Seeing the explosion on screen was like watching a movie. However, this was real, putting a wide grin on the Joker's face. Sitting in a warehouse surrounded by henchmen, he turned to face the winner of the challenge.

"That was a fantastic video! Blowing up the biggest nursing home in Gotham with proof to boot!

You are. The winner."

The man in front of him was sweating bullets. Joker had been uncharacteristically cordial, but his reputation and overall creepiness usurped his friendly demeanor. He wasn't proud of what he did, but he needed the money. Reaching for the briefcase, the Joker put his hand on top of it.

"Before you go, I'm curious. What inspired you to do this? You don't look like the top to go blowing up buildings for fun."

"My son…My son has been in and out of the hospital for years. We're doing everything we can to treat his condition, but money's running low. I did this to save him."

When the man left, Joker leaned back into his chair with a smile. His plan had worked.

I'm such a maniacal genius. People who call themselves good, are just as selfish as the people they call bad. All you have to do is take advantage of that selfishness. Make them think their lives are more important than the next. I believe it's called rationalization. If I would've told them to kill as many people as possible, no one would've done it.

Well, some people would've. But by singling out the elderly, people could justify their actions. After all, the elderly have lived a full life. They've already turned 21 and bought their first beer. They've already bought their first car. Their first house. Had kids. Grandkids. They've done everything in this life but die. Surely, their lives aren't worth more than the life of a single mother of three who's about to get evicted. Their lives couldn't possibly by as valuable as the young man who owes $50,000 in student loans. And we'd all agree that their lives aren't as precious as the small child stuck in the hospital battling illness.

All people need is a reason and an opportunity. I just need to keep pushing the envelope. This time, it was their selfishness I attacked. Next time, I think I'll try retribution.

This morning, the Saiyan and Amazon duo could be found in one of the gyms inside of headquarters. They were preparing to do couples yoga. Diana needed to talk to her beloved, avoiding anything that would lead to a shortness of breath.

Goku wore his usual clothing, while she wore a black tank top and leggings. She also had her hair in a ponytail. Both had forgone their footwear.

Diana spread her legs, "Put your feet against mine…Now, give me your hands…I'm going to pull you, then you're going to pull me."

"Gotcha."

Diana began to pull, "You feeling it?"

"I'm feeling it."

"Alright, my turn."

They took turns stretching each other before moving on to the next part of their warmup.

Diana got on her stomach, "Just copy me."

She pushed her upper body off the ground, stretching her back. Goku followed, as she said.

Diana finished, getting off the ground, "I'm ready. You ready?"

"Bring it."

"Alright, for this first pose, you have to get on your back…Put your feet on my stomach, and hold me in the air…Now, grab my hands and hold the position."

Goku did everything as instructed, "We doing it right?"

"Yep"

"Seems like more stretching, only we added balance to it."

"It's more than stretching, Goku. We're bringing harmony between our minds and bodies. These poses may be physical, but they'll help us connect on a spiritual level. For the next one, you'll be doing the same thing, while I'll be doing the reverse."

"Meaning?"

"Let me down and I'll show you…This time, you're going to put your feet on my back, and hold me up by my ankles. I should stand in front of you to start."

Moving into position, Diana started to lean back, "Alright, put your feet on my back...Grab my ankles and lift me into the air…And don't drop me."

"I won't, promise."

Both proved to be highly flexible, so getting into position was easy despite this being their first try.

"You know, Goku, I've been thinking about returning to Themyscira."

"Good, it's about time."

"Yes, it is. Let me down. Time for the next pose…Let's see if you can do this one. Put your legs behind your head…Impressive, but your feet don't need to be touching the ground. Hold them in the air…Great, I'm going to face the opposite way. Grab my hands and hold me in the air…Now, I'll stretch my legs out, and…voila. I'm actually not nervous about going home anymore."

"You shouldn't be. She may be your queen, but she's your mother first. She's probably more worried than angry."

"Yeah…I want to tell her about us."

"Is that something she needs to know?"

Diana pushed herself to the ground, "For everything to go according to plan, yes. If you're worried about her reaction, don't. If she disapproves, so be it. I just want her to know the truth. Get into a pushup position. I'll do the rest."

Doing a handstand in front of her partner, she lowered her legs until her feet were resting on his butt. They were now face to face.

"What is your plan?"

Diana smiled, "I want to tell my mother about us. I want her to accept our relationship, and I want to get married on Themyscira."

Goku was caught off guard.

Marriage? It hasn't been a month. I guess, that's something I would've considered down the line, but I'm fine with what we are now.

Being mere inches from him, Diana couldn't miss the troubled expression on Goku's face, no matter how slight. She also felt his body fall out of a relaxed state, courtesy of the connection built through yoga.

"Is something wrong, my love?"

"I think you're throwing a lot at her. You met a guy. You love that guy. You want to marry that guy. How's she supposed to take that?"

"Like I said, if she disapproves, our relationship goes on."

"Don't," She closed what little distance there was between them and kissed him.

"Worry," She gave him another kiss, just as tenderly.

"About it," She held the last kiss for some time.

"Sir, you have mail."

Batman sat at his supercomputer, investigating a man by the name of Charles Monroe. He was one of the suspects that could've been responsible for blowing up Gotham's Senior Care Center.

"I'll get it later, Alfred. Can you put it on my desk?"

Alfred Pennyworth had been an integral part of Batman's life. The butler of the Wayne family became Bruce Wayne's legal guardian, after the death of his parents. He was on the short list of people Bruce trusted. One of the few people who have been inside Batman's base of operations, the Batcave.

"Master Bruce, this may be something Batman needs to look at."

Looking at the pamphlet Alfred held out, he read the cover written in green text.

"Mayor Joker needs your help ridding Gotham of the corruption that's plagued the city for so long."

Opening the booklet, he saw a picture of a policeman for Gotham City's Police Department. Underneath was the label "Crooked." The page then goes on to list innocent people the cop had framed and how.

Drug planting. DNA misuse. Evidence manipulation.

This was followed by a bounty that had been placed on the officer. Turning through the pages, there were dozens of crooked cops listed, along with their crimes and bounties. This was going to get ugly. Not only were the career criminals in it for the money going to be hunting these officers, but the everyday law-abiding citizen who had a family member or friend that were screwed by these corrupt cops would as well.

When Batman closed the pamphlet, Alfred picked his brain, "What do you think his plan is."

"I know Joker. He doesn't give a damn about justice or ending the corruption in Gotham. He wants to pile up as many bodies as possible. Since, he's one person, he's using the citizens of Gotham to help do his dirty work."

"Or maybe he's trying to proof something."

"Proof what and to who?"

Alfred began walking out the Batcave, "I'll leave that to you to figure out."

Driving at insane speeds, but with expert handling, there wasn't a maniac behind the wheel. There was a controlled mind, concentrating as if on the kind of stimulant that keeps a person up for days on end. Batman had thought of multiple ways to manipulate several possible scenarios he could be faced with to his advantage.

He spotted the car he was following. As he got close, he found the two people he was looking for. Jumping out the Batmobile, he made his plea.

"Janice, don't do this."

Thunder rumbled across the sky. Usually, the perfect backdrop to the Caped Crusader's dark and intimidating presence. Now, he wanted to be anything but.

Janice had her gun pointed at Officer James Crane. She had kidnapped him at gun point, making him drive to a grassy plain.

Crying and shaking, she wasn't a murderer, but she wanted vengeance.

"Batman…this piece of shit set up my son!"

The corrupt officer sat with his knees in the dirt, wanting to beg for forgiveness, but was so frightened, he couldn't let out more than incoherent mumbling.

Batman stepped a little closer, "I know why you're upset. But you don't want to go down this road. You don't want this on your conscience."

"My son is not a rapist. But I know who is. It's you. You raped that little girl…and you framed my son."

She cocked the gun.

Batman stepped a little closer. Almost close enough to act, "We can have him released. Your son can be free again."

"Do you know what they do to child molesters in prison? My son died in there, Batman. He was murdered. You know why, because the rape of a child is so deplorable it even makes the most dangerous criminals sick to their stomachs. It's too late even for you to save him."

Thunder, once again, roared through the sky. Batman needed the interruption to think about his next move. He had a plan for several scenarios. What he would say to calm her down. What he would say to earn her trust. They all involved her son. His freedom was the key. Unfortunately, he could no longer be free in this world. In his haste to track them down, Batman didn't have time to investigate the case to know he had been murdered.

So, how could he bargain with her to put the gun down? How could he tell her to trust the system that already failed her in the worst way? No one should die. That was his code, not hers. When the thunderclap ended, he still hadn't come up with the right words. All he could hope for now, was to get close enough to make a move, but he was too late.

It was too late for her son, and it was too late for officer James. Janice pulled the triggered.

Batman reached out, "No!"

The bullet was placed perfectly in the center of the officer's head. Janice dropped the gun. While tears came down her eyes, she was no longer sobbing. Justice had been served. If her son's life was cut short, his had to be as well.

Batman pulled his arm back. His head hanging low, he knew this would continue. People who had always lived good and respectful lives would be out seeking revenge. Revenge against people that most would say had it coming. Corrupt cops are some of the most rotten pieces of filth the world had to offer. And he had to try to save them.

With an arm resting over her partner's chest, Diana slept with a smile. Every day was the best day of her life, and it was all become of him. The couple laid in Goku's room, which was now their room.

But, only one of them was sleeping peacefully this night. Goku was awake, his mind on the woman who slept so close he could feel her breath on his face. Things were going well in their relationship, but when Diana said she was returning to Themyscira, Goku got to thinking. He expected her to go back eventually and championed the idea. It was the reason for her trip that made the Saiyan restless.

Slowing getting out of bed, making sure not to wake the Amazon, Goku quietly left the room. He found himself on the roof, staring into space.

Diana says she wants to go home and tell her mother about us. Says she wants to get married on Themyscira. I'm starting to understand how serious this thing called love is. The day I gave her my heart, I was being a little selfish. I accepted that there's a chance this may be my permanent home and wanted to go all in on starting a new life. When Diana told me how she felt, I thought, go for it, why not? It was the start to me looking forward and embracing this world as my own.

But taking advantage of her feelings so I can feel like I belong isn't right. It's not that I don't like her, I do. My feelings just aren't as strong. She's in love with me, and I'm learning to love her. I don't regret our time together. I like when we hug. When we kiss. But those are things I could do with anyone. When she looks at me, I can see it in her eyes that she only wants to do those things with me. Do I want her to be the only woman I share these moments with?

The Saiyan spent some time debating with himself what he wanted his relationship with Diana to be, before being interrupted by the woman herself.

"Goku, is everything okay?"

He turned to see Diana, still in her pajamas.

"Yeah, just couldn't sleep."

She wrapped her arm around his, "If something's bothering you, don't hold it in. Something's wrong isn't it?"

Goku could see the worry in her face. She cared about him so much.

"Just nervous about you going back home."

"There's no need to worry. I owe it to my mother to tell her the truth. I hope she accepts us. If not, then it'll just be you and me. Nothing's going to happen to me, and I certainly won't allow anything to happen to you."

Her devotion to the Saiyan was now stronger than her bond with her people. It was only natural to feel that way about the man she knew she would mate with some day.

Goku was touched by her words. Diana showed something much more meaningful than a seductive stare, a touch of affection, or a passionate kiss. She showed loyalty. Something he knew he couldn't get from just anyone.

The warrior had never been in love. He didn't know how intense it was, or how it made you think of that special person. He thought love was saying romantic phrases and giving someone access to your body. Quite frankly, he thought love was friends with benefits.

Diana showed him what true love is. It's not about hugging and kissing. It's about having a sense of loyalty and commitment so extreme that it supersedes all other relationships in a person's life.

I have something else to thank her for, showing me what love is.

"It doesn't beat just for me. It beats for you. And the day it stops, till the end of time, my heart will always be yours."

It felt right to say in the moment. I was trying to be romantic. It would break her heart if I took back those words. If I took back my heart. Now that I understand true love, I hope I don't have too. I want to love her like she loves me. I'd be lying if I said my passion matched hers. But I want to go on this journey, together. I want to see how strong our bond can become.

She made it. The day was here. Themyscira, home of the Amazons. Birthplace of the princess. As Diana soared through the island, she took in its beauty. First, there was the ocean leading to the island. So clean. So clear. Seeing her reflection was like looking into a mirror. Then there were the palm trees. The leaves flowed slowly, being moved by the same wind that brushed through the sunflowers. The same wind that flowed through the Amazon's hair, making her feel at home. She missed Themyscira, and Themyscira missed her.

Flying high enough to not be seen prematurely, she lowered herself when approaching the royal palace. Thankfully, the person she needed to see was already outside and in view. The Queen sat against a pillar, aware enough to see a figure approach from the sky. Her eyes lit up as her daughter landed before her.

"Mother…"

"Diana!" Hippolyta ran to her daughter, greeting her with a hug.

Diana returned her embrace, "I missed you too, mother."

Still holding on, Hippolyta now faced her daughter, "I prayed to the Gods, you would return."

"Your prayers were answered. I suppose you want to know what I've been doing."

The queen ended the embrace, returning to her regality, "I do. Artemis told me about your fight. About the man you had on the island. Is it true?

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"Two months."

The queen took no pleasure in hearing that, "You kept a man here for two months without telling me? What were you thinking?"

"That wasn't the plan. He was injured at the time."

"And you took it upon yourself to nurse him back to health? You should've told me."

"I was curious. He told me so many things. You would've taken that away from me."

"Of course. Who knows what poison he's put inside you."

"Poison?"

"Like attacking a fellow Amazon."

"I did that for his safety. You know how Artemis can be."

"Yes, Artemis…She insisted you should be punished upon your return."

Diana didn't care what Artemis thought, "That decision is not in her hands."

"Right, it's in mine. Diana of Themyscira, I hereby strip you of the title of Wonder Woman. You will no longer represent that name."

Those words stung. Diana had worked hard to become Wonder Woman, and now it was taken away from her.

"Fine, but I will not be restricted to the island. I have a life of my own now."

"I'm sure you do. Is that man still around?"

"Yes."

"And he's more than a friend?"

"Yes."

"And that's why you left the island?"

"No. I left the island to save a friend. Stayed away out of fear. Returned after he took that fear away and replaced it with love."

Hippolyta placed a hand on a pillar and stared out into the island, "He's put quite the spell on you. Tell me about him. It will help me better prepare my questions for him when we meet."

Diana was caught off guard, "You want to meet him? Why?"

"I don't expect you to leave him. I do expect that he's selfish and not to be trusted. Such is the way of man. However, if you're committed to him, I want to be sure he's committed to you."

Diana was confused as to what difference this would make, "And what happens then?"

"You didn't come here just to let me know you were alive, did you?"

"No, I wanted to see if you'd accept our union."

Hippolyta turned to her daughter, "Well, just because you're no longer Wonder Woman doesn't mean that can't happen."

I don't want you to get hurt, my daughter, but you're stubborn. He will fail you. If you must see it to believe, so be it. But I will not let this man destroy our relationship. When your heart is broken, I'll be here.

While Diana enjoyed being Wonder Woman, that was of little importance, compared to her relationship with Goku. She was sure the Saiyan could earn her mother's trust as he did her own. If Goku was anything, he was authentic. He knew no other way.

After Diana told Hippolyta everything, she knew about the Saiyan, she relinquished her Wonder Woman attire and left the island. Little did the queen know, someone was listening.

"My my."

Another woman appeared before Hippolyta. Dressed similar in a chiton dress, her beauty rivaled that of the queen, if not surpassing it. She was the Goddess Athena.

"You're really going to give a man a chance. Not even I could've predicted that."

Hippolyta gave a bow of respect, "Only for Diana. I won't let this Goku destroy our relationship."

"And stripping her of her Wonder Woman status?"

"Being a queen requires me to be unyielding and even ruthless at times. I can't show favoritism before the Amazons. No one's above reproach. Besides, I never said it was permanent. She earned the name of Wonder Woman before, and she could do it again."

"Hmm," Athena put a hand under her chin in a mocking show of concentration, as if the scheme she had was just now coming to mind.

"I have a quest that will make her worthy of being Wonder Woman once again."