A/N: 2022.12.18

So, this story takes places after "Never Again - Part 2" and I just thought it was a nice idea. I hope you guys like it.

Oh! And there's a piece of the conversation between Michelle and Banshee that I thought of putting in the main "So Far Away" story but I may do a "Chronicles" story for it later.

Enjoy!

SUMMARY: Ember meets up with Bennet and Silver Banshee to say a final farewell to the woman who brought them together. Amanda Waller. Post-"So Far Away".

When the Wall Fell

Michelle leaned against her car, staring at the ground, as her car was parked off the side of the dirt road. She heard another car approach and she looked to see Bennet drive up, parking behind her. He got out and nodded at her; she returned the nod. A few minutes later, the echo of motorcycle was heard. Soon, a black motorcycle slowed to a stop near them. The rider pulled her helmet off, revealing Silver Banshee. Michelle smiled at her, and Banshee grinned a bit. Michelle went to her car, opened the backseat door, and retrieved the bouquet of red roses.

"Ya sure?" Banshee asked.

"Yeah," Michelle answered.

"Let's go," Bennet declared.

The three trekked across Siegel Memorial Cemetery, heading for a lone grave nestled underneath a tree. When they arrived, they all stared at the headstone.

HERE LIES AMANDA WALLER

THE UNSUNG HERO ~ REST IN PEACE

It was curiously devoid of the years lived.

Michelle noticed the lack of date and scoffed a bit. "No birthday. Sneaky jackass." She looked at Bennet, "Her idea?"

"Wasn't all of this?" Bennet asked.

Banshee shoved her hands in her pockets. "Jeez… why'd she have to be such a bitch even in death?"

"It was how she lived," Michelle answered.

"Come to think of it…" Bennet chuckled a little, "she'd hate the flowers."

"Why do you think I brought 'em?" Michelle laid the flowers at the base of Waller's headstone. "I hope things went in your favor at the Pearly Gates, old woman," she whispered. "Your good… definitely outweighed your bad."

Michelle stood up and stepped back, standing with the others.

"It's weird," Banshee admitted. "I… actually did respect her. Didn't like her too much. Was a little afraid of her."

"You just described most everyone who knew her," Bennet pointed out.

"Including you?" Michelle asked. Banshee also curious to his answer.

Bennet thought for a second. "No. She's… one of the reasons I wanted to do this job in the first place. Always liked her, never feared her. I had nothing but the absolute respect for her." He stiffened a bit. "I'm… I miss her."

Banshee jerked her head back while Michelle smiled a bit.

"Yeah," Michelle said, quietly. She looked back at the grave, "Yeah, I get that."

They all studied a grave for a few more moments. Banshee and Bennet felt some emotions while Michelle just held the same small smile.

Banshee groaned at the uncomfortable feeling of sentiment welling up. "So! Anyone got any words?"

Bennet shook his head.

Michelle almost replied the same way. "No, hold up. I… I think I do." She thought for a moment. "For me and Banshee… this was just a job. A way to… get outta jail. Now… I mean, I can't speak for Banshee but… it told me that I wanted to be more."

"Eh," Banshee shrugged. "A little for me, too."

"So, I guess… had it not been for Waller… I wouldn't be where I am today. And… for the first time in my life… I'm happy."

Bennet studied Michelle. "Believe it or not… that would actually make her happy to know."

Michelle smirked. "She would even care?"

"Yeah. She'd just never say it out loud."

Michelle laughed.

Bennet pulled a small leather pouch out of his pocket. He opened it, revealing three cigars. He took one and handed the other two to Michelle and Banshee.

"Thanks," Banshee replied.

Michelle summoned a flicker of flame to the tip of her finger and lit everyone's cigar.

"Thanks," Bennet said to Michelle.

After enjoying the cigars, the three gave one final nod to Waller. They turned and walked back toward their respective vehicles.

Bennet got in his car, started it, and lowered his window. He stared at Michelle and Banshee, some respect on his face. "You two stay out of trouble." He paused. "Or don't. What do I care? I'm retired."

Michelle laughed.

"Miss you, already, Bennet," Banshee grinned.

"Yeah, right. See ya around." Bennet put the car in gear and drove away.

Michelle and Banshee stared at his car until he was out of sight.

"Ya know," Banshee said, "I might actually miss him."

Michelle shrugged a bit, "I kinda do."

Banshee took a deep breath and exhaled, "So! You ditching Gotham and goin' your own way?"

"No." Michelle smiled and looked at her Task Force X teammate. "Gotham's home. I'm staying. And… I'm getting married."

Banshee gasped then burst out laughing, "NO WAY! To Koutetsu?"

Michelle held her smile. "Yep."

"You and Koutetsu?! You bitch! ARGH! I hate you so much! It's pure jealousy!"

Michelle laughed. "So, what about you? Gonna keep working with Nightwing and Catwoman?"

"Eh. Sure. Job ain't so bad. I'll stick with it until I don't like it anymore."

"Well, if you ever need anything, Athol… you know where to find me."

Banshee stood, stunned, then smiled, warmly. "Since when do you remember my real name?"

"Never forgot it, hotness," Michelle winked.

Banshee chuckled. She eyed Michelle, intriguingly. "Ya know… that offer with you and Koutetsu…"

"I didn't forget."

Banshee laughed. She got on her bike. "See ya around. Michelle."

"Later," Michelle smiled.

Banshee put on her helmet, started up her bike, and rode away, giving Michelle a wave as she drove off.

Michelle waved back then put her hands in her pockets.

Before getting in her car, Michelle looked back at Waller's grave. She walked back to the headstone and stared at it. "Do me a favor, old woman…" she whispered, "tell Bruce I said 'hi'. Tell him… I miss him, too. I hope you two are getting along up there." She smirked. "Actually… I take it back. I hope you two are arguing about who was right all along." She turned a bit. "Later. Mom." She walked to her car, got in, and drove away.

To her surprise, Michelle didn't have any tears falling. Instead, she could only smile.

Having observed the trio since Michelle first arrived at the cemetery, Andrea Beaumont watched Michelle drive off until her car disappear into the distance. Andrea walked over to Waller's headstone and smiled. "Your legacy's in good hands, Amanda. I'll keep an eye on them. It's the least I can do. Goodbye, my friend. Rest in peace."