A/N: 7 chapters to go! This one's on the short side, but the next one will be longer. Let me know what you think!
The view from the Watchtower's garden was so peaceful, it almost managed to make Batman feel calm. Almost. Ever since Roy's escapade a few nights before, the atmosphere in the Manor had been…tense. Dick had started giving him the silent treatment upon finding out that Roy had once again been benched. Although Alfred wasn't giving Bruce the silent treatment, there was enough silence and side-eye glances that Bruce was fully aware of how much his butler disproved of his decision. Roy had also been quieter, but it didn't feel like it was out of anger like with Dick.
'Why is everyone always so critical?' Batman wondered with irritation. 'I'm trying to protect Roy! Am I the only one who remembers how traumatizing it was when Oliver found him?! I vowed to keep that monster away from Roy and I'll die before I break it again!'
Superman put his hand on Batman's shoulder, which Batman shrugged off immediately. "I can feel your irritation from here," he said quietly. "Whatever has you heated this time, I'd cool it before we have to go in there and have this meeting." Batman didn't respond verbally but did nod in response.
"At times like these, one feels the very weight of the world upon us," Wonder Woman remarked, not quite oblivious to Superman and Batman's conversation. Her comment managed to drag a small nod from Batman, who did his best to reign his irritation before the meeting started. Footsteps behind the three alerted them to someone approaching. They turned around and found Aquaman walking toward them.
"Everyone's here," he said.
"It's time, then," Superman replied. He led the other three heroes into the League's meeting room, where the rest of the Justice League was assembled. Aquaman waited until the door and shut before he spoke.
"Our agenda is clear. What's at stake should not be underestimated."
"The decisions we make will reverberate for years to come."
"And influence whether or not the world continues to put their trust in the Justice League," Wonder Woman added.
"Please take your seats," Batman said, his voice calm. "We have work to do." Everyone sat down at the meeting table.
Once they were all seated, Martian Manhunter stood up first. "Another expansion of the League could generate another expansion of hostility from our enemies," he said. "No one wants or needs another Injustice League."
"Point taken," Superman acknowledged. "But the option remains to vote no on all candidates. So, I nominate Icon for League membership." The holographic picture of a hero in red and green appeared in the middle of the U-shaped table.
"Why?" Batman asked. "Because you think he might be Kryptonian like you thought Captain Marvel was?"
"I was Kryptonian?" Captain Marvel asked. "Cool!"
"Icon interests me also," Wonder Woman assured Superman upon seeing the slightly disappointed look on his face. "As does his protege, Rocket." The image changed to that of a teenaged girl. "Athena knows the League could use more female members."
"Agreed," Black Canary nodded.
"Here, here," Hawkwoman concurred.
Wonder Woman looked at the male members, who all remained silent.
'Rocket is only a teenager, though,' Batman thought as the conversation eventually moved on. 'She's only Zatanna's age.' The subject of an age requirement had never come up in the League before, but he suspected that would change today. "I nominate the Atom." The image changed to the small hero.
"Seriously?" Captain Marvel asked. "The Atom? How useful could he be at that size?"
"Its the size that makes him useful."
"Absolutely," Flash agreed. "Still, we could always use some more raw power. And Earth has a third Green Lantern." The imaged change again. "Guy Gardner-"
"No," Hal and John said at the same time.
"We could really-"
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Have you met Guy?" John asked incredulously. "He's brash-"
"Irresponsible-" Hal added.
"Loud-"
"Annoying-"
"And his temperament leaves a lot to be desired."
"Raw power or not, he's not right for the League."
'It's ironic hearing anyone is too annoying and irresponsible from Jordan,' Batman thought as Blue Devil, someone he had no interest in, was nominated next and various members debated his origin.
"If we're considering Blue Devil, then I want to nominate Arsenal," Black Canary said. The image in the middle changed to that of the archer. That snapped Batman out of his thoughts. He looked over at her to find she was staring him down defiantly. "He has more experience and he's not a kid anymore. He's 18. A legal adult." The League's founding members seemed to notice the stare down she and Batman were having as she talked. "He's ready."
"is he?" Batman asked. "Arsenal is good, but he has hardly any experience doing solo work."
"So? We work as a team, do we not?"
"We do, but we're all also heroes in our own rights. We protect our own cities and homes. Each of us has a distinct identity the contributes to the team. Future League members should follow that example. What kind of message is it sending to the rest of the Team if we move him up without knowing what's he's really capable of and who he is?"
"Then by your standards, should the rest of the Team be excluded from consideration?"
"I think they should be considered," Flash said.
"No," Superman objected. "Arsenal might be 18, but the rest of Team is too young. We're not inducting children into the League." Most members caught the nervous look that crossed Captain Marvel's face.
"That seems myopic," Doctor Fate replied. The image changed to Kid Flash and Aqualad. "I have been one with Kid Flash and Aqualad. Regardless of solo experience, both are ready."
"And what of Zatanna?" Wonder Woman asked. The imaged change dot the young magician.
"Absolutely not!"
"That sounded almost protective, Doctor. Guess we know Zatara is still in that helmet somewhere."
"Why is Doctor Fate a member?" Captain Marvel asked, standing up. "You conned Zatara into giving up his life to you, or else lose his daughter instead. Not cool."
"Should such behavior be condoned?" Red Tornado asked as the image changed to Fate.
"Zatara desired Doctor Fate remain with the League."
"Oh please," Hal Jordan remarked.
"It is true. Qatar's trust in Nabu is…measured. He desires the League maintain a close watch upon us. There were a few moments so silence after that.
"Plastic Man," Batman said finally, moving the meriting along. Captain Marvel failed to suppress his giggles.
"I don't know," Flash replied. "The guy's got a pretty substantial criminal record."
Captain Marvel burst out laughing. "Ahahaha! Sorry," he apologized quickly. "That guy cracks me up." A quick look at the other members showed they didn't share his enjoyment.
"Maybe it' s time we all talked about the elephant in the room. Should Captain Marvel stay a member, now that we know he's only 10-year-old?"
"He does possess an adult body and the wisdom of Solomon," Red Tornado said.
"Wisdom," Aquaman argued. "does not equal maturity."
"Hey, I'm sitting right here," Captain Marvel reminded him.
"Then Billy, maybe you should leave," Black Canary replied in a gentle, almost condescending voice. "Until we've hashed this out."
"No," Batman replied. "Captain Marvel and is entitled to participate until or unless he's voted out."
"It's not just his age," Wonder Woman said. "Its the fact that he lied about it."
"I didn't lie…exactly. I just left out the part about being a kid."
"A lie of omission is still a lie. You kept an important secret from us. No one in the League knew the truth."
"I did," Batman said.
"I shouldn't be surprised. Since you indoctrinated Robin into a life of crime fighting at the ripe old age of 9."
Batman looked at the image in the middle, now displaying his younger protege. "He needed to help bring the man who murdered his family to justice."
"So he could turn out like you?"
"So that he wouldn't."
"If experience should be a consideration…Robin does have the most of that," John Stewart said cautiously.
"No. He's 13. I agree with Superman, we shouldn't allow anyone under the age of 18 into the League."
"Precisely," Wonder Woman agreed.
"You seem to have reached a consensus that 18 years is a suitable minimum age for joining the League," Martian Manhunter said. "Yet what of Miss Martian?" The image changed to his niece. "Though she is a biological adolescent by Martian standards, she was born 48 Earth years ago."
"So what is the deciding factor?" Red Tornado asked. "Chronology or biology? Take Superboy."
"Exactly," Black Canary replied. "He's only a year old. Does he have to wait 17 more to stand beside us?" Wonder Woman looked at Superman, but he remained quiet and looked away. "And if Batman really believes in letting in 18-year-olds, then Arsenal should be no problem for him."
"I told you, he's not ready," Batman growled.
"Why not? He's 18. He may not have a lot of solo experience, but he has the most out of anyone on the Team. He's a great archer and detective in his own right. We don't have anyone in the League with his particular skill set."
"I don't care! I'm his mentor and I say he's not ready."
"He isn't, or you're not?"
"That's enough," Superman interjected. "Batman, you know the rules. Any candidate put forth by a League member is eligible to be voted on." Batman didn't say anything. Superman turned his attention to Black Canary. "We shouldn't be antagonizing each other."
"She brings up an interesting point," Flash said. "I mean…if Arsenal isn't ready, when will he be? What level of experience will be necessary to join? That's a lot more subjective than age."
"I think it will be for each voting member to decide what level is acceptable." Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman al stood up and moved so they could be seen by all. "Any more ideas?" No said anything. "No? Then here are our candidates for new or continued membership." Pictures of the candidates all appeared in holograms around the table.
"We've debated origin, gender, size, experience, age, temperament, and background," Batman explained. "But…what is the fundamental criterion for membership-"
"When all is said and down," Wonder Woman said, stepping forward. "The question must be: whom do we trust? Trust to fight beside us. Trust to have our backs. Trust to uphold the high standards and ideals of the Justice League?"
"Time to vote." The three of the returned to their seats to cast their votes as well. '…I can't vote Roy in,' Batman thought as he started casting his vote for each candidate. 'I trust him. He's a great vigilante and hero. He embodies everything the League should represent and stand for.' The problem didn't lie with Arsenal himself. Being a member of the League required a public ceremony at the Hall of Justice. It required sometimes having solo missions anywhere in the country or even the world. Away from Gotham, and away from where Batman could keep Arsenal safe. He came to the archer and looked up at his full-size image. Strangely, he was reminded of four, almost five, years ago. When the image had been of a 14-year-old covered in bruises. 'I have to keep him safe.' Batman voted against his protege, then kept going down the list. 'I have to.' When he finished, he waited patiently until the rest of the League had voted as well. When everyone finished, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman all had access to the results instantly. Batman's eyes skimmed the list and something in his chest loosened. Arsenal's name wasn't on there.
"Here are the results," Superman said. "Doctor Fate, the Atom, Plastic Man, and Icon. And Captain Marvel has been voted to be allowed to stay."
Batman stood up. "All those in favor of ratifying the results?"
"Aye!" everyone replied in unison.
"All opposed?" No one said anything. "Then we are adjourned." Everyone nodded and stood up to leave. Batman followed suit.
As he left, Black Canary followed him. "You can't keep Arsenal out of the League forever," she said quietly. "I meant what I said. He's a good hero and he's more than ready to start doing things on his own."
"I know."
"Then why-"
"My concern is what's best for him, Canary. You may not agree, but you don't need to."
"How long do you think you can keep him in Gotham?"
"…As long as I need to." He reached the zeta tube and Black Canary hung back.
"All you're going to do by holding on this tight is hurt him."
Batman didn't say anything and simply left.
— —
"B should be home soon," Dick said to Roy, who was re-stringing a bow. "Wally just said his uncle wants him home, so the meeting must be over."
"Mhm," Roy replied.
"Are you worried or…?"
"Not really."
"Even though you're grounded again?"
"No." Roy set his bow down and looked at his brother. "Don't say anything but…I'm going to try and convince Bruce to let me go back to the Team."
"Really?! That's great! How?"
"I don't really know yet."
"I'm sure you'll think of something."
"Thanks." Roy looked down at his bow as he picked it up again. 'I know that I need to talk to Bruce, but I don't know what to say to him. How do I convince him to let me go back?' His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the Bat-mobile arriving.
Dick smirked and stood up. "Good luck, bro. Stand your ground. You got this."
Roy licked his lips as he stood up, freshly strung bow clutched in his hands. 'I can do this. I can do this.'
"What're you doing down here?" Batman asked him as he passed.
"I-I want to talk to you."
"About what?"
Roy swallowed. "I want to go back to the Team." He waited for a moment, then watched as Batman froze; then slowly took his cowl off.
Bruce turned around to look at his older ward. "What?"
"I want to go back to the Team."
"…Roy-"
"I have to go back, Bruce. I know I messed up, but I need the Team. I can't- I can't keep saying here alone. I have to be around my friends and be able to leave Gotham sometimes."
"I'm keeping you here to protect you."
Roy shook his head as he looked down at his bow. "I'm just doing this protect you. I know what's best for you-"
"I do-"
"I'm your guardian you need to do what I say." Roy looked up at Bruce. "You have no idea how many times a week I heard Oliver say those things." He could tell that caught Bruce off guard. "He wasn't doing that stuff to help me though. He was trying to control me. …And so are you…"
Bruce's immediate reaction was to deny the soft-spoken accusation, but the earnest look on Roy's face him pause. "Roy-"
"I can't spend the rest of my life hiding and alone, Bruce. And I definitely won't spend it being controlled. I spent two years alone and controlled. And I won't- It's not going to happen again."
"….I know you're lonely here Roy, but I'm trying to protect you from Oliver."
"Ollie… He hasn't been a problem. He doesn't even know I'm on the Team. Besides, if I spend my whole life hiding…doesn't he win?"
"Roy-"
"Give me another chance, Bruce. Please. When I first got here you said you'd always give me another chance. Back when I was always so afraid of making mistakes… Remember? I need my friends and I need freedom. I feel like I'm suffocating here. Please."
Bruce wanted to say no. The word was sitting on the tip of his tongue, but the pleading look on Roy's face made him stop. He was struck by the firm stance Roy held, despite how tight his hands clutched his bow. The teen's voice had remained steady the whole time. He looked Bruce in the eye despite how obviously anxious he was. Again, Bruce thought back to the hologram image of Roy on the Watchtower earlier. 'He's come so far…' Despite his misgivings about the situation, Bruce couldn't help but feel his chest swell with pride. Roy had come so much farther than he'd ever dared hope. "You also went into the city without my permission."
"Then I won't do it again. Please, Bruce?"
Bruce sighed. "Very well. You can go back to the Team."
"Really?!"
"Yes. But temporarily. The next time I send the Team on a mission, you will go with them. If you can follow orders and complete the mission to a satisfactory degree…then I'll allow you to go back permanently."
"Can I go to Mount Justice?"
"Not until your mission." It would be prudent to let Kaldur be punished for a little longer, after all. "And you're benched until you go on this mission. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Absolutely." Still being benched wasn't great, but to go back to the Team, Roy was willing to do just about anything. "I won't let you down. I'll prove to you that I can do it. I promise."
'I know,' Bruce thought. 'You're an incredibly capable young man.' The pride in the man's chest had spread to his whole body. He tried to ignore it, but that was difficult when the evidence of Roy's resilience and growth was right there in front of him. 'When did he gets so big and confident? How did I miss it?' Part of Bruce was extremely upset at the idea of Roy being so grown up. 'Is this what Dinah sees in him?' It made him even more prideful to know that others could also see how much Roy had grown. 'He's so much more than Oliver ever gave him credit for; than I ever gave him credit for.' Which didn't exactly mean he would let Roy run around Gotham alone…but maybe letting him go back to the Team would be enough. 'So long as he can prove I can trust him.' Bruce cleared his throat awkwardly. "Go upstairs. I'm sure dinner will be ready soon." And Bruce wasn't sure how much longer he could last with his combined pride in Roy and the boy's radiant smile. "I'll be right up."
"Ok." Roy put his bow away, then climbed the stairs into the Manor. 'I guess I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I'm going back to the Team. Back to Kal.' He smiled even wider. 'I really did it! I can't wait to tell Dick! If I hurry, I can probably write Kal a letter- no, I want to surprise him!' Roy practically ran from Bruce's study, up the stars to Dick's bedroom to share the good news. 'I'm going to see my friends again!'