"Exactly. Phantom has made quite a name for himself as a protector of Amity Park. During my investigation to understand Danny better I came across three questionable incidents though. The first being a string of robberies that I didn't understand until Danny commented on being under mind control once by Circus Gothica. The ringmaster, Freakshow as he likes to be known, possessed a staff and a crystal ball that legend said could control ghosts. The staff hasn't been seen since," Batman told the room and looked at Danny, waiting for an explanation.
"Oh, fell off a moving train into a gorge. Broke and the spell lifted," Danny explained. Batman smirked and nodded.
"The next thing I'd like to ask about is a supposed robbery of Christmas presents," Batman resumed. Danny scowled.
"Alright, that wasn't me. A ghost called the Ghost Writer was ticked at me because I wrecked his Christmas poem by accident. He was getting revenge by blaming that all on me," Danny answered. Batman and a number of the adults blinked in surprise. Danny shrugged.
"I'm not a fan of Christmas. My parents have this annual argument that tends to ruin things. I was blowing off steam in the Ghost Zone," Danny added.
"And lastly, I have my suspicions of this, but when you attacked the mayor?" Batman continued after a moment of thought.
"He was overshadowed. Actually, most of the town was. Walker, warden of the Ghost Zone jail, was trying to get revenge on me. And when everyone thought I was attacking the mayor, you know when he dragged me outside, I was trying to get away from him," Danny explained. Batman nodded.
"I suspected that. The struggle did seem one sided to me when I watched the news video," Batman remarked.
"Sorry, what is overshadowed?" Flash interjected.
"A form of possession," Black Canary answered for Danny.
"So with those incidents cleared up, let me tell you some of Danny's achievements. He has fought a number of dangerous ghosts," Batman began and a holographic display appeared overhead showing news clips of Danny's battles such as Vortex, Technus and the Box Ghost during the Pandora's Box crisis.
"Including a ghost known as Pariah Dark that sucked the entire town into the Ghost Zone," Batman resumed and a clip showing a green dome and a few reports afterwards of what happened.
"He also was instrumental in the rescue of Icon, Plastic Man and his own loved ones when they were kidnapped by Luthor and the Light last weekend, despite being deafened during the incident," Batman concluded.
The adults turned to look at Danny, with surprise on their faces.
"Then I owe you thanks. Thanks to you the worst that happened to both me and Plastic Man was a slight headache and a very long nap," Icon remarked. J'onn relayed the grateful comment and Danny smirked.
"All I did was keep Luthor occupied. The team found you and Plastic Man and got you guys out," Danny replied.
"Not how I heard it Danny. It was you that called in Cujo and got him to track down their location. And you protected your family and friends and got them to safety while maintaining a duplicate and helping to fight off the guards alongside Kaldur, Artemis and Conner," Batman reminded the teen with a pointed glance at Green Arrow, Aquaman and Superman.
The adults gave impressed smirks in response.
"I've been helping him to train in hand to hand combat since he arrived here and he works well with the team. He's quite the fighter, even without his powers. With them, he's impressive to watch," Black Canary added. Danny blushed with embarrassment.
"I'm not that great. I'm still learning," he mumbled self-consciously. Black Canary smiled at the comment.
"He was training by himself before we gathered," she informed the room. The adults blinked in surprise, even Batman hadn't been aware of that.
"So, we gathered you here to ask you a question. All of you. Black Canary, Red Tornado and I have already decided amongst ourselves to agree to this proposal. We think Danny should join the team," Batman announced. Danny stared at Batman in shock once J'onn relayed the suggestion.
"I'm all for it. If Danny can still help when recently deafened in a fight, he's more than ready for the big leagues," Icon agreed.
"Hey I can see he's a determined and driven young man. Reminds me of myself. I'm alright with it," Green Arrow confirmed with a grin.
"Batman, what about his hearing?" Flash interjected. Batman nodded.
"It was a concern but I watched a training session on Sunday and it doesn't appear to have affected his fighting techniques. Besides, he has already shown that he can handle a stressful situation while deaf when he fought alongside the team to hold off the combatants during the rescue on Saturday," Batman answered.
"And there is potential for his hearing to return given time. Danny has extraordinary healing capabilities," Red Tornado added. Flash nodded before shrugging.
"Well, I'm not gonna stop him trying, I'm for it," Flash decided.
One by one the adults agreed until they reached Doctor Fate.
"Doctor Fate?" Black Canary prompted.
"I don't see why I am present at this meeting. I have no part of the team," Doctor Fate retorted, speaking for the first time.
"We asked you here because you're currently hosted by Zatara and his daughter is on the team. Do you or does he have any objections?" Batman replied. Doctor Fate turned his golden helmeted head to the dark knight before shaking his head. Batman gave the lord of order a curt nod.
"Then, we're all in agreement. Danny, what do you say?" Batman inquired.
Danny blinked in surprise as he realised that these well known and respected heroes wanted him on the team with Kaldur, M'gann, Conner, Robin, Artemis, Raquel, Zatanna and Wally. Not only had Batman and Black Canary suggested it, but they'd encouraged it for the other heroes to agree to it. He smiled.
"Hey, it would be an honour and a dream come true to be a superhero. If you guys think I should be on the team, then I'll just have to show you that you're right," Danny agreed, feeling elated.
Yep. Batman called the meeting to invite Danny on to the team.
What will the others say when they find out?
Let me know what you guys think.
Until the next chapter.
