Beyond the Titans

Issue #2: I'm not just a Kid

By Alphafemale1

Summary:

Titans! Go! When old Titans, in the year 2037, are going missing or being murdered. It's up to their children to solve the mystery of what's happening to their parents. With questions, friendship, and action to be had. There's a little bit of something for everyone in store as we follow our new titans into their adventure of discovering who they were meant to be as well as each other. Rated T for Language, Violence, and some sexual themes.

Last time on Beyond Titans:

"... would you like to tell me why you're here," he said plainly. No emotion on his face...

"My… My parents died."

Joseph looked her in the eye, "We're going to have to move, Wren. I'm sorry."

"Look I know how hard it can be to be the new kid but, I'm here to talk if you need someone to talk to."

"There are distinct things about the car accident that came out smelling fishy."

"...You are getting the blueprints for each agent but you have to put them together."

"Ms. Marakov, I'm afraid to tell you this, but your ex-husband has gone missing."

The bustling city seemed to have no end and no beginning, just a constant flow fluxing and turning as people went. The smog covering the sky at times instead of clouds like the mountains she had come to call home. There were so many people, so many senses, colors, and sounds… Wren couldn't properly process everything at once. "Dad… Where's this friend of yours," she asked still staying cautious around the city.

She had only told stories about this mysterious friend, though once or twice she had seen a glimpse. They never seemed like the same person though, some men, some women, some skinny, some muscular. It was strange to have this person come around with the same voice but never the same body. Joseph only looked down at her with a comforting smile as a way to say there was nothing to fear.

That didn't ease her rattled nerves… the young father finally took notice when a black aura had consumed a pole only to bend it in knots. Finally stopping in front of a door that seemed to be the smallest shack she'd never seen, Joseph looked at his daughter before signing, "This is a strange friend, but he should be able to give us a place to live for the time being and you some lessons."

The shack looked… dinghy against an already greying platform of concrete and bland luster. It looked like it was barely standing on its own with a leaning frame that was just moments away from dropping to the ground. The windows showed no light on the other side but the darkness only highlighted the cracked glass on its pane. Every movement of the wind seemed to rock it slightly. 'This can't be the place', thought Wren, looking at her father as he placed a hand on the crippling door.

He opened the door to find to what seemed like a palace inside such dreary exteriors. Walls decorated in golden marble surrounding widows of the galaxies around every corner. The melodies of classical music playing in the background shifting the moods from pale to fantastical as the sound only grew bigger with the height of the ceiling. Every step she took seemed to bounce against the floor and onto the walls.

Joseph smiled but it was brief when he thought back to what his friend had warned him many times. That there would be a time where he would have to send Wren to them. The green-eyed man just hoped that day would've never come.

"Jericho," clambered a voice from the other side of the room. Jericho looked over at the figure to find a young man, probably not much older than Wren. Jericho nodded and shook the young man's hand, "I've heard much about you from the other Fates before me. I assume then the time you feared also came." Jericho hung his head and nodded again, "I see… You two are welcome here for as long as you like."

Wren saw this man standing before her father with curiously wide eyes. He was taller than Joseph but definitely wasn't at an age where they'd had known each other for as long as it seemed. His brown hair pulled back into a ponytail as his grey eyes had this friendly glow about them. His build filled out well with broad shoulders and built arms that seemed to flex at every movement. "Who are you," Wren asked as her brow raised at him.

"Well my real name is Douglas Harper," he admitted looking down at the young girl, "But most of the people in the Justice League call me Dr. Fate. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her purple orbs widened in shock, she'd heard of the Justice League and Dr. Fate but only in passing in books from older times. She glanced at her father who only met her gaze with a saddened smile.

"Dr. Fate…," she repeated making sure that she heard him right.

"It's alright if you haven't known much of me. I've seen much of you though," he replied.

"That's not creepy..."

"Yeah… without context, I'm sure that it would be a bit off-putting," Douglas agreed. "But with a little context, I'm sure that you'll understand." The room shifted and moved across planes of existence before holograms of younger versions of her father and a woman came to the center of the room.

"Is… that you and mom," Wren asked, there was a slight tinge of hope in her voice looking at the two beings in the middle of the room. Joseph only nodded with nearly all his attention on the purple haired woman standing next to his younger self. It'd honestly been so long that he nearly forgot what she looked like.

Douglas continued, "You see the Dr. Fate at the time noticed how close your parents were getting and decided to keep watch over them."

"But why? I thought that my parents were just hermits living away from the world?"

"Well… that was only half true. Before then, they were considered great heroes or great villains depending on the day." As he spoke, images of a past long gone from today appeared. Fantastic stories she'd never known. Her father fighting off hordes of villains using other people's bodies. Her mother using blackened magic to take down major threats. "There was one thing that they couldn't deny though… and that was that they were powerful. Your father was able to push down death in order to come back to the living. Your mother had to fight her demonic heritage more times than what should be allowed in any lifetime. It wasn't long though until your parents fell in love."

Wren just watched every vision go through the room, "What happened? Why is my mother gone?"

Both Jericho and Douglas tensed for a moment before the younger man continued, "Your mother, Raven Roth, got pregnant with you and there was a greater fear that you would be more erratic due to your father's inhuman willpower and your mother's demon side. There was a large chance that you wouldn't be able to control your powers. So your mother thought of a solution." The image of a black raven shadow formed into a baby being carried by Joseph's saddened frame. "She gave her soul to you in order to help you manage your powers to this point..."

"My mom… she… died for me…?" Wren's head fell down to only face the floor of the enchantment… She caused her mother's death… She could feel the warm familiar embrace wrapping around her in a steady flow. Watery purple meeting sorrowful green for a moment, "Why didn't you tell me…?"

"He wanted to keep your life simple and with your mother's soul monitoring your emotions and powers, it didn't seem necessary," Douglas stated. "But now that old enemies have come back somehow, we're going to have to train you properly."

Wren simply stood carefully and looks around again as it turned back to the majestic room it was before the story. "But I don't have powers like Dad."

"You may have powers like your mother though…" Douglas looks at her with a serious expression before walking past them towards a helmet on a large mantle. "We'll start tomorrow, in the meantime, we're going to have to teach you about the outside world and scholarly knowledge for children your age."

"In a day?"

Douglas only looked back and smiled, "You'd be surprised what I can teach you in only a day."

Wren took a moment to think about what was happening, looking up at her father. She could sense the fear in his heart and the sorrow of his memories. More than anything though, Wren felt the love in his heart when he looked at her… and pride in her mere existence. She'd never really thought about using powers… period even if she knew something about her was always different. With a deep breath, she looked up at Douglas. Her eyes filled liquid determination that fell down her cheeks, "When does the training begin?"

Gotham left a single parent in shambles for the past week. Tara hadn't gone out of the apartment since the news only a few days ago. Her eyes were puffy bags under her blond curtain. Hands were the only things that were holding tightly to whatever she had left of her sanity. It seemed like a world she once knew spun. Every day, every moment just passed through her mind so much that it fell close to breaking her. "Gar..."

Gryphon and Serena stood outside of the door of their mother's bedroom with only one light showing her still even being there. The green skinned teen watched on as his sister tried to look away. Their mother was usually strong. Stern but fair and fun loving. What was on that bed though, with a long cold, deserted meal from the night before; was no longer their mother.

Serena quickly walked passed the door with a backpack in hand, "Come on, we should get to school. We don't want to be late."

"Hey, I think we can take a day off," Gryphon whispered, "It's not as if we don't have an excuse."

The green haired girl only glared at him in response, "Well, unfortunately, we can't stay at home to help mom all the time. We need to act like everything is normal or else she's never going to readjust." Swinging the door open, she huffed out with venom taking over her every step. Even the door closing felt toxic to Gryphon's breath.

Air escapes his mouth as he shook his head in frustration. Toxicity seemed to just infect the very floorboards of the place that was once home. Cautiously, he stepped through the doorway of the bedroom. Closing in on the husk of his mother before sitting down next to her on the bed.

"Mom… we have to go to school now. We'll be back in a few hours," he reassured holding her hand caringly. "Don't worry… Dad'll come back… I know he will. You'll see." He tried to smile hopefully but the ends of the smile couldn't reach his eyes. It wouldn't have mattered though she wasn't responsive to his actions.

Hesitantly, he let go of her hand. Steps echoed through the hall in the background before the front door closes as silently as possible.

They sat next to each other on the transit with heavy and thick walls between them as the cart moved back and forth slightly.

Gryphon looked forward with a million emotions and thoughts in his head as the time seemed to pass as fast as the cars outside. His mind raced towards the world he felt like he was seeing for the first time. There had to be something they could do. Anything they could do. He could do something, but his brain had no solutions.

Serena, on the other, was focusing on her notes. One of the many distracting things she occupied her time with. It seemed like the only comfort that she could find support in. Something to fill her time with things that can help progress in the long run. One of them had to keep their heads up while the world seemed to be falling apart.

Their father had decided to stay in superhero work despite his age and that made him reckless. As if he were invincible, something Serena could never get behind... Though as the two sat there waiting to go to their destination. They looked at each other… both as if knowing what the other was going to say. Gryphon looking away showing his annoyance before Serena put a hand on his shoulder.

He glared back at her with irritation clear in his bright blue orbs though her green eyes only rolled in response. The green haired teen scoffed as her brother groaned in frustration. If anyone else looked into these conversations of looks and sounds, they'd think these two mad. It was like they were having a conversation based on what they knew of each other…

"I don't know if Mom's going to like what's going on...," Serena hesitated as the trolley went to an abrupt stop. "Or what's you're planning."

"Well, you know what? It's better than nothing," he said snarkily, standing up with her.

"That doesn't mean it's a good idea," Serena shot back with a glare. "You don't have to play hero. Dad is probably just in some sort of dying thing… He'll be back in a few years and he'll try to come back like everything is okay."

"This time is different, Serena," he exclaimed as they walked. People passing by them as if it were no different from another day. "He went missing in his own place. You don't take out a superhero off the job! That's what gangs did."

Serena only shook her head at him with a sigh escaping her lips knowing that there was no talking him out of this. As she thought, scenery seemed to change without many transitions into their school. "We should bring in the Justice League then. They're probably-"

"No," he argued walking through the doors, "First of all, they're already having trouble trying to figure out who's in charge of themselves. B: we… honestly, have no way of contacting them. Lastly, they're probably already on the case but we have something they don't."

"Okay and what's that," she replied stopping at her locker with a raised brow.

"Imagination," he smirked. His elbow hit this locker door before opening in a flash, "There has to be a lead we can follow. With your hyperfocus and my ingenuity; I know we can do it."

"... I'll… think about it," Serena hesitated as she looked through the locker closely. It was crazy… but then again… nothing about them seemed normal… They went their separate ways for the day. Each one with their heads forward and hopes high with their confident strides through the sea of kids. This was their story, their adventure and they would go about it together.

He flew down on the roof of the tower looking over Gotham. His green eyes scanning the city meticulously as his dreaded red hair moved in the wind. He had waited there most of the morning, hovering. The ads passing and going, looking the same as ever but he wasn't finding that to be of true importance. "Nice to see you again," said an older voice from behind. Markus turned around to see his mentor for the League standing before him.

"Mr. Shock."

"Static," he corrected while chuckling at his young intern. Static Shock was definitely one of the legends of the superhero world. His dreads had been swept back behind his line of vision while his eyes were obscured by the golden mask. He stood tall over Markus like the towers around them. The golden emblem on his suit shown brightly against the black and blue of his uniform. "How's your surveillance been going?"

"It's been slow but I finally got in as one of their higher-ups," the half-alien started with a serious look on his face. "They're working for someone but all contacts have remained elusive. The leader is the only one who knows who they're working with or how they're getting the messages through." Markus began to pace left and right on top of the building's needle, "I know I can gain their trust. I know that I've got them thinking that I'm some rebel teen that needs his kicks against his good parents. I just need more time."

Static shook his head, "You're going to end up getting too deep into this. If you don't get out soon, I'm afraid what it's going to do to you, Markus."

He stopped pacing and looked at his mentor with pleading eyes. The wind passing through them in loud gusts to fill in silence. Static could see the intense look in his eyes, begging him to let him keep going. "Please… I know this can work," he said furrowing his brows, "I know I can figure it out. I just need a little more time."

Static argued coldly, "Time that we don't have for Gotham." Static could practically hear the young man's heart shatter, "Batman called me before we got here, there might be someone looking for revenge for what you did a month ago. I know that it's hard to think about but-"

"I figured it would happen," Markus looked down and crossed his arms. His eyes glowing slightly remembering the events of the past few months or so. He couldn't say that he was proud… but he knew what he did had to be done. "I can handle myself just fine."

"You don't need to prove yourself to your father."

Markus' eyes intensified at that statement with a heated glare to match. As much as he definitely loved his father for the life he's provided him, his dad never did understand the drive that he had to be a superhero. The young man who the world had once known as Cyborg was now a fearful man who wanted the normality he never had. It had taken him and his mom forever to convince him to play sports, let alone be an intern. That was still more or less a secret that even his mother knew nothing about.

"I know I don't...," the redhead said before turning back at his mentor, "But if it's to keep everyone else safe, I don't think even you have an option in pulling me out yet."

Another silence between them appeared like a mist. Neither one reading what the other was thinking. Static's face remained blank in the process of thinking what possibilities that could happen. Usually, Gear would be around to help but… he's not around anymore. Wind passing through lightly blowing away the silence before the wise man stepped forward with an answer. "Continue your day as normal," he started shaking the teen's hand, "Report in next week. Same time."

Markus gave a long sigh of relief, a grateful squeeze was applied to his hand, "Thank you, Static Shock.." Markus backed away excitedly before flying off through the city landscape with a grin that shined like the sun. The electric hero watched with a small smile of his own though it did little to mask his worry.

The half alien teen flew around for a while seeing people passing through his day like any other. Wind passing through his hair with freedom being whispered in his ear. Warmth filled his gut with purpose, though he could still go for a burger. Emerald orbs rolling around the city as if the world was completely new again. The ads seemed brighter, cars looking faster, and the world going slower as he enjoyed his path. Markus scanned around for the way to the local school before gently landing right next to his favorite moody teen.

"Marsha," he called out only being met with an intensely annoyed glare. Those lime green eyes looking like they could destroy him if she so much as sighed. "Not a great day," he guessed looking over her shoulder.

"It really isn't any of your business," she groaned. Marsha's hair was starting to have a life of its own without the maintenance of a brush. The bags under her eyes showed to the sleepless nights spent working on her own gear. She had the suit and the upgrades were just within her grasp but any tool she used seemed to fall out of her hands. Now this Alien prep boy was invading her space once again… this was just now her week. Days had been dedicated living like a normal teen but the nights belonged to the suit. A suit that seemed to be made with a million pieces and not one of them was made to assist her.

"Where'd you get those?" Markus asked looking at the blueprint popping out of her backpack. "It's… interesting."

Marsha smacked his hand away, "Again, none of your business." She had no time to waste. She had school. She had work. Revenge. These were things that she focused on… the things she needed to… to… Suddenly the world is going blurry. The sound of a voice seemed so far away but she could practically feel their breath on her neck. The edges of the world turned into a movie screen until it all went silent.

Markus grabbed her before she could fall on the floor with a shocked look. He tried to wake her up through the soft shaking but found that there was no response. Flying through hallways with blinding speed as papers tried to follow him only to fall flat hallways away from him. The screeches dragging across the tile floor before abruptly stopping in front of the nurse's office. "She just past out in the middle of the hallway," he panicked, "I don't know what happened… She just-"

The nurse rushed to the unconscious girl in his arms and gently placed her on the bed. "What's her name," the nurse asked calmly.

"Marsha Drake, she just started here." The nurse nodded to Markus, telling him he could leave and that Marsha could be left in her care. Markus declined the offer; however, no way could he leave her alone. Marsha might've been rude to him in the beginning… and not really a talkative person… or a person people were- the point is she's a person just like everyone else and he'd do the same for anyone. Sitting next to the sleeping girl, he thought about the next plan of attack. How was he going to make this all work…?

He allowed his mind to wonder when he finally glanced over at the backpack that he had picked up. Mechanics designs… Raising a brow to them, he continued to read them. Each masterfully designed and detailed instruction on these papers screamed for something beyond their years. What was someone like her doing with these plans? He'd seen her try to build things in robotics and it was… less than ideal. What was she planning exactly…? He started putting them away and just looked at her puzzled for a moment… smiling at the girl in the bed.

She might've been crazy, rude, and too serious to comprehend, but as he looked at her now, peaceful and restful, she looked normal. Her eyes seemed so much more relaxed while her shoulders which usually had a stiff structure loosened like water from melting ice. Even her hair, which was usually so careful and slick against the tight headband she always wore, felt wild. His eyes didn't travel much further than that though. What kind of person was he to do something like this?

Marsha's eyes finally fluttered open with a more rested energy. "What happened," she groaned seeing who she'd deemed annoyance looking at her.

"You passed out in the middle of the hallway," Markus answered, "I'm going to assume it has something to do with this project of yours."

"You looked in my bag," she exclaimed.

"Just what's peeking out. What exactly are you even working on?"

Marsha was too tired to really answer properly but she knew she couldn't just say it was nothing to worry about either. A lie would be best. "I've been failing in engineering class and I got some extra credit to work on. My guardian decided to help me out with schematics but he won't be helping me with any of the actual building."

Markus' emerald orbs looked down into her pale lime ones searching for falsehood. Seconds feel like hours under the stress of working for so long on such a feat. Her heartbeat quickened a touch at the intense glare she was receiving from the sophomore. His face giving away nothing but analysis to the best poker face that Marsha could muster. The world disappeared around them like a chess match of minds.

Would he believe her?

Who would break under the stare?

Markus smiled, "Well that's good but you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help."

Marsha relaxed only slightly, "The old man is a sink or swim kind of guy." Suddenly a knock goes to the doorway of the nurse's office dragging their attention to reality. Terry stood there with a concern on his face. Markus furrowed his brow in confusion as to why he of all people was here. Marsha, on the other hand, only groaned. "You should probably go." Markus looked at her in confusion before sitting up and nodding.

"See ya around," he said before walking out, passing Terry as he went to Marsha's side.

Terry just gazed down at the overworked girl even if she did have that undying determination, she could only do so much. Her eyes glaring back at him as she sat up to receive the verbal tongue lashing she'd probably get. "I know what its like," Terry said.

"No, you don't."

"Yeah, I do. My dad was killed by the Jokerz because I bested them and I got even," he argued. "You're trying to find a purpose through your parents' death, I get it." Marsha avoided eye contact as he spoke, her mind trying to process what he was telling her, "You're never alone. What you're feeling is valid but is this what your parents would've wanted?"

"Who cares what they would've wanted," she finally said, "I'm alive. They're gone. I want closure and the police aren't doing anything about it." The raven-haired girl stood tall in front of Terry with that same determined glare, "Nothing is going to stop me from going for what I need to do."

"Who says you need to?"

"Me."

Bruce glared at the latest information from the investigation so far. While yes, Marsha would come to her own conclusions; Terry had had a hope that solving it before her completion of the suit, would prevent her from going down this path. He knew better though. Time and time again, he'd seen Robins, Batmen, and women going around the streets. His efforts to push them away fell to deaf ears. Marsha would likely be no different.

The cave felt so small nowadays, even though it could fill the entire mansion by now. The feeling of responsibility that has been passed on to another iteration of his legacy seemed to suffocate him more. The tired eyes looked at the screen for what seemed like forever. He was getting too old for this. The Bat Family was growing again… and he feared what would become of it if it truly formed.

"It was the Royal Flush Gang," said Marsha suddenly behind him. Bruce didn't flinch at the sound of the younger girl's voice. Stealth wasn't a strength she had much of. Something that with training could help but he would see if she had the drive to go further.

"What evidence do you have?" he asked not sparing so much as a glance to the protege. "They were sentenced to 10 years without parole."

"The box that used to be in the back of the car as well as a call that Dad made the day he was killed." She sat next to the old man still looking at the plans that he had set for her. She had the materials and the programming skills but for whatever reason, she couldn't begin to know how to put it together. "He kept saying things like your highness and King," she continued, "And there's only one group I know who have that moniker."

"Why would he say those titles though? Your father hated the crime life especially after what happened with the Joker."

"What are you talking about," she questioned. Bruce finally widened his eyes to look at her. "Dad had nothing to do with the Jokerz. Why would he worry about them?"

"You don't know." Bruce made it sound like a statement than a question. Tim never told his family why the precautions or the new plans… He trapped air in his lungs from the door he just opened to her. She couldn't be kept in the dark, "Your father was one of my robins."

"Yeah, I think I've figured that out by now."

"There's something else to that. The reason for him quitting the crime fighting."

For that moment a long silence surrounded him as he told her the tale she never thought she'd hear. The words hit her like knives in her chest as every scene played in her head. She could practically hear the gunfire with each bit of new information. The broken down Arkham. The laughter seemed to echo in the background like the ghost of the past. The draft swept between them as a morbid reminder. The wind seemed to get colder with each giggle that was remembered.

Was this going to change her thoughts on the whole thing? Bruce couldn't tell from Marsha's facial expressions. Knowing she didn't know any of this before only twisted a dagger in his chest. The child seemed to get no joy out of this new knowledge. Though when she finally lifted her head, there was a new expression there. Not a sign of sadness, anger, or rejection. Just determination. He expected nothing less.

"Then I guess I'm going to just have to work harder," she proclaimed, clenching onto the plans in her hands once again.

Bruce only nodded to Marsha before typing into the computer again. He could hear the response to the nod in the form of footsteps marching away, "What do you plan on doing when you find them?" The former Dark Knight asked the girl but he already knew the answer.

Marsha stopped in her tracks for a moment before looking back into the clouded eyes of the old man. They looked as though they had seen so much in their time on this earth. Nothing seemed to phase them anymore. Why would this?

"Whatever it takes."

Drip

Drip

Drip

They looked at the skeletons of a house in front of them. The smell of smoke still lingering in the air as the house's bones dripped from the lakes on whatever floor still stood. One would think that after so much time had passed the water would've dried. Gryphon stepped through the carnage surrounding him with analyzing eyes scoping the barren wasteland.

Serena transformed into a bloodhound, sniffing around the charcoal bits searching for smells or oddities around the carcass of the house. She couldn't help grumbling to herself as she pushed items and dust around the surrounding area. The green and yellow dog had been contemplating what they were doing. Their father was probably fine and they would have nothing to worry about. The look in his brother's eyes though spoke of something much different though. Something grave and distant.

Her ears listening to the splashing footsteps of her brother using his powers to move rubble from side to side. Finding little around them thus far, nothing suspicious, maybe a few bits of memorabilia their family might like but nothing worth noting until, "Hey check this out, Serena."

Gryphon stood over what looked like a large table at first. Thin and metallic with maybe some electronic fixtures inside to keep track of the news and what not. "Great we found a table", she remarked rolling her eyes. Taking another glance at it again she saw the remittance of paint still on it with an emblem on its face. "A white and black table…"

The young man scoffed at his sister, "Does a table have circuit boosters the other side for gliding potential?"

"So you do pay attention in class", she remarked. Gryphon looked at the side with the emblem again. Though the more he looked at it the less it looked like an emblem and the more it looked like a spade. His eye quirked to the edges of the image, tracing it for imperfections and clues he could understand.

"I thought the Royal Flush Gang was in prison", he remarked looking through the wreckage. Despite seeing the emblem pretty well, it was still a damaged vehicle. The once exact edges were now bent and frayed with wires here and there.

"I think so… but I don't really know, those types of current events don't interest me as much", Serena said truthfully, looking at the claw marks on the other side of the card. "There looks like there was a struggle..."

"Well no… really? I would've never guessed." Gryphon was only greeted with an annoyed stare at his twin. "It doesn't look like we can gain much more from this… are you sure there isn't anything else we can find around here?"

"We're not exactly detectives."

With a heavy sigh, Gryphon nodded in agreement but took pictures of the sight just in case. Maybe they could take it to someone who knows what they're doing later. For now, though they weren't much closer to finding their father. The only comfort was in their company of each other.

Markus flew down to the knocking from the front door with green gleaming excitement in his eyes. The sun was at his highest point today illuminating the gleaming sun in his eyes. This was it! This was the way he was going to get her out of her shell! He landed in front of the door taking a few breaths to calm himself down. Don't scare her, try to ease it all in. HIs hand holding the door with one last breath before opening up to reveal a familiar, short raven-haired girl greeting his gaze with her own.

"Hey", greeted the tall half alien. He moves away to give her a path inside what appeared to be a 2 leveled apartment. The walls were painted with vibrant colors of purple and blue with what looked like differing tech blinking and flashing around the room. The furnishings were relatively modern with plush rugs in the living room and abstract moving sculptures in the corners of the corridor going to the kitchen. "You're having trouble in engineering?"

"You said I could call", she replied flatly looking around the pictures on the walls. Seemed like someone has the perfect little life. A lot of happy memories on the walls with fun times playing out under the preserving glass. Her light green eyes scanning for anything off but it all seemed… proud and loving… She almost missed that with her own family. "I would work on it on my own but no matter what I do, it's like having one of those Antique IKEA sets."

Markus chuckled a little and closed the door after her, feeling a great deal of excitement still bubbling. Ever since she confessed that she needed help, he was excited to see the real girl that was under such a cold and hardened exterior. "We can work in the garage."

The short girl looked up at the redhead with a questioning expression on her face, "We're on the 30th floor..."

Markus' smirk just gleamed more brightly with a slight swagger in his step when he decidedly walked into the direction of this so-called "garage." She looked at her host for the afternoon from behind to really take him in. He was tall that much should've been obvious right than from a track runner. The muscles on his torso peeking through the undershirt while his arms had no muscle without definition. His legs move with a grace that one probably would be in a gazelle strolling in a forest.

Her eyes wandered around again to see all of the little details around her change from a bright colorful presentation to a warm grey tone clashing against cool blue tones. Marsha could see that the area was messy but organized. Some machines treated with respect while others were tossed to the side next to tools and oils. The distinct scent of gasoline and metal hit her nose like a train while Markus seemed to embrace it like an old friend.

"So then, what should we work on first", he asked, grinning excitedly.

Marsha nodded back like the pages of the blueprints seemed to lay about like cloth on the table instantly.

They worked together molding framing, programming, and testing each piece like a well-oiled machine. Sparks floating around like fireflies in the field of metal next to oil ponds. Markus grinned with every hard pull of his wrench as well as every question that she asked about each item. Little by little, she seemed to open a little to him. The curious spark was in her eyes whenever she looked up at him for answers.

Items were starting to come into a shape, which made him wonder more and more what exactly she was making. The character of the mechanics screamed something for flight, but others made the tech expert in him question why there was so many flexibility thin circuitry. Circuits that would have never seen the light of day unless making a computer or laptop… So strange… A knock came at the door interrupting the two's focus.

"Hello", smiled the orange-skinned woman. For someone her age, her body looked no older than that of a twenty-year-old. Her long red hair now held up into a ponytail, which didn't stop the wild made from going down her back. Her alien emerald eyes glinted at her son and this new girl that she couldn't help but feel familiar with. Something about her she just couldn't put a finger on. "I've brought you some lunch. Victor said you two would be hungry."

Marsha gave her best smile to the woman politely. Though, there was a question burning in the back of her mind like a plague. Markus smiled nervously at his mother as the guest's ears were too preoccupied to her own thoughts. How were they so relaxed while the world seemed so dim in comparison? Maybe that was just her though. Through working on her own research and frustratingly working on this suit, she thought the world was so much lighter than its reality.

Markus suddenly was extremely panicked and pushing his mother in the house. Oh, she should probably go back to listening to what they were talking about now.

"Mom! I can't believe you'd ask that!?"

"What? You're getting around that age", the full alien responded cheekily.

"I.. I just… Get out", the young man shouted, slamming the door with a deep blush over his cheeks. "Sorry about that… she's kinda obsessed with that kind of thing ever since her rediscovery of Rom Coms. I hope that didn't make you uncomfortable."

Marsha shook her head and let out a small smile in response, "It's okay. My mom used to be similar though my dad would've scolded her about bringing the subject around me." The alien emerald eyes widened at that knowledge… there… right there! It was a crack in the mask… something that he could try to talk about. She seemed to sense that and quickly stuffed her face with the rib sandwich his mother had brought in. "But that's not really important…", she could see that hopeful look in his eye.

Oh no! Quick! Think of something to change the subject!

"Soooo how did… they get together?" Marsha asked him as genuinely as possible. He blinked at her once before shifting to confusion.

"Why?"

"Well", she pondered, "I mean… it didn't seem like a likely match. It's not like its really obvious from what I heard from some old newspaper I saw."

The older teen was looked at her in consideration… it wasn't a terrible question, he supposed. Though he never really liked referring to his parent for conversation. It was something that made him feel like his accomplishments were only because of his parents, instead of his own hard work. Though after what little talk they had, Markus could see the ways that she saw him. Even though it was subtle.

The way she dissed him not caring about his parentage. The way that she seemed determined to do things on her own even when faced with her greatest weakness. He admired that about her even if it's starting to become unhealthy. Her eyes still looked at his for an answer. His fingers traced the smooth bread of the food in his hands like it was a map to this situation.

He sighed before taking a chomp out of this own sandwich, "You really want to know how my parents got together?"

"Sure", she shrugged, "If you want to."

Markus nodded and watching his guest's reactions as she listening, "Well… My parents as you know were part of a teen superhero group called the Titans. My mom was the resident alien, and my dad was the resident half the Justice League. machine and half man. My mom was dating Nightwing and the other was just staying at work with the Justice League." He starred off into space remembering the stories that his mother used to say to her.

She drank some water as she listened to his speech, seeing the searching in his eyes for the words. "My mom had been dating Nightwing for a while and they got married but… then apparently Raven, a former Titan herself, became consumed with jealousy and the powers of her father and interrupted the wedding… twice… it was odd. Finally, though, Nightwing and my mom called off the wedding after realizing that they had had their chance and it had passed."

He takes another bite the sandwich before Marsha chimed in, "And your dad just… scooped in to save the day?"

The emerald eyed teen chuckled a little, "Not exactly. Ya see my mom and dad just started working together. They were fine with each other. Working as good old time friends but, Mom was seeing something more in Dad and my dad was kinda oblivious. The whole sibling thing you know?" Marsha nodded in reply as he continued on with his story, "Then one day, they just finally looked into each other's eyes and they knew… 15 months later they had me."

"Oh, your parents' dated for 6 months before having you?"

"No that's how long the pregnancy was."

"Oh… oooh...", she had an almost terrified look on her face thinking about the alien in the middle of pregnancy for months longer than what usually would come. Her focus turned to her glass looking at the water to move around the clear surface.

Markus smiled at her perplexed stare of confusion before piquing his curiosity, "What about you? Your parents I mean."

"Well...", she glanced at the clock quickly before rushing to her feet. "Oh no! I gotta get home soon!"

"Huh", he looked at the clock and the sun setting. Had they really been working for so long? "I'll take you to your place. I just need the address."

"With all due respect, I don't think that even you could carry all of this at once plus me."

Markus had that same shining grin looking down at her small frame before jiggling his keys, "Who said anything about carrying?"

Terry's eyes remained glued on the screen looking through records and reports for Drake's murder. He needed to get it done… he had to. The dripping of water down beside his seat in the chair. The Royal flush gang was out and about as he had checked and wondered what 10 was doing back. His fingers gripped on the arms of the chair lightly hearing footsteps behind him.

"Bruce, have you found anything on the case", Terry asked to the unknown figure.

"That depends on what you found", Marsha replied with a smirk in her voice. Terry's heart dropped at her voice so confident and bold. He slowly looks at her masked face to see his fears reflecting back.

Her suit was finally put together. Her mask looked like a seamless connection with her cape with metallic green gradients going down to the tips of her cape. Her eyes were obscured by the mask's screens over her eye placements. He could practically feel the scanners on him sensing his every move. Her ears were covered with enhanced earphones probably there for communication purposes or whatever the old man had designed it for. The shining green gloves clung to her forearm with metal buttons containing each little utility for the suit. The rest of her arms were covered by black The torso piece was red with yellow circuitry around the R emblem on her chest.

The only thing breaking apart the red was a golden belt around her midsection. Terry assumed there was more in those pockets, much like his own. Her upper thighs were red also red, connecting to the red on her torso like an old bathing suit. Her legs were mostly covered by night black boots up to where her thighs cut off from the red with green paneling acting as shields for her knees and shins. Her tips of her steel toe boots shining metallic like the rest of the suit.

Terry looks back up at her face, noticing the wild spiking of her bangs and the large ponytail that seemed to defy gravity, "So you got it done?"

"I had a little help, but I'm ready to work", she replied. The latest Batman of the two stood up from the chair with steps echoing behind him as his hands grabbed her file from the desk. "Is that mine?"

"I've been looking over it as much as possible but I haven't really had the time considering the Justice League", he spoke honestly before glancing up at her. "You don't have to do this, Marsha."

Marsha frowned at that before grabbing the file out of his hands to look over it herself. "Call me Robin."

Next time: Beyond the Titans- Issue #3: Let's get started

Marsha: "What can you tell me about The Royal Flush Gang?"

Markus: "You'll ruin everything!"

Wren: "This is all so new for me... Am I ready?"

Gryphon: "We're looking for the same thing. We help you find whatever his name is... and you help us find our dad."

Serena: "How are you so sure?"

Static: "You have a decision to make."

"What an interesting new generation of heroes... you've all raised them well."