Quentin returned home with Mike, and immediately Laurel looked confused."Hey, Daddy, what is Mike doing here?"
Dinah and Sarah were also surprised, but Quentin said:"That's a long story. I need to talk to your mother. You can chat with him in the meantime."
Quentin led Dinah aside, her eyes skeptical after their morning argument. He explained everything: the murder, the abuse Mike suffered at his father's hands.
"He has no one to stay with, and after everything that happened, I can't risk leaving him alone. I'd like him to stay with us for a few days," Quentin said.
Dinah absorbed the information. She already knew Mike from Laurel's constant mentions and recognized how much he meant to her daughter."The poor boy," she whispered. "He's never known parental love and is now completely alone. I'm glad you brought him here."
Meanwhile, Mike looked around the house. Laurel introduced him to her sister."This is Sarah. I told you about her—she even started attending our school recently."
Sarah studied Mike carefully. He seemed like an older brother figure, someone she could trust—a friend of her sister's who might have even defended her in the past. She said politely:"I've only heard good things about you. Nice to meet you. But… why are you here all of a sudden?"
Laurel scolded her immediately:"Sarah!"
Mike raised a hand, calm and understanding."Don't worry, Laurel. I'll tell you everything."
When he recounted his story, both girls were shocked. Laurel, especially, recalled how often she had spent time with him or sat beside him in class and never suspected the trauma he had endured. She remembered what her father once said: "Only those who have suffered greatly develop true maturity."
Now she understood why Mike was the way he was. Tears welled in her eyes. She approached him and hugged him, almost sobbing:"If anything happens, please tell me. We can always talk."
Mike nodded, bracing himself for what would come next.
Time Skip – 5 Years Later, 1999
In these five years, much had happened.
The Lance family had to adjust to Michael living with them, but soon Quentin and Dinah realized that their daughters were happier with him around. They decided to let him stay permanently—Michael was diligent, intelligent, and trustworthy.
Mike had his own room, and in an abandoned factory near his old home, he built a small hideout. There he worked on projects. One day, with enough resources, he intended to make substantial capital. He had smartphones resembling early iPhones
Academics and Achievements
Mike excelled in school. He finished middle school and, at 14, was already in 9th grade with an extraordinary record. He didn't plan to wait until 18 to graduate; he aimed to finish high school as quickly as possible. By the end, he wanted to be ranked among the top 5 students in the USA and, crucially, earn first place to secure the Queen Consolidated scholarship—unclaimed for ten years—and pave the way to Harvard.
During this period, Oliver had a sister, Thea Queen, now four years old. Mike rarely attended social events, focusing instead on devices, academics, family, and martial arts.
After his father's death, Mike began training in three martial arts and took a small job as a youth boxing coach, with Quentin's support. He taught his stepsisters, Laurel and Sarah, self-defense. It wasn't much, but enough for school-aged girls, a responsibility Quentin trusted him with.
Mike trained in boxing, judo, karate, and kendo, preparing for any combat scenario in the DC Universe. Only Quentin knew the full extent of his skills.
December 1999 – Christmas
Mike was asked to do some shopping. Returning with bags, he saw Sarah, who greeted him:"Oli visited us—he actually came to invite us to his Christmas party. Tommy and Carter Bowen will be there too. Carter said he admires you a bit."
She handed him the invitation. Mike accepted it reluctantly:"I guess I need a new excuse."
Sarah smiled knowingly:"Nope. Oli already gave our parents invitations. That means we all have to be there—including you."
Mike hesitated. "Fine… I'll manage for a day."
Sarah grinned:"Perfect. You can borrow a tux from Dad. I'm glad you're finally coming."
Mike showered and prepared himself. Looking in the mirror, he saw a young, scarred version of Bruce Wayne—Christian Bale style ready for the coming days.
Christmas Eve at the Party
Mike opened the door in a tuxedo. Quentin nodded approvingly:"Finally ready? We're a bit late."
Sarah, in a dress, was excited. Dinah called impatiently:"Laurel, we need to go!"
Laurel joined them, smiling softly in a beautiful dress. Quentin noticed how grown-up his daughters were. He looked at Mike, who gave a subtle nod—a silent signal: "I've got this."
At the party, Mike observed from a distance. For him, socializing was difficult. He kept a protective emotional distance from others, a habit developed from fear of being hurt like by his father.
A small girl, four years old, approached him:"Why are you standing here alone? You're one of Oli's friends, right?"
Mike smiled slightly:"I'm usually busy. Sometimes I need a little break from games and talking."
The girl didn't understand—children find being alone boring. Oliver arrived, introducing his sister Thea:"For those who don't know, this is Thea, my little sister."
He handed Mike a glass with juice and a bit of alcohol."Everyone's had a sip, now you."
Mike, familiar with peer pressure, took it."One sip, no more," he said calmly.
He returned it poker-faced, walked to the restroom, leaving Oliver a little disappointed by Mike's calm acceptance of the alcohol.
While Mike was gone, Oliver whispered to Laurel:"You said you wanted the video of your dad… do you have it?"
Laurel nodded. Tommy and Carter watched eagerly. Carter, a bit jealous of Mike, respected him greatly after hearing of his past hardships.
The video showed Derek throwing Laurel to the ground, blocking the path with his gang. The fight, previously minimized by Mike's storytelling, was clearly one-sided. Tommy exclaimed:"Wow… he made it look so easy, but he took down three guys—one with a knife—alone."
Thea admired Mike and Oliver, eyes wide:"Oli, if someone hurt me like that, could you save me too?"
Oliver hesitated but replied proudly:"Of course. Mike did it at your age; now I could protect you from anyone."
Mike returned from the restroom and greeted Robert and Moira Queen. Polite, well-mannered, and observant, he impressed them instantly. He helped them locate Thea, spoke confidently about academics, and shared his ambitions: Harvard, engineering, and biochemistry.
The Queens were impressed. Dinah encouraged Oliver, Robert offered advice, and Mike guided them all politely, revealing his discipline, intelligence, and maturity.
The night passed normally. On the way home, Mike assured Quentin that no one had harmed Laurel.
Thoughts on Michael Silver
Friends (Oliver, Tommy): Admire him, try to emulate him, aspire to rescue a girl like he does.
Family (Sarah, Dinah): See him as diligent, responsible, and helpful, reducing their own burdens.
Quentin: Never had a son; feels compassion, pride, and respect for Michael's character.
Laurel: Childhood affection transformed into protective sisterly love.
Acquaintances (Malcom, Robert Queen, Moira Queen): Recognize his potential, intelligence, and moral compass; fascinated by his resilience and maturity.