On Angel's Wings

A Justice League fic

Disclaimer: I own nothing but Sara, Mytar Kor, and the plot.

Dedication: The reviewers of Promise, Tears Upon My Cheek, and Liar. This is my happy Sara/Jon/Shayera fic response to your reviews.

~*~

~*~*~*~

Shayera POV

"Get up-hey, Detective, come on. I need to get you out of here. Come on, Detective Hol, don't give up now. . ."

I could see a bright light as I tentatively opened my eyes. The sight of an aged, but tall and gangly officer blurrily formed in my field of vision. The ground beneath me moving-was I on a ship?

But how was that possible? Katar gunned me down, killing Sara and I both. Why, of all things, was I alive and on a ship?

The officer standing beside me smiled. "I'm glad you survived, Ms. Hol. I was worried that the treatment wouldn't be able to save you in time."

I turned my head slowly towards him. A flash of pain shot through my body, making me wince. The officer hurriedly grabbed my arms, easing my body back into the bed. Stars flashed in front of my eyes, as I lay back, dazed.

"What treatment?" I asked slowly, waiting for the pain to recede from my body.

"My name is Mytar Kor. I'm an ancient field officer and medical examiner. There's a treatment I've been working on for the last five years, to revive gunned down officers, trying to pull them out of shock and seizure to save them." He ran a hand through long, gray hair. "It's still in an infant stage, but managed to save quite a few lives, including yourself."

I held up my hand weakly. "What about my daughter? Have you seen Sara?"

Mytar's smile grew wider. "She woke up before you did, actually. The experiment seems to work better on children in a pre-adolescent stage, because their healing metabolism works better than most adults and adolescents."

I let out a held breath. If Sara was alive too, then all hope wasn't completely lost. "Where are we?" I asked, remembering the movement underneath me.

"On my ship."

"Going where?"

Mytar laughed. "You still sound like a cop, interrogating me like that."

I blushed. "I'm sorry. It's hard to beat the cop out of me." I stopped. The words hung in air, as I cast my eyes down. Katar had said those words to me.

Mytar seemed to understand. "I understand what you are going through." He touched her shoulder awkwardly. "I chose to leave the police force, because I couldn't take how corrupt it had been become. With leaders like that Katar, Thanagar was headed on a road to hell."

I nodded. "I only wish I knew that sooner. I never would have acted the way I did."

Mytar shrugged. "You are young, and young officers out of boldness, and not necessarily wisdom." He chuckled. "When you get to be old like me, the wisdom tends to kick in."

For the first time in years, I graced myself with a smile. "But where are we going? If we aren't on Thanagar, where in the galaxy can I go?"

Mytar grinned. "You, your daughter, and myself alone are en route to Earth."

Suddenly, my heart stopped. "Earth?"

My voice was shaky and unsteady, as Mytar stood and began unwrapping bandages around my arms. "I know why you are hesitant to go back. I was on Thanagar, but the news came quickly about the invasion and defeat. I knew Katar was furious with you, and swore a bloody revenge." He spat off to the side. "His name leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Forgive my rudeness."

I turned away. I couldn't see my arm, scarred and bruised. Mytar silently ripped new linen from a roll beside my bed. Applying a cold cream to the cuts, he began to speak again. "I know you were married to that Green Lantern, Detective."

I snapped my head painfully back. "How did you know about that? Not even Katar knew."

"Word about the marriage of a Green Lantern gets far in the galaxy, even as distant as Thanagar is. Katar knew, but chose to ignore it."

I sighed. "I guess it never really was a secret."

Mytar laughed. "I was young once. I remember what love is like. I've buried a wife, my love for her inside the coffin."

"I'm sorry."

Mytar waved my words away. "Don't be. I married, and outlived my wife. It was bound to happen."

I paused. "Why did you save Sara and I?"

"I knew you would ask me that," said Mytar, tying the bandage into a knot. "Truly, I disagreed with the Council's decision to invade Earth. The planet had done nothing to us, and I saw no gain in taking it over. Especially under Katar, who wouldn't know common sense if it snapped off his wings."

"I've never heard anyone criticize Katar before. I thought every officer worshipped him."

Mytar snickered. "The boy was a rookie when I was off fighting wars for a good cause. He rose too quickly, and developed an overcharged ego. Men like that die a slow, painful death in the end."

I had wished that fate on Katar. Hopefully, he'd get one.

"Don't think I'm a hero, for smuggling you and your daughter off Thanagar." He turned away, his eyes clouding over. "Katar thought he owned the police headquarters and the war council. He ordered me, like I was some young recruit, to go to your cell and dispose of the bodies."

I sucked in a breath.

"Of course I went; Katar had the entire council wrapped around his finger. One word, and I'd be executed. But when I arrived at your cell, the smoke from Katar's gun was still fresh. Maybe I was too late to save you injury- free, but I knew I could smuggle you off, and treat you en route." He smiled. "So, I hid your bodies in the cargo area of my ship, and left the next night. Your daughter, Sara, woke up soon after. I assured her that you, with the right treatment, would join her soon." He waved his hand around. "And here we are now."

The door flew open suddenly. Sara stumbled inside, her large eyes widening as she saw her mother struggle to rise from the bed. "Mother!" she cried, running over. Her tiny arms wrapped around me. "You're awake! Mytar did save you!"

Her tears hit my bruised shoulder, as she slowly let go. Mytar smiled, patting Sara's arm as she wiped her eyes clean. "We're almost home, Mommy. And then, I can see Uncle Clark, and Auntie Diana, and even cranky Batman."

I struggled to suppress a laugh. All the stories I had said when she was a baby stayed with her. She remembered Flash, racing around to quake her late- night cries, and Diana, who called her little sister, taking care of her when I was too tired to move. Even Batman, who pretended to be resilient against Sara's wide, innocent stare.

"Sara is right, Detective. We'll be arriving within the hour." He paused. "I notified the Justice League. We'll be docking at their Watchtower."

Sara's eyes lit up. "We can see Daddy together, right Mommy? He'll be happy to see you. I just know it."

Mytar squeezed Sara's hand. "That's right, little miss. Your father is going to meet at us the dock."

Sara leaned in close to me. Her warm breath tickled my ear, as she whispered, "Mytar wanted to surprise Daddy, so I haven't talked to him yet. But, he can't wait to see both of us."

I tried to smile back at Sara. It was hard, pretending that Jon would be happy to see me. I knew he was dying to see Sara again. He probably wanted to see Mytar more than me. The man who saved his daughter and traitor wife.

Mytar sensed my uneasiness. "Why don't you go to the window, and tell us when you can see Earth. Go on," he said, giving Sara a gentle push out the door. "As soon as you see it, come back."

Sara ran out, the doors phasing shut behind her. I sighed, closing my eyes briefly. I couldn't imagine seeing Jon after so long. He would hate me for sure. In those five years Sara and I had been held prisoner, he probably burned everything and anything that reminded him of us. Of the family we once were.

I even wondered if that witch, Katma, was there with him. Compared to me, she was probably his saving angel. The women who fill the hole Sara and I had left behind. He'd live happily ever after, and I'd be left as the odd person on Earth.

"Did Jo-Green Lantern say anything about me?"

Mytar looked at me sadly, sitting on the edge of my bed. "When I contacted the League, the woman who answered said he wasn't in."

My heartbeat quickened. "What did she look like?"

"Tall, long black hair, piercing blue eyes. Very beautiful, if I do say so."

I sighed, relieved. It was just Diana, not Katma. "What did the woman say?"

"That your husband was on Earth, but would be contacted immediately. The woman seemed very excited about your return. She said, she couldn't wait to see you or Sara soon."

"Did she say that Green Lantern was with anyone?"

"No."

I knew he was lying. His answer was too quick to be a completely honest response. Deep inside, I knew he was with Katma right now.

Memories of leaving Earth flashed in mind. I could see the League from the ship where Katar was taking me. I could see Jon, his face so angry and bitter. I couldn't bear to see him upset.

The meadow we left in was so beautiful. Fields of wildflowers danced around me, as I carried a baby Sara in my arms. I longed to pick a flower for her hair, or shove one down Katar's throat. Maybe distract him long enough to run.

But I didn't. I never even tried to break free, like I would have in any other situation. I guess it was out of shame, shame for betraying my adopted home, my friends, even my husband.

Katar was crazy. I knew he wanted me to wear the usual prisoner clothes, but not in the disgusting, whore style he had altered them into. I felt like a prostitute, being led up the ship's dock in those clothes. I wanted nothing more than to run away, and stay in Jon's arms forever. I didn't want to go back to Thanagar, and leave Earth forever. Fear gripped me, and I was afraid of my fate. My life had become a nightmare, and I was trapped in it.

I was a broken woman, with Katar basking in my demise. He loved the way I crumbled after being captured, the lack of my usual fighting spirit.

Mentally, I was already dead. I didn't want to think anymore. Because every time I tried, the battle replayed in my mind. I saw Jon's bloody costume, torn and covered in dirt. I saw the anger in his eyes, the acrimony in his stature. I knew he never wanted to see me again.

And yet here I was, so close to being home again.

I only tried to fight Katar once, and I paid dearly for my outburst. Katar took delight in beating me senselessly aboard the ship for my impertinence.

The ship was taking off when I broke free. The deafening noise of the engine drowned out my screams, as I ran for the closing dock door. My words were lost in the wind, but I knew Jon could hear me.

He could hear me screaming his name.

I didn't notice Sara slowly approach my side. I was lost in my memories and couldn't hear her words.

"We're here."

~*~*~*~

Jon POV

I was in my apartment when I heard the news. I assumed Diana was playing some cruel joke on me, and almost hung when I heard her words.

"A Thanagarian officer has contacted the Watchtower. He has two passengers. Jon, it's Shayera. She and Sara are alive."

I swear I almost had a heart attack right then and there. Shayera and Sara couldn't be alive. When they left, I knew both would be executed for betraying Thanagar.

How could they be aboard a ship?

It had been a week since my encounter with Kat. She was long gone, and since the Council failed to take away my ring, I assumed her report of me was decent. She must have left out the sordid details.

I couldn't imagine who would smuggle them off the planet. I thought every single person there hated Shayera. They blamed her for the foiled invasion. They saw her as a filthy liar, who slipped secrets to the enemy.

But she survived. She's on her way back home, with my daughter. Five years after they were taken away, I would see them again. Shayera would be scarred, emotionally and physically, no doubt. And Sara would be five. I hadn't been there to hear her first words or see her take those precious first steps. But she was alive. I could make new memories with my beloved daughter.

What about Shayera? What was there to say to her? Did I still hate her? Or did I just want her back with me.

But I shook my head of all doubts. I knew my decision, and would stick by it.

I'd welcome her with open arms.

~*~*~*~

Shayera POV

I was on my feet when we docked in the Watchtower. According to Mytar, I would still need bed rest for another few days. But under the proper care, I could heal quickly.

He winked when he said this.

Nervously I waited with Sara, who hopped from foot to foot like an impatient bird. She seemed so different, almost forgetting the trauma she went through on Thanagar. I suppose children are like that, blocking out the memories that frighten them the most.

She couldn't wait to see the League again. Everyone had gathered to meet us, the war prisoners finally returning home. The little girl who didn't deserve to be tortured, and then me, the traitor waiting final judgment.

The doors to my room opened. Mytar eyes twinkled as he led us out. There was a certain youthful mischief in them that I couldn't recognize.

"They're waiting for you."

Slowly we walked out. I hadn't realized how small Mytar's ship had been until I was actually leaving it. There was just a small sick bay, his quarters, and an extra room where he kept supplies.

Focusing on something else was all I could do to ease my nervousness. After all these long, torturous years, I would see Jon again.

I only hoped I could handle it.

The port of the ship opened, and the familiar sight of the Watchtower's landing bay came into view. Sara was the first one out, almost tumbling down the ramp in her excitement. I heard Diana shriek, and watched her scoop Sara into her arms, weeping hysterically.

Up until now, it didn't seem important how Sara lost her wings. I still didn't know the entire story, but from what I knew, the guards in charge of Sara plucked her wings. When I was on Thanagar, she still had them. But now, they were gone. Her back was smooth and wing free, like Jon. Repairing her wings would have been too traumatic, and I suppose it was better just to leave her body the way it was.

"Easy does it," said Mytar softly, giving me a gentle push out. "Go on, your friends are waiting."

Diana handed Sara to Flash, who began to tickle her mercilessly. Over the shrieks of Sara I could hear the entire League gasp for breath. Time seemed to stop as I stepped down from the ship, covered in bandages and scars.

J'onn was the first to approach me. His empty eyes stared at me for a moment, before reaching a steady hand to my shoulder. "Welcome home, Hawkgirl," he said, his face softening.

One by one, the entire League approached me. Diana, Batman, Superman, even Flash with Sara in his arms. Diana hugged me, crying into my shoulder.

Towards the back of the bay stood a dark figure, hovering in the shadows.

Sara scrambled out of Flash's arms. "Daddy!" she shrieked, running as fast as she could. My body trembled as Jon stepped from the shadows, his body strong and stable as he knelt down to Sara's level.

He embraced her tightly, running a shaking hand down her dark hair. "How can it be?" he whispered, as Sara buried her face his chest. "How can my little girl be alive?"

"Daddy, I'm not a little girl!" Sara's voice was indignant, as she raised herself up tall. Flash burst out laughing, as the rest of the League slowly cracked a smile.

"She's got a point, GL," he said, scratching his head. "The kid is growing up faster than we thought."

Sara took Jon's hand in hers. "Come on, Daddy," she said softly. "Come see Mommy."

Diana let go of me, as the rest of the League parted, leaving a centered space for Jon, who was pulled quickly along by Sara.

"She missed you very much," said Sara, her voice dropping to a whisper. "She tried to save me from Katar."

Jon and I cast our eyes away. We couldn't bear to look at each other after what had happened. How could I face Jon, right now?

Sara let go of Jon's hand, her eyes wide and pleading. She looked back and forth between us, as we slowly looked up at the other.

"You're back," he said, his voice cracking the silence.

"Yeah."

Diana cleared her throat. "We'll leave you two alone." She took Sara's hand. "Come on, little sister. Let's give your parents some space."

Slowly they all left, Sara glancing back at us briefly. The bay doors closed quietly, and soon I was alone with Jon.

He shifted slightly. "How did you get back?"

I pointed to Mytar's ship. He had conviently left with the rest of the League. "Mytar smuggled us out the prison. He's been experimenting with a procedure to revive shot officers. He revived Sara and I on our way here."

He touched my arm, slowly unwrapping the bandages. The bruises and cuts made him wince. He cupped my face with his hand, pulling me closer to him. "How could they have done that to you?"

I began to cry. "I don't know. Katar's insane; he wouldn't stop until we were both dead."

His arms wrapped around me gently. "But you're here now." He paused. "That's all that matters."

I buried my face in his dark shoulder. He reached behind into his back pocket, slipping something small out. I pulled back from him, as he held a wrinkled photograph in front of my face.

My breath caught in my throat. I remembered that picture like it was taken yesterday. It was shortly after Sara was born. Jon sat beside me on the sick bay bed, his eyes wet with tears. My face was flushed still from the birth, and Sara's eyes were wide and open in the picture.

We were happy.

"I never stopped hoping you two would come back," he croaked. "Even when Kat came from Oa and tried to get me to go back with her, I refused. I knew you and Sara were alive somewhere. I just had to wait."

He leaned down, kissing my bruised lips gently. A warm feeling spread through my body, as he held me against his warm body. "You're back in my arms again." He paused, trying to wipe errant tears from his face. "I've wanted this for so long."

"What will happen now?"

"I can answer that."

Mytar and the League were back. Flash whistled, as Sara giggled beside him.

"Oh great, the two of you are together again. This is so gross, right kiddo?"

Sara shook her head fiercely. "They're happy. That's what matters."

Mytar stepped forward. "I'm going back to Thanagar, Detective. I'm marching straight up the council and having Katar fired, and maybe even executed. The corruption he's spread through Thanagar must be stopped."

Superman clapped him on the shoulder. "We offered him an honorary post here on Earth, but he refused."

Mytar grinned. "A good cop never abandons his people. I'm glad you found your home, Detective."

I smiled. "Call me Shayera, Mytar."

He mock-saluted me. "Will do, Detective Shayera." He opened his shuttle hatch, flying into it smoothly.

"Take care," he shouted, warming up the engines. From the side, Batman opened the Watchtower entrance, and Mytar took off into the stars.

"You think he can take care of Katar?" asked Diana.

I nodded. "I know so."

~*~

A/N: Aha! There was a loophole in Tears Upon My Cheek. I never said Shayera really died. I really wanted her to be with Jon again, so I whipped up this idea. I really hope everyone likes it. It's my response to the reviewers who wanted a happy ending with Jon, Shayera, and Sara. I'm sorry for the delay, but I hope this is good enough for the wait. Please review!