A/N: CRed1988-

Whoa! What a way to crash the party.

Does Bane know how to party or what?

aabbu-

I think that the first chapter written here is spectacular. The storytelling in this chapter is extremely impressive. The details you provide while constructing a fantastic story are brilliant. There is a lot of tension throughout this chapter, and as I was reading it, I felt genuinely involved in the story. For example, at the beginning of this chapter, it only took me the first couple of lines until I was hooked. The way the night was described and the detail of the events that transpired was genius. The sheer detail made the introduction captivating, making me want to continue reading.

I only hope I continue to entertain you. Hopefully, the rest of the story will live up to your expectations.

"Bane," Bruce said as he and Sandra glared at the dangerous mercenary.

"Bruce, go."

"What?"

"You're far more dangerous when 'in uniform'. I, on the other hand, am always dangerous."

"But Sandra, our-"

"Do you honestly believe I would ever let that beast touch so much as a strand of my hair," Shiva asked as she smiled at Bruce.

He smiled back. "No. Never." Bruce then ran off.

Shiva then looked back coldly at Bane as she walked down the stairs, keeping her eyes on him. "You don't seem disappointed in Wayne running away. In fact, you've been keeping your gaze on me the entire time. I take it this means Ra's sent you after me."

"You are correct, Señorita Shiva," Bane said with a smile as he popped his neck and cracked his knuckles.

"You were more of an honorary member of the League of Assassins. Not the most loyal to Ra's or his cause."

"Ah, but the Demon's Head pays well."

"We both know that money isn't your only motivator, Bane," Shiva said as she reached the bottom of the staircase, standing across from the massive villain.

"Indeed. I am always seeking a challenge. And who is more challenging than the Deadliest Woman in the World," Bane said as he turned the dial on his hand.

The Venom then coursed through his veins, making the already massive man become even bigger, his muscles bulging. Shiva looked unimpressed.

Bane punched his palm, making a loud bang before taking his stance. "¿Bailamos, mi señora? (Shall we dance, my lady?)"

Shiva took her stance.

Bane roared as he charged at Shiva, jumping toward her with a punch at the ready. She ran toward him and slid beneath him. When he landed, making a small quake, Shiva jumped onto his back and used the tips of her fingers to slice the Venom Tube off, jumping away as the liquid spewed.

"Next time you want to challenge me, Bane, don't have such an obvious weakness," Shiva said when she landed elegantly on her feet.

Bane stood up, chuckling before turning to look at Shiva.

"What?"

Bane then ripped out a piece of the floor and threw it at Shiva, the beauty only having enough time to hold up her arms in defense. The floor smashed into Shiva, sending her flying before she slammed into a pillar, groaning in pain. She stumbled a bit when she got out of the pillar, but still did not fall. 'Not enough damage to harm the child. Still, too many of those might cause me to...' Shiva glared at Bane when the thought of losing her baby crossed her mind.

"Oh. Que miedo (How scary)."

"That Venom you used just now. It's been modified, hasn't it? Let me guess: Lazarus Pit?"

"Tan brillante como hermosa (As brilliant as she is beautiful). Si, Señora Shiva. Ra's Al Ghul was curious to see how my Venom would mix with his Lazarus. It gave me power beyond even what I could imagine. I do not even need continuous dosage anymore. Una hora," he said as he held up a finger. "One hour is the limit, but one hour is all I need to BREAK the Great Lady Shiva." Bane then charged at Shiva and threw a punch.

Shiva easily weaved past it and stabbed Bane's deltoid several times, spinning around to stand behind Bane with her hands behind her back, looking like a true martial arts grandmaster.

Bane chuckled. "Is that it? I was expecting the infamous hands of Lady Shiva to be more painful," he said as he turned toward her.

"I take it you have never been struck in the deltoid. True, striking the nerve bundle doesn't cause much damage, but I doubt you'll be using your army anytime soon."

"Eh?" Bane looked at his arm, the appendage hanging limply. "¡¿Qué?!"

"Grow as large as you wish, Bane." He glared at Lady Shiva. "It doesn't matter. Without the proper skills, you have no hope of defeating me. You could be the size of Giganta and still be bested by me."

Bane growled before he chuckled. "Tal confianza (Such confidence), but even you have limits, Shiva."

She raised an eyebrow before she felt a sharp slash across her back, making her yell in pain and surprise. She looked back to see the blood dripping down her back.

Her instincts then kicked in, making her catch the next slash, trying to retaliate with a palm strike. However, her assailant was fast enough to perform a backflip kick, hitting Shiva in the chin before kicking her away. Fortunately, the kick was on the chest, and her assailant used Shiva as a human springboard, making Shiva skid back.

Shiva glared at her attacker. "Minerva."

"Hello, Sandra," Cheetah said as she stood up, licking Shiva's blood off her claws. "Your blood is as tasty as ever. I was always fond of Asian cuisine."

"You are not a member of the League of Assassins. What's your business here," Shiva practically yelled.

"Being an archeologist does pay well, but I would be a fool to turn down the reward Ra's Al Ghul is offering for you," Cheetah said as she walked over to Bane and stabbed his arm.

"Gracias mi Señora," Bane said as he flexed his arm.

"Oh, and don't worry. I didn't come alone."

Shiva then caught a shuriken aimed at her head, glaring in the direction it was thrown.

"Hello, Shiva."

"Cheshire. I am a bit surprised. I had thought you would try to destroy my company in my absence."

"Artemis and I can have our family reunion some other time. Right now," Cheshire began as she took out her sword. "It's all about you."

Shiva looked around to see Bane, Cheetah, and Cheshire surround her. Even she was in a bad situation. Still, she didn't show an ounce of fear. Instead, she popped her neck before taking her stance, ready to take on all three assassins.

Then, Bane felt something on his shoulders. It was followed by a tapping on his head.

"SURPRISE," Creeper went as he hung over Bane, looking him in the eyes with his wide, crazy smile. "Hello, Bane-o. I didn't know you were invited. Hey, did you remember to bring the churros? IT'S A PARTY, AFTER ALL," Creeper yelled into Bane's ear, making the massive luchador groan in pain before Creeper jumped off and landed next to Shiva.

"Well, this isn't a very fun-looking party. There's only one pretty dancer and one-two-threeee-ye-ye-yeeowza!" Creeper then surprised Cheetah by grabbing her and holding her in a ballroom dip position. "Aren't you one pretty kitty? Rrrowr."

Cheetah actually snarled before she slashed at Creeper, who easily avoided her slash, jumping away and landing next to Shiva. "WHOO! FIESTY! I love me a kitty with claws. So, Shiva, sweetie, master of masters, deadliest of roses, prettiest knife in the world... can I have the kitty? Please, Mommy?"

"She's all yours."

"WHOO! You'rethebest."

"I now officially hate you, Shiva," Cheetah said with a twitching eyebrow. Shiva just shrugged. Creeper then hopped at Cheetah, who backflipped away from him. She tried to slash him, but he bent back and headbutted her, Cheetah stumbling back before Creeper tackled her away to a more private area.

Shiva watched them before she bent back to avoid Cheshire's slash.

Cheshire tried to slash Shiva several times, but she kept avoiding each slash without missing a beat, her hands behind her back the entire time. Shiva then slapped Cheshire, the assassin stumbling away, shaking her head when she regained her balance before looking at Shiva. "Still a long way to go, Jade."

Cheshire groaned. "You always were the best, Master Sandra. Still doesn't mean I won't try to kill you."

"Mm." Shiva then glanced behind her, tilting her head to perfectly avoid Bane's punch. She then crouched to avoid his swing before jumping over him when he tried to sweep-kick her, Shiva landed away from both assassins.

"Out of my way, luchador. Shiva's mine. It's tradition for the student to surpass the master anyway," Cheshire said.

"She belongs to whoever kills her first, Gata."

"Hmph, can't argue with that logic. Fine. First one to kill her gets the glory. Deal?"

"Trato."

Cheshire was about to charge at Shiva when she sensed danger, ducking in time to avoid a whip aimed at her head before jumping away. When she landed, she looked to see who she knew it would be. "Selina."

"Jade. Good to see you again, sweetie. Last time we cat ladies had a nice cup of tea, it was in Paris."

"When you dropped me and Nosferata from the top of a roof?"

"Exactly. Even though that was technically your fault since you tackled us through the glass. Though, Batwoman should get the credit for that too."

"Good point. I'll kill her after I'm done with you and Lady Shiva."

"Let's make this quick," Catwoman said as she snapped her whip. "The Wayne Manor has SOOO many things worth stealing."

Cheshire then took out her retractable sword and charged at Catwoman, the two starting their fight.

"I suppose that just leaves you and me, Señora Shiva."

Shiva stared at Bane, her hands still behind her back. "No, it doesn't."

"Ah?"

Shiva then raised one finger before pointing behind Bane.

He then felt something stick onto his back. "WHAT?!" An explosion went off on Bane's back, the blast packing enough of a punch to make him stumble forward. He got close enough for Shiva to grab him between his jawbone and neck. Bane felt pain from the tight grip on the pressure point, but Shiva used a Judo technique to throw the massive man away from her.

Bane actually landed with a heavy quake on his back, groaning before looking to see what hit him. "Batman," he growled as he saw the hero walk up and stand next to Shiva.

"I hope you don't see this as cowardly, Bane. You were planning on teaming up with others against me. It's only fair I do the same," Shiva shrugged.

"Oh, do not fret, Señora Shiva," Bane said as he stood back up, cracking his neck before cracking his knuckles. "I enjoy a good challenge. And there is no greater one than the Batman."

"He looks to be injected with Venom, but you already disabled his supply channel," Batman said.

"Ra's mixed Bane's latest Venom batch with Lazarus. Said he could keep that monstrous strength for an hour. That was ten minutes ago."

"Then we'd better not hold back. Good thing I had this prepared," Batman said as he pressed a button on his belt.

Moments later, a massive exoskeleton armor about as big as Bane jumped through a nearby window behind Batman. It ran toward him before Batman backflipped, landing in the armor and fully equipping it.

Bane ran toward Batman just as the armor was fully activated, their fists clashing.

"So you crafted this armor just to face me? I must admit, I feel honored, Señor Wayne."

"You won't for long, Bane," Bruce said before he threw Bane's fist away and struck him in the solar plexus, making him skid away. Bane actually groaned, looking ready to fall to one knee before he roared and got back into his fighting stance.

"It seems you have this handled, Batman," Shiva said.

"I do."

"Then I suppose I'll deal with everyone else," Shiva said as she glanced behind her. As soon as she did, League of Assassin members jumped out of various corners of the manor, surrounding Shiva. "Mm, Talia's elite guard. I believe this didn't end so well for you when we clashed in Dubai."

"This is not Dubai, traitor."

"I was expelled. Ra's betrayed me. I'm only retaliating," Shiva said with a cute tilt of her head.

"SILENCE," another guard said as they all charged at their former superior.

Shiva just took her stance, ready to fight.

Batman was able to easily keep up with Bane, all of his punches landing precisely, his uppercut making Bane skid back.

Bane wiped the blood off his chin as he glared at Batman. "You have improved your armor. It is not as sluggish as before."

"I learn from my fights, Bane."

He chuckled. "And that is what makes you such an interesting opponent. I almost lament the day I finally crush you." Bane then jumped, hoping to slam his fists on Batman, but the hero retaliated by tackling Bane, smashing through the wall, and taking the two outside.

Cheetah tried to slash Creeper, the hero laughing with each miss. He then dipped Cheetah again. "What's say we blow this popsicle stand? A nice night out in town, a nice fish and a cup of milk for you, and a fluffy furry for me?"

"Uurgh," Cheetah shuttered. She then looked at Shiva.

She saw Shiva easily taking out the Assassins. A single palm strike to the chest. Redirection of their sword swing, followed by a vicious palm strike to the chin that sent them flying. A weave to the side before chopping them in the nape. Even a back punch over the shoulder. Then, Shiva just plain showed off when she used her hand to shatter a sword.

She held out two fingers on each hand and began to poke the assassin at speeds that left actual afterimages of her hand. When Shiva stopped, the assassin was still convulsing, as if she was still being poked. Then, Shiva placed one finger on her forehead and gently pushed her, the assassin falling to the ground.

"Yeah, I'd much rather fight her. WE'RE SWITCHING DANCE PARTNERS! SHIVA IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU! GET THE CREEPER!"

"Huh?" Creeper then looked before bending back to avoid a flying kick from one of the assassins. He then spun around, stopping when he and Cheetah were in a salsa dance position. "Spicy!"

Cheetah groaned with a roll of her eyes... before kneeing Creeper in the jewels, the hero finally releasing her. Cheetah didn't waste time running away from him.

Creeper then looked right at the screen. "She is so coy," he went in a high, squeaky voice. "I LOVE IT," he went in a deep voice, about to chase after the beauty. "HOH," he went in surprise after a sword appeared in front of him. He looked to see he was surrounded by the Elite Assassins.

"We are your opponents now, jester."

"Sorry, sweetie. I'm not the Joker. He's down on Fifth Avenue. Just follow the laughs. Ooh, and if you see Harley Quinn, tell her to call me. WOW-ZA," he went as he avoided the assassin's swing, ready to fight them.

Shiva looked down at the defeated assassins with her hands behind her back before glancing behind her. She then sidestepped to avoid Cheetah's slash. When Cheetah landed, she tried to perform a handstand kick, but Shiva just bent back and grabbed Cheetah's tail before the villainess could wrap it around her neck as she attempted to do.

Shiva then kicked Cheetah in the face with enough force to make her airborne before performing a charged Yama Zuki, the blow sending Cheetah flying before she bounced onto her feet.

Shiva held her hands behind her back. "You were better off facing the Creeper, Minerva."

"I feel I need to remind you something, Wu-San," Cheetah said as she stood up and took her stance. "I'm one of the few hunters in the entire world who can hunt Wonder Woman. Many times I have nearly claimed her life."

"And many more times have you failed." Cheetah hissed at Shiva's words. "Also, I am not impressed. I'm not Wonder Woman, so why should I see you as a threat?"

"Wonder Woman is a goddess, Shiva. You are just a mere mortal."

Shiva just stared at Cheetah. "A bit of interesting animal trivia for you, Minerva. Within the feline family of the animal kingdom, cheetahs are among the weakest. They only have speed. Nothing more. Nature gave them impressive speed, but their strength is laughable. How could a mere cheetah possibly hope to stand against a tiger?" Shiva then took the Tiger Stance.

Cheetah roared as she lunged at Shiva, using her powers to go at super speed. She was just about to slash Shiva in the face.

However, Shiva swatted Cheetah's arm before actually clawing her face.

Cheetah held her face, expecting to feel blood, only to be shocked when she felt nothing. She looked at her hand to see it was clean. 'I-I IMAGINED IT,' she mentally screamed.

Cheetah then snarled before she lunged at Shiva, trying to slash her, but Shiva dodged most of her attacks, Cheetah was able to scratch her leg and arm a few times due to her superior speed. But all that got was an annoyed grunt out of Shiva.

Then, Shiva retaliated.

On Cheetah's next swing, Shiva struck Cheeta's bicep, a sickening snap being heard, and Cheetah wincing in pain. Shiva then proceeded to decimate Cheetah. A punch to the liver, a palm strike to the ear, a strike to the sternum, and a kick to the leg.

Cheetah tried to slash Shiva, but Shiva performed a perfect counter punch that made Cheetah cough up blood, sliding away. "What... WAS that?"

"That was the Tiger Drop. Considered to be the ultimate counter punch," Shiva explained. "And this," she began as she appeared in front of Shiva, her palm on Cheetah's stomach, the mercenary's eyes widening. "Is the Flux Fissure."

Shiva then took a deep breath, time seemingly slowing down for her as she began to concentrate. Cheetah could swear she saw a flaming aura shining around Shiva. It was so bright and terrifying that she couldn't move at all. She was frozen in place, at Shiva's mercy.

"HAH!"

A powerful shock wave burst through Cheetah. The wave created a large dent in the wall... that was about ten feet away from Cheetah. The blast also made Cheetah skid away from Shiva, sliding halfway across from the wall.

Cheetah then vomited blood, her legs wobbling, the beautiful villain panting heavily as she looked up at Shiva, her vision blurring as the beautiful martial artist held her hands behind her back.

"What... ARE you?" Those were Cheetah's last words before her eyes rolled to the back of her head, the mercenary falling face first onto the ground, defeated and unconscious.

"I am Lady Shiva, the Deadliest Woman in the World."

Catwoman jumped out of the way of Cheshire's sword, trying to use her whip on the assassin. Cheshire jumps out of the way and lunges at Catwoman, trying to split her down the middle, but Catwoman jumped out of the way again.

"Didn't you steal my sword the last time we fought," Cheshire asked before charging at Catwoman.

"Oh, thanks for reminding me," Catwoman said as she reached behind her.

CLANG.

Cheshire looked at her old sword. "You painted my sword?"

"Had to make it fit my style. Besides, you know what they say: black goes with everything. Plus, you have to admit the cat symbol on the sword suits it."

Cheshire groaned before she tried to swipe at Catwoman, who bent back and kicked Cheshire away, the assassin slid back and Catwoman flipped away. They both looked at each other in a fighting stance.

Then, Selina perked up. "Ooh."

"What?" Cheshire then jumped when she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Oh, crap." Cheshire sighed in defeat before turning around to see Lady Shiva, standing tall with her hands behind her back as she looked down at her former student and subordinate. Cheshire sighed again. "Just get it over with."

In the span of a few seconds, Shiva chopped the side of Cheshire's neck close to her shoulder at both sides, poked her in the bicep, palm struck her in the head with enough force for it to go through her mask to damage the nerves in the head, then struck her three times in the heart. This combination completely paralyzed Cheshire's entire body.

"I. Hate. You." Cheshire then fell face-first onto the ground.

"I've been told worse truths," Shiva said as she looked down at the defeated assassin before looking up at Selina.

"What," Selina asked as she retracted her sword and placed it in the hidden sheath on her back, the sword pretty much turning invisible by blending in with the rest of her costume.

"Duck."

"Whoa," Catwoman went as she followed Shiva's order, an Elite Assassin flying past her.

Catwoman looked at the defeated woman before looking toward where she came flying from.

Creeper was giggling on top of a pile of defeated foes. "My jokes were real gut-busters. They laughed so hard, they were knocked out. Guess they wanna be taken by the police. How thoughtful of them."

"Well, Sandra took care of Minerva, I distracted Jade enough for Sandra to knock her out, and Jacky-boy took care of the extras. Anyone seen Brucey?"

POW

"Oop, found him," Creeper laughed.

Batman punched Bane enough to make him stumble back, the large villain panting as his blood fell out of his mouth and nose. Bane's sight was getting blurry. He felt like he could barely lift his arms. He felt sluggish and tired. He then looked at Batman in his armor. It had plenty of dents from his punches, a sparking hole in the side, his left arm almost torn off, but the armor was still in better shape than Bane was.

Yet Bane chuckled. "Todavía me quedan más de treinta minutos, Sr. Wayne (I still have over thirty minutes left, Mr. Wayne)."

"No, Bane. You don't."

"Ah?"

"Maybe you haven't noticed, but the longer this fight has been going, the more you've had to exert yourself. Had to push yourself. Had to BURN your energy to keep fighting. Human metabolism finds whatever in the blood and body it can burn for energy. Including your Lazarus-enhanced Venom."

Bane stared at Batman before he chuckled. Then he laughed. "So, you made me exert myself to the point I had to rely on my Venom. It seems I still need the supplier. Bueno, no importante. It just shows me the current limits of my new batch of Venom. I will find you again, Batman. Stronger and wiser."

"And when you do come back, Bane, and I know you will, I'll be ready."

Bane chuckled. "Tu siempre eres mi enemigo (You always are, my foe)." Bane then roared as he used the last bit of energy he had to charge at Batman, swinging his arm with as much power as he could muster.

But Batman was able to counter perfectly with an uppercut to the chin. Bane actually felt his jaw shatter before he was sent flying.

Bane slams onto the ground, defeated, bleeding, and staring up at the shockingly starry night sky. He then chuckled as he smirked. "Una pelea infernal (Hell of a fight)." He then fell unconscious.

Batman stared down at his defeated foe before hearing police sirens. He walked away, headed toward one of his many secret entrances to the Batcave.

"Whoop! That's my cue to leave," Selina said as she and Creeper prepared to run. Selina stopped when she noticed that Shiva wasn't moving. "Uh, Sandra? Aren't you coming with?"

"I have no reason to run," Sandra shrugged. "Though I have committed criminal acts, none of my past actions are on public record. As far as Gotham PD is informed, I'm nothing more than a Chinese billionaire."

"Can't argue with that logic. See ya, Sandy. Tell Bruce to call me." Catwoman then ran away, Creeper laughing as he did the same.

"Are you not going to inform her," Alfred asked as he walked up next to Sandra.

"I don't have the heart to tell her. I'm not even sure if it's my place to inform her. Besides, didn't SHE run out on the wedding?"

"Oh, my. You're quite informed, Ms. Wu-San."

"I follow Gotham News to keep track of Bruce. His marriage being canceled was front page."

"Oh, my."

"Honestly, his canceled marriage to Selina was one of the main reasons I was so surprised he proposed to me. It was a year ago, true, but it's still a fresh wound." She then looked at her ring. "To think he would ask me of all people to be his wife."

"I suppose that shows just how important you are to Master Bruce. You were one of his first true friends as well as one of his greatest teachers."

"Hmph. First true friend," she said with a smile. "I was more of an inspiration to him than anything. Now then, what shall we do with all of them," Shiva asked as she looked at the defeated foes, from the unconscious Cheetah to the knocked-out League of Assassins.

"Don't fret, Ms. Wu-San."

"Hm?" She looked to see Alfred take out some rope. "Well, aren't you prepared," Sandra said with a smile.

"I am the Wayne Family butler, my lady. I must always be prepared for any and all situations. With a Head of House like Master Bruce, that is a given."

Sandra giggled. "I suppose it is. Did he teach you that, Bruce? Because I most certainly didn't," Sandra asked as she looked up to see her fiancé walking down the stairs.

"I've learned a lot from Alfred over the years. Arguably still am. You never can stop learning."

"Wise words. Now, shall we," Sandra asked as she took some rope from Alfred.

"We shall," Bruce said as he took some rope from Alfred, all three getting to work.

Gotham PD rushed up toward Wayne Manor, Commissioner Gordon reaching the manor first. The very first thing he noticed as his men drove up was the unconscious Bane. "Get his cell ready. Bump him up to level four this time. He's usually shrunk by now. I don't like the fact that he's still huge."

"Sir!"

Gordan then took out his trusty gun. He and some of his men ran up to the manor door and kicked it open. "GOTHAM PD, HANDS UP!"

Bruce, Sandra, and Alfred, who were tightening the rope around the assassins, looked up. They then looked at each other before they all raised their hands.

"Mr. Wayne? You're alright," Jim asked as he holstered his gun.

"As fine as someone whose house was attacked by a luchador, cat-lady, and a bunch of actual ninjas can be. This might take a while for even my company to repair," Bruce said as he looked around his house.

"You don't have insurance," Sandra asked as she smiled up at Bruce.

"Who do you think OWNS the insurance company, let alone finances it," Bruce smiled back, Sandra shrugging in response.

"Jeez Louise," Bullock said as he looked around the damaged manor. "Is this what all rich people parties look like?"

"Oh, no," Bruce said. "There's usually more spilled champagne."

"Hardy-har-har," Bullock said before walking over to the tied assassins. "So, who took care of these pajama-wearin' yahoos?"

"The Batman," Sandra answered. "As well as Catwoman and The Creeper."

"Heh. A vigilante party, eh? What, did Robin leave his invite at home or somethin'?"

"You're Ms. Wu-San of Wu-San Pharmaceuticals, correct," Jim asked the beauty.

"You are well informed, commissioner."

"I received reports of your arrival. One of the most important people in all of China would be known in this city. We're supposed to keep you safe. Sorry about this."

"Oh, it's quite alright. I can take care of myself."

"Boy, can she," Bruce said.

"Is that supposed to mean something, Bruce," Sandra asked as she side-glanced her fiancé with a sassy smile.

"Nothing you don't already know, Sandra." They had a light laugh as Sandra nudged Bruce.

"Huh. Didn't think rich people got along so well," Bullock said as he walked up.

"We're a special exception, I suppose," Sandra said.

Jim looked around until his eye caught something. A sparkle. He looked and saw the ring on Sandra's finger. "You're married, Ms. Wu-San?"

"About to be."

Jim looked confused before he noticed how close Bruce and Sandra were. It became even more evident when Sandra leaned into Bruce while he wrapped an arm around her, bringing her close to him. "Oh! Um, congratulations, Mr. Wayne."

"Thank you, commissioner. You know, the wedding won't be far off, and though we do plan on making it a fairly small ceremony with only close friends, we'd be honored if you came as a guest. Your daughter, Barbra, is obviously invited as well."

"The richest man in Gotham marrying the richest dame of Hong Kong? We'll probably be there for security alone," Bullock said.

"He's right, Mr. Wayne. Even if you don't make the announcement public, men like Penguin or Two-Face would find out somehow and try to kidnap both of you. I'll most certainly be there, but I'll be carrying my concealed weapon for protection. I'd also like to bring some of my best men as well if that's allowed."

"If you feel that is necessary, then we will gladly allow it," Sandra said.

"So, Mr. Wayne, got any penthouses to stay at while your place is bein' renovated? Wouldn't wanna stay in a house with holes THIS big. Imagine the 'rats' and the 'bugs' that would come flyin' in."

"Thank you for your concern, Lieutenant Bullock. We have it under control," Bruce assured.

"Alright. PUT 'EM AWAY, PEOPLE! ANYONE IN PAJAMAS OR LOOKIN' LIKE THEY'RE READY FOR HALLOWEEN YET DECIDED TO NAP ON A RICH GUY'S FLOOR GOES IN THE BACK! TAKE 'EM ALL TO BLACKGATE!"

"Sir!"

"I'd like to advise caution," Bruce said. "I saw some of the fighting going underway. Everyone you're arresting is extremely dangerous."

"Listen, Richie, we've taken guys like Joker to Arkham and juggernauts like Bane to Blackgate. We've seen everythin' around this town. Hell, we arrested a guy who took on Superman when the boy scout visited our town. Trust us, Wayne. We got this covered. Bats may take care of some of the bigger fish in this town, but we still take them in. Heck, believe it or not, we can take on some of the freaks that run around this city. The commissioner even took in Two-face without the Bat's help," Bullock said as he walked away.

"Is that true," Bruce asked, even though he already knew the answer. He was incredibly proud of Jim that day, but he had to play ignorant.

"It wasn't easy. That had to be the most broken I had ever seen Dent. But... I was able to talk him down. TALK him down. Maybe... maybe the White Knight is still in there. Somewhere. That case made me sympathize with Batman's crusade just a bit more. Killing them would be so damn easy. So goddamn easy. But knowing that the good man who almost cleaned up this town is still in there... it makes me want to try and save him."

Bruce smiled. "You're a good man, Commissioner Gordon."

Jim chuckled. "Well, you at least gotta try to be in this crazy city. Have a good night, Mr. Wayne. Mrs. Wayne."

"Not quite yet, Commissioner. I'm only wearing the ring. I haven't taken the vows yet," she said with a smile.

Jim chuckled. "Goodnight, Ms. Wu-San." With that, Jim left.

Sandra then looked down, an analytical expression on her face. "The man who almost cleaned up Gotham is still in there. Hm. Interesting."

"Sandra?"

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing, Bruce. I suppose you want to suit up and patrol the city?"

"I would advise against that, Master Bruce. The Bat Armor does put quite a bit of strain on the body, so you should get your much-deserved rest," Alfred said.

"You heard the wise man," Sandra said as she took Bruce's hand and dragged him up the stairs. "Let's get to bed."

"I'm pretty sure Alfred wanted me to rest," Bruce said with a smile.

"And you'll get some rest... possibly."

Alfred watched the couple vanish into the upstairs hallway before he sighed. "At least she is taking him to the bed chambers. . . She will make a fine Mrs. Wayne," he said with a smile as he walked away.

He stopped when a piece of window fell and crashed onto the floor. "Oh, dear," he said in an exasperated tone.