"SANDRA WU-SAN?! LADY SHIVA?! SERIOUSLY?! HAS BRUCE FINALLY LOST IT," Jason yelled over the connect call.
"Come on, Jason. We should be happy," Dick said.
"HAPPY?! HE'S ABOUT TO MARRY A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF ASSASSINS!"
"Ex-member," Barbara said. "Ra's betrayed her, remember?"
"And tried to kill her," Tim said. "I still can't believe she survived that fight. According to our data, Ra's stabbed her liver before kicking her off a cliff. She fell into a river and STILL survived. I always thought only Bruce could survive something that crazy."
"Or Jason," Barbara said.
"Yeah, but he needed the Lazarus Pit."
"Hey."
"Yeah, I regretted saying that the moment it left my mouth. Sorry, Jas."
"I still don't trust her. She's a former League Assassin."
"So are you, Jason. Hell, Ra's tried to brainwash you. Even after you broke free of his control, you came back to Gotham as a vicious murderer. And yet, we still gave you a chance. You wanna know why," Dick asked.
"I'm sure you'll enlighten me."
"Because you're family," Dick, Barbara, and Tim said in perfect unison.
"You HAD to have rehearsed that."
"Nope," they said in perfect unison again.
"The least you can do is give her the same chance you were given, Jason," Barbara said. "She has known Bruce longer than any of us. Most of us weren't even born when they met."
"Isn't that a bit extreme, Barb," Dick asked.
"Maybe, but the point still stands."
"How do you know he isn't being hypnotized again? Mad Hatter, Spellbinder, Ivy? How do we know none of them are involved?"
"We don't," Tim admitted. "We're just giving Bruce what he needs and deserves, our trust in him."
"Besides, if he IS being controlled, we'd fight against the armies of Hell itself to save him, right," Barbara asked.
"You're goddamn right we would," Jason said.
"Let's just see how this turns out. Besides, I really like Lady Shiva," Tim said.
"Because she taught you how to fight," Dick asked.
"Well, yeah, I'm a bit biased since she's one of my teachers, but still. I really do think she's a good match for Bruce."
"You said the same thing about Selina," Jason said.
"Yeah. That was a blow. I still can't believe she ended the marriage. And all because of what Bane said to her! BANE!"
"It just meant Selina wasn't good enough for him," Jason said.
"Spoken like an overprotective son," Dick chuckled.
"Shut up, Grayson. You thought he would marry Diana one day."
"They would have made a great couple! They were practically radiating chemistry when Bruce was more involved with the Justice League."
"But Diana rejected her own feelings," Barbara said. "Because of a trial she failed. It's really sad."
"Guess she just wasn't strong enough," Jason said.
"Lady Shiva won't have that kind of limit," Tim said.
"Tryin' to brag about your teacher again, kid," Jason asked.
"Stating a fact, actually. There are only two people I feel can actually be called invincible, Bruce and Sandra. They just have this cool feel to them that makes it seem like nothing can beat them. It's scary but incredibly inspiring. If those two, well, WHEN those two get together, they'd be a force that could change Gotham forever. And for the better at that!"
"You're putting a lot of faith in a former Assassin member, Tim," Jason said.
"And that same Assassin formed the League of Shadows, whose mission is basically to DEFEAT the League of Assassins," Barbara stated. "I mean, think about it, Jason. She could be our greatest ally against Ra's. Secrets, tactics, personnel; she has more inside information than even you do. Plus, she's proven to be strong enough to take down most of the Assassin's heaviest hitters. That has to mean SOMETHING to you."
Jason sighed. "Fine. I get it. There are a lot of benefits to Shiva joining our family. . . When's the damned ceremony?"
"In just a few more days," Dick answered.
"Of course. For most people, it takes months, but when you're rich, it just takes the snap of the fingers," Jason deadpanned.
"I think they're doing it so soon because Sandra's pregnant," Barbara said.
"WHAT," the boys went in unison.
"You didn't know? Sandra's pregnant. I checked through all possibilities and scenarios. Bruce is the father. It's impossible for it to be anyone else."
"Shit! We need to be on high alert! Highest possible level," Jason went.
"What's got you worked up," Dick asked.
"Ra's will send his entire League to kill Sandra. If she really is carrying Bruce's kid, he and Talia won't rest until she, the kid, or both are dead."
"Sounds about right," Barbara said. "A child between Bruce and Sandra would get in the way of a lot of Ra's plans for Bruce. Not to mention that Talia would just plain hate the thought of Sandra giving birth to Bruce's child instead of her."
"Though I don't think you need to be THAT worried, Jason," Dick said.
"Oh, do explain, Grayson," Jason all but growled.
"Someone hasn't seen the guest list." Dick then pulled up the aforementioned list.
"Sheesh! This alone makes me trust in Sifu Sandra," Tim said. "Not even she could have a plan to go up against this many heavy hitters. Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, she doesn't have ANYTHING to take on the entire League. She's really serious about marrying Bruce."
"She might not, but I'm not counting out Ra's Al Ghul or his bitch of a daughter. We need to make sure Bruce and Sandra's wedding goes without a hitch. No problems whatsoever," Jason said.
"Wow. And you were so disapproving before," Dick chuckled.
"Shut up. Are you and your family in Gotham yet?"
"We are," Kori said as she popped her head onto the screen.
"Hi, Uncle Jason! Aunt Barbara! Big Brother Tim!"
"Hey, Mar'i," Jason said with his first genuine smile today.
"Hey, sweetie," Barbara said with a happy wave.
"Why am I still only Big Brother," Tim sighed as he waved at Mar'i.
"Honestly, the marriage feels a tad bit safer with your wife there, Dick," Jason said.
"I could call the rest of my old team if you want."
"Don't push it. Just be ready for tomorrow. We're getting fitted for our monkey suits."
"You all will be wearing monkey costumes to Bruce's wedding? Why would you do that," Kori asked.
"No, that's not what I meant. I meant we're getting fitted to-" Jason then jolted before looking at the screen to see Kori's mischievous smile, Dick holding in his laughter. "Hardy, har-har."
That got everyone laughing.
"BUT FATHER! OUR ONLY TARGET WOULD BE LADY SHIVA! WHY NOT ATTACK DURING THE WEDDING?!"
"Do you not know whom the detective surrounds himself in this marriage," Ra's asked as he looked down at his daughter from his throne, his cheek on his fist. "The most powerful metahumans in the world will be attending the marriage between the Detective and our rogue assassin. Even if we mobilized the entire League, it would not be enough. Only something comparable to Vandal Savage's Injustice League could hope to attack such a ceremony."
"Then why not ally with Savage once more, Father?"
"Who would he gather on such short notice? The Wonder Woman's arch-nemesis was defeated by Shiva and taken in by Gotham police. Lex Luthor is not foolish enough to try and attack such a ceremony. Deathstroke does not have the needed equipment to face the Justice League AND Shiva. Be patient, daughter. Allow Shiva to win this one battle. It is the war we wish to win."
Shiva growled as she angrily gripped her fist. "To see my beloved wed to that woman. It's infuriating."
"I am sure that it is. However, you will have your day, my child. You may not claim the Detective's heart, but his seed is a far more valuable prize. Shiva may have prevented your previous attempt, but as long as you still live, you can take back what is rightfully yours soon enough."
Talia bowed. "As you say, father."
"Dismissed."
Talia then walked away.
Ra's then had a keyboard appear on his throne and typed on it. A screen appeared in front of him, showing the church where the wedding would take place in mere days.
On the day of the wedding, watched by Ra's Al Ghul himself, Superman as Clark Kent had already arrived with Lois. Ra's couldn't help but notice the ring on Lois's finger... or how Superman rubbed her still slim stomach from time to time, Lois laughed as she pushed her husband's hand away, Ra's seeing the band on Clark's finger.
"Hm. Useful information."
He then saw other heroes. Barry Allen, The Flash with Iris. Oliver Queen, Green Arrow with Dinah Queen, Black Canary. Hal Jordon, Green Lantern with Carol Jordon, Star Sapphire. Even Edward O'Brian, The Plastic Man, was there with his wife Ramona O'Brian.
The more Ra's analyzed the situation, the more he realized he made the correct choice not to attack the ceremony. Seeing Koriand'r Grayson with her daughter made it even more obvious. The ceremony was practically a gathering of gods.
Then, he typed in a different sequence to see into Batman's room, Bruce adjusting his tie in the mirror.
"You know, if you make it any tighter, you might faint," Dick said as he leaned against the door.
"Never thought I'd ever see you so nervous, White Rice. Where was that fear when you fought me in the Congo," Ben asked.
"To be fair, Ben, marrying Sandra would make even us shake," Richard said.
"Still can't believe it. I mean, you were always way closer to her than any of us, White Rice, but seeing that chick get married? You sure she's just not tryin' to get ya in your sleep? Ya got some pretty murky spots in your past."
"Thank you," Jason said with a roll of his eyes as he leaned against the wall.
"I was jokin', Hood."
"You weren't lying, either."
"Honestly, I almost WISH that was her intention," Bruce said.
"Say what," Ben went.
"Bruce," Richard asked.
"Are you alright, Bruce," Dick asked.
Bruce looked up, staring at himself in the mirror. "This is the third time I've tried to get married. The first time was with one of Poison Ivy's plant homunculi. You and Barbara saved me from that, Dick."
"Still freaking out that I killed your plant girlfriend," Dick joked.
"The second time was with Selina. But she ran out on me."
"And we know the reason after all these years," Jason began. "Bane tried to break you, but you still stood tall after losing the thief."
"That's just it, Jason."
"Huh?"
"I stood tall. I was still fearless. I wasn't broken. I wasn't afraid. I was still Batman. But this? Marrying Sandra? The woman who is carrying my child within her as we speak. The first woman I've truly held feelings for. My teacher. My foe. My..." Bruce held up his hand, and everyone was shocked to see it... shaking.
"I've been up against the pettiest criminals to the darkest of gods. Saved destitute families to the entire universe. Looked straight into the eyes of death-"
"Literally," all the men said at once.
"And stood tall. Why am I... so scared now?"
Dick then placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder, the man looking at his first son. "Maybe... it means... that she's the One. The REAL One."
Bruce sighed before looking down at his ring. "I... hope you're right."
"Sure I am. I'm sure Sandra's just as nervous."
Meanwhile.
"I feel like I'm going to puke," a nervous Sandra went, surprising the women in her room.
"L-Lady Shiva," Artemis asked, the Shadow looking beautiful in the Chinese bridesmaid dress Sandra chose for her and her other bridesmaids. "I-Is the child bothering you, My Lady?"
"No. It's not the child. Not even the morning sickness was this nauseating. What is wrong with me?"
"You're just scared," Barbara said. "Pre-marital jitters. It's pretty common."
"Bite your tongue, Barbara Gordon," Tigress said.
"Oh, come on, Artemis."
"Don't call me by my name," Artemis blushed.
"Artemis, you may have been just a spy, but we were still friends. And I'm just making an observation."
"An incorrect one," Sandra sighed. "Ms. Gordon-"
"You can just call me Barbara. Or even Babs. You're going to be family soon," Babs said with a smile.
Sandra shivered. "Family. Family. Why? Why is that word making me shiver?"
"Lady Shiva," Artemis asked.
"Lady Shiva. Lady Shiva! MY name! That's what should strike fear into others. I am the Empress of Diyu. The Grandmaster of the League of Shadows. The Deadliest Woman in the World. The Most Dangerous Woman Alive! I've faced armies of armed soldiers, torn-apart machines of war with my bare hands, faced some of the deadliest warriors in the world, and I stood bravely and defiantly against it all. I've bested Bruce in hand-to-hand combat countless times, defeated metahumans like Cheetah with ease, and even survived an encounter against Wonder Woman herself. Dàshēng kūqì (For crying out loud), I FOUGHT RA'S AL GHUL AND DIDN'T FEEL SO MUCH AS A TWINGE OF FEAR! I've stared into the eyes of death countless times and never once felt fear. Why am I afraid now?"
"Because you're marrying the man you love."
Sandra looked behind her to see Diana in a beautiful black dress. Barbara recognized it. It was the same dress she wore when she danced with Bruce the very first time they properly met.
"The man I love? How comical," Sandra said as she turned toward Diana.
"Ask yourself, Sandra: would you accept this proposal from any other man? From Slade or Lawrence or David?"
"Absolutely not. And I can say that with confidence since I actually DID reject David Cain's proposal."
"And yet, you accepted Bruce's?"
"I don't follow," Sandra said as her eyes narrowed. "This is more or less a business marriage. A political union. I just need Bruce in order to accomplish my goals. Nothing more," Sandra said as she looked away.
"Sandra, I still have my lasso with me. Don't lie."
Sandra looked down before glaring at Wonder Woman. "Take. It. Out."
Diana didn't hesitate to take out her golden lasso. Just like Sandra didn't hesitate to stomp over and grab it.
"Are you afraid," Diana asked.
"Terrified." Sandra's eyes widened before she tried to release the lasso, only for Diana to grab her hand, keeping it onto the rope. "Let go!"
"Why are you so scared?"
"Because I don't want to admit to myself that I'm actually in love with Bruce! Uurgh! Let me go! I've said enough!"
"Why are you so afraid to admit you love him?"
"Admit that I love my former fellow student? My former pupil? One of the only men who make me feel the rush of true combat? How can I not be afraid to admit to something so foolish!"
"It isn't foolish!"
"And how would you know?! You rejected him!"
"AND NOT A DAY GOES BY WHERE I DON'T REGRET THAT!"
The room was silent for a bit, now Diana widening her eyes. She and Sandra looked down at the rope before they both sighed in defeat and admitted the truth they were both trying to ignore:
"I love Bruce Wayne," they said in perfect unison.
There was an awkward silence as Diana finally allowed Sandra to take her hand off the lasso, the Amazon putting the rope away, neither woman looking into the other's eye, both staring at the ground.
Sandra turned her back to Diana, still looking down before taking a deep breath. "My League conducts research on each member of the Justice League thoroughly. It's how I know about that Trial of Aphrodite. You loved Bruce enough to try and test your resolve against the challenges of the Goddess of Love herself."
"And I failed them."
"So, that was it? You failed a trial ONE time and you just gave up," Sandra asked as she turned toward Diana, who was holding her arm. "What did you see?"
Diana gripped her arm. Had she clenched any tighter, she might have drawn blood. "I saw... I saw a future with Bruce. I was happy. So very happy. My days with Bruce were days of peace. The joy and laughter we had in Wayne Manor. The training sessions. Even the bouts against Bruce's foes and my own. And then... there was her."
"Her?"
"My. . . My daughter. Elissa. Beautiful, powerful, honorable. That girl was the perfect Amazon. . . She was the perfect daughter. . . She was MY daughter," Diana said with a nearly breaking voice as she wiped a stray tear off her cheek.
Sandra stared at Diana as Barbara looked like she wanted to comfort her while Artemis looked shocked to hear of such a fate.
"What happened? How did you fail? What prevented you from being in my position this day," Sandra asked.
Diana looked up toward the ceiling, her eyes narrowing. "Ares. He was able to influence my decision. Show me another possible future. A future where... where I had to kill Bruce." Barbara gasped while Sandra's brow furrowed.
"Not just Bruce. Barry, Clark, Hal; I had to kill them all. If I chose to accept my feelings for Bruce, I would have to risk one day killing him. I... was too cowardly to accept such a destiny. I did not have enough faith in myself. Pathetic, isn't it? Magical beings, gods, demons, armies; I've challenged all that and more. I felt no fear in any of those trials. Yet, seeing Bruce dead in my arms? I could not face such a future."
Diana looked down and rubbed her stomach. "And because of that, I will never see my daughter. My Elissa. One of the worst parts of this decision... was when Hypnos under orders from Zeus sent Morpheus to bestow upon me a dream. A prophecy that is now impossible thanks to Ares. My daughter... would have been one of the keys to ending the endless war known as conflict once and for all. She would have permanently defeated Ares. . . She was destined to bring peace to the world."
Diana chuckled sadly. "No wonder Ares was so bent on preventing me from Bruce's side. No. I doubt ANY of the gods would have wanted such an outcome. In many ways, conflict fuels all of the gods in one way or another. My Elissa would have made the very gods all but obsolete. She would have destroyed the need to rely on the gods forever."
"So, like Bane for Selina, you were tricked into abandoning Bruce. A marriage that could have improved life for not only Bruce but for the entire world was out to an end, is that it?"
"Indeed," Diana answered melancholically.
Sandra shook her head. "I am... quite disappointed in you, Wonder Woman."
Diana glared at Sandra. "And what would you have done, Lady Shiva?"
"What I've always done for as long as I can remember." Sandra raised her hand and flexed it to pop the joints in her fingers in an intimidating way. "I would have fought. I fought to survive as a child. I fought to keep my chastity against unworthy suitors. I fought to become the Deadliest Woman in the World. I fought to become the Empress of Diyu. I have fought the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. Ra's, Deathstroke, Bane, Grayson, Bruce, and even you. Even in the face of death itself, when fear gripped my heart, I still stood tall and ready to face the challenge ahead of me. Unlike you and Kyle, I intend to do so once more with Bruce. I am terrified at the thought of marrying him, yes," she said as she looked at her currently naked left hand.
"Am I afraid to walk down that aisle? Yes. Am I afraid to hear the vows and give my answer? Yes! Do I fear the moment I become Bruce's wife?! YES! I'M AFRAID! BUT I WILL NOT RUN! I WILL NOT FLEE FROM THIS CHALLENGE! I AM SANDRA WU-SAN! IN MERE MOMENTS, I SHALL BE SANDRA WU-SAN-WAYNE, WIFE OF BRUCE WAYNE, AND THE BRIDE OF THE BAT! THAT IS MY FATE! AND NO TRIAL OF THE GODS OR THE VEMOUS TONGUE OF A MASKED MADMAN WILL CHANGE THAT! THIS IS MY WEDDING, AND NOTHING WILL GET IN THE WAY OF IT!"
Diana stared into Sandra's fierce, strong, truthful eyes and nodded. "Don't you ever forget those words. That resolve burning in your chest right now? Make sure it never goes out," she said before turning to leave, stopping just outside the door, and turning her head back. "Bruce... is lucky to have you, Sandra Wu-San. May the gods bless this union." She then closed the door.
Sandra then let out a deep sigh she didn't know she was holding in.
"Mistress?"
"Hm?" She looked to see Onyx holding a cup of steaming tea.
"Chamomile tea with a hint of lavender, My Lady," Onyx said as she bowed respectfully while holding the tray out to her leader.
"Thank you, Onyx," she said as she took the cup, staring at her own reflection in the steamy liquid. "I needed this."
Bruce was standing at the altar, still fixing his bowtie to calm his nerves, when his bride was escorted by her guards. His eyes widened, amazed by how beautiful Sandra was. When she got close enough, Sandra bowed, and Bruce bowed back, before the two stood side by side, ready for the ceremony to begin.
"You can still back out of this, Bruce. I may be slightly disappointed, but not offended."
"Tactical retreats should never be dismissed, but they are the last resort for the worst situations, not the best possible scenarios," Bruce answered.
Sandra giggled. "There are various ways to be wed in China, Bruce. The Western Civilization style is not as uncommon as you think. However, I must admit, the Han style suits us the best."
"I thought so, too. That's why I decided with you to perform it in this style, with a hint of our own flair sprinkled in."
"Indeed. You'd be wearing red instead of black, but black suits you far better."
Bruce looked at Sandra and smiled. A genuine smile. "You know, you can back out, yourself. I won't stop you."
"Trying to use my own words against me? Nice try, Bruce. Plenty of women let you slip away, but I am not one of them. You're mine, my former pupil."
"Heh. I can think of worse fates, Sifu."
(A/N: Look up Han Chinese Wedding Ceremony on YouTube. Be sure to turn on the CC. This is exactly what Bruce and Sandra did.)
Though it was different from what all the guests were used to, none of them could deny that it was a beautiful ceremony. It almost looked mystical between the two. Then, it was coming to a close.
The two stood up and held each other's hands, looking into the other's eyes.
"No matter death or life," Sandra began. "Near or far, we pledge our word-"
"Hold your hand," Bruce continued. "And grow old with you-"
Bruce and Sandra then glared in a direction. Superman also glared down the aisle, most of the other heroes reacting by grabbing their weapons and preparing for a fight.
Throwing stars were thrown, but Bruce and Sandra easily caught them.
Boots clicked as they walked down the aisle. "You know, there is one advantage American wedding ceremonies have over others." The assailant stopped right in the middle of the chapel. "They allow you to object to the wedding," Talia said as she placed her hand on her hip.
"Hello, Talia," Bruce said.
"Beloved."
"You don't get to call me that anymore. After today, only one person will be allowed to call me that."
"My former maid?"
"Cute," Sandra said. "You know, interrupting a ceremony as sacred as a Han wedding is frowned upon far more than most. You would get less grief from interrupting a funeral."
"Interesting. However, I'm only interested in putting an end to this farce, as well as killing you, Lady Shiva."
"Oh? Interesting. And how do you plan to do that? This army you brought is a joke at most," Sandra said as she glanced around, seeing League of Assassin members appear out of the shadows, filling up the building. "Bruce and I alone would be enough to handle this. And if you think we need to protect our guests, you've made a mistake."
"A BIG mistake, lady." Talia glanced over to see Oliver in his Green Arrow uniform, aiming an arrow at her with Black Canary cracking her knuckles. She then heard a clank, looking to see Arthur with his trident. Hal and Carol had already activated their rings, Flash was in his uniform, and Plastic Man stretched his arm all the way to touch the ceiling before he looked ready to pounce.
"Tell me, Bruce, did you enjoy your dance with Bane," Talia asked.
"As enjoyable as it was, I would have liked it better if you hadn't broken him out of Blackgate."
"Oh, but I had to. Bane had earned his right to freedom by showing the potency of his Lazarus-laced Venom. True, the after-effects show that it can still be perfected, but it's good enough for this day."
Bruce glared at Talia. "You didn't."
Talia snapped her fingers.
The sound of syringes being emptied was heard.
Not a moment later, Assassins began to groan. Fabric tearing was heard, followed by battle cries and roars. Every League of Assassins member was now as big and muscular as Bane, some of them chuckling evilly while others remained stoic, awaiting Talia's order.
"That still doesn't scare me," Superman said before he noticed one of the Assassins was still unchanged. He then flew toward the assassin and threw a punch at him.
The assassin easily caught the punch.
Superman then groaned as he fell to one knee. "Kryptonite," he groaned.
"Surprise, Supes."
Superman looked up to see the Assassin throw his clothes off, revealing who was underneath. "Metallo," Superman groaned.
"Turned out the old man had a crap ton of the stuff lying around. Enough for his little girl to give me a few upgrades," he said as he and Superman looked at Metallo's hand. It was glowing green.
"Your palms. They have Kryptonite in it."
"Yup." Metallo landed a vicious uppercut that sent Superman flying, the hero slamming onto the ground. "A nice paycheck and some nice upgrades. Nice bonuses for the main payment," Metallo said as he lifted Superman, reeling back a fist. "Beating you to death."
Metallo was then punched through a wall by a giant green fist.
"Sorry, Tinman. Only heroes are allowed to use green around here," Green Lantern said. He then looked at Talia. "You're next, lady."
Talia just looked up at Hal with a bored expression before raising her hand and clenching a fist.
An Assassin showed shocking speed despite his size by dropkicking Hal.
"Don't worry Lantern, I got her" Green Arrow aimed his arrow at Talia once he fired inches before it could touch her, it was intercepted by another arrow. They looked to see it was an archer. "Merlyn."
"Arrow. Canary. Once again the three of us share a stage. With many wonderful costars," Merlyn said as he aimed his arrow at Green Arrow.
"Why am I not surprised he showed up?" Black Canary said, glaring at the archer.
"Guess members of the League intend to stick together," Arrow commented. He and Merlyn then ran in the same direction, firing and avoiding each other's arrows.
The Venomed Assassins then started the attack, one blocking a kick from Black Canary while another used his forearm to block Aquaman's thrust. One Assassin was using his new muscles to defend against Flash's countless punches. Though the Assassin coughed up blood, he was still able to retaliate, swinging his arm to try and strike Flash, but he dodged it. Plastic Man was wrapping himself around one Assassin while Bruce's groomsmen were fighting their own "Banes".
Nightwing was jumping around his Assassin, but the Assassin was able to dodge all of Dick's attacks. Ben's Assassin kept avoiding his slashes while Richard's was able to parry the martial artist's attacks. Jason and Jim's bullets bounced off the Assassin's back while Tim's staff was being blocked by his Assassin.
Batgirl and Sandra's Shadows were also fighting their Assassins.
All the way, Bruce and Sandra glared at the lone Talia, the battle raging around them during their wedding.