Gotham City

August 8, 2017

12:18

"It's just an introduction to the team, Firecracker," a teenaged boy spoke into his phone, a small smile on his face. He was balancing his phone on his shoulder, his hands too busy packing a bag. He picked up his folded uniform, his eyes scanning it for any tears.

I am finally getting the chance to prove myself as a hero, Noah thought, stuffing the clothing in his bag as he readjusted his phone. Even if I am… he shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Noah knew that if his girlfriend knew what he was thinking, he would be chastised for his negativity.

The door to his room opened, causing the boy to turn away from his activity. "Hurry up, Noah, we don't want you to be late on your first day," Jason spoke as he entered the safehouse room. Noah nodded in the older man's direction, tossing more clothing in his book bag.

"I'll call you back later, Charlotte," Noah hung up his call with his girlfriend, ignoring the smirk plastered on Jason's face. "Are you going to keep staring at me or start helping me with my stuff?" Noah asked, giving his mentor a lopsided grin.

"Alright, smart-ass, I see how it is," Jason Todd joked, grabbing one of Noah's already packed bags, along with his utility belt. "How does Charlotte feel about you joining a team of heroes?" Jason asked as Noah finished packing his last bag.

"She thinks I could use more friends," Noah replied honestly, "But she hates that I won't be able to spend as much time with her." As they conversed with one another, the duo made their way out of the safehouse, walking into different alleyways.

"You'll make it up to her later," Jason said, giving his adopted son a suggestive wink. It had only been three years since Jason had 'adopted' Noah, yet the two could not be any closer.

As they turned into the mouth of another alleyway, Noah's comfort was replaced with anxiety, each step inside filling him with nervousness. What if the new team doesn't like me? What if they know I'm a monster?

Jason Todd stopped his march, turning his body towards a boarded-up phone booth leaning against the brick wall. "Alright kid, this is our stop. Want me to go in with you?" Jason asked, "Or are you too cool for me now?" Noah took a deep breath in, subduing his anxiety and replacing it with confidence.

"I'm way too cool, old man," Noah joked with the 21-year-old, unlatching the phone booth door, and entering the confined area. Jason handed Noah his bag, typing in coordinates on the telephone receiver. As he entered the last digit, Jason ruffled the younger boy's black hair, shifting the locks from their gelled position.

"Be safe!" Jason cooed in a faux father manner, closing the phone booth. A bright light encircled the 15-year-old's lithe body, enveloping him. "And be in bed by ten!" Jason called out, his voice being drowned out by a robotic female's.

"Ghost King, C-05."

Mount Justice

August 8, 2017

12:15

The Zeta-Tubes flared to life, a white light casing the entryway. The anticipated girls all took steps forward from the living room, excited to meet their new team mate. "Logan Zimmerman, C-02," the computer announced.

"Damn it Logan, you got us excited," Victoria complained, taking her seat back on the couch to resume her video game. The rest of the girls took their respected seats once more, watching Victoria play the newest first person shooter game.

Logan entered the living room, carrying two pizza boxes. "Here's dinner," he replied lamely, his New Yorker accent faint. He put the stack on the coffee table in front of the group. McKenzie, who was not playing video games, opened the box quickly, the aroma of pizza beckoning her.

McKenzie picked up a smaller pizza slice, looking towards Logan with gratitude. "How was work?" She questioned, taking a bite out of her meal. Logan took off his dark blue EMT hat, tossing it on the coffee table as he sat next to McKenzie on the couch, opposite of Victoria and Yessenia.

His gaze shifted over to Victoria and Yessenia as they fought over the gaming controller. "Have they been arguing all day?" McKenzie nodded in reply, looking away from his gaze. "Then my day was a lot better than yours."

McKenzie found her eyes focusing on the two girls as well as they pushed each other, fighting for control. Victoria and Yessenia were instant friends, and the two got along together better than any other team member, but they bickered quite often.

Logan stood up from his position on the couch, taking the controller in his still-gloved hand and tossing it towards McKenzie, who flawlessly caught it. "It's Mack's turn, why don't you two eat before Noah arrives?" He suggested. Before the girls could whine, Logan had left the living room, heading towards the kitchen in pursuit of coffee.

Victoria snatched the pizza box before Yessenia could reach it, a triumph smile spread across her face. Before the young Amazon girl could do anything, the Zeta-Tubes flashed once more. The three girls shared a look, before scrambling to their feet as quickly as they could.

Just as the girls reached the entrance, a male exited the entry point, the robotic voice announcing his name. The moment he entered the room, the air took a more chilling stance, matching his darker appearance. The teen, clad in all black, walked up towards the girls.

"You're shorter than I thought you would be," Victoria joked earnestly, looking down at the shorter boy. Standing at 5'5, the boy was shorter than all of the girls, and he craned his neck up slightly to look at them.

Noah chuckled at the girl's greeting. "I'm Noah," he outstretched his hand towards Victoria, who took it without hesitation. She gripped his hand tightly, flashing him a perfect smile; however, that wasn't what Noah noticed first about her.

"I'm Victoria." Victoria's hand shake proved to him that she was a very dominant and determined person, and he already respected the Italian girl. Everything about her appearance resembled that of a leader, from her stance, to her angled face. His purple eyes bore into her blues ones, which were hidden behind a curtain of her dark brown hair, before he scrutinized the remaining team members.

The tall Amazon girl behind Victoria outstretched her own hand politely, a small smile stretching across her tanned face. "It's nice to meet you Noah. We are glad to have you on the team! I'm Yessenia, but you can call me Yes," Yessenia introduced herself, her enthusiasm showing through each word. Noah took her hand in his, her grip just as strong, if not stronger, than Victoria's. He was able to make eye contact with the girl, her brown eyes illustrating her excitement.

His eyes flickered to McKenzie, who kept her head down. Her blonde hair covered her eyes, shielding her from his gaze.

"You must be McKenzie," he initiated their interaction, but McKenzie only offered him a small wave and smile from her position, not looking up.

Lack of handshake shows a lower self-esteem, a wave in replacement represents kindness. Noah couldn't help but use his training to analyze each of the members. He made himself a mental note to later talk to the shy girl, wanting her to feel comfortable around him.

Noah's eyes shifted onto Logan, who had entered the entryway, a coffee mug in hand. Yessenia smiled gleefully, "This is Noah!" She said cheerfully. Even though the girl was known to be reserved at times, she couldn't help but be energetic at the boy's arrival.

He likes order, Noah concluded from the older boy's appearance. Logan was still in his EMT uniform, his light blue button up still tucked into his black slacks, which were ironed out neatly. Logan stuck out his hand, greeting Noah with a loose, gentle hand shake.

"Now that you're here, you can help us with our mission," Logan said. Noah nodded in understanding.

That's right, someone is dead and they need my help.

A/N: Most updates will be a lot longer (Between 4,000-10,000 words), but this was just to introduce the characters. This chapter focused mostly on Noah, but other chapters will focus on different characters. If your character is involved in the story, please answer the following questions in your review:

1. Besides your own character, which character do you want to see more of?

2. Which friendships/relationships would you like to see happen?

3. Any other story ideas, not mission wise/related?

Thanks in advance guys, you're the best! :)