Remembrance of the Titans
Chapter One
The day shone bright, with few clouds scattered over the sky. The air was cold, but not bitterly so. And for Nightwing, it was as perfect a day as one could expect in Jump City nowadays.
The hero admired the scenery. Though many changes have occurred over the years since he lived there, some things were still the same. Even his former home, Titans Tower, still stood on its island, in the middle of the bay. True, its appearance was dilapidated, but it still served as a reminder of days long past.
The biggest change, of course, was the weather. Conditions over most of the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth were altered due to an apparent disruption in a current in the Atlantic Ocean. This resulted in a dramatic climate change. While not quite an Ice Age, it still resulted in prolonged periods of snowy conditions. This effected crops, thus bringing about a fear of widespread famine.
Fortunately, genetic engineering had solved that problem by altering crops so that they were resistant to the cold. Most that long held negative views to engineered foods fell silent. But a minority still complained.
The only consolation was that this condition wouldn't be permanent; the ocean current was being to show signs of recovery. Perhaps in ten years things would be back to normal.
But such things were not on Nightwing's mind. He was anxious to meet with his friends; friends that he had no seen for nearly five years. He was amazed it had been that long.
When the Titans all had reached their twenties, they decided to move to other things. Nightwing took on his current identity, and worked from a secret location in Jump City.
Cyborg, who also found a place of his own, sometimes helped him, although he mostly did service in Metropolis. He also worked in Steel City once in a while.
Starfire had decided to return to her home of Tamaran. She kept in touch with her friends on Earth, mostly Nightwing. From such contact, Nightwing learned that Starfire had become the new leader, taking over the role held by her guardian, Galfore.
Beast Boy took on a new name, Changeling. He rejoined the Doom Patrol, eventually establishing new members, as well as becoming the new leader at the insistence of Mento and Elastigirl, both whom had long since retired.
Raven had left for parts unknown. She never gave details as to what she was up to.
Despite splitting up, the Titans promised to have reunions every five years, at the park that overlooked Titans Tower. They had been doing this for nearly fifteen years now. Each time, Nightwing felt dubious over whether or not his old team would show up again. But each time they did, he was happy.
He slowly paced in a wide circle until he spotted a car in the distance. He recognized it, which wasn't so difficult considering its appearance. A tall, athletic man stood next to it. He smiled as he ran toward him.
"Still in good shape I see!" the man said when Nightwing arrived.
"Good to see you too, Cyborg." he replied. "How's your baby holding up?"
"Not bad." Cyborg replied. "She's been upgraded a half dozen times or so. She takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'!"
The two friends laughed.
The T-car wasn't the only thing that received upgrades; Cyborg himself had changed over the years.
The bionic hero had many of his parts either replaced or upgraded, mostly thanks to Nightwing's financial contributions. Cyborg was now totally human in appearance. He still possessed his sonic cannon, though (albeit, a more powerful version).
He was dressed in black slacks, sneakers, a hooded sweater, and a black T-shirt. He could easily blend in to a crowd.
"So, how's your extended family?" Cyborg asked.
"You mean my former coworkers?" Nightwing answered.
"You make it sound as if it was just a regular job."
"After a while, it was just that for me. Anyway, Dick's enjoying the highlife. He's flattered I took over his role. Barbra is aiming to be a police commissioner, like her dad. And Bruce...well, he sends a card every New Years."
Cyborg chuckled. The two men then began to walk toward the seawall. Once their, they stared at Titans Tower.
"I visit there sometimes." Cyborg said. "Rather musty and rusty, and the furniture is all gone. Windows are cracked too."
He sighed. "I sometimes miss the old days."
"Things change, my friend." said a voice. "Things change."
The two friends turned around to see another familiar character.
"Garfield, what's up?" Cyborg exclaimed.
The hero growled. "Dude, don't call me that!"
"Right, Beast Boy." Nightwing chuckled.
He frowned at him. "Do I call you by your old name?"
"No, but then again not many people have heard of Changeling."
"Hey, it's cool and it's mysterious!"
The two men laughed. "Oh man, Gar!" Cyborg said. "You're a riot and a half!"
Time had changed Changeling, formerly known as Beast Boy, quite extensively. Just as described by Starfire after her trip to the future, Beast Boy had gone mostly bald in the past 20 years. But unlike her description, he was not overweight. He maintained his health, and was lean and muscular, built like a soccer player.
To offset his lack of hair, he grew a goatee and mustache. Even Cyborg had admitted it made him appear somewhat more mature looking. But he still kept some of his playful mannerisms, though he acted serious more often. He also still wore the same style uniform he had so many years ago.
"So, what have you two been up to so far?" asked Changeling.
"Reminiscing." Nightwing replied. "How about you?"
"Not much. Still saving the world one battle at a time."
"How are the old Doom Patrol members?" asked Cyborg.
"Well, Negative Man is still 'Mister Happy'. Don't seem much of him, except at our reunions. Robot Man is still on the team. That's the advantage of him being a robot; the guy's ageless. As for Mento and Elastigirl...well, they seem to still be the happy couple."
"I had a feeling about those two since I met them." said Nightwing. "Really interesting."
"Tell me about it." Changeling muttered sadly.
"Something wrong?" Nightwing asked him.
"Oh, nothing."
"Come on, you can tell us!" said Cyborg.
"It's personal. Really personal."
"Oh come on, Changeling!" Cyborg insisted. "You can trust us with your feelings!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" he retorted.
"May I join the battle?" a stranger said.
The three men were startled, and whipped around to face the newcomer.