TitanoRules555: This is my version of the DC Universe. There are some small events from the comics and animated series sprinkled in but I want to keep my creative freedom. I think thats why I struggle writing this. Comics are known for so many retcons and alternate universes to the point where you can't tell what's canon.
Rip: Jason David Frank and Kevin Conroy
For the past three weeks Logan had been coming more frequently to the Mt. Fuji Pub. He'd occasionally be there during the week, sitting at the bar drinking while ignoring some of the rowdy costumers. Brawls would start somedays and Takehashi would tell the drunken idiots to take their business outside. During those days Logan just sat at the far end of counter drinking his cold hard beer, having no care or interest to any of the mayhem that would happen behind him.
Thankfully the weekend rolled around and it was late in the evening. It was just him and the bartender who he was starting to enjoy talking with more than he would like to admit. Though when he arrived Logan saw that pub was a complete mess.
Stools were laid around everywhere, many bottles of glass were scattered across the floor along with the alcohol spilled. There was so much of it that the stench attacked his powerful sense of smell, making Logan lightly rub his nose.
"The hell happened here?" He asked though he already knew the answer to his own question.
Takehashi shrugged, roughly scrubbing the floor. "The occasional bar bouts. Drunken idiot says something the other didn't like and then fists start flyin' while the others follow suit."
"Must be a monday for you at this point huh?" He remarked dryly making the old man chuckle. "Need any help?"
Sighing the bar owner stretched his back popping a few of his joints. "I would actually. Theres a mop in the back room."
Nodding Logan went to the back and grabbed the mop. Both men were then cleaning the bar in comfortable silence. Takehashi wanted to refuse the mans help, seeing as how it wasn't his problem but at his age he'd take whatever help he could receive if asked. His pride wasn't worth anymore sores on his bones than he already has.
After an hour or so both men had finished scrubbing the floor, picked up remains of shattered glass, and reorganized the chairs. Settling himself down he guzzled down one of his owned beers. After such hard work that he wished didn't have to do it was well earned. He glanced at Logan who was next to him enjoying the round he offered him on a discount. Seeing as how he lended him a hand in cleaning his bar he deserved a small reward.
As he looked at the man Takehashi noticed the dull look in his eyes was still there in the short weeks hes known him. He never pressured Logan into telling what eating away at him but it made old bartender more concerned the more he was silent on it. He remembered asking what was troubling him but he casually brushed him off. After a week had passed he tried asking again and that time Logan aggressively brushed off. It would be easy to right this off as stubborness which maybe true but the bartender knew that there was more to this.
With that thought in mind he decided to test his luck again. He wasn't going to give up on him just yet.
"Logan-san-"
"Don't!" He sharply interrupted. His jaw tightening and lip set in a firm line, telling the old man to choose his words wisely.
Takehashi sighed in exasperation at the predicable response. "Look, for the past couple of weeks you have doing nothing but come into my bar and waste yourself away in alcohol."
"Seems like a par for the course when it comes to bein' in a bar eh Hashi?" Logan humorlessly snorted with wry smirk as he chugged down more of his drink.
"More or less but with you its obvious your wasting away more than most."
A low growl rumbled in the feral mutants throat, his hands tightening around the glass bottle. Why?! Why couldn't people stop trying to help him?! First those Justice League idiots and now this old man. Was it so hard to understand that he wanted to be left alone. While Takehashi didn't know the truth like the league the fact that he was trying to dig deep into everything was pointless.
Takehashi continued in spite of the growl directed at him. "Whatever has been bothering I can hel-"
"Why the hell do you care huh?! It ain't your problem so just leave it alone!" Logan loudly exclaimed, slamming his fist onto wooden counter while he glared heatedly at the old man.
The bartender managed to remain calm despite Logan's harsh response. He could see and feel the anger pooring off him in waves. However Takehashi saw something beyond his intense eyes. Hidden underneath the anger was grief, guilt, and regret.
"Because believe it or not you stubborn fool I actually consider you a person worth helping." He said meaningfully.
That made Logan scoff. "Well, best you don't waste your considerations on me bub."
With that he went back to enoying his beer in silence. Not wanting hear anymore of this garbage. Logan knew he was just trying to help but he's heard the 'there is still hope for you' from so many people at this point. Those who trusted him would always misplace their faith in him. Why anyone would help a lone wanderer who could do nothing but run from himself to this day was beyond him.
And he's screwed up so many of his chances. And this one was biggest one he had ever screwed up.
He suddenly felt a hand heavily land on his shoulder. He stopped drinking and saw that Takahashi gazing at him with a hardened look. The fact that there was fire in the old man impressed Logan, even he had to suppress an involuntary shudder that ran through his body.
"You're far from something that I would call a waste." He rebuked, his words matching the steel in his old wrinkly eyes. "Do you know what I see when I look at you?"
Logan only kept silent while holding his defiant expression. Though it was only a mask to cover up the apprehension he was feeling deep down.
The bartender continued. "I see a man who used to fight for something bigger than himself. But whatever caused your grief has made you abandon your path. And you've given up on trying to walk it again."
A slight crack in his guarded expression appeared, the words cutting deep as the old man saw through Logan again.
"Logan-san I care because believe it or not you've grown on me in the last couple of weeks." He said sofly, his furrowed brow lessening as he went on. "Please...let me help you."
"I..." Logan tried to get out but the sound of his voice croaking made him stop. He hated how vulnerable he was was right now.
As much as he didn't want to admit it Logan desperately wanted to tell the old man what was responsible for his inner turmoil. Hell he practically owed it to him. He remembered Takahashi telling him that he was a former commander during World War 2. Of how the men who served under him held him in such high regard and vice verca. However during an operation to rescue some P.O.W's he inadvertently lead them into an ambush.
And with the following of the Hiroshima bombing and the former Japanese government falling into a recession many soldiers were thrown to the wayside like disposable trash. Takehashi being one of the many soldiers were forced to abandoned the country he gave his life for. Even though he moved to the United States and is now living a more stable life he still felt aimless and wracked with guilt over death of his comrades.
The parallels between the two was almost the same. The only difference was that Logan's situation was far more extreme. Which only made it harder for him get his feelings out. It wasn't like he was going to believe he was from a another earth.
Drinking his bottle in one go Logan stood from his stool. "Thanks for the discount." He strode towards the door, willing to forget this conversation ever happened.
"Logan-san!"
Logan irritatedly grinded his teeth as he stood at the bar exit. Glancing over his shoulder Logan regarded the elderly man with an impatient gaze.
"I am probably the last person who should be telling you this but I'll say it anyway." Takehashi turned his whole body on the stool to fully face the man, wanting his attention focused directly on him and nothing else. "What your experiencing will most likely never go away, but what matters is that the people we fought with would want us to keep fighting on."
Logan just stood in silence as the words wormed their way in his mind. A large part of him wanted to brush off what was said as they were the words of senile old man who was nearing his deathbed. But a small part tugged at his heart to heed the action. To keep fighting.
He ignored the urge to consider that. Fighting meant nothing if their wasn't anything or someone to fight for. And the people who gave him that were torn to pieces by him.
Logan left the bar without a word. Takehashi could only sigh in exhaustion. He hoped that some of his words had reached him but it was probably wishful thinking, judging by his non verbal response. At the end of the day it was upto Logan to decide what he wants. He just needed any kind of sign that that the man he considers a friend can find it in himself to keep going.
"What are your feelings in regards to the registration act that president Luthor is pushing?" A reporter asked a random pedestrian standing next to him."
"The presidents got a point y'now? I mean we literally live under eye of the league who I might add watches us from outer freaking space! One has to think that they would feel above every single one of us."
"Of course they'd turn on us. I'm mean were like ants compared to them. Its only matter of time they decide to step on all of us!" Another expressed with contempt.
"Well there you have it folks! Trust of the heroes we admire is beginning to shift, and appears everyone is on board with the registration act. Back to you Tom."
Clark couldn't help the heavy sagging of his shoulders, as if the weight of the world was to much for someone like him to carry. And despite what many people would would believe it would be near impossible for even him to pull off.
The news report he was watching had put him in a dour mood. More headlines about how the league could become authoritative tyrants. It was the only thing that the press deemed as newsworthy at this point. As much as the Daily Planet tried to print out stories of the Justice Leagues recent virtuous deeds it was outweighed by the negative perception. Anyone that had a opinion that opposed the popular were labelled as 'tyrant supporters or 'cape ass kissers.'
"Thanks John. This just in however. It seems that president Lex Luthor has his own say about the league! Let's see and hear what he has to say."
Clark tensed as the screen changed to a live broadcast of Lex in the Whitehouse, a charismatic smile on his face. Even after all these the former business man hadn't lost his touch in hiding his true intentions.
"People of the world I thank you for this wonderous opportunity. As most would know of my past deeds of conflicts with a certain alien that is herald as our planets champion. Even I can admit to some degree that his achievements is somewhat earned."
His eyebrow slowly rose at that, surprised at the bald mans words. Did Lex Luthor of all people just give Superman a compliment?
'Then again he did say to some degree. So I'll take what I can get from it.'
"However I can't simply ignore the reality of the potential threat they can pose to humanity." The president stated, dropping his smile for a piercing stern grimace. "With the amount power at their desposal wouldn't be unwise to not be cautious? So I ask you viewers of the world what could we do if the League abandoned what they stood for and turned on us?"
Clark's frowned sadly felt deflated at Luthor's blatant question. The answer would be nothing. No matter how strong or well equiped the worlds armed forces was the world couldn't stand against the Justice League. He wasn't ignorant of that reality.
"Which is why I have a countermeasure plan in play just in case the need arises."
What?! Brow furrowed the Kryptonian couldn't help but feel unease at what was publicly revealed. A countermeasure for the Justice League?! It sounded ludicrous but what could these countermeasures entail?
"Cadmus has been helpful in providing what we need for a counter strike. Rest assured if the League responds uncooperativly or violently to our policy we will be ready!"
He suddenly felt the remote snatched out of his hands, snapping his eyes upward Clark saw Lois practically sneering at the television before switching it off.
"God does he ever stop enjoying the sound of his own voice?"
Turning around she saw her husband rubbing his forehead in frustration, a sure sign of how much pressure this was putting on him. Settling herself on the couch next to him the brunette reporter gently cupped his right cheek and turned his head to look her in the eyes. A small pang was felt in her chest when she saw self doubt in his eyes.
"C'mon Smallville. Don't give me the am I doing a good job at being hero look again, ok? Not now." She said softly with supportive concern.
He couldn't help but give a half hearted smile at that. "Is that the face I'm making right now?"
"Yes and you know how much I don't like it when you think your not cut out for what you do." Lois told Clark pointedly. Giving him a direct gaze so she can make sure he wouldn't avoid the looking her in the eye. "It only Luthor Clark. This should be nothing new to you."
"I know its just..." He hesitates to continue, struggling to put his conflicting feelings into words. Leaning back into the couch the Kryptonian let out a heavy sigh through his notrils while gazing up at the ceiling. "Its just that...he's not completely wrong."
Lois slightly frowned at his admittion. As much as Clark wanted to dismiss the judgement that was thrown at the league he just couldn't. The Justice League weren't exempt from their own wrong doings or from giving people reasons to be fearful of them.
Being a puppet for Darkseids army and nearly enslaving the planet, the Thanagarian invasion, and Wonder Woman killing Maxwell Lord.
Lois comfortably laid her head on his chest as she took in what her husband said. It was true that the Justice League weren't perfect in their heroics. After all their a large group of individual view of what's just and right. It was their greatest quality and flaw.
Shrugging she gave him her thoughts on the matter. "True you guys have made couple of stumbles along the way. Some reasonable and some not so."
He wrapped his arm around her. Rubbing his thumb soothingly on her arm, urging for her to continue.
"Even so you and the League never lose sight of what you are. Being admirable heroes! Despite the backlash you all get, even if it is deserved or not."
Clark could see the sincerity in his wife eyes. She belived every word that was said and he found himself believing it as well. Yes the League has made a fair share of mistakes, ones that they would accept the judgements of and take to their graves. And who knows of the ones they will make in the future. But the important thing is that they stand strong in who they truly are.
Its like he told Bruce before, it wasn't in their nature and they would never cross the line.
Smiling gratefully he gave the journalist a chaste kiss on the lips. "Maybe you should be the one wearing the 'S' crest instead of me if you can give moral support like that."
"Please you know how much I hate wearing anything that's blue or red." She waved off dismissivly. Then she lightly traced his chest with her finger while giving him a teasing smoldering gaze. "Besides you always manage to make that uniform look good on you no matter how matter times you put it on."
Clark blushed, rubbing the back of his neck in a bashful manner. Lois lightly chuckled at his embarrassment. It always amazed her how powerful he was but would get flustered under her suggestive gestures.
"So..." She prompted by slapping her hand on his knee. "Depressing news coverages aside what's been happening in that space club of yours? That cousin of yours still giving you a hard time?"
"Heh well...yes she has. And..."
Lois arched her eyebrow at his brief pause. "And...?"
"I guess you could say we had a visitor dropped by unannounced at the Watchtower."
Lois looked up at him with a furrowed brow, questions racing through her mind. "What kind of a visitor are we talking about here?"
"The parallel earth kind."
Her mouth shaped into an "O" at the news. This was interesting, she always enjoyed hearing about Clark's busy routines with Justice League. Be it his usual hero work, holding meetings with his other colleagues, or even mundane things helping with the Watchtowers maintenance. It was definitely worth listening to than her giving Perry his morning coffee or instructing Jimmy on his photography.
"So is this visitor a friend or another world destroying maniac?" She asked. Having other worldly beings usually tend to lean in thos opposite directions.
"Actually he's neither."
That made Lois blink in surprise, that was certainly a new one. Usually when they have otherworldly visitors it would be one or the other.
"You should've seen him Lois, the look in his eyes was completely dead. It was like staring at a wounded and stranded puppy." Clark had a faraway look in his eyes as he recalled the memory of when Logan appeared in the conference room.
"You offered this guy a membership didn't you?" Lois bluntly inquired. She knew her husband well enough to know that he would always try to find a way to help those in need even they wouldn't ask for it.
Expectedly he nodded. "He turned down the offer though. Saying that we wouldn't want someone like him in the Justice League. So we decided that he can live here without us getting involved in his life."
The brunette could see the distant look in the kryptonian eyes as he explained everything what had happened in the past couple of weeks. "You still want to try help and convince him don't you?"
He nodded in response. "I know I shouldn't force him into something he doesn't want to be apart of but..."
Lois couldn't help but shake her head at the mans selfless nature. 'Always willing to save others even if they didn't ask for it. Whether from others or themselves.'
"Look Clark, I know that you always believe that you can save those who need it. Wanting to give others hope in their darkest hour so they can know that they don't face it by themselves."
Clark turned towards her, wondering where she was going with this.
"But there are just somethings in this world that some people will have to face alone."
He opened his mouth for a counter argument but Lois continued.
"Just trust me on this ok. Your always willing to save people...but you also have to allow others to save themselves."
That made him stop what he was about to say as the words sunk in. It went against every instinct in him but a part of him couldn't help but heed her words. Nodding he could only hope that this was right decision.
Logan strode down the block of the neighborhood, paying the people and mild speeding vehicles no mind. It was late in the evening and the weather was considerably high as the mild warm air whisked through the night. He didn't really have a direction he was heading in, walking around aimlessly just seem like a good idea at the time.
'Story o' my life.' He murmured in his mind.
Look at him, nothing but a shell of who he used to be. He thought back to what Takehashi said, a man who has given up on searching for his true path again. Logan didn't deny what the old bartender told him. After all it was true, he was the perfect example of nothing but wasted potential.
He wondered how Charles would see him now. The paraplegic telepath welcomed him with open arms, showed him that he can be more than just a weapon. He had finally found those who gave him something worth striving for. He never believed Charles beliefs to the fullest but it was a dream worth making into a reality.
And he repayed him by being the very thing they worked hard for him to not become.
A morose frown was etched upon his face as Logan's thoughts kept going back to what happened at the institute. Remembering when the moment when he snapped out of his animalistic inner rage. All of the X-men cut down by him. It only confirmed what he always knew he wasn't but others kept saying he was. He was never a hero, just a savage killing machine trying to deny its nature. He always was reminded of that and Logan never argued against against those who did. But he would always try everything in his power to try and prove that could be better. To prove that he was more than what they rightfully judged him to be.
Looking up at the darkened sky Logan wondered if the X-men had finally found some peace in the beyond. While he was no firm believer in the after life like Kurt but he liked to think they reached somewhere that would be considered something similar. Being as how they truly devoted themselves to ensure one mans dream they deserved to be where Charles and Jean were. Hell even Emma did also.
It wasn't fair. He gets to live while they didn't. Did they hate him? Were they lookng down at him with such contempt? If so he deserved all of it.
"Fire! Fire!" The sudden loud cry snapped the man out of his musings.
Blinking Logan saw the small crowd of people around him pointing and gasping in the opposite direction he was walking in. Turning the feral mutant saw an orange tint and smoke rising in the distance.
Even though they were way far off Logan could hear the sirens of the fire department and the paramedics coming his way. Most likely someone had called them when he was lost in his thoughts.
Well if that was case then it wasn't his problem to deal with. Logan let out a dismissive grunt as he continued his walk. After all this wasn't his earth, so why should he give a damn. Let this worlds heroes costume or not handle it.
'What matters is that the people we fought with would want us to keep fighting on.'
He halted in his step as the words echoed in his mind. Logan vehemently shook his head, drowning out Takehashi's advice. He already made up his mind...so why was he standing still glancing back at the flaming building.
His eyes narrowed in irritation at how indecisive he was being with this. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep going, it's simple. But for some reason his body wouldn't listen to his commands. Oddly enough some inner voice was telling him to head towards the blaze. It was annoying. Logan furrowed his brow in an attempt to will the voice shut up. Unfortunately it wouldn't so he did what he normally would do when someone tried to give him orders.
His steps turned into marching tunining out the annoying voice. Like always it seemed to be working and Logan just kept on trekking.
Firefighters worked as best as they could to dispel the raging flames while paramedics aided those who suffered any burns or smoke in their lungs. In spite of their efforts the fire on the upper floors of the apatment complex was proving difficult to put out. This wouldn't be much of an issue but most of the residents hadn't made it out for them to use a large spray from their water hoses to douse the fire without harming anyone who was still inside.
"Please you have to let me back in! My daughter and her babysitter are still in there!" A frantic woman begged at a firefighter who was keeping stepping towards the burning building.
"Ma'am please we're working as fast we can! Just try and stay calm!"
"You don't understand, she's asthmatic!"
This made his eyes widended under his face protector. Knowing that the girls life would be in more danger if they didn't get rid of those flames quickly. He was about to his team hurry when someone in his peripheral was briskly storming towards to the building. Running to what appeared too be a muscular stocky man in a white wife beater the firefighter blocked his way, holding his hand out in front of him that prevented from heading any further.
"Sorry sir but you have to remain out here with everyone else! We're working as fast as we can-"
The firefighter couldn't finish as he was forcefully shoved aside. "Get outta the way." Logan headed inside the blazing complex ignoring the warnings that were being screamed his way.
The main lobby was filled with so much thick smoke that it was difficult for him to breathe. Not to mention it just made it harder to track her scent through it. So for now the only option he had was rely on his hearing. And he had to act fast. Over hearing the mother of the girl telling the firefighter that she had asthma. Her weak lungs wouldn't be able to handle all of this smoke, she'll die if he doesn't find her quickly.
He was about to run up the staircase but it was blocked by a wall of fire. Growling out a curse Logan had no choice but to use the elevator shaft.
A 'snikt' was heard as the man wedged his claws in between the two way closing door. He grunted as he pulled them aside. Looking up he saw the many floors leading up at the top, he closed his eyes focused intensely on his heightened hearing. The roaring flames were loud but Logan blocked them out.
"Come on gimme somethin'..." He whispered desperately. Holding on any kind of hope that the girl was alive.
Unfortunately he couldn't hear a glimpse of a sign of life. Logan was starting to lose hope believing that she had perished...thats when he heard a feint whimper along with weak breathing. Acting fast he leapt into empty shaft and imapaled his claws into the wall and started climbing.
He finally reached the floor where the sound was the strongest. Knowing that this was it Logan slowly inched towards the edge and carefully balanced himself in front of the door. Like before he sunk his claws inside the doors center narrow space and separated them apart. He sprinted inside where the heat of the fire there was so strong to the point Logan could feel his skin burning from the intense waves. Despite that however he continued onward.
Finally finding the door he let out a savage like growl as he slashed and kicked it open. Once inside his eyes landed on the charred corpse of a teenage girl lying under pieces of flaming ceiling debris. He had to harbor a guess that she was the girls babysitter. Narrowing his eyes Logan willed himself and not look back.
Reaching the room that was girls judging by the large amount of burnt stuffed toy animals he pin pointed the sound of whezzing at the closed closet. Logan opened it and was relieved that he found a brown haired girl in her overall pajamas inhaling and and exhaling through her inhaler. He also saw that she was holding onto one her stuffed animals tightly against her chest. It resembled a wolverine.
Logan could almost laugh at that if he had the time to.
The girls head snapped up the moment she heard the closet swing open. A hairy man was standing over her. Her eyes of course caught sight of the sharp like knives that came out his fists. Naturally she tensed up in fear.
Seeing this he sheathed his claws and calmly crouched to her level. He softened his grizzled features while slowly extending his hand out to her. "Its ok. I ain't gonna hurt'cha sweetheart."
The girl tried slowing her breathing was surprisingly easy. The mans deep rough voice was so gentle that she could sense that he was earnest. Tentatively reaching out she placed her smaller hands into his larger one. She then threw herself into the mans torso which made him protectively wrap his around arms around her.
"Please help...I'm scared!" She whimpered, tears already running down her eyes. Whether it was from the smoke or from the fear he couldn't tell.
Logan smiled assuringly. "I know. So how 'bout we get outta here so you won't be huh?"
The girl nodded not wanting than she already has.
Logan rushed to the door of the room but the intensity of the fire weakened more of the homes structural support causing a large portion of the ceiling to cave in front of them. The girl yelped as he hopped back avoiding mountains of rubble from piling on top of them. Growling in annoyance that the way out was fully blocked he knew that he had to dig their way out through the flaming debris. That would just waste more time but he had no other choice. And the girl didn't have enough time as it is.
Setting her down he released his claws and began shoveling everything out as fast as he could. Logan ignored the painful burns on his hands and forearms, he could see his skin to sear but the girls coughing only pushed him to work faster.
Logan momentarily stopped when his nose caught the whiff of something familiar. He narrowed his eyes and gave a hard sniff as he detected a small hint of an oil like stench in the air. It didn't completely overlap the smoke but his keen sense of smell was picking up on it. He could also hear a stream of vapor from inside the house.
His eyes widened, Logan knew exactly what that scent and sound was. There definitely was no time to remove the debris out of the way. They needed to leave now!
He looked around frantically for another means of escape. Then his eyes setteled on the window. There was no other option. It was only way.
"Mr...?" Logan glanced down at the small child who was still wracked with fear. He could practically smell it all over even plainly obvious on her face.
He drew out a heavy breath as he sheathed his claws, steeling himself for what was he was about to do. Bringing himself to one knee Logan gently placed both of his hands on the girls shoulders. His face was firm and serious, it was the same look her mother would when about to tell her something important.
"Alright kid listen up. I'm goin' to get us outta here. But I you gotta be brave and trust me. Think you can do that?"
She let his words for a couple of seconds before noddding vehemently.
"Then hold on to me as tight you can."
Logan lifted her into his arms and pressed her firmly against his chest. The girl followed his instructions grabbing a fistful of his shirt and held her doll close. Taking in another deep breath bolted and doved for the window as the explosion blew out a massive ball of flame. Logan reflexively gritted his pointed canines as the flames covered nearly the entirety of his curled up body. The two then hit the street, landing hard with enough force to make a man sized indentation.
He groaned or at least he thought he was given that his ear were ringing. His back practically burning with fire and he could already feel it charring but he had to check if the girl was alright. From Logan could see she some minor burns but nothing serious. She was unconscious but it was preferable than her beind dead. Rolling on onto his back Logan extinguished the fire on him, slumping his head on the ground he sighed tiredly as he waited for his healing factor to do the rest.
"Jenny! Oh my god Jenny!"
His still ringing ears Logan could hear the muffled screams of a woman not far away. Lazily looking up he saw the girls mother running towards him with tears of joy leaking from her eyes Along side her a team of paramedics.
"Their alive! Someone get a gurney over here!"
"Oh no..." Logan mumbled as he sluggishly picked himself up. He knew that it was his cue to get the hell out there.
"I'm sorry Diana but none of the world leaders are willing to accept any of your proposals."The female secretary sadly notified on other the end of the desk phone. "Should we keep trying?"
Rubbing her eyes in frustration and exhaustion Diana decided to give up on this thing for the time being. "That's alright Alana. You head home, I'm keeping you here unnecessary longer than I should."
"Are you sure? Working long hours is something I can handle."
While it was true Diana didn't enjoy overworking her staff. Not even over something as large as attempting appointments with political figures.
"I'm certain. I'm sure your husband is missing you by now. You go on home and get some sleep.'
"Ok...just make sure you do the same. Even you need it. Goodnight."
"To you as well."
Diana leaned back in her office chair as she removed her finger from the deskphone. A groan escaped her mouth as the grueling duties of the day starting to weigh on her. Or actually she should say it had been days since the've been weighing on her.
The Amazon had volunteered to be the Leagues spokesperson. Arthur might've been the other option but given that Atlantis still held on to some their past grudges with the surface world it would run the risk for a war to break out. Seeing this Diana wanted to arrange a public speech at the UN to speak on the Justice Leagues behalf.
Unfortunately they've declinined her requests numerous times. She knew that Lex's world wide media influence had something to do with this. The fear and paranoia was spreading on an international level which was putting the world against not just the league but everyone.
The warrior ambassador closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead hoping to dispel the stress growing in her. "Hera give me a sign that something will make this day bearable."
"In other news a little was rescued from a burning building by a random meta human. Unfortunately we couldn't get an interview with the man as he stormed before we could any our camera men could get a long shot of him.
Diana snapped her eyes open a glanced at her flatscreen television that was reporting the news. The footage showed a rather short man showed shoving paramedics and reporters away as he stomped off. It took her a second to recognize him as she smiled brightly. It seemed her prayers her answered.
Takehashi couldn't keep the amused grin off of his face as he saw his most valuable customer enter his bar. Logan came in with his shirt being nothing but charred and tattered to the point where his bare upper body was completely exposed. He saw that some of his patrons were giving him odd looks but it was clear that he didn't care. All he wanted was his drink.
He placed his usual order on the table counter the moment Logan sat himself on the stool.
"It seems you had a rough night." The old bartender teasingly pointed out while wiping the rim of a glass cup.
He cocked his eyebrow as he looked at the old man past the bottle raised towards his lips with a deadpan expression. "Well ain't you the observant one. What gave it away?"
He chuckled at his dry sarcasm. "Well given that you strolled into my bar without a shirt on while being covered in and smelling like burnt soot. And also..."
Takehashi pointed the upper right of the bar making Logan glance in the direction where he wanted him to look. He could only sigh irritatedly at the news broadcast.
"You know I had a feeling you were a meta human. Seeing you heal like that shows I was right."
Logan almost corrected him on his status as a meta human but he kept mouth shut. It was best for Takehashi to label him as this earths equivalent of a mutant. Better for the old man to believe that than complicating the matter.
Still he couldn't be curious about something. "How'd you know I was a meta human?"
His eyebrow shot upward in a way that said 'I wasn't born yesterday'. "Really? You think I wouldn't notice you not getting drunk with amount of beers you've been downing?"
Logan internally cringed. There were times where he would forget that he couldn't get intoxicated from alcohol consumption. It was probably the reason why many other bar owners would give him odd looks.
"Logan-san I...owe you an apology."
The feral mutant frowned in confusion, not knowing what he was apologizing for.
"I was trying to help you but I was only really trying to help myself." The bartender planted his hands on the counter as he hung his head low and sighed. "On some level I put my needs before yours as I kept pressing you. Because I realized what I was really doing was trying to forgive myself by helping you but my approach was selfish."
Logan took in everything he just heard. The older mans admittance was unexpected to say the least. He didn't see it that way though at the time, just someone trying to offer their help. Help of course he didn't take out his desire to be left alone. He replayed the words in his mind as he picked up on something hidden in them.
"Ya' still blamin' yourself for what happened in the war?"
Takehashi slightly flinched but slowly nodded as a solemn smile etched itself on his wrinkled features. "It isn't something I could ever forget even after all these years. I'm sure you of all people could understand."
Wolverine could only silently nod agreement.
"What I'm trying to say is that it's not my place to pressure you into telling me what has been bothering you. After all its your choice if you want to or not." He said, giving the man the option to about his problems.
Lightly clutching his bottle in both hands Logan set his lips thin line wrestled with himself to whether he should tell the bartender. But he found himself unable to as he couldn't get the words out. So like always when they would talk he took the easy way out. Damn, how pathetic could he truly be right now?
"Its..." He swallowed down the lump coming up in his throat. Trying to keep his emotions in line. "Its just somethin' that I can't put into words easily. Hell what I did shouldn't even be brought in a casual conversations. Even around a war buddy. But thanks anyway. I owe you an apology to. You were only tryin' to talk some sense into me."
Takehashi smiled at that, happy that the two of them were put all of that under the bridge. "I'm glad to hear that."
"So...what now?" Logan asked, unsure of where to go from here. Though the way he said it made seem like the question was directed at himself.
Standing to his full height the bartender crossed his arms as he looked at the man with a knowing expression. "That's something I should be asking you actually. Though I do have a suggestion for you."
Logan raised an eyebrow, taking another chug of his drink. "That would be...?"
"Have you thought of becoming a member of the Justice League?"
"They gave me an invitation. Turned it down."
"Why?" He asked, inching up his own eyebrow in question.
Shrugging he took another swig of his drink as he responded. "They don't need someone like me in their group."
"I find that hard to believe given what that news report is saying." Takehashi disagreed, inching his head up towards the flat screen monitor.
Setting his bottle down Logan closed his eyes as he heavily sighed through his nostrils. "Bottom line is old timer is that I'm no hero. Altruism isn't my strong suit, savin' some kid doen't make me one either. And with all this political bs goin' around just gives me more reasons to not get involved with 'em."
"Hmm...undertandable, maybe your right but the fact that you acted has to mean something doesn't it? It might not say your a hero but it shows your a good man, and sometimes...that's enough."
The hard lines on his face lessened a little at that. Takehashi saw that his usual sullen and hardened expression on his grizzled face was now slightly thoughtful and reflective. A small spark of happiness welled up in the old mans chest. It was nice to see that he wasn't burdening himself with negative thoughts and feelings. Though he could see that Logan was a doubtful about his claim. Regardless it was sign that he hoped would lead him towards proper future.
A loud crash was heard as it brought both mens attention to it source. Another one of the bars many brawls had started. Over what? Who knows. It then escalated when the spectators became participants. Soon most of every drunken patron in the bar was indulging in it.
"Not again...and I just cleaned this place yesterday." He grumbled out in his native tongue whilie he rubbed his forehead.
"Ever thought of hirin' a bouncer?"
He snapped his head up and looked at Logan who was casually drink incredulously. Surprised that the man knew Japanese and he spoke it fluently. Grinning the bartender decided to subtly test how much he knew with a casual conversation. "I should probably start. You thinking of making my job easier?"
He almost blurted out a "No" but then thought on it further. While he was currently living well at the moment with the amount of money that was provided to him but it was only a matter of time before he won't have much left and with how he's been frequenting this bar along with other living necessities his budget income is going to end up dry.
'Seems like a fair deal. Gotta have a way to keep my lights on anyway.'
"Eh what the hell. Ya got yourself a bouncer." He accepted with a shrug. Making the old man brightly grin in response."So what times the interview tomorrow?"
"Something tells me you wouldn't be interested in being asked pointless questions just to get a job." He pursed his lips in thought as he glanced at the rowdy scuffle. A sly smirk slowly crept its way on his face. "Kick these assholes out of my bar. If you can do that you get the job."
A sharp smirk lit itself on Logan's face, making his canines appear more pronounced. Cracking his knuckles rose from his seat and got to work. "Thought you'd never ask boss."
Takehashi couldn't help the smile on his face as he watched him throw himself into the brawl and proceeded to throw out the drunken idiots. The bartender took note of the look in his eyes. They seemed less dull and filled with slightly more life. It wasn't much but what mattered was that something was their. Was this the sign he asking for? It was actually answered?
He knew that it unbecoming for a man of his age to hold on to such blind hope, but he wouldn't be a good friend if he didn't.
'Don't give up on yourself Logan-san...like I have. Maybe I can't find anything worth fighting for again but I know you can again.' He thought with that newfound sense of hope. Only for him to wince when he saw Logan's fist connected with a guys nose.
'What the hell am I doin'?' Logan mused the same question ever since he had gotten back to his apartment. During that time he was just looking at the communicator that Wonder Woman had given him, running his finger and thumb along it.
Though truthfully he was just using that as an excuse to stall for time. For what...he didn't exactly know.
''Cut the bull. We both know why you're sittin' on yer' pathetic ass.'
The former X-Men could only grit his teeth in annoyance at his subconscious. 'What are you on about?'
'What d'ya think? That hero inside of you ain't as dead as you thought it was.'
'We both know that were not even close to bein' called somethin' like that! And after what we did we don't deserve to be ever again.'
'...So thats it then huh? The big bad Wolverine sunken low to a miserable hermit.' His inner thought chastised with clear dissapointment. 'Guess it was only a matter of time.'
'Yep.'
'Look...I get it. We sure as hell don't deserve a second chance. But we got one and its right in your hand. Maybe Chuck and the X-Men won't ever forgive us but what matters is that we carry on what they taught us, don't'cha think?'
Laying his arm limply on his leg Logan leaned forward from spot and ran his hand through his dark wild hair. His face taking on a look of confliction as he felt torn between what he thought would be best for him. Because honestly despite keeping himself uninvolved with anything in this world a small piece inside of him said otherwise. The fact that he saved a little girl from a burning building was proof of that.
Glancing down at the device mentally weighed his decision again. Closing his eyes Logan came to his final decisive choice.
Putting the commlink in his ear he contacted the Watchtower.
"J'onn J'onzz speaking."
"Yeah its me J'onny. Listen, that offer still on the table?" He asked not wasting time in getting to the point of his call.
"...Yes it's currently still available. But are you certain that this is what you want?"
"Wouldn't be callin' if I wasn't." His voice had tone of conviction and assurence. Something headn't heard in his voice while.
There was another of round of silence on the other end and Logan thought that the call was disconnected until the martian spoke. "Very well. Try not to make any sudden moves."
Before he could say anything Logan was surrounded by brief flash of light. He blinked rapidly as he tried to regain control of his senses. Once he did he saw that he was standing in an wide open area where many large monitors displayed many regions of the world which showed many league members doing their heroic duties.
The feral mutant couldn't help but look at the multiple monitors with apprehensive doubt. Could he truly be this again? A hero?
"Its good to see you again Logan." Turning he saw that both Superman and Martian Manhunter was standing near a console.
He grunted back at the greeting as took the commlink out of his ear. "Pretty nifty toys you boys got."
Superman grinned at the mans comment. Happy that he seemed in slightly better spirits than before he was here. "We saw what you did in New York. Good work." He congratulated, even though Logan hadn't fully joined them yet his heroic effort were deserving of praise.
He humbly shrugged in response.
"I thank you for reconsidering this." Despite his usual stoic voice and stony expression J'onn felt overjoyed.
"Kinda figured you'd wanted me to. 'cause y'now..." He said in a monotone way while gesturing at the commlink in hand.
The martians lips lightly curled up in a smile. "I admit that was my intention. But I wanted you come to your own decision."
Logan could slightly appreciate that. Even though he was clear from his initial refusal he wasn't fully upset about it. After he made the choice though with a slight nudge from Takehashi and in a way the League contributed also.
"Well I did. So now what?"
"Now? Well, that's up to you." The kryptonian replied seriously but his expression eased up a second after. "But we'll help you along the way."
J'onn opened up his blue cape revealing his blue and yellow suit in his hands. Cleaned and untattered as is if they were never ruined. Taking them Logan couldn't describe how good it felt holding his uniform again. He hoped that he could honor the memory of the X-Men well. It was all he could do in their name now.
Superman gave a warm inviting grin and offered his hand to him. "Welcome to the Justice League Wolverine."
And with that the two men firmly shook hands making the offer official.
Sorry that this took a year to get out. Despite what Marvel and DC is turning into but I can't let that deter me from giving you guys something you enjoy reading.
I'm also not sure if I should add romance in this story like I was before. I have an idea of how it could work in the but I'm starting to think it be unnecessary add in and I'm also not the most experienced in writing it. What do you guys think?
And I have also decided to split this story into two separate arcs. I was originally going to write the second arc as a sequel but went with this instead. Remember positive and negative feedback is always welcome. And Merry Christmas.
