CHAPTER 2
Taste
…
Nightwing and Kid Flash stand at the island counter on the mountain's kitchen. They're glaring at each other. Although Nightwing, now a master of the batglare, looks more frightening. In front of each of them is a plate of toxic looking food. The members of the Team gathered around them are surprised there isn't a cartoon skull and crossbones above each plate. The stench of the 'food' is almost overwhelming, but no one wants to miss the spectacle.
Because of his speedster advantage, there's a little more food on Wally's plate. Not a lot, just enough to even the odds.
"You boys ready?" Raquel asks. She's the official referee for the contest, and has a hand raised above the counter.
"Born ready, babe," Wally says, which earns him a sharp jab in the side from Artemis.
"Good luck," Batgirl crows from Nightwing's side. Nightwing smirks in response.
"Hardly even need it."
Both boys, because they're veritably not acting like the men they really are, narrow their eyes at each other and place their palms on the table.
"Go!" Raquel slams her hand down, and the heroes lunge for their plates. They start shovelling the food into their mouths immediately. Wally has the advantage of speed, but hardly a second in he's gagging and resisting the urge to throw up. Super speed can't eliminate the horrible taste. But Nightwing is still going, and doesn't stop, while Wally has to frequently pause so he doesn't throw up.
Just over a minute has passed when one of the plates is emptied. The possible victor turns to Raquel and opens his mouth for a food check.
"And he's good!" Raquel shouts, eliciting a series of cheers from the fathered crowd. Nightwing throws his fists in the air, while Wally watches in disbelief with the last bite hovering halfway to his mouth.
"How is that even possible?" Wally protests. "Did you even breathe?"
"Says the guy who practically inhales his food," Artemis snarks.
"Seriously, though! That stuff was disgusting. What kind of food do you bats eat?" Wally gapes.
Nightwing ignores him, and turns to Batgirl. "How about a victory kiss?"
"No way. My taste buds are perfectly functional, thank you very much. That would taste horrible." Batgirl shook her head and shoved Nightwing's face away.
"Wait, taste buds?" Wally asks.
"Oh, right I didn't tell you." Nightwing smirks and leans across the counter. "Mission gone wrong, and a wacky backfiring spell. For the next three months, I can't taste anything."
"Cheater! That is so cheating, you set me up!"
Nightwing cackles, a terrifying sound when his voice is deeper than his Robin days, as he walks away. "Too bad, Wally. You agreed to the terms. Have fun cleaning the Blüdhaven warehouse."
…
'See' you next time!
