A monster laid dormant, listening, smelling, waiting for a chance to snatch it's prey. Waylon Jones, also known as Killer Croc, swam through the murky sewer waters, eager to claim his next victim for dinner. He escaped Arkham Asylum, swimming all the way to Jump City, with the intention of claiming his next victim. Little did he know that when you enter Titans territory, you better be ready for a beatdown, and maybe a few missing teeth on top of that.
Robin, Blackstar, and Superboy were on the hunt for Croc, sticking together as they traversed through the sewers.
"Croc's condition has only worsened with time." Robin stated, using a pair of night vision goggles. "Sooner or later, he'll lose his humanity completely, effectively becoming a giant man eating lizard."
"Comforting. . ." Kai said sarcastically, using a prototype O2 mask. "Hope he likes having fur stuck to his teeth."
Superboy chuckled, "Judging by his MO, he doesn't discriminate."
Robin interjected, "Which is why Superboy here can handle him."
"Glad to see people have faith in me." Another sarcastic remark from Connor clearly showed how relaxed the team were, despite their current situation.
Then the trio stopped in their tracks. The sound of a low growl emitted from further ahead, to the group's surprise, they might have possibly got the advantage on Croc. Tim recognised the snarls, the movement, that horrifying subhuman voice.
"I smell you little birdy. . . I smell. . . other prey too."
"So much for the upper hand." Robin thought as he brought out a birdarang in preparation. "You see him Superboy?" He asked whilst looking behind him, with Blackstar activating his gauntlets.
Though he still needed to practice with his x-ray vision, Connor could see their enemy swimming towards them at an alarming speed. "Here he comes!!"
Killer Croc emerged from the water, his towering height, the large sharp teeth, and those frightening yellow eyes that darted between his next meal. "Fresh. . . succulent. . ." He was practically drooling at the sight.
Superboy's eyes turned red, readying to tussle with the towering monster. "Too bad you won't have any teeth left to chew with." Then he charged towards him, ramming into Croc like a wrecking ball with fists.
"Holy shit, he's going for him!" Kai exclaimed as he began to follow, leaving a gobsmacked Robin to process the information.
"Did Connor just tackle Killer Croc?!" The boy wonder thought as he followed the hybrid. "Guess we might wrap this situation up sooner than we thought." He spoke aloud.
The fight between Croc and Superboy grew more violent by the second. Despite being smaller, Connor's strength made up for it, not caring for Croc's claws digging into his back. Even with those massive teeth of his, Waylon Jones did not anticipate to go toe to toe with such a resilient opponent.
The oversized cannibal attempted to use his teeth, only for his mouth to be held by Superboy's bare hands.
"Your breath stinks Croc!!" Connor flew upwards, taking the monster with him towards the surface, planning on taking the fight outside.
Citizens screamed as they were caught by surprise as Superboy threw his opponent into a parked police car, taking a moment to check his surroundings. He found himself in a emptying parking lot, a sigh meaning that he wasn't in a heavily populated area. The claw marks on his back were deep, but it was the least of his worries as Killer Croc got back up.
He snarled, "I will strip your flesh, I will decorate this city with your bones!!"
Superboy smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Try me bitch."
Croc charged with a roar, whilst his enemy charged also. Robin and Blackstar followed the trail of destruction, emerging from the sewers. As Superboy became less fearful of not holding back, he became more confident that with a bit more aggression, he could deliver a knock out.
"You sure these tranqs will work?" Kai asked, gesturing to the items within Tim's utility belt.
"Batman made them. Of course they'll work." Robin assured that the sleeping darts were more than effective.
The two heroes watched as Superboy continued his assualt, and with one big punch, he managed to break the many rows of teeth, forcing Croc into submission. The cannibalistic criminal knelt down, exhausted, beaten, and almost toothless.
Robin quickly administered the tranqualisers, and soon Killer Croc was down and out. "Superboy one, Killer Croc zero." Connor triumphantly said.
"And there comes the pain- ow ow ow ow!"
Kai and Tim surpressed their chuckles, their attention turning to the flying object in the sky. It was none other than Batman and the Batwing, with a large metallic container for Croc. Superboy lifted the sleeping villain into the container, shutting the doors before joining the other two.
"Guess he's not coming out to congratulate us. . ." Blackstar didn't bother hiding his dissapointment, continuing to watch as the Batwing flew off with Croc.
"Don't take it personally. That's just how he operates." Robin stated, "Besides, he'll thank us in his own way."
"Can we head back now? These cuts sting." Connor said, puffing out a hot breath. The other two heroes nodded, all three were itching to wash their gear from the nasty sewer crap.
After several hours of thorough cleaning, the three Titans switched to casual wear. Tim, Connor, and Kai entered the lounge, all eager for food. Miss Martian, Blue Beetle, and Wonder Girl welcomed them, each with a big smile.
"Heard you guys bagged a big ass crocodile!" Jaime said aloud, greeting Connor with a high five.
"To be fair Connor did the bagging." Tim added, "Me and Kai didn't even get a chance to join in."
Kai nodded in agreement, "Got to see the Batwing though, so I guess it ain't all bad."
"Trust me Kai, the novelty wears off when you've been in it as long as I have." The boy wonder stated as he sat down.
"Pizza time?" Jaime asked, noticing everyone smiling with excitement.
"Best idea you've ever had Jaime." Connor casually spoke, hoping his friend would take the bait.
"Thank you. . . Hey!"
The group laughed at Blue Beetle's outburst, he groaned in defeat. Suiting up to go on a quest for pizza. After three boxes of glorious food, everyone retreated to their quarters minus Kai, who began to contact his father via his laptop.
The face of Doctor Luke Thomas appeared, donning his usual scientist attire. "Kai! Good to see you."
"Hey Dad." Kai said, sitting back. "The O2 mask works, but we'll need to adjust the filters if we're going to think about underwater/space exploration."
"Well I can do you one better." Luke moved to reveal a newly redesigned helmet. "This one is more comfortable for your ears. The wires connect to a compressed tank, with enough air to last up to two weeks."
Kai's smile grew brighter, "Dad. You are a mother fudging genius!"
"That ain't the only good news Kai. Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises is wanting to meet us to talk about a possible joint project."
"Wayne Enterprises!?" The hybrid exclaimed, unable to supress excitement.
Luke only nodded in confirmation, "We'll be meeting Mr Wayne in three days, so dress sharply, brush your teeth, and then you'll meet the Billionaire Playboy Philantropist himself!"
"This is it dad! We're gonna make history!" Kai knew this opportunity would not only represent the Blackstar division, but would honor Alice's legacy.
"You know your mother would be smiling down on you kid."
It's been over four months since Kai joined the Titans, the hybrid now had a job where he could make a difference. The bond between Luke and Kai only grew stronger with time, and with it, they were closing the gap between metahumans and humans alike.
"Well, I'm gonna sign off. I'll see you soon dad."
"Take care kid." Luke bidded his son farewell, disconnecting from the video call.
Kai laid back on the couch, looking forward to the future ahead of him. Then without warning, he felt familiar arms wrap around him, recognising her intimate touch. Wonder girl rested her head on his shoulder, smiling away.
"Sounds like you'll be pretty busy Kai." She said, gentley kissing the side of his head.
"I still have time." He replied, "Three days 'til then so I can prioritise hero time, and spend time with you Cass." He turned his head to return the kiss.
"You think we should tell the team about us?" She asked, massaging his head in a slow hypnotic manner.
"Only when you're ready." He stood up from the couch, shutting his laptop off. "If you excuse me Ms Sandsmark, I'm gonna call it a night." Just when he was about to leave, the young lady wrapped around his waist.
"Before you go Kai. . ." Her voice stopped him in his tracks. He turned his head, knowing that familar tone.
"Are you sure you want to?" He asked, "I'm not sure how this will work. . ."
Cass cupped his face, making him fully turn to face her. "We'll take our time."
There were no more words spoken. The two quietly left for the hybrids room, where they planned to spend the night together, where only they would know about.
Next Morning. . .
Robin, Blue Beetle, Miss Martian and Superboy were in the training room for their usual sparring session. A mix of combat without powers, the use of the obstacle course, and all was well. Except there is was one thing missing, or perhaps two in their case.
"Where the heck is Kai and Cass?" Jaime asked as he scratched the back of his head.
"Not like them to skip training day. . ." Tim spoke, wondering where on earth were they.
"I'll go check." M'gann volunteered to go look for them. "I'll start with Kai." She flew off for Blackstar's room.
Connor then said, "Don't you think those two are awfully close?"
"You saying Kai and Cass are banging each other?" Jaime casually asked, only for Tim to interuppt.
"Jaime! Really!?"
Blue Beetle replied, "What? We were all thinking it, I'm just being real here." The others shook their heads in response.
Miss Martian approached Kai's door, wondering if he was still asleep. She knocked quietly, "Kai are you up?" There was no answer.
She knocked again, "Kai?" Worried that he wasn't responding to her voice, she decided to use an override code to open the door. She quietly gasped at the sight before her.
Kai Black and Cassandra Sandsmark were both in a deep sleep, their bodies covered by the black silky sheets, the girls messy blonde hair was beautifully laid out on the pillow. M'gann quietly left them alone, her face redder than Atrocitous after eating a ghost chilli pepper. She could see Connor approaching, most likely out of concern.
"You found those two yet?" He asked, only to be shushed by his green girlfriend.
"Let them rest Connor." She said, holding onto the boy of steel's hand as she lead him away. "They'll tell us in their own time."
After an hour's worth of training, the group made their way to the lounge. As they entered, their eyes locked on to Wonder girl and Blackstar, who were sitting on the couch together. The two were cuddling, thankfully they were fully clothed. Jaime being Jaime, gasped dramatically.
"Oh." Kai looked to his friends with a smile, "Hey guys."
Connor spoke up, "Called it." Walking to the kitchen area whilst whistling away.
"What Connor meant to say, was that he made a bet on you two getting together." Miss Martian flew towards the two, landing on the couch gracefully.
"Well we discussed about telling you all," Cass then said, "Kai and I have been dating for three months."
Tim was next to join in on the conversation, "Long as you guys are happy." He gave a thumbs up in approval.
Blue Beetle on the other hand was not so subtle, "You guys are banging!?"
"JAIME!" Everyone shouted, the scarab wielder must've crapped his pants after that outburst. Then again, probably was more shocked at the resonated shout.
Meanwhile in San Fransisco. . .
Garfield Logan and Rachel Roth, or Beast boy and Raven as you know them, were in the middle of sending out the invitations to their wedding day. The background music on the radio played quietly, sending a relaxed vibe to their living room.
"How many left Gar?" Raven asked, noticing how focused her lover was on placing the stamps in the right spot. "Gar. . ." She said his name again, but still no response.
"Blueberry cheesecake brownie." The magic words grabbed the changeling's attention.
"Where?" He asked, followed by Raven's giggle of amusment.
"You are adoreable." She said, "I'm asking how many invitations left?" Raven placed her hand on his.
"Just four left Rae Rae." Beast boy confirmed, "I can't believe we're having our big day!" He rubbed her hand, his smile somewhat contagious.
"I'm scared as hell, but at the same time, I'm really excited. . ." The empath's violet eyes were fixed on those emerald green orbs as she spoke.
"Same here." Beast boy moved closer to his lover, kissing her cheek with such affection. "But we're in it together."
Raven returned with a loving kiss, nuzzling her nose with his. "Always my dear."
"Now my dearest," She said, "Let's finish these invitations, and then we shall go get ourselves showered. My handsome Beast boy. . ."
That was Raven's signal for "I want you." and the changeling knew not to dawdle.
"Gosh you are amazing Rae. . ." He stood up, hearing her warm giggle.
"I know." She called out from their bathroom. The shapeshifter finished off the last of the invitations, and so he darted off to catch up with his lover.
With the big day coming in a few weeks, love will bloom between old and new, and tears of joy will be shed. But before then, the heroes will have to contend with villains, work, college, and probably a lack of milk in the fridge.
End of Chapter IX: Looking Upwards
Author's Notes:
Another upbeat chapter for everyone. I may have to change the rating to M, for mildly suggestive themes, (Nothing lemon related.) violence, and other themes present. I've also wanted to dedicate a bit for BBRAE fans, so I did. Thank you all for reading, and I'll see you next chapter!