Episode XV: A Forced Compassion, Part II
Young Justice was formed to provide the future of heroism some experience in just how dangerous this life can become. And now, the old have to rescue the new from themselves and those who would do them harm. By placing them so deep on these assignments, the Justice League have allowed them to become targets.
In true hero fashion, it's up to them to fix their mistakes before it's too late. The only question becomes just how they are going to help the team when there's no indication they are even still alive. Of course, that's Batman's area of expertise so Green Arrow is going to leave the brains of the League to the heavy lifting on that. He's just here to provide some brief comic relief in the otherwise stressful environment.
Despite the League finally putting their differences in opinions aside, trust is still at an all time low, making progress on a plan both slow and painful. Still, he has complete faith his friends will come up with a plan eventually. Whilst they are doing that, the emerald archer needs to rest and entertain himself for a few hours.
What better place for an archer to calm himself down than the archery range.
Although the league has plenty of heroes - all with different skills and powers - it seems as though Oliver is the only one to ever visit this small range. Being a human with a bow has many drawbacks, but he never expected being devoid of company as one of them. The Flash can sometimes pop his head in for a quick chat before zooming off, but that's the only conversation he gets whenever he is inside. Both a blessing and a curse when he thinks about it - the peace and quiet can give him some time to clear his thoughts.
Placing his quiver on a bench at the side and carefully selecting some of the arrows he has a good feeling about, he momentarily sifts his hand though the tail of the arrows before sticking some into the ground and beginning his short practice.
Because of the sheer amount of physical activity he performs on a daily basis, he finds it hard to tire himself out on the range, instead firing dozens of arrows in a short time until he either finds something else to entertain himself or runs out of arrows to stick in the bullseye.
Since the range doesn't get a lot of attention from other heroes, he decided one day to decorate the quarters. Most of the targets have his face plastered onto them - most already destroyed with arrow holes - which is both amusing and awkward whenever he gets an eye or mouth.
Looking straight at the further target, he takes a moment to appreciate himself.
"Damn Oliver, you are one handsome man."
"Talking to yourself Mr Queen?"
Turning around to the view of the big blue Boy Scout floating towards him, the archer shrugs off the awkwardness of being found admiring himself with a disarming smile.
"Somethings just need to be said," he responds, turning on his usual charm like a switch.
"Like what you've done with the place," the Kryptonian smiles back, clearly amused with how he's made the range into the arrow cave version two. "Not sure about the targets though - looks painful."
"Good for keeping my ego in check," the archer replies, earning a small chuckle from Superman. "As it can be, in any case. What about you? Come here to get away from that mess?"
"They've taken a break to cool down, so thought I'd come check up on you since you left so abruptly."
Despite being a being more powerful than half the League combined, it always amazes the archer how Superman has time to deal with other people's problems. The man has priorities far greater than Oliver's well-being, but makes time when it's necessary to listen to anyone he believes needs it. A truer example of a hero there's never been.
"Worried, stressed, angry - I hate being this useless. Artemis and the other kids are out there and we are sat here arguing over how to help them, even when we are the reason they are in danger," the emerald archer sighs and Superman nods, probing him to continue.
"I have a feeling this is either going to end in a good way or a bad way. I'm slighting leaning towards the latter at the moment," Oliver continues, pulling on his bow string a few things in thoughtful contemplation. "Someone is going to pay the price for our stupidity and I don't quite know who it's being to be."
"It's a price most of us would pay willingly," Superman counters, more than likely alluring to the gathered group of heroes just a short walk away.
Oliver doesn't doubt for a second that most of the heroes of the League are prepared to sacrifice themselves for the greater good when absolutely necessary, but there's a general randomness to who has to exchange their life when it comes to danger. The civilian who just wants to get home doesn't want to die for something they don't necessarily believe in, but sometimes they are the ones who end up injured or worse.
The world is both cruel and rewarding in its own unpredictable way, and nobody can predict whether this is going to end in heartbreak or celebrations.
Not even the mighty Man of Steel can prevent the unshakeable fact heroes aren't the only ones who fight this fight - only are the ones who did it voluntarily.
Green Arrow only hopes the world takes pity on them and decides to save them from grief and sorrow.
"That's not the problem Superman," Oliver shakes his head.
"Then what is?"
"I'm afraid it's one of the kids who have to pay the price."
A/N
That's it for now folks, see you again soon!