Cause and Effect Ch. 22
A/N: Yeah I'm not dead or anything. I just got distracted by work, then by Jedi Survivor, and then work again. Plus I also wanted to actually plot some things out for later in the story since I went into this with minimal planning and just a handful of established plot points that I'd use. Sorry if I'm a bit rusty now. I gotta get myself back into the swing of things._____________________________________________________ "She wasn't at home and she's not here and she's not at the Metro Tower and I don't know where else to look," Wally frantically rambled to Mister Terrific before suddenly grabbing his shoulders. "What if something happened to her? Can't you track her or something? Why the hell else do we have these commlinks? You gotta know where she is!"Mister Terrific let out a sigh before slowly removing the speedster's hands from his shoulders. "Listen Flash, if I could have tracked her I would have already but she threw this at me," Terrific held up a commlink between his left index finger and thumb. "I don't know what happened but she was really upset when she stormed out of here. Hell I don't think I've ever seen Shayera cry before. Regardless of all of that, without her commlink on her, I can't do anything else. I'm sorry Flash.""But..." Wally's voice faltered as his face fell. The speedster then let out a frustrated groan as he threw his head back, "I'm so stupid. I shouldn't have said any of that to Shayera. John's gonna kill me if something happens to her."On top of the overt panic that Wally was currently experiencing, he was also feeling overwhelming guilt and remorse for what had happened the day before. Wally hadn't meant to upset her. After everything that happened, he was just concerned. Wally understood that she had been in a life or death situation, with the fate of the Earth hanging in the mix. He understood at one point that she didn't have a choice but to fight back. He just wanted to get through to her that what she had done was reckless and the danger she had put herself in.When J'onn had told them that Shayera had been shot Wally had honestly expected the worst. He admittedly almost passed out from the relief he felt when J'onn had then immediately informed them that the injury had been to her leg and wasn't life threatening. Then they watched the footage from the Watchtower. He wouldn't admit it to the others but Wally wanted to vibrate his hand straight through Deadshot and Lightweaver's chests for what they had done. He then had unexpectedly felt another wave of anger appear and it was directed towards Shayera herself.Wally hadn't meant to let his emotions get the better of him but he had made a promise to John to keep her safe. That he would take care of her while John was gone. He just wanted to talk some sense into the stubborn Thanagarian but had instead run his mouth without thinking. Wally would never be able to forgive himself if something happened to Shayera and it only happened to her because he had caused it."Maybe if I run really fast I can cover every inch on Earth," Wally muttered to himself as he began to pace. "Yeah, yeah that'll work. I'll just run really, really fast and then I'll find her. It's not like she took and javelin and flew off into space or something." He then shook his head as he flopped down in one of the chairs next to the monitors, "No I can't. I told Shayera I'd never go that fast again. She'd kill me if she found out I went that fast again.""I wouldn't worry too much Flash," Terrific casually said to him with a light shrug. "Shayera's smart and she wouldn't put herself in danger, especially when she knows she doesn't have a commlink on her. That and she's more than capable of defending herself.""Yeah well what if something already happened to her?" Wally retorted with a frown. "We're just assuming she's okay and nothing happened to her.""Wally, you don't need to worry about her." The speedster looked over to see Superman coming from the elevator. The Kryptonian offered the Flash a small smile, "Mister Terrific is right. Shayera's smart and she wouldn't do anything stupid.""Supes," Wally raced over to him and grabbed his shoulders. "I'm so stupid and I never should have said any of that to her and it's all my fault and I can't find Shayera anywhere and I looked everywhere! You gotta help me find her!""I heard already," Superman calmly stated as he removed Flash's hands from his shoulders before resting his own hand on Wally's shoulder. "Listen to me Wally, she'll be perfectly fine. You have to remember, she's not a human and she's a lot stronger than you take her for."Wally's shoulders visually slumped as he sighed heavily and looked down, "But what if she isn't? She left here yesterday afternoon and now it's morning and she's nowhere to be found. I just thought if I let her alone for the rest of the day that she'd be okay and that I could try to talk to her and apologize. When she didn't answer her commlink I thought she was just ignoring me but then when I went over her and John's place and she wasn't there it made me panic. I don't even know where to look next for her.""I'm sure wherever she went to is safe. She wouldn't knowingly put herself in danger Wally," Clark replied. "Besides, if she went where I think she did than I know she's definitely in good hands and that you don't have to worry at all."Wally looked up and tilted his head slightly, "And how would you know? Besides John, I'm the one who's closest to her. I think out of anyone that I would know where she went."Clark lightly smirked as he removed his hand from Wally's shoulder, "You'd be surprised. Technically I've known Shayera for the longest out of everyone here. I might even know a thing or two about Shayera that you don't.""I doubt that," Wally lightly frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I practically know everything there is about Shayera.""I'm sure you do," Clark humorously said as he placed his hand on the back of Flash's shoulder and started to guide him towards the elevator. "How about you go back and wait at her place and I'll go find her, alright?"Wally opened his mouth to argue but then sighed and lightly nodded, "I guess. I just want to tell her how sorry I am."Clark sympathetically looked at Wally before lightly patting the back of his shoulder, "And you will, don't worry."_____________________________________________________ Becky let out a deep sigh as she stepped out of Midway City University Hospital and saw the snow that was still falling from the sky. She then pinched the bridge of her nose and released another deep sigh, "I've been up for over twenty-four hours. I can't believe I had let you talk me into this. I can't wait to go to bed. I should have been long asleep already. Dammit, I still have to clean off my car.""I'm sorry for keeping you up, especially with all of the work you already had to do," Shayera stated with an apologetic look before offering her a small smile. "Though it's not like it was over something stupid at least so you have to give me some credit for that.""That is true," Becky admitted as she glanced over at the Thanagarian. "I was used to you coming here for the stupidest of reasons from you just being a straight up dumbass most of the time.""Like getting my stitches ripped out and having to get them replaced on the same day?" Shayera sarcastically asked with a smirk. "Thanks for rebandaging my wing by the way. It does feel a lot more comfortable now.""More like when you managed to get staples ripped out and I had to replace them for a second time in a span of three days," Becky dryly replied before rolling her eyes. "I think I should just become an avian veterinarian at this point. I know how to fix wings after all thanks to you. Now are you sure you're okay to fly and everything?"Shayera let out an exasperated sigh, "Of course I am. I've flown with worse injuries and a hell of a lot less sleep. You don't have to worry about me Becky." She then stretched her arms over her head before smirking at the physician, "I didn't think you liked me that much to actually worry about me like this.""I don't," Becky retorted. "I just don't want you back in my hospital so soon. You're still the biggest pain in my ass.""I can feel the love," Shayera muttered as she rolled her eyes. The Thanagarian then exhaled and looked forward. Despite the wind making the cold air and snow hit her face, Shayera didn't mind it in the least. Perhaps it was the amount of relief welling within her that the Thanagarian couldn't stop thinking about that was distracting her. Though Shayera also had a suspicion that her lack of sleep was finally getting to her as well. Regardless of the reason, none of it mattered to Shayera. All that mattered to Shayera right now was that she knew that her child was perfectly healthy and that she had nothing to worry about."So what's your plan anyways?" Becky's sudden question broke the Thanagarian out of her train of thought. "I meant to ask you earlier but forgot."Shayera raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Becky, "My plan? What plan?""You just going to get a birth certificate illegally then? Plus not registering the birth of a child is against the law too if you didn't know," Becky said in an unamused tone. "Because, knowing you, you won't go to a hospital. Let me guess, you'll go up to that big space station you guys got up there right?"Shayera was silent for a moment before she replied, "I haven't thought of any of that yet honestly."Becky lightly nodded before smirking, "I figured you didn't. Look, when you have that kid, give yourself a few days and then get your ass over here with it. Don't wait more than a week though. You smuggle the kid in and I'll do the rest."Shayera raised her eyebrow once more, "Won't you get in trouble for doing something like that?""Only if I'm caught," Becky shrugged before smirking. "You seem to be forgetting that I'm a doctor who works in a hospital. No one would question why there's a newborn baby in a hospital or why I was doing that paperwork."Shayera as well smirked, "Have you done something like this before? You seem a bit too comfortable like you've done this before."Becky shook her head, "No, well technically yes but not under those kind of circumstances, but it'll be something new I can put on my resume. You can never have too many skills when job hunting.""I don't think employers are looking for criminal traits. Well except maybe a supervillain group," Shayera replied with a light chuckle. "You looking for a new job or something?""I could always try out a new profession," Becky stated with a shrug. "My life is a bit dull nowadays. You in the market for an archenemy at all?"Shayera playfully nudged her, "But then you'd have to deal with me a hell of a lot more.""Shit, I didn't think about that," Becky muttered. "I might be better off being a doctor after all.""Well if you ever do change your mind just get in touch," Shayera sarcastically stated. "I'll give you the ins and outs of how to be a successful supervillain. I know a thing or two after dealing with criminals for so long.""I'll keep that in mind. You'll be my go-to contact," Becky replied with a light smirk. She then paused for a moment before she continued, "I guess I'll ask you one last time. You sure you don't want to know if it's a girl or boy?""I'm positive," Shayera immediately responded.Becky shrugged, "That's up to you, some people like surprises. I know I wasn't one of them. I wanted to know what to expect.""I'd rather not know honestly," Shayera stated as she looked away.While a part of Shayera did want to know there was a larger part that did not. It was odd that the Thanagarian now found that she was the one who didn't want to know if she was playing into the hands of this destiny stuff or not. Though it still didn't matter to Shayera whether this child was Rex or not. Neither she or John knew if Rex had been an only child. If Rex really was destined to exist and this wasn't him than Shayera knew she going to have another child. She then bit her lip. She already didn't know what she was doing with one child, why would she even think of wanting another one so soon? Perhaps, if she managed to do this whole motherhood thing correctly, she would consider having another. Though Shayera figured she wouldn't need to concern herself with making that type of decision yet for a few years, preferably five years at the least. If she did have more than one child she didn't want them being so close in age. Especially since she would have to go through the hells of pregnancy again. She rather not have to go through that while taking care of a very young child or toddler. It was hard enough going through it and she only had to concern herself with taking care of herself."Oh looks like a friend of yours is here," Becky suddenly stated and the Thanagarian immediately looked up to see Superman floating well above them in the sky. "Aren't you lucky? You're getting a first class escort back home from Superman himself.""Dammit," Shayera let out a frustrated sigh and shook her head. "I don't need an escort.""Guess I'll be seeing you around then," Becky said as she looked over at her. "And don't forget to take care of yourself. I don't necessarily want to do another head-to-toe exam on you."Shayera lightly smirked, "I don't necessarily want another exam like that either and you don't have to worry I know how to take care of myself.""Says the one who got shot in the leg and fought superpowered freaks while pregnant," Becky retorted with a raised eyebrow.Shayera narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked unamused, "Smartass."Becky then smirked as she gestured with head towards the Kryptonian, "You better get your feathered ass out of here before Superman gets antsy. I'm sure even the Man of Steel has a limit to his patience.""Yeah I better," Shayera said with a sigh before she paused. She swallowed as she glanced over at Becky. She then sighed again before hugging her. "I'm not normally a big touchy feely kind of person but thank you."Becky was at first caught off guard by the hug but her shock quickly wore off. The physician's lips quirked before she hugged her back, "Could have fooled me and you're welcome. Now, you better get going you pain in the ass."Shayera likewise smirked as she let go of Becky, "You're one to talk."As the Thanagarian took off into the air, Becky shook her head in amusement, "Still a smartass."_____________________________________________________ Clark lightly smiled as he saw the Thanagarian flying towards him. His smile was short lived when he saw the growing scowl on her face as she got closer. Clark sighed as Shayera flew right past him, blatantly ignoring him. He didn't know why he had expected any other type of response from her."Shayera wait," Clark called out to her as he followed."I don't need you to follow me back home," Shayera boldly stated with a frown as she looked forward. "I'm more than capable of getting myself home without any help. I got myself here in one piece after all.""That's not why I came here," the Kryptonian replied. "I only came here to talk. That's all Shayera."Shayera's frown deepened as she was silent for a moment. She shook her head before looking back at Superman, "Fine then, follow me and you better keep up."Clark lightly smirked, "I'll see what I can do."Shayera rolled her eyes before yelping as she unexpectedly lost altitude as a gust of wind hit her. The Thanagarian quickly righted herself and growled through clenched teeth, "Dammit!"Clark raised an eyebrow, "Are you okay Shayera?"Shayera scowled, "I hate to say it but flying isn't exactly easy right now. No center of gravity means it takes more effort for me to stay in the air and I don't exactly have the energy I normally do. The weather's not helping either.""How much pride did you just have to swallow in order to say that?" Clark jokingly asked."Enough that I'm not going to say it again," she replied with a glare before she descended into the middle of a nearby park. "Not where I wanted to land but it'll have to do for now."Clark slowly descended next to the Thanagarian, "And exactly where is this?""Midway Memorial Park," Shayera replied as she walked down one of the snow-covered pathways. "It wasn't my first choice but it's the closest.""What was your first choice?" The Kryptonian asked.Shayera paused for a moment before looking off in the distance, "The Graphic's building, it's the tallest building in Midway City. It's like your Daily Planet. You can see the entire city from up there."Clark didn't say anything for a minute as he looked over and watched the Thanagarian closely. He saw as she looked down with sigh. "You missed this place a lot, didn't you?"Shayera looked over at Superman before sighing again, "Honestly, yes I did. No matter what I've done, the people here still believe in me. After all these years on Earth, I still don't understand it." The Thanagarian stopped in front of a statue of Hawkgirl in the park and looked at Superman. "They built this after the Thanagarian Invasion. They still...they still love and respect me Clark."Clark was silent for a moment as he studied the statue before looking at the Thanagarian next to him, "Because you're always going to be Hawkgirl to them Shayera; even if you don't see yourself as Hawkgirl anymore. They know that it was you who always protected them and risked your life to keep them safe. They know that Shayera and they'll always admire and respect you for that.""At least Hawkgirl did some good while she was around," Shayera quietly muttered.Clark let out a light chuckle as he stepped next to her, "I remember when I first met you in this city ten years ago. In some ways you haven't changed and in others you have."Shayera raised an eyebrow as she looked over at him, "And how exactly did I change?""You were the gruffest and most impatient person I had ever met and that's saying something considering I had dealt with Bruce. You were quick to anger and you tried to keep everyone at arm's length. You were only driven to help others back then because it benefited you in the end."Shayera lightly smirked and kept her eyebrow raised, "So you're saying I have more patience now?"Superman chuckled once more, "Not in the least Shayera. You're still very irritable but you learned to genuinely care for the people on this planet. You came to accept Earth as your home. I could tell that you were lonely when you first came to this planet and even when we first formed the Justice League. Eventually you came to see all of us as your friends and family."Shayera deeply exhaled as she looked at the statue again and crossed her arms over her chest, "I honestly never would have guessed my life would have went this way when I first came to Earth. I didn't expect to find a home or even a family on this planet." Shayera then paused before looking over at the Kryptonian, "You know, you technically were the first friend I made on Earth.""I'm glad I was. When I first met you, I also never would have thought you'd be the type to settle down in some form. Given you seemed like the hardened warrior type," Clark stated with a shrug. "Yet here you are married and going to have your first child. I think I'm correct to assume that the Shayera I met ten years ago wouldn't have entertained the thought."Shayera lightly snorted back a chuckle as she shook her head, "You're right about that one Clark. I was never allowed to think for myself on Thanagar. I just blindly followed my orders and didn't question anything. Being on Earth allowed me to see life in a different light. It's a bit cliché but I got to know my inner self and what I ultimately wanted out of life. Being on Earth is...I guess you can say enlightening.""Getting all philosophical now?" Clark jokingly asked before he paused. He was silent for a moment as his expression became more serious, "Wally was worried about you."Shayera lightly frowned and averted her gaze, "He doesn't need to worry about me.""Shayera," Clark started in an exasperated tone. "He didn't mean it. He wants to apologize to you.""He doesn't need to apologize," the Thanagarian quietly said. "He was right in what he said. I was always stubborn, too stubborn for my own good. It normally takes a lot to get through my thick, Thanagarian skull. What he said...I...I needed to hear Clark. Normally I'd have John here to say stuff like that to me. Sure it pisses me the hell off but it's the reality check I need." Shayera then swallowed before continuing tentatively, "Is his nose okay? I didn't pull my punch. I know that had to hurt.""You broke his nose but remember he's the fastest man alive," Clark replied with a small, sympathetic smile. "It's more or less healed by now, just some bruising.""I'm the one who should be apologizing to him not the other way around," she said with a frown. "I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I know even J'onn was getting fed up with me. Hell even when John was here we got into an argument about it before. Though I did find it odd that they never did really press the issue further. Though John knows the result of being on the wrong end of my anger and I guess J'onn didn't want to deal with that either." She then humorlessly chuckled, "Wally was the brave one to finally say something."Clark was silent for a moment before he spoke, "They never pressed it any further because they didn't have to. They had another way of knowing."Shayera tilted her head in curiosity, "I don't see where you're going with this."Clark lightly smirked has he tapped his right index finger against his right ear, "You're forgetting Shayera, super hearing. I can hear a pin drop tens of thousands of miles away if I concentrate hard enough. Listening for an extra heartbeat is easy in comparison."Shayera's eyes widened for a moment before she frowned, "Isn't that like an invasion of privacy or something?""Well it's not like when-""I swear," Shayera cut him off as she narrowed her eyes at him and balled up her fists. "If the next words that come out of your mouth is that you used your x-ray vision on me as well than I'm going to kick your ass Clark.""Easy Shayera," Clark immediately held his hands up in defense. "Trust me, I wouldn't go that far. Besides it kept John and J'onn satisfied so that they wouldn't keep hounding you. Though I think even you knew that you were going to eventually give into them."Shayera shrugged, "I had to do it on my own terms and I needed a slight nudge in the right direction. Tough love and all of that.""That's another thing," Clark began with a slight frown. "I understand what Wally said was a bit harsh but you shouldn't have run off like that, especially without a commlink. And before you say anything Shayera, I understand that you aren't a human and that you aren't delicate like one. But you have to understand how concerned we were, especially Wally, when you were nowhere to be found. What if something did happen to you? How would you have gotten in touch with the League?"Shayera deeply sighed, "I didn't use my head Clark, okay? I honestly wanted to be left alone. I did think about it once I was halfway here and realized I didn't even take my spare commlink with me. I know the risk I took and it wasn't a particularly good one. I have no intentions on making that mistake again.""Good," Superman stated as he held his hand out with a commlink resting on his palm. "And try not to throw your commlink at Mister Terrific again either."Shayera smirked as she took the commlink from him, "Don't worry I won't."Clark lightly smiled at her, "You better get home. If memory serves me correctly, you don't like this kind of weather. That and you said it yourself that flying isn't easy for you right now. I'd suggest that you just get teleported."Shayera placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow, "And what miss out on this lovely snowstorm?"Clark shook his head in amusement as he began to float into the air, "It was only a suggestion Shayera. If you want to frolic in the snow and build a snowman than that's your decision. I just don't want to hear any complaining later if you turn into a popsicle."Shayera lightly laughed to herself as Superman flew off, "Who knew that the boyscout could be such a smartass at times? It has to be from Lois." She then looked down at the commlink in her hand before placing it into her ear and placing her finger on it._____________________________________________________ When Shayera had been teleported home she hadn't expected to find Wally passed out asleep on the couch. That or the fact that the apartment looked as though it had been cleaned. Shayera suspected that Wally was the cause of that. The Thanagarian swallowed as she took off the oversized, black jacket she had been wearing and tossed it onto the kitchen counter. The noise managed to both awake and startle Wally as he quickly jumped off of the couch."What happened? I was just-" Wally cut himself off when he saw Shayera. Before the Thanagarian could even get a word in the speedster ran at her and practically tackled her with a hug. "Shayera I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said any of that to you. I'm the stupidest jackass in the world and I can understand if you never forgive me.""It's alright Wally," Shayera quietly said to him as she hugged him back. "I deserved it honestly.""No you didn't. I just got..." Wally let out a sigh as he let go of her. "I was just so worried when J'onn said you got shot and I thought the worst happened. Then I remembered how I promised John that I'd keep you safe and everything while he's gone. I didn't want to have to explain to him that I let either of you get hurt. That I wasn't even there to protect you or anything.""Wally I don't need you to protect me," Shayera said to him. "I can protect myself just fine. Though I will say I shouldn't have continued to fight. You had a very valid point. You actually made a few valid points and they did figuratively knock some sense into me.""I don't think you're going to be a bad mom Shayera. You're gonna be the best!" Wally gave her a goofy grin. "You're totally gonna be the best parent in the Justice League hands down."Shayera raised an eyebrow, "You can stop patronizing me Wally. I'm hardly going to be the best parent there is. Hell I'll settle for being a decent one. The only thing I want to make clear to you Wally is that I do care. Don't you think I was terrified when those dumbasses almost had me bring down the Watchtower?" Shayera then paused as her lips quirked faintly. "The funny thing is, I didn't even care that it was going to be me who was going to die Wally. My own life was an afterthought. I was more concerned that my child was going to die over the fact that I was going to die. Though my second concern was how John would have reacted to it all if they had succeeded in destroying the Earth."Wally looked away as he let out a deep sigh, "I know that you care Shayera. I just...I was stupid okay? I just said whatever came to mind without thinking it through. John said it himself once, you're one of the most loving people there is. I don't doubt for a second that you care about and love this baby to death already.""I wouldn't say to death Wally," Shayera humorously said with light chuckle. "That would be counterproductive.""It's a saying," Wally retorted before tilting his head slightly. "Where'd you go anyways?""Midway City," Shayera replied as she moved past the speedster and flopped down on the couch. "Your other point of never letting J'onn even look me over got me thinking. So I went to the only doctor on this planet that I would even let touch me. By the way, I am never getting another prenatal exam again in my life. The ultrasound I can handle but anything else, it's not happening."Wally immediately sat next to her as his eyes widened slightly, "Wait so you actually went to a real doctor and you got an actual ultrasound done? And you voluntarily went on your own?"Shayera let out an exasperated sigh, "Of course that's what I meant Wally.""Did it have like four arms or something? I mean considering it's half alien and all." Wally then paused when he saw the glare coming from the Thanagarian, "What?"Shayera gave him an unamused look, "You're really pushing it Wally. Does it look like a Thanagarian would have four arms?"Wally scratched the back of his head as he lightly pouted, "No but you never know. What if Thanagarian DNA and human DNA makes like a super, mutant baby or something. Like something out of Resident Evil. That would be-ow!" Wally was cut off as Shayera smacked the back of his head. The speedster quickly put a hand to the back of his head and gave the Thanagarian an indignant look, "What was that for?""Really Wally?" Shayera raised an eyebrow. "I have to explain to you why?"Wally was about to reply before he paused and thought for a moment. He then sheepishly smiled, "Yeah I can see why you wouldn't want to hear something like that."Shayera rolled her eyes, "I swear Wally. You need to think before you speak." The Thanagarian paused as she felt the baby move. She then lightly smirked to herself as she glanced down at her stomach, "Yeah I know he can be stupid."Wally tilted his head with a confused look, "Who are you talking to?"Shayera lightly shook her head, "Don't worry about it.""So if it didn't have four arms than what did it look like?" Wally asked causing Shayera to roll her eyes."I don't know," Shayera shrugged, "I guess it looked like a normal baby. At least that's what Becky said. I never saw a baby through an ultrasound before so I have to go by her word that everything is perfectly fine.""Well that had to be cool to see."Shayera paused for moment before smirking, "Okay I'll admit it was."Wally as well smirked as he nudge her, "I knew that you were a softy deep down.""Just keep pushing your luck Wally," Shayera playfully rolled her eyes. "By the way, thanks for cleaning up the place for me. It was going to be a pain in the ass for me to do.""Don't mention it," Wally waved her off. "It was the least I could do."Shayera gave him a small smile, "More like I owe you. Especially after I broke your nose. How does it feel anyways? Does it still hurt at all?""Nah," Wally waved her off again with a grin. "I've had worse. It hardly even hurts anymore. I mean unless I sneeze or move my nose or touch it. I didn't realize you could punch that hard."Shayera chuckled, "I told you that I can fight, pregnant or not. I'm sorry though for doing that. I shouldn't have let myself lose my temper like that."Wally shook his head, "Again don't be, I deserved it after what I said. I say we call it even. Okay?""Fine by me," Shayera nodded before trying to unsuccessfully stifle a yawn. "I hate to do this Wally but I'm exhausted and I need to sleep.""I guess it has been a long day and night," Wally casually mentioned as he paused for a moment. "How about we play video games later today? I'll even get you Chinese takeout for dinner."Shayera smirked, "Deal."
ShiyaHawk
Add Media
Style