DISCLAIMERS/NOTES

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. As always, I'll point out this was written over a decade ago, when, here in the UK, Season 2 of the JL cartoon had yet to air. So Hawkgirl had not been revealed as a spy, and the massive, every-hero-in-the-DCU roster of Unlimited wasn't a factor. My timeline picks up after the Season 1 finale, "The Savage Time". All my Wayback Wednesday stories are numbered chronologically, if you get stuck.

3. There are aspects of these stories that, in hindsight, I would change. However, I have kept them as I originally wrote them for history's sake. Not laziness.

THE STORY SO FAR…

Superman/Kal-El
Age (approx): Mid 90s (age slowed)
Giving up his life as Clark Kent after the death of his wife Lois, the Man of Steel concentrates all his energy in protecting the world from evil. He spends all his free time at his Fortress of Solitude in the Antarctic, constantly watching over the Earth, righting even the smallest wrongs.

Batman/Bruce Wayne
Age (approx): N/A
Returning to the role he created, Bruce Wayne faked his death and enjoys his immortality by continuing his war on crime, and lives happily with his wife Diana in Wayne Manor.

Wonder Woman/Diana Wayne
Age (approx): N/A
Returning to the Justice League, Diana is once again a hero known around the world, and spreads her word of peace as an ambassador of Themyscira. She is still happily married to Bruce Wayne, and is as happy as she has been in decades.

Emerald Knight
Age (approx): N/A
Absorbing the energy of the remaining Green Lanterns, the wielder of the most powerful weapon in the universe is now the only existing representative of the late Guardians. He continues to patrol the galaxy, battling evil wherever he finds it.

J'onn J'onzz
Age (approx): N/A
Still mourning the death of his second wife, J'onn abruptly left Earth and returned to his homeworld Mars, which is now a wasteland. However, he remains there, no longer wanting to continue with his life.

Shayera Hol
Age (approx): Late 80s
The original Hawkgirl remains distanced from her old friends, waiting to die. She has not seen her friends or family in years, and has not been in contact for just as long.

PART 1

"OK, everyone, meeting adjourned."

Everyone looked up at Superion as he stood at the head of the table. They then began to get to their feet, some leaving the meeting room, some staying and socialising.

Hawkwoman went upto her husband. "Listen," she said. "Tomorrow, why don't we go visit your Dad? It's been ages since we've seen him."

Superion sighed. "I know. But… I don't know if it's a good idea. He hasn't been in contact in weeks. Not REAL contact. He just spends all his time at the Antarctic."

She stroked his arm lovingly. "It's a pity," she said. "He hardly knows his grandchildren."

Superion smiled slightly. "It's OK… one day. We'll see him soon. I promise."

Hawkwoman put her head on his shoulder, as Diana went upto them. "Very good meeting, Joel," she said.

"Thanks," Superion said. "Thanks for letting me chair it. I know it's been awhile since you've been around."

Hawkwoman looked at Diana. "Yeah, how was your vacation?"

"It was lovely," Diana said, smiling. "We went to Paris. Had French toast."

"That all?"

Diana grinned. "Well… there were other things."

Superion groaned. "I don't think I want to know."

"Where is Bruce?" asked Hawkwoman.

"He's in Gotham," replied Diana. "Just updating his files with Monica. I'll go home soon. Clark and Alice are coming over for tea."

Suddenly, there were footsteps approaching quickly, and they turned their heads to see Gold Canary running into the room. "Guys, we've got a visitor!"

"A visitor?" Diana asked.

Canary went upto them, slightly out of breath. "She's just arrived now… in a private ship.

"Who is it?" Superion said.

Canary looked at Hawkwoman. "Tarran… it's your Mom."

Hawkwoman's eyes opened wide…

/

Diana, Hawkwoman and Shayera went into the kitchen, Hawkwoman hovering over her mother. Diana pulled up chairs by the table, then went to the side. "Drinks?"

"Mom, you really shouldn't be here," Hawkwoman said. "Surely the lounge would be more comfortable…"

"Stop it, Tarran," Shayera grumbled. "Diana and I used to spend hours in here… our weekly chats are legendary. Now help your mother into this chair."

Hawkwoman slowly led Shayera to a chair, and eased her in. Shayera sighed as she settled in, and closed her eyes. It seemed even the walk from the hangerbay to the kitchen was taxing on her.

Hawkwoman sat down next to her and took her helmet off. She stared in disbelieve. "Mom… what are you doing here? It's been years… you never called… you kept moving… we haven't even known where you were for the past two years."

"I know," Shayera said. "And I'm sorry. I just… had to be alone. Since your father left, I…" She stopped, and smiled. "Never mind. You don't want to listen to me moan."

Diana went to the table with a milkshake and two Mount Dews. Shayera's grin widened. "You like that?" she asked her daughter. "That's my girl."

As Diana sat down, Tarran rested her head in her hand. "Mom… I'm sorry… but what's going on here? You only let John, Fel and I visit you occasionally anyway, but… when you last moved… you didn't even tell us. Why not?"

Shayera sighed. "I… I needed to be alone for a bit."

"But why?" Diana asked. "Shy… we've missed you so much. I know it's been hard without John and Kator but… you have friends here. We love you. How could you just leave?"

"I just felt like I needed a break," said Shayera. "And after Thomas, Grace and Jason died… I couldn't watch you in pain, Diana. I'm sorry. I was selfish. I just couldn't handle it…"

"I'm sorry, Mom, but that's not good enough," Tarran said. "You left us… only gave us Christmas cards… then two years ago, we didn't even get them anymore. You totally forgot about us."

Shayera was silent, then let out a sob.

Diana frowned. "Shy… what is it?"

Shayera took a deep breath, tears pouring down her face. Tarran, however, still appeared angry. "I'm sorry…" Shayera whispered. "I'm sorry… but I'm here now…"

"Why?" Tarran asked. "Why are you here now, Mom?"

Shayera looked at her sadly.

"I have cancer."

TO BE CONTINUED