Chapter 5
*Continued*
The founding members of the Justice League are gathered in the monitor room of the Watchtower, reviewing footage of the battle between Superman and the Hulk
"I know the destruction in Metropolis was catastrophic, but I truly believe the Hulk's incredible power could be an asset to the League if pointed in the right direction," Superman said, trying to convince the team, especially Batman
"You can't be serious Clark," Batman said, scowling
"He did save that little girl from the debris without a second thought" Wonder Woman joined in
They paused for a second
"How many innocents were lost Clark" Batman said
Superman hesitated to speak
"Too many, I'll admit. But the Hulk was only a danger because he was confused. Deep down, when I looked into his eyes, I saw the same drive to protect innocent lives that we all have" Superman said
"You can't be serious, Clark. Did you forget about all the destruction he caused? The countless lives endangered? He's an unstable force of nature" Batman said
"I'm not excusing what happened, Bruce. But you of all people know things are rarely black and white. The Hulk was initially triggered into that rampage through no fault of his own. And his main drive was to protect that little girl"
"His main drive was not protecting the girl Clark. It was because you showed up" Batman said
(whistles) "Yeah, but also he kinda kicked your butt, Supes. Like pretty one-sidedly from what I saw" Flash said
"Yes, Barry, the Hulk is ...incredibly powerful. More so than any of us could hope to match by brute force. That's exactly why I'm proposing we ask him to join. With his strength as part of the League, we could take down threats that we'd potentially struggle with otherwise" Superman said, still trying to convince the others
"You make a good point. Though I'd sleep a little better at night knowing how to actually stop him if he lost control again" Green Lantern said,
"This is a mistake. The kind of power the Hulk represents is too volatile, and too unpredictable to risk. We'd essentially be bringing a nuclear warhead onto the Watchtower" Batman said, still not letting up is decision
"Bruce, we've all made similar arguments about containing one another's powers in the past too. I was distrusted simply for being an alien when I first started out. Diana faced skepticism about the Amazons. Even you were seen as a loose-cannon vigilante for years" Superman said
Batman glares but remains silent
"My point is, we look past the fear and see the value in having different skills and perspectives united for a common cause. The Hulk deserves that same chance at redemption if he wants it"
"And we have the girl who can calm him down when the time is right, "Wonder Woman said
"Yeah! And he'd be, like, our biggest heavyweight ever! The un-unstoppable Hulk!"
(chuckles) "Well, I'm convinced. Could definitely use a heavy hitter like him watching my back" Green Lantern said
All eyes turn to the silent Batman, who lets out a reluctant sigh
"...Fine. But we implement a comprehensive contingency plan from day one for if - when - he lapses into a mindless rampage again. No more casualties" Batman said
"Agreed. I'll reach out and extend the offer then. I believe he is in Metropolis Forest"
(that is a real thing in the comics)
*Hulk and Erin location*
Deep within the lush forests outside Metropolis, the towering jade figure of the Hulk stomps between the trees, a little girl perched on his immense shoulders
"Wow, you're even bigger than the woods, Mr. Hulk! Does that mean you're the strongest there is" The little girl said, named Erin, with an exciting tone
"Hulk is the strongest one there is. Puny humans no match for Hulk's muscle!" Hulk said
"Stupid trees get in Hulk's way"
He swats away a massive oak trunk like a twig, clearing a path
"That's so cool! I wanna be big and strong like you when I grow up" Erin said giggling
The Hulk looks down at her with an expression approaching tenderness, gently patting her head with his free hand
"Little girl brave, one who always sees Hulk as person, not monster." Hulk said
"You're not a monster, Mr. Hulk! You saved me from a giant car about to hit me, remember? You're totally a superhero!" Erin said
The Hulk smiles faintly at this, dropping the tree trunk as they continue walking
"Hulk just...Hulk. No monster. No hero. Just strongest there is" Hulk said
Up ahead, a raging river rapids blocks their path, water churning violently over jagged rocks. The little girl's eyes go wide
"Oh no, how are we gonna get across that?" Erin said worryingly
The Hulk eyes the rushing currents for a moment before scooping the girl up in one hand. He crouches down and with a mighty leap, easily clears the foaming river in a single bound. He lands on the other side with a ground-shaking thud.
"Yay! You did it!" Erin said, clapping excitedly
"River was nothing. Hulk is strongest there is" Hulk said
Deeper into the woods they trek, the Hulk idly smashing away any impediments with casual swipes of his fists. Suddenly, the girl gasps and points up at the canopy
"Look! A baby deer!" Erin said
Sure enough, a spotted fawn is perched on one of the high branches, bleating nervously at them. The Hulk reaches up and merely plucks the branch off, lowering the tiny deer towards the girl.
"Deer hurt you and Hulk will smash!" hulk said
"Don't worry, I just want to say hi!" Erin said, gently petting it
From high above, Superman floats overhead, slowly descending with his arms crossed. He arches an eyebrow at the bizarre but oddly tender scene below
Suddenly a blue streak descends in front of them, resolving into the distinctive red and blue figure of Superman
"Well...this is certainly an unexpected development," Superman said
The Hulk immediately whirls, putting the girl down as he sizes up the Man of Steel with a feral snarl. The deer scampers off in a panic.
"What stupid man in tights want?! Hulk already beat him once!" Hulk said
"Easy there, big fella. I'm not looking for a rematch" Superman said, raising his hands
He touches down on the forest floor, standing calmly before the massive green giant
He smiles at the little girl peeking around the Hulk's massive leg
"It's good to see you're okay after that awful battle. I'm sorry it came to such violence in your city" Superman said to Erin
"Don't talk to her" Hulk said, his tone getting more deeper
Superman looks up at him, then puts his hands up
"Sorry" Superman paused
"I had a different proposal for you...if you're willing to listen" Superman said
The Hulk cocks his head skeptically while the little girl watches the two with anticipation
"Do you think he's gonna ask you to join the Justice League?" Erin said whispering
"What's that" Hulk said to Erin, confused by the big words
"A group of heroes that protect the world," Erin said, whispering excitingly
"Stupid heroes just get in Hulk's way. Too many dumb rules!" Hulk yelled
"Maybe so. But I think you'll find our "rules" allow for plenty of smashing..." Superman said
(pause)
The Hulk folds his massive arms across his chest, fixing Superman with a glare
"Hulk no join dumb hero club unless..." Hulk paused
He turns to look down at the little girl, who stares back up at him with wide, adoring eyes
" ...unless puny girl comes too!" Hulk said, shocking Erin
"You want the child to join the Justice League?" Superman said while arching an eyebrow
(gasps) "Me?! But I don't have any superpowers!" Erin said
"Girl stronger than she looks. Stopped Hulk and Stupid Cape's fight with just her voice" Hulk said while he rested a gentle hand on her head
He leans down until he's at eye level with the awestruck child
"Hulk only joins dumb heroes if girl there to"
The girl's face breaks into a huge smile as she wraps her arms around the Hulk's arm in a warm hug.
Superman looks on with a bemused expression
"I'm ...not sure about the logistics of having a child as an active member. There are certain protocols-"
"Oh please, Mister Superman? I'll be really really good, I promise!" Erin said pleadingly
The Hulk lets out a deep rumbling chuckle, ruffling the girl's hair affectionately
"See? Girl way stronger than any of dumb heroes" Hulk said
He fixes Superman with that intense, unblinking stare again
"So whatcha say, Stupid Cape? Girl comes, or Hulk no join" Hulk said
Superman is silent for a long moment, seeming to weigh his options carefully. He glances between the hopeful little girl and the immense, unmovable force of the Hulk.
(sighs) "...Very well. If that's what it takes to have you by our side, I'll clear it with the others. She can be an... honorary junior member for now" Superman said reluctantly
(squeals with delight) "Did you hear that, Mr. Hulk? I get to be with the Justice League!" Erin yelled
With surprising tenderness, the Hulk scoops up the child and sets her on his shoulder once more
(grunts) "Told ya girl was strongest there is. Hulk made good choice" Hulk said
Giving Superman a nod, the towering jade giant turns and trudges off deeper into the forest, the overjoyed girl waving back at the Man of Steel. Superman watches them go, a bemused smile crossing his lips.
(shaking his head) "This...is going to be interesting" Superman muttered
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(What do y'all think? Am I making the right choice of Erin joining the Hulk? Let me know!)
(I've been thinking about weaknesses for the Hulk, and the only thing I can come up with is telepathy or other mind magic stuff)
(1625 words)