Before Kyle entered his life, he never knew what being a mentor actually meant. Before Kyle, he hasn't came across someone who could beat him in immaturity. Before Kyle, he couldn't fathom ever sending young kids into battle.
"They aren't ready, and they might never be."
His voice pierces the tense silence surrounding the top members of the Justice League, making every head turn his way in unison, some with sympathy and others with coldness.
"This isn't over, Green Lantern, so they must be ready," Batman counters in his usually cold fashion. "They knew what they signed up for."
"Signed up for what, exactly?" Hal asks, turning to the other members. "I'm pretty sure most of them didn't sign up for losing a teammate."
Even though his tone was venomous towards Batman, the Dark Knight doesn't answer Hal's challenge.
"That's the game."
"Damn it, Batman, this isn't a game! This is the lives of kids we're talking about!"
"I'm trying to save them, Green Lantern. If they aren't ready for what's coming, they don't stand a chance."
"I'm sorry, but Batman's right," the Flash speaks up, giving an apologetic smile to Hal. "There is no choice at the moment."
"It's time for a vote," Superman's authoritative voice rings out, silencing any murmurs among the members.
"All in favour."
The only one voting against the proposal is Hal. His posture visibly slumps back into his chair, defeated by his peers.
"It's decided then," Superman announces. "The time for grieving is over, and Young Justice team is officially reinstated. We need to help them in any way we can, friends, because they are the future of this world."
Before the meeting fully concludes, Hal stands up and walks off, no-one daring to recall him.
"Good luck, kids," he whispers under his breath.
Young Justice: Still Standing.
Coming Soon...