A/N: Behold, my very first WonderBat story! Seems those who have been following me were looking forward to this. SEE THAT, DC COMICS?! WE WANT WONDERBAT! They've teased them for years, yet they've never once made them truly official in so much as an Elseworld story! Justice League teased us for years, but Batman Beyond pretty much smacked us in the face! Remember when Bruce was looking through the photos of his past loves? WHERE WAS DIANA, DAMMIT?!

Anyway, here's my story.

The City of Lights. Paris. Beautiful, sparkling, and shining.

In this iconic city were some of the world's most powerful and influential world leaders, socializing after a World Summit. After all, it had been a full year since the Justice League pushed back Darkseid. Though the New God was thoroughly beaten back by the heroes, the world was understandably on edge about his return.

It was actually comforting for many that Wonder Woman herself was there as a diplomat for Themyscira. She gave a rousing speech at the summit for the nations to continuously put their faith in the Justice League and the heroes of the globe, from the gathering of heroes in America alone to the protectors of Japan or the guardians of Israel.

After her speech, she was bombarded by questions from reporters, fellow ambassadors, and world leaders.

"Is it true that the Justice League also accepted help from villains?"

"What measures should world leaders take in order to prepare for a future invasion?"

"Can we depend on the Amazons of Themyscira to protect the world should another force of this scale ever appear?"

Even Diana was getting overwhelmed before she heard a question she actually liked to answer.

"Could I interest you in a dance?"

"Of course!" Diana took the hand of her savior before dancing on the floor. She giggled. "You really do have the best timing, Bruce."

"I try my best," Bruce Wayne answered with a smile.

"You're not a diplomat or a world leader, despite having more than enough wealth and power to be one, so what brings the Heir of Gotham to the City of Lights?"

"Just a bit of business."

"THAT business," she asked, her smile not going away so as to not worry any prying eyes.

"Possibly. I might even need some help. It's actually perfect that you're here. Maybe you're timing or instincts are better than even mine."

"Are you surprised, Bruce?"

"No." He then twirled Diana around before bringing her close to him so they could dance closer.

"Location?"

"The Taormina Amphitheater Ruins in Sicily."

Diana's eyes furrowed. "Are you sure?"

"Near Mt. Etna, yes. Sources say that Dr. Barbara Minerva has been seen in the area."

"Minerva? Why her? She has no connections to those ruins. They have nothing to do with the Amazons either."

"Oracle was able to pull up her recent work history. She's under the employment of Cale-Anderson Pharmaceuticals."

"Veronica," Diana went with an angry look. Her eyes widened. "She wouldn't."

"It's a hypothesis of mine."

Bruce and Diana stepped away from each other and bowed.

"Thank you for that lovely dance, Mr. Wayne."

"It was quite nice, Ms. Prince. Mind if we have another dance someday?"

"Sooner than you'd think," she said with a smile before she and Bruce walked away, both with a serious look on their faces as they left the party.

With their planes, it didn't take either one so much as ten minutes to reach Sicily. In fact, Batman was already in a building in Taormina's Amphitheater, watching Minerva giving out orders to uniformed men transferring... mining equipment.

'Batman, come in.'

"On-site, Wonder Woman. Minerva is transferring mining equipment to the ruins underground. It looks to be more for storage than usage."

'They're preparing. Veronica, you mad fool! Why would she even TRY to unleash that monster?!'

"To get to you. She must believe it can kill you, being you're the Daughter of Zeus. It nearly killed your father. She must think it can kill you."

'I'll admit there's a possibility, but there's also a chance it could destroy the entire planet once it's done with me. I doubt even Superman could stop that creature. If it's unleashed, all the monsters of the world would be awakened. It would be pandemonium.'

"I can handle the equipment. Minerva might be above me right now, though."

'You could just ask for help the simple way, Batman.'

"Can you deal with Minerva and whatever she might have in store for you?"

'Better.'

Batman tried to find any ideal vantage points to begin the mission when he looked toward Minerva. "Damn."

Minerva and some of her soldiers were pointing guns at the Dark Knight, opening fire.

Batman ran out of the way of the shots, jumping to one building while throwing a Batarang at the same time. His Batarang struck a man's grenade, the mercenary throwing it away before it blew up, the force of the blast sending him and two others flying.

"Hm. Not bad," Minerva said. Batman then landed, the mercs aiming at him before Minerva raised her hand. She chuckled. "Well, well. Batman. This is unexpected. I was expecting another Leaguer. Am I so important that the great Gaurdian of Gotham would leave his precious city?"

"In this situation, you are, Minerva."

"Ooh, so cold, Batman. After the fun we had when I visited Gotham a few years back. I admit, I do respect you for manpiluating me and those idiots. Plus, you're quite the kisser. Still, past flings or no, I have a job to do, and I'm not going to let the non-superpowered member of the Trinity stop me."

"The Trinity. Is that what the criminal world calls the three of us?"

"Indeed. Now, be a good little man and die."

"I prefer not to."

Minerva laughed. "Please! These are some of the best mercenaries money can buy! Though, to you, that doesn't mean much. Even if. . . WHEN you beat them, do you honestly think you can beat me?"

"We're about to find out."

"Mm, no, we won't. After all, you're not my target... for now. SHE is." Minerva then quickly turned around and shot into the air.

Wonder Woman easily blocked Minerva's shots as she flew down and landed across from her and the mercenaries.

Minerva smirked. "You may leave, Batman. I'll kill you later."

Batman looked at Wonder Woman, who nodded at him. With that, Batman ran toward the catacombs, being shot at by mercenaries before they gave chase.

"Diana."

"Barbara."

Minerva then smiled, showing her teeth turn into fangs before she completely transformed into The Cheetah. "I'm going to enjoy this," she said as she bared her claws before lunging at her arch enemy.

Wonder Woman was using her bracelets to block Cheetah's slashes, not one of the speedy villain's attacks hitting her. The hero tried to sweep-kick Cheetah, but she jumped over her foe's leg, landing on one of the ruins' rooftops. She looked down at Wonder Woman with a smirk before snapping her fingers, mercenaries appearing all Wonder Woman from the roofs, aiming their guns at her.

"It's quite the luxury, being employed by Mrs. Cale. She has the best toys and supplies and quite a few playmates."

"What's her game here, Cheetah? Surely, she doesn't think can control him. She failed miserably to control Medusa, and she can't even compare to one of Typhon's bodily serpents!"

"Oh, we're all well aware of Typhon's power, Diana. Truth be told, we're not trying to release him. We're here to STUDY him."

"What?"

"Greek Mythology, or in your case, Greek History tells of how powerful Typhon is. The Father of Monsters. A creature so powerful that he brought even the mighty Zeus to his knees. If we can get just a fraction of that power-"

"You believe you can beat me with it."

"Exactly. A blood sample, a fang from one of his snakes, or even so much of a hair from his head is BOUND to have a treasure trove of research material to create something powerful enough to kill even you."

"Veronica should realize the risk in this. If this foolish research expedition were to unleash him-"

"I'm sure Superman can handle him. Besides, after thousands of years of being buried beneath a mountain, the Father of Monsters is bound to be weaker. Might even be more controllable. Still, it doesn't matter. We'll take what we need from him and never worry about him ever again."

"You make it sound like you'll be successful. Do you not see me standing before you? Did you forget who ran down to stop your drills?"

Cheetah smirked. "Did you forget which island we are standing on, my dear Wonder Woman?"

Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow in confusion before he eyes widened in realized horror. "Hera, no."

Cheetah chuckles as she raises one arm. "Hera, yes." She pointed at Wonder Woman, the mercenaries unleashing a bullet hell upon Wonder Woman, who blocks all of the shots with her bracelets.

She was pinned down by the rain of bullets, trapped in one spot. She knew that even if the mercenaries used up all of their bullets, they and Cheetah would do whatever they could to stop Wonder Woman from going after Batman.

'Bruce,' Diana thought in worry.

Batman's palm strike slammed into the face of the last mercenary in his path, an entire squad left in the hero's wake as he walked toward the next area.

He entered a massive cave full of drilling equipment, explosives, and plenty of weaponry. It looked like a war room. Considering they were headed toward Typhon, it only made sense.

However, Batman didn't care about the site for now. He glared over his shoulder, knowing something was behind him. Something HUGE.

"I was promised an Amazon, but I suppose you will do for an appetizer, little man."

Batman turned and looked up to see a fifteen-foot-tall cyclops with a club as big as the giant's arm resting on his shoulder.

"Polyphemus, I pressume."

"So, you've heard of me. That won't save you from becoming my meal, mortal."

"You're going to have to earn it, cyclops."

Polyphemus chuckled. "Fine." He then roared as he charged at Batman, the hero preparing to fight one of Greece's most legendary antagonists.

Polyphemus tried to crush Batman, but the hero was able to easily dodge his club. Batman ran away from the Cyclops, the monster stomping after him. The hero slid beneath one of the drilling rigs, only for the beast to smack it away.

However, Polyphemus was confused as to why Batman wasn't beneath the rig.

He didn't know Batman was holding onto the bottom of the rig, looking up to see a stalagmite above the giant. Batman didn't hesitate to throw an explosive Batarang at it, causing the sharpened rock to fall onto Polyphemus.

He roared in pain after the stone shattered on his tough skin, but it still drew blood. "DAMN YOU," Polyphemus roared as he charged at Batman.

Batman threw pellets at the giant's feet, the gadgets releasing a slick gel that tripped the creature, making him crash into the wall as Batman grappled to safety, swinging across the cave before gliding to one of the higher areas of the cave, looking down at the beast.

Polyphemus groaned as he sat up, snarling at Batman as he glared at him with his massive eye. "I once believed only Odyessius could infuriate me. You've proven me wrong, mortal. GIVE ME YOUR NAME!"

"My name? Listen to me well, Cyclops. I am Vengeance. I am the Night! I am Batman!"

Polyphemus's eye widened. "Batman?"

"And you're just a relic of history, no more than a mere story to entertain children."

Polyphemus snarled. "HOW DARE YOU?!" He then charged at Batman. However, this time, he lunged at the hero.

Batman then dropped... a flash bomb.

Polyphemus screamed in pain before he slammed into the wall. When he landed, a rockslide occurred on top of him, burying him. Unfortunately for the Cyclops, most of the stones that fell on him were sharpened stalactites. When the collapse ended, Polyphemus was buried, only his head and a single arm left unburied, the monster's breathing now heavy and labored due to all the stabs he suffered.

Polyphemus's eye then finally recovered to see Batman standing before him.

"Your eye. It was stabbed out by Odysseus. How did you get it back? Cyclopes don't have healing properties."

"It was... given to me."

"By who," Batman asked with a glare.

Polyphemus just stared at the mortal who beat him alone before looking around. "You. You knew this would happen. You goaded me into attacking you. Your intellect surpasses that of Odysseus."

"I'm honored to hear that from you. Now answer my question. Who gave you your eye?"

Polyphemus chuckled as he looked at Batman. "You're quite brave, mortal. Interrogating the son of Poseidon, being the cause of his death."

"You won't die."

"Huh?"

"Cyclopes may not have regenerative abilities, but they are extraordinarily resilient and tough. You will be in excruciating pain, but you'll live and walk again. But you will remember. You'll remember that there is a man in this world who knows how to beat you. Who knows how to HURT you. And if I EVER hear about you eating anyone, innocent or criminal, I'll come after you, and I'll make you REGRET it."

Polyphemus just stared at Batman. "My mistress. The goddess among goddesses. That is all I shall say."

"Hera?"

Polyphemus chuckled. "Do not insult my mistress, mortal. I have already insulted her by calling her something as menial as a goddess. She is beyond them. A being you can't hope to defeat, even with the aid of Olympus. You will suffer at her hand."

"We'll see about that," Batman said. He then turned around.

At that moment, Polyphemus's eye widened as a visage appeared in his sight. He then chuckled before he began to laugh.

Batman stopped and turned to look at the Cyclops. "What's so funny, Polyphemus?"

"You're him. YOU'RE the one she spoke of."

"What," Batman asked as he turned toward his beaten foe.

"Hear me: The Night has searched far and wide for her Champion, but so many have failed. Men, women, beasts, and even gods have failed the test. But lo, a Champion of Night worthy of the mantle has finally entered the world. A mere mortal who is Beloved by the Shadows, Taught by the Dark, and Desired by the Night. The Night will have her Champion, and through him, Olympus shall fall."

"Through the power of the Night, the Champion will bring the gods to their knees, dethrone Hades from his chair, and conquer Tartarus itself; all in the name of the Night. Through the Champion shall Darkness finally prevail, and no Light shall ever be able to shine."

"But know this. The Son of the Champion will surpass the Father. If raised with evil, the Son will slay the Father; but raised through love, and the Father will be rescued by the Son. But should Father and Son join forces as one, then none shall stand in the way of their One True Love. With Father and Son at her side, Mother will be Invincible. Mother will be Unstoppable. Mother will be Unbeatable."

"Mother. Will. Win."

Batman listened to each and every word Polyphemus spoke.

"The mistress's prophecy now finally makes sense to even one such as me. I understand now, Batman! YOU are the Champion of the Night! Through YOU will Olympus fall! THROUGH YOUR HEIR SHALL LIGHT PERISH! VICTORY BELONGS TO THE NIGHT BECAUSE OF YOU, 'HERO'!" Polyphemus cackled so loud that the cave began to tremble.

Polyphemus then sighed in contentment as he smirked at Batman. "We WILL meet again, Batman, Champion of the Night." Polyphemus then raised his massive fist and slammed it to the ground, making the cave shake even harder, the ceiling even starting to crack and break apart.

Batman didn't hesitate to start running, hearing Polyphemus's evil, maniacal laughter the entire time as he ran.

He ran and ran, seeing that the mercenaries had already escaped during his fight with the Cyclops, save for one limping away due to the amount of damage Batman did to his leg.

Fortunately, Batman could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Batman grabbed the man and shot his grapple gun. He zipped out of the cave just as it imploded on itself, landing safely as he dropped the mercenary. The hired gun looked up, only for Batman to knock him out with a single punch as he looked back at what was left of the cave.

"Another prophecy. Just what I needed."

Batman heard clapping before looking toward it to see Cheetah smiling down at him as she clapped.

Batman immediately saw Wonder Woman tied up behind the villainess, struggling to free herself.

"Well done, Batman. You always impress," Cheetah said, actually enjoying the glare Batman was giving her.

Batman looked around and saw he was surrounded by gunmen, all of them trained on him. He saw some structural weaknesses he could exploit. A grenade here and there. Some areas to escape to. Still, Cheetah was a major problem.

"So, you defeated Polyphemus. I must admit, I thought you would take longer and struggle more."

"I've defeated bigger and stronger beings than the Cyclops, Minerva."

"Mm, very true. It's funny, once upon a time the monsters of Greece were some of the most fearsome creatures to ever roam the Earth. Now, a criminal from Gotham is more of a threat. A thug from Central City, a robot from Metropolis, or some horror from the stars. Logically thinking, I basically insulted you, by sending a mere Cyclops to fight you, Batman. Still, it got the job done," Minerva said as she pointed a gun at Wonder Woman's face.

"You'll regret that, Minerva," Batman all but growled.

"Hmm, I'll be getting a major bonus, I'll have killed my worst enemy, and I will have rid the world of one of its most powerful protectors. True, I'll be making the Batman into my enemy who would hunt me like a wild animal. . . I see nothing to regret. There's a certain THRILL in the hunt in BEING hunted. So tell me, Batman, how do you plan on stopping me from ending her?"

". . . How about another question, Cheetah: How did I get here?"

"Huh?" Cheetah's eyes widened. "Oh, crap." Shots were fired above.

The soldiers looked up to see the Batwing shooting at them, the mercenaries firing back in retaliation. As this happened, one of the bullets nearly hit Cheetah, and the villainess jumped away from the shot.

And from Wonder Woman.

During the barrage, the shots destroyed the pillar Wonder Woman was tied up to, her Lasso falling off of her, freeing the heroine. She immediately went after the mercenaries, knocking them out one by one, blocking their shots with her bracelets while the Batwing rendered them unconscious with its non-lethal rounds.

Cheetah sucked her teeth as she walked toward the hero. "Not bad, Batman. Seems I should have tried to deal with you before Diana."

"You can ponder on your mistakes in Blackgate."

"Ooh, taking me to Gotham? Batman, if you wanted to take me out on a date, there are easier ways to ask." Cheetah then rushed at Batman, trying to slash him, but he was able to avoid her slashes, blocking some of them with his gauntlets. With the right timing, he was even able to counter-strike her, sending her skidding away.

She then used her speed to run around Batman, slashing him at any chance she got. Her slashes were even starting to cut through his armor.

Seeing the desperate situation he was in, he jumped up and punched the ground, activating his gauntlet's shockwave function, sending an electric pulse that shocked Cheetah, the villain tripping and slamming into a pillar, the brittle stone cracking.

Cheetah then rolled out of the way just before the ruins could crumble on top of her.

When she looked up, she saw Batman lunging toward her. She couldn't react fast enough to avoid his punch. However, as strong as Batman was, he was no Wonder Woman.

Cheetah smirked as she tried to slash Batman back, but he caught her wrist and headbutted her, the villain feeling that. Before she could react, Batman used his cape to stun her before delivering a beatdown. He ended the barrage with a powerful corkscrew punch to the heart that sent Cheetah skidding away.

When she was at a good distance, Batman threw his bolas at her, trying to tie her up. However, she slashed the rope to pieces before it could reach her.

Batman glared at her.

"Oh, don't look at me like that, Batman. Did you really think I didn't know what a strike to the heart could to do someone? You were hoping to cause enough damage to my heart that it would stun me, right? Just one problem, my love. I have natural cushions to dull the blow," Cheetah said as she pointed at her ample bosom.

"Mm."

"Have any other tricks up your sleeve, Prey," Cheetah asked as she took her stance.

"Plenty," Batman said as he took his stance.

"Do make this fun for me." Cheetah then roared as she lunged at Batman.

He was able to use Judo to catch and throw her to the ground, jumping back to avoid her sweep kick as she got back to her feet. She then roared as she tried to slash the hero, but like before, he kept dodging until he saw an opening and punched her in the liver. She groaned a bit until Batman knelt down and struck her stomach with his elbows, making her cough up a bit of blood before she smirked.

She then performed a backflip kick too fast for Batman to avoid, sending him airborne. She then grabbed his leg and slammed him onto the ground. As he bounced from the impact, Cheetah grabbed his face, slammed his head into the ground, and then dragged him through the dirt, making sure to crash him through as many stones, pillars, and even equipment as she could before finally throwing him hard enough for him to crash through an armored vehicle.

Batman was now on the ground, groaning as blood flowed down his mouth. Cheetah then put her foot on his face, smirking down at him. "That was exhilarating. Without a doubt, the most enjoyable fight I've had in quite some time. After all, nothing is sweeter than victory. Still, you didn't honestly think even YOU could beat me, did you, Batman?"

"Currently, no. Didn't have the right equipment or preparations to beat you."

Cheetah giggled.

"It's a good thing I wasn't TRYING to beat you."

Cheetah's smile lessened. "What?"

"Ahem."

Cheetah jumped before she sighed. "Dammit. This is why you should never have too much fun," she said as she turned around to see Wonder Woman, her arms crossed with a pile of unconscious mercenaries behind her.

POW!

Veronica Cale was in her office doing paperwork when her cell rang. She answered it. "Veronica Ca... Oh, it's you. What happened? . . . Mm, not surprising. Were you at least able to-. . . What?! Why would Batman-. . . YOU DIDN'T EVEN GET SO MUCH AS A SAMPLE?! YOU IDIOTS HAD CHEETAH AND A FUCKING CYCLOPS WITH YOU! . . . HE'S JUST A MAN! I would expect you to have trouble with Wonder Woman, but a guy in high-tech pajamas?! How did you-... HE BEAT POLYPHEMUS?! HOW?! . . . FUCK!"

Veronica groaned. "Where's Minerva? . . . YOU SAW HER BEING TAKEN BY BATMAN?! . . . Well, no matter. Blackgate might as well be a hotel from crooks. I'll have her out before tomorrow's dinn... What? Why would Bruce Wayne be an issue? . . . What are you talking about?! That man isn't in politics!"

Veronica then looked up the latest Gotham News on her computer. "Ah. . . Well, I don't know whether to internally destroy that man and his company or make him my husband and merge with Wayne Enterprise. Hm? Oh, that man? He's a trophy husband at best. He isn't needed anymore. I doubt he ever was, honestly. But Bruce Wayne? Imagine the press. Playboy Billionaire Caught by Self-Made Genius Billionaire. Bruce and Veronica Cale-Wayne, the Wealthiest Couple in America. That has some merit. Bound to get us plenty of PR and deals bursting out the door. Can't see any reason for him to want to reject that kind of offer."

". . . Yes, I'm serious. With Wayne Industries merged with Empire Enterprise, I could have enough power to bring even Wonder Woman to her knees, even without anything from Typhon. . . Oh, I'm well aware. Now then, I have some planning to do. Make some plans to head to Gotham, research Bruce Wayne to find a way to seduce him, and get that worthless husband of mine out of the picture. . . Divorce? Oh, that's WAY too messy. I'd rather have something more... discrete. . . Oh, she's perfect. My poor husband, poisoned by a lunatic Wonder Woman failed to imprison. Make sure the good Doctor isn't caught. She's incredibly useful." Veronica then hung up.

"Quite conniving, aren't you?"

Veronica shuttered before she noticed how dark the room was getting. As if it were... night.

She then looked in a corner. "I really wish you'd stop doing that."

"Do I frighten you, dear child," a beautiful voice went in the shadows, her face hidden by the darkness, with only her black hair and fair skin being visible. She looked almost ghostly, yet still looked ethereally beautiful.

Veronica stared at the woman. "You said the Cyclops would get the job done."

"Which he did."

"I don't have ANYTHING from Typhon."

"True. But MY will has been done." The woman's eyes then became visible, looking like shining stars in the darkness of night. "He found my Champion," she said with a smile that glowed like a crescent moon.