Story Synopsis: Set during Batman: Reborn. They meet once a year—Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.
“Tradition”
The Batcave was empty and abandoned, covered by tarps and curtains, and dust. It was soul-wrenching for Superman and Wonder Woman as they landed on the small platform before the giant computer. Was it only two years ago that they came together—Clark, Diana, and Bruce—to form the new League, a League which had been brought together by Fate? A League, which now, was broken and in shambles?
Their own
lives had been torn apart—Clark’s life on two worlds; Diana’s life after
There was nothing to say.
Once a year.
They’d only missed it twice before—when Superman “died” and before the Crisis.
Now, come to think of it, they’d come together that day before the Crisis, just broken and embittered.
“I guess…” Diana began and faltered, not wanting to speak the truth. “…there is no point in staying.”
Superman agreed with a heavy sigh and a rigid nod. They took flight to leave when a glimmer caught Superman’s eye.
The only thing not forsaken was the single round table, glimmering in the low light of the cavern. Wiped clean, it would sit three people for the annual conference.
Wonder Woman and Superman met eyes, and they landed next to their seats. When footsteps sounded behind them, they turned, and less than twenty feet away, Dick Grayson, dressed in a simple T-shirt, jacket, and jeans, stood before them, a coffee holder with three cups in one hand and a box of donuts in the other. He raised them for the two to see.
“I know I’m not Bruce, but I do bring refreshments.”
Superman’s eyes softened, and Bruce’s own words flittered through his mind. “The League’s bigger than us, and it should always be.”
It changes, evolves, and before them stood the future and the best of what was to come.
Diana was the first to speak, coming forward to take the drinks. “You are always welcome, Richard, and we are pleased to have you here.”
“Well…to be honest with you—” He scratched the back of his head. “—I really don’t want to be here, not under these circumstances, but…once a year you guys come together—Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. I won’t be the one to stop the tradition.”
Superman took the donuts to let Dick take off his jacket. “So, how’s Damian?”
“He’s…coming around, I think. I never realized how much of a handful I must have been.”
“I don’t think you had the same difficulties as Damian,” Wonder Woman added with a hand brushing back Dick’s bangs in a motherly fashion. “But all children have transition periods, as do adults.” She looked at Superman. “Isn’t at right, Kal?”
He let out a troubled sigh. “New Krypton is…evolving, moving forward.”
“I heard about the shooting of General Zod.” Dick dropped his jacket the chair. “I’m sorry.”
Superman’s eyes became guarded, even regretful. “I’m…not. The man is the father of my child, and he abused Chris. I—I know I should feel remorse, but...”
“It is
human to feel,
“Says the Amazon,” Dick laughed before becoming serious, “which reminds me, how are you dealing?”
“I…I am. After Candy…and…” she hesitated for the second time in a matter of moments. “…and Bruce…I guess, we are all dealing.”
They were. Some
better than others, most of the time not well, but they were dealing with it.
And today, they would deal again.
Without a word, they sat down at the table, and Dick pulled the top off his coffee. “So, the League’s going pretty well. Donna’s keeping us on the path toward peace. Mon-El’s giving us that Kryptonian boost—not as much as with you, Clark, but you’d be surprised how much people trust him.”
“How are you and Hal doing?”
“Hal and I don’t have the same relationship he had with Roy and Wally, but we’re okay…”
A New Beginning…