Sorry for practically disappearing for over a month now, I've been really busy and haven't gotten around typing up this chapter, not to mention lacked inspiration to write it. Inspired by the song The Woman I Love by Jason Mraz. Best to listen to the song after reading this chapter.


J.L.A Watchtower

December 1ST 10:14 p.m.

Scarlet Tanager's Pov

I sat in the debriefing room beside Nightwing, and together we sat across the very first Flash, Jay Garrick. He had his arms over the table top, and he leaned forward, sighing. "So what is this about, Batman? Why suddenly ask for me to come to the Watchtower?"

Batman nodded for me to explain. I made sure that he had his full attention on me before I spoke, "Because you can help us bring Wally back."

Pure shock and surprise was instilled into his expression. "He's alive, but how—?"

Batman decided to take control of the explaining from there. He pressed a few keys on his computer glove, a few images of what was supposed to the Speed Force effect appearing before us. "The chrysalis that almost enveloped Earth four months ago used Wally as an exit when Barry, Bart and Wally tried to reverse the chrysalis. Instead of just acting as an exit, it sent Wally through the Speed force, where he ended up on Savoth."

Immediately, Jay's face turned to one of deep understanding. Suddenly, he slammed a fist on the table. "Why didn't I think of that before? Of course it was the Speed Force! Now you want to use the Speed Force fragment I have to bring him back right?"

"It's a more complicated than that," Nightwing said, beginning to press away over his own computer glove. One of the screens enlarged, allowing us a full view of the image it framed: Savoth. "You were accidentally sent there just like Wally, and since history seems to repeat itself, now Wally is stuck there to help fight their war."

"Against who? Is it those invaders again?" Jay asked, his eyes never leaving the image of Savoth. It was an image that had a clear view of the lake and mountains I had seen, and the strange circle I stood on had an arch over it with the Flash emblem in the center.

"The Reach," I said. I began to explain how my psychic powers along with Karie's, can basically physically stand and roam the planet. He was surprised to hear at first, but when I had told him about the trade of the fragment, and how the Reach has the city of Savoth hostage. "The only ones to escape were S'kidd Flash, and Wally."

Batman, Nightwing and I began to listen carefully, as Garrick began to mutter to himself. "Another invasion? The Reach? Another fragment, ugh, Gorflack how could you?!"

"Gorflack?" Nightwing and I piped up simultaneously. I couldn't help but crack a small, one-sided smile.

"He was the one who had given me the Speed Force fragment; he created it," Jay answered, calming down. He buried his head in his hands, but it was an improvement. "He was a scientist who study the Speed Force and genetic engineering on Savoth."

"And now he's one of the hostages of the Reach," I sighed. If they knew of his position and his knowledge, then they could use him against his own will. "We're not sure why the Reach want a the fragment so much, but after what happened to Earth, we all know that it will only lead to world domination and destruction."

"With the fragment that you currently have a hold of, I plan on building a zeta-tube that could safely transport us there and back," Batman started, minimizing the image of Savoth, and enlarging another model of a Speed Force-powered zeta-tube.

"But if you make a zeta-tube, then you'll automatically be transported to that arch right there," Garrick said, zooming beside Batman to tap the image of Savoth. "If you zeta there at the wrong time, you might get caught by the Reach."

"That's why Scarlet Tanager is going to psychically join all of our minds so that I can explain to Wally how all of this is going to work," Batman responded. He gave me a short nod, but I was already joining all of their minds with mine, including Wally's. His presence seemed so clear now that I knew he was alive.

There we were, suddenly warped into my mind. Jay looked around at the white walls, gold frames with moving memories, and the high chandelier. I sucked in a breath of air, counting the number of body signatures around me. One, two, three... and four. I smiled, opening my eyes when I heard Nightwing speak up first.

"It's been a long time, huh Wall-Man?" Nightwing laughed. Looking up at him, I could see just how happy he was, seeing his best friend right in front of him. I could even imagine his misty-blue eyes behind that domino mask just shining with happiness. Wally was equally ecstatic.

"Nightwing, man it's been a long time alright!" Wally exclaimed as he and Nightwing shared a bear hug, before taking each other in. Wally's expression suddenly dawned into realization. "Oh, happy birthday man!"

I laughed, breaking the little bromance moment. "I'm glad you two could see each other again, but I can't keep this up for long."

Next, it was Jay's turn to be starstruck. Maybe Batman was a little starstruck too, but he knew how to hide his emotions. "Wally, it really is you isn't it?"

Wally grinned upon noticing Jay. "Looks like déjà vu, huh Jay? Now it's my turn to lead Savoth to victory."

Jay tackled Wally with a big old hug, and Nightwing and I smiled. Nothing like a grandfather and grandson moment after a best pal one, now all that's left is the girl he left behind. I can't wait to see how that'll turn out.

"Scarlet Tanager, if you could." Batman beckoned to one of the many gold frames hung horizontally along the walls. I quickly strided over to Batman's side, conveying the memory of the Speed Force-powered zeta-tube. "Wally, Jay, I apologize for cutting your reunion short, but Scarlet Tanager won't last any longer."

"I'm fine," I retorted quickly, and firmly, trying to prove Batman wrong. The look he gave me told me that he knew that we both knew better, but I'd make the effort to hold this connection for as long as possible. Nightwing came up beside me, indiscreetly grabbing my right hand. I smiled up at him, even though my mask covered it, but he smirked knowingly. I traced the ring underneath my suit with my thumb, realizing how close our big day really was.

I knew that Batman had seen my small action, knowing exactly what I was thinking. His pause to observe me was short, and he continued on with our mission, "This zeta-tube I'm building will automatically transport us to this arch, so you and S'kidd Flash will need to be ready to meet us there, and get us out. Scarlet Tanager will be the first to arrive along with Kitsune and Miss Martian because of their telekinesis. If by chance the Reach catch us when we are arriving here, they will create distractions and clear their mind of everything that has happened within the last two minutes. We are also going to need a timed schedule for when the soldiers make their daily walk past the arch."

"S'kidd and I will get a schedule within two to three days," Wally said, scratching the back of his head in thought. "How long is it going to take for you guys to finish the zeta-tube?"

"Two to three days times is long enough," Batman answered. "Once we get back to Earth, I'm going to go with Jay to retrieve his Speed Force fragment. Nightwing, Scarlet Tanager, I want you two to go to this empty room in the Watchtower, and begin to piece together the zeta-tube."

"Anything else?" Garrick asked, looking around from person to person.

Batman looked at me, signaling me to sever the connection. I nodded, looking at Wally one last time. He nodded confidently, a small smile etched on his face. With his confirmation, I finally broke off our connection to his.


California, Palo Alto

December 1ST 12:04 p.m.

Artemis' Pov

Karie and I sat down outside of a small restaurant, taking our orders of hot chocolate and peach cobbler pie slices. I pulled my green coat around me, noting the slight chill of fall. Karie pulled something out of her coat, looking down at it, before up at me. The look in her eyes was a happy one, but there was a slight sadness about them.

"Read it," she said, sliding the envelope over the small counter top. I picked it up, flipping it over for a name. There was none. When I looked at Karie for an answer, she only said, "I think you'll know after you've read it."

I opened it cautiously, not knowing what to expect from this strange letter. Who writes a letter any more? The letter was wrinkled, like the person who wrote it was having a tough time getting the words on to the paper, but the writing seemed all too familiar. It couldn't be...

Hey babe, sorry to hear that you were crying on my birthday, I can't blame you though. If I knew you were gone and it was your birthday, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Stop crying for me, 'kay? Anyways, I'm alive and I'm okay, just stuck on a different planet called Savoth. Get this: the Reach are trying to take over this place for some Speed Force fragment, and this thing could bring me back home. It could bring me back home to you. Only problem is, only a guy named Gorflack knows where it is, but if I tried anything, then the Savothians are doomed.

Did I ever tell you the story about Jay? He came to Savoth by accident because of Gorflack, and helped lead his people to victory when their planet was invaded by alien intruders. Ever since, the people here idolize anyone with a lightning bolt on their chest. Guess people just can't get enough of the Wall-Man... I've already talked to Karie, and she said that she would tell you and Batman about my case. I guess you were right, huh? 'There's always going to be another world to save' remember, back in Paris? Aw, we so have to go back there sometime once I get back. I'm doing everything I can to save these people, and to get back to you, so I just want you to know that I love you, and I'm always thinking of you. Always, Artemis. And I hope you've never stopped rooting for me either. - Love, Baywatch

A choked sob escaped when I finished reading the letter. A tear fell on to it, and I quickly wiped my tears away so that it wouldn't ruin the letter. Stupid Wally, always making me worry like that. Then again, I did the same when I went undercover.

"Napkin?" Karie offered me a white napkin from the dispenser on the table. I nodded a thanks, taking the napkin and wiping away my tears furiously. Karie scoffed, "He sure has a way with words I'm guessing?"

"This is the most sweetest thing he's ever written," I said, shaking my head. I sniffled, watching the waitress place our mugs of hot chocolate, and plates of pie in front of us. "Thank you."

"Thanks," Karie said, picking up her fork and breaking off a piece of her pie. She ate happily, swallowing before she continued to speak. "Batman is planning on building a zeta-tube to Savoth powered by a Speed Force fragment that Jay Garrick has. I already know that you're definitely on the team to go there first."

"Partners are meant to be there for each other. I guess it's time for Artemis and Kid Flash to help save another world," I smiled happily. 'Artemis was Wally's partner' I had told Bart. And she'll always be his partner. "How did you even know?"

Karie sighed, looking tired, and taking a sip of her hot chocolate. I wrapped my cold hands around my mug, savoring the warmth. "That night, when I was over at your place on Wally's birthday. I fell asleep on your sofa thinking about how sad you were, and that led to Wally. I guess, I wanted to find him so you could be happy again. I Soul-Cloned in the middle of my sleep, and there I was; Savoth, with Reach soldiers patrolling every part of the planet. If it weren't for my powers, I would've never heard S'kidd tell me to hide."

"S'kidd?" I asked, my eyebrows raising.

"One of the citizens of Savoth," I answered, finishing my pie. "He was created to be the Flash's sidekick. That's why his name is S'kidd Flash."

"Why didn't you tell me when you woke up that day?" I asked, the sound of betrayal just evident in my voice.

"I'm sorry, Artemis, but it wasn't the right time too," I said, looking down into my now empty mug of what once was hot chocolate. "Wally needed time to figure out what to say to you, but after Alexis found her way there, I think he finally knew. I found him because I wanted you to be happy again, and Alexis wanted Dick to be the same."

"...Did you or Alexis tell Wally about the wedding?" I asked, after I quickly downed the rest of my pie with the rest of my hot chocolate.

"I think they're planning on telling him after we save Savoth," I answered honestly. "A guy like Wally can only take so much at a time."

We shared a laugh, a real laugh, one we haven't had in a long time. I savored this moment of peace, happiness and worry-free. After all, we might not have something like this once Batman is finished building the zeta-tube.


Gotham City, Wayne Manor

December 1ST 11:58 p.m.

Dick's Pov

I lied on my bed, with my hands behind my head. Alexis was lying beside me, her head resting on my chest. Today had been a long day for the both of us; mentally and physically excruciating. Batman was still up at the Watchtower finishing the new zeta-tube to Savoth, having told the rest of the team and the League to go home. That was one thing I never understood about him; how his determination could stay so strong in the worst situations. But it was one of the many lessons he's taught me: In a do or die situation, try to do the best to your ability to change the outcome, and if all else fails, you die trying. Being the impatient nine-year-old I was then, I didn't understand.

I glanced down at Alexis, and smiled when I noticed she had tilted her ear to listen to the steady rhythm of my heart. Ever since the fail safe training exercise, and watching Alexis go out with a smile, the lesson became as clear as day. I had known that even if we tried to stop the mother board from blowing, we were going to be taken out, one by one. Alexis hadn't known, she hadn't been trained long enough, but she had understood that lesson since day one.

"Do you want to talk to Wally?" Alexis suddenly asks. Her head is tilted upwards so she can see me.

"He's probably sleeping after Bats gave him such a long to-do list," I said, smiling. Batman had gone all out with the explanation, making sure that Wally understood what he and S'kidd were suppose to do.

"True," Alexis laughed. "Now that I think about it, could the city detect any Speed Force activity, or zeta-tube?"

"Bats' already thought the whole thing through, even though Garrick had told him how advanced they are with technology. If anything, he tried to hide the transmission," I answered, knowing that Batman wouldn't over look something like that.

"Is the whole team going to come to Savoth?" Alexis asked, her eyes wandering to the ceiling of my room. "I'm just not sure if we could stay undetected with so many people in the bunker."

"Aqualad, Batgirl and I get a say in who's coming, but Batman will have his own," I answered, sliding my hand over her arm.

"From now on, until tomorrow, we're going to stop talking about depressing and serious topics like these." Alexis jumped off the bed, easily striding over to my balcony doors. She slid the curtains to the side, revealing almost three-feet of snow packed on the balcony behind the doors. She opened the two doors, scooping up some of the snow into her hands.

"Alexis?" I slid off my bed, walking over to my coat stand and grabbing my robe. I turned and said, "You're going to catch a—"

I ducked, hearing the snow hit the wall behind me and fall to the ground. I quickly snuck a look at the ball of melting snow that sat slumped against the floor. Turning to look at Alexis, I saw that she was frowning, but had already grabbed more snow, and was balling it up in her numbing red hands. I dropped the robe, walking closer to Alexis.

"So I'm guessing you'd rather build a few more twelve-foot snowmen?" she asked, looking straight into my eyes. I saw how serious she was, and I smiled inwardly; she always looked cute when she was dense.

"Not exactly," I smirked, quickly stealing her finished snowball out of her hands and slipping it down her back. She let out an ear-piercing shriek, before slapping one hand over her mouth, and one up her shirt to rid it of the melting snow. I laughed as she shook from the chilling snow that was sliding down her back. When she finally managed to remove the snowball from her shirt, she glared at me, but she was smiling playfully. "A kiss for every hit."

I shut the balcony doors, and when I was hoping to catch her by surprise again, she surprised me by quickly pressing her lips against mine. She never made such blunt advances, usually because she was too timid, or because she was more patient in that way. That's also why she's so patient when it comes to explanations to sink into her dense and stubborn mind. Other than thinking about that, all I could think as we stood there was, "Forever. She's going to be mine forever."


Finally finished this chapter! I've been so occupied lately, I haven't gotten time to actually sit down and finishing typing this. I hope you enjoyed it!

If anyone didn't understand the title of this chapter, it's because both Wally and Dick are thinking about the woman they love. Wally with his letter to Artemis, and Dick thinking about tying the knot with Alexis in the future, and spending the rest of his life with her.

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