Afterward (Part I of my Post--'Starcrossed' Trilogy.)
By: Jade O'Neal
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They are property of DC Comics, Warner Bros. and others.
Spoilers: STARCROSSED. (Take note: I haven't seen the episode myself and have only drawn conclusions from bits and pieces of spoilers and pictures that I've seen on the web. This could very well be classified as and alternate universe fiction.)
Rating: PG-13 for language
Now, on with the trilogy...
^V^
I came into the underground criminal bar wearing a disguise, basically a ratty wig and sunglasses, and looking for the former Justice League member. I had tracked her from the Wayne Manor to this place and was about to make my first move.
My reason: I was worried about her.
The irony was that I had never even met her, and she didn't even know who I was. All I knew of her was what Batman, my father, and the news had told me.
She was a beautiful individual from Thanagar, a bellicose planet that was on the opposite side of the universe whose aggressive people decided to invade Earth only days ago.
The Justice League, however disillusioned and betrayed, had prevented the aliens from staying.
She, unfortunately, had been caught in the middle of a battle between her homeland and her newly adopted home.
In the end, she had lost both.
And now, she had no one.
I guess that hit a soft spot in my heart. After all, the boys I worked with, the men I loved, were orphans themselves. Thankfully, I had never had to be alone like they had. Maybe that's what I found most intriguing about her. Maybe that's what attracted my attention.
Either way, her story broke my heart.
I took a seat beside her and ordered a rum and coke, taking a glance in the mirror behind the bar. I looked absolutely ridiculous in that old blond wig and dark brown leather coat, but it was necessary. I couldn't allow anyone to know that the commissioner's only daughter was hanging around a gangster bar, hoping to connect with a "traitor." Someone would figure it all out, and my cover would be blown.
A row of glasses sat in front of the winged woman; she had downed at least four shots of whiskey before I had joined her and cradled another in her hands.
As I sipped my drink, I couldn't help studying her. The massive hawk wings were remarkably stunning and one of the most incredible sights I'd ever seen, and I've seen a great deal in my time. Her red hair, which was a few shades lighter than my own, was mussed, and her face possessed the most upsetting expression.
Because she hadn't concealed her features behind a mask, I could see how beautiful she truly was.
And how depressed she truly was.
She didn't have on her battle attire but rather wore a wrinkled tee and jeans. Although her slumped posture and slightly baggy clothing tried to deceive others, I could see that she was quite fit and toned.
Somehow, I knew that Alfred had already taken a liking to her; he was a brilliant judge of character and always has been. If he supported my actions, then I was in good shape.
At the moment, it didn't matter what Batman thought.
She swallowed the shot of scotch and ordered another. The bartender didn't comply.
"I think you've had enough, Lady," he said as he wiped down the bar.
The ex-detective narrowed her green eyes and clenched her teeth. "I'll tell you when I've had enough," she informed angrily. "I don't think you'd have enough alcohol in here for your –"
"Hold on," I interrupted and grasped her forearm to get her attention. She sent a glare at me and ripped herself free from my hold. The girl was drunk and confused; she wasn't about to trust me without a good reason.
I made eye contact and gave her a sympathetic smile to calm her nerves. The fury she had held reluctantly left her eyes, and she looked away from me. The bartender walked to the back room, allowing me to talk to her without an audience.
Not knowing what to say, I carefully asked, "Are you all right?" I knew that the question was not one she wanted to hear, but it was a way to start a conversation. All I needed was for her to trust me.
"No," she answered dryly.
I finished my drink and then questioned, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Alarm flashed in her eyes, and I saw her muscles tense up. "Why do you care?"
Quickly, I scribbled a message for her onto my napkin; it stated that I was Batgirl and that I wanted to help her. Once she read it, a cynical laugh escaped her throat. Either she didn't believe me, or she couldn't believe me.
"What's the boss say about this?" she asked, her words stumbling together.
"That doesn't matter," I told. "I just thought you needed someone to talk to. A friend to –"
She chuckled some more. "I'm a traitor, little girl. I don't have friends."
"Then make one," I challenged.
"Be warned. I've backstabbed my own family."
"I'm willing to take a risk if you will."
The Thanagarian raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "What could you possibly do to help me?"
"Well, we could start by finding you a place to stay for the night."
^V^
I walked into my apartment with her leaning on me, drunker than any frat boy I've ever known. I somehow managed to get her to my bedroom and into my bed.
The instant her head touched the pillow, she was off in her dream world. I pulled off her boots and covered her before heading back to my living room.
Tired, I collapsed onto my couch and took off the wig. Honestly, I had no idea what I was going to tell her when she awoke the next morning. How can you tell someone that you just wanted to make sure she didn't try anything stupid?
I didn't know.
As expected, one of my comrades joined me in my apartment only minutes later. He didn't use the front door either; he had slipped through a window. It was Nightwing, and he probably would ask the same question Batman would ask when he stopped by.
"What are you doing, Babs?" He crossed his arms over the blue bird on his chest and slightly shook his head. "You know he's going to get bitchy about this."
I only shrugged. "Let him. He can't tell me when to feel guilty or when to sympathize for another."
"Guilty? Why? You're not the one who decided to drop her from the League. Hell, we're not even in the League." Nightwing sat down beside me and gently moved my red hair from my face. "Really, what's the deal?"
"I wish I knew. I just feel bad for her, you know? Sure, she made a mistake. Who doesn't?"
He let out a half-bothered/half-understanding sigh. "She jeopardized all of Earth, Barbara. That's not something you can forgive easily."
I turned my body to face him and placed my hands in his. "I'm not trying to be naïve or ignorant. I just don't want her to lose herself. Whether the League agrees or not, she's a critical ally in this war against the bad guys. If she snaps, we're one person down."
He nodded, indicating his comprehension. "I've got to go." Nightwing stood, and I followed. "What do I tell him if he asks?"
"The truth," I answered without hesitation. I then planted a soft kiss on his warm lips and smiled. "Be careful out there, Officer Dick."
He laughed. "Talk to you tomorrow?"
"Sure. Stop by."
He kissed my cheek and left my apartment.
^V^
Minutes after I had finally drifted off to sleep on my uncomfortable couch, someone knocked on my door. With a groan and a few mumbled curses, I got up and walked to the entrance.
"Who's there?" I asked and looked through the peephole at a redheaded man I did not recognize.
"I'm Wally West," he announced nervously. "I'd really like to talk to you... about your visitor."
His name rung a bell, but I couldn't quite place it. He knew that the girl was with me, but I couldn't just permit him to enter.
"I know you don't know me, but I work, uh, worked with her... and your boss too. Listen, you've gotta let me see her. I could give you proof, somehow. Uh, I'm from Central City, and I, um, work with this big guy from Metropolis. I think you know him, and if you don't..."
He was The Flash. I remember Batman telling me the League's identities a couple of months ago. Batman had always made it his business to know everything about everyone.
Even if they didn't want him to.
I opened the door and invited the young, attractive man inside. After I closed it behind him, he started to explain.
"Sorry. I was following her, and I saw you pick her up at the bar... That sounds kinda hot, but, anyway, I was just guessing that you might be..."
"Batgirl?" I finished for him. When he nodded, I added, "Then its safe to bet that you're Flash."
"Yeah." He dug his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "How's she doing?"
"She's asleep. The girl had gotten herself pretty wasted and will have a hell of a hangover in the morning."
"It'd rather have a hangover than the sick feeling I've got now." Wally moved his youthful eyes to the floor in shame. He was obviously feeling culpable for what The Justice League had done to their Thanagarian member.
I noticed something in his eyes, a pure compassion for his friend. Maybe he was in love with her? Maybe he honestly cared for her?
There was a loud crash from inside my room.
"Shayera," Wally muttered and literally sped in her direction, nearly ripping the bedroom door from its hinges. I followed as quickly as I could and noted that an old vase had been knocked to the floor. I stepped around the glass and into my bathroom.
The girl had her head over the toilet, vomiting all the alcohol from her system. Wally West held her hair away from her face and had placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she was through, he helped her sit down beside him and wrapped an arm around her trembling self. Tenderly, he brushed her hair behind her ears, kissed her temple, and allowed her to lean against him.
"I've got you, Shy. You don't have to be alone. Not ever again. I promise," he whispered with his head laying on hers. When the tears began to fall from her eyes, I left the bathroom feeling as if I had witnessed a very intimate scene between either friends or lovers.
I couldn't decide.
After sweeping up the shattered vase, I went out to the living room and collapsed onto the couch. If Shayera and Wally had a good relationship, then maybe he could watch over her for a little while. She'd probably feel more comfortable with him anyway.
It only took me five minutes to doze off. I didn't wake until morning.
^V^
I slowly opened my eyes to see Dick sitting in the chair beside me, watching the news. Without moving, I listened to the GNN report.
"Just days ago, The Justice League forced the Thanagarian invaders to leave Earth. The real question is: Where does Hawkgirl fit into all this? Did she side with the enemy or her fellow superheroes?
"Earlier this morning, Superman had stopped an uncontrollable fire in his home city of Metropolis. When asked about Hawkgirl, he simply replied with a 'No comment.' Wonder Woman and The Martian Manhunter are expected to meet with the United Nations today do discuss security measures for the planet. Whether or not Hawkgirl will be mentioned is unknown. I'm –"
Dick shut off the television and tossed the remote onto the sofa. He looked tired and a little stressed. Sure enough, he gave a feeble smile when I sat up.
"Morning," he said calmly. It just made me more troubled.
"Hey." I groaned and got up to sit on his lap. "Miss me last night?" I asked playfully and buried my face in the crook of his neck.
Immediately, I could feel his body relax against mine. "Don't I always?" He wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me closer. "Her story is all over the news," he stated. "I'm not sure if it's a good idea to keep her in the apartment of the commissioner's daughter."
"Dick, you know I don't want her to be moved around if she's not up for it," I said and raised my eyes to look at him.
He halfheartedly nodded. "All right, but, just so you know, some reporters were harassing Lois Lane because of her 'supposed' relationship with Superman."
I rolled my eyes. "She doesn't even know who Superman is let alone how he feels about Hawkgirl... If that reporter comes to Gotham to interview Batman –"
"She wouldn't," Dick assured. "Bruce wouldn't let that happen."
"She's still a reporter," I reminded. "She'd do anything for a story."
Dick narrowed his sparkling eyes and grinned. "Whatever. Hey, I brought you donuts and coffee."
"You're an angel."
"I know." He kissed the top of my head, and I crawled off of him. Dick took my hand and led me to the kitchen, where I sat down as he poured a cup of coffee.
The redheaded Wally West then joined us as well, and Dick's jaw dropped. I would have killed to have a camera at that moment. It was priceless.
"Dick Grayson, meet Wally West. He's The Flash."
"Oh." His expression promptly changed, and he extended a hand. "Good to meet you."
"Same here." Wally shook it and then moved his eyes to the pastries. "Wow. Donuts." He had already begun to salivate.
"Help yourself," I told, and he instantaneously grabbed two jelly donuts and a mug of coffee. "Is she awake?"
Wally nodded and spoke with a full mouth. "Bathroom."
"I'd better go," Dick informed. "I've got things to do." He said his goodbyes and planted a brief kiss on my lips. Then he was gone.
"How's she doing?" I asked the hero that sat across from me and snatched a powdered donut from the box.
He shrugged. "Pretty good, I guess. The fact that I can tell she's hurting kinda freaks me out. She was up half the night, crying."
"Well, at least she has you."
He slightly chuckled. "Yeah right. Little, immature Flash to the rescue because she won't talk to her boyfriend."
I was puzzled. "But aren't you –?"
"Nah. She's like my very hot, older stepsister or something." Wally chugged his coffee and started on his third pastry. "It's Johnny who she really lost, though. She ripped his heart out and broke her own when she sided with that Thanagarian bastard..." He raised his eyes from the food to look at me. "I get why she did it, you know. That's the reason I forgave her."
I ran a hand through my messy hair and nodded. "Do you think the others need to see where she's coming from?"
"You know they won't let themselves see that maybe we hadn't been the family she chose because she didn't really grow up with us. She had been a cop and a fiancée long before being part of the League." He sighed. "I don't care what they say. I'm still going to be here for her, no matter what."
Wally made me smile; he had the heart of a child and managed to see the good in people. Something told me that he had probably forgiven Hawkgirl moments after the initial betrayal. He loved her very dearly, and her mistake wouldn't change that.
"Morning," Shayera greeted softly and took a seat beside Wally. Her hair was a land of chaos, and the dark circles beneath her eyes were swollen from yesterday's tears.
Wally sent her a radiant smile and poured her a cup of coffee. "There's donuts if you're hungry."
She shook her head. "Don't mention food, please." The Thanagarian sipped her black coffee and closed her eyes as the hot liquid rolled down her throat.
I had to admit that she fascinated me. Her beauty, her wings, her despair, and their friendship complemented Shayera perfectly.
The young Mr. West finished his coffee and began a conversation. "Shy, we should start our own team. 'The Just Us League.' Batgirl would want to join, wouldn't you?"
I couldn't get a word out; he had sprung the idea so spontaneously.
"What?" Shayera asked.
"Batgirl knows Supergirl, don't you? She could join. What other 'girls' do we know who could join?"
"Shut up, Wally," she ordered jokingly. "You little horn-dog."
"Yeah, but I'm a stud, and working with a bunch of hotties would be sweet."
I laughed with the other two and noticed how smiles suited them both. I also noted the slight uneasiness in her green eyes that she had masked very well; I wondered if she was resisting her need to trust us.
"Anyway, I've got to be off. People to save, you know." Wally stood and kissed the girl's cheek. "Call if you need anything, babe." She gave a nod, and he left. An unsettling silence between the two of us resulted, and her being uncomfortable was the last thing I wanted.
"I don't understand," she said and looked at me with a puzzled face.
I knew it was time to explain. "Even though we've never met, I felt for you. I don't want to make it sound like I pity you or anything; I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You don't need to be alone it this."
"Actually, I meant your hair. You were a blonde last night."
"Oh!" My cheeks started to burn with embarrassment. "That was a wig."
She grinned. "Like you said, we've never really met. You're Barbara Gordon, right?" After I nodded, she shook my hand. "I'm Shayera Hol." She chewed her bottom lip for a second and then added, "Barbara?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"No problem."
^V^
"Ha!" I heard her cry from the next room. I walked in to see her practicing on my punching bag. Her blows were swift but accurate, strong but desperate. It was as if Shayera were fighting an imaginary assailant, someone who she despised a great deal.
The Thanagarian made a roundhouse kick and literally ripped the bag from its chains, sending it across the room and into my wall. The bag laid on the floor, spilt in half, and the girl showed remorse on her face.
"Don't worry about it," I said. "I'll get Bruce to buy me another." I offered a smile but didn't receive one in return.
Shayera sat down on a chair and motioned me to join her. "Does Batman know I'm here?" she asked me when I sat down. "Because I don't want to drive a wedge between you and –"
"You won't."
"I just don't want my predicament to be yours as well."
After picking up a boxing glove, I began to play with it, wrapping the strings around my finger.
"You don't know him like I do. You don't know that he loves and forgives, even if he is thickheaded or too stubborn to show it sometimes. Somehow, a person has to look past that hardened exterior. For example, I know he'd die for me."
She moved her eyes away from me with sadness on her face. I had struck a nerve; that was obvious.
"John once said that he'd give his life for me, and I almost ended up getting him killed." Shayera slightly shook her head. "Some gratitude, huh?"
"You felt obligated to side with Thanagar because it was your birthplace. Flash, Nightwing, and I understand that. We probably would have done the same in your position. Just give the League a little time, and I'm sure they'll –"
"Don't," she interrupted. "I've been trying to rationalize what I had done to them, but there is no excuse. Not a single one can justify my actions. I can't even justify myself to myself, let alone anyone else."
Shayera knew that she had done wrong, but I could see that she wasn't going to hurt herself or anyone else. Although sorry for her actions, she didn't want to be pardoned. She wanted to redeem herself on her own terms.
Shayera wanted to earn the trust she had lost, even if it took years.
"I have an idea, Shayera. Take a shower, change your clothes, and crawl into bed. I'll order some Chinese, and we'll talk."
Surprise appeared on her face, and she smiled. "Sure."
^V^
After both of us had washed up, the food had arrived. I paid the delivery boy and carried the take-out to my bedroom.
"Here," I said and placed the boxes before her. I then sat down next to Shayera and covered myself with the comforters.
She swallowed a bite of her egg roll and slightly laughed. "You act as if you do this often."
"That's because I do. You see, whenever Kara or I get into a jam or have boy problems, we get together and eat."
"Kara?"
"Kara Kent," I clarified. "Supergirl."
"It's nice that you are so close."
I nodded and mixed my chicken and rice with my plastic fork. "Yeah. We try to spend time together. The fact that she's faster than a speeding bullet helps a lot."
She picked at her food as well; there was so much regret in her emerald eyes. "Diana and I had never gotten that close. We rarely talked." She shook her head in humiliation. "We were just so damn different."
"Well, you felt more comfortable with Lantern and Flash."
"And J'onn. We were both orphans, and he made missing home a little more bearable."
With an assuring smile, I placed a hand on her arm. "Well, now you've got me. Don't hesitate to pick up the phone at any time. I work long hours."
"Thanks, Barbara."
"It's my pleasure."
Unexpectedly, she took my hand in her own. "You have got a good heart. Batman should consider himself fortunate to have a woman like you at his side."
I squeezed her hand. "Thanks, but that comment applies to you as well."
Shayera slightly rolled her eyes and moved her gaze back to her food. She then mumbled, "Maybe at one time," under her breath.
After removing my hand from her grasp, I brushed a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear, and she reacted with a small grin.
^V^
I felt a breeze and slowly opened my eyes. Shayera and I had fallen asleep not long after we had finished our food. The clock on my nightstand said it was ten past three. We had gained about three hours of shut-eye.
The Thanagarian still slept, so I crawled out of my bed and walked to the living room. I wasn't too surprised to find my mentor in the shadows, waiting for me.
His icy eyes bore into me with anger, and his cape covered his body. I could sense a lecture brewing.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Helping a woman deal with her mistakes."
"Barbara, you know better than to team up with a –"
"Traitor?" I finished and crossed my arms over my chest. "Some traitor. She was burned from two sides and lost everything in the process."
"Did she?" When I raised an eyebrow, he stated, "We didn't terminate her position on the League; Hawkgirl resigned."
I had to stop my jaw from dropping. "You're kidding."
He didn't respond.
"But why did Flash feel so guilty?"
The Dark Knight's expression didn't change. "He believes we drove her to it."
"How so?"
Once again, he kept silent. I was getting annoyed, and he could tell.
"I want you back on the streets tomorrow night. Nightwing will be out of Gotham by the afternoon." Batman turned his back to me and walked toward my open window. After shooting out a line, he left me.
Shayera was no longer asleep when I returned; she had actually changed into her own clothes.
"What's going on?" I questioned and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you leaving? It's only half-past three."
"Your boss was here, right? He wants me out."
"He didn't say that, and he wouldn't. You should know that much about him."
She let out a dry chuckle. "They obviously didn't know me, and I didn't know the League."
"They didn't? You did save Lantern's life by betraying your own kind. I think they all knew you would."
Shayera looked away from my winning gaze and stood from her seat on the mattress. She was a brave and powerful woman, but I couldn't help but notice the sadness in her posture and the pain on her face.
"Why did you resign?" I asked her and stood as well.
"Because what they had decided was illogical," she snapped. "Traitors deserve to die a traitor's death, and they chose suspension instead of execution."
"This isn't Thanagar. They aren't an army. We're all people, and we all make bad decisions. It happens."
She turned her back to me, like Batman had, and crossed her strong arms over her chest. The poor soul was punishing herself for her treacherous deeds.
"Go back to them," I pleaded. "You know you want to."
"And be on the receiving end of their looks, knowing that they are hesitant to trust me? They'll second guess me and analyze anything I tell them. I just couldn't live with myself."
"This isn't about dignity or honor anymore. You've already slaughtered that. Don't you see that it's about family, Shayera?"
She hadn't moved. Her eyes were fixated on the night that lay outside my bedroom window.
It had begun to rain.
"I need to find myself, Barbara. I need to know who I am and where I stand before I can forgive myself or make amends with any of them." When I put a hand on her shoulder, she placed a hand atop mine. I knew she'd find her way back from the lost valley she had wondered into.
She was that kind of a person.
I also knew they'd welcome her with open arms whenever she decided to return to them, but, until then, I'd be her anchor if she needed one.
"I better go."
I nodded and watched Shayera Hol open the window and climb out onto the ledge. She was truly a creature of the sky.
"Call me, Kara Kent in Smallville, or Dick Grayson in Bludhaven if you need anything at all. That range includes everything from pizza to training."
She sent me a slanted smile. "Thanks, Barbara." Shayera then flew away without looking back.
Although I wanted to watch her, my eyes found themselves starting at a figure in an alley close by. From what I could see of the dark form, it was a man who didn't resemble Batman, Nightwing, or The Flash.
A green aura suddenly shielded his body, and he flew up and in the direction opposite of Hawkgirl.
I closed my window and smiled in satisfaction.
"She'll be back in no time."
^The End of Part I^
Now, I need to know if I should continue this trilogy. Please review. I beg of you... And, if anyone knows, where do Hawkgirl and John live. I've heard Midway City and New York.
Thank you!
^^Coming soon: How is the League adjusting? How is Green Lantern doing? Is Flash the only one who really cares anymore?
Stay tuned...^^
By: Jade O'Neal
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They are property of DC Comics, Warner Bros. and others.
Spoilers: STARCROSSED. (Take note: I haven't seen the episode myself and have only drawn conclusions from bits and pieces of spoilers and pictures that I've seen on the web. This could very well be classified as and alternate universe fiction.)
Rating: PG-13 for language
Now, on with the trilogy...
^V^
I came into the underground criminal bar wearing a disguise, basically a ratty wig and sunglasses, and looking for the former Justice League member. I had tracked her from the Wayne Manor to this place and was about to make my first move.
My reason: I was worried about her.
The irony was that I had never even met her, and she didn't even know who I was. All I knew of her was what Batman, my father, and the news had told me.
She was a beautiful individual from Thanagar, a bellicose planet that was on the opposite side of the universe whose aggressive people decided to invade Earth only days ago.
The Justice League, however disillusioned and betrayed, had prevented the aliens from staying.
She, unfortunately, had been caught in the middle of a battle between her homeland and her newly adopted home.
In the end, she had lost both.
And now, she had no one.
I guess that hit a soft spot in my heart. After all, the boys I worked with, the men I loved, were orphans themselves. Thankfully, I had never had to be alone like they had. Maybe that's what I found most intriguing about her. Maybe that's what attracted my attention.
Either way, her story broke my heart.
I took a seat beside her and ordered a rum and coke, taking a glance in the mirror behind the bar. I looked absolutely ridiculous in that old blond wig and dark brown leather coat, but it was necessary. I couldn't allow anyone to know that the commissioner's only daughter was hanging around a gangster bar, hoping to connect with a "traitor." Someone would figure it all out, and my cover would be blown.
A row of glasses sat in front of the winged woman; she had downed at least four shots of whiskey before I had joined her and cradled another in her hands.
As I sipped my drink, I couldn't help studying her. The massive hawk wings were remarkably stunning and one of the most incredible sights I'd ever seen, and I've seen a great deal in my time. Her red hair, which was a few shades lighter than my own, was mussed, and her face possessed the most upsetting expression.
Because she hadn't concealed her features behind a mask, I could see how beautiful she truly was.
And how depressed she truly was.
She didn't have on her battle attire but rather wore a wrinkled tee and jeans. Although her slumped posture and slightly baggy clothing tried to deceive others, I could see that she was quite fit and toned.
Somehow, I knew that Alfred had already taken a liking to her; he was a brilliant judge of character and always has been. If he supported my actions, then I was in good shape.
At the moment, it didn't matter what Batman thought.
She swallowed the shot of scotch and ordered another. The bartender didn't comply.
"I think you've had enough, Lady," he said as he wiped down the bar.
The ex-detective narrowed her green eyes and clenched her teeth. "I'll tell you when I've had enough," she informed angrily. "I don't think you'd have enough alcohol in here for your –"
"Hold on," I interrupted and grasped her forearm to get her attention. She sent a glare at me and ripped herself free from my hold. The girl was drunk and confused; she wasn't about to trust me without a good reason.
I made eye contact and gave her a sympathetic smile to calm her nerves. The fury she had held reluctantly left her eyes, and she looked away from me. The bartender walked to the back room, allowing me to talk to her without an audience.
Not knowing what to say, I carefully asked, "Are you all right?" I knew that the question was not one she wanted to hear, but it was a way to start a conversation. All I needed was for her to trust me.
"No," she answered dryly.
I finished my drink and then questioned, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Alarm flashed in her eyes, and I saw her muscles tense up. "Why do you care?"
Quickly, I scribbled a message for her onto my napkin; it stated that I was Batgirl and that I wanted to help her. Once she read it, a cynical laugh escaped her throat. Either she didn't believe me, or she couldn't believe me.
"What's the boss say about this?" she asked, her words stumbling together.
"That doesn't matter," I told. "I just thought you needed someone to talk to. A friend to –"
She chuckled some more. "I'm a traitor, little girl. I don't have friends."
"Then make one," I challenged.
"Be warned. I've backstabbed my own family."
"I'm willing to take a risk if you will."
The Thanagarian raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "What could you possibly do to help me?"
"Well, we could start by finding you a place to stay for the night."
^V^
I walked into my apartment with her leaning on me, drunker than any frat boy I've ever known. I somehow managed to get her to my bedroom and into my bed.
The instant her head touched the pillow, she was off in her dream world. I pulled off her boots and covered her before heading back to my living room.
Tired, I collapsed onto my couch and took off the wig. Honestly, I had no idea what I was going to tell her when she awoke the next morning. How can you tell someone that you just wanted to make sure she didn't try anything stupid?
I didn't know.
As expected, one of my comrades joined me in my apartment only minutes later. He didn't use the front door either; he had slipped through a window. It was Nightwing, and he probably would ask the same question Batman would ask when he stopped by.
"What are you doing, Babs?" He crossed his arms over the blue bird on his chest and slightly shook his head. "You know he's going to get bitchy about this."
I only shrugged. "Let him. He can't tell me when to feel guilty or when to sympathize for another."
"Guilty? Why? You're not the one who decided to drop her from the League. Hell, we're not even in the League." Nightwing sat down beside me and gently moved my red hair from my face. "Really, what's the deal?"
"I wish I knew. I just feel bad for her, you know? Sure, she made a mistake. Who doesn't?"
He let out a half-bothered/half-understanding sigh. "She jeopardized all of Earth, Barbara. That's not something you can forgive easily."
I turned my body to face him and placed my hands in his. "I'm not trying to be naïve or ignorant. I just don't want her to lose herself. Whether the League agrees or not, she's a critical ally in this war against the bad guys. If she snaps, we're one person down."
He nodded, indicating his comprehension. "I've got to go." Nightwing stood, and I followed. "What do I tell him if he asks?"
"The truth," I answered without hesitation. I then planted a soft kiss on his warm lips and smiled. "Be careful out there, Officer Dick."
He laughed. "Talk to you tomorrow?"
"Sure. Stop by."
He kissed my cheek and left my apartment.
^V^
Minutes after I had finally drifted off to sleep on my uncomfortable couch, someone knocked on my door. With a groan and a few mumbled curses, I got up and walked to the entrance.
"Who's there?" I asked and looked through the peephole at a redheaded man I did not recognize.
"I'm Wally West," he announced nervously. "I'd really like to talk to you... about your visitor."
His name rung a bell, but I couldn't quite place it. He knew that the girl was with me, but I couldn't just permit him to enter.
"I know you don't know me, but I work, uh, worked with her... and your boss too. Listen, you've gotta let me see her. I could give you proof, somehow. Uh, I'm from Central City, and I, um, work with this big guy from Metropolis. I think you know him, and if you don't..."
He was The Flash. I remember Batman telling me the League's identities a couple of months ago. Batman had always made it his business to know everything about everyone.
Even if they didn't want him to.
I opened the door and invited the young, attractive man inside. After I closed it behind him, he started to explain.
"Sorry. I was following her, and I saw you pick her up at the bar... That sounds kinda hot, but, anyway, I was just guessing that you might be..."
"Batgirl?" I finished for him. When he nodded, I added, "Then its safe to bet that you're Flash."
"Yeah." He dug his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "How's she doing?"
"She's asleep. The girl had gotten herself pretty wasted and will have a hell of a hangover in the morning."
"It'd rather have a hangover than the sick feeling I've got now." Wally moved his youthful eyes to the floor in shame. He was obviously feeling culpable for what The Justice League had done to their Thanagarian member.
I noticed something in his eyes, a pure compassion for his friend. Maybe he was in love with her? Maybe he honestly cared for her?
There was a loud crash from inside my room.
"Shayera," Wally muttered and literally sped in her direction, nearly ripping the bedroom door from its hinges. I followed as quickly as I could and noted that an old vase had been knocked to the floor. I stepped around the glass and into my bathroom.
The girl had her head over the toilet, vomiting all the alcohol from her system. Wally West held her hair away from her face and had placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she was through, he helped her sit down beside him and wrapped an arm around her trembling self. Tenderly, he brushed her hair behind her ears, kissed her temple, and allowed her to lean against him.
"I've got you, Shy. You don't have to be alone. Not ever again. I promise," he whispered with his head laying on hers. When the tears began to fall from her eyes, I left the bathroom feeling as if I had witnessed a very intimate scene between either friends or lovers.
I couldn't decide.
After sweeping up the shattered vase, I went out to the living room and collapsed onto the couch. If Shayera and Wally had a good relationship, then maybe he could watch over her for a little while. She'd probably feel more comfortable with him anyway.
It only took me five minutes to doze off. I didn't wake until morning.
^V^
I slowly opened my eyes to see Dick sitting in the chair beside me, watching the news. Without moving, I listened to the GNN report.
"Just days ago, The Justice League forced the Thanagarian invaders to leave Earth. The real question is: Where does Hawkgirl fit into all this? Did she side with the enemy or her fellow superheroes?
"Earlier this morning, Superman had stopped an uncontrollable fire in his home city of Metropolis. When asked about Hawkgirl, he simply replied with a 'No comment.' Wonder Woman and The Martian Manhunter are expected to meet with the United Nations today do discuss security measures for the planet. Whether or not Hawkgirl will be mentioned is unknown. I'm –"
Dick shut off the television and tossed the remote onto the sofa. He looked tired and a little stressed. Sure enough, he gave a feeble smile when I sat up.
"Morning," he said calmly. It just made me more troubled.
"Hey." I groaned and got up to sit on his lap. "Miss me last night?" I asked playfully and buried my face in the crook of his neck.
Immediately, I could feel his body relax against mine. "Don't I always?" He wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me closer. "Her story is all over the news," he stated. "I'm not sure if it's a good idea to keep her in the apartment of the commissioner's daughter."
"Dick, you know I don't want her to be moved around if she's not up for it," I said and raised my eyes to look at him.
He halfheartedly nodded. "All right, but, just so you know, some reporters were harassing Lois Lane because of her 'supposed' relationship with Superman."
I rolled my eyes. "She doesn't even know who Superman is let alone how he feels about Hawkgirl... If that reporter comes to Gotham to interview Batman –"
"She wouldn't," Dick assured. "Bruce wouldn't let that happen."
"She's still a reporter," I reminded. "She'd do anything for a story."
Dick narrowed his sparkling eyes and grinned. "Whatever. Hey, I brought you donuts and coffee."
"You're an angel."
"I know." He kissed the top of my head, and I crawled off of him. Dick took my hand and led me to the kitchen, where I sat down as he poured a cup of coffee.
The redheaded Wally West then joined us as well, and Dick's jaw dropped. I would have killed to have a camera at that moment. It was priceless.
"Dick Grayson, meet Wally West. He's The Flash."
"Oh." His expression promptly changed, and he extended a hand. "Good to meet you."
"Same here." Wally shook it and then moved his eyes to the pastries. "Wow. Donuts." He had already begun to salivate.
"Help yourself," I told, and he instantaneously grabbed two jelly donuts and a mug of coffee. "Is she awake?"
Wally nodded and spoke with a full mouth. "Bathroom."
"I'd better go," Dick informed. "I've got things to do." He said his goodbyes and planted a brief kiss on my lips. Then he was gone.
"How's she doing?" I asked the hero that sat across from me and snatched a powdered donut from the box.
He shrugged. "Pretty good, I guess. The fact that I can tell she's hurting kinda freaks me out. She was up half the night, crying."
"Well, at least she has you."
He slightly chuckled. "Yeah right. Little, immature Flash to the rescue because she won't talk to her boyfriend."
I was puzzled. "But aren't you –?"
"Nah. She's like my very hot, older stepsister or something." Wally chugged his coffee and started on his third pastry. "It's Johnny who she really lost, though. She ripped his heart out and broke her own when she sided with that Thanagarian bastard..." He raised his eyes from the food to look at me. "I get why she did it, you know. That's the reason I forgave her."
I ran a hand through my messy hair and nodded. "Do you think the others need to see where she's coming from?"
"You know they won't let themselves see that maybe we hadn't been the family she chose because she didn't really grow up with us. She had been a cop and a fiancée long before being part of the League." He sighed. "I don't care what they say. I'm still going to be here for her, no matter what."
Wally made me smile; he had the heart of a child and managed to see the good in people. Something told me that he had probably forgiven Hawkgirl moments after the initial betrayal. He loved her very dearly, and her mistake wouldn't change that.
"Morning," Shayera greeted softly and took a seat beside Wally. Her hair was a land of chaos, and the dark circles beneath her eyes were swollen from yesterday's tears.
Wally sent her a radiant smile and poured her a cup of coffee. "There's donuts if you're hungry."
She shook her head. "Don't mention food, please." The Thanagarian sipped her black coffee and closed her eyes as the hot liquid rolled down her throat.
I had to admit that she fascinated me. Her beauty, her wings, her despair, and their friendship complemented Shayera perfectly.
The young Mr. West finished his coffee and began a conversation. "Shy, we should start our own team. 'The Just Us League.' Batgirl would want to join, wouldn't you?"
I couldn't get a word out; he had sprung the idea so spontaneously.
"What?" Shayera asked.
"Batgirl knows Supergirl, don't you? She could join. What other 'girls' do we know who could join?"
"Shut up, Wally," she ordered jokingly. "You little horn-dog."
"Yeah, but I'm a stud, and working with a bunch of hotties would be sweet."
I laughed with the other two and noticed how smiles suited them both. I also noted the slight uneasiness in her green eyes that she had masked very well; I wondered if she was resisting her need to trust us.
"Anyway, I've got to be off. People to save, you know." Wally stood and kissed the girl's cheek. "Call if you need anything, babe." She gave a nod, and he left. An unsettling silence between the two of us resulted, and her being uncomfortable was the last thing I wanted.
"I don't understand," she said and looked at me with a puzzled face.
I knew it was time to explain. "Even though we've never met, I felt for you. I don't want to make it sound like I pity you or anything; I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You don't need to be alone it this."
"Actually, I meant your hair. You were a blonde last night."
"Oh!" My cheeks started to burn with embarrassment. "That was a wig."
She grinned. "Like you said, we've never really met. You're Barbara Gordon, right?" After I nodded, she shook my hand. "I'm Shayera Hol." She chewed her bottom lip for a second and then added, "Barbara?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"No problem."
^V^
"Ha!" I heard her cry from the next room. I walked in to see her practicing on my punching bag. Her blows were swift but accurate, strong but desperate. It was as if Shayera were fighting an imaginary assailant, someone who she despised a great deal.
The Thanagarian made a roundhouse kick and literally ripped the bag from its chains, sending it across the room and into my wall. The bag laid on the floor, spilt in half, and the girl showed remorse on her face.
"Don't worry about it," I said. "I'll get Bruce to buy me another." I offered a smile but didn't receive one in return.
Shayera sat down on a chair and motioned me to join her. "Does Batman know I'm here?" she asked me when I sat down. "Because I don't want to drive a wedge between you and –"
"You won't."
"I just don't want my predicament to be yours as well."
After picking up a boxing glove, I began to play with it, wrapping the strings around my finger.
"You don't know him like I do. You don't know that he loves and forgives, even if he is thickheaded or too stubborn to show it sometimes. Somehow, a person has to look past that hardened exterior. For example, I know he'd die for me."
She moved her eyes away from me with sadness on her face. I had struck a nerve; that was obvious.
"John once said that he'd give his life for me, and I almost ended up getting him killed." Shayera slightly shook her head. "Some gratitude, huh?"
"You felt obligated to side with Thanagar because it was your birthplace. Flash, Nightwing, and I understand that. We probably would have done the same in your position. Just give the League a little time, and I'm sure they'll –"
"Don't," she interrupted. "I've been trying to rationalize what I had done to them, but there is no excuse. Not a single one can justify my actions. I can't even justify myself to myself, let alone anyone else."
Shayera knew that she had done wrong, but I could see that she wasn't going to hurt herself or anyone else. Although sorry for her actions, she didn't want to be pardoned. She wanted to redeem herself on her own terms.
Shayera wanted to earn the trust she had lost, even if it took years.
"I have an idea, Shayera. Take a shower, change your clothes, and crawl into bed. I'll order some Chinese, and we'll talk."
Surprise appeared on her face, and she smiled. "Sure."
^V^
After both of us had washed up, the food had arrived. I paid the delivery boy and carried the take-out to my bedroom.
"Here," I said and placed the boxes before her. I then sat down next to Shayera and covered myself with the comforters.
She swallowed a bite of her egg roll and slightly laughed. "You act as if you do this often."
"That's because I do. You see, whenever Kara or I get into a jam or have boy problems, we get together and eat."
"Kara?"
"Kara Kent," I clarified. "Supergirl."
"It's nice that you are so close."
I nodded and mixed my chicken and rice with my plastic fork. "Yeah. We try to spend time together. The fact that she's faster than a speeding bullet helps a lot."
She picked at her food as well; there was so much regret in her emerald eyes. "Diana and I had never gotten that close. We rarely talked." She shook her head in humiliation. "We were just so damn different."
"Well, you felt more comfortable with Lantern and Flash."
"And J'onn. We were both orphans, and he made missing home a little more bearable."
With an assuring smile, I placed a hand on her arm. "Well, now you've got me. Don't hesitate to pick up the phone at any time. I work long hours."
"Thanks, Barbara."
"It's my pleasure."
Unexpectedly, she took my hand in her own. "You have got a good heart. Batman should consider himself fortunate to have a woman like you at his side."
I squeezed her hand. "Thanks, but that comment applies to you as well."
Shayera slightly rolled her eyes and moved her gaze back to her food. She then mumbled, "Maybe at one time," under her breath.
After removing my hand from her grasp, I brushed a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear, and she reacted with a small grin.
^V^
I felt a breeze and slowly opened my eyes. Shayera and I had fallen asleep not long after we had finished our food. The clock on my nightstand said it was ten past three. We had gained about three hours of shut-eye.
The Thanagarian still slept, so I crawled out of my bed and walked to the living room. I wasn't too surprised to find my mentor in the shadows, waiting for me.
His icy eyes bore into me with anger, and his cape covered his body. I could sense a lecture brewing.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Helping a woman deal with her mistakes."
"Barbara, you know better than to team up with a –"
"Traitor?" I finished and crossed my arms over my chest. "Some traitor. She was burned from two sides and lost everything in the process."
"Did she?" When I raised an eyebrow, he stated, "We didn't terminate her position on the League; Hawkgirl resigned."
I had to stop my jaw from dropping. "You're kidding."
He didn't respond.
"But why did Flash feel so guilty?"
The Dark Knight's expression didn't change. "He believes we drove her to it."
"How so?"
Once again, he kept silent. I was getting annoyed, and he could tell.
"I want you back on the streets tomorrow night. Nightwing will be out of Gotham by the afternoon." Batman turned his back to me and walked toward my open window. After shooting out a line, he left me.
Shayera was no longer asleep when I returned; she had actually changed into her own clothes.
"What's going on?" I questioned and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you leaving? It's only half-past three."
"Your boss was here, right? He wants me out."
"He didn't say that, and he wouldn't. You should know that much about him."
She let out a dry chuckle. "They obviously didn't know me, and I didn't know the League."
"They didn't? You did save Lantern's life by betraying your own kind. I think they all knew you would."
Shayera looked away from my winning gaze and stood from her seat on the mattress. She was a brave and powerful woman, but I couldn't help but notice the sadness in her posture and the pain on her face.
"Why did you resign?" I asked her and stood as well.
"Because what they had decided was illogical," she snapped. "Traitors deserve to die a traitor's death, and they chose suspension instead of execution."
"This isn't Thanagar. They aren't an army. We're all people, and we all make bad decisions. It happens."
She turned her back to me, like Batman had, and crossed her strong arms over her chest. The poor soul was punishing herself for her treacherous deeds.
"Go back to them," I pleaded. "You know you want to."
"And be on the receiving end of their looks, knowing that they are hesitant to trust me? They'll second guess me and analyze anything I tell them. I just couldn't live with myself."
"This isn't about dignity or honor anymore. You've already slaughtered that. Don't you see that it's about family, Shayera?"
She hadn't moved. Her eyes were fixated on the night that lay outside my bedroom window.
It had begun to rain.
"I need to find myself, Barbara. I need to know who I am and where I stand before I can forgive myself or make amends with any of them." When I put a hand on her shoulder, she placed a hand atop mine. I knew she'd find her way back from the lost valley she had wondered into.
She was that kind of a person.
I also knew they'd welcome her with open arms whenever she decided to return to them, but, until then, I'd be her anchor if she needed one.
"I better go."
I nodded and watched Shayera Hol open the window and climb out onto the ledge. She was truly a creature of the sky.
"Call me, Kara Kent in Smallville, or Dick Grayson in Bludhaven if you need anything at all. That range includes everything from pizza to training."
She sent me a slanted smile. "Thanks, Barbara." Shayera then flew away without looking back.
Although I wanted to watch her, my eyes found themselves starting at a figure in an alley close by. From what I could see of the dark form, it was a man who didn't resemble Batman, Nightwing, or The Flash.
A green aura suddenly shielded his body, and he flew up and in the direction opposite of Hawkgirl.
I closed my window and smiled in satisfaction.
"She'll be back in no time."
^The End of Part I^
Now, I need to know if I should continue this trilogy. Please review. I beg of you... And, if anyone knows, where do Hawkgirl and John live. I've heard Midway City and New York.
Thank you!
^^Coming soon: How is the League adjusting? How is Green Lantern doing? Is Flash the only one who really cares anymore?
Stay tuned...^^