A/N—This story is being co-written by myself and Lordfrieza. I wrote the first chapter.
Disclaimer—All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Unhappy Golden Years
Chapter 1—Sometimes You Can't Go Home Again
Terry McGinnis paused on the steps leading down to the Cave when he heard raised voices. One was Bruce and the other was female but it didn't sound like Commissioner Gordon.
"Unbelievable, I can't believe you recruited another one for your pointless and never ending mission," she hissed clearly pissed at Bruce. "Donna called me and told me before you asked how I got the details. Dick filled her in after Barbara told him."
"He found me and he stole the suit. I couldn't let him use it without training and supervision," Bruce stated coldly as he continued to type on the computer.
"You and your lost boys. They always need training and supervision. What they probably need is a normal life but meeting you always changes that," she snapped.
Terry stepped down a few more steps to see her an paused in awe. Standing in front of Bruce was probably the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was tall with long raven hair and gorgeous blue eyes. His breath caught in his throat when he noticed her clothing. Eagle breast plate, star-spangled panties, red boots and tiara. Wonder Woman.
"It is what he wants. I am not making him do anything. Besides he has been Batman for nine months and you decide now to say something?" Bruce questioned.
She pursed her lips. "I have be off world for a year on a mission," she stated flatly.
"Oh really and you didn't bother to say goodbye," he said as he leveled her with a glare.
"It hasn't been very pleasant to be around you the past few years, Bruce, and you know it," she said.
Bruce just glared at her. "Hmmh," he grunted.
"You know you have been very disagreeable in the past few years. When you go out of your way to drive people away eventually it works."
"This is your home."
She gave a short bark of laughter. "This hasn't been a home in years."
"Well you know the reason for that," he said bitterly.
"Yes, you became an ass. You had twenty years of incredible happiness which is more than most people get. You could appreciate all the wonderful things life has given you but you don't. You just make yourself bitter with what you have lost, old man."
Terry felt stunned. This had been Wonder Woman's home. Man, did Bruce have secrets. His mind raced with questions that he knew Bruce would never answer willingly.
"Still, you could tell me when you are going to leave the planet for a year. You owe me at least that," he growled.
"Really, Bruce?!" she replied.
"Stop calling me that," he hissed.
"Why? Would you prefer I can you by the more affectionate name I used to use," she said, sarcasm dripping from her lips.
"I would be more appropriate. Terry, are you going to stand and gawk on those steps all day," Bruce yelled.
Busted. Terry sheepishly walked the rest of the way down the steps. Wonder Woman turned to look at him and he felt heat rise in his cheeks. She gave him a half smile and her eyes sparkled with humor which eased some of his embarrassment. But he could barely contain his fan boy excitement. Wonder Woman in the flesh. Wow.
"Terry this is Wonder Woman and this is my new assistant Terry McGinnis," Bruce introduced.
Terry held out his hand. "It is a pleasure to me you Wonder Woman," he said in a nervous squeaky voice. He tried to clear his throat and speak again but she took his hand in a firm grip and he fell silent.
She laughed and gave him a mega-watt smile, "No need to be so formal Terry. You can call me Athena. I'm Athena Wayne."
A/N2—Athena in this story is a grown up version of the Athena Wayne from Chaosmob's Athena stories and Lordfrieza's from his The Black Sheep. She has been tweaked to fit the continuity of this story. Just remember that she and Bruce were very close in Chaos' stories.
