Chapter 31 : A Demon's Night

"A kiss is just a kiss,"

Bruce told himself for the umpteenth time as he sat on the stairway leading to the upper level of the penthouse. He'd been in deep thought about what transpired between him and Diana for awhile now. There was no denying to himself now what they felt towards each other. Years of repressed emotions went into that kiss and and there was much more to be given before they parted for breath.

He remembered the heated flush of her cheeks, the joyous affection in her eyes and the closeness of their bodies as they held each other after. He licked his lips and could still taste her wonderful ruby lips on his own. It took a lot strength to leave the room and before she could say what he knew she would he replied with a knowing response. At the moment no words were needed he felt, but they would still need to be said.

He wanted to confess his feelings to her and tell her that she was his everlasting love that was untouchable to the desires of mortal men. "I'm only fooling myself," he thought as his hands rested on his chiseled chin. Alfred walked over to him.

"Master Wayne," he asked, looking at his master who showed great distress in his steady gaze. "Sir, is everything alright?"

"Hmmm..." The famous words of the dumbfounded billionaire. Bruce shifted his eyes to his white haired butler. "Did you say something Alfred?"

Alfred shook his head and moved closer. "Mind if I join you?" He asked referring to the step that Bruce was sitting on.

"Be my guest," The billionaire replied, shifting his body to the side near the railing. He sat there resting his hands on the bottom of his chin and let out a deep sigh. Alfred studied him closely.

"Master Wayne, are you sure that everything is fine? You seem to be distressed about something?"

Bruce turned his head and gazed at the window that provided a great view of Gotham City. He decided to be as forthcoming with Alfred as he could but not with what he was just thinking about.

"I'm just a little out of sorts," he stated as his lips formed into a straight line. "I still can't used to living like this Alfred. I'm meant to be a human not this winged creature that these gods made me out to be..." He said plainly.

"I want to be free from this curse. I know that I'm acting selfish but when I'm that creature... I feel so helpless," he admitted, forlorn and weary.

"You're stronger than you think sir. Although you may be cursed to be a winged horse that doesn't change who you are."

"Yes it is Alfred. It changes a lot."

Alfred smiled faintly. "I'm not talking about the physical appearance that you endure I'm talking about the man that is inside. The man that would do anything to save the city that he loves even giving up his own life." He pointed to Bruce's chest.

"It's the man that makes the bat. It's who you chose to be sir... whether you want to believe that you can't defend this city because you're in a different form than that is your choice and I will agree with you on that. But if you believe it doesn't matter who you are on the outside but what makes the man on the inside than you are something far greater than what the gods ever cursed you to be..."

Bruce lowered his head. "What?" He spoke in a whisper.

"A hero in every sense of the word."

Bruce turned his head and looked at the sunlight reflecting off the walls. He knew that Alfred was right - he and Diana both were right about him, however it still didn't quell the dread in his stomach that he might be stuck like this for the rest of his unnatural life if he even survived the storm that was coming to Gotham City. "No," he shook the grim thought away and reminded himself to stay positive, not just for his sake.

He nodded to Alfred's words as he lifted himself up and straightened his back. "Yeah. I have to be who I am. I can't let this curse get the best of me." He looked at his friend. Bruce knew he made a vow along time ago that he would defend Gotham with his body and will. He couldn't watch his city burn and just standby and do nothing. He would give his life for his city and those he cared for if it came to it.

Alfred stood up. "What is your choice Master Wayne?"

Bruce took a deep breath. "I choose to be the Dark Knight Alfred. I choose to be Batman if not in body then in spirit."

Alfred smiled, "very good sir."

Bruce turned and gave Alfred a small smile. He stepped down from the steps and approached the window and looked out over his city. "I was a fool to think I was worthless to this city Alfred. I was letting this curse get to me. I have to rise against this metamorphosis and face the night."

"What about Miss Prince?"

Bruce paused at the mention of her name. "Diana... she will just have to understand that this city needs me."

"I'm sure she already does Master Wayne. But you must tell her the truth before things get chaotic."

Bruce bit his tongue. "The truth? ...There is no truth to tell Alfred. Besides... she knows how I feel about her."

He thought of the moment they shared in her bedroom not too long ago. He closed his eyes with a look of longing.

"Really? So you did tell her?" he inquired hopefully. Bruce sighed, "not in exact words."

"You're denying your heart again sir. I know that you love her, don't you?"

"Yes. I love her." He wasn't too afraid to say it to Alfred he knew; saying it directly to Diana was different. Bruce looked at the sunlight. "My love for her is beyond words and emotions. One day I will tell her the truth but not today."

Bruce looked at his Rolex. "I have to go."

"Where?"

"I have to prepare for a battle Alfred. If you see Diana tell her to meet me in the bunker."

Alfred nodded, still feeling concerned for his master. "I will sir."

Bruce walked towards the open spaced kitchen and then he moved to the elevator doors and pressed the arrow down. The doors opened and he stepped in.

One hour later...

Diana stepped off the large lift that brought her down to a low ceiling chamber. The bright lights from above shone brilliantly down on her as she surveyed the bunker. The Batpod sat on a platform in the middle near a few computer desks and a work bench that had a few of Batman's gadgets: smoke bombs, darts and a hand mangler that he would use to grip the doors of vehicles.

She turned her gaze and saw Bruce sitting at a far end computer desk dressed in his Kevlar armor minus the cowl. His cape was hanging from the chair as she could hear the sound of typing.

"Do you ever stop and take a break?" Diana asked as her voice echoed throughout the chamber. Bruce was too busy looking at the News Flash that had images of the Blackgate cell doors bent and bodies of guards lying on the floors.

His eyes glared at the newscaster who was shaking as she passed a few of the lifeless bodies and moved to a cell door that belonged to Bane. "Police can confirm that the masked terrorist only known as Bane is missing."

"Missing?" Bruce grumbled under his breath showing his frustration. "Why?" He thought remembering what Bane did to him in the past.

"Bruce?" Diana asked walking closer.

Bruce turned in his chair and looked at her. "Bane is out!" He pressed the button on the side of the desk then arose, moving over to where a armory was arising from the cement floor. He walked over with his hands as fists and opened the armory door revealing another bat suit that he kept in storage.

"Bruce you're not considering going out there alone? What about the moon?" Diana asked with a look of concern on her brow. "What if you change?"

He lifted off the cowl from the armory's hook and then his armor.

"I have to do this alone princess. I can't risk the lives of Gotham," he said looking directly into her eyes. "That monster is loose, planning God knows what and I have to find him now" Bruce said as he began assembling his armor. Diana observed the news and listened as the reporter revealed vulgar details on how the guards were killed and how Bane's cell was breached by some kind of 'unseen force.'

Diana shook her head, "I don't like this Bruce. What if Bane had help breaking out? He could be in league with Battas."

Bruce looked at her with a furrowed brow, "Why would he want Bane?"

Diana released an exasperated sigh, "I don't know that's why we should take a breath and figure this out together."

Bruce continued putting on his armor, "I can handle this Diana. One of us needs to be here in case Athena decides to drop in or to hold the line in Gotham and that should be you. It doesn't make sense to put both of ourselves at risk unless we have to."

"We'll both be at risk either way!" She retorted with an angry scowl. "If something happens to you Bruce, do you think I can win this war by myself?"

He crossed his arms. Diana could feel tension rising in his veins. "I don't have time for this," he snapped as he moved to the work bench and grabbed a tin of his black military paint makeup. "Unlike you princess. I have weakness', for one thing my body isn't incensed for flight nor superhuman strength," he protested.

"Understand that I can't risk the lives of the people of Gotham. That was a vow I made on the night Batman was born in the shadows." He pulled on the sharp eared graphite cowl and stared at her with his piercing eyes. She could see the line of anguish formed in his flesh of his face.

Diana narrowed her eyes at him, "what are you talking about 'weakness?'"

Batman moved to the Batpod. "I'm just flesh and blood princess."

"Bruce you're not making sense." Diana could tell that he was nervous. "What's really going on?"

Batman slid his body onto the saddle of the bike. He sat there timidly for a long moment before he replied, "you don't know what that monster did to me princess. What he took from me..." He paused. "He knows my weakness' and will never stop hunting and destroying until I am nothing but a stain of blood on the crumbling of his own kingdom."

Diana placed her hand on his armored plated shoulder. "Bruce I want to help," she insisted.

Batman shook his head. "No. You have a battle to prepare for princess. This is my city and my fight." He started the throttle and was ready to zoom out of the bunker. Diana looked down at him with a softened look.

"We're in this together. You're my partner." She leaned her head closer and pressed her lips against his. Batman returned the affection for a moment before he quickly pulled away. He needed to keep a clear head in his search.

"That was for luck," she said.

Batman shook his head. "I don't believe in luck." He shifted the bike into gear and drove off the platform as she watched him drive through the narrow tunnel. Diana stood in the bunker and watched after him, still feeling apprehensive about this whole thing.

Two hours later...

After searching through the streets and interrogating a few black market buyers from the underground market that harvested both Russian and American automatic weapons, Batman finally spoke with Gordon at the MCU and told him about Bane. Gordon had no insight on the current whereabouts of the bald-headed monster which meant in Batman's terms, "another dead end." After that Batman went to the highest point of Gotham.

Batman stood on top of the Gotham Radio Tower, his lookout spot that he used to servery Gotham, his chin was pointed down as he looked at the rain drops forming on the cement. Nighttime was fast approaching. He could hear the sounds of sirens echoing through the streets. "Someone is always in trouble," He thought trying to compress his emotions.

Inside Bruce felt torn with protecting Gotham and loving Diana. He could feel the taste of her lips as he rubbed his m shaped lips together and closed his eyes for a brief moment.

A cool breeze crept up from behind. "Bruce Wayne," a voice hissed sounding like a folk-tongue snake. Batman reacted and turned around, his eyes peering at the snake like demon staring at him with it's fangs extracting from it's upper gums.

"What do you want?" Batman growled, showing no fear in his eyes.

"My master wishes to have an audience with you human."

Batman clenched his jaws. "Sorry. I'm not one for direct conversations." The demon hissed at his reply. "He will meet you at the old Gotham Water Treatment Plant on the East Side."

Batman grumbled under his breath.

"Do you accept?" The demon asked with cunning spiteful words. Batman glared at him long and hard as if trying to penetrate his very mind and see through him before he nods.

"Perfect. My master will be there in twenty minutes. I suggest you jump down and fly unless you want to fail to save another life."

Batman glared at the demon. "Another hostage?" The demon smirked and than faded into the steady wind.

Batman pressed his radio transmitter in his cowl's ear. "Alfred?"

"Master Wayne?" Alfred's voice echoed in his ear as Batman dove into the air and glided through the streets as his cape formed into a rigid wing.

"Any news about a missing person report from GCPD?"

Alfred checked the laptop. "Nothing confirmed."

Batman gritted his teeth as he safely landed in the alleyway and walked to his parked Batpod. His started the throttle and zoomed out of the dark narrow space, out into the traffic, his cape blowing in the wind.

"Either it's a trap or the hostage is already dead."

"What do you believe sir?"

"Most likely a trap. But I can't keep my guard down Alfred. I sense that Bane is involved. He wants to have another audience with me."

Batman made a right turn to the East Side overpass and looked at the water treatment plant ahead.

"Sir, but Bane knows your weakness'... he knows that ..."

"I know Alfred. But I also know his weakness." He parked the Batpod at the fence and bolted through the parking lot. He made it to the entrance doors that had chains wrapped around the handle. Using his sharp-razor gauntlets he sliced the chains and kicked down the door with his foot. He ran inside through the darkness.

Whispers of the dark creatures of Battas were mocking him with their spiteful hissing sounds. Batman didn't pay attention to their retorts. He made it to a room that was labeled "authorized only" and kicked down the door.

Battas stood on a grated step sneering with his blood colored eyes. "Come in little bat and don't be shy."

Batman stepped closer keeping his eyes focused on the hideous demon.

"Where's the hostage?" He growled.

Battas laughed. "Fool. We love to trick humans. There in no gutless soul to save. Come closer."

Batman responded and walked closer to the water pipes near a caged area.

"Good." Battas formed into a shadow and disappeared as one of his creatures pushed Batman into the cage and laughed.

Battas hissed as he slammed the steel door shut and peered at Batman; licking his blood stained lips.

"I knew that I could get you out of your cave."

The demon's red eyes bored into Batman's with malicious intent. Batman wasn't fazed by his size or appearance; he stood calm with a determined expression that said he wouldn't back down from a fight. Battas had never seen such arrogance or in this case stupidity. He snickered evilly.

"You're more than a fool than I thought The gods should have turned you into a clown rather than a Pegasus. Not to worry I have someone that is just dying to see you again human."

Batman heard footsteps sounding off the grated catwalk of the sewers. Each encroaching sound sent a familiar feeling of apprehension through his body. He turned his head slowly with defiance painted on his face as he found himself trapped. The rushing water from the broken drainage pipes made his head pound.

"Mister Wayne."

An all too familiar mechanical like voice called. Batman turned around and saw Bane walking on the catwalk with his eyes discharging in the shadows.

"Bane!" Batman roared.

"A pleasure that you remember me Mister Wayne. I thought I would be the last person you would forget."

Batman examined the area with his beaming dark eyes. His two points of escape were blocked. Battas at his back with Bane to the front. Whatever they had planned for him they clearly had no intention letting him get away or letting anyone come in to aid him.

Under the cowl Bruce knew that he had to react without any hesitation. The best way to beat both if not just Bane was to play off their weaknesses. He knew Bane's weak spot was the tubes connected to mask that covered his bald demonic face. It gave him power from the vaporized venom that he induced himself their tubes sticking from his thick veins. Bane looked at Batman sidelong.

"Not one for conversation are you Mister Wayne?" Bane laughed as he breathed in the venom. "What's the matter; to afraid to fight me? Last time I left you with dignity," he boasted.

Batman's lips formed into a scowl. "Last time..." he growled recalling his thoughts, "you broke me and threw me into the pit to rot while you reeked chaos on the streets and killed many good people... because of your rage and your thirst for power." He squeezed his fists together.

"So you believe that you're prepared to fight me?" Bane walked closer with his hands touching the collar of his overcoat that was stained with spatters of blood. He walked a bit more confidently than he normally did, Batman noticed. Bane seemed very sure of himself for some reason and Batman had a feeling Battas had something to do with it.

"I've been given an upgrade to my venom."

Batman heard the sound of Bane's neck cracking while the bald headed man drew closer; eyes focused. "Upgrade?" He growled as he observed his foe carefully. Bane cracked his knuckles loudly.

"You'll find out when you see the blood squeezing out of your veins little bat or should I say little pony." Bane chuckled. Batman glared at him knowingly.

"It must be humiliating for you to be a horse; not being able to defend yourself with your kicks and jaw breaking strikes that you used to perform. Instead you probably bite and sit on your attackers. Correct?" He mocked with a with a sinister laugh.

Batman had heard enough, he takes a fighting stance. "Shut up and fight Bane!" Bane discards his overcoat revealing his massive form. Battas could hear the blood pumping through Batman's veins. So much aggression and strength.

"This should be a real treat to see." He licked his fangs and gazed at Batman's neck. "Make sure you leave him intact so that I can drain every last drop from his lifeless shell."

Batman ignored the secondary threat and charged at Bane. He threw the first punch. Bane catches Batman's fist with a vicious grunt then squeezed as he listened to Batman wince in pain. He missed the sound of this.

"Music to my ears," he smile behind his mask.

Batman used his other hand and slammed his fist into Bane's right ear but the monster didn't even flinch. Instead he grabbed Batman's hands and twisted him till he was close to his chest and then pushed him off the catwalk into the rushing water below them.

Batman landed into the water and felt his throat became filled with the murky taste. Bane felt exhilaration and malice building in him as dove in and grabbed Batman by the cowl. He would punish the Bat as long as he could stay conscious before handing him over to the demon.

"Last time we fought in the sewers. We fought on steel not water."

Batman could feel blood dripping from his nose as Bane's hands were crushing the outside of his cowl mercilessly. Baring his teeth, Batman throws his head backwards and felt satisfied to feel it connect with Bane's face. The angry beast released his hold on Batman for a moment long enough to regain his composure. The moment was all Batman needed as he followed up with a vicious swing to the side of the head.

"Water, steel doesn't matter. After we're done here, I'm taking you back to your cell."

Batman wouldn't let himself appear weak or doubtful in the eyes of his enemy. If there was anything they found unsettling it was his never-ending defiance in the face of defeat. Bane touched his jaw angrily while rushing water continued to brush against them.

"I left you alive Bruce but this time I will make no mistake in taking your life."

Bane rushed at Batman as fast as the water would allow him to catch him in a strangled hold. Batman pulled out a throwing star from his belt and jabbed it into Bane's arm. His eyes went wide as the flesh of the monster became a stone surface.

"What have you done?" he growled; astonished.

Bane laughed at his surprise, "I told you that I've gotten an upgrade. It seems that you were not the only one the gods blessed with power." He slammed his fist into Batman's jaw sending the Dark Knight falling back into the water. Batman's cowled head immediately came back to surface and he shook off the blow with a look of irritation to mask the pain his body was enduring in this skirmish.

Batman's skills were limited with the weight of the water beneath his waist. His strength in combat was a variety of kicks, punches, evasions, leaps but most of all his speed. Bane knew what he was doing, this terrain suited his strength more than Batman's. Batman did a mental note of his gadgets and knew the smoke bomb wouldn't work here and from the looks of things his batarangs wouldn't work with Bane's new upgraded power.

He would have to move this fight to a more favorable location if he wasn't careful. Setting his sights on Bane, Batman leaped and tackled him by the waist into the water. A big splash sent a wave rippling towards all corners, leaving Bane and Batman in the crater. Batman worked quickly to rip off Bane's mask while he had the advantage. From the catwalk above, Battas watches with hungry eyes.

Batman found it difficult to find the tubing as the water came back over and Bane's face fell below it. Drowning the angry beast was the least of Batman's concerns as he could feel his fight returning with rage. He felt a staggering punch to his abdomen followed by a vice grip taking hold of one of his hands. "Argh," Batman groaned at the vicious strength his enemy was applying.

Bane's head emerged from the water with a deadly fire in his eyes. Using one of his free hands, Batman threw a hard left towards Bane's face only to collide with stone once again. He grunted in pain while Bane snickered at his efforts to subdue him. Batman knew his advantage was a one-shot that Bane wouldn't make the mistake of letting him have again. Not giving up on his offense, Batman risks a slow roundhouse kick to the skull. Bane didn't bother to try deflect it as the impact left Batman feeling like he kicked a wall.

"Enough of this! I will break you!"

The angry beast grabs Batman by his neck and hoists him off the ground and into the air in a two-handed choke hold that Batman coughed and struggled which encouraged his foe to continue with his attack. Batman could barely breathe and he knew unless he did something daring he would lose this fight. Looking at the water below them he would try one last effort before trying for a retreat. He didn't want to admit but he was unprepared for this fight and felt he could've actually used some backup.

His thoughts turned to Diana and he knew he'd be no good to her if he were killed or taken captive here. Deciding to take his initiative, Batman reaches out and gouged at Bane's eyes. The beast might have skin made of stone but it didn't mean his eyes were just as protected. Bane growls in annoyance before it turns to painful yells. Batman can feel the grip on his neck loosening just enough for him to bounce kick off of Bane's chest and flip backwards into a crouching position in the water.

Acting on the second step of his plan, Batman reached into his utility belt and draws an electric batarang. A weapon meant as a conductor to turn on blown circuits whenever he was in the field. The voltage would be high enough to at least subdue Bane in this environment but he could also subdue himself if not injure. If he acted fast enough he could grapple back to the catwalk. Knowing he had little time to debate this, Batman presses a button on the center of the weapon and it starts to spark electricity.

After Bane had regained his bearings, he noticed the toy in Batman's hands and his eyes grew wide with apprehension knowing what he planned to do. He rushed Batman faster than his foe would've expected and catches his arm before he can pitch the weapon. They both struggle in a test of strength until Bane manages to crush the weapon in his hands. Both men start to shake and convulse in shock until the batarang fries to no use. The weapon hadn't charged enough to knock Bane out, but it was enough to leave Batman in a disoriented haze.

Bane would take no further chances with the Dark Knight. He grabbed the cowl and pushed Batman's head back.

"I know your weak points. Your neck," he hissed though his voice merely sounded like angry static. Batman was gasping for air as he struggled to move his arms and push Bane down but the monster was too powerful.

"Come on, I know that you have a little more fight in you Bruce." Bane pulled Batman's head forward making him swallow the water until his lungs filled. Batman tried to lift his head back up but Bane just held him down.

"Bane don't stop until you see blood in the water," Battas commanded from the catwalk. He carried an enthused look clearly having enjoyed the skirmish.

Bane lifted his head and sneered at the demon. "As you wish." He crushed his hands harder on the cowl until pieces of graphite broke off into the water. Batman used his hand and pulled Bane's arm off of his head. He jerked his body just enough to break free from Bane's grasp.

"Bane, you don't know-" he coughed spitting up blood, "they're using you Bane just like they're using me." He winced trying to keep his balance as the water from the pipes gushed onto his body.

Bane chuckled as he sees Batman's weakened state, "You will die little Bat once we're done here. That's all that matters to me." Bane throws one last brutal swing at Batman's jaw hard enough to send the Dark Knight tumbling into the water and into dream.

The calm afternoon breeze blew her black raven hair as Wonder Woman stood on the roof of Gotham's Radio Tower looking outward at the streets below. She couldn't help but think that maybe she was too pushy with Bruce. That he needed to have space; after all he had been through a lot in these past days.

Memories of their kiss surfaced in her mind with a wistful smile. Diana had been hoping - praying that some good might come from all this chaos and misfortune and she felt she'd been answered this morning when she and Bruce had finally shared their affections. She remembered the warmth of his lips, the soothing rhythm of his heart beat, the assuring safety of his arms, and the look in his eyes... They spoke volumes.

So much affection, longing, apprehension and... love? She dared allowed herself to hope that's what she saw and what he meant when they had parted company earlier in the day.

Her thoughts went to their second meeting in the bunker and her warm features furrowed with concern at the knowledge that he was out there, alone and probably outnumbered.

"Stubborn man," she thought chidingly though she'd often heard from her sisters that she could be just as defiant when she wished to have her way. Today she proved otherwise, she let Bruce follow his search for Bane alone and she could only hope that he came back in one piece or called her for backup if he needed it.

"I see that you like coming up here Diana,"

Her thoughts were disrupted and she turned around and saw Athena.

"Athena," Diana bowed her head. "Your presence is always welcomed."

Athena's ice blue eyes looked at the sunlight reflecting off the towers. "So this is what you're going to fight for?' She asked in a firm tone. "It doesn't appear to look worth it Diana."

"Looks can be deceiving Athena." Wonder Woman replied. "I sense that you've come here to tell me bad news haven't you? Does this concern Eros and his servants? Mother said that you always come to the mortal realm when there has been a wrong doing to someone close to our hearts," she said with a concerned look.

Athena looked at Wonder Woman. "It does and your mother is a wise woman Diana. Someday you will have her wisdom."

Wonder Woman lowered her head. "I should've listened to her. I should of made sure that I knew everything before I left."

Athena shook her head. "That's all I hear from this mortal realm. 'I should've...' It's the choices that you make that defines you Diana. But I have not come here to speak words of wisdom to you. I have come to give you a warning."

"What kind of warning?'

"The mortal known as Bruce Wayne has been..."

"What!" Wonder Woman blared, the apprehension she'd been feeling now visible. Her heart was racing. "What's happened to him. Tell me!"

"Calm down Diana. The spirit of Pegasus has been extracted from his body. He is no longer cursed."

"But you said..."

"I know what I said. But this was out of my hands. Eros has ways of defeating curses that we make mortals endure. He craves for the power. He's done this before to a warrior and turned him into ash."

"Ash?"

Wonder Woman was squeezing her fists. "You shouldn't have let him go alone. You shouldn't have let him leave that bunker," the berating words ran through Diana's mind repeatedly as she could only imagine what they were doing to Bruce - the man she loved. If anything happened to him she believed it would be her own fault.

"I sense that Bruce is not dead but alive," Athena paused in her thoughts. Diana waited impatiently for Athena to finish, "but Eros has doomed him to be..."

"To be what?" She asked with a hint of fear in her voice.

"...One of his creations."

Wonder Woman's ocean blue eyes went wide as she looked at Athena indignantly.

"Why are you doing this to him? Bruce is a good man, he doesn't deserve to be a cursed soul; not like the ones that are trapped in the underworld. It pained me enough to see him transform into Pegasus and now you're saying that he's been changed into something worst beyond human eyes?"

Athena offered no response though she could see the anguish behind Diana's confused and furious eyes clearly. Diana turned away, "I'm going to find him."

"Diana. I understand that you are worried for this mortal man but you need to stay focused. Eros is about to make his move. We can't allow Chronos to step foot in this realm."

Wonder Woman shook her head dismissively, "I can't do this alone."

"I know. You will have help."

Diana turned back, "Who?"

The stairway door of the tower opened and a cloaked woman dressed in black stepped forth. "Me." The woman said as she removed her hood to reveal the face of Hippoltya: Queen of Themyscira.

"Mother?" Diana approached with welcomed surprise.

"Yes. Diana I have come to help you win this battle."

"But..."

"You are my daughter and I am your mother. I could not bare to see my flesh and blood fall to the hands of a blood lusting god."

Wonder Woman moved closer to her mother, a joyous smile gracing her face as they embraced each other. "I'm glad that you came back."

They pull back and Hippolyta placed her firm hand on her daughters shoulder. "I know about Bruce and I'm sorry."

"Is there any hope of saving him?"

Hippolyta looked at Athena.

"There is one way," the goddess replied. "But we must hurry."

Bruce awoke to the smell of dry blood in his nostrils. His dark hazel green eyes flicked open as he saw dark creatures peering at him with crimson red eyes while licking their foul mouths, lusting after his flesh.

"What?" Bruce questioned as he looked at his surroundings. He was in an abandon warehouse and he found himself tied to a steel pole that was cemented into the ground. His cowl was on the floor broken which was now a reminder of his defeat. He looked down and saw blood spattered on the floor.

"The worthless human is finally awake master," one of the creatures proclaimed as Battas swiftly moved to Bruce and placed one of his clawed hands on the billionaire's cheeks, squeezing until Bruce felt a tightness in his jaw bone.

"Worthless indeed. He is weak and a failure to his name," Battas snarled. "Eros has a purpose for your soul human."

Bruce coughed spitting blood on the demon's chest with a look of contempt.

"You're going to pay for that." Battas scratched Bruce's face drawing blood. "I love it when my prey bleeds."

Bruce gritted his teeth as he felt the sting in his flesh. "Where is Eros?"

Battas laughed. "Worthless. What makes you think I am going to tell you? You mean nothing to me." He wrapped his claws around Bruce's neck. "What should we do with do to this human?" He asked a few of his dark creatures that looked like black snakes with venom in their fangs.

"Should we extract the very life-force of Pegasus from his body like we did to the others or maybe we'll keep him as a tenderized slab of meat?"

The demon touched Bruce's armored mid-section. "Not much meat to devour." The creatures hissed, "we need meat master. Let us feed on his bones."

Bruce gulped down. As much as he felt he could've actually used Diana's help he was glad he didn't bring her if things went this bad.

Battas held up a cremation vessel. "The remains of the old host of Pegasus. I know how to take away the curse from you human. First you make a few holes in the flesh and let the blood pour out until nothing is left but a weak shell of a man."

"No!" Bruce yelled as the creatures gagged his mouth with a cloth and tied it around his head tightly. He shook his head, grunting angry words with defiance at his foes.

"At this hour Pegasus will be no more." Battas dug his claw into Bruce's side making a hole in the armor. He held the vessel to Bruce's chest and watched as a bright haze came off the gagged billionaire. "The essence of Pegasus."

Bruce was beginning to breath heavy. He felt the curse being lifted. He felt freedom.

Eros appeared from the shadows. "Just a few more drops and the spirit of Pegasus will belong to me. Then my father will be reborn into this mortal world."

"What about the human?" Battas hissed looking at Bruce.

"He'll make a wonderful midnight snack. But first he needs to have a little meat on those bones."

Battas sneered. "What do you suggest Eros? Force him to indulge on food that we prepare for him?"

"In cruel way." Eros opened the door and Bane stepped in the room, dressed in his overcoat. Bruce sneered his eyes at him. Diana was right this whole time and he was too proud to listen. If he took the time to plan this confrontation he might not be here to endure whatever sick torture they'd create for him.

"What should we do with Bruce Wayne, Bane?" Eros asked.

"Kill him." Bane quickly replied without any empathy in his harsh voice. "Killing him would not make my father happy. He needs to be alive."

Bane looked angry but nodded his compliance. "Tell me what you want and I shall make sure it comes to be."

Eros pulled out a vial from his black overcoat. "Force this down his throat. His curse as the Pegasus is lifted and now he will be cursed just like all the rest of the humans that defied me!" He spat in anger.

Bruce's eyes went wide. "I should have stayed a Pegasus," he thought as Bane moved closer and grabbed him by the hair.

"Open up!" Bane pulled off the gag and opened Bruce's jaw. The billionaire jerked as he saw the vial reaching his mouth. "You won't win!" He snarled as Bane poured the liquid down his throat. It burned and tasted like ash.

"You should have stayed a horse Mister Wayne. But now you will understand what it feels like to be weak and worthless."

Bruce tried to spit up the liquid but Bane moved his head backward. "Swallow your shame. Taste your failures," he snarled. Battas and Eros were both watching with sick amusement.

"What shall we do with the spirit of Pegasus?" Battas asked, looking at the vessel.

"Destroy it. Pegasus is already dead, it's time to make sure that he stays that way forever."

"No!" Bruce screamed as he could feel the burning pain in his body. "Why are you doing this?" He growled trying to control his inner rage as everything around him started to spin.

Eros walked over and lifted Bruce's head. "The gods picked the wrong mortal to bare the spirit of the mighty Pegasus." He slapped Bruce across the face. "Now you'll understand what it feels like to be weak and unwanted. Soon the blood will pour down the drains and the worthless souls that you vowed to protect will be nothing but ash."

Bruce lowered his head. "You won't win."

"Why? Do you think that your princess will save the day? We know her weakness mortal." He lifted Bruce's head back up. "It's her heart."

Bruce was shaking in anger. "Diana is stronger than she appears. She will not stop until the very breath of your lungs ceases to exist."

Eros chuckled, "she'll stand down from this battle once she sees what her lover has become."

Bruce recoiled in pain as he felt agonizing spasms in his stomach. "What did you do to me?"

"You'll find out," he whispered ominously.

Wonder Woman stood on the penthouse balcony with Hippolyta and Athena feeling impatient at their cool and collected standings. Each passing second was another Bruce was subjected to whatever torture Eros and Battas were putting him through.

"So what's our plan?" She asked looking at her blade determinedly. Athena and Hippolyta exchanged concerned looks with each other.

"We have to remain focused on the main problem Diana." Hippolyta said sharpening her sword. "There are many souls at stake."

"My only concern is Bruce mother. I need to save him. Who knows what that foul god has done to him."

Hippolyta shook her head. "You're letting your emotions take over. Clear your mind daughter. Bruce is a strong warrior he knows how to deal with pain."

Diana's lips formed into a scowl. "I can't let that demon torture him mother. I'm going right now." She turned away and stalked into the penthouse with purpose.

"Diana, stand down. You need to stay here and prepare for battle. The harvester of souls will be coming from the low ground which gives us the high ground," her mother commanded.

Diana turned around in question. "You mean to say that he's coming from the ground? Like from the pits of Hell?"

"Yes. He was held captive in the underworld for decades just like the titans. Once he reaches his full strength he will unleash the titans and destroy this world."

"So it's all up to me to stop him? I can't do this without Bruce. I won't!" Diana made to turn again, this time her mother followed.

"Stop Diana! Focus! Is that not what he would say to you?" Hippolyta asked sharply. Diana stared at her with surprise.

"If this man is everything you believe he is, what would he wish you to do now? Would he have you risk all for his own sake?" Hippolyta asked with encouragement.

For a moment, Diana felt absorbed in her thoughts as she recalled Bruce's words to her in the bunker before he went in search of Bane. He wanted her to stay behind and prepare, to fight as she was supposed to in case he didn't come back. She would be this city's last defensive hope. He wouldn't want her to put her own life, let alone the lives of everyone here at risk just for him.

"He'd want me to fight. He'd want me to save everyone else," she admitted though she felt her heart tearing at the thought of leaving him to whatever fate he'd been subjected to.

"Is that not what you should do then?" Hippolyta asked with a knowing look.

Diana swallowed softly and blinked back tears that threatened to spill. "Yes... But who will help us in this fight?"

Athena stepped in. "My daughter will aide you Diana."

"Aleria?"

The goddess nodded. "She's been training in the mountains of Tibet and I believe her blade and combat skills will serve you well in this battle. Be warned that she is still young and has much to learn about war."

Diana nodded then made her way back to the balcony. "I accept her blade." She stood on the ledge of the balcony and jumped into the air. Hippolyta shook her head as she watched her daughter fly above the streets.

"She's a stubborn girl,"

Athena smiled. "Reminds me of someone." She said looking at the queen.

"No. I was never like her."

"Indeed you were Hippolyta. You and Diana are much the same."

"If only she knew that."

"One day she will. Now come we have much to prepare for."

"Wake up little bat..." Bane's voice whispered with mockery.

Bruce groaned as his version cleared and he saw Bane staring right into his face.

"Bane!" He growled.

"I must say you are quite the fighter Mister Wayne. Most humans in your position would have died but you're not like most men. In fact you're not even a man anymore."

Bruce's eyes went wide. "What are you talking up?"

Bane laughed. "You're punishment has taken it's full effect."

"Punishment?" Bruce questioned.

"I see that you don't remember." Bane grabbed him by the cape and pulled him towards a puddle of water from the leaking pipes of the warehouse. He threw Bruce down and kicked him in the side. "Gaze at yourself Bruce Wayne. See all your charming looks melt away."

Bruce caught his breath and slowly crawled to the puddle. He peered into the water and wailed. "No!"

A/N: A big thank you to my wonderful editor.