Hello, boys and girls. I got such a wonderful response to "One Night in Gotham" and "Protocol Ten" that it encouraged me to give this story a shot. So, allow me to explain what's the what.

This story, like my others, follows the DC Animated Continuity. It also takes place post "Destroyer" and "Return of the Joker". As such, I'm striving to remain faithful to the established continuity of the animated universe. That said, it's also obviously AU. Why? Well, Batman Beyond is part of the DCAU.

This story contains a murder mystery. But that's hardly the focal point of the story. Rather, it's the story of Batman on his continued journey, on a road divergent to that explored in Batman Beyond. And yes, I'll also explore his relationship with Wonder Woman (We gotta keep the spirit alive, folks, regardless of what Geoff Johns is up to). This world I'm exploring might be confusing at times, but please, bear with me. All (hopefully) will be revealed and explained in time.

Oh! And thanks to Kipling Bunny for reviewing the initial drafts of the first several parts of this story. She's assured me it isn't complete crap. So if you guys disagree, please blame her for giving me the confidence to unleash this story upon the world.

Stories Told and Untold

By Liam

PART ONE: THE FUTURE IS PROLOGUE

It occurs to me that you truly have no idea of your importance. The impact you have, not only on your friends and colleagues, but society as a whole.

The Dark Knight. The Batman. The silent, watchful guardian of Gotham. And I dare say, the Guardian of the Guardians, the Justice League.

You always thought you were alone. But when was this ever so? There was Alfred, the Father. Dick and Tim, the Sons. Clark, the Best Friend. And Diana, the Love Unrequited.

Your mission was never unique. Your cause always just. Your goals always shared. Your legacy so glorious.

But you could have been so much more. Revered as you are, your works so iconic, you could have been a veritable god, if only you'd allowed yourself to be human...

It was nearly ten o'clock when Celeste returned to her suite at the Belmont Plaza. The day had been long and tiresome. Especially for someone still growing accustomed to diplomatic work.

She clicked on the lights, illuminating the spacious quarters of The Empress Suite, the elite room of one of Gotham's most affluent hotels. Slipping off her sandals—it only took an hour in heels to realize she would never wear those again—she swung by the living area. She picked up the controller to the television and clicked it on, finding a hockey game. The Gotham Blizzard versus the Coast City Sharks.

Man's World was so...odd. It was loud, obnoxious, and often cruel. But in the ten months since she'd arrived, assuming the position of Themysciran emissary to the United States, she had also discovered much wonder and beauty. Diana was right. Man's World was worth exploring. It was worth fighting for. And she was proud of her role in trying to introduce her Amazon sisters to this world.

And dear Hera, was hockey fun to watch.

The bedside phone rang. Celeste sat upon the soft mattress-the bedding was much nicer in Man's World-and answered.

"Hello?" Her bright green eyes brightened upon hearing the voice. "Good evening to you." With a remorseful sigh, she said, "It's quite late. Perhaps tomorrow night?" Whatever the other person said, it elicited a smile. "I suppose a cup of tea wouldn't hurt. Thirty minutes?" Celeste smiled again, saying "See you then," before hanging up.

She wanted desperately to simply fall back onto the plush bed and relax for a few moments. But she knew that would only lead to her falling asleep. With company coming, she instead settled on another favorite luxury in Man's World—a shower. May Hera bless whoever devised indoor plumbing and hot running water.

She removed the clip holding up her wavy blonde tresses, intent on indulging in the luxury. But a knock at the door stopped her. Celeste's brow furrowed. It was late for unannounced visitors.

Answering the door, Celeste brightly greeted her visitor. "Oh! Good evening!" she said. "Won't you come in?"

Her visitor did just so, and Celeste closed the door behind.

At 9:47 the following morning, hotel staff opened the door to Celeste's suite. "Thank you," said Echo, the Amazon assigned as Celeste's assistant. She and Andromeda, a fellow Amazon and Celeste's security officer, entered the luxurious suite together.

"No problem," the male staff said. "I hope Miss Celeste isn't feeling sick. She's a nice lady."

While he stayed by the door, Echo and Andromeda explored the suite. It didn't take long to find their Sister. She was laying across the bed, wrapped in a black cloth robe, seemingly asleep.

Echo and Andromeda, warriors both, knew well that Celeste was not slumbering. "Merciful Hera," Andromeda murmured.

Celeste, their Sister, was dead.

END PROLOGUE