Chapter 69: Reflections
Sometime after the battle with the Brotherhood, the heroes decided to take some time to rest and recuperate. Clark Kent had returned to work at the Daily Planet, typing up his latest story regarding the Doom Patrol.
"Hey, Smallville," Lois greeted, walking up to him. "Still working on that Doom Patrol story?"
"Yeah," Clark replied, not looking up from his screen. "Should have it ready in time for the next issue."
Lois watched him type away, sensing something was off. She leaned against his desk, placing a hand on his chin and prompting him to turn to her.
"There's something else on your mind, isn't there?"
Clark sighed, fullying turning to reassure her. "I'm fine, Lois. I promise."
"Just looks like you're dwelling on something," Lois replied, walking away. "And even if you don't talk to me… you should at least talk to someone."
Clark turned back to his computer, mulling over what Lois said. In the end, he decided this was something worth talking to someone about. And he knew just who to talk to.
…
Later that day, Clark disembarked from his bus, stepping foot back in Smallville for the first time in a long while. Once off, he started walking out of town, making his way toward the farmlands. When he was sure he was alone, he took off at superspeed, making a beeline toward his old homestead on the Kent family farm.
…
Out at the farm, Jonathan Kent was in the barn, laying underneath a tractor, working on a tractor engine. As he was working, he moved further under to get a closer look at the problem.
"Almost… got it…"
Just then, the tractor suddenly lifted up, revealing Clark standing over him.
"Need a hand?"
"Clark!" Jonathan let out, smiling as he got back to his feet. "This is a surprise. What brings you by?"
"Just felt like I've stayed away too long. Felt like checking in."
"Well, it's always great to see you," Jonathan replied, coming over and hugging him.
At that moment, Martha Kent came in holding a tray of lemonade. Her face lit up the second she saw her adopted son.
"Clark!"
"Hi ma," Clark greeted.
…
Later, the Kent Family made their way to the porch where Clark was regaling them with stories of the League's exploits.
"Sounds like you've been keeping busy," Jonathan noted.
"To put it lightly," Clark replied, before looking off.
"Something on your mind, Clark?" Martha wondered.
"Nothing. It's just… the Doom Patrol… despite all they've endured… still willingly gave their lives to save the world."
"It's part of being a hero," Jonathan told him. "I figure you of all people would know that."
"I do," Clark reassured. "But when you stop to think about it… the thought of leaving you and Lois… it's not a thought I relish."
Jonathan noted the uncertainty in Clark's tone, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Clark, while I'd never encourage you to actively throw your life away… I don't think you need to worry about that. It sounds daunting now, but when you're out there, in the spur of the moment, you know what you have to do. You remember that twister that tore through town a few years ago?"
"I remember… it was pretty intense. Especially when you went back for Miss Braverman."
"Right. At that moment, I knew what I had to do, and didn't think twice. Because that's who I am, and how Martha and I raised you. To do what's right, even when it seems hard."
"Right," Clark agreed. "Cause nothing worth doing is ever easy."
"Even when it comes to saving the world," Jonathan added, sitting next to him. "There's no need to get hung up on this. When the time comes, Lord willing not for a long time, you'll do what you need to. And you'll make us proud for sure."
Clark's smile grew upon hearing that. "Thanks, Pa."
"Anytime son."
"Well, I think that's enough about that," Martha chimed in. "I have an apple pie in the oven and it should be ready soon."
"Sounds perfect," Clark replied as they all went back inside.
…
In Gotham City, a lone man on a motorcycle rode up to Wayne Manor. As he pulled up to the door, he brought the bike to a stop, propping up the kickstand and getting off. He pulled off his helmet as he walked up to the door, taking a breath before knocking on the door.
…
Inside, Alfred was dusting some furniture when he heard a knock at the door. He made his way over as the knocking persisted.
"Alright, alright," he insisted. "A moment of patience please."
Alfred opened the door, genuinely surprised to see Dick Grayson standing before him.
"Master Richard?" he let out.
"Hey Al," Dick replied.
Alfred didn't waste a moment hugging him, which Dick returned in kind.
"It's been too long. Master Bruce will be thrilled to see you."
"I can imagine…" Dick replied as the two went inside. "Nice to know you guys haven't changed much since I left."
"Never much need to. In fact, there is one part of the house that's remained completely untouched."
Alfred just walked off, prompting Dick to follow behind. The two reached the upstairs study, Dick walking inside to see a large portrait of a man and a woman in circus attire similar to that of Robin's uniform standing proud. Dick was floored by the sight.
"He… he kept this?" Dick asked. "Even after I left?"
"It was his explicit instruction that the Flying Graysons always had a place in Wayne Manor."
Dick put a hand to his chest, letting out a breath that almost bordered on a sob. It didn't take a genius to read between the lines of that particular declaration. A small smile graced his face as a result.
"Guess he does have a heart under all that armor… who knew?"
"If I may be so bold Master Richard," Alfred spoke up. "While he has a crude and very stubborn exterior, I have never met a soul more caring toward his fellow man than Bruce Wayne."
Dick's smile grew a little, prompting him to look around and see a bust of William Shakespeare on the desk.
"I wonder…"
He went over to the bust and pushed on the head, flipping it back to reveal a red button inside. Smirking, he pressed it, causing the bookcase to slide back and reveal two fireman's poles leading down.
"Gotta love the classics," he remarked, turning to Alfred. "Shall we?"
"If it's all the same to you, I'll take the stairs."
"Suit yourself."
Dick ran forward and grabbed onto one of the poles, sliding down toward the Batcave.
…
Down in the cave, Bruce was at the Batcomputer looking over some schematics for a high-tech wheelchair. At the side of his chair was Ace, who was napping on the floor. Just then, he sprang up, getting Bruce's attention.
"What is it, boy?" he asked.
Ace just barked as he ran forward, prompting Bruce to stand up. Out of the shadows stepped Dick, who was greeted by Ace as he nuzzled against his leg.
"Goot to see you too, boy," Dick replied, kneeling down and petting his head.
Bruce was astonished by the sight as he walked forward. "Dick…"
Dick looked up at Bruce, standing up straight in response. "Hey, Bruce."
"I… wasn't expecting to hear from you again so soon."
"To be frank, I wasn't expecting to come by at all. But… I saw on the news about the Doom Patrol. Saw a certain silhouette in the background of an image. One that was comforting a kid"
"He's a good kid. And he's on his own now… I suggested he head to Jump City."
"Thought you'd send him my way, huh? Cave at occupancy?"
"I don't think I can be what he needs right now. But you… you just might."
Dick paused, mulling it over. "I'll think about it. In the meantime, I actually had another reason for coming here."
"What's that?"
"Got word that a sect of Intergang is looking to set up shop in Gotham. Figured since I was in town… we'd look into it."
Bruce smiled slightly at that. "I could use an extra set of eyes, especially with Tim currently busy with his midterms."
"He's a good kid. Has to be doing something right if he gets you to smile."
…
In town, members of Intergang were unloading boxes from trucks into the main building. As one of the men carried a box, he looked down and saw the massive shadow of a bat looming across the ground. Startled, he dropped the box and looked up, seeing Batman and Nightwing standing side by side as a reunited Dynamic Duo. They leaped down, ready to fight side by side once again.
…
At the Themysciran Embassy, Diana was finishing up some paperwork when she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," she called out.
The door opened, allowing Gretta to open the door.
"Diana," she greeted. "Just wanted to let you know Ferdinand nearly has lunch ready."
"Thank you, Gretta," Diana replied. "I'll be down in a moment."
"I can bring it up here if you still have work to do."
"... no. I'll come down. I've just… had a lot on my mind."
"You want to talk about it?"
"Actually," Diana replied, getting out of her chair. "I think I do."
…
Downstairs, Diana and Gretta were having lunch while Diana told her about what had happened with the Doom Patrol.
"They made their choices in the end… but still…"
"You wish you could've done more?" Gretta assumed.
Diana sighed in response. "Is that so wrong?"
"Of course not. But even with the powers of a god, no one expects you to do everything. Not even you can save everyone."
"Perhaps… but perhaps there may be a way to help with that."
Gretta perked up. "What did you have in mind?"
"Gaining more allies in the fight for good, and helping bridge the gap between Themyscira and the outside world. Bringing some of my Amazon sisters here as allies and aids. What do you think?"
"It's… certainly an idea with merit. I just hope it doesn't unnerve anyone."
"I don't plan on bringing too many. Maybe two or three to start. But it would introduce more of my sisters to this world and allow the world to see a broader scope of Amazonian culture. Plus, it would be nice to have those from home fight by my side."
Gretta smiled in response. "It's been my experience that the trials of life are easier to bear when you've got those you care about by your side. I'm willing to bet that Doom Patrol thought the same thing."
"I think so too…"
…
On Themyscira, Artemis was in the midst of a heated training session. This time, against a younger Amazon with black hair. Her form was fierce and direct, able to match Artemis' attacks beat for beat.
"Your form continues to impress Donna," Artemis commended, blocking her sword. "I'm almost breaking a sweat."
"Almost?" Donna replied. "I must be slowing down."
Artemis smirked before shoving her off and swinging her sword at her. Donna ducked under it before moving toward Artemis, rolling across her back before kicking her in the face, knocking her to the ground. Artemis tried to get up but was greeted with a sword to the face.
"And that… is victory."
"Impressive!"
The two looked up to see Diana flying down toward them, landing on the ground of the arena.
"It has been some time since anyone has beaten Artemis in combat."
"Diana!" Donna greeted, running over and hugging her. "It is so good to see you."
"And you as well, sister."
"What brings you back to Themyscira?" Artemis wondered, getting back to her feet.
"An offer," Diana replied. "For two of our sisters to come with me back to Man's World."
The two of them were surprised by this.
"Really?" Donna wondered.
"Yes. I have come to see the need for allies in my fight for justice. The League is capable, don't get me wrong, but those born and bred Amazons would… be a welcome change of pace."
Donna smiled at the idea. "I would like to come. If it is alright."
"More than," Diana confirmed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "What of you, Artemis? I promise the outside world can provide battles you would not believe."
Artemis paused for a moment, then smiled. "I would like to see that."
"Perfect. We will discuss it with the Queen… and then, man's world awaits."
…
At S.T.A.R. Labs, Barry was going through the images of his mother's murder, studying each one as thoroughly as possible. As he continued looking, Hal walked in, surprised to see the images on full display.
"What's all this?" he asked, getting Barry's attention.
"Hal?" he let out. "What are you doing here?"
"We were gonna hang out today, remember?"
"Oh… right…" Barry let out. "Sorry, I lost track of time."
Hal went over to one of the images. "Is… that your mom?"
"Yeah. it's from the night… the night she died."
"These are the images Cisco and Kari got from your house? Of Reverse Flash and future you duking it out?"
"Yeah. I've been looking them over. Trying to learn every move I made. Or, will make. To try and change what happened."
"You really think you can change the past?" Hal wondered, walking over to him.
"I gotta try. I mean if you had the chance to go back and save someone you couldn't, wouldn't you take it?"
"I've had a few instances of that… some even recently."
That caught Barry off guard. "You're talking about the Doom Patrol, aren't you?"
"Yeah. Larry, Negative Man… He was my wingman from back in the day. We were pretty tight… for a while."
"What happened?"
"I got a job at Ferris Air and he got recruited into special projects… where he became what he was. When I met him, he seemed like it had embittered him, but…"
"He was still willing to sacrifice himself to save the world," Barry finished.
"Yeah. I just… wonder how things would turn out if the roles were reversed. The road not taken, you know?"
"I don't know, your snark seems pretty universal."
Hal chuckled in response. "Guess so."
"Hey," Iris called out, walking into the room. "You two still in here? Everyone else is just about ready to go."
"Uh, sorry, Iris," Barry apologized. "Got a little held up."
"No worries. Oh, by the way, Cisco told me he was inviting that girl he met in Star City. Felicity?"
"Yeah, I remember her. Green Arrow's friend."
"So… how much does she know about… us?" Hal inquired.
"She didn't say," Iris replied. "But Cisco has been bragging about how smart she is, so don't be surprised if she guesses right."
…
Later, the group, consisting of Barry and Iris, Hal and Carol, Cisco and Felicity, and Caitlin and Ronnie, made their way to the Karaoke Bar.
"Gotta say," Carol spoke. "Never pictured myself in a place like this."
"Might be a fun place to unwind for a little," Hal suggested. "Let your hair down, so to speak."
"Hey, how'd you find this place?" Barry asked, turning to Caitlin.
"It was where Ronnie and I had our first date," she explained. "We had just finished our work at S.T.A.R. Labs for the day and he asked me if I was up for anything fun."
"And Karaoke was your first choice?" Cisco remarked at Ronnie.
"Thought it would be fun," Ronnie replied. "Turns out, a bit more than both of us had intended."
"That bad?" Felicity wondered.
"Honestly, I don't remember half of it," Caitlin replied in embarrassment.
"Probably for the best," Ronnie added. "Come on, we'll set up a table."
Caitlin and Ronnie went off, with the latter smirking before leaning in close.
"Summer lovin…" he sang.
"Oh god, that I do remember."
…
Later, the group was all seated at their table as Cisco sang a rather pitchy rendition of Welcome to the Jungle. This elicited many a laugh from everyone in attendance.
"That's what you're in for," Caitlin told Felicity. "Sure you can handle it?"
"Girl, you have not heard some of the drunken singing that filtered down into the old Arrow Cave back in the day. That was Mozart compared to some of those drunkards."
"Okay. Don't say I didn't warn you."
"On the upside," Carol spoke up. "I now know when my turn comes, it won't be any worse than this."
"I'm sure you're gonna sound great," Hal reassured.
"Hey," Barry spoke, nudging Hal. "I know you're still processing what happened to Negative Man. but you shouldn't let what happened to him make you feel guilty about the life you had."
"Yeah, I know. In a way, I guess I appreciate it a bit more. Good job, someone I really care for, and a new wingman."
Barry smiled in response, picking up a beer bottle. "Well then, to friends past and present."
"And a hope for the future," Hal added, tapping his bottle against Barry's.
…
In his room at S.T.A.R. Labs, Cyborg was at his computer, reaching out to Beast Boy. The two had shared contact info after their last encounter and Victor hoped to get in touch with him.
VictoryStone: Yo, Beast Boy? You out there?
There was a bit of silence before he saw the typing symbol.
Changling67: Hey Dude! Didn't expect to hear from you!
VictoryStone: Just checking in to see how you're holding up.
Changling67: me? Yeah, I'm doing fine. Stopped by the Doom Manor to grab some stuff before heading out west."
VictoryStone: you need anything? Like, I can be out there in a second if you need anything.
Changling67: nah, I'm good. Just getting bu.
Victor cocked an eyebrow at the you.
VictoryStone: you good?
…
Beast Boy looked down at his message, brushing some tears from his eyes before heading back to the keyboard.
Changling67: Yeah… Yeah I
He tried to finish the sentence, but he just couldn't.
VictoryStone: it's alright, man. I'm here if you wanna talk.
Beast Boy paused for a moment, before typing again.
Changling67: Actually… I could use that.
Rather than a message, his phone began to ring. He didn't hesitate to answer, feeling like a weight was lifted off of him as he did,
…
At the DEO, Kari was going over the data the League had provided on the Doom Patrol. She went over every account the League made in regard to the origins of the Patrol's powers. He wrote down notes, tracked down records, and brought up files to see what connections she could make. As she continued to work, J'onn phased into her lab to check on her.
"Kari?" he let out.
"Come on in!" she called, not looking up from her work.
"It is getting late. I wanted to make sure you're not pushing yourself too hard."
"Just wrapping up my report on the Doom Patrol and their abilities. This Chief guy really kept them under wraps. I never found any record of them at all. It was like they were just erased."
"Perhaps he wanted to protect them from public scrutiny."
"That, or he didn't want anyone learning about his immoral experiments. I mean, taking a man's brain and sticking it in an unfeeling robot? I can't even imagine living like that without going insane."
"It is… disconcerting to say the least. I only hope he finds some semblance of peace in the world."
Kari nodded in agreement, then hit save on her document and pushed away from her desk. She groaned and stretched.
"It… does make me wonder. If these guys have existed in secret all this time, what other metahumans might exist in the world."
"I do not know, J'onn replied, pushing her wheelchair. "I can only hope they use these abilities for the benefit of this world and not its detriment."
"You and me both, J'onn." She leaned back, sighing. "You and me both."
…
At Kari's apartment, M'gann was in the midst of a massive clean binge. She opened the dishwasher, mentally lifting the dishes inside and placing them in their respective cabinets and shelves. While she was doing that, she ran the vacuum cleaner over the carpet. Once the dishes were clean, she turned her mental powers to clean up the various items of trash and empty take-out containers that were strewn about, depositing them in the trash.
At that time, Kari and J'onn returned to the Apartment, the former surprised at the sight before her.
"Whoa, M'gann," she let out. "Still don't think I'm used to you going all telekinetic like that."
M'gann's powers suddenly stopped, allowing the trash to fall to the ground.
"If it's a problem-"
"What? No! Not at all. Just different is all. Didn't think Martians could do that."
"Only a select breed," J'onn elaborated. "Though I have yet to meet one with the mental prowess of my niece."
M'gann blushed at the praise.
"I believe it," Kari replied. "She's extraordinary. Maybe one day, she could even be a hero like you J'onn.
"Me?" M'gann replied. "A hero? I… I don't know."
"I think it is possible," J'onn chimed in. "should that be something you wish to pursue. Kari and I would be more than willing to help you as well, so you would not be alone. But I think it would be worthwhile, so we both would protect each other and this new world we have chosen to call home."
M'gann paused, thinking over the proposition.
"Maybe so…"
…
In Atlantis, Aquaman was sitting in his throne room, going over his royal duties for the day. While he was paying attention, his thoughts were on his brother, and his unfortunate fate. He wished he could've changed his mind about the surface world, show him that Atlantis could exist alongside human kind, despite their differences. He let out a sigh of resentment, knowing that he couldn't change the past. Then, a thought entered his mind. If not the past… why not the future. He instantly got out of his throne and swam off.
…
At the Conservatory of Sorcery, Mera was teaching her students, proud of the progress they had made.
"Impressive," she spoke, approaching them. "But Garth, your choices in combat remain… predictable. You cannot rely on the same tricks all the time. You must embrace versatility."
"I understand, Lady Mera," Garth replied, bowing slightly.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Aquaman spoke up, approaching the group.
"Arthur," Mera replied. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I was hoping to speak with your students. If it's no trouble."
Mera was taken by surprise. "Uh… no. is everything alright?"
"Oh yeah," Arthur replied before turning to the three. "I never got to fully thank you for your work saving me and helping us fight Ocean Master."
"We were more than happy to lend aid, my king," Kaldur insisted.
"I know, but still, such efforts should be rewarded. As such, I would like to offer one of you the chance to become my protege. My partner in protecting both Atlantis and the surface world."
All three of them were surprised by this.
"My king… are you serious?" Tula wondered.
"Very," Arthur reassured. "So, what do you say?"
"Your offer is… most generous," Garth spoke up. "However… with our studies at the Conservatory…"
"It is… something that takes up a lot of time," Tula added. "Were it any other way-"
"No, I understand. What about you, Kaldur?"
Kaldur paused, turning back to his friends before facing Aquaman again.
"With all due respect to my friends… I would be honored to fight by your side."
"Kaldur?" Garth let out.
"Are you sure?" Tula inquired.
"I know it will take me away from my studies," Kaldur conceded. "But this feels like the right thing to do. It felt right to fight alongside the king when the surface world was threatened, and I welcome the chance to do so again."
Garth and Tula were surprised, but they smiled anyway.
"Then go," Tula reassured. "Fight well."
"And try not to die," Garth added, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Kaldur smiled before turning back to Aquaman. "I graciously accept your offer."
"Welcome the team," Aquaman replied, holding out his hand, which Kaldur took in kind.
…
In Star City, Oliver Queen walked into a local cemetery, passing by several tombstones as he made his way to one in particular. He carried a bouquet of flowers in his hand as he finally found the grave he was looking for. "DINAH LAUREL LANCE." Seeing those words displayed across the stone was still unreal for him. He knelt down next to the tombstone, placing the flowers next to it.
"Hello, Laurel," he said. "I… hope you know what you said to me… it worked. I'm trying to be the man you thought I could be. It hasn't been easy, but… I've met some people who…. Who have really helped me become a better person… a better hero. I just…" he paused for a moment. "I just wish you could see it…"
Oliver let out a sigh, getting back to his feet and turning to leave, only to be greeted by Quinten Lance walking up with flowers of his own.
"Oliver," Quinten let out.
"Detective," responded. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that you-"
"You're fine, Oliver," he insisted. "I just wasn't expecting anyone else here."
"I was just… paying my respects. It's still hard to admit she's… gone."
"Yeah, I know. I… felt the same when Sara… well, you know."
Oliver nodded. "There still isn't a day that I don't wish I could take that day back."
"I get that. Living with regrets," Quinten walked closer. "Before, Sara and I… well, we were never really close. I always felt that if I was there for her more… well, I could've talked her out of going with you. Guess it's ironic after Sara died, me and Laurel… well, we drifted apart. Maybe if I got my head on straight…"
"Laurel went in that building because it was the right thing to do," Oliver shot down. "She made her choice. And I don't think she'd want either of us to live with regrets about what could have been."
"Well… if it means anything coming from me… I think Laurel would be proud of how you've turned this whole archer thing around."
Oliver smiled a little. "Honestly, coming from you, that means everything. It's… honestly something I never thought I'd hear from you."
"Well, I can't say I've always agreed with your methods… but after what happened with that Vertigo fiasco… I sure as hell can't argue with your results. With all the lives you saved…it's hard to argue with the good being the Green Arrow has done for this city… and the good it's done you."
"... thank you."
Oliver walked off, feeling content in his convictions toward his fight for the city.