The waters on the bay shimmered like sparkling diamonds as the orange sun hung low on the horizon, warming the city with its waning amber glow as it slowly began to hide behind the horizon. Meanwhile the bayside boulevard was teeming with rush hour traffic as the local cubicle farm dwellers ground their way home in the relentless stop and go congestion.
TT-Robin stood on the roof's edge, his right leg was propped up on the ledge and he rested his right arm on it as he leaned forward. He sighed as he gazed upon his adoptive home town. Jump City was everything Gotham was not: warm, clean, positive and full of hope.
Hope. It was the reason he chose to move across the country to sunny west coast city. During his final year as the Dark Knight's sidekick he began to find Gotham oppressive, depressing to the point that it sapped the life from him. The decision to leave, to move on had come gradually. At first it was only a whim, a flight of fancy. But halfway through that fateful year, as he was discussing these thoughts with Barbara Gordon he came to realize what his problem really was.
It was Bruce.
Robin later learned that it wasn't just Bruce or Batman, but rather it was the organization above him: The Justice League.
There was no doubt that the League was composed of great superheroes, he had admired the Justice League as far back as his days of circus acrobatics. Every young boy idolized Superman and he had been no exception. And there were the others: The Flash, The Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and so many others.
And of course him, The Batman. Robin felt suffocated by the Dark Knight and in the end there was really only a single choice that he could make.
The sun was now dipping below the horizon, with only a single small sliver of it still peeking above the ocean, like a cosmic Kilroy, reminding everyone that it had indeed been here. And the dying sun reminded him of the day he told Bruce he was leaving, because after he told his mentor that it was over he felt that a part of him died that day.
Bruce's reaction was as expected: stoic. He tried to reason with Robin on why he should reconsider, on why it was a bad idea. Dick listened politely, impassively as his mind was already made up. Bruce first tried to use the 'he was needed' approach to persuade Robin to stay, but he wasn't having any of it. That was when Bruce made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. He told Dick that he wasn't ready and the he would fail if he struck out on his own.
Something snapped in Robin's mind when those ill chosen words were uttered. Dick couldn't remember exactly how he responded to Bruce's judgment, but they were the last words he had directed at his former mentor. There had been no contact between them since that fateful day.
Robin looked up at the horizon. The sun was gone and twilight was claiming the sky. It was then that he sensed he wasn't alone.
"What's up Raven?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. BY the way, dinner's ready."
Robin began to make his way to the roof access door.
"Thanks, I lost track of time … how's Beast Boy doing?"
"He's been sleeping all afternoon; his recovery will be slow, but steady."
Raven grabbed the Boy Wonder by his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.
"What's bothering you Robin? I can sense your turmoil."
"It's nothing Raven."
"Don't lie to me Robin, I'm not a mind reader like M'Gann but I'm still an empath."
Robin shrugged his shoulders after which Raven narrowed her eyes, frowning as what was bothering him became self evident.
"It's Batman, isn't it. You're dreading his arrival tomorrow morning."
He nodded his affirmation.
"But why, what are you afraid of Robin?"
Robin took Raven's hand and led her to a small couch Cyborg left on the roof, shielded from the elements by an awning. He gestured her to have a seat. Raven delicately sat down on the rooftop sofa and locked eyes with her friend.
The two "birds" had a special relationship. Even though they now both had romantic interests of their own they shared a special bond with each other. They had been mutual confidants since the day Raven entered Robin's mind to try to save him from hallucination trap Slade had left behind. She had learned his deepest secrets that day: how his parents died, his real name and even … Batman's identity.
Robin had never entered Raven's mind, unlike Beast Boy and Cyborg, but she did share some of her deepest secrets with him, including the crush she harbored in secret a long time for the green changeling.
"I'm not sure Raven."
"He has nothing over us Robin. We're independent, we always have been."
"He's coming on official Justice League business. He didn't say about what in his message, but I already know."
"Our guests."
"Exactly. We never should have allowed Kaldur to visit Aquaman."
"It was his right." She replied.
"I know, but now the League is going to demand that we let them handle this situation."
"Don't you think our guests have a say in the matter?"
"They're going to fold Raven; they won't stand up to the League. Why would they? They were just sidekicks back in their universe. They're used to obeying and kowtowing to the Justice League."
Raven closed her eyes as she pondered the situation for a moment.
"What do you think, Raven?"
She opened her eyes and sighed.
"You aren't going to like what I have to say. Maybe they are better off with the Justice League helping them get home. They have more resources than we do Robin."
Robin leaned back in the couch and groaned his disagreement.
"We don't get any respect from them. They think that we're just a bunch of kids that need a chaperone."
"Robin … we are kids. I just turned 17 and Beast Boy is still 16."
"We can hold our own Raven, we aren't amateurs."
"Of course we aren't. We're all good enough individually to be League material. But we are just 5 people. There are hundreds of members in the League, Robin. Maybe … we should let them handle this."
"I'm sorry Raven, but I can't just let this go. You saw how they reacted when they learned that we aren't sidekicks. They look up to us. If we fold, they'll be sidekicks for years, if not forever."
"I understand Robin, but that is their battle and not ours. But there's more to this, I can sense it."
Robin sighed.
"I wish he wasn't coming tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Why? In case you've forgotten your boyfriend has a hole in his chest, and it happened under my watch. You just wait and see, Batman's gonna hold that over me as proof that we need 'adult' supervision."
"Who cares what he thinks?" Raven snorted. "I don't."
"BUT I DO!" Robin snapped at her, instantly regretting his outburst,
"I'm sorry Raven, I shouldn't have shouted at you." He quickly apologized.
"Well, at least you've finally told me what's really bothering you."
Raven paused, carefully weighing her next words.
"Robin, you have been our leader from the beginning. Even though there have been a few lapses in judgment along the way, the truth is no one else could have done your job. Not Cyborg, not Starfire and certainly not me."
"What about Beast Boy? He led us back from defeat against the Brotherhood of Evil."
"You know I love him, but he couldn't take your place. You must believe me when I tell you this Robin, we look up to you. I look up to you. You don't have any superpowers and yet it was you who rescued me from Trigon's pit, you gave me the confidence to stand up to my father and defeat him. So don't worry about Batman. We don't care what he says or thinks about you. We know you far better than he does. And Robin … never forget that we're your family."
Robin gave her a grateful smile as Raven's communicator chirped. She flipped it open and saw Cyborg's impatient mug on the screen.
"You find him yet? Cuz dinner's gonna get cold soon."
"We're on our way Cyborg."
"It about time, and don't worry about the grass … I mean your boy toy … Star already brought him down."
"Thanks Cyborg, I'll teleport us straight into the dining room."
Raven flipped her communicator shut and turned to face Robin.
"Raven, thanks for being the sister I never had."
Raven smiled softly and gave him a hug, which he reciprocated.
"And thanks for being the brother I never had."
As they released each other she swung her cape around them, engulfing the pair in a black hemisphere that sank into the ground and disappeared.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tula's embrace tightened and she buried her face into Kaldur's shoulder, no longer able to hold back her sobs. He held her gingerly, feeling torn and even confused. I had only been a few weeks ago when he found out that she dumped him, taking up with Garth. The pain of the rejection burned in his chest but he also remembered the resolve with which he handled that emotional letdown. He returned to Mt. Justice and told Batman that he was ready to give 100% to the team. At the time it was easy to make that commitment as he simply wanted to get away from Atlantis, from Garth and most of all … from Tula.
But now the tables had been turned so to speak. As their leader he had a duty to his teammates, a duty to get them home. He wouldn't lie to himself; at that moment there was nothing that he wanted more than to restart his relationship with Tula. Knowing what he had to do, he opened his mouth and uttered the words, the words that would remind everyone of the painful truth, which they all knew, but wished they did not. He gently broke away from her embrace and holding her by the shoulders he gazed into her eyes.
"I am not the Kaldur'ahm from your past."
She closed her eyes and looked away from him as her jaw betrayed a subtle trembling.
"I know … and I don't care. Does it really matter?"
Kaldur closed his eyes and sighed.
"Perhaps it does not. But I have a duty to my team …"
"And what about your duty to me?"
He bit his lip. He dreaded what he was about to say, but she deserved to know the truth.
"Tula, we were not a couple on my world, at least not when I fell into your universe."
She shook her head in disbelief.
"So … you didn't love me?"
"I did, but you did not reciprocate. Back home, you were Garth's girlfriend and not mine."
"So why won't you stay then? Why go back there?" She paused. "There's someone else back there, right?"
"No, there is no one. Tula, we need to return to our universe, we … we do not belong here."
"I disagree." She snapped at him.
Aquaman stepped into the conversation.
"Kaldur'ahm, it is possible that we won't be able to locate your origin, at least not in a timely fashion. Batman performed some simulations. In a worst case scenario, it could take as long as 1000 years to find your universe. It's possible that you and your team might never return to your home."
The news hit Kaldur like a bucket of ice water. He had not entertained the possibility of being stranded permanently in this dimension. The knowledge of that possibility … changed everything.
"Perhaps we should return to the Tower." Garth added.
"I was about to suggest that myself." Aquaman added. "Batman will be visiting the Teen Titans and your team tomorrow. You should be there Kaldur'ahm."
"I agree, we should depart immediately." He then turned to the women. "I am sorry, but I am not who you want me to be. I am but a facsimile of the loved one you lost. I am sorry, but I cannot take his place … at least not at this time."
The two young men took their leave and swam out of the house, heading straight back to the Tower. Tula watched sadly until they disappeared into the ocean's depths and were no longer visible.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a brisk morning in Jump City and a windy one as well. Raven had changed into her gala costume, which included pants and faux fur trim on her cape and hood and she was glad as she felt the unseasonable cold chill in the wind that buffeted the Tower's rooftop. Beast Boy was sitting in his wheelchair, wearing a hoodie with the Titans logo over his Doom Patrol costume. Starfire and Cyborg, wearing their usual attire (or in his case, his usual lack of attire) stood next to them, at a deferent distance from the landing pad.
Robin had instructed them on how to behave around the Batman. First of all, no displays of affection. This wouldn't be a problem for Raven, who had yet to even hold hands with her green beau in public. For Starfire, who was very open publicly in her displays of affection, it was going to be pure hell.
Robin, along with Kaldur, stood closer to the landing pad on the rooftop. The Atlantean's team stood closer than any of the other Titans, as they were eager to meet the parallel Batman.
Soon the whine of jet engines filled the air. The Batwing flew around the Tower three times before slowing to a hover and landing gently on the platform. Kaldur noticed that Robin's Adam's Apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. They all remained still as the engines powered down and the two canopies on the Batwing popped open.
Batman emerged from the frontal compartment and jumped to the ground. He was followed by a petite girl who was wearing a light purple costume with a yellow Bat logo on her chest, she was also wearing thigh length dark purple boots, cape and cowl. She performed a handstand in the cockpit after which she flipped twice in the air, landing with the aplomb of an Olympic gymnast.
YJ-Robin approached his elder doppelganger and whispered to him "Who's that?"
"Can't you tell? It's Batgirl."
"I thought Babs was Batgirl."
"That is Babs."
The younger Boy Wonder shook his head in disbelief, as the diminutive girl standing next to the Batwing bore no resemblance to the Barbara Gordon he knew, except for her bright red hair. The elder Robin and Kaldur stepped forward and exchanged the official pleasantries with the Dark Knight and his companions as it began to rain. Robin then suggested that they continue with the introductions inside the Tower.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The walk to the common room was quiet. Kaldur led the way, followed by his team, with young Robin at the rear of the group, walking next to Batman. The iconic figure was clearly recognizable to him, even though the exposed portion of his face differed from the Batman he remembered. Batman glanced at the youngster occasionally, but said nothing.
The Titans walked behind Batman, with Batgirl standing next to the elder Robin. The two exchanged soft whispers. Starfire was on Robin's other side, and she glanced nervously at the spandex clad interloper who appeared to be more familiar with her beloved than she expected, and she felt uncomfortable with the situation. Taking a lesson from Raven's playbook, she kept a stoic look on her face and did not betray her inner discomfort.
Raven and Beast Boy trailed the group. Beast Boy was still wheelchair bound and Raven was in charge of wheeling him around. They had yet to exchange any words with the Dark Knight and his only interaction with them so far had been to give the Chromatically Challenged Couple™ an icy glare, which Raven was quick to return.
Soon the sliding doors parted and the combined group entered the common room. Batman walked to the middle of the room and the young heroes gathered around him. Older Robin then cleared his throat.
"Batman, I'd like to introduce you to the Teen …"
"I know who the Teen Titans are: Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran, Victor Stone of Metropolis, Garfield Logan from the Doom Patrol and Rachel Roth of Azarath."
He turned to the four Titans and their leader.
"I didn't come here to tell Robin how to run his team, not that he would listen to me. I see that young Mister Logan is injured and wheelchair bound while also entangled in a romantic relationship with the demoness. Meanwhile, my former protégé is also engaged in a romantic relationship, but with a subordinate. I'm afraid that the only one I find no fault with here is with Mr. Stone."
"Raven is not a demoness." Beast Boy challenged the Dark Knight.
"If you wish to split hairs Mr. Logan, then fine, she's a half demoness. Date her at your own risk young man."
Beast Boy growled as he began to rise out of his wheelchair, the anger was clearly boiling in his eyes. Raven placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and gently guided him back down to his seat.
"As I said, I'm not here to see the Teen Titans." He continued as he addressed the visitors. "I've come to see you, members of the Young Justice League."
He paused as he sized up the 6 young superheroes.
"You are trapped in this dimension and unfortunately we are still uncertain of your point of origin. Let me reassure you that we are working around the clock to resolve this problem. Unfortunately we can't predict when, if ever, we will be able to send you home."
"Batman, we thank you and local Justice League for your offer of assistance, which we accept. The Teen Titans have invited us to join them as Honorary Titans. We have also been offered to stay here at the Tower until we are ready to return to our home dimension." Kaldur replied.
"Kaldur'ahm, being that you and your team are junior members of the Justice League, unlike the Teen Titans, we expect you to stay with the Justice League. We will resume your training and provide you with the supervision that you require as teenagers. Nothing against the Titans, but you will be far better off being supervised and mentored by the Justice League than staying … here."
"Do we have say in this?" Artemis asked, her arms crossed in a defiant gesture.
"You do, but weigh your choice carefully. A shuttle is scheduled to come and collect you tomorrow morning."
The 6 teenagers responded with blank stares.
"I will see you tomorrow morning. Come Batgirl, it's time for us to leave."
Barbara waved goodbye to Robin as she followed her mentor into the elevator, which whisked them away back to the roof where the Batwing awaited.
"What a jerk!" Beast Boy howled. "I almost like Slade better than him."
"At least Slade respects us." Raven added.
As if on cue, the Tower alarms began to blare. Starfire was closest to the console and quickly began to type.
"The city is under attack by thousands of Robots."
"Thousands of robots?" Kaldur asked. "Who has that many robots?"
"Slade!" Robin growled as he slammed his fist into his palm.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
And now, without further ado, the mailbag!
Blood of the Dawn - "Oh my gods. I love the story and all but the false updates are really starting grate my nerves why don't you try something like actually updating!"
Before anything else, I'm really glad you like this story. As for the chapter bumps and "Actually updating", this is the third "actual update" in just 5 days. Are you expecting daily updates?
spartan585 - "what else can i say but wow:)
the story so far is downright intriguing. its great that uve managed to balance the amount of story time between the 2 groups of heroes. a bit of critique would be a bigger focus on the YJ team though but all in all this is a great story. i am most interested in wat slade has in mind for TT and YJ. he just never quits does he?;)
good story!"
I'm working on focusing more on the YJs. Its hard for two reasons: 1) The YJs are just getting started and are stil being developed in the new show. 2) The Teen Titans are more fun.
xXCanaryXx - "Alright almost 4 a.m. Wow. Ok two best lines ever, "Wow … I want to have his babies." and "We had passionate sex." just so hilarious. xD
Tee-hee I live the Supermartian fluffyness. Gives me butterflies. Just love those two. :)
Oi vey. Love Terra getting over her "depression," through a tub of ice cream. Classic.
Woah. Problems in the TT section? Gosh. Fanfictions just buggin out aint it?
Normally I'd write something longer but geez loise it's 4 a.m. And I have school in like ... Two hours.
Update real soon!"
Thanks! I liked the ice cream scene myself.
Naimeria - "Hello! You have a new reader on your hands! ;D
I love what you've done so far. Your writing style is addicting and very enjoyable to read. I like the story and the fusion of the two worlds was very well done on your part.
I'm really hoping for more action scenes, personally! I really like the way you write them and I hope I get to see more of them!
Looking forward to an update immensely!"
Thanks! More fighting to come as well as more Slade.
Master Doc - "Wow Superboy, for a dude that let fuckin rockets explode on him, sure are on the shy side when it comes to girls.
Awesome story but you knew that already."
Thanks! Hey, we all know that nothing is scarier than baring our hearts to a crush.
KaliAnn - "I really like this, but I felt Kaldur was too quick to judge and trust Aquaman's judgment about Raven and hinting at Slade. The League has troubles too and can't be control freaks over everyone! It seems like the two teams are blending and enjoying the company, but I want to see Slade taunt both Robins cause its fun!"
It's in the League's nature to be control freaks. I can only see the Titans as being a thorn in their side.
Riqis Inna Sunja - "That was great! i heard in one of your reply's that there will be a robin to robin chapter, i cant wait for that one! he is my favorite character in young justice, and second favorite character in teen titans, next to raven. keep up the good work! i cant wait for another chapter!"
Well, maybe not a whole chapter. But there will be a talk.
Linzerj - "Aww...yay, Terra does not deserve BB. *stabs Terra with Forky the Pitchfork* Lovely job so far, can't wait for more!"
Terra's role is far from over in this story.
shesXsuperXfreaky - "ohhh fluff ;)"
I got WAY too carried away (hangs head in shame).
AzNx dRiFtEr - "Thanks for responding to my review. I like the kissing part with rae and bb. It wasn't to raunchy or junk it was nice and pleasent like the story should be:D. More drama to come with Kal's personal problem and Terra's anger issues. Btw finally super and Martian kissed"
Since so few people bother to review I always acknowledge those who do take the time.
Vivi -"Genial que actualizaras, lamento no haber dejado reviews en los caps anteriores, pero con tanto que hacer no puedo dedicar mucho tiempo a los fics.
En fin, ya me gustaría ver las reacciones de los Robin con la llegada de Batman, me imagino que serán completamente diferentes. Ah si, y más también entre ambos Flahs, tengo la impresión que de ahí saldrán conversaciones muy entretenidas.
Que estés súper!"
Gracias. Este cuento tiene tantos personajes que en verdad cuesta trabajo darles as todo la atencion que se merecen. Pero Robin y Batman son personajes especiales, asi que tendran la atencion.
YJluvr - "wait kal is betrothed 2 tulu? LOVE IT AND UPDATE SOON!"
Yeah, I pulled that out of nowhere. They are clearly through in the show.
GreenRock - "Many fine plotlines unfolding after just six chapters. I think it'll be interesting to see where all these plotlines lead, how they will be resolved if any (definite) tripulations stand in the way and how they will all link in with any pending danger."
I need to be careful with the plot lines as there are so many characters in the story, otherwise it wil turn into a big, plotless ball of spaghetti.
OwlheadAthenaonheripad - "Oh my gods *hyperventilates* my review was answerd
Yeah, I'm such a nerd XD
Anyway, love this story!
Holy crap, kaldur's getting MARRIED?
Yay! BBxRae!
Where is the Waltermis?
Yup, still lame XD
Poor Terra, she's experiencing her first heartbreak... xD"
As you now know, no ones getting married. Tula is haertbroken and Kaldur .. well let's just say he has a lot on his mind right now.
kitty723 - "there was alot of raven in that story,is she your fav? awesome,will u add more artemis and robin in the next one,thanks update soon lol"
Raven is a good character, she's smart, mysterious and enigmatic.
underthemoonandstars - "It's very easy in a crossover to let some characters fall through the cracks but you do a really good job at keeping everyone in the story. I really like the way you bring in the Aqualads because no one ever does. Poor Kaldur never gets the spotlight! So far so good."
It's been really hard to give everyone their due. I'm surprised that Kaldur is so neglected in other stories. Like Raven he is a very deep character.
Gingerstorm101 - "*shuves the ice cream tube up slades ass and kills and buries beast boys body will terra*
you know these aren't flames... they are just my imagination..."
No more caffeine for you! LOL
TheNightwingfan - "Interesting. Superboy/Miss M was great. Love all this love going around! Seems like Kaldur has a little but of a problem haha can't wait to read more about it!"
I've been dwelling too much on the pairings. It's time for some action!
SuperninjaX - "CANT WAIT FOR NEXT CHAPTER!"
Ta da!
Illucida - "I find it kinda weird that Slade was defending the BB/Rae pairing. O.o I liked the ending bit of the scene where Slade tells Terra that she has to save Raven's life.
This was very...pairing-y. I don't mean to be rude or complain, but please remember to keep the integrity of the characters. When writing a story, ask yourself "Would this character really do this?" And if the answer is no, "How can I change this?"
I think you have so much potential. You're just getting bogged down by fandom, and seeming to just be writing what the readers want with no actual plot line in sight.
Remember there is a difference between crack, and bad writing. You're not quite to the point of bad writing yet (as in, there are shining bright spots of potential in this)but this isn't exactly good writing either.
I apologize if I have offended you in any way, shape, or form. If you would like to respond, please do so through review reply.
I will continue to read, but if you prefer that I do not review any longer, please, feel free to say so."
Thanks for your honest and thoughful review. I pretty much agree with what you have said. With that out of the way, well, this is fan fiction, and not "literature". Still, I want it to be as good as it can be, and I will take your constructive criticisms to heart. Thanks!
babytiger5360 - "Damn! That was a very interesting chap! Finally raven and BB kiss; and no to mention Megan and Conner! Man I love this story! But I was wondering is there going to be a tt-robinxstarfirexYJ-robin triangle? :D"
I think there have been enough pairings in this story. Plus you don't really think Star would trade her serious and brooding Robin for a smart alecky one, do you?
titanfan45 - "You say this chapter was the biggest pile of mush you've ever writen. Mush or fluff is a good thing and you can never have to much BB/Rae mush/fluff. Anyway, I liked the mention that Batman in the TT universe was probably as big a jerk as their own in the YJ universe. Go Superboy! Megan feels the same so maybe he can stop being Mr. Moody and Sullen. Wonder what Slade is gonna stage so that Terra can save Raven's life."
It was pure mush. I won't even try to defend it.
