The End
Robin woke up to a chime from his communicator. 5:30am. He wasn't due to start the day for another half an hour but he was expecting this. Confirming his suspicions he had a message from Batman. His new suit was arriving in a few minutes on the Titans Tower's rooftop.
Quickly getting dressed in his uniform, he made his way to the roof. It was barely dawn out. It was still dark but the night was about to make way for the day. Robin watched the very beginning of today's sunrise start to unfold while he waited for his suit.
The quiet of the morning was broken by the Batwing coming in to land on the roof. Robin was expecting to see Lucius Fox step out of the Batwing but someone else surprised him.
"Selina." He greeted, rather surprised. It was a long trip from Gotham. Why had she taken the trip to see him.
Catwoman stepped out onto the roof holding a large briefcase along with a smaller one in her other hand. "Morning kiddo."
"What are you doing here?" Robin asked. He wasn't upset that she was here. Just curious.
"I thought I'd give Lucius the day off... And I still owe you an apology for how everything went down."
"Letting us know you were on our side would have been nice to know."
"Bruce's orders were not to give myself up to anyone. I wanted to tell you when you held me captive but unfortunately, that wasn't an option."
"At least now I know how you managed to escape the Tower."
"Yeah. It is Bruce's security after all."
"I can't say I blame you. I did the same thing when I became Red X. It might help getting you what you're after but you just wind up hurting those you're close to. I learnt that the hard way."
"For what it's worth. I'm sorry for it all. You won't have to worry about Bruce and I getting involved with you or any of the Titans again. We just had a golden opportunity to nail Cobblepot you know?"
"I know. You did what you thought was right."
"Anyway. Lucius sends you his best. That suit's gonna look great on you kid." Catwoman held out the largest briefcase for Robin to take.
Taking the case, Robin nodded. "I just wish my parents could see it." Robin sadly added.
"They would be so proud of you, Dick... I know now that Bruce and I are engaged and soon to be married- That would make me your Step Parent. I've never been great with kids and given our history I won't expect you to treat me differently but I'm trying to be better. Better for Bruce and you, his son."
"It will be weird at first but... It'll be nice to say that I have a mom again." Robin and Catwoman both smiled at each other. "What's in the other case?"
Smirking as she opened the case, Catwoman showed off what was inside the other case. The 'Cats Bride' necklace. Robin thought Amanda Waller has seized that piece of jewellery.
"How did you steal it back from Waller?"
"I managed to slip the real necklace with some other jewellery that had been knocked around the shipping yard right before Agents arrested me. No one knew what was in the case beforehand so they didn't think twice."
"Okay. Now why are you giving it me? It belongs in a museum."
Catwoman sighed knowing that would be what he'd say. "I know it's ancient history and all but this piece is so beyond just sitting behind some glass. It belongs around the neck of royalty. And I happen to know a certain someone who has a crush on an alien princess." She winked.
Robin didn't have a reply. Yes, that was true, but that didn't just make the necklace his.
"You know. They say it was blessed by an Egyptian god. If this necklace were to be given as a gift, the wearer would fall in love with the giver of the gift. At least that's what I understand. But give it to a museum if you want. I can't stop you."
"Either way. Thank you for giving this to me, Selina."
"No problem. Time I head back to Gotham. Take care kid." Waving goodbye, Catwoman walked into the Batwing and turned back to wave a final time. The jet began to take off, gently beginning to hover off the ground when Robin called out loudly to her.
"SELINA! I WAS WRONG ABOUT YOU! YOU HAVE CHANGED!" He cried out.
"THEN THERE'S HOPE FOR EVERYONE, RICHARD! BY THE WAY. TELL BEAST BOY HIS MOPED IS BACK IN THE GARAGE!" She called back before the doors shut behind her.
Robin watched as the Batwing flew away toward the sunrise that had now grown into a beautiful view over the horizon. A new day had begun. And it was time for a new hero to start his journey.
*A short time later*
Dick Grayson stood in front of his mirror admiring his new suit. It was everything he could have hoped for and more. His new suit had much more armour than his last, making him appear bigger and broader in stature. The armour was resistant to electrical attacks and had a built in power cell battery that enabled him to deploy a wingsuit that provided flight for a short time if he ever needed it. He had much more space for equipment thanks to two gauntlets on his wrists that house a built in grapple launcher on each side along with the means to shoot a variety of small weapons such as smoke pellets. His Birdarangs had a new design he renamed to Wingdings and could hold a lot more than his old uniform. He debated on whether he would keep the Escrima sticks that Slade had gifted him but in the end they fit his new brand. The sticks sat prominently on his back for easy access. It would take a while to get use to no longer wearing a cape though.
Finally in his hand he held his new mask which he pressed against his eyes. This mask wasn't just a cheap piece of plastic and fabric anymore. This mask was state of the art. Completely blocking out the wearer's eyes yet it was completely see through for the wearer and came equipped with night vision, heat vision and telescopic vision. The mask fit snugly on his face as he pressed it on.
Dick brushed his fingers over the bold blue bird that was covering his chest. It was exactly like he had imagined it when he was a kid. He felt a warm satisfaction that this suit was finally a reality.
He had finally left his mentor's shadow. No longer was he just the Batman's partner. Nightwing was ready to show the world he was his own man. His own leader. Nightwing grinned at his look before reaching for a jar of hair gel. He rubbed the gel through his fingers before he stopped and looked again. His hair was a lot longer than he had realised and it didn't look awful. Taking a moment to decide what to do Nightwing ultimately decided to wash the gel off his hands and tie a rubber band around his hair, using the makeshift hairtie to keep his locks in place behind his head with a low ponytail.
In full get up, Nightwing now turned his sights back to the case Catwoman had gifted him. What should he do with the necklace. It wasn't his but who's was it really? He decided he was going to bring it to the team and ask for their opinion.
Nightwing walked into the Common Room staring at the necklace. It really was a marvel. Such elegance and beauty seemed to empower the look. It reminded him a lot of Starfire. Thinking back to his talk with his adoptive father, he really had to wonder. If the Batman could find happiness in another. Why couldn't he? He knew having a loved one would be putting a target on their back for anyone wanting to hurt him. But really, who was brave enough to take on Starfire just to get at him?
Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed the doors of the common room open as someone entered. His attention was only broken when he noticed an almost blinding green light beside him. Starfire was hovering behind him, powers in full effect with a scowl on her face. "You will return what you have stolen or face the consequences!" She threatened, eyes glowing green.
"Starfire, it's me! Robin!" He panicked, holding his hands up as he faced her.
The fury in Starfire's posture dissolved as she realised who the mysterious figure in their common room was. "Robin? I did not recognise you. I apologize."
"I noticed." He chuckled, now relaxed. "Sorry if I startled you. This is a pretty big change huh?" The pair looked down at his suit.
Starfire noticed the blue bird across the chest piece and a memory flashed by her. "This means that... You are Nightwing now, yes?"
Nightwing was a little surprised. How did she know about his new name before he had told her. But something about the worried look on her face reminded him about a past event. "Your trip to the future..." He stated.
Starfire nodded softly. "Does this mean that future truly is inevitable?" She asked worried.
"The future isn't set in stone, Starfire. We've already altered events that decided the outcome of the future you visited. I might be Nightwing now but that doesn't mean we're destined to fail." Nightwing explained, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Starfire smiled sadly. "Thank you friend. It is just sad to think back to that time. Losing all my friends is something I hope never to happen again."
Nightwing nodded and looked down at the briefcase he had been holding. He thought about it for a moment before he clipped open the case. "Hold still a moment, Star."
Starfire wasn't sure what was happening but she did as Nightwing asked. The Titan leader gently placed the Cats Bride necklace around Starfire's neck to the Princess's surprise. She was stunned to say the least.
"This was what Selina was paid with for her part in Penguin's game. I did some research and it was last owned by an ancient Egyptian princess and it would only ever be worn by royalty. Given as a promise by loved ones to say that they would always be by the other's side until they both lay to rest or is handed down through generations." Nightwing explained to Starfire, the two now facing each other again. Sure, he left a few details out but that wasn't important right now.
"The team will go through hard times, Star, but I won't leave you, I... Care about you too much."
"You say you care about me. That you won't leave me. Yet you do not wish to even try and be something more with me..."
"It's about time that changed."
Starfire's eyes widen at that. Did that mean he...
"I told you that one day how I felt about relationships might change. Last night was that night. I had faith that you would save me but for a while I thought I wouldn't see you again. All I could think about while I was being kidnapped was you, Star... The thought that I might not get to see you again hurt more than I could have imagined... I know it'll be hard but. I'm ready to try."
"You truly mean it?" Starfire asked, not believing what she was hearing.
Nightwing nodded and gently held her hand. "Why don't I prove it to you." He asked.
Starfire wasn't sure what he meant by that but she got an idea when Nightwing pulled away his mask to reveal his identity.
"It's about time you learn who I really am, Star. My name is Richard Grayson. Adopted son of the billionaire Bruce Wayne. The Batman. I kept my identity a secret from everyone because I could never fully trust anyone to keep such a secret. But if I can trust you with my life. Then I can trust you with knowing who I am."
Starfire was shocked to say the least. Her heart fluttered but in her joy she could see Richard was blatantly nervous. Starfire wouldn't quite realise it yet but he was fighting every piece of instinct in him to look her in the eyes and tell her this. He really was laying out all the cards on the table for her.
"Your trust will not be in vain, Richard. I will keep your secret no matter the price. Does this mean we are boyfriend and girlfriend now?" Starfire asked sweetly.
Richard blushed and rubbed his head. "Well umm I'm not an expert on anything but... I think that starts with a kiss?". Starfire didn't need another offer. The two Titans locked lips together, enjoying the intimate moment they get to share. This was certainly a morning to remember for them both.
While they were both happy and had no intentions of keeping this a secret, the common room doors opening was a big enough scare to end the kiss prematurely. Cyborg hadn't seen much but he saw enough. The three Titans locked eyes but said nothing. Cyborg watched each of them closely, noting the details of the interaction he saw. A lot went through his head. The main one being that there now seemed to be a second pairing in the tower and that his leader was the boy billionaire Dick Grayson.
After a brief moment, Cyborg smiled at the pair, nodding his head a little, and walking toward the kitchen without saying a word. 'Atta way Rob'.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It wasn't long before the Titans needed to head into the City for one last press conference. To no one's surprise the crowd was hardly half the size as the previous due to many not wanting to be caught in the midst of another potential street brawl. The Titans, including Jinx, stood behind a wall out of view of the crowd while the mayor gave his speech before the Titans made their appearance.
"How do you think they're going to react when they see me?" Jinx asked. A worried look on her face as she looked out toward the entrance to the stage.
"You'll be fine, Jinx. I'll be out there with you." Nightwing assured her.
"Nightwing." Raven spoke, gaining his attention. 'That's going to take some time to get use to calling him that.' She thought.
"Yes, Raven." Nightwing responded noting Beast Boy and Raven were stood together looking at him. Beast Boy seemed to be nervous.
"Beast Boy needs to talk to you." Raven said simply.
Nightwing noticed Beast Boy's discomfort. Whatever this was about, he wasn't sure he was about to like it. "Okay. Beast Boy. Mind if we talk about it privately?"
Beast Boy seemed a little relieved at that. All eyes were on him at that point. He couldn't handle that right now. "Yeah man."
The two stepped aside from the others.
"You're still not sure, are you?" Nightwing asked. Beast Boy wasn't in his uniform this morning. He had found a set of casual wear that he opted to wear instead. This was one of the only times Nightwing had seen him in civilian clothes and also judging by Raven bringing this to his attention, she must know he either hasn't made a decision or has decided to leave but is afraid to tell him.
Beast Boy sighed and shook his head. "I don't know man. I hurt a lot of these people. I don't think I'm ready to be Beast Boy again."
"You know Jinx is about to go through the same thing, right? Maybe you two can face it together." Nightwing suggested.
Beast Boy seemed to think about it but he didn't reply. Nightwing sighed softly and placed a hand on his shoulder. "If you need time, I understand. Maybe you need to spend some time away from being Beast Boy and just be Gar for a while. Go out and explore the world. Maybe you're right and the city isn't ready for Beast Boy. But you know the Titans will always have a place for Garfield Logan." Nightwing smiled.
Beast Boy seemed to understand and nodded. Nightwing began to walk away back toward the Titans when Beast Boy called back to him. "Rob."
Nightwing turned to him and walked back. "That name doesn't really work now, does it?"
"Well can't go calling you Dick everywhere." He shrugged.
"No, I guess not." He agreed. "What's up?"
"I think I know what I want to do."
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"Without further ado. I hand you over to the leader of the Teen Titans... Nightwing." The mayor spoke to the crowd before stepping away from the microphone. The members of the audience looked around in confusion at the mention of Nightwing. Who? They all thought.
Nightwing entered the stage, shaking the mayor's hand before taking the stand. The public starting to understand who Nightwing was, the crowd cheering a little at their city's leader.
"Thank you, Mayor Willow. Believe me. This is going to take some time for myself to get used to. I've been Robin for so long that going by something else feels weird in all honesty. It's something we're going through together. My name isn't the only one too change. As a team we have decided to evolve. We've been your protectors for years now and it's come to our attention that soon we won't be Teens much longer. From now on the Teen Titans will be known simply as the Titans."
The crowd gave a small cheer in support of the change. Nightwing smiled hearing he had the crowd's support. Although he knew he was about to lose some of that support.
"This last week or so has been a difficult one. For Jump City and the Titans. We were faced against foes the likes of this city hasn't encountered before. And as much as I'd like to say we handled this threat accordingly. That would be a lie. While the threat has since been taken down. We let a lot of you down. We didn't handle the situation as well as we could have. Many of Jump's citizens were hurt in the attacks and some were hurt by members of the team who's job is to protect you. On behalf of the rest of the Titans, we're sorry for letting you down. We're sorry for those we hurt. We're sorry for those we couldn't help and we're sorry we couldn't stop these criminals before anyone was hurt."
The crowd was no longer cheering for the Titans. They were deathly quiet. No one was happy anymore but they seemed to be hearing him out.
"Because of our failings, we have heard your disappointment in us. We've heard your voices and we've reflected on our choices and decided that we need to learn from this experience to ensure something like this never happens again. The aftermath of this event has forever changed this city. We won't be able to completely restore your faith in us to handle threats of this scale without causing too much damage to the city in the process."
"This was something that was originally covered for by the generosity of the City. However, most of you would know that is just a nice way of saying your tax dollars cover our damage bill. You're right. That isn't fair on any of you. As of today, the Titans will be paying for their own damages by the way of our new program, T.U.R.F. The Titans' Urban Restoration Fund. If you wake up one morning and find that your car has been used as a weapon or has been damaged in a fight with the Titans, you'll be completely protected from any financial loss we might cause you."
This had the crowd cheering again. Nightwing had barely began to talk about T.U.R.F and he had them back where he wanted them.
"I'd like to personally thank three people who have been a ginormous help to sponsoring this project on such short notice. While they are not here to congratulate in person, this wouldn't be possible without the generosity of Bruce Wayne, Oliver Queen and Alexander Luthor. These men have seen the potential T.U.R.F has to offer and jumped at the opportunity to help this project come to life."
"T.U.R.F is not just a new insurance for meta human related damages. T.U.R.F is the beginning of a new age for the Titans. T.U.R.F is a second chance for meta humans. The line between good and evil isn't black and white. In fact. You could argue there isn't even a line at all. We're all living in the same grey space. Not everyone is just born evil. Some people had it a lot harder than others which forced them down a path they never wanted to walk. I, along with the rest of the Titans and the men providing T.U.R.F with the support it needs, believe jail for meta human youth isn't the best solution. Which is why T.U.R.F will be aiming to help the meta human youths that are using their abilities to commit crimes. To take the easy way out. To the kids that break the law to feed their bothers and sisters. Who steal or hurt because they have no choice. I say to all of you. We do not want to fight you. We want to help. As someone who had lost everything he had. I only became the hero I am today because of the kindness of my mentor, the Batman. But I know there's many of you who would never be able to trust me with taking you away from a life of crime. Which is why I'd like to invite to the stage someone very special to the Titans. Someone who's story deserves to be shared to everyone."
Nightwing stepped away from the microphone and waited for the next speaker. The photographers in the crowd stared snapping their cameras rapidly as a new Jinx stepped out onto the stage. Many of the crowd gasped and checked with the person next to them that this was the girl they thought it was. Jinx had let her hair rest on her back and had changed from her dark purple dress, leggings and choker to a more respectful purple dress, black jacket and heels. She still kept most of her old look, only it was a lot more tame and 'regular'.
Jinx walked up to Nightwing and the two shared a hug. Something that was done to assure the crowd that this was no joke. Nightwing was trusting a known criminal to speak on behalf of him.
"Ahh... Hey everybody. You're going to have to bare with me a little bit. Public speaking has never been my strong suit." Jinx began nervously. She turned to briefly look at Nightwing who smiled at her and whispered, "You've done the hardest part.". She smiled at that. He was right. She had. Turning back to the microphone, she continued.
"Many of you know me as Jinx. A member of the group known as the H.I.V E.. For almost as long as I could remember the H.I.V.E was the only thing I knew. They taught me to be a criminal. Convinced me that that's all I was meant to be. I was their top student, the face of H.I.V.E Academy. A place who trains kids to be a super criminal's newest bodyguard. I was taught to hate superheroes, to hate the Titans, and for a while, I despised the guy and his team beside me. But even after everything we went through. He helped my close friend when he needed it most. The Titans gave me more love and support than I had ever received in the H.I.V.E.. I know I've hurt a lot of you in one way or another. But T.U.R.F is something I truly believe will make a difference in kids like me. To other members of the H.I.V.E. This is something I'm going to dedicate myself to, to personally make a difference in the lives of misguided youth. As a way of paying back this city for all the pain I helped put it through... I have so much more I have to say but in short. I have a lot to pay this city back for and I'm not going to run away from this responsibility."
Jinx took a breath as she prepared to finish her speech. She felt her communicator in her pocket. Pulling it out, she held it tight before looking back up at the crowd. "My name is Katie, I'm a Titan and proud of it!"
The crowd surrounding the stage applauded Jinx's bravery and strong speech. For so long she had never belonged in society. Forced to live in the shadows for the acts she had committed. Despite the applause, she wasn't an idiot. The crowd were still the same sheep they were before. Some of them were only clapping because that's what others around them were doing. But she didn't care how long it took. She was going to repay this city and win over everyone that still doubted her.
A single tear ran down her cheek. She clutched her communicator close to her chest and smiled. For the first time in her life, she was experiencing pride. Nightwing's palm rested on her shoulder. The girl looked up at him. His smile was as wide as hers. Both nodding to each other, they silently swapped places, leaving Nightwing in front of the podium.
"Through fire, the Titans have emerged stronger. These past weeks have been some of our hardest, which is something I don't say lightly. Despite it all. We will not stop here. As it stands, the Titans and Titans East are the only official Titan teams. In the coming years. We hope to increase those numbers tenfold. We aim to have official Titan teams across the globe. So that wherever you are, when there's trouble, you'll know who to call. Thank you."
The crowd applauded loudly. Many snapped photos and reporters shuffled in to take a statement from Nightwing.
"Excuse me, Nightwing! Can you please tell us what happened to the criminals Deadshot and Catwoman? What did they want when they came to our city?" A woman asked loudly holding out her phone as a microphone.
"Floyd Lawton and Selina Kyle, more commonly known as Deadshot and Catwoman came to Jump City in an attempt to kidnap myself as apart of a job organized by the crime boss Oswald Cobblepot. The pair were apprehended in Gotham city with help of The Batman. Both criminals are... in custody."
"Can you please elaborate on that Nightwing? There are many people coming forward that say they saw more than two criminals working in tow of Deadshot and Catwoman with others claiming they saw the villain Deathstroke at the crime scene in Gotham. Can you please explain why there are so many witnesses coming forward saying more than two criminals were involved in the explosion at the Gotham shipping yard and why neither the G.C.P.D or the Titans have publicly opened up in detail to the events that happened in Gotham."
''This girl really wants to catch me out here. I need to be extremely careful about what I say.' It's not that Nightwing wanted to keep the truth about what really happened a secret from the public. He just simply couldn't risk the backlash of what would happen if word got out about Task Force X. The American government would be torn down by its own people and Amanda Waller would make sure everyone Nightwing was close to went down with her. Taking a moment to think about his response, he swallowed before leaning into the mic.
"A lot of what happened in Gotham is being kept quiet for a reason. Unfortunately this is just common practice for events involving super criminals. But what I can say is that we will never let a threat like this happen again. Not with the new way we're going to be doing things involving T.U.R.F. Details regarding Cobblepot's arrest and the attack at the shipping yard will eventually be released by the G.C.P.D as this is their crime scene to report on."
Many voices all clashed with another as other reporters tried to ask further about what happened at the docks. Nightwing tried listening to the questions that were rapidly shot at him but he couldn't catch any of them. In a sea of adults all shouting over another, Nightwing noticed a hand raised in the crowd that barely rose above the shoulder level of the men next to him.
Keeping his eyes on the hand, Nightwing took the microphone off of the podium and walked toward the edge of the stage. A small boy stood alone with his hand politely raised. His eyes widened when he saw Nightwing was staring right at him.
Nightwing could tell just how nervous the boy was. Taking a knee toward the boy, Nightwing held the microphone towards him. "You don't be shy. Do you have a question for me?"
"Mr Nightwing Sir?" The boy started to speak but started to freeze. From behind his back, the boy held onto a green tyrannosaurus Rex. He clutched the toy tightly, seemingly finding the courage to finish asking the superhero his question. "I just want to know, about... Beast Boy. Will we see him again?" The boy asked softly.
Nightwing paused for a moment. The question from the boy silenced a lot of the other reporters. Many wanting to know the state of one of their heroes. Nightwing didn't look away from the kid when he gave his answer. "Beast Boy is... Heavily conflicted with his status in the team. He feels what he's done can't be fixed. So. Beast Boy has decided to retire from the Titans permanently."
Many of the crowd couldn't believe it. Even after everything he did. It was clear on the faces of Jump City's residents that they were sad to see their hero leave without saying goodbye. The kid in the audience looked destroyed, clutching his dinosaur trying not to cry.
"But." Nightwing spoke again, the crowd back to his attention. "Jinx is not the only new member of the team I'm going to introduce to you today. I don't like saying I'm replacing anyone. But I think in this circumstance it's appropriate. Please give a welcome to the new member of the Titans."
The crowd hardly got to ask another what this all meant when a familiar face walked out on stage. A mix of gasps and cheers became louder as more people saw who was walking toward the front of the stage.
Nightwing smiled at Beast Boy before handing him the microphone. Like Jinx, he was very nervous about this. He still wasn't sure about whether or not he should be doing this but the moment he caught sight of the boy with the dinosaur, he remembered why he did what he did, day in day out. He stood up for the little guys. The ones too small to stand up for themselves. The boy and him shared a look together before Beast Boy began speaking.
"Ah, hey everyone. Before I say anything. I'd just like to say I'm sorry. To everyone. I know Robin- I mean, Nightwing... Man that's going to take some getting used to... has already apologized to you all on our behalf. But if anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I wish I could explain exactly what's happened to me but honestly. I don't know. I'm still working it out. I lost control of myself. I hurt people who I'm suppose to look out for. I wish I could take it back. I can't completely trust myself anymore and neither can you. But, maybe, we can start fresh. So since we're doing a whole lot of changing around this place. I'm officially putting Beast Boy into retirement. From now on. It's Changeling. I might not be around very much to begin with. But I promise when I do sort myself out, when I do learn how to control myself, I'll be back. Back to be a part of the best superhero team that isn't named the Justice League! And most importantly, to be a better hero for you guys. Thank you."
Applause at first was minimal. Changeling was awkwardly standing in front of the crowd wondering if he should just go stand by Nightwing. But gradually, the applause grew louder. The mixed feelings throughout the crowd had all sided with another. Changeling's smile grew wide with pride as the faces who were nervous of him were all cheering for him. It seemed that his apology was accepted throughout the community.
Changeling took one last look at the small boy in the front of the audience. He smiled at him. "Thanks little dude." He mouthed to him before walking away from the microphone.
Mayor Willow had made his way back on stage to end the conference. Changeling stepped aside for the Mayor who smiled at him. With their moment over, Nightwing ushered Jinx and Changeling back away from the stage, making their exit from the public. The rest of the Titans were still waiting out of view of the public.
"Changeling huh?" Cyborg asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah well, Beast Man doesn't have the same ring to it that it used to have, you know?" Changeling joked.
"You're still BB to us. You know that right?"
"You know it bro." BB and Cyborg grasped hands, bro hugging each other.
As the boys hugged, the girls looked on. Raven and Jinx looked at each other for a brief moment. Both had an idea what the other was thinking. "Boys." They sarcastically said in unison, bringing a smile out on their faces.
"This is going to feel... Weird for me at first. But I'm glad I'm a part of the Titans now. I just want you guys to know that." Jinx spoke aloud to all.
"We are all most glad to have you join us, Jinx. Please you must accompany Raven and I in a girls night out some time!" Starfire cheered, holding Jinx's hand who looked over at Raven for support. The half demon shrugged and rolled her eyes. "They're not so bad."
The three boys smirked to themselves. All quietly mouthing "Girls" to each other.
"Soooo that's it?" Cyborg asking the group. No one seemed to have anything else to say.
Nightwing took a moment for anyone to say their piece before deciding what to do. "Let's go home everyone."
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Inside Changeling's mindscape, the two inhabitants of the mind sat at the edge of the lake below the waterfall. Beast and Changeling, while they shared a body together, Changeling was particularly nervous about what Beast would want now that he had a voice to speak his mind.
"So do you like, have a name?" Changeling asked.
"The name you have given me is adequate." Beast Replied.
"No but like, don't you want to give yourself a name? Something that isn't... I don't know, degrading?"
"Did you pick or change your name, Garfield?"
"Ok fair point. So Beast is cool with you?"
"Yes. We are happy with that."
"We? As in you and me?"
"No. I mean all of me."
"... I'm not following dude."
"I am your animalistic side. I speak on behalf of every animal you have the ability to bond with. Thus. I am many. Together we are a powerful Beast."
"Oh. So let's say I turned into a monkey or something. I'm really just borrowing the monkey from you? Or something like that?"
"Putting it simply, I suppose."
"So does that make you the strongest animal in the kingdom? If you're a part of every animal."
"I have never tested my abilities against other animal. But none oppose me. That should speak for itself."
"Yeah I guess you're right. You certainly fight like the Alpha of the animal kingdom."
"Yes. I have a question for you, Master."
"No dude. I don't care if this was my mind and body before you came along or that humans sit above animals on the food chain or whatever. I'm not your Master. From now on we're partners."
"...Why did you suppress my calls for so long? Why did you leave me locked away in that waterfall?"
"I... I was just afraid I guess. That night when you came to be. You frightened me, Beast. You frightened all of us. I didn't know what you were and I didn't know what effect you had on me when I let you take control. You made me act like a lunatic man."
"I only wished to help our love."
"Eww dude she's not... Okay yeah whatever, she is but you could have warned us before you took off and went to save her. It looked bad for us, you know? Robin nearly jailed us for that."
"I apologize. My only objective was to aid Raven. Nothing else mattered to me."
"At all costs? She means that much to you too?"
"We are equal. We feel the same for her."
"I'm not sure how I feel about that but I'm glad the feeling's mutual."
The two paused their chat for a brief moment. Both reflecting on what they had spoken about so far. While they didn't have all the answers the other was looking for. There was one last question Changeling had on his mind.
"Beast? Is our Hybrid form... Yours or mine? I mean. I've never actually been in control of it. Or at least in half control. That was always you and the Paramore. How was it created I guess?"
"Until now, you and I have struggled to agree on anything. However that night in the museum- You didn't realize it, but as we chased the Catwoman, Human's and animal's goals were perfectly aligned. We both hunted. For blood, for vengeance. Paramore or not."
"Then what about Raven's sixteenth birthday? Our goals were aligned then. Why did you take over and not Hybrid?"
"Because you weren't thinking like a human. Your one goal was to protect your mate. There is no other more primal instinct than that. Fighting for you and your loved ones."
"Ugh. I really don't like it when you put it like that."
"Evolution. Every being started from somewhere."
"Evolution. Breeding out the imperfections of our species over millions of years... Hybrid is a mix of Human DNA and all animal DNA right?"
"Put simply- Yes."
"Then if Hybrid can pick and choose out of millions of years of evolution for each of its forms. That would make Hybrid the smartest, most adapted lifeform in all existence."
"The perfect Land, Sea and Air animal. In one perfectly crafted combination."
"An animal like that... Can't ever lose control again. Beast. Hybrid is our greatest strength. But we can not use it, not unless absolutely necessary. I need you to promise me that you'll talk to me before you decide to use that form."
"Even if Raven's wellbeing is at risk?"
"Well that will probably fall under the 'absolutely necessary' category. But yeah. That's probably fine. No need to go overkill is all I'm asking."
"Fine. But I have one request in return."
"And what would that be?"
"We are no longer vegetarian."
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Night had fallen over the City. Thankfully for the Titans, the idea of low rate criminals having to go up against the strongest line-up of Titans to date had scared anyone from making a move so far. Everyone was free to sleep peacefully. Though not everyone had decided they wanted sleep.
Raven sat alone in the common room. Staring out of the window toward the city. The night was calm, soothing. For the first time in weeks. She was at peace.
She wasn't the only one that was awake however. The doors of the common room opened with Changeling walking through. "Hey." He said simply.
"Hi." She replied simpler.
He walked over to the couch beside Raven and sat beside her.
"Come here often?" He joked.
"I'm in too good of a mood for even you to upset me. Never thought I'd say this but I think you've made me read enough books to last a lifetime. I'm just happy that this is all behind us."
"What you did for me these past few weeks. I'll never forget it, I swear."
"I know you won't. And don't mention it. You never gave up on me when I needed it." Raven stated, pulling out the penny Changeling had given her on her sixteenth birthday.
"You... Kept it?" He questioned.
"For luck." She smiled.
"Told you it was lucky." He smiled.
"You did. How's Beast? Have you spoken to him yet?"
"We spoke a little while ago. Laid down some rules that we both agreed to. Some are going to be a little harder than others to follow."
"Like what?"
"Well as of tomorrow we're no longer Vegetarian."
"Really?"
"He could live with it since a lot of animals are herbivores but the carnivores in him had always been nagging him for meat. So when I needed him to make a promise I had to promise to eat meat again."
"If it helps. Once you start, you're never going to want to stop again."
"Right. I hear I should start with bacon."
"That's a good start. Any other rules I should know about."
"Well... We both agreed we wanted to spend more time with you... Obviously that's completely up to you! I don't wanna force you or intrude on your space or anything."
"Is that right?"
"Well... Yeah?"
"You have changed." She smirked.
"Well I guess I have yeah." He smiled back.
"Let's see just how much." She said picking up the remote and turning on the TV. The TV displayed a movie that Raven had left on pause from a previous session. Hitting restart on the movie, Raven scooted closer to Changeling.
"We're watching a movie? At this hour?"
"Why not? Besides, you owe me from my last movie night."
"Oh. Right." He sheepishly shrugged.
The pair silently sat together. Raven rested her head on his shoulder as the movie began playing.
"What are we watching Raven?" Changeling asked still looking down at the girl on his shoulder. Raven smiled and glanced up at Changeling.
"Beautiful Creatures".
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3 and a half years ago. I started writing this Fic without an end goal in sight. I hadn't thought about the plot whatsoever. Never intending on it being very long or have a backstory. I didn't even know how to finish it until I was about half was through writing.
And now. We finally made it. Just shy of a quarter of a million words. In school I had struggled to write just 500 and would quit whatever project I was working on half way though. So to complete this is one of the most satisfying things I've done. Finishing it on my birthday is even better.
I can't thank those of you who have stuck it out with me for the long run enough. I hope the ending was as great for you to read as I'm hoping.
And I say it every chapter but my proof reader Rose has been absolutely amazing providing the help she has over the years. If you go back to the first 10 chapters and compare them to the last 10. You'll really see a difference. So Rose deserves a huge thank you.
This might be the end of the story BUT I have 1 more chapter I want to write before I move onto the next story. It's only 1 scene so hopefully that doesn't take too long.
Thank you all again for reading my Fic and I'll see you all for my next chapter.
DansaCharm