ALL-STARS TEEN TITANS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: ELECTIONS, PART I

The Titans have acquired quite the amount of popularity over the months since they became the protectors of Blüdhaven. The people started to get hopeful since long, and often than not the citizens defended themselves or were unwilling to let it slide like old days. Only one thing prevented things from improving faster: Roark.

The mayor owned all crime in the city. He had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand and most criminals associated with him were too afraid to rat him out and often took the blame themselves. None of his men the Titans have arrested in Roark's employ have talked, but with the Titans around, some reconsidered who they'd fear more…

But for Blüdhaven to completely crawl out of its dark ages, Roark needed to go as a mayor. So that's where their friend on the police force Phil Adler came in. Not only did he find a few other good cops to join the noble Titan cause, he was to introduce them to the solution for their trouble.

Phil welcomed the fellow Titans with him at his home. It was tidied up better and more peaceful since he dumped and divorced his emotionally abusive cheating girlfriend. "Welcome Titans in my abode. It's not much, I know."

"I think it is quite…how do you Earthlings say it…cosy?" Starfire noted.

"You were going to introduce us to a few new friends?" Robin asked, coming straight to business.

"Sure. I may introduce you to a few new friends, like me they are rookies, but their hearts are in the right spot. Meet Ethan Bennett, Ellen Yin and Orchid Blackwell." He gestured to a the other visitors; an African-American, and Asian-American woman and a Caucasian woman.

"I must say it's so great to finally meet you. I've seen your achievements on the news. You always put up a great performance." Ethan Bennett said joyfully as he grabbed Robin's hand and shook it.

Beast Boy moved in between and created some distance. "That's us, both style and skill. Especially me!" he was then dragged away with Raven's powers.

"Pardon him…his heart is in the right spot, but his head clearly isn't." Raven noted.

The Caucasian woman, Orchid Blackwell, approached her. "I like the sense of style. Dark and mysterious. The criminals fear you and you don't need a bat costume to do so. I wish I had that effect."

"Believe me, I'm flattered by your interest, but you don't want to take example to me." Raven noted.

Ellen Yin approached Starfire. "I wish there were female superheroes like you. Most of them are male. We could use more strong female role models, right now it's mostly a sausage fest."

"Sausage fest? Is this a form of the barbeque?" Starfire asked curiously. Ellen had forgotten the alien girl is not familiar with Earth terms, so she moves towards her and whispers something in her ear. Starfire blushed as she had heard the response. "Oh…"

"But we haven't just gathered here for introducing them. As you know, Roark has been mayor of this town for years. Any candidates he had went either missing or retired under certain circumstances, which we believe may have to do with Roark bribing or threatening them. Not to mention the public didn't dare to go against Roark, until you came along. Now the people got hope again, I found a candidate I'm certain that can beat Roark at this game. And I have found the right candidate; Mr. Adam West." Phil pulled out a file, containing his profile.

"Mh…former actor, knows how to charm the crowd, and is good with children. Went into politics after health insurances in his home town went down and was able to improve…a good resume. But probably Roark knows about him too. Like previous contestants he could try to make him back off." Robin noted.

"He has no family, so he doesn't have something for Roark to threaten him with, and he doesn't care for money so he can't be bribed. But we fear that Roark may resort to more extreme measures." Orchid explained.

"So that's why we're here. We are going to be bodyguards. We need to protect him. This is so cool. It's one thing to catch crooks on a daily base, but another thing to be asked to guard a VIP. I feel like a secret agent already. Boy! Beast Boy!" the changeling said as he said that last line in a Scottish accent, arms crossed and making a gun-like gesture with his hands. The others rolled their eyes.

"There is also the issue of Deathstroke, he has been causing trouble for us as well but we still don't know anything about him. I don't know whether he'll be a threat to Mr. West or not." Robin noted.

"Last time you were singled out, but now you have an entire team to give you reinforcements. This time if he would be foolish enough to cross us, we will be victorious." Starfire noted.

"But we can't afford to be careless either, Deathstroke is a mastermind so if he is up to something, he'll strike in the most unexpected ways. We must be prepared for everything." Raven noted, once again looking at things from the logical side.

"We'll be going over all the details later, but right now I suggest we use the opportunity to trick Roark into slipping up." Ellen Yin said with a grin on her face.

Later that day, Roark had been watching the news before he had tossed his remote into it, breaking his flatscreen. But let's see what has been told on the news before Roark snapped. "The Titans welcomed the new candidate Mr. Adam West personally to Blüdhaven. His record as a politician is remarkable and his backstory as former actor on a kid's superhero show shows he knows how to entertain a crowd. He made a few first statements upon arrival earlier." The anchorwoman said.

"I hate to break it, but the city was a mess a few months ago. Crime held the city in its grasp. But then the Titans began inspiring people, including me and I didn't even live in Blüdhaven. But I also realized something. It can't be done by just the heroes. No, it's us, the people of Blüdhaven to spread that hope and help building on a better future. And I will represent the people, as their avatar, and not their leader, so we can finish what the Titans started. We build a peaceful future together. I know how incredibly corny that sounds, but that doesn't make it any less true." Mr. West said, serious enough so you know he doesn't mess, but still light-hearted and jokingly enough to make sure you knew he talked on the people's level. The people loved the speech and cheered.

For a tiny old man, Roark looked dangerously mad now. "Those pesky teens ruin everything!" At first, Roark thought they'd make a fine distraction. But with another big shot trying to make his move in his territory and the Titans getting pretty darn close to the truth each time, he found he couldn't afford to hold back now.

"DESMOND!" he yelled at his head scientist, the unkempt man nearly falling out of his chair, picking himself up and adjusting his glasses again. "You better bring me something that can deal with the Titans, something you'll be able to control this time and that can't be traced back to me."

"S-sure boss. I just gathered all of my projects and will unleash them all at once." Desmond said. "The Titans may be able to beat them one by one, but they can't beat them all at once, right?"

"You better hope that'll work. Because if someone actually manages to take me down, I'm taking you down with me." Roark said. "You better get rid of West before my big debate, unlike the previous contestants, West actually has half a clue about politics." Roark grumbled as he left the lab.

"Tiny, pompous overgrown…if only I were able to rid myself of you without risking my head then I…" Desmond spoke out loud after Roark was gone.

"I can help with that." A voice said behind him. Desmond turned around and came face to face with Deathstroke. Desmond panicked and wanted to press the panic button but Deathstroke pulled out a gun and held him at gunpoint. "You better not. If you do you lose the chance of a lifetime. And the lifetime itself may also come to an abrupt end as well. I'm a very good shot after all." He noted.

"W-w-who are you? What do you want?" Desmond asked.

"I am Deathstroke. I am the competitor that has been invading on Roark's turf, and I'm certain that I will succeed. But you…you are such a brilliant mind, wasting time making toy soldiers for Roark, while I can offer you something more." Deathstroke said.

"I'm not sure, if Roark finds out…I'm dead anyway. And then there's the Titans and that new mayor and…" Desmond asked scared.

"I am more dangerous than Roark could ever be. But I'm not without respect or empathy. You are a scientist, one who does the jobs he's paid for but also wants to satisfy his own intellectual curiosity. I am willing to keep you on a longer leash, and I can pay you better than Roark. Not to mention treat you with more respect." Deathstroke said.

"Sounds promising. But if I get rid of the Titans and West with my newest plot and Roark is back on top, where would that leave you?" Desmond asked.

"None of those fools will be able to beat the Titans. I've studied them, I know them too well. But why destroy when we can cease opportunity. The Titans were threats for Roark, but I see them as untapped potential. You just keep up your little puppet show, and send out those rogues after West. But I have plans for one of the Titans, just don't interfere, and things will be right." Deathstroke said.

"You talk big and you act smart, but how do I know you are as skilled or smart as you say?" Desmond asked. A mosquito was flying through the lab, as Deathstroke with one swift motion pulled out his blade, sliced it clean in half and seethed his sword again all in a millisecond. "Point taken…But if you think you're so big, why didn't you run for mayor?"

"I don't like the spotlight, only showing to a select few who I believe are worth my time. And politics? Seriously…if I went into politics, it would make me the bad guy." Deathstroke said as he took out a small black orb. "Think about my offer, Mr. Desmond. I'll be seeing you soon." He tossed the orb to the floor, and he disappeared in a smokescreen.

"Well…better see how things work out itself and then make my decision, keep my options open." Desmond said as he opened a drawer and pulled out some serum, all labeled 'Project Blockbuster'.

It was standard routine now. Mr. West was in a limo, ready to go to the next charity event he would be involved in to boost popularity. Phil Adler's group would be the police escort, and the Titans were around to keep an eye out. They would expect snipers, bombers, or something else that was subtle…what no one expected was a direct attack. Especially not since a wall of concrete erupted in front of the limo and Raven barely managed to hold on to it with her power to prevent them from crashing into it.

They looked at the rooftops and saw the cybernetic Steamroller on top of the building. But now he was joined by three more cybernetically enhanced crooks by his side. One had jackhammers for hands, another had a scoopshovel/claw crane for an arm. The only female member had strong-looking upper armor and a dome-shaped helmet a la Juggernaut. "We are…the Demolition Crew! And you will be demolished, Teen Titans!" Steamroller said.

"Whoa, look who finally has relearned to talk." Beast Boy mocked. "And seriously, Demolition Crew? The baddies name themselves without me? What is this world coming to?"

"As I was saying…you Titans were a pain in my cybernetic butt the last few times, and now I've gathered my own crew to make you pay. That and we'll humiliate you by showing you won't be able to protect poor Mr. West. Introducing, Scoopshovel, Hardhat and Jackhammer, my new crew." He introduced them. "Demolition Crew, attack!"

"Titans Go!" Robin said as he and the other Titans rushed at them. Robin started the fight with several discs being tossed at the crew, but they bounced off the armor and Hardhat charged into him, Robin doing a flip over her to avoid being squashed between her and a wall. He then pulled out his bo staff and lashed at Hardhat, who just held out her head in front of her, as it bounced off her.

She then backhands Robin and sends him flying, and was ready to charge right back into him, but she was stopped when Starfire jumped in and grabbed her, holding her in place. "Robin, bring Adam West to a safer location. We will hold off this crew of demolition." She said.

"Right…Thanks Star." Robin said. He moved towards the limo, the four coppers firing bullets at the remaining Demolition Crew members, but it bounced off their armor. They were ready to smash the coppers as Beast Boy as an Octopus pounced on Jackhammer, Cyborg tackled Steamroller to the ground and Raven grabbed Scoopshovel in her dark aura.

Robin guided Mr. West and Phil's squad to a nearby garbage container, from which was a secret tunnel. "Go through here, take this map and follow directions, it will lead you somewhere safe, we'll deal with them." He said as he guided them away safely. The tunnel was covered up again and he could go and help his friends out again.

But then he barely avoided being hit by a throwing knife, which embedded itself in the wall next to his head. He turned around to see Deathstroke…it was no mistake, it was him. He gave Robin a short look and then ran off. Robin doubted for a moment to leave his team behind or not, but he saw that they were doing a good job holding off the Demolition Crew and decided to pursue Slade. It may be foolish to do so on his own, but this was personal.

Starfire was pounding Hardhat's dome-shaped helmet with her fists, giving her a huge ringing in her ears. She recomposed herself, grabbed Starfire by the waist and charged through several buildings as she did in the hope of hurting Starfire. They were both buried by some rubble after going through the last wall, but the rubble was pushed aside as Starfire lifted Hardhat over her head and tossed her a long distance. Hardhat got up as she held out her arms, which sported something resembling chain guns, and red hot bolts were shot from it. Starfire used her bracelets to bounce them off before firing eye bolts at the guns, frying them, leaving Hardhat with only her physical strength, which was formidable, but she knew that Starfire's blows could still hurt her badly, and her suspicion was confirmed as she saw the Tameranean rush at her and could only catch a glimpse of her fist close to her face before being sent flying again.

Beast Boy had Jackhammer in his tentacles, as Jackhammer then puts his namesakes to his appendages and painfully drilled into them, Beast Boy being forced to let go. Jackhammer then charged, arms forward to drill a few holes in the changeling, who turned into a falcon to fly up, ready to dive at Jackhammer. Jackhammer drilled his arms into the ground, jacked and sent debris flying all around him, Beast Boy turning into a cat to do some stunts hopping from block to block agilely. He then turned into a tiger and pounced on Jackhammer, who kicked him off. He then readied to unleash his fury again, only to stumble onto Ankylosaur armor, which his namesakes didn't even scratch. The Ankylosaur tail then swiped Jackhammer off his back and sent him flying. Beast Boy went to normal and did his victory dance. "Do-do-dum get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur! Whoa!"

Raven had to put up shields of black energy to keep Scoopshovel from pounding on her with his namesake arm. Raven phased into the ground, and reappeared behind the titan, ready to pounce, but he turned back and backhanded her. Raven groaned as she got up. Scoopshovel fired the tip of his claw as a grappling hook, Raven dodging, the arm instead grabbing the side of a wall, and pulling it down on Raven. But Raven had phased into the ground in time. She reappeared, this time in front of Scoopshovel, in her huge black raven-like soul-self; Scoopshovel squealed in fear as he was enveloped.

Cyborg was tossed around by Steamroller. Right through a wall. Before he could get up, Steamroller put his cone hands together to make his namesake and pin Cyborg down. He pushed down hard, ready to break the half-man, half machine. But Cyborg's head was still free and wasn't without weapons as well. A blast from his cybernetic eye hit Steamroller straight in the face and send him staggering back. Cyborg rushed at him, slid on his knees under him, grabbed his legs and pulled him down. He then grabbed his legs, spins him around and tosses him away in return. "Booyah!"

Robin ran over the rooftops, right on the heels of Deathstroke. The man was physically very fit and agile and he gave Robin a run for his money (first part of the statement literally) as the young acrobat tried everything to keep up with the assassin. "Come back and face me!" he roared at him, but still the mercenary didn't stop. Robin kept following him for a while, until he got on top of a particular rooftop, where he lost track. "Where did he…he was just right here…" Robin growled in frustration.

He looked around, then looked down, and saw no one else but Roark and his bodyguard Mojo. They were entering some sort of building. Robin kept distance but decided to get close enough to catch some info. He grabbed a small device and tossed it, as it latched onto Roark's back. Robin let a holographic display on his glove play out so he could catch anything that would happen.

Roark had gone inside, and was in front of several screens. These screens each displayed the faces of Blüdhaven's biggest crime bosses. The ones that were accused of being the masterminds behind crime while in reality they took orders from Roark. Roark began speaking. "The Titans are being dealt with as I speak and I promise that West will be out of the way…"

"Youse are seriously mistaking. None of your goons are able to take them out, no matters how many youse are sending out. You are losing control of things, Roark. Youse can't keep covering up for us forever. Those Titan punks are getting a real pain." One of them said.

"More of our robberies are being thwarted and the people refuse to be doormats any longer, they don't want to be controlled anymore. That West guy is a savior in their eyes, they'll be getting their freedom back and we're going to lose it." Another said.

"I have it perfectly under control, West won't live past the elections anymore." Roark said, sounding desperately.

"I am not so sure. The Titans may have no proof, but they are connecting dots. For the people mere suspicions opposed to proof are enough to make them rethink everything." A third mob boss added.

"I will not fail. Also, remember, without me you would never have been able to get away with what you've been doing until now." Roark threatened.

"You ain't so scary no more. We don't trust you to be able to run the crime gangs anymore. Youse are done for. We are breaking our partnerships off. Youse are on your own." The first crime boss said.

"You can't do this to me, I know all of your assets, all you've done, I can expose you!" Roark begged.

"You can't without exposing yourself. Face it Roark, you dug yourself a hole you can't crawl out off." The second crime boss said, and with that, he and all other crime bosses cut off. With the way Roark looked, you wouldn't be surprised if he didn't burst out in flame.

Robin sent a signal so the tracker would self-destruct, preventing anyone from finding it or getting info out of it, but the data was stored in the data drive in his glove. "I finally got you!" Robin said with a smirk.

"And I got you!" Deathstroke's voice sounded, and before Robin could react, something grabbed his wrist, pulled the data drive out of his glove and sent him flying across the rooftop. "You did well, you finally caught Roark. But now you have to prove yourself worthy to be the hero that exposes this info the world." Deathstroke said.

"You led me here, wanted Roark out of the way, so why this game?" Robin asked.

"Like I said, I'm testing you. Now, if you can even land one blow or manage to take the drive back, it's yours. After that you can make sure Roark is put to justice, we both want him out of our hair after all. Now, are you going to try? If you don't, many people will continue to suffer under Roark's reign." Deathstroke asked.

"I am not only going to try, I will succeed!" Robin said as he pulled out his bo staff and readied himself. Deatstroke gestured with his hand, and Robin rushed at him. Robin lashed with his bo staff, only to be immediately blocked by Deathstroke's blade and being kicked in the stomach, and sent flying once more. Robin got himself up but he knew this wouldn't be easy. But no way he'd give up.

Roark had left the building, his bodyguard Mojo, aka Grimbor the Chainsman, in tow. He looked up and heard the fighting on the rooftops. "Oh crud, one of those Titans…and some other guys…Mojo, do what you must, I'll be going ahead. Make sure they have no proof of our endeavors!" he said as he rushed in his limo. Mojo tore off his clothes to reveal his Grimbor costume underneath, pulling out his mask and placing it over his head. He readied the chains for good measures. He looked at a spot he could climb on and join the fray.

In his limo, Roark called Desmond through his cell phone. "Desmond, you incompetent fool, have your pet projects not finished off those teens and that oaf of a West yet?" Roark shouted in the phone.

"I dunno, last time Steamroller took on multiple Titans, but they seem to have grown more skilled and now they can each take on one Demolition Crew member each!" Desmond gulped.

"Think of something, anything, I don't care for subtlety anymore!" Roark roared before he hung up. "If I am to lose, I'll drag down those pesky teens down with me!"

TO BE CONTINUED

XXX

Finally another titans chapter done after a long time. No worries, the next update won't take that long as last time.

Yeah, bringing in some new honest cops, some familiar ones from 'The Batman'. And Orchid Blackwell is a reference to a lesser known DC hero known as Black Orchid. Orchid Blackwell wasn't her civilian name, but I didn't like her civilia name so I changed that.

And the demolition crew is also from the DC comics, but were just thugs controlling vehicles or weapons, here, in theme of Steamroller, are cyborgs.

And of course Adam West...he became a mayor in family guy and voiced another mayor in 'the batman' so why not?