Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Green. That is all I can see at the moment. The bright, blinding, light had encompassed the room, making everything shine with a green hue.
I bring my eyes to the source of the light.

A small ring. I know this type of ring, father and the rest of his family has worked with Green Lantern almost since the beginning of the Justice League.

I quickly stand up from my chair, moving towards the floating ring.

My movements are not my own as I feel a tug pulling at me to grab the power in front of me.
I shouldn't, I know that I am Robin, well at least I was for a time. I live in Gotham, and there is a famous, No Powers rule here. Father would not care that I am his son (Does he care about that anyway?) or that I have nowhere else to go (If I took it I would) he would kick me out of Gotham. Mother would know that I failed at fathers training. She would see that I am not worthy of the title of The Demons Heir.

But in the end would that not set me free. Free of the responsibilities of the league.
In my time in Gotham, under fathers watchful eye, I have had to hold myself back, Grayson has done his best to reteach me everything that I supposedly should have already learned. (If I was normal, a good person, a good brother) but I have been failing since father returned. Since Grayson abandoned me to go back to being Nightwing in Bludhaven.

Before I can truly think about it, I grab the ring and slide it on to my finger. A feeling of home that I had never felt before rushes into my body.
I did not notice my mouth quietly saying the words that I had memorized incase of an emergency, but I saw a green ring of light go over my eyes. I twist my head to look at my reflection.

My training clothes were gone from my body and replaced with the familiar Green Lantern uniform.

When I look at my reflection, I don’t see Robin, The Demon Heir, Demon brat, or any of the other names I have acquired over the years. For the first time, I saw myself. Just me, just Damian.

Chapter Text

I quickly sat up, startled by the vibrations coming from the ring on my right hand.

I run my left hand through my disheveled brown hair as I inspect the ring. The last time I felt the ring like this was when I came into contact with a child Green Lantern.

“Hey ring what’s going on?” I question the A.I. within the ring. I never know what to call it and it won’t give me a name.

“A new Green Lantern has been chosen in your sector. Though this new Lantern is a minor. They will need a mentor, you are the most logical option.”

Uhhh. I don’t think so. I look around the dirty apartment I call my home, when I’m on earth. The bottles scattered around the room, dirty clothing flung everywhere, my eyes landed on the fridge, empty. I am in no position to be anyone’s mentor.

“Can’t you guys choose someone else, anyone else?”

“I am afraid not, the rings have been chosen.”

“Ok, how do I even meet this kid? Do I find them, do they find me? Like what’s the process here?”

“You will be given the ring's location, as well as a communication feature within the ring, so you are able to contact the new user.”

Ok, convenient.

I sigh as I swing my legs off of the bed, a new sense of determination flowing through me. If I have to be this kid's mentor then I will make sure that I am the best mentor I can be.
I grab my phone from the charger and begin to play some music. (spotify of course, it’s green!) I start picking up all of the trash around my one bedroom apartment, and trying to make it look at least presentable, to a child if they need somewhere to escape to.

I know first hand that having a strong will power, especially as a child does not come with a happy story. And I also know that becoming a superhero is not the best way to deal with trauma.
So I don’t really know what to expect from the kid, but I am trying to prepare myself for the worst. The bright side is that at least I know the kid is most likely from earth so they’ll know what the Justice League is.

I just hope their not a Batman fan. I feel my body shiver at the thought. It’s not that I hate the Big Bat, it’s just that we’ve never gotten along. His whole thing is bringing fear to others, and my whole thing is being “The Man Without Fear.” So we were always going to butt heads. Overall I think he’s a good hero. Could do with less child soldiers though. (Bit hypocritical to say now.)

I feel my ring vibrate again.

“New incoming transmission. Answer?” The A.I. spoke. I bring my ring closer to my face. This must be the new communication feature for my ring. I look around to see the apartment looking better than it has in a long time.
My eyes widen, looks like I’m a better cleaner than I thought. I shrug and pause the music playing on my phone.

“Answer transmission.” I replied. A new excitement in my voice. I am kinda excited to meet the kid. I mean a new Green Lantern is always exciting. But this feels different.

“Hello. Is this Green Lantern?” A voice answers, laced in an arabian accent. They sounded hesitant, but tried to mask it. It would have worked if I had not been working with Spooky for what feels like forever.

“Yeah kid, I’m Green Lantern. But you’re Green Lantern too, and that might get confusing. So you can just call me Hal! My pronouns are he/him if you are wondering.”

“Oh, thank you… Hal. My pronouns are also he/him.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you. Has your ring already explained the situation to you?”

“No it has not. All it told me was to call you and you would explain the rest.”

“That’s ok kid, I’ll try my best to explain. So have you heard of the Green Lantern corps?” I ask trying to get a feel for how much this kid knows, if he doesn’t know anything then I want to meet him in person to explain. It can feel like a lot over the phone, or well rings.

“Yes, I have, and I know that they are chosen for their strong will power. That they are basically glorified space police officers.”

I blink a few times, well, that is the best way I have ever heard someone explain that.

“Yeah you got it kid! But basically the reason that you are not flying to Oa for training right now is because of your age. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s really impressive that you have a ring right now as a child. But you are still a child. So what that means is that you are going to have a mentor train you on your home planet until you come of age!”

“So I am guessing you are my mentor.”

“Got it in one! And because I am your mentor, our rings are now connected, which is why we are able to talk like this. And I am also able to track you when you transform.”

“... Have you looked yet?” The kid questions.

“No kid, I haven’t. The tracking feature is only for protection in case something goes wrong. I promise to not use it if I don’t absolutely have to. I get it, I was a kid once too. Speaking of, how old are you?”

“I am 14.”

“Cool, so you're just starting high school right?”

“Correct.”

I move to settle on the thrifted couch and grab my phone to check what month it is. November.

“So when does your school end?”

“I get out at 3:45. Why?”

“Well I need to start making a timeline for your training. And I don’t want to cut into any of your school time. So any after school clubs?”

“No.”

“Ok, well can I ask your name, I don’t want to just keep calling you kid.” I hear the kid breathing over the call, clearly hesitating. “I won’t tell anyone your name if you don’t want me to. I promise, this is just between me and you.”

“Laz, you can call me Laz.”

“Ok Laz. Well it’s nice to officially meet you. Now when do you want to start training, I know that this is a lot to process, and we have plenty of time-.”
“As soon as possible.”

“Alright. We can do that. You got anything you have to do this Wednesday after school?” I check my phone again to see the date and time. It’s a little after 10 am on Sunday. So giving me two days to prepare should be enough.

“No.”

“Perfect. Anywhere particular you want to meet. I can come to you if you would like, but I understand if you would prefer to keep that to yourself.” I tell him. If he was hesitant with his name, and still gave me an obviously fake one, then I assume he would not want me knowing where he lives.

“Can I come to you?”

“Yeah you can kid. But I would prefer it if we met each other on some neutral ground. I also know that one of my villains is keeping tabs on the city, and I would like it if I could keep you out of that mess for a while. How about we meet in Central City, outside the Flash Museum, at around 5:00?”

“Alright. Well I will see you then. It was nice to meet you Hal.”

“Nice to meet you as well Laz.” The call disconnected. I leaned back into the couch and sighed. Laz seemed nice. If not a bit formal, but I could tell that the kid has some issues, just by the way he hesitated.
I’m going to promise myself right now that I am going to be the best mentor I can for this kid. He reminds me of that Robin kid, and I don’t want him to be hurt the same way.

I twist my head to look out the window. Looks like I have training to plan. And I should also get in touch with Barry to see if I can use the spare training facility underneath the Flash Museum.

Chapter Text

I taped my finger against the rosewood desk. My eyes tracking the minute hand of the sleek black clock on the wall. 3:43. Usually the English Literature teacher, Mrs. Garcia, would leave us the last five minutes of class to do as we wish, as in her words.
“You should just get out at 3:40 anyway.” But today she had begun to go on a rant about the particular book we were reading, (A Raisin in the Sun).

I tap my finger again. 3:44. It has been two days since I had my first real conversation with The Green Lantern; Harold (Hal) Jordan. Before I took the ring I had only met the man in passing on one of the very few times Father had allowed me to roam the WatchTower. Other than that the only other way I knew about him was from Father’s and Grayson’s rants on the man.

From what I heard from Father he was; an impulsive, insecure, childish hero who he wished never joined the Justice League. But Grayson always said that Father did not truly feel like this, he was only annoyed with the man because unlike the rest of the universe, he had never been scared of Father.

When my ring told me to press a sequence to call the senior Green Lantern in my sector, I knew I would be talking to Jordan (he likes to be called Hal). From my Father’s rants I was expecting the man to be careless in the way he talked to me. I was preparing myself to get shipped away to another planet to train.

But I was surprised when we spoke. He did not seem like the man Father told idiotic tales of. He was kind, that is the only way to put it. He did not speak down to me. He trusted me, as he could but never checked my location. He did not even force me to reveal my true name, even though I used an obviously fake one.

Laz, the name I chose. I chose that name in a moment of blankness. I chose what I knew. Mother, Grandfather, The League of Assassins, The Lazurus pit, Laz. The reason my eyes are the deep Lazurus green, instead of the Wayne blue. The pit gave me life as a child, when I was born too early, when Grandfather took punishments too hard. It saved me. And my eyes reflect that. The green on the Lantern uniform reflects that. The green had saved me as a child, and now it will save me again.

I stop taping. 3:45.

“And that is why-” The bell rang interrupting the last bit of the lesson that I paid no attention to. I quickly gathered my things, closing the sketch book that laid open on my desk, and shoving it into the brown messenger bag.

Ignoring the chatter of my classmates I exit the classroom. Hurriedly moving towards the exit. When I step outside I am greeted by a cool breeze that flows in my face, and loud horns honking in the distance.

Most days I would walk down the concrete steps that lead towards the curb where Pennyworth would pick me up. Today is not most days. Instead of going straight down the steps I take a right away from all of the cars. Jordan’s training started today and it would do me no good to be late. Moving swiftly across the grounds I am able to blend in with a group of teenagers walking toward the city. Careful not to be seen by any of the camera’s Father had placed around Gotham.

If he did see me though, I did have an alibi. My friend Colin. Since Father took Robin from me a week ago, I had not talked to him. At all. Most days I would leave the Manor as soon as Pennyworth brought me there to go to the underground warehouse that Colin enjoys being in. Father, if he knows, does not care. Pennyworth knows, he always does. But I fear that if I tell him where I am truly going today he will report to Father.

So, I told him that I would just be heading straight to Colin’s after school today.

I leave the group as I step into an alleyway that I know holds no cameras. I duck behind a dumpster and scan for any people that might wander in. No one. I open my bag and grab out a change of clothes fit for walking around; dark blue jeans, a simple white shirt, and a green hoodie. As well as a pair of sunglasses that hide my face as well as a domino mask would.

I quickly change, still looking for people at every moment.

When I am done I stand up and take a breath. I place my school clothes into my bag and throw it over my shoulder. I grab my phone as I start to walk to the nearest Zeta tubes. I am not an idiot, I did ask Jordan how he expected a minor to travel to Missouri alone. But he informed me that he was able to call in a favor (from whom he did not say) and get my ring information added to the Zeta tube program. Hopefully it was not a member of my family.

I focus on my phone for a few moments before I reach the Zeta tube. I hope I can trust her. I click on the contact for B. Gordon and type out a message. “Maroon.”

Over the years out of safety and a want of privacy from Batman the children of the family have developed certain codes that we all abide by. The code “Maroon.” means that if you see something on the cameras that might upset or scare The Batman then delete immediately and the person that sent it will explain when they get back.

I walk into the alleyway that holds the Zeta tube and make eye contact with the hidden camera that now blinks red. I nod my head.

I face towards the Zeta tube keypad. I reach into my shirt and pull out the chain that I had threaded the infamous ring onto. I undo the chain and slide the ring onto my right hand.
I hope this works. I turn my hand palms up and let the pad scan the ring. I stop breathing for a moment until the pad turns green. I quickly insert the coordinates for the tube closest to the Flash Museum.

The blue and white light from the tube swallowed me whole as I was transported to my destination. When I open my eyes again I am met with a different alleyway. This one cleaner than the one in Goatham and filled with light. I am glad that I was wearing sunglasses right now or my eyes would most likely have trouble adjusting to the sunshine of Central City.

I again look at my phone to see a reply from Gordon. A single thumbs up. I don’t reply. Gordon will keep this between us, I hope. I know that she was one of the few against Father taking Robin away, so I believe that she has enough trust in me to keep this quiet until I can explain myself.

I look at the time on my phone. I see the numbers 4:30 above the face of a smiling Titus. The photo was taken after a month of me getting the phone, and Grayson realized I had not changed the home screen from its original settings. Apparently that is not normal (I would know that if I was). So I changed it at his request. I have not had the strength to change it again.

Shaking the thoughts of Grayson from my head I begin my walk towards the Flash Museum. It was not far from the tube, about a five minute walk. Though I guess it would only take a few seconds for the speedsters that protected the city.

As I walk along the busy city streets I can’t help but see the beauty of it. When I first came to stay with Father he never let me out of the house for fear of what I might do. (Of what I already did.) And when I was with Grayson, we never left Gotham. I have been to other places in America before. But the few times I was not for sightseeing, but for missions for Grandfather. New York was the place that I visited the most, about four times. Each was for only a day at most. Central City reminds me of New York a bit. The tall structures, and movement of people feel almost familiar to me. I guess Coast City would be the same.

I look up as I approach the statue of the red speedster that marked the entrance to the building. Tourists even at this time of day take photos in front of the statue. None of the people entered the building itself. I scan my surroundings and see a black bench by the side of the building. I casually walk to it and sit down trying not to draw any attention to myself.

I begin to scroll Instagram on my phone. An app that Colin suggested that I use. And not that I would ever tell him. But I do enjoy it. Looking at all of the art and animals that grace my phone screen made me feel an emotion that I had never truly felt before. Well, before the ring. Every time I slide the green ring on to my finger I feel a surge of emotion. Of familiarity, of home.

The first time I put the ring on, I made a decision that I never wanted to give up that feeling. I wanted to keep that feeling as much as I wanted to earn my place at Father’s side. (Maybe even more.)

My right hand pulses and my head shoots up. I let my eyes wander for a second before I see Jordan. A couple feet away, also scanning the crowd. He was in civilian attire wearing jeans, boots, and his flight jacket. I would go up to him. But then I would have to explain why I knew who he was, especially when he was talking to me, he only gave up a nickname.
So I waited. Still sitting on the bench but twisting my head like I was also searching for someone.

I look straight ahead when I feel my ring pulse again. Jordan had finally seen me. We made eye contact and he gave me a smile. He started to walk towards me but stopped for a second. He pointed to his right hand, most likely trying to ask if I had a ring. I nodded. Jordan smiled again and moved towards me.

When he reached me he sat on the other side of the bench leaning fully into the back of it.

“You're Laz right?” The older man questioned holding out his hand for me to shake.

“Yes sir. And you are Hal?” I answered. And shook his hand.

“Yep! The one and only!” He said while messing with his jacket. I could see it more clearly now. It was brown with flight patches all over. Obviously worn a lot based on the fading color in some places, but also obviously loved. The name Jordan was written in white on the left side above his heart.
“So you ready to get started?” He questioned gripping the handle of the bench and pulling himself up.

“Yes.” I say as I stand up and push my phone back in my pocket.

“Cool,” he says as he starts walking towards the entrance of the building. Looking to his side to make sure that I was with him. “So we’re going to be starting in the Flash’s training center today.” He said with a smile and pushed his hands into the pockets of his jacket.

Huh, I did not know that the Flash had a training center. I don’t believe Father knows this either. Or else I would have seen it mentioned in at least one of his many files.
“The training center is in the Museum?” I ask pointing to the building in question.

Jordan smiles at me, a bit of glee bursting onto his face. “Yeah it is. The public doesn't know about it though. Heck I guess most hero’s don’t know about it either. Flash doesn’t like to talk about it much, it’s like his safe space. The only reason I even know about it is because me, him, and Green Arrow needed shelter during an emergency mission.” We reach the building and I see a sign hanging on the clear door.

Closed for the day! (Come back tomorrow!)

It read in red script.

“But… He was feeling generous and is allowing us to use it for our first day of training!” Jordan continued with a smile on his face as he pushed open the door. “After you.” He held the door open until I was completely inside.

“Thank you.” I tell him as he closes the door behind him. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a sliver key that he places into the lock on the door.

“No problem kid.” He looks around the room until he sees a closet on the left side of the wall. “Come’er.” He says moving towards the door and gesturing his hand to signal movement.

I follow him.

Jordan still has a smile filled with excitement as he places his ring onto the plaque outside the door.

“Green Lantern; Accepted.” An A.I. voice said as the ring was scanned.

“Ok, your turn little dude.” Jordan almost squeals. I want to roll my eyes at the moniker, but refrain from doing so.

I reach up to place my own ring on the scanner that is disguised as a closet plaque, and allow it to be scanned. I am grateful that so far all I have had to do was scan my ring. No DNA involved.

“Mini Green; Accepted.” The A.I. voice says in the same tone it said Jordans.

I turned to look over at the man who had now placed his hand over his mouth to hide his giggling. “This is your doing I presume?” I question him crossing my arms in front of my chest.
“No, no, it wasn't. That was Flash, he programmed this thing.” He was able to answer in between fits of laughter. “I told him about you.” He spoke as he calmed down.
“When I was asking him to use this place. I could introduce you two, some time. If you want.” Jordan said as he opened the door to the closet.

I think about it for a moment; like Jordan, I knew the identities of all of the Justice League members. But never got to meet them. I would like to. Grayson always thought highly of them. “Yes, I think that would be fine.” I answer as I start to walk into the closet.

It was not really a closet. But a metal elevator with red lights on the bottom. As we stepped inside I noticed a control panel on the right side. It had only two buttons. Up and Down. Jordan, still smiling, clicked the down button and the door closed itself. It only took a few moments for us to make it to the underground facility. And for the door to open, allowing us to walk out.

I did not know what I was expecting when I walked into the facility. But it was certainly not this. It was a tad bit bigger than the Batcave and still held multiple rooms. Most of the facility was taken up by a large track that was fading from years of use. But a lot of the floor was covered in mats fit for training. All types of weapons decorated the walls and exercise equipment had its own room that had clear walls.
My surprise must have been shown on my face because I heard Jordan start to speak behind me.

“Surprising right?” He chuckled. “Most people don’t think that Flash would have all of this stuff. But he has lost his speed enough times to want to be able to fight without it. Which is perfect for us.”

I turn to face my new mentor. He greets the action with a grin.

“So, are you ready?”

I nod, sure of my answer. I feel the power of the ring coursing through my veins, settling. Like it was finally coming home. “Born ready.”

Chapter Text

I really like this kid. That was the first thing I thought about him. Obviously other thoughts followed, like, why was he so formal? Is he safe at home? What traumatized this kid so badly that he became a literal wall and won’t trust anything?

But I was mostly thinking about how awesome he was. Before he got his ring he most likely knew nothing about the hero world. But he was still able to find the Zeta tube closest to him and get here even before me! Or maybe he lives here? Regardless, he’s good. 

And don’t even get me started on the humor of this kid. I have to tell Barry to send me some footage because the reaction on Laz’s face when he heard his code was priceless! 

It had been an hour since we ended the training session, and I was still trying to understand that kid! 

Ding!

I picked up my phone that buzzed on the kitchen island. To see a text from Laz. 

I have arrived home. 

I smile. I had asked the kid to text me when he got back to his place. He left straight from the museum, and had asked me not to follow him to the tubes. I agreed only because I don’t want to lose the small amount of trust that he has given me. 

It was bad enough I basically had to beg him for his number. Promising to never track the phone. This kid really valued his privacy. Which I can understand. 

Most hero’s have a secret identity to keep their lives separate. But I know in time he’ll tell me, I won’t force him. I know first hand how scary this adjustment can be. 

I opened my fridge, phone still in my left hand as I sent a string of emoji’s to Laz. Grabbing a string cheese I make my way to the couch, and sit down as I open the old banged up computer that sat on the stained coffee table. 

When I open my computer I am met with a bunch of messages from Barry. Who before sending all of his commentary had sent me the video recording of the training session. 

I need to be able to look back at this, to see where he is at. 

I decided to watch the video for myself before reading all of Barry’s messages. 

I click on the video. 

This kid is good. I think to myself as I watch. I already knew that. I was fighting him the first time. But now looking at the recording, I can see the things I missed. This kid was trained, and trained well. 

He was calculating, I could see him analyzing every move before he made it. His moves flowed like a person doing this for double his age! All of this just adds to my extremely traumatized child theory. 

I can easily tell now why he’s a Green Lantern. To have gone through whatever he must have and still be standing, yes traumatized, but alive, and from looking at him his body intact. Well he must have a lot of will. 

I’m proud of the kid. I think as I see him doge a kick and strike back with one of his own. 

I know that I could never teach him how to fight, and defend others better than he already is, heck he is probably better than most of the Corpse, and the League! But maybe I can teach him to relax a bit. Maybe I can teach him how to live, not to fight, but to live.   

Chapter Text

As I exit the zeta tube I am met with the stench of Gotham. The bright light dimming from the tube. I look up at the camera across the alley, again, flashing red. 

I feel a buzz on my phone as I look at the new message. 

B.Gordon:

Watchtower, now. 

I look back up at the camera and nod my head. I guess I did offer Gordan an explanation. I adjust my bag as I begin my walk to the Watchtower. 

Jordan was not the teacher I expected him to be. I don’t know why I keep setting these expectations when he continues to prove them wrong. I had already established that Jordan was significantly more mature than Father had suggested from our few calls, but now I am forced with the idea that he was also significantly more intelligent than anyone had assumed. 

When we started training he had us transform into our uniforms to spar. I wondered why and he explained to me that even though the Lantern uniform looked lightweight, and stretchy, that while it was those things. But also had built in armor, and padding. I had not noticed this in the uniform because I had only worn it the first time, when the ring first appeared to me. But once I started to spar in it, I could feel the fabric. I could feel every blow on my skin. Not in a bad way, I felt it brush off. Like it did no damage. 

It almost felt like a better version of the Robin suit. 

Jordan was also a worthwhile opponent. I should have expected that he is one of the main members of the Justice League, even if he is on Earth the least out of all of them. But by the way others talked about him I had pushed him down a level than some of the other members. That I learned was not the case. I had only slightly held back during the session, but Jordan was able to keep up with me without breaking a sweat. 

He was able to analyze all of my moves in seconds. I was not able to see who truly won the sparring match as Jordan had called it a tie after the fight had gone on for too long. 

But it was enough for me to see that everyone had underestimated the Green Lantern. It was also enough for me to see that I could learn a lot from him. He reminded me of Grayson. If only a bit. So maybe, I could give him a chance. 

As I walk up to the back door of the watchtower, I hold my hand up to the panel and allow it to be scanned. The cold feeling of the panel made me want to reach for the ring that I placed back around my neck. I had begun to like scanning my ring instead of my hand. It calmed me to know that my presence would not be known if you looked at the records. 

The light on the panel flashed green as the door slid open, revealing a long winding staircase. 

As I begin my trech to the top of the tower I start to think about what to say to Gordan. I do not know how much she saw from the short video in the alley. I have no idea if she saw me grab the ring from the chain. 

If she did then I would just have to explain that the ring had come to me a couple days ago. And that I called Jordan and was now beginning my training. Hopefully that would be enough for her. 

If not then maybe I could keep the whole, “Green Lantern” thing to my chest for the time being. Tell her that I just wanted out of Gotham for a bit. She might believe that. Everyone knows that I have been avoiding Father.

I take a deep breath as I open the door. 

Gordon is at the computer, purple headphones on her head. Typing away at the keyboard. An old coffee cup in the corner. 

I close the door behind me, and see Gordan hold up one finger towards me. I nod, even though she is not looking. And turn to sit in one of the two deep purple couches behind the security set up. 

I set my bag to my side. I grab my phone and send Jordan a message that I had made it home safe. It was quite funny when he basically had to beg me to get my number. I in the end conceded, and allowed him to put his contact into my phone. I carefully watched him when he did. To make sure that he would not look at anything else on the device. 

A string of emojis from Jordan pulled me from the memory. I let my gaze move towards Gordan, to see if she is ready. She is not. So I again opened Instagram and began to watch some of the new art that had been posted. 

I do not know how much time had passed when Gordan finally rolled over to me. 

“Damian.” She said, her voice not harsh but commanding. I click my phone off and set it beside me. 

“Yes Gordon?” 

“Care to explain what you were doing tonight?”

“No.”

“Ok, let me rephrase that, tell me what you were doing tonight.”

I quirk my eyebrow up. I did not want to tell Gordon anything until I found out what she already knows. “What do you think I was doing?”

She rolled her eyes. “Honestly Damian, do you think I didn’t see the ring?!” She said, exacerbated. 

My heart sunk, so she did know. “Don’t tell Father.” I rushed out. 

“And why shouldn't I!?”

“Because you and I both know that he would take it away as soon as he heard! And I can’t give this up!”

We sat in silence for a few moments. 

“What color is it?” She eventually questioned.

“Did you not see it?”

“Color does not come up the best on that camera, something that I have been telling Bruce to fix.”

“Green.” I answer plainly. 

Her eyes grew for a moment. She chuckled. “Huh, I would have thought red.”

“Most would.”

Her eyes dropped down. “I won’t tell Bruce.”

My head shoots up. “You won’t.”

“No, I won’t. Hey I’m going to ask a question, and you don’t have to answer it, and if you do, your answer still will not change the fact that I won’t tell him.”

I nod.

“Where did you go tonight?”

“Tonight was my first official training with Jordan.”

“Jordan? Like Hal Jordan? Your training with Hal Jordan?” She said her laughter growing with every word. 

“Yes, I am. I do not know what is so funny about that. He is the senior Lantern in my sector. It is only logical.”

“Dami, you have to admit, it’s kind of hilarious. It’s been like a week since B took away Robin, and you're already training to be another Hero’s partner, a hero who B honestly hates. Kid, you are taking petty to a new level. Respect.” She explained as she held out her fist. 

I hesitate for a moment before I reciprocate. “Thank you.” I say smugly. 

I grin. Well, now I only have to worry about Pennyworth catching me.

Chapter Text

Damian's green lantern suit

Chapter Text

It had been about a month since that first training session with Laz. And my relationship with the kid had already improved. To other people it might not have looked like much, but I could tell that the younger lantern was beginning to trust me a lot more.
It had taken a bit of convincing but I was able to get him to go on a short patrol with me! The people of Coastal never seemed to bring any attention to me paroling before. And well I could never blame them, it’s not like I expected anything like Central did for Barry. After all, I was in space most of the time.

But now that I have Laz, and will probably be staying on Earth for most of his training I should probably get used to interacting with people (and the press) a bit more.

So many different people, on what for me was a silent patrol route, would stop us and ask who Laz was. Some even wanted to take photos. But I did stop them before they could and had a quick conversation with Laz, to ask if he was ok with all of this.

He hesitated for a moment but eventually said that it was ok. (Well, he said that it was ridiculous of me to even ask because of course we would have to interact with “civilians.”)

So we took some photos. And once people saw that one person got a photo. They all wanted them. Sooner or later we attracted a crowd of people that wanted photos and to ask questions about the new Green Lantern.

I tried to force most of the questions on me to get the crowd away from Laz, but he was actually quite good at talking to the media. It kinda shocked me when he first dropped his (fake) American accent. Quickly sliding into what I assume is his natural dialect.

The first few questions were alright. Just the expected thing like; What’s your name? Green Lantern, Are you actually a new Green Lantern? Yes, indeed I am, and, Are you his sidekick now?
That question was said while the person’s hand pointed to me.

No, I am not a sidekick, I am his protege.

After that the questions started to get a little invasive. So I made up a quick excuse to get us out of the crowd.

After I had asked Laz if he was ok, now that people know there are going to be eyes on him. He was quite mature about it, though I really wouldn’t expect a huge outburst from the kid. Whoever raised him made sure he was a lot more mature than any 14 year old probably should be.

After the patrol was done, I walked him to the zeta tubes so he could head back home. And well, I just went to sleep after that. I don’t know what to tell you. Not everyday can be really exciting.
But I guess it was exciting for other people, because today at the weekly meeting for the JL some questions about Laz came up.

“So, Hal, when were you going to tell us that you finally got a kid?” Oliver questioned as we all were sitting at the meeting table, having taken a short break to clear our heads a bit.

“I don’t have a kid, Olly…” I say rolling my eyes.

“Yes you do. I saw it on the news. It’s all over the internet.” He says while grabbing his phone from his pocket.

“Yes, I also saw this article.” Diana said as she turned her head towards us.

“What article?” I question as Oli shoves his phone into my hand.

“Just look.” Oliver says while rolling his eyes.

I shook my head at him but looked down anyway. Oliver had pulled up an article from The Coast City Ledger. In bold letters was the headline; The Newest Green Lantern: A Child? And beside it was a photo of me and Laz from our last patrol. Laz was taking a photo with a teenager that looked only a few years older than himself and I was standing right behind him with a smile on my face.

“Oh, Laz had his debut already?” I heard Barry say from over my shoulder.

I twisted my head to look at him, his arm was resting on my shoulder and his cowl was pulled down so I could see his gorgeous blue eyes- I mean so I could make good eye contact with him, as that is the polite thing to do.

“Yeah, he did.” I said as I slid Oli’s phone back over to him. I leaned into Barry a little bit. “Thanks again for letting me use that place, I really need to get one of my own now that I am staying more on earth for Laz.”

Barry waved his hands in my face. “No worries man, it was no problem.” He backed away a bit and I felt a little colder. “And besides-” he started speaking louder so that most of the room could hear. “I still get to meet the kid first!”

You could hear the heads turn in the room.

“Wait who said that you get to meet the kid first?!” Oliver said as he slammed his hands on the table.

“Yes, I would like to know why I can’t meet my future nephew first.” Dhina said as she stepped beside Oliver.

Barry looked like he was about to start up an argument that was going to cause a lot of problems until another voice entered the conversation.

“Everyone, let’s not fight. I think it’s time we get back to the meeting anyway.” Superman said standing up from his chair, now standing beside Batman.

“Fine.” Barry said with a huff as he sat down in the chair beside me.

“Good,” Supes said. “Now me and Batman have talked about this heavily and we both agree that now more than ever is the right time to bring something to your attention. I know most of us have dealt with them in one way or another, but I think we all need to discuss an organization that has held on for too long; The League of Assassins.”

Gasps at the name were heard all around the room. Personally I don’t think I have ever even heard of this group but I think based on the reactions they have to be really important.

“The League has been the training ground for some of the world's best assassins, mercenaries, and fighters for years. And Ra’s Al Ghul is the leader of them all. He and the rest of the Al Ghul’s are considered immortal because of the power they have harnessed; the Lazarus pit, able to heal all physical injuries and wounds.” A click of a remote shows a photo of the pit in question.

And for some reason the color looks so familiar, like I could just place it but not quite.

Another click showed the photo of Ra’s Al Ghul, his eyes the same color of the pit, and he almost looks like- Oh Shit!
Those are Laz’s eyes.

Laz, Lazarus. Whelp I’m dumb.