It's finally here! The final chapter! I just checked and this story has been ongoing for 6 years! That's a long time. Anyway...
Making the Best of It
Chapter 49
Wayne Manor
It took years but after some extensive research into metahuman physiology and psychology Mr. Terrific had a theory explaining Elissa's powers. The third smartest man on the planet was in the sitting room of the manor with Bruce and Diana sitting across from him. The pregnant woman was quite anxious as she worried about her daughter and more so regarding her unborn child.
"First, I would like to apologize for how long it's taken to compile the data," the dark-skinned man began.
The married couple dismissed his apologies, more concerned with his findings than anything else. "Just tell us what you found," Bruce requested.
"Based on what we know about Elissa and her various experiences over the years, along with all according data we know about metahumans, I have a plausible theory," Mr. Terrific explained.
"When Diana first saw young Elissa lift a chair over her head, she saw a little girl excited by what she could do," he started. He looked at a worried Diana, "When you let out a cry, startling Elissa her powers began to buckle, and you raced to her. In that moment, Elissa began to demonize her powers causing herself to unconsciously fight against her powers resulting in such random fluctuations," he theorized.
Instantly, Diana held Bruce's hand giving it a squeeze, needing some of his strength.
Mr. Terrific continued. "She spent years rejecting her powers resulting in years of torment for that little girl. Rejecting her Amazonian heritage favoring her non-powered human side," he gestured to Bruce with a hand. "It's been a psychological battle plain and simple," he reasoned. "Her powers would have stabilized sooner if she didn't fight against it so much."
"But there were years when her powers didn't fluctuate," Bruce stated, earning an understanding nod from the third smartest man. "There were some years when they were dormant, others she could control." He mentioned recalling how Elissa's teen years were easier powers wise.
"What changed during that time?" Terrific questioned.
It quickly dawned on Diana. Uttering the words, softly. "I was gone. It's my fault," she admitted sadly. In response, Bruce pulled her closer to comfort her.
"Elissa took over some of the responsibilities that Diana had. She started playing mother hen when it came to my health. She stopped worrying about it." The cane using man recalled Elissa had torn off the wheels of her high school bully's car and stuck them inside. When he heard about it, Elissa seemed pleased with herself.
Elissa just needed to accept herself and she would be fine, was what the three came to understand. Of course, this was resolved now as Elissa's powers had stabilized.
They didn't need to worry about her powers anymore.
Bruce and Diana held one another as they hoped now that they knew more about Elissa's experiences as a child, they had an idea of how they would raise the new baby.
That June, the Wayne family was introduced to the new addition to the family. Bruce and Diana had a son named Thomas Alfred Wayne. Which brought honored tears to the old man's face, deeply moved that young Thomas was named after him.
Of course, Alfred wasn't the only one pleased at meeting Thomas. Elissa squealed at meeting her baby brother. They almost had to wrestle him away from her so that they could have a turn to hold him.
Nonetheless, they were amused and pleased at Elissa acceptance of Thomas.
Hippolyta…
Doted on the baby boy. Elated to hold a babe in her arms again. She was eager to have some experiences as a grandmother to her young grandchild, something she missed when Elissa was growing up.
Of course, the rest of the family was excited to meet Thomas. Welcoming him with open arms.
And the proud parents… were just glad that they had each other and their family whole again.
Elissa found Thomas to be the sweetest baby boy in the whole world. He nearly had a full head of black hair and those crystal blue eyes.
The family tended to their new addition until tragedy struck the Wayne family.
Alfred Pennyworth, surrogate father, butler, friend, grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep. His passing struck a blow to the family. Elissa was in tears as was most of everyone. Except Bruce as he struggled to hold in his tears. At least not in front of everyone else, but when he was alone, tears silently trickled down his wrinkled face.
As they mourned the loss of a loved one, Bruce recalled a conversation he had with Alfred not that long ago.
"I know I haven't always approved of what you decided to do with your life. But after all the hardships you've endured, it all worked out," a weary Alfred expressed. The two having a conversation that needed to be addressed. "You have a family. A fine son, a beautiful daughter. All the other children that walked through this house that you helped. And I am proud of you," he intoned earnestly, a smile on his old face.
Bruce merely listened intently to the old man. Deeply moved by the older man's words.
Then Alfred grew serious. "But I need you to do something for me when I'm gone," he said suddenly. Instantly alarming the billionaire. "You know I'm not going to be here forever," he kindly reminded him. "So, do an old man a favor. Don't shut down," he intoned firmly.
"You have a wife, a new baby on the way. They can't have you shut down on them whilst they mourn. You made such tremendous progress since that night, don't back pedal," Alfred stated.
Bruce wistfully nodded his head. Untrusting his voice at the prospect of losing Alfred.
Not long after the funeral, Bruce, who fulfilled Alfred's request of him didn't crumble in on himself and stood strong for his family, whilst also mourning the man that was a second father to him.
To honor the man that meant so much to all of them, a new hospital was established in his honor. The Alfred J. Pennyworth Children's Hospital to save the lives of Gotham's children, like Bruce and all the rest that walked through Wayne Manor. A statue of Alfred stood before those that came to pay their respects.
Everyone in the family was there. All dressed in black appearing saddened by their loss but striving to be cognizant of the memorial.
Elissa briefly mused looking at her baby brother in their mother's arms, that he would never remember the sweetest man in the world. Instantly, a flood of memories of Grandpa Alfred raged through her mind. The kind man who gave the best hugs, who made the best chocolate chip cookies, who was understanding…
She couldn't hold back the tears and silently sobbed to herself. Diana placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer to hold her.
Bruce's words were beautiful in his tribute to Alfred. It was rare to ever hear him speak in such a way, but when he did, he gave it the respect it deserved.
It was somber for the Wayne family for quite some time after that.
But eventually, they grieved and accepted their loss and chose to live with the memories of a great man in their hearts.
Time went by, the Wayne family's lives continued, adjusting to the new normal.
It was summer when Elissa came home from school after finishing the latest semester. And when she came home, she went to the backyard, just in time for the barbecue.
"I'm sorry I'm late," she quickly apologized stepping onto the patio.
"You're just in time," her mother greeted her daughter finishing setting the table.
Her father was manning the grill, the scent of food cooking made her stomach growl.
"Welcome home," Bruce greeted her, eyes on the grill.
The rest of the family was on the grass chatting with one another. However, one was seated at the table. "Lisa!" little Thomas exclaimed from his seat at the table.
"Hi, Tommy," Elissa cooed, instantly going for her baby brother. Picking him up and tossing him into the air and catching him, his adorable laughter made her feel all warm inside.
He was already two years old and growing every day. "What do you want to do all summer?" she inquired in between tosses.
"Me don't know!" He shouted excitedly.
"How about we go to the park tomorrow? And after that we can go to the beach," she started rattling off ideas on what they could do together. Clearly, Elissa enjoyed being a big sister and took full advantage of any free time she had, much to their parents' amusement.
After Elissa graduated from Gotham University, she was all set to go to Harvard Medical School. Of course, she was a bit sad to leave her family behind, but it was time for her to leave. Of course, she intended on calling and facetiming whenever she could.
But Boston wasn't that far from Gotham, that seemed to reassure her about leaving.
Before she left, her father sat her down in his study. Patient eyes followed the aging man as he retrieved something from the desk. She watched him sit down next to her with a grunt, his knee acting up.
"With you off to med school I figured it's time that I gave this to you," he told her softly.
Curiously, the young woman took the box and opened it. Inside was a stethoscope. Her eyes glanced at her father puzzled by the sudden gift.
"It was my father's," he revealed to her, startling her.
"Dad, I…" she trailed off, at a loss for words. "I can't accept such a gift. It means too much to you," she reasoned, attempting to hand back the gift.
He raised a hand, indicating for her to stop. He then replied, "It's been in storage for years. It's meant to help people," he expressed kindly. "My father would be proud if you used it," he smiled fondly at his daughter.
Elissa, in response, teared up, humbled by such a profound gift. She vowed to cherish it always. "Thank you," she smiled at her father, quickly hugging him, thanking him for the gift.
"You're welcome," Bruce utterly, glad she liked the gifted, returning the hug.
A couple of years passed; Elissa was working hard at medical school and Thomas was getting older. He was a happy baby, smothered with love and affection from his family. Much like his sister when she was that age, however, things soon began to diverge between their childhoods.
For instance, there was this one time…
Elissa had come home to visit from school, feeling exhausted not only from the flight home, but from the amount of work that she had to do.
Yet, it didn't discourage her from learning how to be a doctor, if anything it encouraged her to learn more. But there was only so much time in a day to it and still be able to sleep.
She searched the manor and found no one in sight. She tried the backyard and found her parents and little brother. At first glance, she thought they were playing, but then she made it outside and was taken aback by what she saw.
Thomas, her little brother, was giggling and flying.
Flying!
Elissa's eyes were wide in shock, watching as Thomas flailed his limbs around like he was swimming. Their mother floating just beneath him prepared to catch him.
Her father was standing on the grass, cane in hand, watching as his little son and wife fondly at his powers manifesting.
He turned his head and got a good chuckle at his daughter's shocked expression. "I didn't hear you come home," he commented.
Elissa dumbly nodded her head, her eyes not leaving her mother and brother floating in the air.
"Lisa!" Thomas shouted in excitement at the sight of his sister. Diana glanced down at the people on the ground, "Hello, Elissa. Welcome home," she greeted warmly, before her gaze returned to her little boy still floating in mid-air.
Elissa was frozen in place at seeing her younger brother flying, unlike her. She would have loved to be able to fly as a child. Instead, she had to settle with her mother taking for flights.
She frowned at the scene.
Bruce stared at her knowingly, amusement dazzling in his eyes.
"Are you jealous that your brother can fly, and you can't?" he questioned, with a raised eyebrow.
"No," she pouted, crossed her arms along her chest and looked away from him.
The silence between the two, simply made the man grin in enjoyment.
"Shut up," she grumbled as the silence got too much for her.
The family was there for Elissa when she graduated medical school. As the proud parents watched as their daughter received her diploma, Diana leaned towards her husband. "We did good, old man," she said over the applause.
Bruce chuckled as he watched his daughter leave the stage, proud at her accomplishments.
Wayne Manor
Within his study at Wayne Manor, Bruce sat before the portrait of his parents hanging on the wall, a moment of a happy family forever frozen in time.
The aging man leaned back in the leather chair lost in thought. His daughter had just graduated from medical school, an impressive feat. Elissa had just taken another step closer toward her goals and he was proud of her for it.
A respectable and impressive profession she had chosen. It was even endearing that she had followed down her grandfather's path instead of his own.
He stared at the images of his parents in the portrait, reflective about his family. "A doctor," he smiled, and soon chuckled. He briefly wondered if his parents weren't proud with how he lived his life, how he had abused his body over the years fighting crime and evil wherever it resided. He hoped that they could at least be proud that their granddaughter followed in her grandfather's footsteps.
Gotham General
Right out of med school, Elissa managed to get residency at Gotham General, learning from some of the best doctors in the city. Plus, she had gotten sick of Boston. The city just wasn't for her. She was a Gotham girl through and through.
Unfortunately, she was alone now, as Cleo hadn't been able to handle the magnitude of being an intern. She had decided to go into psychiatry. And the two young women hadn't been able to see one another with the long hours they were working.
Elissa's work at the hospital was educational and she excelled in various fields. She ranged from pediatrics, emergency medicine, cardiology, obstetrics and even dabbled in surgical medicine.
It came a time where she had to decide what field she wanted to study in. She was torn between cardiology and obstetrics. She liked kids and it was a magical experience to help deliver children.
It was such a struggle that she needed advice from her family.
"What should I do?" she asked her parents.
Her mother remarked, "What has you the most passionate about?"
The medical professional thought for a hard minute. "Obstetrics," she uttered simply.
"There you go," a satisfied Diana intoned.
"But… am I doing the right thing?" Elissa wondered aloud. "My mentor says I have a talent for cardiology. Shouldn't I use my talents to help people?"
Her question made her parents ponder the question.
"It is possible to work in multiple fields, Elissa," her father suddenly said. "It will just take more time," he reasoned. "And your mother's question still holds. What do you like doing?" He asked her firmly.
Their daughter thought about it hard until she passionately declared her intent.
Elissa was working in the ER, filling in for a friend when she heard a familiar voice.
"Oh, call me Doug."
Elissa came to an abrupt halt. Turning her head, she saw the familiar appearance of Doug, her old prom date, getting bandaged up by one of the attending physicians.
"Doug?" she uttered, approaching him.
Said man, hummed. "Hmm?" And then gave a look of surprise. "Elissa?"
"How are you?" the doctor asked him. "I haven't seen you in years," she mentioned.
"I'm good," Doug responded. "Got knocked down by some guy on his bike," he gestured to his bandaged wrist. "You-You looked great," Doug praised, a little nervous.
"Right back at you," a bashful Elissa replied. "What have you been up?"
"I'm an entrepreneur and philanthropist," he started. "I have a few start up tech companies."
Elissa looked around, "Impressive," she commented. "Uh, I have to get back to work. How long are you in town?"
"The rest of the week," he answered.
"Well, do you want to get some coffee later?" She asked him nervously. "It'd be good to catch up," she mentioned.
"Sure. When to you get off?"
"Eight."
"I'll meet you here?"
"Sure," Elissa responded, a tad too enthusiastically. Her face was a bit red realizing her mistake. She had a couple of boyfriends while in college, but it never really went anywhere.
Plus, she hadn't had a night out in she didn't know how long.
Doug nodded his head in agreement, while Elissa went back to work. Whilst she was working, she couldn't stop thinking about her coffee date with Doug. He looked good and seemed to be doing well for himself. She was positively giddy at seeing him again.
Part of her she was thinking about it too much. They were each other's prom date as well as taking the other's virginity back in high school. She didn't think about him much after high school. Not in a rude way, she was just busy. She was certain the same could be said for Doug.
When they met up later that night, they chatted about what they had been up to. Following their coffee date, Elissa found Doug interesting as well as finding his charity work respectable and worth aiding. Simple conversations and then they were meeting almost every day or at least talking every day. They found out that they had some things in common. Dinners, coffee dates. They started to see one another but then Doug had to leave, but he promised to see her again.
And Elissa, God help her, was lovesick. She eagerly awaited his call. Her mother was happy for her. Her father… well he had a few choices words that he omitted. No one was good enough for his little girl.
Soon, Doug was visiting Gotham every month. And things soon started to get serious between them. Elissa had already moved out of the manor, staying in one of her father's properties. A brownstone located in Fort Graye.
She lived there on the condition that she would be paying the bills as well as taking care of the place. And Elissa loved it. A place to call her own but not far from home in case she was needed at the manor. Plus, she could see Thomas when she could.
Things were pretty good for her.
Elissa had become one of the few candidates to head up obstetrics. Thomas was in middle school. Her father was getting older, his hair now white. Her mother didn't look any different since she had known her.
And Doug…
Well Doug, being a respectable man had summoned the courage to ask Elissa's parents for their blessing. Diana had found the man to be a good man for her only daughter and had no qualms with giving him her permission. Bruce, after having met the man had run an extensive background check into Doug and found zero indications of criminally or any signs that he didn't treat his little princess like a queen. This was a civilian marrying into a very extraordinary family, the risk of family secrets being revealed was great. However, he saw how happy the man made her, and Bruce couldn't deny her happiness.
To the billionaire's surprise, Elissa had spoken to her mother about wanting to tell Doug about who she was—what she was.
Elissa couldn't pursue a relationship with Doug with him in the dark about her lineage. She could barely explain how she had managed to get a damaged couch out to the curb by herself with no sweat.
Her mother always being encouraging and honest told her. "Follow your heart. And know your father and I will always support you," she said encouragingly.
That night she told him her family secret. Who she was and who her mother was. She kept her father's secrets because it wasn't her secret to tell.
Of course, there was some shock. Some questions. And finally, acceptance and love.
Naturally, a worried Doug intoned worriedly. "Oh God, if I screw this up, your mother's gonna fold me like a beach chair."
Elissa laughed. "Oh, no. She wouldn't do that," she assured. "I would have beaten her to it," she teased him.
Although Doug chuckled nervously at having a fiancée that was stronger than him.
Years later
Wayne Manor
An elderly Bruce strolled around the property. Reflective in his every step as he was lost in a sea of memories.
From the grounds you could see the city skyline, a skyline he couldn't even recognize anymore. Gone was Gotham City renamed Neo Gotham as technology became ubiquitous in all forms of life. It didn't sit well with him as Gotham wasn't Gotham anymore. And the city was still changing.
A city of neon lights and buildings reaching further into the heavens than in the early twenty-first century. The city, like many other cities, had levels on top of the neighborhoods of the lower class, while the upper class were living high above those beneath them.
He realized the city wasn't his anymore and he had to get used to it.
Although, crime was ever present. New gangs formed everyday by misguided children. White-collar crime was on the rise while the GCPD were pushed to the brink.
People seemed to be turning a blind eye once again.
He pondered how it wasn't all bad as Barbara had risen to the rank of Police Commissioner. With her in charge, someone could keep the police in line.
He considered calling her to catch up as they hadn't spoken since Jim's funeral. He lost a good friend back then. He still missed him.
Somber recollection turned to one of irritation as he recalled the return of one corrupt businessman.
Derek Powers was still running around in the city. After some time behind bars, he eventually was released on a technicality. Thankfully, he had stayed away from Wayne Enterprises, but he kept an eye out for any signs of him trying to make a move against his company again. He doubted Powers would stay out of trouble for long, his kind never could.
His thoughts went to fonder places, he and Diana were still going strong. They were still very much in love and enjoying spending these days alone with one another. They usually took walks around the property enjoying these quiet times together.
His Amazon wife was with the League right now, but she should be back later tonight.
His son Thomas was in college studying business. He was proud of him for working so hard. His son had grown into a fine young man. Diana and Thomas usually went flying together on the weekends, a little race to see who was faster. Of course, Diana let him win occasionally, yet they made it interesting by making a wager.
Loser usually had to make dinner.
The aging man's steps carried him closer and closer to the elegant front gate of the property. His thoughts now to his daughter. Elissa had become a well renowned doctor in obstetrics. She and Doug had moved to New York for a position at one of the city's many hospitals.
He unconsciously saw some similarities between Elissa and Doug and his deceased parents. Elissa and his father had become doctors, while Doug and his mother had been involved in charity works. Bruce found himself sentimental about their similarities.
She and his son-in-law took their two children with them to New York. He mused about his grandchildren. He loved them dearly and doted on them. Of course, Diana loved her grandbabies to death. She gushed about them to her close friends whenever they asked about them. It was also hilarious how much she loved them. Elissa and Thomas once joked that their mother loved her grandchildren more than her own children. In response, Diana gave them a blank stare which turned sheepish as she kept her attention on her grandbabies.
Provoking her grown children to gawk incredulously.
Bruce chuckled at the memory. Elissa usually brings her kids over once a month or so.
As he passed through the front gate, he and Diana already had plans to do something fun with them when they came over.
He came to a stop in the middle of the road, lost in his thoughts. Fondly remembering how Diana spoke to him as they watched their daughter leave with her own family.
"We did good, old man."
Yes.
Yes, they did a good job with their children. And he... had a good life.
His thoughts and the quiet night were interrupted by the rumbling sounds of motorcycles and a chilling cacophony of laughter.
In an instant, a beam of light blinded him as a motorcycle swerved to avoid him. The rider crashing near him while the gang chasing him came to a halt, the laughter continuing.
The Beginning…
Of a Rebirth.
I would like to thank everyone for supporting this story! I hope everyone enjoyed the story as well as the ending. The ending of this chapter had been planned since the beginning of the story. Those interested in a sequel, I'm afraid that this is the end of the road for this story. However, there is a spiritual continuation in the works. See my profile for more info. at a later date. Haven't put it up yet. Now, those of you waiting for Love Finds A Way it is in the works. More info about it went the first chapter drops! Plus, more news later to be announced.