Chapter 117: The Justice League
"We're going to talk about this when we get home," Jefferson told his daughter seriously, crossing his arms.
Anissa rolled her eyes. "I know, I know."
Mari hid a smile behind her hand and glanced at Steel, who was currently fanboying over meeting Green Arrow and the Flash. It seemed it wasn't just the JSA he admired so deeply. All around them, in fact, the various members of the Justice League were meeting with their saviors and, no doubt, future teammates. They had all proven themselves by coming to their aid in this battle. There was no question of their future membership. It was just a matter of making it official.
The group of superheroes chattered for a little bit longer, a brief reprieve from the relief efforts, until the reason they had all gathered together finally arrived. Amanda Waller approached them all, trailed by the infamous Task Force X and the rest of their allies — Vibe, Pied Piper, Firestorm, and the civilians who had been charged with the pulse machine. Caitlin Snow was still transformed into her new state, while Dante Ramon couldn't help but keep rubbing his hands together every other minute. Only Harrison Wells looked mostly composed.
"So… what did she say?" Oliver was the first to bite after the crowd finally calmed down.
Amanda pursed her lips. "The Earth-2 metas will be kept on this earth for now until she can meet with the authorities on their earth and hammer out an agreement — most likely an extradition treaty, seeing as many of these metahumans are criminals on Earth-2 as well. She wasn't entirely sure about leaving Zoom on Earth-2, but considering everything he's done, she doubts anyone will complain about it and will be grateful he's just gone. As long as he's facing punishment for his crimes, there is unlikely to be any backlash over the decision."
Looks were exchanged. While that was reassuring to hear, that wasn't the big issue. Not anymore.
"And what about the recent exposure of the multiverse?" Barry asked evenly, speaking for everyone.
Amanda put a hand to her head, looking ready to burst. No one blamed her. "There's no sweeping it under the rug. Zoom had proof and he filmed it on live television. Not to mention all the people who saw said doppelgangers in person. Yours in particular, Black Canary, didn't even hide her face, and was quite blatantly identical to you. Even if we wanted to, we can't, not with having a significant number of innocent people facing punishment for crimes they didn't commit."
"So…"
"The President has agreed to make a speech about what happened, including officially unveiling the existence of the multiverse, and reassuring the public that those who have evil doppelgangers from any earth, not just Earth-2, will not be charged for their double's crimes. S.T.A.R. Labs' involvement will be mentioned, and you will be charged with monitoring and studying multiversal travel, along with all studies related to metahumans. They've also requested the blueprints for the Doppelsensor so they can be mass-produced and sent out to every family to ensure that no doppelganger will be able to impersonate their Earth-1 counterpart. Most likely, they will request modifications at a later time so it can detect doppelgangers from every other earth, not just Earth-2."
People swallowed at that. The severity of the situation was bearing down on them all. While they had saved the day, the aftereffects of Zoom's rampage would never fade. Even as the city recovered, as the victims moved on, no one would ever forget about where Zoom and his army came from — and what the implications of that meant.
"For now, however, continue with the relief efforts. I know many of you are itching to go home and protect your own cities, but the world is still reeling from the recent revelations of the past two days. It's vital that the Justice League is seen by the public helping Central City recover from the attack. And, of course, everyone needs to be present at the membership ceremony at the end of the week."
There was a brief period of silence. "Membership ceremony?" someone, who suspiciously sounded like Cisco, squeaked out.
Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Come now. What else did you expect after this?"
The week passed. As the Justice League continued to aid with the relief efforts, the world tried to recover from everything they had learned from Zoom's rampage — most of all, the confirmation of the existence of the multiverse. While there were initially quite a number of skeptics, they were gradually silenced by the official confirmation from the President herself, along with a live feed of her meeting with the current President of the United States of Earth-2: Malcolm Merlyn. The sight of a (deceased) domestic terrorist as the President was the final wake-up call needed. The multiverse did, indeed, exist.
Many were haunted by the implications of this revelation, while others were intrigued. With S.T.A.R. Labs now being officially given dominion over all things related to the multiverse and metahumans by the government, the previously derided and disrepute institution had once again become the pinnacle of the scientific community practically overnight. Already applications from all across the globe were being sent to the main office, with scientists of every field seeking employment in hopes of working on this near-fantastical subject.
It was an exciting week for the world. And it was capped off by one final grand event: the induction of the newest members of the Justice League.
"Thank you all for coming here," Green Arrow announced to the crowd of reporters. News stations from all across the world had gradually arrived to the front of the Hall of Justice, where a stage and a podium had been set up. It was all pomp and circumstance, but Amanda insisted — the world needed reassurance after Zoom's attack, and the Justice League, having been the ones to repel him, were the best equipped to handle that. "This has been a difficult time for us all. Zoom's attack on Central City has revealed a great number of truths to us, including a new avenue from which threats may come. In light of that, the Justice League have gathered here today to take the next step in our mission to protect the world."
He gestured to his right, where a line of heroes were standing. Green Lantern, Thunder, Citizen Steel, Zatanna, Archangel, Vibe, Pied Piper, and Firestorm were standing together side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder in a straight line. Next to Green Lantern was Black Canary, who was holding a box with the Justice League's emblem on top. The other members of the Justice League were standing on the other side of Green Arrow, each at attention.
"These eight heroes aided us in the battle against Zoom and his forces a week ago. Not only did they each save the life of a member of the League, they were pivotal in buying us time to implement our plan to take out the army. For that, they are to be commended. But more than that, they have proven that they are both ready and willing to protect the world no matter the cost. For that, we among the League have unanimously agreed to invite all eight of these heroes into the Justice League. And to our genuine pleasure, all eight have accepted."
"So, it is my honor to introduce you all to the eight newest members of our team: Green Lantern, Thunder, Citizen Steel, Zatanna, Archangel, Vibe, Pied Piper, and Firestorm," as Green Arrow said each name, the respective hero made some kind of gesture to the crowd of reporters, showing off their powers. Black Canary would then hand them a Justice League ring for them to slip on, as a visible and official symbol of their membership.
"Together, we renew our pledge to protect the world from any and all threats, no matter who or what they are, no matter where they come from. And we will never stop; if we fail, then we will simply get back up and try again. And if we fall, then others will no doubt take our places and continue the fight. That is what it means to be a hero. That is what it means to be a member of the Justice League."
The ceremony over, the meeting shifted to something of a press conference. Numerous questions were asked and answered by each member of the League. Many were directed to the Flash, in regards to his remarkable resurrection and his defeat of Zoom. The Flash had decided to be as honest as he could about the situation, including revealing the part where he had actually been transported to an alternate dimension. He just didn't clarify what, exactly, that dimension was — no need for people to start searching for the Speed Force and possibly getting themselves killed, after all.
Eventually, however, Green Arrow called the conference to a close, and the members of the newly expanded Justice League filed into the Hall of Justice. This would be their last day together before they spread out back to their respective home cities to quell whatever unrest that had popped up in their absences. They had been at work practically non-stop for over a week. It was time for them to relax for a bit.
Besides, they had something of a surprise in store for two of their number.
"Mom and Dad called," a grinning Dante told his brother as he returned to the Hall of Justice with the rest of the Justice League. He, along with Caitlin, Slade, and Wells had all been watching the ceremony inside the main chamber, with the largest monitor in the building. They couldn't take part of course, but they had stayed in support. "They said congratulations."
Cisco visibly brightened. "Really?"
"Really," Dante assured him. "They're proud of you, little brother. So am I, for that matter." Said little brother let out a breath of relief at that.
Others were marveling at their new surroundings. "So this is the famed Hall of Justice," Hal Jordan commented, letting out a low whistle. "Gotta admit, it's a fine piece of work."
"And one that needs to be expanded," Oliver noted. "We've just doubled our membership, and I doubt it's going to end there. As the threats continue to grow and evolve, we will need to invite more heroes to join. And when that happens, we're going to need more room."
"True," Nate Heywood agreed, "The JSA only managed with their own headquarters because they were a secret organization with limited membership. The Justice League is different. We're a public team, and we have no need for a cap. Quite the opposite, in fact."
"Boys, boys," Kara interrupted the discussion before it could go any further. "This is talk for another time. It's our last day together, and we don't know when is the next time we can all be together again without the entire world hanging in the balance. We should celebrate!"
The others voiced their agreement to that statement. For the next half-hour, people changed out of their costume and began setting up something of an impromptu party. Food, pre-made or otherwise was taken out, along with some alcohol. Stories were exchanged, jokes were played, and all around a good time was had.
And then… it was time.
"So," Barry casually said as he took a bite out of some cookies that J'onn had brought. "How is the wedding planning going?"
Caitlin and Ronnie exchanged looks, silently communicating in a way only a couple with a love and bond as strong as theirs could. Finally, it was Ronnie that spoke. "Actually, Cait and I talked it over, and we decided there isn't going to be any wedding planning."
Barry blinked, though there was an odd gleam in his eye. "You're eloping?"
"After the Accelerator and then the Dominators, and now this, we decided it didn't matter how much of a production it was," Caitlin explained. "What mattered was that we were together. That we were happy."
Barry raised an eyebrow. "Well that's good. Then that means this won't be so awkward."
Ronnie and Caitlin's expressions became confused as Barry beckoned over Cisco. Their friend nodded and opened the breach, summoning over two unexpected guests: Clarissa and Lily Stein. And in Clarissa's hands was a piece of paper, which she handed over to the couple. The two gasped when they saw what it was.
A marriage license.
"The good professor is a certified Rabbi, so he can marry you two. And Oliver called in a favor from his family's personal tailor and got a dress for you, Cait. I know we just sprung this on you, and if you two don't want to get married now, we can just wait—"
Barry was cut off by a fierce hug from both of them, with Caitlin even planting a kiss on his cheek. "We do, Barry," Ronnie answered for them. "We do."
They let go of their friend, and glanced at the rest of everyone present, who were all watching with smiles. Everyone had been in on it, they realized. "Thank you," Caitlin told them all, tears in her eyes. "Thank you."
Laurel stepped forward, still smiling, and gently took her hands. "Come on. Let's get you ready."
After that, the Hall of Justice was once again a flurry of activity. The garden was cleaned up and quickly decorated to resemble something of a chapel, with Cisco using his powers to send people over to shops in cities outside of Central to pick up what they needed. Caitlin had been guided away with the other women into a separate chamber to change into her dress and to get whatever little makeup they could onto her.
It took around three hours, but soon the garden had been completely transformed into a beautiful wedding venue. A white wedding stand had been built and set up behind Professor Stein, and an aisle made of white silk and covered with rose petals ran through the middle of it all. Chairs had been set up on both sides of the room. The groom was waiting at the very end of the aisle, with Cisco, the designated Best Man, standing next to him.
Outside the garden, in front of the entrance, was Caitlin, Lily, and Barry. At Caitlin's request, Lily had been made the Maid of Honor, the two women having bonded ever since Caitlin and Ronnie had started living with her parents. And as for Barry…
"You want me to walk you down the aisle?" Barry asked his friend, genuinely surprised.
Caitlin nodded, her hair twisted in a beautiful floral bun, courtesy of the deft fingers of Clarissa and Laurel. A veil hung over her face, one that would be pulled back by Ronnie the moment she met him at the end of the aisle. "My father is dead, Barry. I would ask Professor Stein, but he's ministering the ceremony." She took his hand. "You're the person who brought him back to me. It's only fitting that you'd be the man to give me away to him."
Barry had nothing to say to that. Instead, he simply squeezed her hand back. "If that's the case… then let's get you married."
And so it went. Lily was the first to enter, carrying a bouquet of her own. Followed by her were Barry and Caitlin, hooked arm-in-arm. The two walked sedately, smiling, though Caitlin only had eyes for Ronnie, who in turn, only had eyes for her. The moment they got to the altar, Barry handed her off, silently clasping a hand on Ronnie's arm along the way before guiding himself to an open seat that had been left for him on the front row.
From there, the ceremony proceeded. The professor made a speech about all the trials the couple had gone through to make it to this point, and after that the two exchanged vows. Since the wedding was impromptu, neither of them had pre-prepared any. Every word was spoken directly from the heart. And then…
"Mr. Ramon, the rings please?"
Cisco stepped forward where two rings, two simple gold bands, had been proffered up, courtesy, again, of Oliver Queen. When the couple in question had learned of what he did and offered to pay him back for everything, he waved it off, telling them not to worry about it. "My family has more money than we could ever need. I'm sure they won't mind me spending some of it on a couple of friends and their wedding," is what he had said.
Caitlin took the first ring, and slipped it on to Ronnie's finger. "With this ring, I thee finally wed."
Ronnie took the other, and returned the favor. "With this ring, I thee finally wed."
The two held each other's hands, looking into each other's eyes. "Ronald," Stein finally said, smiling much like everyone else, "You may now kiss the bride."
As the new Mr. and Mrs. Raymond kissed, an applause rang out throughout the entire audience. Everyone clapped and cheered, some whistling, some hooting. After the sheer emotional and physical exhaustion of the last few days, it was nice to finally have a genuinely happy and joyous moment to share with each other.
Barry was one such person. As he clapped, he couldn't help but think about all that had happened in the last few weeks. Getting beaten down by Zoom, Talia's attack on Iris, finding out that his friends had been kidnapped right beneath his nose, being stranded on an alternate earth, being kidnapped again, watching his father's doppelganger get tortured, his city attacked and almost destroyed, nearly dying so many times… it had been hard. It was hard even now.
But he was alive. His loved ones had all, miraculously, made it out alive. Zoom was gone, imprisoned on another world. The city was recovering. His friends had just gotten married.
Yes, it was hard. But given time, he'd move past it all.
As he watched Ronnie and Caitlin walk down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife, Barry smiled.
Things were finally looking up.
I was originally planning on using Slade as the President from Earth-2, but then realized I couldn't do that without exposing Slade as a member of Task Force X. So I used Malcolm instead, and had Slade as a former President.
And now, Ronnie and Caitlin are finally married. The next chapter should be the last chapter of Arc IV, where we get a glimpse of how the world is handling everything that's happened.
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