debate whether or not he should call it a night or get himself another cup of coffee, the sound of movement came from the shadows and disrupted his thoughts.

Gordon turned his head and looked at the direction of the sound. "Batman?" He asked with caution. This wasn't how the Caped Crusader normally made his presence known or sounded when he did. "Is that you?" He instinctively rested his hand on his weapon with anticipation.

"Yes." A deep voice replied as he black winged horse sighed. Gordon relaxed his hand away from his side, with relief. Bruce paused, thinking about his form. It was big shock to Fox and he knew it would even be a bigger shock to Gordon. "I have something to show you. Be warned it's pretty shocking."

Gordon looked confused but suddenly wary. He was used to seeing things that turned your skin ghost white, so whatever this was had to be stranger. "Alright I'm ready."

"Are you sure?"

"Look I've seen dead bodies cut into pieces so there's nothing that won't..." He trailed off as a massive form stepped out of the shadows and it met his stare with it's dark intimating eyes that were very familiar. Gordon stared at the creature trying to understand just what was happening? Was this animal Batman, the Dark Knight... Gordon feeling uncertain backed away from the winged horse. "Batman is that really you? What happened to you and why a horse?"

The horse lowered his head. He knew his friend had a right to know. "I know it's hard to understand commissioner," the creature whispered in a tone that was the same as Batman's. "I'm not going harm you."

Gordon stepped closer. "I just never thought it would be possible for a human to be transformed into an animal. I read stories to my kids about witches turning princes into frogs but this..."

"I know. A shock," he said dryly.

"How did this happen? Was this the reason why you said you wouldn't be around to help Gotham?"

"Yes. I thought I was no longer Batman but I've realized that it's the bat that makes the man it's the man inside that makes the bat. Even through I don't look the way I normally do commissioner I am still Batman and I will always be here to defend Gotham."

Gordon was about to touch the horse's forehead but instead he placed his hand in his pocket.

"What my kids would give to see this?" He thought looking at the horse trying to figure out how Batman ended up like this. "So are you going to tell me how this happened?"

"Long story. Any news on the faceless victims?" Batman changed the subject.

Gordon shrugged. "One of my detectives found bleached spots around the crime scene area."

"The killer is clever cleaning up his tracks. He uses the bleach the to burn the flesh off his victims' faces. It's a cleaner way of peeling skin off."

Gordon thought he was going to sick. "Somehow none of this surprises me. How can someone do this?"

"There are sick people in this world. But this isn't a senseless killing. A criminal isn't complicated commissioner, we just need to figure out what he's after."

Gordon nodded. He still could not believe enough that Batman was now a winged horse he still acted and sounded the same.

"Let me know if you find anything else." Batman replied as he moved to the ledge and placed his hoofs on the cement. He looked out at Gotham and exhaled showing air. He then jumped down and his wings became straight as he glided through the air.

"What is this city coming too?" Gordon said looking at the shadow of the winged creature off the buildings walls down below. Deep down he felt sorry for Batman and knew this would be yet another challenge for the Dark Knight to overcome. "He's still Batman though," Gordon thought to himself and felt no matter the obstacle he would find a way out of this physical transformation.

The old Gotham sewer line tunnels were filled with decayed, murky water and of course the grim rodents that devoured anything in their path whether it was unwanted trash or a decomposing body.

Bane wore a rugged down overcoat that he found in one of the lockers of the prison. Surprisingly enough it accommodated his form at least without venom. He trials Battas through the darkness keeping his eyes alert and pulse steady as they passed dead bodies. At first glance, Bane didn't know what to make of the creature. It looked menacing enough but there was little Bane feared though this Battas didn't intimidate him, Bane knew enough not to underestimate it and whatever it had in store for him.

The creature struck an enticing offer: power and vengeance; but Bane knew such a thing would require a cost. He was unsure of what it might be, but trusted his own capability enough to know he could crush this creature if it tried to betray him. Turning his gaze away from Battas, Bane looked over a body in his way. He kicked it aside with a grunt and continued walking.

"Who killed these people?" Bane asked pointing on the corpses.

"Some of this work is mine but some of it is also the result of endless violence."

Bane looked the creature over, sensing its unpredictable and distrusting air. "How do you kill humans? I thought demons could not harm humans directly?"

"Don't believe everything you read Bane. We're always there in the shadows when the bullet enters the heart, the knife slices the throat or when the crumbling walls come down. I kill you sacks of meat because you are impure in my eyes. You have impure blood flowing through your veins. I can smell it." Battas eyed a rat swimming in the water. Quickly he snatched the small creature and devoured it. Bane cocked his head to the side.

"I see that you have an appetite demon." Bane replied looking at the blood dripping from the demons mouth.

"I'm always ready to feed." The demon could see Bane's still posture and could sense offensive caution coming from him as he tightens his fists. Battas snickers demonically. "Don't worry I won't drain you dry. You're soul is safe." The creature turns away and continues down the tunnel. Bane watches after him with a hardened look before following.

Battas entered a small tunnel. "You will find what you seek down there."

"Why aren't you coming?" He asked distrustfully.

"I have a hospital to visit tonight."

Bane didn't ask why, he began to walk down the tunnel.

"Just remember human, if you seek power and vengeance, you must go into the abyss to receive it."

On the rooftop terrace of the Bruce Wayne's summer penthouse, Diana sat on the ledge still dressed in her armor in deep in thought. Her ocean blue eyes were looking out over Gotham.

Alfred Pennyworth walked through the French doors and headed towards her carrying a tea tray in his hands. "Something to calm the nerves Miss Prince," He said as Diana turned her head and looked at him with surprise.

"Alfred. Sorry I didn't see you there."

"When you work for a man that dresses up like a bat you begin to take on his traits. Stealth is one of them." He set the tray on the ledge in front of her.

Diana gave him a grateful smile.

"I know it's not in my place to ask but is something troubling you?" He asked, handing Diana a cup of brewed tea."

"I'm not really good at sharing my feelings Alfred. It's something that Amazon warriors rarely do. It's considered a form of weakness." She sips her tea with a somber look.

"I heard differently Miss Prince. It's better to talk about your feelings than let them eat away at you."

"Kind of like Bruce." She said knowingly. Alfred smiled as he realized just how similar his master and the Amazon princess were.

"Indeed. Master Wayne never shares his feelings with any one. Not after that night."

"It must still be hard for him," she said sympathetically.

"Yes. Deep down he still blames himself for what happened. He felt it was because of his fear of bats that took over him when he fell into the well. But he has improved greatly, he climbed out of the prison that confined him for years, one of his own making created from guilt and pain." He paused. "I know that Master Wayne can be a little rough on the edges sometimes, but you must know that he cares about you," Alfred said earnestly.

"And I care for him too Alfred." She trialed off appearing wistful. "Some part of me wished it was me that took on the curse. Do you know how much it bothers me to see him transform? It's like a knife into my heart and someone pulls it out slowly and lets me feel the pain at every degree." Diana touched the left side of her chest. "I want him to be himself again Alfred. To be Batman again without worrying about wings and a tail."

She lowered her head. "I know that its still him in that horse's body but it's not the same. I can almost feel his pain with each moon, knowing there's little he can do for his city... For himself," she lowered her sad complexion then blinked it away forcefully as the Amazon in her told her not to fall into despair.

Alfred sighed. "I know. I would have anything to have him back fully."

"So would I Alfred... "

Deciding there was little more he could say to console the princess, Alfred excused himself took the tray then headed back inside. Diana remained seated on the ledge and finished the rest of her tea silently. She looked at the night sky and sighed.

"Did I miss anything?" A deep rich voice asked from the shadows of the roof. Diana turned and saw the winged black horse.

"Bruce," She quickly ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank Hera, you're alright," she said with immense relief.

"I'm fine Diana." He replied. "I was just patrolling the city."

"As a horse?" She smirked.

"I may look like a horse on the outside but I am still the same man on the inside."

"I know. We're going to free you from this Bruce." She ran her hand down his forehead. "I will find a away to change you back." She spoke determinately.

"Diana," He said in a calm tone. " Let's worry about the mission for now."

"Alright, Athena came to me and told me more about what is coming to Gotham. The demon that you faced in Arkham is called 'Battas'. He is a winged demon from the underworld and hates mortals. He takes joy in draining the life force out of them by consuming their blood. He kills for pleasure. He's in charge of bringing the dark creatures; his army of unclean spirits into the mortal realm."

"I sense that there's more," he said knowingly. Diana nodded.

"The main evil that we must stop is Chronos the god of Time who was imprisoned by his son Zeus for destroying the humans. If he enters Gotham there will be no stopping the endless blood shed."

"That's why the gods of left this battle up to you?"

"You mean us," she corrected firmly.

"Whatever," he growled. "So the reason why I was turned into this was because I'm supposed to be your war horse in battle?"

"I would appear so Bruce," she said with dismay. Bruce shook his head.

"What about the curse being lifted? Did you ask Athena about my fate?"

Diana looked at his winged shape.

"Yes."

"And?"

"If we win this battle of souls you will be back to normal," she was unsure if this news made him feel any better but if she knew him well enough she'd say he was still upset but not defeated. The horse moved to the ledge. "I want to be Batman again princess. I thought I could get used to living in this body but I can't. Gotham needs me."

Diana nodded. "The night belongs to Batman not Pegasus," the horse said.

"I thought you said you are still Batman inside?"

"Yes, but I can't do the things I used to do princess. I can't save people."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at me. I went to two of my trusted friends tonight and showed them this they..." He groaned, searching for the best way to explain. "They didn't even know what to say. How could they? And the scum of this city have nothing to fear from a winged horse."

Diana placed a warm hand on his neck. "Bruce you're a different kind of a hero. Not even just that..." Diana purposely trailed off as she had faith the meaning of her words would take shape in Bruce's mind. The horse lifted his head and remembered the reason why he became Batman. He found himself disquieted with how he managed to let himself fall from the perch he'd climbed not so long ago today. He grunted loudly as if frustrated. Diana smiled brightly as she sees Bruce's warrior's spirit emerge.

"You're right. I can't take pity on myself now not when Gotham needs me." He remembered what he declared when he was on the roof of the Gotham Radio Tower a few hours ago. "I am Batman! And no Greek god will destroy my city not when I have the air in my lungs." He turned his head and looked at Diana. "Come on princess, you have a battle to prepare for."

Diana smiled." That's the Batman I know."

Bane reached the end of the tunnel and entered an opened spaced area. In the center was a table surrounded by chairs. The night sky above the sewers briefly illuminated his surroundings but most corners we're still covered in shadows.

"Welcome Bane. I'm am Eros."

Bane turned and saw a dark haired man dressed in a leather jacket standing near a cemented pillar that was apart of the tunnels structure.

"I'm glad we can finally meet."

"The demon spoke to me saying that you have an offer to give me."

"Indeed. Sit."

Bane warily moved to the table and pulled out a chair.

"I must say, I am proud of the work you have done in the past almost claiming the souls of Gotham and breaking the mortal named Bruce Wayne."

"I should've of broke his neck instead of his back," Bane growled.

"No. You wanted him alive didn't you? To rot in that pit you threw his broken body into and let him witness the final destruction of his city."

Bane nodded.

"But you lost. He arose from the abyss and fought you until you finally tasted defeat."

Bane formed his hand into a fist. "I ..."

Eros grinned sinisterly. "Yes. Say it Bane. Tell me what you want and I shall deliver."

"I want the bat dead."

Eros laughed. "Your wish shall come true. All you need is a little more strength in those veins."

"My venom give me all the strength I need."

"Yes but is only a man made compound. I'm talking about sheer strength almost god like."

Bane's eyes grew large with hunger. "I'm listening."

Eros pulled out a vial from his overcoat and placed it on the table. "This is your power Bane. Once it flows through your veins, the Bat will be yours to devour. His bones will crumble and his screams will be heard."

Bane rose from his chair with fire in his eyes. "Yes. He will scream my name!"

"One thing though Bruce Wayne has been given the power of flight. He becomes a horse at night."

"It doesn't matter what he is. He is still a weak animal."

Eros sneered though he appreciated the mortal's unrelenting pride. "Then let the games begin."

Eight hours later...

Diana opened her ocean blue eyes to the bright afternoon sunlight reflecting off the white painted walls of the guest bedroom. She arose and rubbed her temples trying to figure out how she was going to save both Bruce and this city. Such thoughts barely let her sleep. "Hera," She silently prayed as she bent down and pulled her golden armor from underneath the bed and looked at her reflection. "Give me your strength."

Bruce Wayne entered the room dressed in a white dress shirt, his hair drenched from the shower he had moments ago. "Princess?" He asked looking worried about her. He knew that she had a lot on her plate.

Diana turned and looked at him. "I see that you're tail and wings have vanished." Bruce gave her a steady intense gaze that filled her with butterflies.

"Yes." He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Diana took he opportunity too look him over. Despite the difficult night he had yesterday, he seemed keenly refreshed this morning. She guessed it had much to do with his relief to be back in his human form. Despite that, his posture suggested he was struggling with something.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked placing the armor back under the bed.

"Diana..." She looked at him with mild surprise. This was the first time in a long time he called her by her real name.

"Yes? Bruce what it?"

He walked closer to her, his expression soulful. "What's been happening too both of us... I just want to say..." He seemed lost in thought. Diana arched an eyebrow.

"Do you what me to use my lasso on you ?"

Bruce smirked. "We both know that won't work. I've trained by the best monks in Asia to control my own thoughts."

"Still it's worth a shot."

Diana could tell that he was restless by the expression on his face. His m shaped lips were curved and his eyes focused on the tips of his dress shoes. Diana places a reassuring hand on his arm and gives it a gentle squeeze, "Its okay, Bruce. You can tell me, whatever it is." She said softly. Bruce then lifted his head and looked deeply into her like never before.

They were friends, good friends that shared many battles together and many great losses as well. She was also his partner who would use her silver, bullet-deflecting bracelets to protect him when in open fire. After all these years of spending time together and then away from each other because he was afraid his heart would get wounded, he realized that they were more than partners on the battle field. She meant much much more to him than he allowed himself to admit.

Bruce deep down knew he had to confess to her. Say the word that she had been wanting to hear from his lips for so long. "Bruce?" She asked wondering what was going on inside his brilliant mind. Bruce felt lost in her eyes and it took immense effort to look away from their comforting depths and let his gaze fall to her ruby lips.

Finally he made his move. Bruce embraced his arms around Diana and crashed his lips into hers. His right hand gripped her slender waist and his left ran down her back boldly. She pressed her chest against his while her hands reached up, one circling the back of his neck, the other rested against the side of his face.

She pressed harder onto his lips feeling thrilled and ignited. "Hera finally," She thought to herself joyously. He had claimed her has his own, and she was set to do the same with him. Her eyes shut as the kiss began to become desperate and before it could deepen further, both of them part for much needed breath. For a long moment they say nothing, though they are still pressed tightly against each other, foreheads resting against the other. Finally they pull away and just stare deeply into each others eyes, both unsure of what to say.

After a minute, Bruce placed his hand on her cheek then silently moved to the door.

"Bruce? I just need to tell you that I..."

He turned and looked at her.

"I know princess. I do too."

Then he left the room leaving her in deep thought.