Batman/Wonder Woman: The Light of Gotham | PART II

New Year's Eve in Arkham

-Two years ago, shortly after Felix Faust event [read: PART 1]-

It was the most joyful time of the year. The snowy New Year's Eve. Everyone was busy preparing fireworks, trumpets, and family dinner to celebrate another new chapter of life. The Justice League, however, had to sacrifice all of those things aside. Holidays or not, crime was always out there to light its candle, waiting for them to blow it out. For the sake of other people, the league was always there to help.

Arkham Asylum.

A raven-haired lady in a black casual attire and a leather jacket was walking inside the ill-famed psychiatric hospital to see one of their patients. Even on holidays, the staffs were still loyal to their duties.

Then, one of the staffs came up to her. "May I help you, Miss–"

"Prince. Diana Prince. I would like to speak with Cheetah, please," she answered.

"Hm. That aggressive cat lady, isn't it? I wish you came here earlier because we must give her some medication to keep her pacified soon."

"We won't be long," Diana said. "Very well. This way."

Then, the staff led her to the cell where the feline was imprisoned. Walking through the hallway, she looked around and saw nothing but caged criminals. Then, they walked past by the asylum's clinic. The medics seemed quite occupied in taking care of their patient. Specifically, the Cupid of Crime herself.

"It's Harley Quinn. She's been in a coma for some time now because of the high-dose neurotoxin Batman injected. We... heard he did that because she was... possessed," the staff explained to her. Hearing that, she kept walking in silence. Somehow, she felt guilty knowing that the female clown got involved because of her.

After passing a few cells, they reached Cheetah's place. Behind the bars, they saw the apex predator was sitting on her bed, casting down her eyes. Her paws and claws were tightly chained, yet it was not a surprise to Diana. The staff decided to leave them alone with a warning to Diana that she could not get inside because of the restricted protocol.

"Cheetah," Diana called her. Cheetah looked up to her and glared furiously as if her presence was a big mistake.

"Grr... I swear after I get out of this torturing place, I will crush you just like the way I did to your pointy-eared boyfriend! As I recall, I tore his skin apart with my very claws," Cheetah threatened her. She frowned her eyebrows at the feline, trying not to grow her anger.

Diana sighed and said, "He's healed, but I'm not here to talk about him. I'm here for you... Barbara."

Stunned hearing that name, Cheetah looked at her, face to face, eyes to eyes. "Barbara... is dead. The Goddess' curse killed her. Now this body belongs to the apex predator! You're too late."

"Yet, you're here, roaming around Gotham City to find the cure, especially after the Goddess' temple was destroyed. I knew you would do anything to end this, including unbelievably trusting Harley Quinn for some magic gems," Diana sighed. "You are dealing with a curse from a Goddess. No matter how powerful the magic, sorcery, or potion is, it will never be enough to abolish it."

"What are you saying, Diana?"

"I will help you to find the cure, but I'm afraid you must stay here. The outside world will only make the beast grow stronger. I can't let you out."

"WHAT? NO! It doesn't work like that, Diana. Caging me here won't stop the beast from growing either! You like it or not, you must get me out!" Cheetah raised her voice. Diana completely lost her words. Deep inside, she really didn't have the heart to see her like this, but she could do nothing at that moment. Then, a few doctors were coming toward them with the feline's medication, insisting Diana to leave.

"Barbara... listen to me. You have my words. I'm going to find a way. I will be back as soon as possible. You.. you'll be safe here. Take care, my friend." Heavy-heartedly, Diana left her alone with those health workers.

"NO! LET ME OUT, DIANA!! LET ME OUT!!" Cheetah cried it all out, begging Diana from behind the bars and started rebelling, but the doctors held her down, tightening her chains so she could not break free. The whole asylum was filled by Cheetah's scream. Diana heard nothing but fear and pain leading her to the door. Nothing had ever broken her heart this much after seeing her friend in agony. Nevertheless, Diana promised to Cheetah and she swore, she would not stop at nothing until she could bring Barbara Minerva back alive.

BZZZ... BZZZ... BZZZ...

Her phone was buzzing. Then, she looked at her phone screen to give it a check. Nine missed calls and an incoming call from... Bruce Wayne. Since the incident, he was the one who was responsible for her recovery. Once she was out of the manor to go somewhere, Bruce felt more or less uneasy.

"Bruce," she answered the call.

"Where are you?"

"Out," she sighed.

"Out where? It's getting darker, Di."

"Talking to a friend. Don't worry, Bruce. I'm on my way–" Diana paused. She heard some loud noise just down the road.

WHEEEEEOOOOOO!! WHEEEEOOO!!

Two cars in high speed were passing the road, followed by a few police cars with its loud sirens. Those two cars at the front were filled by men with guns, shooting the cops behind them. A robbery on New Year's Eve, Diana thought.

"Diana? Diana!"

"I can't talk now. I'll see you at the glass house, Bruce," Diana quickly hung the call up to chase those criminals, leaving Bruce disconnected.