The first part of the plan was getting Green Arrow as far away from Gotham City as possible, so Barry and Hal used the most of their ability to convince that GA's "humor" (patent pending) was NOT the way to convince Batman to join the JLA. So Oliver headed out to Arizona to judge an archery contest that he was planning on skipping out on but now felt compelled to go to.

"It would be good for the kids to see a real life hero," said Hal ushering GA to the door. "And since none of us can go, you would be the next best thing."

"You're not funny," replied GA. "I wouldn't recommend using those types of line on Dark and Gloomy. On second thought, do it. Then you might get a black eye to match that green ring of yours."

Soon after, Flash, GL, Black Canary, and J'onn headed to Gotham. Superman begged off this particular mission. Something about if Batman figured out what was going on and how Clark was involved, Kryptonite itching powder would be dusted over Metropolis. And then Batman would really go to work on him.

J'onn broke off and headed to the west while the Flash, GL and Canary headed off to find Batman. The trio was nervous. Superman and J'onn had fully briefed them on what to do and how to approach the Dark Knight. They explained, in broad strokes his abilities and talents. But what made them really nervous was what the original Green Lantern told them about his origin.

All three of these heroes had more or less decided consciously to be heroes and take up this life. All three of them made this decision after being granted exceptional abilities. And originally, for most, their motivations were not totally pure; they wanted to do the right thing, but they wanted the admiration as well. They were not willing to sacrifice their lives, or more accurately how they lived their lives, to do this.

Batman had sacrificed everything at an early age, and not for the roaring crowds. It was a darker goal, and one that had caused this man to sacrifice everything that made life bearable. If this man was capable of doing that, what else could he do?

They found Batman in the middle of a gang war. There was no better way to put it. Two gangs had came together to fight over turf. Now they were fighting for their freedom. Chains whipped out, knives flashed, but none found the Bat. His kicks were calculated, his punches vicious. The three heroes, as per Superman's instructions kept out of sight and watched the fight.

"He has a black belt in at least five disciplines that I can see," Black Canary whispered. "Aikido, Karate, Judo………boxing? That left hook is Wildcat's……….he must have been trained by him. He is the best I have seen."

"Better than the Justice Society," Green Lantern with wry amusement.

"Better than the Justice Society," she muttered with a growl.

Batman was down to the last 10 gang members and he wasn't slowing down. Suddenly an impossible flash of red, green and yellow came out of the darkness. And it was 5'3.

"It's a friggin' kid. Get 'em."

"'Get 'em,'" replied the brightly clad hero. "I am guessing any argument to keep you guys in school would just be wasted. I mean with lines like that, its obvious you guys are pretty much hopeless."

"BATMAN'S PARTNER IS A KID!" exclaimed Green Lantern standing up suddenly.

"BATMAN'S PARTNER HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR!" exclaimed the Flash holding back the Emerald Knight.

"Batman's partner just executed a quad somersault and took out three grown men," said Canary in awe.

Between the dynamic duo, the remainder of the gang went down quickly. Batman appeared to have said something to his partner who shot something at the roof and appeared to fly to the top. Slowly, Batman beckoned to the corner where the members of the Justice League stood and pointed to the roof where his protégé went.

"I guess that's our invitation," said Barry. "Lets go."

The trio reached the rooftop, with the Batman standing arm crossed and feet shoulder-width apart, the picture of dark foreboding. The overall effect was slightly diminished by the ten year old behind him mimicking his posture exactly.

"I made a request," growled the Bat. "It was simple in its content. Do. Not. Come. To. Gotham. Yet here you are. Now I figured you would come back for one of two reasons. One, to try to 'take me down.' The other would be because you talked to Kryptonian and he decided it would be good for me to join your little gang. As I do not see the Archer, or hear him, and based on the assumption he could not be quiet for this long, you are here on the second."

"You are right of course," said Barry. They determined before coming out that Barry would do most of the talking with the Batman and that they wouldn't try to hide anything. Superman said that just "annoyed him." "We were pretty upset after our last meeting and Superman did talk us down. He did talk to us about your many unique skills. Skills that you have demonstrated here tonight. It is because of these skills that we would like to invite you to join………."

"I am not interested. Come Robin," Batman quickly spun on his heel and walked towards the roof. Robin hesitated ever so slightly and Batman inclined his head towards his junior partner. Robin then also spun on his heel and followed his mentor.

"Stage 1 completed," mumbled Flash. "The offer is on the table, and the partner knows. Heres hoping that J'onn can work on Stage 2."