Chapter Text
Batman, or Bruce Wayne, whichever you prefer, was used to the unusual. He's seen people come back from the dead, met aliens from various planets, battled a literal joker with way too much free time, and has even gone through his fair share of magic. He thought, Hell, he knew he was well versitiled in the area of the weird and down right strange, in fact, many put him into that category.
But not even the greatest detective could have ever predicted this.
It was a nice night in Fawcett City, few clouds covered the twinkle of the stars and a lovely breeze made the cool air sharpen with each breath, his dark cape swirling around him. Fawcett City was so unlike Gotham, in fact, the dark knight would argue it was too unlike Gotham with it's bright sidewalks and clean streets, every civilian friendly enough to be suspicious. It almost felt like a trap; way to good to be true with no way of telling when you set off the trigger, the silent beeping of a timer slowly ticking down the bomb that would inevitably explode. Something about Fawcett City slightly unnerved Batman, though he would never let it show. Perhaps it had something to do with the man right in front of him.
No, Batman corrected himself as he stepped out of the shadow of the alleyway. This is no man.
"Captain Marvel."
Instantly, the named hero whipped around faster than Batman could have predicted, his fists raised defensively. A stray strand of moonlight reflected off of said heroes golden gauntlets that covered his wrists, making his form slightly easier for the dark knight to see. It wasn't as if he needed the light in the first place, especially with the faint glow of lightning that pulsed from the other hero, but it made more convenient to watch Marvel's reactions and emotions.
"Batman?" Marvel asked questioningly, his usual child like innocence and awe lacing his voice. Knowing what the dark knight knew now, his scowl deepened, frustrated that he had been fooled at all in the first place. But, if he were to be fair, how many people would actually consider it? How many people could look into Captain Marvel's eyes, knowing what kind of power he held, and think that he was nothing more than an eleven year old boy? Even with all of his years, Batman still wasn't sure he believed it himself.
"What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" the red cladded hero continued, lowering his fists and tilting his head. "Seems rather quick for that, though. After all, I did just leave the Watchtower, and you just did give the League a briefing. So, what is it that you want, sir?"
For a boy who knew next to nothing about the workings of the world, he sure seemed to have a sharp brain packed into his head. The dark knight assumed it was that wisdom of Solomon that he mentioned earlier, one of his seven powers that made up the entirety of his existence, and knowing that gave Batman even more of a resolve. He took a step closer to Marvel, who now had a small smile on his face as if he knew the secrets of the universe. Hell, the vigilante wouldn't be surprised if he did at this point.
"I think you know why I'm here, Billy Batson."
The hero's smile turned sheepish, one of his hands coming up to rub the back of his neck. "Ya know, I thought I'd be able to keep my identity a secret for at least a little while, looks like I was wrong about that. But who am I to think I would keep anything away from you." Marvel sighed, his tone turning serious. "Do the others know yet?"
Batman crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at the other. He was surprisingly calm about this whole thing, not at all like the charming and excited personality that he had been with just an hour ago. Was it an act he put on to appear weaker than he really was, a persona to throw off the League? The dark knight didn't think so, though he could be wrong about Billy Batson. As far as he could tell, Marvel never once lied to them, even if he left out the detail about his age.
"No. I wanted to hear if from your mouth before I did anything I would regret. So," the dark knight walked closer to Marvel until they were only a yard apart from one another. "Tell me: why shouldn't I kick you out of the League? Why should I allow a child to fight alongside us, especially since you never bothered to mentioned that one little problem in the first place?"
Marvel studied Batman for a few moments, the dark knight practically seeing the wheels turn in his head, and in the dim light Marvel's blue eyes sparkle with what looked like lightning. He wondered if Billy Batson looked like that when facing down tough challenges, determination in his bones and power in his veins. Did Billy Batson make Captain Marvel? Or did Captain Marvel make Billy Batson? He was going to find out either way, and no power from any god would stop him.
"You have no reason to trust me, or keep me on the League," Marvel finally said, shrugging his shoulders as if it was the most casual thing he's said in his life. "I have done nothing to earn it, and now that you know, I bet you would have a tough time trusting a kid like me with the fate of the world. But know this, sir: I was planning on telling you myself, though I hoped I could have at least tried to gain some trust before doing that." Marvel shook his head to himself, what little smile and joking that was still present on his face melting away. "And, also know this: while it's a great honor to fight alongside you with the League, knowing that people all over the world would look to me for hope... I honestly wouldn't be mad if you decided to kick me out. After all, I've been doing this on my own for nearly two years now, and gods know Fawcett City has its own problems to deal with, whether you see it or not. I know I'm just a kid, and I know that means I'm inexperienced in the way adults are... but the one who gave me these powers, the one who decided that I was worthy enough to be trusted with this title, knew I was a kid as well. And even then, he knew that meant nothing. He knew that I would do everything in my power to protect those who can't protect themselves, and I intend on honoring that whether or not you think I'm worthy of it."
The seriousness in Marvel's voice stunned Batman, not that he would ever let it show. Even with the wisdom he possessed, it was hard to believe that a child would be able to think beyond his years in the way this one did. It almost reminded the dark knight of when he was a child, forced to grow up too early because of the uncaring world around him, forced to understand that the darkness was more prominent than the light.
But as it seemed, this child only wanted to brighten that darkness.
Just as Batman was about to respond, something faint caught his eye, right above Captain Marvel's head. It was barely even there, only noticeable due to the suits advanced technology, but there was no doubt it was there. It was the outline of a man, one with a beard and what looked like a halo around his head, along with whited out, glowing eyes. His smile was warm and his eyes held wisdom beyond any mortal could ever have, and it was then Batman knew who it was.
Solomon. The god where Marvel's wisdom came from, right in front of him. Batman was not one for gods, to believe or to worship, but to see the wisest man in the universe, knowing that he was watching over this boy, gave him some sort of hope. Perhaps Captain Marvel was a good person, someone who could be trusted.
But who was he kidding? The dark knight would never trust anyone 100 percent, even if they had the approval of all mighty beings on their side.
The vigilante tore his gaze away from the faint outline of Solomon, instead looking back at Marvel, who held a look of patience and indifference as he waited for Batman to make his decision. Though, the truth was Batman wasn't going to kick Marvel out of the Justice League, not unless he felt he absolutely must. The hero was still a powerful ally, one that he would gladly fight among if it meant keeping Earth safe. If the dark knight was being honest with himself, this was more of a test than anything, and it looked like Marvel passed with flying colors. So, with one last glance at Solomon, Batman gave his reply.
"Looks like that wisdom of your is worth something after all." And with that, Batman turned around, ready to grapple away, but Marvel called out to him before he could.
"Wait! Does that mean I get to stay on the team?" the hero exclaimed, that childlike excitement coming back in full force. It nearly made the dark knight smile, but he managed to control it.
"Yes Captain Marvel, it means you're still apart of the Justice League. And no need to worry about me telling your secret," Batman turned his head, just enough to see the others face. "After all, we all have a life and an identity to preserve, and that includes you. But don't think I'll go easy on you because I know you're a kid."
Marvel shook his head rapidly, his bright smile as electric as his eyes. "No need to sir! Holey moley, I can't believe you didn't actually kick me off! Best day ever!"
The vigilante's mouth twitched, but he looked away before Marvel could notice it. "See you later, kid." He raised his grapple once again, pulling the trigger and watching as the hook snagged itself into the side of a nearby building. With another click the line pulled him along, and from behind him he could hear Marvel calling out his own goodbyes. The dark knight didn't look back, but he knew if he did, the aura of Solomon would be grinning after him.
Looks like this god stuff would be more confusing than he thought it would be.