When Shayera woke up the next morning, she felt rather sluggish and sore. Nevertheless, the pushed the covers off her and got out of the bed and made her way to the bathroom. The first thing she noticed when she entered was her reflection in the mirror. Apart from her groggy appearance, there was a sizeable gash in her torso.

How did I get that?

After a few minutes, she walked downstairs. Unsurprisingly, Bruce was not in, but, what was confusing was that Alfred was not in the manor either. She figured that Alfred was probably just out getting some supplies and did not think much more into that topic. However, as she sat down to eat whatever food the butler had left on the table for her, she did not realize where Batman was and what he was doing.

"Welcome Batman." Fate said grandly as Batman walked through the portal he (Fate) had summoned.

Batman grunted in response, which was nothing unusual.

"You requested to have a discussion with me regarding Hawkgirl?" Fate continued in an effort to keep this conversation going.

"Yes. She needs to be training and getting back into fighting shape."

"I thought that was something she was no longer interested in."

"Maybe part of her is, but, she needs to be back out there in the fight. Her whole life she has been a warrior, it's part of her."

"How come you cannot keep her in fighting shape?"

"Because she needs to get back in the league, and she can't get that if she continues to stay with me."

"Why not?"

"She'll get too attached to me and Gotham. I can't have that for multiple purposes."

"How do you recommend that we go about this. She was not too keen on staying in my care last time."

"I'm not too sure. I was thinking that maybe I could push her away, but that could hurt her too much and she could give up completely."

"I agree. That is not a wise way method."

Fate and Batman stood there for a few more seconds, thinking about what course of action to take

"There is something, some plot, brewing in Gotham. I'm not sure what it is yet exactly but it's huge. I can't risk having her around me when it comes. It's a liability."

"Then let's go with that. I'm sure she will understand."

"No she won't-she's stubborn. She'll want to stay and help."

"Then deliver the news to her in a way that drives the message that she cannot stay."

"That should work."

With the conversation ended, Fate created a portal to Wayne Manor and sent it towards Batman.

Shayera was just finishing her breakfast when Batman materialized in front of her.

"Where did you come from!" She said clearly startled

"I was having a talk with Doctor Fate."

"About what?" Shayera said as she slowly got to her feet and walked towards Batman warily

"I've arranged for you to return to his tower."

"Why?"

"Something is brewing in Gotham. I need to find out what it is."

"I can help."

"No. This is something I need to do on my own. Besides Gotham isn't the place for you. You belong in the Justice League."

"You can't make that decision for me."

"You're correct-but we both know that you want to get back into the fight. However, Gotham is not your battleground."

"I can't go back to the Justice League. They hate me."

"I doubt that. Had you not resigned you would not have been booted off the team. Diana was really the only member you would have had complications with."

"Still-I don't want to go back."

"Give it some time-let Fate do for you what I cannot. He can help you, train you, and help you sort out your thoughts. You need his and Enza's help."

"But-"

"This argument is going in circles. I can't have you here right now-there are plots being created that I need to find out more about."

Batman's tone was laced with impatience, which was something Shayera picked up on.

"Fine. If you want me gone I'll go. Thanks for your hospitality."

Shayera walked past him-obviously crestfallen. Batman wore his face of indifference but inside he did not relish doing this one bit.

It's better this way.

But only for her.