ION

"What is coming is better than what is gone."

An Arabic Proverb

Olivia-

[Olivia] Okay, just stop there! You can't say what happened! That would ruin the future- spoil it and Walls could die if anyone ever found out!

[Narrator] What? But I'm telling a story- I can just leave out all the action!

[Olivia] NO. You know how time travel works! I can't let you kill my cousin!

[Narrator] You'll have very angry readers- no, I will! I can't just do that!

[Olivia] I don't want Wally to die. Plus, the ending's pretty fluffy. So you'd better suck it up and do this:

[Narrator] What-

UNDISCLOSED, CLASSIFIED SCENES

[Narrator] ….What?!

[Olivia] Okay, now go ahead.

[Narrator] ….What? I- you- what- fine. Fine. Okay… so….

Head held in hands and shoulders slumped, Artemis drew shaky breaths. The Watchtower, for the most part, was intact. Whatever it was was gone now, but that's not what was bothering her. It was that her little guy was… he was still gone.

"A-Artemis?" M'gann's voice was soft as she folded her legs down, taking a seat and setting one green arm across her friend's shoulders.

Artemis squeaked in her attempt to hold back tears, her hands tightening, fingers gripping blonde hair. She didn't answer, just continued to hide in her huddle.

"Hey, I know it's scary… but… but I…" the Martian trailed. "Look, we will find him- even if I have to kill myself flying across the earth searching for him night and day, okay?"

Arty squeaked again, shaking her head. She was a terrible mother, terrible terrible and, and, and her little boy was… he was… gone.

The rest of the heroes were busy fixing up the tower already, everyone but she and M'gann. Tim sent her a worried glance as he walked past with supplies, wind whipping her hair as Bart dashed past. With all these friends, she somehow still felt so alone, so helpless, staring at the huge window overlooking their planet- the planet they protected.

If she couldn't take care of one baby, how could she protect the world?

"Ar- M-Mom?" A soft voice called.

She and M'gann jerked their heads up, Tim having left the two alone in the room. Her eyes widened upon seeing a red head shadowed by a doorway, something on his hip. Or someone.

Her fists clenched as he bent down, setting that someone on the floor. "Right… now, things are confusing, but a lot of things are gonna happen. I hope you can forgive me. I… I love you so much. Thank you, I mean. I mean… well. I love you." And then he stepped back, completely disappearing as the little someone stumbled into the light… on two feet.

Her baby boy was beaming at her, stumbling forward proudly, one foot after each other, bringing the mother's thoughts far from the teen who had left him there, reaching out her hands and cooing, the tears in her eyes sparkling as she urged him forward.

M'gann didn't forget, but smiled at the doorway, rubbing a hand across her friend's back as she lost herself in thoughts. The future could change so much. Who knows how it would for her, for Artemis, for everyone?

If only she had any clue of the future.

If only.

Wally wiped at his eyes, smiling tightly at Liv and Dick. "Alright, let's go home." He nodded, reaching out his hand with the timetek. "I want this out of my arm, the war over asap."

"We all do." Dick agreed, placing his hand over the boy's. "And Wally? You did good. Your dad woulda been proud."

Wally only smiled as Livvy added hers, clenching his fist and fading them out of this time. Hopefully forever. When the world melted back into place, they were standing in the Watchtower- but not the one they had been in seconds ago, shaking themselves out to enter the main room, bombarded by friends, family, little ones…

Johnny hug-attacked Wally, grinning mad. "Yo! You're alive!"

"Yeah." Wally breathed. "I am."

Artemis smiled from across the room. "My little guy," she breathed to herself, "I forgive you."

I

Have

Survived

...Somehow. *cough* Anyway! So super short chapter, but, well, I did it! I'll try and make the next one muc longer! Hoped you liked it! :D Now for reviews!

Rocker on: We thought it was lyme. ._. Turns out, we still dunno what it is. Oh well! :D I deal just fine! Ish! Okay, not like normal human beings... but I'm happy so it's not too bad. ;D All y'all, remember, when times get hard, that's okay. :) Just be grateful, and you'll realize there's nothing you need. I mean sure, you could have more, but you're here on! earth! And that's a gift to be endlessly grateful for! Anyway, speaking of hot dogs, I have Cheetos, sooo... those together are BOMB. XD Glad y'liked Wally and Bart's conversation!

shauna Flynn: Thanks so much, dove ;) It was more than a week or two... oops *pales* SORRY!

ColouredKittens: AAH! I did an art study just before this! It was awesome! Thanks so much for your review! :D

Guest: I caaaan't. :( But season three is gonna ruin my whole timeline, just know it XD

Weird Inhuman: Haha, it's fine XD I was gone for a while, too... *cough* Aw, sweetheart, you're way too nice ;) But thanks so much! It makes me happy to know others think I'm nice, because I try so hard! (And fail my fair share XD)

etatevelikol: Hey! This chapter was for you! You kept reviewing so I was like: WRITE WRITE WRITE! Thanks SO MUCH!