Any Better Than This

The new figure before her tilted his head and smiled, "What's the matter? Got nothing to say to your dear old dad?" he questioned.

Chelsea's gaping mouth was vibrating with confusion. She took a step forward, "Dad?" she asked.

"What?" Wally asked with disbelief.

"I don't understand… there's just no way." Chelsea murmured, "This makes no sense! Dr. XYZ was the one that mutated my DNA! He's the reason I'm like this now!"

"It was all me," he said proudly, "those superheroes you grew up worshipping… they all had secret identities right?" he started to walk around on the street, examining the artificial grass and the mailboxes, "I had a secret life as well… And I grew so resentful…" he shot her a cold stare, "You didn't know it, but your dad was doing all the things us Gotham crooks do… until I got caught by the Batman." His eyes turned to Batman, "And here I had a daughter at home who worshipped the very man I despised. And after your incident with the pulmonary embolism I thought… I'll make her daddy's little girl again… she'll wipe out the Batman for me."

In the blink of an eye he was standing over her with his hand clenched around her face, "But no! Instead of following in your father's footsteps you decided to be a hero instead! The night your mother figured out what I had been up to I tried to stage an accident to make her disappear, and just as I was about to you decided to make a surprise visit home from college that night!" Chelsea's eyes watered with malice.

"Then you were the one who- How could you…?" Chelsea whined, her lip quivering, "She was my mother!" her eyes glowed as she threw a fist at her father.

He caught her shaking hand with ease, "Please," he told her, and hurled her back with telekinetic force, slamming her into a nearby house. He lifted his hands before her friends could strike back, propelling them against the houses on either side of her, "I am all powerful here." his eyes glowed red, filled with wrath that was absent in his daughter's eyes with their bright white light of truth. He approached them, hovering midair, "You will be the reason the Justice League fails! Darkness will reign supreme across the world as evil purifies the Earth to its natural state… burning."

Chelsea eyes were still glowing white. Her mind was racing. It was as if she was trying to find the solution to a very complex equation. There had to be a way to stop all of this. This was her mind. If it were possible, perhaps they were now connected in many ways. She came to a shocking realization, "Monster," she said, not even allowing the word dad escape her lips ever again. This man was not her father. As far as she was concerned, her father was dead as well, and had been for some time, "I will not allow you to do that." She separated herself from his hold all of her own willpower, "You will do no harm to my friends or any of the innocent people on Earth! I won't allow it!" beams of light shot from her eyes enveloping her father's face in blinding light. He clutched his face in his hands, unable to see. She had a theory and was ready to test it. Lifting her hand, she pictured throwing him into a building. His body lifted and was tossed into a glass window into a house nearby.

"How did you do that?" wondered Wally.

She turned around to watch them land on the ground. Her father's grasp on them had been severed when his concentration had been snapped. She had a sorrowful expression as she gave a glance to each and every one of them. Her eyes stopped on Bruce, "When he entered this place, he tapped into my inner most capabilities that even I was not aware of, and took them for himself. Because of the link he created, whatever happens to one of us, also afflicts the other." She held out her hand to them, palm down, "If I'm right… then the only way this storm will ever end…" tears drew lines down her cheeks as her fingers parted, "than I must… make a great sacrifice…" She forced a smile, "Bruce… remember when I told you that fate puts us right where we're meant to be…? I still believe that… and you once told me that a person can find their own purpose… well I think I've found mine…"

Her friends were pushed back against the wall. They were paralyzed, unable to move. It was not her father's doing this time, but her own, "If I destroy him… there's a good chance I will be destroyed too… but that's my decision to make… and I accept it… to get you all home." she sniffled, trying to keep her smile, but the tears never stopped flowing. Clouds started closing in above them. It started to rain, "I'll put an end to this storm… for the only family I've got."

"No!" Wally cried.

"This is crazy! It won't solve anything!" Bruce barked.

"I've learned so much from all of you…" Chelsea shook her head with her voice trembling, "Thank you… thank you so much."

"Chelsea!" Diana screamed.

"This is just what he wants!" Clark tried to reason.

"And tell J'onn the same for me…" Chelsea instructed turning her back on them and making her way toward the villain she had ran from for so long. He appeared out of the building, but she grabbed him with her newfound telekinesis and whirled him into Gotham River just off the coast. Taking a deep breath she concentrated all of her power into her body. It started to glow. Light started to wrap around her like a skin tight suit of armor. When it reached her long hair, it crashed down, seeming to extend its length. She looked like a bright star, shining in the daytime, during a wild, violent storm. When her father came shooting out of the water, she took off at lightning speeds, giving the impression of a shooting star. They collided; good versus evil, light versus the darkness, daughter against father. All at once the darkness and clouds disappeared, revealing the sunlight. It was warmer and richer than anything the others had felt before.

They suddenly weren't being held against their will. Chelsea appeared over them, her body still glimmering with luminosity. She smiled down at them, "Thank you…" she told them. Her body started to fray and shatter into pieces tiny enough to thread through the eye of a needle. She was carried by the wind, raining down on them. The world around them blinded them with light and all at once they stood in The Watch Tower once more.

J'onn stood up when his friends reappeared, "What happened? How did you all return?" he noticed Chelsea's body did not stir, "Where is she?"

They all looked defeated. They weren't able to even make eye contact with J'onn. Without a word, Bruce turned away from the rest and started his long walk toward the landing bay.

"You've got to wake up…"

"Who is this…?"

"You know who it is… I know we haven't spoken in some time… but don't tell me you've forgotten my voice…"

"...Mom?"

There was laughter, "I wish I could have seen you when I woke up… I'm so sorry… so sorry… but he got to me before I had the chance to tell you of the monster he had become…"

"No…" she said, "It's my fault… I couldn't save you."

"Always so quick to blame yourself for things that were never in your hands. My dear sweet Chelsea… you need to wake up now."

"I thought I was dead…"

"You're not done… you've got too many people who love you… they're your family, right?"

"Where am I then?"

"The place between life and death… the place before the point of no return… but you must go back to them now…"

"But what about you?"

"Someday sweetheart… we'll see each other again someday… until then… please… be happy. Just… be happy…" her mother's voice started to fade into the distance.

A shock spread through her body as she sprang to life. She choked and breathed like she had been suffocating. She was back in The Watch Tower. Everyone was here.

Bruce looked back and stared at her wide eyed. Quickly he made his way back to her, gathering around her with the others.

She looked at them with hopeful smiles, "You're all okay." she said relieved with a hoarse voice.

Wally was afraid to touch her in fear he might watch her shatter again. His hand gingerly grazed her shoulder. When he was sure she was staying solid, he pulled her into a tight embrace and started to cry, "It's really you. You're alive." He was shaking. He pulled away a bit and gave her a glare, "What were you thinking?!"

"Says the boy who nearly got himself killed!" she retorted, poking her index finger at his chest.

They heard the landing bay door close. Batman was gone. Chelsea looked at the rest of them confused, "Where's he going?" no one answered.

She followed after him, the doors opening and closing behind her. Running down the steps she found him looking out at the landing bay on a balcony. He was leaning over the railing with his head down, "Bruce…?" she asked. She watched a tear escape his cowl, "Are you alright?" she asked.

It took him a moment to turn toward her. He looked so pained. He slowly approached her. She stiffened, ready to receive a tongue lashing for her reckless behavior. That she was a child for being so quick to toss her life away for all of them. He was standing over her. His broad, impressive frame casted a shadow over her small body. He reached out his hand and used it to prop her chin up to look him in the eyes. Her eyebrows raised slightly, unsure of what his stare meant. Leaning in, his lips found hers. It was a soft exchange. Wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her in closer and deepened the kiss. When he pulled back, she swallowed, "Bruce…?"

His eyes narrowed. He exhaled deeply from his nose and pulled her in tightly, "I love you." He told her. Her eyes shined, "I've always loved you…" he admitted, "I wanted to tell you for so long… and when you evaporated in air right in front of me I realized I would never get to tell you… that all this time I feared those very words… and that it was too late…" she placed her hand on his shoulder blade, "but I do…" he said softly, "and when you decide what you want… no matter what that is… know that, that won't change… no matter what."

She pulled back to look him in the eyes. What could she say to this? It was so sudden. She had longed to hear these words from him, and yet, now more than ever, she was terrified. Offering him a smile she laced her fingers with his, "I want to make sure everyone's alright… come with me?" she asked. She felt the time frame was closing in on her.

Before too long, she would a feel a brush against her leg, sweeping up into her body and onto her face. A gentle breeze; a wind of change. Things were about to change. She stood at a fork in the path. All eyes were on her to make a decision on where in life she'd like to go next. It was the most frightful she had ever felt. Bruce told her he loved her. She never expected him to be the one to say it first. It just wasn't like him. And it caught her so off guard. And while it was such a warm welcoming confession, it only seemed to lead to more spiraling in her heart and mind.

When the doors opened, the rest of the group looked to them with hopeful stares. The monitors behind J'onn started to flash red. Chelsea took a deep breath and smiled, "Let's get to work." she told them.

A week passed…

It was decided a banquet dance would be held at The Watch Tower just for the Justice League members to gather together and be thankful for the team. If an issue were to arise they were ready for combat, but Superman stressed that the meeting was mandatory so those like Bruce who loathed such occasions couldn't skip out.

Chelsea was dressed in a crimson halter cut dress with make up to accentuate her beaming green eyes and rounded lips. Her hair was done up in a fancy fashion with a few stray curls dangling down from the curled up masterpiece on the back of her head. She wore heels to match the dress. When she walked they made a click-clack sound. As she entered the large hall that was usually vacant in The Watch Tower some of the members were already inside. There were some small round tables to the side for sitting, a long table that had many different kinds of foods sprawled across it, a large open space to dance, and a stage with a microphone.

"You look lovely," complimented Clark, as she approached the small group that included himself, J'onn, and John Stewart. They were all dressed sharp. Even the Martian Manhunter had used his shape shifting to put on some nice clothes.

"The suits are a nice touch," she winked at them. John Stewart fiddled with his cuff button on his suit. Chelsea took note of this and helped him clasp it together, "Someone a little nervous to impress Shayera?" she teased.

John shook his head at her and rolled his eyes, "You look to be trying to please someone yourself."

Maybe she was. The question was: who? She let a deep breath escape her nose. Noticing Shayera and Diana coming in the room now, she shot a smirk at John and walked away. She got up on the stage to take a look around. That's when she heard the clanging of a spoon to a glass. It was Clark teasing her. Everyone was smiling at her, "Aw come on you guys. Wal and Bruce aren't even here."

"We want to hear a speech!" called Shayera with a tease.

"You guys are unbelievable…" Chelsea murmured into the microphone. They all started to chuckle amongst themselves. Chelsea paused to think about what she might want to say, "These last few weeks have been really hard on me…" she admitted into the microphone. Everyone was surprised she decided to speak her mind after all, "I feel bad saying this without two of our members not currently being present but… I would hope by now they already know these words…" she looked to her friends, "I have only ever had my parents my whole life… and it feels like in an eye blink they're gone… but what I have here is like nothing I've ever had before… friendship, unity, reliability, and a bond that most people probably don't get the opportunity to have in their lifetime." she looked at each one of them, "You guys mean so much to me. Never doubt how much of an impact you have made on my life and how much I love you all." She held back tears, as not to make a mess of her make-up, "If I had a glass…" she revealed her empty hands to make a joke, "I'd raise it to all that stand here in this room… and two others… to family. You're my family and I am so thankful for that." When Chelsea looked up they were all holding wine glasses. Wally and Bruce had quietly stepped in to hear her speech and silently joined the others.

"To family," Clark nodded.

Chelsea smiled at them as they all toasted together in a circle. She stepped off the stage and made her way to the sound system to start the music. It started with the soft tone of strings. When she entered the group she glanced over at Shayera and John, "John! You need to take your lady out on the dance floor." She winked.

John gave her a cold look. Shayera grabbed his arm, "At least she had the nerve to say so." She jabbed, taking him out on the dance floor.

"Find me here… and speak to me… I want to feel you… I need to hear you…" the singer on the track sang lowly. It was the start of a song called Everything by Lifehouse.

Chelsea smiled watching the two of them together. She sighed, trying to keep the smile on her face as she swayed back and forth to the music.

"You are the light, that's leading me, to the place, where I find peace… again." continued the song.

"Want to dance?" asked a familiar voice, "You're already halfway there anyhow."

Her smile turned genuine, as she looked to Wally, "I'd love to."

He led her out to the dancefloor. She put her arms around his shoulders and he put his around her hips. They swayed back and forth, Wally doing his best to stay in time with the slow beat.

"You are the strength that keeps me walking. You are the hope that keeps me trusting. You are the light, into my soul… you are my purpose… you're everything." the lyrics spun around the room, creating a mood in the dimly lit setting.

"Bruce told me about what you did." she said to him, resting her head against his shoulder and snuggling in closer.

His arms folded across her back as they swayed in one place, "Well… I wanted to get you back."

"You shouldn't have done it… you might not be standing here with me now had I not been able to pull you back." she said softly, still pained at the idea of his sacrifice.

"How can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be, any better than this?" wondered the singer on the sound system.

"I don't think you have any room to lecture me on death defying stunts, do you?" he questioned, brushing a curl behind her ear, before putting his arm back around her.

"I love you Wally," she told him. His heart skipped a beat, "How could you say that to Bruce? That I love him… do you honestly think there's no love in my heart for you?"

So that's what she meant. He swallowed and chuckled at her, "I know you do." he admitted, pressing his nose to her hair. Her smell intoxicated him. She was the only one that made him so weak at the knees, "I love you too… that's why I did it." he admitted so matter of factly in hopes that it wouldn't set her off to what he was really getting at. Wally lifted his head and smirked. Guiding out Chelsea's body he spun her once and then spun her outward, steadily letting go of her hand. It was possibly the hardest thing he had done up until this point, as she was whirled right into Bruce's arms.

"Mind if I cut in?" he asked in his deep voice.

Chelsea's face glowed with red. She bit her lip.

"What?" he wondered.

"I don't understand how it's possible for you to look me in the eyes and me lose all things that seemingly come natural," she told him, placing her hands on his shoulders, "you know… standing… speaking… breathing." she joked.

"You calm the storms… and you give me rest. You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall. You steal my heart… and you take my breath away. Would you take me in? Take me deeper now…" the song continued.

He pulled her in closer, placing one hand on her hip and using the other to gather her hand in his. He was a much more sophisticated dancer. He looked her over, "Well," he said, spinning her so her back was to his front, he nestled her in his arms, "if you fall, I'll catch you. If you lose your voice, I'll find it. And if you forget how to breathe…" he placed his nose to the back of her ear and let his breath tease her neck with goose bumps, "I'll remind you." he told her.

"And how can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?" continued the song.

"Hey everybody! Look at this new feature!" announced Clark, as he pushed a button and one of the walls opened, exposing a view of Earth and the stars. It looked as if a meteor shower was occurring just outside the window.

"'Cause you're all I want. You're all I need. You're everything. Everything. You're all I want. You're all I need. Everything. Everything." explained the song as everyone paused, moved by the view.

Wally approached Chelsea opposite of Bruce. She took her eyes off of the view to take a look at each of their faces. They were amazed by the view. Something they see every day and yet somehow, in this setting, it was like seeing it for its true beauty for the first time. Chelsea grabbed each of their hands as they stood there in silence. As the song was drawing to a close and the music had nearly subsided, she mouthed the last phase along with the singer, "Would you tell me, how could it be… any better than this?"

Author's Notes: This seems like the final chapter, but it's not. Though we are drawing to a close on it, I was wondering if any of my faithful readers would read a sequel to this story that follows the storyline of Justice League Unlimited. Any takers? Thanks again for reading. Leave me some reviews. :)