Deep within the Jump City junkyards, a single cybernetic being was hard at work. The being, as always, was mostly covered by a black cloak.
The room itself, hidden from the portal-covered night sky aboveground, was dark aside from the occasional flashes of white and blue light.
A few tools and gadgets floated over and around the being. The being's eyes flashed bright blue and the one of the devices moved to the being's latest scientific project that lay on the long metal desk in front of him. The device latched onto the project and slowly turned, pressing in one last screw.
The flashes of lights created by the tools and gadgets ceased. The cybernetic being allowed the objects to fall to the ground and the overhead light came back on, illuminating the room.
The being looked upon his creation. Good. At last, you are complete.
The being took a step back and his eyes flashed again, raising the metal desk to a vertical position before wrapping his creation in a silver cloak with black straps and zippers.
The being placed his hands together. By dawn, you shall help me ascend. I shall finally understand what it is again to truly be… human.
A cracked monitor lit up in the corner of the room and an alarm sounded as the room started to flash with blue light.
The being walked up to the monitor, examining the briefing that materialized onscreen. Electric powerplant. Massive fluctuations detected. Probability of hostile intention… high. Threat level… unknown. Assistance shall be offered.
…
Red X turned down a dark alley and stopped, thoughtfully glancing at the Titans Communicator that rested on his hip.
After a few seconds, Red X shook his head and continued out of the alley, standing across the street from an electric powerplant. Red X looked down at a puddle left behind by the mid-day rain and saw portals reflected in the sky above.
For a brief second, a green hawk could be seen flying past the reflection.
Red X grunted. "You really need to work on your tailing skills."
The hawk screeched and dropped down behind Red X.
"You just noticed me?" Beast Boy said, resuming his human form with a cocky smile. "I've only been tailing you for—"
"Twenty minutes and forty-two seconds give or take," Red X said as Beast Boy's mouth dropped open. "I could have easily lost you in the alley. All of them, actually."
"Maybe if you weren't sneaking off every night, I wouldn't feel the need to keep an eye on you," Beast Boy said defensively.
"You're talking as if you don't sneak off to that school once a week?" Red X retorted. He sighed. "If you like the girl, just talk to her. But I don't think she'll appreciate you stalking her."
"I'm not stalking her," Beast Boy argued, speaking quickly. "I'm just keeping her safe. Plus, there's a game store right next to it and—"
"And she can't protect herself the way she used to," Red X said as he started walking. His voice held no judgment. "And if you want to keep using the excuse that your favorite game store is close by, be my guest. I really don't care."
"Yeah…" Beast Boy said as he walked behind Red X. "I bet video games are way beyond your interest."
"Ever since I got the world high score on Mega Monkeys 4.2, I've been going easy on the gaming," Red X answered, turning to walk alongside the electric powerplant.
A few of the coils on the power conduits started to spark, briefly drawing the thief's attention
"That was you who got the high score?" Beast Boy asked excitedly. He quickened his pace so that he was walking beside Red X as he continued to speak. "How'd you get past level five without getting hit? Because I—"
Red X stopped and glanced at Beast Boy for a moment.
Beast Boy closed his mouth quickly and looked down, trying to act confident. "I mean… that's cool. But I bet you didn't get your MM4 copy from—"
"Eastern Zandia," Red X said, continuing to walk.
Beast Boy groaned.
"I was second person to pre-order it," Red X allowed. "It's nice to see you have some taste."
Beast Boy opened his mouth to reply when a large burst of electricity from the powerplant lit up the street. Red X and Beast Boy looked at each other before jumping over a fence and running into the field of electric towers located at the center of the plant.
They were greeted by a large being made mostly of white electricity. The being was outlined with a light blue aura and there was an intricately lined red and black circuit card in the villain's chest. With each new burst of light, the being absorbed more electricity and grew larger.
It was now twice as tall as Beast Boy and Red X.
"X, Beast Boy?" Jinx called through their Communicators. "Are you two anywhere near the—"
"Electric powerplant?" Beast Boy suggested. "Uh… you could say that."
"It's Overload," Red X explained as the electric giant turned to them, roaring loudly. "Get here."
Overload started to walk forward. "Titans…" he growled slowly.
Red X threw an X-shuriken at Overload and it was batted aside. Beast Boy ran forward, jumping and turning into a hippo. He landed on a large puddle, creating a wave of water that sailed toward Overload.
Overload took a cautious step back to avoid the one element that could hurt him as Beast Boy resumed his human form and returned to Red X. A few seconds later, Raven and Jinx materialized out of a raven made of magic. Red X gave them a nod and they turned to face Overload.
"Overload needed charge," the electric being said, motioning to the towers around them. "Now, Overload get revenge. Two birds, one stone."
"If you have no charge," Jinx said, stepping forward. "Then you don't get revenge."
"Wait!" Raven warned.
Jinx rushed forward and slid through a puddle, sending waves of pink energy all around. A few towers burst with electricity and shorted out, but not before Overload sucked the electricity from the air and into his own body, making him even larger.
Jinx's eyes widened as Overload threw electricity in her direction. Red X reacted quickly, latching onto Jinx with Xenothium adhesive and yanking her out of the way. Jinx landed on her feet and gracefully spun out of the adhesive. The Titans and Red X slowly turned and looked at her.
"Oops," Jinx said with an embarrassed look.
Overload roared and charged forward. Raven glided into the air as her hands began to glow. The mud that covered the ground rose into the air and flew in Overload's direction. Overload stretched his form, allowing the mud to fly under his left arm and increased his size yet again using a nearby tower.
"Any ideas?" Raven asked.
"Jinx was right," Red X said. "No electricity means no power." He looked at Raven.
Raven raised an eyebrow.
Red X started running in Overload's direction. "Just keep up."
Red X propelled himself off an inactive tower and jumped high in the air, using both hands to shoot adhesive at an electrified tower near Overload. The adhesive made contact and Red X swung himself around the tower.
Overload attempted to draw electricity from the tower but withdrew his arm in anger when the Xenothium blocked his path. Red X landed on the ground briefly and looked at Raven.
Raven nodded. "Take out the towers."
Beast Boy turned into a mammoth and charged toward the nearest tower, digging his tusks into the ground and upending one of the sources of Overload's power.
Jinx gathered her energy again and sent hexes into the screws and bolts that held up a nearby tower. The supports popped off and the tower fell apart.
Red X jumped again, still attached to the tower.
Raven raised her arms. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
Magical energy surrounded Red X, vastly increasing his momentum and allowing him to quickly wrap the entire tower in Xenothium, rendering it useless. Red X released his grip and, still in midair, attached himself to another tower.
Overload was slowly pushed back, trying in vain to hit the Titans as they destroyed or immobilized the towers.
Minutes later, only a handful of towers remained.
Suddenly, Overload stopped and started to chuckle.
"Wait!" Red X ordered, coming to a stop as Jinx and Beast Boy moved toward the final towers.
Overload laughed and spoke again as the Titans froze. "No towers, no electricity," the electric being mocked. He motioned to the rest of the bright city in the distance. "No electricity means city in danger from portals and other criminals."
"He's right," Raven said, floating to the ground. "We'll lose all power in this sector if we keep this up."
"I hate it when the villains are smart," Beast Boy said loudly.
"Anybody have a Plan B?" Jinx asked.
"Perhaps I can offer an alternative," somebody said from behind Overload.
Overload turned to see the cybernetic being, Fixit, standing behind him.
Fixit was dressed in his usual black coat that was held together by several silver zippers and straps. His eyes were a shade of light blue and his forehead held a power core that allowed him to manipulate the fifty handmade, waist-high robots of various shapes and sizes that started to dig themselves up through the dirt behind him and the electric giant.
Fixit took one step forward, speaking to Overload. "I offer you one last chance to surrender."
Overload laughed and swung an electric arm down at Fixit. Fixit gracefully dodged to the side before joining the Titans. Overload attempted to strike him again. Fixit kept his back to the villain and continued to dodge the attacks.
Red X jumped down in front of Fixit.
Fixit looked at Red X for a moment before speaking to the Titans, still dodging Overload's blows. "It is good to see you again Titan Beast Boy, Titan Raven, and Titan Jinx. If you would like to continue removing the towers, I will keep Overload occupied and the city's power operational."
Red X saw Jinx raise an eyebrow, seemingly confused as to how Fixit knew of her.
"How are you going to keep power on in the city if we take out the towers?" Beast Boy asked.
"My creations will attend to that," Fixit answered, dodging one last blow from Overload.
Fixit turned, his eyes flashing. The various robots linked their bodies together and started to glow as well, gathering all the nearby electricity. Seconds later, one of the robots went underground. Lines of white light glowed from beneath the ground, traveling across the city and to all known power stations.
"Cool light show," Jinx commented.
"My creations have become the temporary power source for the city and will maintain electrical balance until such time that this station is repaired," Fixit explained.
Raven placed a shield around everyone as Overload fired several bursts of electricity in their direction before roaring in anger.
"Let's go!" Beast Boy said.
Raven released the shield and Beast Boy turned into a mammoth again as he and Jinx charged into the final group of towers.
Fixit turned to Red X as Raven started to provide cover for Jinx and Beast Boy.
"What are you?" Red X asked Fixit, folding his arms.
"I…" Fixit seemed to think for a moment. "I wish to be human. My purpose to is to aid the Teen Titans, better the human aspects of myself, and protect the city."
"Can you be hacked?" Red X asked.
"No," Fixit said. He took a step forward, offering a mechanical hand. "I have yet to make your acquaintance. I am Fixit. You are Thief Red X. Temporary ally of the Teen Titans. You are adept in the use of Xenothium, efficient in acrobatics, advanced in multiple forms of hand-to-hand combat, and have a higher escape rate than any criminal currently residing in Jump City."
"You're well informed," Red X said.
"Hellooo!" Beast Boy called as he and Jinx destroyed the final tower. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have a criminal to deal with here!"
"Temporary Titan Red X," Fixit said, reaching into his pocket and extracting two silver spherical devices. "If you would allow it, I would like to test my new adaptor probes on your Xenothium adhesive. I believe that by combining them, I can—"
Red X glanced over Fixit's shoulder and saw Overload grab two fallen electrical towers off the ground, infuse them with a minimum amount of electricity and throw them their direction.
Red X pushed Fixit out of the way before rolling to the side, barely avoiding the large projectiles.
Red X turned to Fixit. "I believe in doing rather than talking," the thief said. "Are your devices ready?"
"They are."
Red X turned to Overload and shot adhesive in the giant's direction. Fixit threw the probes into the adhesive. As the adhesive reached Overload, Fixit's eyes began to glow bright blue.
The probes in the Xenothium glowed blue as well. Then, as Fixit moved his hand, the adhesive stretched and wrapped itself around Overload, blinding the electric villain.
"Cool trick, Fixit," Beast Boy called.
"Let's take him down," Jinx said.
Beast Boy turned into an elephant.
Jinx looked at a nearby fire hydrant and waved her hand in its direction. The fire hydrant glowed with pink energy before extensive water pressure built up at its base and finally burst through the ground.
Raven raised her hand, motioning to the rising water. "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
Raven used her magic to guide the water into Beast Boy's mouth. Beast Boy turned in Overload's direction as Red X released the adhesive ropes.
Fixit waved his hand again and the probes deactivated. The adhesive cocoon around Overload fell apart. Overload turned only to be greeted by a blast of water from Beast Boy's elephant trunk.
Without a power source to draw upon and unable to reach Fixit's robots for a burst of electricity, Overload shorted out, his scream of anger and pain deteriorating into an electronic whine. His electric body disappeared, leaving only the red and black circuit card on the ground.
The Titans and Red X relaxed and looked at each other.
Red X nodded respectfully at Fixit as the Titans reached them.
"It's good to see you," Raven said to Fixit.
"Like, really good," Beast Boy agreed, tossing Overload's circuit card up and down in his hand.
Jinx slowly walked forward, looking at Fixit. "So, uh… what's your story?" she asked.
Fixit smiled slightly.
…
There's new trouble. We know who to call…
TEEN TITANS!
The old Titans, they can't stop it all…
TEEN TITANS!
With all the evil on the attack,
they won't rest until they got your back.
The world will need more heroes on patrol…
TEEN TITANS DAWN!
Now a new team must come to the light…
TEEN TITANS!
Our world will surly perish if they don't unite…
TEEN TITANS!
There's a path must be run.
A path that leads straight to the dawn.
'Cause without Titans, evil gains control…
TEEN TITANS DAWN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
DAWN!
TEEN TITANS!
…
Fixit:
"Perhaps… I am the one in need of repairs."
– Fixit. Season 1: Episode 5 "The Sum of His Parts."
…
"Fixit"
Fixit looked up at the portals that covered the sky and then at the city below. "We should make repairs to this station quickly. My creations may be needed elsewhere soon."
"So… no 'hi'?" Beast Boy asked.
Fixit turned to Beast Boy, speaking calmly. "Hello, Titan Beast Boy."
"It's just Beast Boy," the green Titan clarified.
Raven lowered her hood. "Raven's good for me too."
Jinx held out a hand. "Jinx is fine," she said as Fixit shook her hand firmly. Jinx pointed at Red X. "You can call him 'X'."
"Red X," the thief corrected. "And don't ever call me a Titan."
Fixit nodded and turned to the power station again as the Titans looked at each other.
…
"I've got an idea," Beast Boy said suddenly. He looked at Raven. "What do you think?"
Raven raised an eyebrow and slowly nodded. "I'm surprised that you thought of that right away," she admitted.
Beast Boy stuck out his tongue. "You're just jealous that you didn't think of it first," he gloated.
…
"They're doing it again," Jinx said to Red X as Raven and Beast Boy continued to banter. "Reading each other's minds and not talking to us."
"I keep up alright," Red X said, folding his arms.
"I do too," Jinx said quickly. "Still… it's cool to watch."
…
"This type of interaction is still confusing to me," Fixit commented, scanning the damage of the battle. He finished and turned back to the Titans and Red X. "I estimate that it will take three hours and twenty-two minutes to complete repairs."
"Sounds like fun," Beast Boy said unenthusiastically.
Raven elbowed Beast Boy in the arm. "Get on with your idea," she said irritably.
Beast Boy stepped forward, extracting a Communicator from his belt. "How would you like to be a Teen Titan, Fixit?"
Fixit looked at the device for a moment. He closed his eyes, running through scenarios. "This question has many factors," he said carefully. "It is wisest to complete repairs to this area before continuing this conversation."
…
"This could take a while," Jinx said quietly to Red X with an amused look.
"The repairs can be done in seconds," Red X said, looking at her and tapping his folded arms.
Jinx raised an eyebrow and sighed, grabbing her Communicator. "Alright," she said dramatically. "I'll see if he's in the country."
…
Fixit held up a hand as Beast Boy started describing how cool it would be to live in Titans Tower.
Beast Boy continued talking until Raven placed a hand over his mouth.
Fixit turned to see Jinx pulling a six-pack of energy bars out of her pocket.
Fixit opened his mouth to question her but stopped as his eyes flashed. "I'm detecting a massive break in the sound barrier," Fixit said. "I estimate that the source of the break will arrive in five, four, three—"
A blur of yellow and red flew between everyone and the electrical towers seemingly started to repair themselves.
Fixit noticed that Red X had unfolded his arms.
Fixit ignored thief and scanned the constantly moving blur, receiving a highly pixilated image of a young man.
The final tower suddenly stood upright, and the yellow and red blur flew between them again.
Fixit turned back to the Titans and Red X.
Jinx was now holding a rose in place of the energy bars and there was a hat in the shape of a cheese wedge on her head. The Titan pocketed the rose and walked up to Fixit, placing the hat on Red X's head as she passed the thief.
"That's my boyfriend," Jinx explained as Red X quickly took off the hat before tossing it to Beast Boy. Jinx shrugged. "He was in Wisconsin."
"I am impressed by his ability to reconstruct the towers so quickly and efficiently," Fixit said. "I understand that it generally takes humans, even those who are enhanced, a good deal of time to learn the finer points of construction and electrical engineering."
"He speed-reads," Jinx replied.
"So," Beast Boy said, placing the hat on his head. "About you joining the Titans…"
"I believe that I would make the team more…" Fixit stopped speaking, searching for the right word. "Efficient."
"I would agree with that," Raven said, eyeing Fixit's robots as they unlinked themselves and started to disappear underground.
"You definitely passed the impromptu audition," Jinx said, motioning to the circuit card in Beast Boy's hand.
Fixit turned and looked to Red X.
Red X stepped forward, folding his arms again. "I agree that you have the skill set and tech abilities that they're looking for," he said with a grunt. "But I can already tell that you seem to lack the improvisational skills required to beat our enemies. You always calculate before moving. For example, Jinx's boyfriend arrived two seconds earlier than you predicted. What if that was an attack or a bomb? Calculation's not always a luxury we have."
"Hmm…" Fixit said thoughtfully. He looked up again. "Please, come to my home. There is something I wish to show all of you."
Beast Boy slowly placed the Communicator on his hip.
Fixit turned and started to walk away without another word.
…
Red X lingered near the back of the group as the Titans moved to follow Fixit, throwing a glance at the Titans Communicator on his belt.
…
Raven held out her hand to Beast Boy.
Beast Boy handed her Overload's circuit card.
Raven took the card and held out her hand again.
"No way," Beast Boy said, glancing at the cheese hat on his head and folding his arms.
Raven sighed.
Beast Boy turned to follow Fixit again only to have the hat snatched by a hand of black energy. The hat landed in Raven's palm. A line appeared from her hand and flew back to Titans Tower miles away. When the line disappeared, the circuit card and hat were gone.
Beast Boy groaned.
"I'm not going to be seen anywhere near you when you're wearing that," Raven said.
Behind them, Jinx smiled and looked at Red X as the thief caught up to the group.
…
Fixit led the Titans to the junkyard, underground, and past his robot guards.
"Does old man Tito mind you still living down here?" Beast Boy asked, his voice echoing down the hall.
"We have an arrangement," Fixit said. "I provide power and repairs when needed, and in return I get exclusive picks on all electronics as well as a free charging station."
"You made these?" Jinx asked, eyeing the mismatched and cobbled-together robots.
"Things come to me broken," Fixit explained. "I make repairs and modifications."
"There aren't as many as the first time we were here," Raven commented as Beast Boy started to count with a finger.
"I have dispatched many of my creations to oversee portal operations," Fixit replied.
"Are they dangerous?" Red X asked.
"Only when provoked."
"And who decides when they are provoked?" Red X pressed.
"I understand your suspicion of me," Fixit said, turning to Red X as they reached the lab and moved to its center. "I have learned through my study of humans that trust does not come easily to your… our kind. Especially for those in your specific line of work, Red X."
"I trust your technology to do what it's programmed for," Red X said, looking around the room full of monitors as the lights activated. "But what happens when your technology is not enough?"
"Repairs and modifications are made."
"To yourself?" Red X pressed. "What happens when you fail?"
"Sentients evolve," Raven said to Red X. "That's how all species work."
"They evolve naturally," Red X said. "Developing new codes and making modifications is not the same thing."
"Why can't it be?" Beast Boy asked. "I mean, we 'modified' your mask by putting a tracking device on it and you adjusted in the blink of an eye."
"I adapted," Red X corrected. "Not adjusted. I haven't changed."
"Yet," Jinx muttered.
Red X glanced at her. "What I mean," he said, turning back to Fixit as he continued. "Is that humans and other sentients adapt. You don't adapt. It's all calculation."
"Your point being?" Raven asked.
"Willpower is the ultimate power," Red X clarified. "Calculations have nothing to do with it. You can adjust, you can change your programming, but you can't go beyond it. You are limited."
Fixit tipped his head. "My download speed is—"
"And what if the situation is faster?" Red X interrupted. "What good can you possibly do if—"
"Hey!" Beast Boy interrupted. "Fixit's been on the good side for a long time. What gives you the right to—"
Raven held a hand out to silence Beast Boy. "Let it play out," she said quietly.
Fixit didn't respond right away. After a few seconds, he spoke. "I understand your hesitation, Red X. These… questions and adjustments have taken much data processing to sort through."
"Data," Red X said, shaking his head. "You make decisions in calculations only. You do not think. You are not human."
"I was once," Fixit said. He led the group to a tarp-covered table. "It will take many years for me to find my truest form. But, with the help of my creation, I hope to rediscover what it is to be… human."
"You built a machine to teach you how to be human?" Red X asked skeptically.
"X," Jinx said quietly. She stood beside the thief. "Just give him a chance."
Red X sighed and took a small step back.
Fixit nodded at Jinx respectably before speaking. "Much of what you have said is true, Red X. I do not yet have the ability to act without calculation. However, for some time I have been searching for a way to change this."
Fixit placed a hand on the tarp covering his newest creation.
The Titans gathered and Red X around the table.
Fixit pulled off the tarp, revealing an inactive cybernetic being that looked much like himself. The only difference was that of the silver cloak, black zipper, and straps which contrasted with Fixit's own black cloak, silver zipper, and straps.
"I call him 'XY'," Fixit explained.
"Can it do everything you can do?" Jinx asked, gazing at Fixit's lookalike.
"I created him as my equal in order to achieve maximum learning efficiency," Fixit said. "However, it's powers of calculation only exceed my own in one respect."
"Humans," Red X said.
Fixit nodded. "I created XY to help me study, understand, and eventually, become more human. His one and only priority is the study and understanding of humans."
"How?" Raven asked.
"I have transferred much of my memories into XY's processor," Fixit explained. "Though he looks immobile, he has been studying this data since I began construction."
"He's you?" Jinx asked.
"He…" Fixit hesitated. "I do not have the answer to that question, Jinx. He has my memories and abilities. However, he is of a different form."
"You call him 'he'," Red X said. "What does that make you?"
"I am Fixit," Fixit replied.
"Can we please move on?" Beast Boy groaned. "I'm starting to get a headache with all this science talk."
"It's not just science, Beast Boy," Jinx teased.
"So when are you going to activate it?" Raven asked.
"I was about to do so prior to Overload's attack," Fixit answered. "Now that there are no immediate threats, I believe—"
Suddenly, XY sat up as Beast Boy poked the side of the cybernetic being's head.
"I didn't do it!" Beast Boy said frantically as he jumped back.
"We can't take you anywhere," Raven groaned with a shake of her head.
"Beast Boy is correct," Fixit said curiously, turning to XY as his clone's eyes lit up red and began looking around. "XY seems to have initiated startup himself."
"That doesn't inspire comfort," Red X commented.
There was a series of clanging from beyond the lab.
Jinx walked to the doorway and peered down the hall. Raven stood beside Fixit and Red X as Beast Boy turned into a moth, using his superior hearing to observe beyond the confines of the room.
"Why have you activated?" Fixit asked XY.
"I have concluded my processing of data," XY said in a voice that sounded just like Fixit's. "I believe that your ability to understand what it is to be human is incomplete due to your limited interaction with humans themselves."
"So, it is true," Fixit said, stepping forward as the clanging outside the room grew louder. "Joining the Titans is the most efficient way of learning what it is to be human."
"You are incorrect," XY said.
"Fixit!" Jinx called. "Can you deactivate your… friends, please."
"She's right," Beast Boy said, returning to his human form. "I don't speak robot, but that clanging does not sound like 'happy' clanging."
"How am I incorrect?" Fixit asked XY.
Red X and Raven crossed in front of one another with Raven joining Jinx and Red X joining Beast Boy as the ceiling began to shake and dirt started to fall.
"I have concluded that, due to the current crisis the world faces, Thief Red X is correct," XY answered, his eyes continuing to flash bright red. "In order to save as much sentient life as possible, you must learn to… think. You must learn to understand what drives a human."
"And how can I do this?" Fixit asked.
"Incentive is needed," XY answered. "Incentive shall be provided."
"What 'incentive'?" Raven asked.
"Us," Red X said.
The tunnel lit up red as many of Fixit's creations ran into view. Above, more robots dug through the ceiling and started to fall upon them.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven shouted, turning away from the doorway and creating a shield overhead, stopping some of the falling Robots.
Jinx ran forward and waved her arms, sending pink energy into the robots coming through the door and causing their screws to fly out of their bodies and into other robots, creating small explosions.
Red X quickly grabbed Beast Boy and tugged him aside as the robots Jinx missed dove at them through the doorway. Beast Boy looked at Red X in surprise before turning into a bear and chopping away at the incoming robots.
"Fixit, anytime you want to shut these things down…" Jinx called as she flicked her wrist, causing another robot to explode.
"I am unable to do so," Fixit said, still standing in the middle of the lab across from XY. "It seems my ability to control them as been overridden."
"Perfect," Red X grunted as he used his adhesive to create a Xenothium slingshot and threw a few X-Shurikens into it.
Beast Boy turned into a crocodile, grabbed the Xenothium in his jaws, and pulled back. He released the Xenothium. The X-Shurikens flew from the adhesive and impaled themselves in several robots, causing an explosion that temporarily slowed the endless onslaught of machines.
Fixit turned to XY, his eyes flashing.
Fixit's attempts to shut XY down were countered as the other cybernetic being's eyes lit up again.
"Manual electronic shutdown is futile," XY said.
Fixit surged forward, unleashing a palm strike, an elbow, and a fist. Each were perfectly countered by XY. Fixit threw one more punch. XY caught the hand and unleashed a punch of his own. Fixit caught the punch and found himself in a test of strength as they both tried to push forward. After a few seconds, both beings released their grips.
"I have processed all your combat simulations and experiences," XY said. "We are equally matched and therefore cannot defeat one another. We are the constants. Your human companions are the variables."
"The 'variables' can use a little help here!" Beast Boy interjected, turning into a rhino and charging into a large robot.
"My army is sufficient to defeat the Titans," XY said. "There is only one logical outcome."
Fixit took a moment to process.
The Titans and Red X backed into the center of the room, forming a circle.
"There weren't this many of these things when we were coming in!" Jinx said as the robots started to crowd around them.
"We need to surrender," Red X said calmly.
"What?" Beast Boy said.
"Fixit?" Raven asked, forming a shield around them. The robots charged into the energy and the shield began to crack. Raven exerted a little more power. "Where are these things coming from?"
"The wisest of the Titans is correct," XY said, holding his hands behind his back. "These creations have been repurposed. You wish to increase the trade of information with humans, Fixit. Because of this, I urge you to explain the situation to them instead of myself."
"These creations were observing and guarding the nearest portals," Fixit said as Raven's shield continued to crack. "With each creation that arrives here, the risk to the city and the world increases."
Beast Boy looked around as the robots crawled on top of one-another and started to press down on the shield form above. "And I thought we were in trouble."
"You are putting sentients at risk," Fixit said to XY. "You are going against your purpose."
"My purpose is to assist you in the understanding of what it is to be human," XY said. "The guarding of portals is irrelevant to that purpose."
Fixit looked around as Raven's shield shattered. The robots slowly moved forward as the Titans readied themselves. Beast Boy turned into a gorilla, Raven's hands glowed back, Jinx's fingertips flared with pink energy, and Red X extended his Xenothium wrist-blades.
"My calculations are complete," Fixit finally said. "Red X is correct. Surrender is the best option."
XY's eyes flashed and the robot's ceased their movement. "You have shown that you are ready to consider the Titans as possible companions, or you would not have surrendered to save them. They shall serve our purposes well. Phase One is complete. Please accompany me to Titans Tower where we will begin Phase Two."
"There is no way we're letting you into our Tower!" Beast Boy said.
"Outer security protocols have already been deactivated," XY informed them.
Jinx looked at Red X.
Red X retracted his wrist-blades.
Fixit slowly moved to the Titans. "If we are to resume optimum defense for Earth, we should move with haste."
"Titan Raven can provide adequate transportation to Titans Tower," XY said. He looked at Raven. "If you would be so kind. Please remember that these creations have a self-destruct feature should you attempt to deviate from the optimum course."
Raven hesitated before slowly raising her hand. Seconds later, a raven made of magic enveloped them.
They arrived in the living room of Titans Tower moments later.
"Come," XY said, leading them to the elevator and underground.
None of the Titans, Red X, or Fixit attempted to resist. All were wary of the potential consequences of losing security over any number of portals.
"Where are we going?" Jinx asked.
"I am taking you to a safe and secure containment room," XY said.
Raven stopped.
Fixit turned to her. "Have you deduced our destination?"
Raven slowly nodded.
Beast Boy moved to stand beside Raven, giving her a supportive smile.
They came to a stop in front of a large door.
XY moved to hack into the door's hand scanner.
"Allow me," Red X grunted. He moved forward and placed his palm on the scanner. "Everyone in."
The Titans and Fixit hesitated momentarily before following Red X.
The room they found themselves in was large and square. The walls and ceiling were covered with glowing blue panels. On the floor in the center of the room was a white circle with a blue rim.
"There have been many security adjustments made to this room," Fixit observed, scanning his surroundings.
"Yeah…" Jinx said, looking around. "What exactly were you guys trying to keep in here?"
"Me," Raven answered.
Jinx turned, raised an eyebrow, and pointed to a broken 'S' shaped symbol on the wall. "What's that mean?"
"It's a long story," Beast Boy said.
"Why are we here?" Raven asked XY.
"You are here to assist in Phase Two," XY answered, turning to Fixit.
"What is Phase Two?" Fixit asked.
"Phase Two is 'human input'," XY answered. He stepped forward and motioned to everyone in the room. "Through research, I have surmised that there are three primary aspects of human development."
"Great…" Beast Boy said. "More science stuff."
"The three primary aspects are the mastery of the body, the mastery of the mind, and the existence of the soul," XY explained, still looking at Fixit. "It is apparent that you have maximized your current form's physical abilities. And your mind, like mine, is capable of processing power greater than that of most supercomputers."
"Yet, I still fail to understand what it is to be human," Fixit said.
XY tipped his head. "Even I cannot comprehend what is preventing your understanding of 'the human soul'."
"That's why we're here," Raven said, motioning to the Titans and Red X.
"Precisely," XY said. He turned to the rest of the group. "I have subdued and brought you here to act as references to aid Fixit in his efforts to become more human."
"How?" asked Jinx.
"I cannot tell you," XY said. "I do not know the answer myself."
"And what happens after Phase Two is complete?" Red X asked.
XY's eyes flashed and the second Communicator flew from Beast Boy's belt into XY's hand.
"I will leave you to talk with your references in private and be waiting in the living room of this Tower," XY said to Fixit. "Simply ask Titan Raven to send you to the front doors when you are ready. If you reach me and retrieve this Communicator, it will mean that I have achieved my purpose."
"And then you'll shut down?" Beast Boy asked. "Sounds kinda simple.
"Fixit and I are equals," XY explained. "Therefore, he must gain information from interactions with you, his references, that I do not possess in order to achieve his goal."
Jinx nodded, folding her arms.
"After this, Fixit will have a better understanding of what it is like to be human," XY promised. "And his creations will return to their posts."
"Then we'd better get started," Red X said, walking to the end of the room and leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
"This room will be locked down from the outside," XY said. "Magic and technology will be ineffective after Titan Raven transports Fixit to the Tower's entrance. Once Fixit completes his task, he will retrieve you."
XY departed as the door slid shut behind him.
The room was silent for a moment before Red X finally spoke, addressing Fixit. "I'm assuming you have your questions ready by now."
"There is only one question that I feel can provide the answer I require," Fixit said, turning to the Titans. "What does it mean… to be human?"
"Instinctual improvisation," Red X answered immediately. "The ability to act on instinct and impulse rather than spend time calculating. Any one action made on impulse can decide the outcome of a heist or battle."
"What is it with you and heists all the time?" Beast Boy asked.
"It's what I do," Red X said, looking away.
Beast Boy sighed and sat against the wall comfortably with his fingers intertwined behind his head. "You know, I think the best part about being human is the small stuff. Playing Gamestation4. Eating tofu, vegies, and waffles. Hanging out. That's what I like to do whenever I'm not stoppin' evil."
"I haven't been on this specific team for that long," Jinx said, standing in front of the door now.
Fixit turned to her.
"But if there's anything I've learned since joining up with these guys, it's that choice is everything," Jinx continued. "No matter how hard the choice is, it's gotta be made for better or worse. Morals, empathy… pretty much everything gets taken into account."
Fixit took all the advice and started processing the information. After a few seconds, he turned to Raven. "Do you have any extra input, Raven?" he asked.
Raven slowly turned, tracing her finger on the broken 'S' symbol on the wall.
Fixit now recognized the symbol from the Titan Archives as 'The Mark of Skath". A symbol regarding a prophesy involving the very Titan he was currently looking to for help.
After a few seconds, Raven softly touched the gemstone on her head before turning to Fixit. "Calmness and security," she said. "Knowing who you are and having a sense of identity is what it is to be sentient."
The room fell silent again.
Fixit looked around. "This data is… useful," he said. "It will aid me in completing XY's task."
"I hope so," Beast Boy said, somewhat nervously. "I just realized that I have to pee."
Fixit looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath before looking at Red X and the Titans. "Send me."
"Good luck," Jinx said to Fixit.
"You got this," Beast Boy said.
"He'd better," Red X grunted.
"See you soon," Raven said, raising her hands as they started to glow.
…
Red X glanced at his Communicator for a moment before sitting down against the wall as Beast Boy stood.
Raven finished sending Fixit away. After a few seconds, she levitated to the center of the room, crossed her legs, and began to meditate, chanting softly.
"You seem really calm," Jinx said to Red X, sitting next to him.
"Would you rather me pace incessantly like Beast Boy?" Red X replied.
Beast Boy stopped and folded his arms before sitting down next to Jinx.
Red X extended and retracted his wrist-blades lazily.
"You do seem really calm," Beast Boy said, watching the motion with his eyes.
"Yeah," Jinx said to Red X. "I would think you wouldn't be a fan of rooms like these."
"I'm no prisoner," Red X promised.
…
Fixit materialized in front of Titans Tower. XY will be in the living room of Titans Tower. It has one entrance and one exit.
Fixit walked to the front door and scanned it, finding that all the Tower's defenses had been reactivated. Hacking the door will be simple. However, I will not be able to traverse Titans Tower on my own and make it to XY without assistance. The Titans and Red X are currently unavailable to lend such assistance. I must find assistance from… an outside source.
Fixit slowly turned and looked at the portals above. He did a few calculations. Roughly forty percent of my creations are under XY's control. I will need thirty percent more to reach XY quickly. But that would leave many portals unprotected and the probability of threat efficiency would increase.
Fixit's eyes flashed and he recalled audio recordings of his conversations inside the safe-room.
"But if there's anything I've learned since joining up with these guys, it's that choice is everything," Jinx said. "No matter how hard the choice is, it's gotta be made for better or worse. Morals, empathy… pretty much everything gets taken into account."
Fixit looked at the sky. Without the Titans and Red X, this city will be in greater danger should threats from within increase. There is also no predicting what will come out of unprotected portals.
Fixit turned back to the Tower. I will do what must be done.
Fixit's eyes flashed again.
…
XY stared down at the motionless form of Fixit.
Minutes later, the lights shut off.
XY turned away from the window.
The central monitor lit up.
Outer Defense System: Deactivated
XY moved to the computer and pressed a few buttons, bringing up security footage of the tower. The Titans and Red X are still in their cell. Interesting.
Suddenly, the halls were filled with Fixit's robots.
XY's red eyes flashed. He took a step back in confusion. These robots are not under my control. They were guarding other portals around the city.
XY's eyes flashed again and the robots in the living room and the rest of Titans Tower moved to confront the growing internal threat.
XY examined the cameras again before realizing his mistake. Fixit is not present on any security footage. I will calculate alternative routes into the Tower."
…
Fixit, seemingly hovering outside the living room window on the other side of the central monitor, made quick calculations as XY started examining the security footage.
Fixit looked around the living room. I must generate a distraction XY cannot predict in order to infiltrate the Tower.
Fixit quickly consulted the recordings of his conversation with the Titans until he found a key piece.
Beast Boy sighed and sat against the wall comfortably with his fingers intertwined behind his head. "You know, I think the best part about being human is the small stuff. Playing Gamestation4. Eating tofu, vegies, and waffles. Hanging out. That's what I like to do whenever I'm not stopping' evil."
Fixit held his chin for a moment. Hmm. I do not believe that this is exactly what Beast Boy meant. But further research can be conducted at another time.
Fixit slowly moved to the other side of the window, looking not to XY, but to the Gamestation4 attached to the central monitor. Fixit's eyes flashed and the machine came to life. Fixit stared at the device for a moment before returning his gaze to XY.
As XY looked up, Fixit struck the outside of the window with his palm. The window shattered.
Fixit slowly stepped down from his perch. "I am ready," he said.
XY said nothing.
Fixit turned back to his creations, allowing XY to see that they had stacked themselves on top of one another in order to help him reach the Tower.
"A direct assault is highly illogical," XY said, looking at Fixit curiously as he stepped back to the center of the living room. "Within seconds you will be overwhelmed. And allowing your own creations to engage with mine will only buy you extra minutes at most."
Fixit's eyes flashed yet again. The creations he had summoned unbound themselves and took off through the water to return to the portals. Fixit did not say a word as he moved to meet XY in the center of the living room.
"Your chances of success have reduced to less than five percent," XY informed Fixit.
XY's eyes flashed red, attempting to summon robots.
There was no response or sound outside of the room.
XY's eyes flashed again.
Still, nothing happened.
…
Red X looked up and rose to his feet.
"Did it just get quieter?" Raven asked, ceasing her meditations.
Beast Boy placed his ear against the door. "I don't hear anything."
"Is that good or bad?" Jinx asked.
"Five minutes," Red X said aloud.
"What?" the Titans asked.
…
Fixit looked at a confused XY, offering no explanation as to why there was a lack of robotic reinforcements.
XY finally looked behind Fixit and at the glowing Gamestation4.
Fixit's eyes narrowed, gazing at the Communicator strapped to XY's belt.
"It seems you have used this gaming device to interrupt my signal to the robots residing within Titans Tower," XY said. "This is… unexpected."
Fixit lunged forward and attempted to grab the Communicator. XY reacted just in time, gracefully spinning aside and throwing a punch in Fixit's direction. Fixit skillfully caught the punch and kicked out.
The kick hit it's mark and XY found himself moving back a few steps. Fixit let loose a series of punches and kicks at random, hoping to prevent XY's ability to analyze his fight pattern. Every punch and kick was expertly blocked and countered with no harm to either being.
Fixit made another lunge for the Communicator with his left hand. XY grabbed his wrist and held it inches from Fixit's goal. Fixit threw another punch with his right and found the arm equally held at bay just over XY's shoulder.
The two beings struggled against each other.
Suddenly XY's eyes flashed again. "While we have been engaging in hand-to-hand combat," he said as they continued their struggle for control. "I have rerouted my hack and blocked the signal from the gaming device. Control of the robots inside Titans Tower is once again mine."
Fixit looked over XY's shoulder and saw the red lights of the robots getting closer and closer to the doorway to the living room.
"With our combat abilities at equal strength," XY continued. "It is safe to assume that I can—"
Fixit didn't hesitate. He didn't calculate. He just reacted, ejecting the hand being held over XY's shoulder into the control panel hidden in the wall next to the doorway. The door shorted out and slammed shut just before the robots could enter the room.
XY looked back at the door and Fixit acted again, spinning out of XY's grip and lashing out with his right foot, sending XY off his feet. Fixit moved forward and ejected his other hand.
XY didn't have time to react before the hand reached his waist, tearing the Communicator from him.
Fixit's eyes flashed and both hands floated back and reattached themselves to his arms.
XY looked at the Communicator that was now in Fixit's grasp.
Fixit took a step back. "Is my task complete?" he asked.
XY slowly stood. "I do not understand. Why did I not predict your strategy?"
Fixit slowly walked forward, placed his hand on XY's forehead, and initiated a playback of yet another recording for both himself and XY to hear.
"Instinctual improvisation," Red X said. "The ability to act on instinct and impulse rather than spend time calculating. Any one action made on impulse can decide the outcome of a heist or battle."
Fixit stepped back again, releasing his contact with XY.
XY slowly nodded. "So, there were no calculations. You simply acted. That is a reckless decision but also… an inherently sentient trait."
"Is my task complete?" Fixit repeated firmly as robots started banging on the door.
XY raised a hand and his eyes flashed. The banging stopped. "Your task is complete," he said.
Fixit nodded and his eyes flashed as well. The door repaired itself and opened as his creations began to spill into the living room and started to make their way out the window to return to their respective posts at the portals that continued to litter the night sky.
Fixit and XY stood side-by-side, watching as hundreds of creations passed them by.
XY turned to Fixit, speaking calmly. "I have but one question you must answer correctly before I have fulfilled my purpose."
"Please," Fixit said politely, urging XY to speak.
"Why do you feel you now require what you once considered a biological imperfection?" XY asked.
Fixit reviewed one last recording.
"Calmness and security," Raven said. "Knowing who you are and having a sense of identity is what it is to be sentient."
Fixit thought for a moment before answering. "Achieving an understanding of self is the pinnacle of development in all creatures. Humans achieve this not with instinct, but choice. It is why they have developed as a species. It is an achievement that I hope to discover for myself."
XY slowly nodded. "Well done, Fixit," he said.
XY shut down, his eyes growing dim as he went still. The last of Fixit's creations disappeared beyond the island containing Titans Tower, leaving Fixit alone in the living room of his new home.
…
Red X walked up to the door.
"What are you doing?" Raven asked.
"Five…" Red X said under his breath. "Four… Three… Two… and—"
The door slid open as Fixit turned the corner down the hall.
"Looks like you succeeded," Jinx said as the cybernetic being reached them.
Fixit held up the Titans Communicator.
Raven nodded with respect.
"Thanks for opening the door," Beast Boy said quickly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "It's getting kinda urgent now."
"I did not open the door," Fixit said with a confused look.
Beast Boy stopped bouncing for a moment. "Then who…"
Everyone slowly turned and looked at Red X as Jinx and Raven folded their arms.
Red X leaned up against the doorway. "I told you," he grunted. "I'm no prisoner."
Fixit examined the door's control panel. "A timed containment protocol," he said after a moment. "That is why you opened the door before XY."
"Why did I do that?" Red X asked.
Fixit knew it was a test. "I would speculate that, after joining forces with the Titans, you gained limited access to the Tower's security system," he said. "At that point in time, you realized that this room could potentially be used to keep you prisoner."
Red X slowly nodded.
Fixit looked at the scanner again before finishing. "You programed the door to reopen after a set amount of time, thus increasing the ability to escape or get out in the case of an emergency."
"What?" Beast Boy exclaimed, looking at Red X. "You mean you knew we were going to get out of here eventually? Dude, why didn't you just— oh, never mind! I'm going to the bathroom!"
Beast Boy turned into a dog, whimpering as he ran down the hallway and into a nearby bathroom.
A few seconds later, the Titans and Red X heard a sigh of relief from down the hall.
"Bathroom breaks are a part of being human that I do not require," Fixit said, breaking the awkward silence.
Jinx chuckled.
Red X held out his hand for the Communicator. Fixit hesitated before handing over the device as Beast Boy finally returned from the bathroom.
"Out of curiosity," Jinx said to Red X. "If you could have set the door to let you out at any time, why wait?"
"I was bored and needed entertainment."
"I doubt that," Beast Boy said as Raven nodded in agreement. "You like sitting still about as much as Robin did. So why didn't you tell us that we only had to wait?"
Red X sighed in annoyance. "You want Fixit on your team, that's fine. But if we're going to let a machine join you, even if he wants to be more human," he allowed, glancing at Fixit. "I didn't want to risk the fate of the world on a 'calculated response'. Lives are not variables in an equation and shouldn't be sorted into percentages."
"The world, huh?" Jinx prodded.
"Yeah right," Beast Boy muttered.
Red X glanced at Jinx.
"While I appreciate your willingness to let my education run its course," Fixit said. "I too share the other Titans skepticism of your supposed concern for the world. All archived data suggests that you would never do anything heroic without getting something in return."
"Finally," Red X said in mock relief. "Somebody who actually gets me."
"Oh, we get you," Raven said smugly.
"Xenothium for heroics," Beast Boy grunted.
Jinx stepped forward. "Well, at least we don't have to give you anything in return for being a hero," she said, turning to Fixit. "Except maybe our thanks and a better place to live. So, what do you say about being a Teen Titan?"
"It's yours if you want it," Raven said.
"And it's gotta be better than living in a junkyard," Beast Boy offered.
Fixit was silent for a moment before turning to Red X. "Red X, as you have been the most opposed to my joining the Titans, I would greatly appreciate both your input and, if you deem it wise, your permission to join this team."
Red X glanced around and noticed all the Titans looking at him, awaiting an answer.
Red X let out a breath and looked at Fixit, asking one question. "What does it mean to be human."
"It means the having the ability to appreciate life outside of calculation," Fixit answered almost immediately. "And to understand that action is reflected by choice and the ability to see the world as a living entity rather than a series of constants and variables."
Red X nodded. "Still a bit to technical for my taste," he said. He flipped open the Communicator and touched the screen a few times before offering the device to Fixit. "But it will have to do."
Red X offered Fixit the Communicator.
Fixit accepted the device with a nod, finally placing it on his hip.
"Keep that thing close," Red X said, pointing to the device. "I set it to connect only to the Titans in Jump City. Any wider and it poses a security risk."
Fixit looked at the device now residing on his own hip, his eyes flashing only slightly. "That is… wise."
"Well, what are we still doing here?" Beast Boy asked. He walked forward, placing an arm around Fixit's shoulder. "Let's show you to your room."
Red X waited a few seconds before walking down the hall and turning the corner that led to the living room.
…
Jinx watched the boys leave and looked at Raven, who was staring after them as well.
"Looks like we're starting to get a team," Jinx commented.
"Looks like," Raven said quietly.
"You're not sure?" Jinx asked.
"I'm not sure about a lot of things," Raven replied as they started walking down the hall. "But I know that you guys will try and make it work."
Jinx nodded. "I'd like that."
…
Fixit walked into Cyborg's room. After examining the charging station, computer, and table, he turned. "These quarters are… adequate."
"That's it?" Beast Boy said, sounding somewhat disappointed.
"I also admire the multifunctional use of this space," Fixit added.
"That's good…" Beast Boy said, walking away. "I guess."
Fixit looked down to see a small larva chewing on his robe.
The small animal smiled and let out a soft coo.
"You must be the 'Silkie', Starfire spoke of so lovingly," Fixit said, pulling his cloak from Silkie's mouth. The larva looked up with sadness.
Fixit slowly picked Silkie up. "I shall accept your companionship with the condition that you please refrain from chewing on my robes or spare power cells."
Fixit exited his room, walked into the living room, placed Silkie on a nearby cabinet, and walked up to Red X who was looking out the shattered window, his cape billowing in the wind.
"What is it you require of me?" Fixit asked, standing a few feet behind Red X as the sun dawned.
Red X turned in surprise. "Why ask me?"
"Your aptitude and abilities suggest you are the most logical candidate for the eventual leader of this team," Fixit said. "Therefore, until a team leader is selected, I will look to you for strategic advice."
"I'm not on this team," Red X said, turning away from the window. "And it doesn't have a leader."
"I understand," Fixit said, taking a step back. "But my inquiry has not changed."
Red X took a deep breath, looking at Beast Boy and Jinx who'd moved to join Raven at the computer on the side of the room.
Fixit waited patiently.
Red X looked at Fixit, finally offering an answer. "I was looking through the Titan's training equipment this morning," he said as he walked toward the other three Titans. "With your processing ability, you should formulate a new training regimen. A regimen that increases efficiency both for the individual and the entirety of their team."
"Shall I record these sessions for future playback?" Fixit asked.
"Use your best judgement," Red X said lazily. After a moment, he stopped walking, lowering his voice. "Hypothetically, if I were to ask you to locate a nanoscopic chip on my mask, could you find it?"
"Yes," Fixit said. He lowered his voice as well. "However, that would conflict with orders from Robin to keep you under consistent surveillance."
"Of course it would," Red X said with a shake of his head.
…
Jinx and Raven continued going through old files, attempting to find a potential candidate for the final spot on the new team. Beast Boy stood behind them, looking over their shoulders. They glanced up as Red X and Fixit joined them at the computer before returning to their task.
"What about Wonder Girl?" Jinx asked.
"She already went through one of the portals," Raven answered.
"This one would be good," Jinx said, stopping at a particular file. "I mean, I only met her once, but—"
"That's not an option," Raven said quietly.
Beast Boy looked away, his shoulders sinking.
"So, her… condition has not been reversed," Fixit said thoughtfully. "It is a shame that one who had such power has never been allowed to reach her potential."
"She would be too dangerous," Red X argued.
Jinx shrugged. "Well, hypothetically I mean, she wouldn't be dangerous if she were with us and we were around to help," she said, turning. "What do you think, BB?"
They all turned to find Beast Boy walking through the door and out of sight.
"It seems Beast Boy had feelings for this candidate," Fixit said.
"You could say that," Red X commented, reaching forward and moving on to the next file.
Raven was still staring after Beast Boy.
"Sorry," Jinx said to her, looking down. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's not your fault," Raven assured her. "She's… a touchy subject for all of us."
…
Beast Boy stood inside an unused room of Titans Tower. The dotted ceiling overhead resembled stars. In one hand, he held a silver, butterfly-shaped comb. In the other, he held a silver case in the shape of a heart.
Beast Boy looked down as his eyes started to water. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Raven standing behind him, smiling sadly.
"I wish things were different too," Raven said kindly.
…
Slade looked at his computer, viewing the inside of Titans Tower through the Communicator he'd given Red X.
After a few seconds, Slade hit a button and the feed changed, revealing the Principal's Office inside Murakami High School. An old man with grey hair sat at the chair, staring into his computer.
"I want an update," Slade said calmly. "Has the candidate exhibited any abilities since the Markovian asset visited Jump City?"
"None that I have seen, sir," the old man answered. "However, her behavior has changed somewhat. She is talking about recurring dreams, but she has not, recently I shall say, described any as memories regarding the Titans. I will be discussing the matter with her at the end of the week."
"Very good," Slade said. "If anything changes, inform me immediately."
"Understood."
Slade turned off his computer, leaving only his eye gleaming in the darkness.
