Hi everyone how's it going?
Thank you to all who has given their support for this story and it's great to see that you guys are enjoying this.
Here's the second chapter and Laurel's recruitment. And hopefully you'll all enjoy it.
OmnilBIBUltraInstinctGodzilla: Thanks very much and that's correct on Oliver. Just so you'll know though but one of the recruits won't appear within this fic other than a mention of her in the end of this in regards to her joining the organization. I'm referring to Frost and instead her recruitment will be covered within my one shot entitled "Ode To Frost".
Disclaimer: I don't own the Arrowverse or the MCU.
Setting: The Afterlife
Location: A Replica Of The Wildcat Gym
The continuous sounds of thump, thump, thump emanated throughout the room as Laurel rapidly and repeatedly slammed her black glove covered fists against the yellow boxing bag. Releasing soft grunting noises each time her fists made impact.
Her dark brown hair was styled in a ponytail and her current attire consisted of a black sports bra paired with a pair of black sweatpants and the bag swung backwards and forwards with each strike.
Of course she didn't particularly need to train for anything in the Afterlife but it remained a fantastic adrenaline rush for her and one of the activities she still enjoyed following her tragic demise. She was also grateful that whoever oversaw this realm had been accommodating enough to provide her with this option along with replicas of her old stomping grounds such as CNRI among other locations. Making her current designated residence feel like home.
As she continued to practice her boxing skills for the thrill of it her attention was suddenly distracted by a voice she hadn't heard since her passing.
"Hello pretty bird. It's been awhile," Oliver greeted her with a soft smile while currently wearing his dark green Spectre robes.
Laurel turned towards him in surprise, eyes widened, before a delighted smile formed upon her face followed by her rushing forwards, leaping into his arms, and embracing him tightly which he gladly reciprocated. The two close friends embracing for what felt like forever despite them being aware of the fact that time had no meaning where they were.
"Oh my gosh. Oliver. It's so wonderful to see you again," she gushed happily as they held each other close. "I've missed you so much."
"And I've also missed you and it's wonderful to see you again as well," he warmly returned before they disentangled themselves from their embrace. Afterwards Laurel removed her boxing gloves and placed them onto the floor before the two of them exited the gym and took a stroll outside. Their surroundings a replica of Star City's landscape.
"So I heard through the grapevine that you restored an infinite number of universes after some cosmic alien warlord destroyed it," she commented thoughtfully as they walked.
"It's true. Grouped together the universes are known as the multiverse and a tremendously powerful force known as the Anti-Monitor wanted to restructure it into his own image," Oliver nodded and explained while Laurel listened to him with increasing interest. "I was selected to to become the next Spectre and with the assistance of 7 of our allies. Those allies designated as Paragons and your sister counted amongst their ranks though one of them was not a true ally but a ruthless criminal mastermind. Together we reversed the destruction the Anti-Monitor had accomplished and I vanquished him before restoring and expanding the multiverse. And more pertaining worlds continue to be created as we speak."
"I also merged mine, yours, Sara's, and Barry's shared world with the shared world of 3 of the Paragons along with 3 other Earths belonging to other allies of ours not among them," he continued further. "Designating the now merged worlds as Earth Prime. Afterwards Barry gathered 4 of his fellow Paragons plus two new powerful friends and together they've formed a league of heroes to protect Earth Prime from global threats. One of them has since retired from the team and her journey as a hero though the League still remains active."
"Wow. You've certainly been busy along with our fellow heroes," an impressed Laurel responded while absorbing this intriguing information.
"That we have. And I couldn't be more proud of them and what we've accomplished," Oliver stated with a pleased expression.
"Me neither. And also I'm very proud of you and your sacrifice. Especially since it had to have been tremendously difficult to leave all of our loved ones and your children behind. Something I'm truly sorry for and I wish there'd been another way to save the world, or worlds I suppose, and still be there for them and especially William and Mia," Laurel complimented him and then added sympathetically. Her eyes shining with sadness over what he'd had to relinquish.
"It was. And so do I. More than anything. And I will miss them all like you would not believe," he agreed and sadly smiled while bending his head downwards. His face then transitioned into a expression filled with a combination of hope and conviction. "But I trust that someday I'll see them all again and I hold on to that hope. And after having gone through this decision I can say with certainty that if I had to make it all over again I would and nor will I ever regret saving billions of lives."
"I know. And that's one of the many reasons I love you. Both as a friend and even beyond that. And to reiterate but while I know I'm not the love of your life you will always be the love of my life," she acknowledged his words and with an approving smile followed by her repeating the final words she'd spoken to him on her death bed.
As she spoke them once more she lifted up the palm of her hand and gently rested it against the side of Oliver's face which he leaned into until she removed it.
"I know. And I'll never forget that and you'll always have a special place within my heart for all eternity. Which is kind of funny since up here I suppose we actually have eternity," he softly replied with a warm smile and then added causing them both to laugh. Laurel seeing the humor.
Afterwards the two of them continued their stroll and engaged in idle chatter. Reminiscing about their previous experiences when they were alive and discussing some embarrassing moments they'd had during their childhood. Moments which caused them to chuckle at the other's expense.
As fun as all of this was Oliver knew he needed to get to the point of his presence here with Laurel considering that this wasn't just a casual visit and despite how amazing it was that they'd finally reunited. And so he opened his mouth once more and began.
"After the Anti-Monitor was defeated and I met my demise afterwards with Barry and Sara beside me during my final moments, I was approached by two clearly powerful demigods who apparently oversee the multiverse. A Lady Rama Kushna and a golden being known as the Living Tribunal. The reason they'd approached me was to present me with an offer to serve as their representative in not only protecting and safeguarding Earth Prime but also the infinite number of Earths in existence.
"After some thought I'd decided to accept their offer and now not only am I still the Spectre and retain all of my powers but I've been elevated to preside over the multiverse as its ultimate guardian."
Laurel's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this piece of news.
"Wow Oliver. That's quite the promotion. Congratulations and good for you," she finally complimented him after recovering from her initial surprise. After which she punctuated it with a playful punch to his shoulder to which he groaned in pretend pain before smiling at her with amusement."
"Thanks a lot Laurel and I appreciate it," he replied and then continued. "There's more to it though. You see but the Lady Kushna and the mighty Living Tribunal have also bequeath me with the responsibility of recruiting a combination of 5 other fallen and soon to be fallen heroes to share in this new position. But only if they're willing. And it just so happens that you are among the chosen recruits and if you accept then you'll share in the authority granted to me as an overseer of the entire multiverse."
Laurel listened to his words after which she took a moment to absorb his words before staring at him with eyes filled with shock.
"You mean they want to recruit and promote me as well?" she questioned in wonder while attempting to wrap her head around the possibilities.
"It would appear so," Oliver shrugged. "But only if you're willing though if you do the 2 of us will function as the first members of a new organization known as the Guardian Protectorate. An organization whose purpose will be to protect and maintain order throughout the multiverse while doing what's required in expunging whatever horrors might be unleashed against it. Both outside and within.
"I'm honestly not surprised you're on the recruitment list for you are unwavering in the pursuit of justice and also serve as a symbol of hope and courage. Plus you've also freely given so much to your city. First as a voice for the little guys during your work at C.N.R.I., then as an A.D.A. who cooked the criminals I caught, and finally as a hero and the justice they couldn't outrun. And you made certain they were aware of it.
"But with this new promotion you'll now have the authority to service others on a grander scale. To fight for justice but for an infinity of worlds or avenge them when needed. And I will be by your side every step of the way.
"Therefore I ask you. Dinah Laurel Lance. Will you join me in heeding the call and ascending to a higher function of heroism? Though to reiterate but the decision is yours to agree on or to refuse."
A number of emotions were swirling around within Laurel's mind while going back and forth between acquiescing or dismissing. She couldn't help but see the appeal of this unexpected offer and especially considering a part of her felt that her life had been cut short before she could accomplish far more with it. And frankly but this opportunity would definitely rectify that missed chance.
After some time of meditating upon this and weighing the pros and non existent cons she tried to produce but couldn't, she decided to follow what her heart was guiding her to do and voiced it.
"I would be honored to accept this opportunity and nothing would make me further excited than the two of us working together once more," Laurel finally and happily accepted. "Just like old times."
Oliver smiled. Pleased.
"Just like old times," he agreed and nodded before extending his hand towards her. "Shall we?"
In response she grasped ahold of it upon which the scenery around them was replaced with that of a throne room, the same one Oliver had encountered after he'd ascended to his current role, where she saw 6 golden thrones. Her attire also and to her surprise transformed into that of her Canary uniform but with its pertaining pants replaced with that of a black gown which reached to her feet. In addition she now had her black mask around her eyes but smaller and without gaps. He then led her to the throne assigned to her upon which she saw the yellow design of a canary. Afterwards he invited her to be seated upon it which she did followed by him seating himself down onto his own throne.
"You know I could actually get used to this," Laurel commented while shifting her body around and getting a feel for it to which Oliver chuckled a bit. "You say that others will be joining us? And shall I assume those other thrones belong to them?" she questioned him and gestured towards the other thrones.
"That's correct but only if they accept the same offer that was presented to us," Oliver affirmed and explained. "The decision is theirs alone to make and time will tell once I present them with it."
"Got it," Laurel nodded in understanding. "In that case I look forward to meeting them and the work we'll hopefully accomplish together."
"Same here," her companion agreed. The two of them entirely prepared for whatever required actions needed to be achieved as they embarked upon this grand mission bestowed onto them.
To Be Continued
A/N What did you guys think of Oliver and Laurel's reunion and the emotions behind it plus their interactions?
Now that Laurel has joined the ranks the next recruit will be T'Challa. And so Oliver's next visit will be the Ancestral Plane where the famed Black Panther and the latter's predecessors reside.
Regarding Laurel's new gown but it's based upon the gown her doppelgänger from the original Earth-2 wore as the Black Siren. I personally just feel that Black Siren's uniform was more elegant than Laurel's uniform. But she's retained the black top she wore in her lifetime making hers and Black Siren's uniforms mostly distinct.
Also but the words Oliver said about Laurel being the justice the criminals couldn't outrun is one of her canon quotes as the Black Canary.
Until next time, have a nice day.