7. Angel

Diana watched as the little 'winged' girl made her way towards Batman. As she neared them, her eyes fell on Diana and so did her bright smile. Losing her concentration, she began to falter and fall towards the ground. Batman rushed forward and caught her in his arms. She hugged him tightly, her eyes never leaving the tall dark haired beauty standing in front of her.

Diana managed to smile, which caused the girl to immediately duck into Batman's chest. Sensing her nervousness, Batman kissed her softly on the forehead, causing her to look at him and smile a bright, toothy smile at him.

----

"I see you have been practicing," he said, a tenderness in his voice, which didn't go unnoticed by Diana.

"Yes" she nodded her head vigorously, hugging him even tighter. "If I think hard enough, I can do almost two minutes now," she stated proudly, earning a encouraging pat from her father.

"Who is she?" asked the girl, referring to the new guest.

Batman turned to face Diana. But the girl, moved so that she was over his back now, still not facing Diana. Slowly she moved down his back and lifting his cape, huddled close to him, gripping his thigh.

"This is Diana. She is also called Wonder Woman" introduced Batman. Diana could see the girl peeking out from between the cape's folds, and smiled at her once again, causing her to withdraw back.

Batman moved his cape so that the girl was visible now. "This is Shaye, my daughter," he stated.

Diana smiled at the girl once again, "Hi Shaye" she offered, bending down and offering a hand.

Shaye took a step towards Diana, before stopping and looking up at her father. "Can I go to her?" she asked, her next words causing Diana's heart to clench. "Do we trust her" she asked, asking for her father's permission, his 'go ahead' to take Diana's hand.

-----

Before Batman could answer her question, they were interrupted by a sudden burst of scarlet. "Hey 'kitling', guess who's here" exclaimed Wally.

"Uncle Walls," cried out Shaye, jumping to hug the redheaded hero.

"Whoa. Look at you, all grown up. The last time I saw you had itsy-bitsy feathers, and now look at you. Guess our kitling is all grown up," he stated, ruffling her hair.

"Hummph," Shaye huffed , smoothening her hair. "I am not kitling anymore. I am a hawk-bat now. Just like my mummy and daddy."

"Aw, but you'll always be my kitling, my little kite. Just like I'll always be Uncle Walls, won't I?"

"Yes" she answered, hugging him tightly and kissing him on his cheeks.

"Good evening, Shaye"

"Good evenin' Uncle J'onn" exclaimed Shaye, breaking off from Flash and flying towards J'onn. "See I practiced what you and daddy told me to do, and now I can fly for two whole minutes."

"Good" commended J'onn.

Diana stood in silence, watching the interaction between the Shaye and the three men. Her innocence seemed to lighten everything around her, including the calm Martian. She was like an angel, bringing light to the dark confines of the cave.

-----

"Good evening Sirs" came a familiar voice from the steps. Turning around Diana saw the familiar visage of Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's faithful butler and surrogate father.

Walking to them, he smiled a small smile at Diana. "Miss Diana, a pleasure to see you. It's been many years."

"Alfred," said Diana, stepping forward and hugging the older man. He looked almost the same as he did years ago, except for a few more wrinkles and a lot of grey hair.

"Alfie m' boy," exclaimed Flash, slinging a hand over Alfred.

"Master Wallace, it's nice to see you again. I am glad you are finally out of their wretched hands and safely with us."

Flash nodded his head, "You're telling me. Let me tell about it."

"Is everything ready?" interrupted Batman.

"Yes sir, I have prepared rooms for both Miss Diana and Master West. "I have prepared dinner. Would you like me to serve it now or later?"

"Get them settled first" answered Batman, walking away to the changing rooms, followed closely by his daughter who was skipping along.

"Very well sir" Alfred motioned to Wally and Diana to follow him. "This way sir, madam. You too Miss Shaye" he called, earning a humph and a long 'But Aaalfreddd' from her before she walked over to him.

"But I have so much to tell him" she pleaded. "He was gone for sssoooooo many days."

Alfred gave her a small smile, "He will join us shortly. He just needs to change."

---

She didn't look convinced, but a loud 'ten minutes' from the changing rooms seemed to sooth her. She took off running up the stairs, her light grey wings rustling behind her.

Flash also took off after her, jogging along slowly to keep pace with her.

"Sweet child" commented Diana. "How old is she?"

"She is almost ten according to earth years, but due to her mother's 'heritage' she ages slower than earth children," informed Alfred.

"Mother….Shayera," said Diana, more as a statement than a question.

"Yes Mrs. Wayne, had quite an 'interesting' pregnancy" reminisced Alfred. "Especially the delivery. Madam almost took Master Bruce's head off during labor."

'Mrs. Wayne' thought Diana. 'They married'

"Where is she?" asked Diana.

Alfred stiffened at her question as if an old wound had been slashed open. He spoke softly, pain clear in his words.

"We lost her five years ago?"