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. Just to be on the safe side, I don't own the 1997 Batman & Robin movie, either. Warner does.
3. 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.
4. It didn't take me long after writing this originally, to realise the conceit of this story is PREPOSTEROUS. Considering the universe they live in, there's no way Jason wouldn't be found in a matter of days - if not hours. Let alone remain off the grid for ten years. That said, enjoy!
5. 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/Clark Kent
Age (approx): Mid 70s (age slowed)
Continuing to defend Metropolis and the world from the forces of evil, the Man of Steel also serves as the leader of the Justice League Ultimate. Also, he is caring for his aging wife Lois, who is suffering badly from Parkinson's decease.
Batman/Thomas Wayne
Age (approx): 41 (age slowed)
Bruce and Diana Wayne's eldest son continues to patrol the streets of Gotham, but mainly deals with the escalating drug scene in the city. He is respected by his peers and finally feels comfortable in his role as the Dark Knight.
Wonder Woman/Diana Wayne
Age (approx): N/A
Still married to Bruce Wayne, Diana has taken a leave of absence from the JLU to look after him as he grows old. She helps in his search for their son Jason, but as the years go by, she becomes less confident that they will find him.
Emerald Knight
Age (approx): N/A
Wielding the ring of power, carrying the very lifeforces of the Guardians, the being who was once John Stewart patrols the universe, fighting evil in all its forms. He has broken all ties he had with his friends in the League, his focus only on his mission.
J'onn J'onzz/John Jones
Age (approx): N/A
The League's only permanent member, J'onn J'onzz married his girlfriend Lucy, and is enjoying life more than he has for centuries.
Batwoman/Grace Wayne
Age (approx): 39 (age slowed)
Leaving Gotham and relocating in Bludhaven, Bruce and Diana Wayne's second daughter continues the Bat Legacy, battling the drug trading that is overwhelming the city.
Robin/Terry McGuinnis
Age (approx): 17
His father killed by businessman Derek Powers, Terry stumbled upon the Waynes' family secret, and became a trusted ally. He currently balances his life at high school, with being the Batman's sidekick.
Bruce Wayne
Age (approx): Mid to late 70s
The World's Greatest Detective continues day and night to search for his son Jason. Though he has yet to find him, he is determined, and will not rest until he does.
Shayera Hol
Age (approx): Late 60s
Divorced from John Stewart again, Shayera returned to the Watchtower a broken woman. She now spends her time with the various members of the JLU and their families, devastated by the deterioration of her own.
PART 1
The door slowly rose, steam blowing from the ground.
The door opened fully, and the smoke breathed through the cavern.
Two figures stood by the doorway, and waited for the smoke to clear.
Slowly, two objects were revealed.
The steam dissipated, and the ceiling lights lit up, illuminating the objects.
They were black... sleek… streamlined… the light reflected off their shiny surfaces… low hums emminating from inside…
"I want a car."
Batman turned his head.
Robin smiled. "Chicks dig the car."
Batman sighed. "This is why Superman works alone."
He strode towards the Batmobile, as the cockpit opened. He hopped into it, and sat down, gripping the controls. The cockpit closed, and the engines started. Within seconds, the vehicle had flown forwards, leaving the tunnel and shooting into the night sky, towards the city…
Robin took a step forward, as the Redbird sat their, its engine humming quietly. He hopped onto the motorcycle, and looked behind him. "Don't wait up, Mon."
Monica smiled from the doorway. "I'll call Dana if you're late."
With that, the Redbird started its engines, and flew down the tunnel, into the night.
Monica turned her chair around and slowly wheeled herself to the Batcomputer. A man was sitting at the controls, his eyes not moving away from the screen. "They're gone," she said.
Bruce kept his gaze away. "Uh-huh," he grunted.
Monica sighed. "Dad… why don't you call it a night?"
He remained silent.
"You've been at it all day…"
"Is he here?"
She blinked. "What?"
Bruce looked at her. "Jason. Is he here?"
She frowned. "No…"
"Then I won't stop," he said, and turned back to the screen.
Monica sighed, and wheeled herself closer to her father. She lightly put her hand on his arm, and he stopped typing. He looked at her hand, his eyes heavy.
"Dad…" she said quietly, "I know you miss him. We all do… but it's been ten years…"
"Go to bed," he said, looking away from her hand.
"I can't," she said. "I have orders to make sure you go to bed."
He sighed. "Your mother knows not to order me around."
She smiled softly, and tightened her grip on his arm. "Dad… go to bed. If you want, I'll take over."
He paused, then took a deep breath. "You'll take over?"
"Yes," she said. "And I won't stop until Mom tells me to."
He was quiet, and closed his eyes. Monica felt her eyes water. He was so old… so frail… yet still he pushed himself… when he should be resting… enjoying what was left of his life…
"She's waiting for you…" she said softly. "Please, Dad. Go to bed."
He sighed, and slowly pushed his chair away from the desk. He reached for his cane, and gently got to his feet. He straightened as much as he could, and backed away. "Contact me if you find anything."
Monica pushed the chair away, and wheeled herself to the desk. "Of course. Sleep well, Dad."
He said nothing, and slowly went to the stairs. When he got to the bottom of the spiral staircase, he stopped, and turned around. He was about to speak, when Monica's voice came from the back of her chair.
"Go to bed."
Bruce smiled, and turned around, delicately going up the stairs…
Monica sighed. He was so old… so frail…
And it seemed he was the only one who could not see it.
/
"OK, Mrs. Kent, Mr. Kent, the doctor will see you now."
Clark Kent slowly got to his feet, and leant down. However, his wife brushed his hands away. "I can stand up on my own."
Clark sighed. She was always like this. She hated being vulnerable… hated showing weakness.
It had been two years… and she still refused to admit she was sick.
"Lois, let me help you," he said.
Lois got to her feet, visibly having trouble. "No. I'm only here because… you forced me to."
"You're not missing another appointment…"
"Do you want… me to go home?" she snapped. "Now let's get this over with." She shuffled slowly to the nurse, Clark close behind.
A few minutes later, they were sitting in the doctor's office, faced with their family doctor and five of his support staff. This was the seventh visit to the hospital they had had… and Clark hated it every time.
"So," Dr. Holurt said, "how do you feel?"
Clark turned his head at Lois, but she said nothing. She just sat there, an angry look on her face, shaking slightly yet continuously.
He looked at Dr. Holurt. "She's angry," he said simply.
The doctor sighed. "Mrs. Kent… I've said this before. There's no need to be angry. There's no need to be embarrassed. Parkinson's isn't an uncommon thing for people half your age…"
"Don't patronise me," Lois said, "Just tick the box to say that we've attended this meeting, and we'll go."
Clark looked at her. "Lois."
She sighed.
"How have you been since we last saw eachother?" Dr. Holurt asked.
When Lois again made no effort to reply, Clark shifted position in his chair. "She hasn't been any worse… at least, I haven't noticed any deterioration." He had not, either… and he could tell better than anyone. "But she hasn't gotten any better, either. The shaking is still there… she still has trouble handling objects…"
Lois ducked her head lower, her scowl increasing.
Holurt listened intently. "I see." He paused, holding his chin. "I would like to conduct some tests, if you don't mind…"
Lois tutted.
Clark ignored her. "Of course, Doctor. When do you want us to come again?"
"Actually, if it's alright, I'd like to conduct the tests today," Holurt said. "Now."
Lois' eyes widened. "No… we can't… we… have a lot on."
"Like what?" Clark said.
Lois went blank. "We… have… er…"
"Exactly." Clark turned back to Holurt. "Today would be fine, Doctor."
"Good," Holurt said. "If you would just wait here, I will contact our specialists." He reached for the phone, as pushed himself closer to his desk.
Lois looked at her husband. "Clark…"
"Stop it, Lois," he interrupted. "Let us help you."
She put her head in her hand, and grumbled.
Clark looked at her. She was so fragile… her shaking so severe…
He was the Man of Steel, yet…
He wondered if even he would be strong enough to cope if anything happened…
TO BE CONTINUED