Chapter 11: There Was an Idea
The United States is the birthplace of heroes. When the world was in turmoil and the people needed an example the hero coined from the American comics came to mind. Generations pass and heroes come and go. The cradle hero of hero society has dried up and is replaced with red tape and legality. Heroes are restricted to their states; the ones with national or national licenses are slim to none. Organized crime has swelled but the Security Council is grilling the director of The Strategic Homeland Enforcement and Logistical Division for a different reason.
"Director Fury, do you understand the gravity of your handling of Gotham speaks for the rest of Hero Society?" Like SHIELD, The overseer of the Hero Society of Japan is the Kage Council. With a rotating head for a generation. In this generation, this title belongs to the village hidden in the leaves of the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes, I understand or are you mad at the fact I want to recruit him for the initiative?" The Director sighed from his rebuttal. "You know the situation here in the States. SHEILD can only plug in so many gaps that the pro heroes leave. We need a team that can be able to-"
"We've heard this song and dance before Fury. What new tune can you play?" The King scoffed sitting on his throne. "Let's focus on the fact that vigilantism and crime have risen in the Americas under your guard." The current King of Atlantis said, popping into the call late.
"So glad you are coming to join the conversation Namor, Your 'absence was felt." The Knight King Julius Novochrono said finally speaking. Namor twitched slightly at the underhanded remark.
"Back to the discussion," The Kage said, eyes glaring into the screen. "You want us to green-light such a plan. The upheaval it will bring to society will be disastrous. You have The Crusader in Gotham, multiple vigilantes cropping up with no pros to match. The only good news, or at the very least interesting, is those women claiming to be connected to an ancient race of female warriors under your employ. Your solution is to ignore the statues we've placed and upheld to maintain a peaceful society.
"Head Hokage, we are on the clock. In Japan, the Symbol of Peace All Might is running on fumes, he can only hold back your tide for so long." Fury turns to the Knight King. "In Europe, we have multiple cults coming for the heads of every one of your heroes and civilians." Namor scoffs at Fury's analysis "King Namor how are those pirates strip-mining the Pacific for your vibranium and the drugs being shipped around the ocean." Before Fury digs Fury an unlikely voice of the African block speaks.
"Director If I may, " The Prince of Wakanda chimes in. "If no one on this council will be open to the idea. On behalf of my father, and the king of Wakanda we agree with such a course of action. Since the birth of this superhuman society, more opportunists and thieves sought the jewel of my country. The collective effort of the African block was able to repel such an outcome. Only by pulling together for this common goal, we can secure prosperity for the future that must begin now."
"And are you prepared to make a move towards this better tomorrow young one?" Sarutobi said with an eyebrow raised.
"Your Highness may I?" Nick asks waiting for a signal. T'challa nods in affirmation. "As of yesterday, Princess Shuri has undergone the ritual to become the newest Black Panther alongside her brother. In his absence, Shiri is the protector of Wakanda."
"Prince, are you sure?" Namor asked, surprised.
"The world must not fall into chaos and we must pull out all the stops to prevent such a fate." T'challa words echoed in the conference room. "Fury is not the only one in his country seeing the cracks forming. Why would so many vigilantes start creeping up in the United States, if not to combat the same storm." His final words struck a chord.
"Well, I'm sold at the very least." Novochorno said with a chuckle "If the king offers his son for the greater cause how can we not match it in kind." The Knight King said resting his head in his hand. "I'll send you a list later this week maybe after the UA sports festival." The Knight could not help his excitement for the years of students.
"Remind me again why you lot have free reign to have quirk free for all on television?" Namor asked in annoyance of the Knight King but addressed the Head Captain.
"The Gotei 13 worked tirelessly to ensure the backbone of the law was at the very least respected. That being said." Yamamoto turns "I'm not blind to issues at hand. Orochimaru and Kisuke Urhara are some of the top wanted people in my country." After thinking to himself. "If this is the course of action you all agree on I have one request. The academy must be the main focus of your plan. We can't have more young people running around using their powers and endangering others."
"Well then let's look at the list you've brought this time." The Knight King pulled out his pen and paper. "Do you have any updates on your mysterious flying man?" Novochoro's eyes started sparkling. "Also, do you update on the new speedster? What's his top speed? Any new quirks that cropped up recently?"
The room fell silent as everyone digested the Knight King's rapid-fire questions. This has not been the first time Novochrono's nerd side crept into the security meetings.
"Novochorno you must learn to contain yourself." Yamamoto opened his eyes. "You must show some level of restraint."
"Don't worry Knight King, all your questions will be answered. Now let's start with the hot topic." Fury said, pulling up the first candidate.
HOURS LATER
Fury emerges from the conference room and is exhausted. To his left is his trusted advisor and second in command of the SHIELD Maria Hill and to the right is the commander of the United States Special Forces Division ARGUS Amanda Waller. As they walked down the hall they began to converse,
"Director Fury I take it the council wasn't keen on your project." Director Waller said with a small but concealed smirk.
"You mean the 'Avengers'. The situation deemed it necessary." Maria leaned over to look Amanda in the eyes. The trio approached the elevator and started heading down. "Given the state of society, someone or something needs to avenge the loss of peace."
"It's better than the alternative Waller," Fury said, looking at her with one good eye.
"I thought Hiruzen liked that plan?" Amanda said, confused.
"Your plan is forcing bomb collars on the necks of half the criminals we have locked and forcing them to work for the government." Fury leans back on the railing. "Which further causes distrust and disconnect between us and the people we are supposed to protect.
With a twitch in the black woman's eye, "Instead of criticizing me, You called me here from ARGUS for something important. What is it?" Amanda in a demanding tone.
-DING-
"We're here"
Entering a large room multiple scientists are hard at work slowly chipping away at a large chunk of ice. At the center of the operation is a pale man with silver and black armor directing the other scientists to their location. A large ice block is being pulled out of the Arctic waters. Inside the ice appears to be blue clothes and a large red and white shield.
"Careful when placing him in the tank. I'm not keen on destroying history." The large man said.
"What is this?" Amanda said, walking to the glass.
"The return of one of our World War Two Heros and the world's first successful super soldier."
"And we need that type of inspiration right now," Maria said walking to the intercom. "Hello Dr. Fries, how's your new patient." She said to the armored scientist working on the console.
"The captain is stable and we will begin the thawing process momentarily." Freeze said to the other scientist. Fries was once a normal man but the incurable disease of his wife coupled with the accident turned him into the pale frozen man who towers over people.
"How did you find him?" Amanda said in bewilderment staring at Mr. Freeze.
"One of Hulk's tantrums in the Arctic kicks up your lost soldier to the surface. He was floating like a small iceberg when my ship crashed into him." Mr. Freeze said looking and the structural integrity.
"No, why is Freeze here? Why isn't he locked and being shipped to Blackgate?" Amanda asks in anger.
"The same reason he's cutting the hero of World War Two out of an ice block." We cut a deal with the iceman here. He helps chip the iceman out of his block and we set up his wife for new treatment."
"The Batman's assistance in Arkham City proved fruitful and now I can save my wife."
"What did Batman do for him?" Amanda's voice was oozing with venom.
"Fries was given a portion of an element noted as 'Dionysium' during Arkham City," Fury taps a button and an elemental compound appears on a holographic screen. "Its regenerative property was able to heal wounds and some near-fatal injuries." He taps the screen again. "Fries here worked on it for a year and was able to finally find the cure for his wife's disease."
Waller's anger was replaced with genuine curiosity about the vigilante. "How was Batman able to get a hold of such a substance?"
"I don't know but I will ask him when I see him," Fury said nonchalantly.
"You mean when he and his 'family' arrive at Blackgate?" Amanda said with a smirk.
As both Directors look at the frozen survivor Maria receives a message on her comms piece. "Sir, he has arrived."
"Who has arrived?" Amanda said, confused.
"Like I said I'll ask him when I see him." Fury switches the holo screen to the landing platform. On the platform, a SHIELD agent is escorting Batman, two Robins, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Catwoman.
"Fury what is it with you taking strays and criminals." Amanda said seething through her teeth. "Their the reason Gotham is having a quirk epidemic."
"Correction, I caught wind of your back alley deal to take a small army to combat one man. Under the guise of a manic craze that wants everyone to piss themselves scared." Nick said this while walking to the elevator door. "And now in your haste, the president is up my butt thinking it was me." Nick digs into his pocket pulls out papers and waves towards Amanda.
"You can't be serious, he was one of your candidates," Amanda said, shocked.
"It worked out though in the end. Wayne won't be arrested but he could be useful for what's to come."
"Even if he saved the day, he is still a vigilante. All the destruction he caused he will have to answer for it."
"True that is why we have DAMAGECONTROL a Wayne and Stark lead organization already cleaning up Gotham and providing relief." Fury presses a button opening the elevator door. Both he and Maria walked inside. "His going to the hearing with Stark tomorrow. Now speaking of answering someone I suggest you answer that phone in a few seconds." Nick said with a smirk while closing the door.
A cell phone started ringing in Amanda's pocket and she dreaded picking up the phone call. She answers the phone preparing the earful on the other end.
"Hello, Mr. President.
IN A PRIVATE CONFERENCE ROOM
"How are you guys holding up?" The man said standing at the door to the medical wing.
"Why take so much blood?" A tall boy said sipping his juice. "It's bad enough I got two new appendages on my back," the boy said pointing referring to his new wings from the night prior.
Walking down the corridor is a woman black leather bodysuit, "Took you long enough everyone is waiting." She said with an air of control.
"I don't get it, Selina, how are you adapting so easily?" The tall boy said in confusion while walking down the hall trying to control his fidgeting wings.
"Easy Bluebird I knew I was a cat before getting my new claws," Selina said looking at her sharpened claws and cat ears in the mirror.
"Do the new furry features count as Catwoman?" The agent said, smiling.
"But of course, it accentuates my charm," Catwoman said smiling.
"Why is it about looks for you?" A red-haired girl said at the conference room door.
"Aw, don't be like that. Your bat wings suit you. Your name fits even more now." Selina's comment caused the girl to twitch her wing in annoyance.
"Took you guys long enough," The younger Robin said looking peeved.
"Aw don't be like that little kitten," Selina said, rubbing her hand through the young robin's hair and cat ear.
"I'M NOT A KITTEN, KYLE," The Robin said seething.
"But you're grumpy like one, do you want some lasagna?" the older Robin said, tweaking his bo staff.
"You're one to talk with that tail and staff, the only thing you're missing is a gold headband.
"With that being said please surrender all weapons before walking into the conference room." The agent said nonchalantly but with respect.
"I thought you said we weren't prisoners," Older Robin said, holding his staff tighter.
Noticing this the respected SHIELD agent tries to de-escalate the situation. "True but it's all the same, all visitors on this helicarrier are required to surrender gear deemed dangerous for all passengers."
"Helicarrier?!" The tall brooding man said with confusion. The ground beneath them begins to shake. Outside turbines are spinning rising out of the water. This was seen by the oldest protegee of the Bat.
"You know if it helps, all my gear is nonlethal," Nightwing said shrugging.
"You're not the only one on this ship with electrified escrima sticks, tell me what's the voltage output, Mr. Grayson," The agent said with a smile.
"Well someone did their homework," The oldest boy said with surprise and respect.
"Uh. Who are you? We didn't catch your name." the young girl in the back finally spoke.
"My name is Agent Phil Coulson, I'm here to settle you in while Director Fury wraps up another meeting," Phil said, holding out his hand.
Not saying a word the tall brooding man walks forward and shakes the outstretched hand. "Hello my name is-"
"We know who you are, Batman," Coulson said, cutting him off. This leaves him slightly puzzled but he doesn't let the agent know it.
"Wait hold up you know his identity was just exposed less than twelve hours ago and the news is probably worldwide now," Robin said, baffled by the use of Bruce's codename.
"That may be the case but here at SHIELD, we know all too well about wearing masks and keeping up appearances. Here we prefer to use the name the person prefers. Am I wrong, Batman?" Coulson said with a disarming smile.
"Coulson you gotta control nerd moments," Fury said walking to the group and shaking Bruce's hand. "Sorry, Agent Coulson is responsible and keeps tabs on all interesting people in the world. He tends to study them very carefully. It's part of his job."
Batman understands and gives his family a nod. Begrudgingly, the family follows Bruce's order to disarm and walks into the conference room. Catwoman is the last to deposit her whip into check-in.
"This is what I get for treating Batman as my special cat toy," Selina said, pouting, placing her bollas and whip in the bin.
"Selina?" Batgirl said weirded out by Catwoman's pet names for Batman
"What's the matter little Bat is jealous of my relationship with the Bat," Selina said with a cheeky smile.
"What no Bruce is like an older brother to me," Barbara said shivering at the comment.
"I thought I was the big brother," Nightwing said, settling in.
"No, you but just the annoying sibling," Barb said with a smirk pushing his head inside the room.
"Everyone please take your seats," Coulson said standing next to the door. The Bat Family all sit down.
"I appreciate you coming here and allowing me to hear me out." Fury taps the conference table controls and turns on the projector. The footage of Gotham was displayed after the Militia attack.
"Sorry, we left all the fun for you. SHIELD was putting out fires in three separate states on top of Gotham. You listed a secondary priority given the nature of your rogue's antics." The screen changed panels to the militia in Gotham "It wasn't until the Scarecrow's army started rolling in with our stolen tech did SHIELD start approaching Gotham airspace."
"How did that happen?" Tim said, looking over the footage.
"We're still looking into that problem now. However, this is not why I brought you here-" Fury said looking at Coulson but was then cut off.
"This is about your Avengers initiative. You want me to join." Bruce said nonchalantly.
"As a full-fledged pro hero or a backer like Stark," Fury said, chuckling. "You being a closeted tech genius is interesting Mr. Wayne."
"Stark is a part of this program?" Bruce said, baffled. "He's too busy building new suits and setting up the expo."
"He did and surprisingly he kept his mouth shut."Fury finally sits down in his chair. "We also had to make him a probationary Pro in California so long there is a SHIELD liaison present."
"So that's why we haven't seen him much since his 'debut' six months ago," Nightwing said leaning in the chair. Catwoman
"This then brings us to the proposal," Fury pulls out documents from his cloak. "The President accepted my request to pardon the Bat family. The good news is you won't be hunted for past vigilante activities. However, you cannot operate like you once did similar to Stark. We can put you under our supervision or you can register as a pro hero." Fury says, pulling the papers out of his Jacket.
"Wait, does that include me given my history?" Selina said surprised.
"We know what you do with the bulk of the money you steal. On top of your key role in the Arkham City incident and this militia occupying Gotham. Plus you're not the first person we recruited with a checkered past.
While this Catwoman is conversing Batman overlooks the terms of agreement "Is this because Scarecrow's gas activated the dormant quirks in Gotham?" Batman said coldly.
"We believed you had a quirk this entire time." Coulson steps forward passing out charts on datapads. "The way you move you guys move the agile reflexes and dexterity needed for precision. We believe you all slowly pushed out whatever was in you to the surface.
Nick steps into the review."This is the new subset quirk factor called a metagene. It was born due to extreme stress and your body compensated." Coulson pulled up the next slide. "The wild part is everyone has the gene quirkless or not whether it's an outside force forcing the growth or when pros constantly use their quirk and it evolves."
"We have been studying this for some time. A kid in Europe develops a quirk through rigorous training and discipline. His quirk allows him to fully negate other quirks and imbued objects with the same attributes." A young boy with ash white hair and green eyes carrying a large sword appeared on the screen. "Another case is happening in Japan. I can fill you in on the details if you sign the agreement to become a pro."
The Bat family sat in silence waiting for Bruce's answer. Bruce contemplates his decision but his thought process is interrupted by Nick Fury.
"Before you decide I need to let you know two things. First, right now the world needs someone like you and your family. You can adapt and you can tip the scales in favor of the good guys. The world is filling up with criminal organizations and old evils that can't be matched." Fury's face was turning serious. "Second, because of your efforts Gotham for the first time in decades is safe enough to breathe easier again. While you and your family are helping us save the world. Gotham will be the new hub for SHIELD Triskelon it will have round-the-clock protection by SHIELD and Pro heroes." Fury stands up and begins to walk out with Coulson. "That was an opportunity you gave us. I leave you to decide but know that SHIELD pulled a lot of strings to keep the local authority off your back"
"Wait, I have one question," Nightwing said standing up and staring at "Fury, where is Jason?"
Nick Fury looked at the boy admiring his grit. "You're right I almost forgot." Fury bangs on the door. "You can come in now and are you ready?"
"YUP!" a bestial sound was the response on the other side.
"Coulson, I thought you he's wearing people's clothes." Fury looked at him wide-eyed at his loyal agent.
"He was getting dressed when I left him earlier," Coulson responds just as surprised.
"Let him in, he just wants to show off," Nightwing said, cracking his knuckles.
"Then you open the door, wise guy." Fury's eyes were locked on the blue-winged boy as let him walk to the door.
Nightwing opens the door and what appears is a large brown wolf-like creature. What makes it weirder is the conceited smile on his face staring at Nightwing.
"Grayson," the large wolf said with his blue-piercing eyes.
"Oh, no" Before he could react Jason pulled his brother into the hallway with a bear hug.
"What did I tell you about taking a bath you overgrown furball." Nightwing gasping for air.
"It's not that bad," Jason said before walking into the conference holding Grayson like a body pillow under his arm. "Hey guys, long time see."
"We were kicking your ass two nights ago," Tim said, crossing his arms. The two boys were staring at each other waiting for one to do something.
"Jason," Barbra said walking towards the large wolfman with tears in her eyes. "Welcome back," Barbara buried her chest giving him a big hug with tears. Jason slowly turned himself back to human form letting go of Nightwing and holding Batgirl.
"Welcome home, little brother," Nightwing said, rubbing Jason's messy hair.
"So they are a family," Coulson said slightly moved.
"Let's leave them to it." Fury turned to Wayne. "Bruce we will be back in an hour."
As the reunion with the wayward son of the bat was underway. The door closed behind them. Bruce walks up and approaches Jason. Both Nightwing and Batgirl back up to see what would happen.
"Bruce I just want to" Before Jason could finish Bruce hugged his son tightly in his arms.
"I'm sorry Jason. Welcome home." Bruce to the shock of everyone wept.
"You're more level-headed than I remembered. Are you Jason?" Batgirl wiped a tear from her eyes.
"This is all warm fuzzy but can we come back to the topic at hand." Selina looks up at Bruce. "Bruce, what are we doing?" Selina asks with concern.
Bruce looks at the documents on the table "We're singing. The main thing I wanted was to protect all of you and save Gotham." Bruce stands "Also, Fury is not the only one with connections around the world. I'll explain later."
WAYNE MANOR
"So let's get this straight. When you went globe-trotting at eighteen your first stop was Ra's Al Ghoul and you impressed him enough that he wanted you to marry his youngest daughter Talia." Jason said pacing back and forth.
Bruce sitting on the sofa with Selina under his arm answers. "Correct."
"And all the opportunities to tell you had a son she didn't because-" Batgirl asks continuing the integration.
"Ra's wanted it to be my reward for replacing him as the 'head of the demon,' Nyssa explained it to me when she dropped him at my feet," Bruce said hearing the ring around as he was resting.
"I say, sir, I take it, nothing I tell you sticks. I tell you to rest, you insist on fighting, and apparently, when I said to use protection you throw caution to the wind and impregnate the first girl who caught your eye. Alfred said, laying down a plate of tea for everyone.
"Mr. Wayne" This shocked everyone hearing the voice of Coulson walking into the room. "I know this might be a shock for you seeing as you just left us. We just have to get you one more thing before tomorrow." Coulson got everyone to stand ready for anything only to deflate at what he pulled out. You are needed in Washington with Mister Stark for a senate hearing.
"Hahahaha" Jason couldn't help but laugh at this situation. His laughter was infectious as one by one the bat family was laughing at Bruce's predicament.
"Sorry, the president can give you a pardon but Congress wants to drag you and Stark over the coals." Coulson handed the document over for date and time. "I hope you give them a run for their money." Coulson shakes Bruce's hand and he heads out the door.
Chapter end
But we're not done
AT UA HIGH SCHOOL - GYM GAMMA - MORNING
There were cracks in the ground and broken lights dangling from the ceiling. In the weirdest turn of events, Bakugo lay tired in a crater, and beside him was an equally exhausted Asui twitching her leg while sleeping.
Aizawa walks into the gym shining a light into this partially dark room.
"Yo Aizawa," MIrko said, flagging him to come over. "We got ourselves some overachievers. " Rumi said, pointing into the craters.
Aizawa walks to the crater and is shocked. Both Asui and Bakugo are lying asleep in the crater. "They did all this?" Aizawa said looking at the damaged room. "How."
"They fought to improve and weirdly enough Bakugo listened to advice from both of us," Mirko said walking up next to Aizawa. "I gave Bakugo some pointers on actually fighting instead of blasting someone away. Asui helped by showing him how to jump high and stick to walls better."
"And you keep going till sunrise?" Aizawa was baffled.
"Not my fault they wanted to keep going," Rumi said, holding her hands up. "I'm planning on letting the kids sleep in what about you."
"You're tired?"
"I like to have well-rested eyes while watching your kids and this," She gestures to the destroyed gym. "is more than enough reason to go to sleep." Rumi puts her hands together. "So who do you want to carry back?
"I'll take care of it," Toshnori said walking into the gym.
"So glad you can join ALL MIGHT. You got this." Rumi said, pointing to the kids.
"Yup just got my morning run done. NOW IT'S TIME TO RUN BACK." All Might go to reach the two kids in his Buff form. A small mutter could be heard from Bakugo.
"Don't you touch her" On reflex, Bakugo jolts up barely lucid with his arm raised, and falls back to sleep. "Damn villain." All Might gently pick up the two kids and starts walking to the door.
UA Apartment Dorms
Aizawa looked at Asui clinging to Bakugo's arm, not letting go. "Just set him on the couch they'll walk up in a few minutes" Aizawa looks at his messages. "Oh, I almost forgot the kids need to practice stealth and teamwork by the festival. The Kages got involved and learned about the kids. Nezu told me this morning."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" All Might said surprised. "I THOUGHT THEY WOULD TRY AND CANCEL US."
The Kages want to test them. Instead of treating them as a liability they want to see if they could be useful." Aizawa said, wiping his eyes.
"Whatever, I'm going to sleep," Mirko said walking out.