One guest replaces the other.
Cheshire had left after she had relayed all that she knew to his father. It is the following evening when Grayson intrudes on the quiet of the three Wayne siblings. Grayson insists that the whole family go downstairs for a family meeting. He makes extra sure to try his utmost best to convince Damian specifically to attend as he is one of the main subjects of the conversation they were going to hold.
Damian doesn't want to return to the people he had just walked out on, but Grayson's face made it hard to say no. That is why Damian finds himself returning to the manor's entrance.
The guest that had replaced Cheshire was someone that Damian knew. Not a lot of people didn't know about Clark Kent. He was a famous figure - a humble man turned celebrity journalist. He covered a wide range of controversial topics between races, and he was praised for his boldness by the general public. Clark Kent didn't have a particular species perse. Categorizing him into a specific place was difficult considering the nature of his creation. Clark, Damian had learned, was an artificial being created to look human. The closest species in relation to such a description would be a golem, so that is often what the journalist was referred to.
No one had any idea on where he had come from. His parents were normal humans with no magical capabilities. It was impossible for a normal human to create a magical creature like a golem.
Clark had the biggest stature out of everyone in the room. Damian's father was a close second which was then followed by Jason. Damian didn't want to admit that he was a bit intimidated with the way that Clark towered over him. It made Damian feel like a dwarf and seeing as how Damian did not want to feel inferior… he made sure to give Clark the sharpest stare he can manage. Damian's glaring gave himself a false sense of security on his position as the smallest person in the room.
"I appreciate that you came on such short notice," Bruce exchanges pleasantries with Clark.
"You sounded grave," Clark says from his position at the doorway.
"A grave matter has revealed itself," Bruce tells him. He moves aside so that Clark is free to enter through the door without any opposition. "And we could use all hands on deck."
Clark enters with a grateful smile and then looks over everyone in the room.
"I see the whole family is here," he notices aloud.
"This is somewhat of a family matter," Grayson answers for Bruce.
"Oh?"
"There's a lot to tell you."
And tell Clark they did.
Bruce and Grayson took turns explaining the situation to Clark.
Damian knew that Clark was a famous journalist, had connections, and shared a friendship with his father. Even so, he couldn't find a reason as to why anyone would consult with Clark on Ra's plans to invade Gotham. There was little that the man could do. He could publish an article about it, sure, but that wouldn't change anything. It would only prove to rile up the public and cause them to panic.
Clark says, "I'm guessing that you want me to inform the rest of The Patrol about this?"
'The Patrol?'
"Yes."
He had heard of The Patrol multiple times in his grandfather's upset, grumbling, curses. The Patrol had been an enemy organization to the League of Shadows. They would always interfere with Ra's plans. His mother told him that it was no concern to him, but now it seems that the current situation proves her wrong. It would have been helpful should he have learned about the enemy that kept getting his grandfather's way so that he would have some information to rely on in the present time.
"Alright," Clark sniffs, pulling up a hand to stroke his chin in thought, "and I'm assuming you have a plan?"
"Correct," Bruce says. "Allow me to explain."
His father tells Clark everything. He tells him about how Damian's protection is priority. Then he goes on to inform him about his desires that Damian should enact a traditional Elven ritual. It had been the same ritual that Damian had learned about from his father on when a child would be able to unlock the abilities that only the Elves had. His father's reasoning is that granting Damian such a privilege would strengthen his defense against Ra's Al Ghuls attacks should they have a one-on-one confrontation.
Bruce had looked at Damian for confirmation throughout his explanation and saw no disagreement.
"I also plan to consult Oracle about the potential outcomes of this plan," Bruce says.
Clark nods. "That's a good idea. There have been hardly any instances in which her visions have turned out wrong."
Jason grumbles something under his breath which reminds Damian of the argument Jason had shared with his father (in his office) not too long ago.
"What I need is members of The Patrol to defend various points of Gotham. We won't be able to protect everyone, so we decided to focus on the most populated areas. Ra's has various members of The League of Assassins that will act as 'generals' of his army of shadows. Patrol members should prove as an apt distraction against them while we defend the manor off from invaders," Bruce takes a breath and continues, "When this occurs, I will be in the cave producing a counter-spell to all of the invading shadows. Cass will be assisting me. I ask that Tim may as well."
He looks over at Tim.
"I've got no objections," Tim replies.
"Dick has agreed to protect Damian-"
Damian wants to complain but decides against it. He knows better. He needs all the help he can get. He can not do this alone even if he wishes for it.
"I had the hope that Jason would too."
"What? Why can't I help you out with your voodoo thing?"
"It's not voodoo," Bruce deadpans, "and I already have all the help I need." Bruce gestures to both Tim and Cass with his eyes.
"Fine," Jason relents. He doesn't stop there though. He says, "But why is Cass going to help?"
"Her abilities in exorcism will come in handy," Bruce informs.
Jason glances at Cass and the woman makes no movement to acknowledge it.
"Now that we have that in order," Clark interjects, "I will proceed to tell the rest of The Patrol about your plans. Is that all?"
"No," Bruce pauses, "Thank you, Clark, for doing this."
Clark seems a bit surprised. He widens his eyes and his eyebrows shoot upward.
Damian observes his reaction and wonders if his father's gratitude is a rare thing.
"Uh… you're welcome," Clark recovers quickly.
Bruce holds out his hand and Clark does the same. They both shake their hands in a friendly manner as if their connected hands would communicate something that others could not hear.
"Hopefully we'll have reasons to hang out when the world isn't in peril after this," Clark jokes.
"I'll look forward to it," Bruce allows the smallest of chuckles.