Rain had been tapping against the windows of Titans Tower all afternoon. Luckily for three of the founding Titans - Gar, Raven and Cyborg - they had planned to spend the entire week indoors, holed up in their former place of residence volunteering with wedding preparations.

"Cyborg, were you the one that asked about the surf and turf towers?" Raven entered the Main Ops room, with photos of proposed wedding decor in hand. "They won't stop bugging me about the catering package."

"Yep, that's me!" Cyborg followed Raven to settle the call, leaving Gar on transmission with Terra and Jericho.

The most anticipated wedding couldn't be approaching more slowly. Even still, they had a lot to do. Gar was in charge of the guest list, while the other two were busy liaising with the confidential planners over transmission.

Unluckily for the Titan fiancés, Starfire and Nightwing, their venue scouting was not going as smoothly due to the dripping weather.

Also unluckily, the new generation of Teen Titans were dispatched on a mission.

"Adding King Brion to the list... Done!" Gar updated the digital list. "Can't wait to see you three! I'll hook you up with Raven to discuss Markovian catering. I'm sure they'll love the idea."

As the transmission was ending, the doors slid open once more. This time, four younger, exasperated and battered heroes entered, obviously in the midst of an argument or two.

"How many times do I have to hammer it in? We shouldn't change strategy!" Flamebird was scolding one of the team's latest members, Tula the Atlantean.

"It didn't change! The tactics did, because they took Mirage!" retorted Tula.

"You can't just disperse like what you did back there, Golden Eagle," Robin separately explained to their other recruit. "We have to work together."

Golden Eagle had on a hunter green head armor and kilt, with golden armoured mask, chestplate, elbow guards, shin guards, and wingplates. In his frustration, he tossed his sword to the couch, the clanging noise being the straw that broke camel Gar's back.

"Well, that wouldn't have been an issue had we had an assertive leader, now would it?" Golden Eagle retorted. Robin, with a huff, was bravely face-to-face against the new teammate, but was silent.

"Dudes! Dudettes!" Gar called out, arms flailing for their attention. "What's all the fuss about?"

"We got beaten by a trio of baddies named after a puny babies game," Golden Eagle blurted out.

Robin gave him a disapproving glare. "Rock, Paper, and Scissors. And they got Mir, so we need to find out where they went."

Robin began using the panel next to Gar.

The doors slid open again. The Teen Titans turned their heads, hoping to see Mirage, but instead saw Raven and Cyborg.

"Team, let's start the search!" Robin desperately tried to wring back their attention, but the female Teen Titans were still debating.

Golden Eagle shook his head. He spread his golden wings, and that got their attention, as well as the older Titans'.

"Clearly, we're missing a dominant captain in this team."

"I thought Robin's the leader," Flamebird uttered.

Tula raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it Mir? I mean, she's been on the team the longest. Isn't that why the four of us aren't working well together right now?"

Golden Eagle snickered. "Mirage is still dubious about me joining the team. I don't think she's the leader."

Robin spoke, "Listen, I don't care about this leader stuff! We need to just work together to find her."

"Mirage is missing?" blurted out Cyborg, but the younglings were busy arguing with one another as they exited the Main Ops room. The trio of founders looked at one another.

"They'll sort it out," Raven said. "It's their mission. We'll step in if Mirage is in danger. But for her sake, they better get their acts together."

"Whoa whoa whoa, Rae!" Gar exclaimed. "Shouldn't we at least advise them? Bestow our wisdom?"

Cyborg shrugged. "Settling disputes is part of the process of developing a team, Gar. We've been there."

"Well then what are we here now setting up the new gen for, then, if we're not gonna share our experiences that can whip them to shape better than we all could ever grow to be?"

Raven and Cyborg looked at each other, and set down all they were holding, convinced by Gar.

Raven teleported the three of them to where the young Titans were still arguing, in the war room.

"Why can't you just let me lead this?" Golden Eagle asked Robin. "Where's the trust?"

"You just joined two days ago!" Robin grew frustrated. "Can we set our egos aside and rescue Mir altogether?"

"You said it yourself!" debated Flamebird to Tula. "You joined on a whim. Being a Teen Titan is not an interest-based hobby!"

Tula disagreed. "It's called passion. Robin and Mirage let me in, so I'm in. Why is that so hard to accept- "

"Dudes, listen up!"

The four fell quiet at Gar's authoritative order.

"We couldn't help but notice your arguing, and that Mirage is missing," Gar continued. "So, we OG Titans would like to help you through your disagreements."

"Is this a teaching moment?" Golden Eagle asked offhandedly.

Raven's eyes glowed. "As tacky as it sounds, yes, it is."

She teleported herself, Flamebird and Tula out of there, into her former bedroom.

"Robin, you wanna get back to Main Ops while we talk?" Gar offered, leading Robin out.

Cyborg stared at Golden Eagle.

"Looks like it's just us," Golden Eagle said confrontationally. Cyborg was not intimidated.

"Looks like they have not done anything to my room," Raven commented before reverting to the two young female Titans. "So. Let's hash this out. Flamebird, you go first."

"We were supposed to get the tricky trio to defeat each other," Flamebird recalled. "That was the strategy I devised and we all agreed on. Rock would beat Scissors. Scissors would beat Paper. And Paper would beat Rock! Child's play!

"Golden Eagle and Mirage botched it at first, though, and then Tula defected from the plan - "

"Sorry, Flamebird, but if it's alright that I interrupt," Raven said respectfully. "I understand emotions are running high, so if you need a breather..."

Flamebird paused and took a deep breath, recalling her time in Azarath with the monks.

Raven gestured to Tula. "Tula, let's hear from you next."

"I was the first one to spot Mirage struggling, so of course I deviated from the initial plan - because it wasn't going accordingly anymore."

Flamebird exhaled. "I just don't think going rogue on a team mission is what we should be doing as the Teen Titans. If you were an indie vigilante like I used to be, then sure, but -"

"I wasn't going rogue! It's only been a few days for me, give me a break."

Raven held up her hand, and they both fell quiet.

"You two may think you're in heavy disagreement, but what I'm hearing are potentially in symbiosis with each other," she pointed out. "Flamebird, you're a forward-thinking strategist that believes being a Titan is one's purpose to be a hero. Tula, you're an adaptable tactician that joined the team wanting to dip your toes in combat.

"You may think you're on opposite ends of the spectrum, and you are. That doesn't mean you're on different pages. There are differences that are meant to be reconciled, and then there are differences that are meant to make each other stronger. Figure out which one I think your situation applies to."

Flamebird and Tula remained silent, the epiphany delivered by Raven hitting them as if she were chanting her usual magic words.

"I still don't see it, but Raven does make a point," Flamebird said, extending her hand to Tula's scaly hand. "Let's make a fiery team and get our friend back."

Tula smiled, nodding and shaking her hand.

"I'm all water, so doubtful about making a team fiery, but I get your point."

Golden Eagle kept his arms folded and posture steadfast. Cyborg was unaffected by his stature.

"We haven't fully met," Cyborg started. "I'm Cyborg. Former full-time Titan. Currently, I go back and forth between the Titans and the JLA. The way I am now, as you might have guessed, is not the way I've always been. Horrific truck collision and revived by a sentient machine is the shorthand explanation."

Cyborg gave a pointed nod Golden Eagle's direction, gesturing that it was his turn for introductions.

"Golden Eagle. Half-Earthling. Half-Thanagarian. Transferred here from Titans West."

"You were only with them a week," Cyborg reminded him. "Close with family?"

"Hawkman. You should know him." Golden Eagle hid his fumbling fingers, hiding his half-fib, not disclosing that Hawkman was somewhat of his adoptive father.

Cyborg, of course, had a notion that Golden Eagle was lying or speaking half-truth. But their conversation wasn't to interrogate the new guy.

"I do. He's a strong-willed dude. So, if you've been doing hero work, then you've worked alongside him and Hawkwoman?"

"This has nothing to do with Mirage."

"No, but there needs to be trust built first," Cyborg continued. "You remind me of someone."

Golden Eagle snickered. "Let me guess. Of this Azrael guy? The new guy slash defector?"

"Of myself." Cyborg proceeded to run his fingers on the war room's digital table, causing holographic strategy figurines mostly in two different colors, plus one solely in yellow in the middle. "We've been part of different teams, sometimes thinking we don't belong. That we're not compatible. Overqualified. Unqualified, needing to prove yourself.

"You get so caught up trying to fit into a role in whatever team you're serving, that you start to wonder if you're even yourself anymore. Or if that's who you want to be. In a way, you feel broken. Leaving parts of yourself in different groups meant being left on the other side of it fragmented. Lost."

Golden Eagle watched Cyborg move around the pieces, seeing the yellow turn green when mixed with the blue bunch of pieces, then turned brown when it moved to the red bunch.

"You're a freelancer now, so where's the team in that?" Golden Eagle retorted.

Cyborg chuckled lightly, for his curt reply definitely reminded him of himself.

"Because, despite being one of the few relatively fortunate ones to not lose my family drastically early on, it's with my original Titans that I most call family, which is saying something considering I'd quitted several times. They picked me up when I lost my only biological family left, and in that way essentially passed the torch. I may not be on the full-time roster, but these guys are home.

"It's early days for you, Golden Eagle. But, speaking from personal experience, if you're willing to humble yourself and give these guys a shot, you may be in for something better than you expect. It may not be the family for you in the end, but take this as my recommendation."

Golden Eagle seemed to have softened his guard.

"It's too bad you're not still on the team," he commented. "I would've nominated you as the leader."

Cyborg smirked. "Heard that. Been there."

Robin was furiously in front of the screen, fingers bashing the keyboard, searching for his missing friend. Monkey Gar was beside the keyboard, waiting.

Finally, he put the search on auto and reverted his attention to the changeling.

In his normal form, Gar started, "You've always insisted to be the sidekick, and yet don't trust anyone on your team take leadership."

Robin reacted with hand gestures as if the reason was supposed to be obvious.

"Those three don't know much about Mir," he explained. "And Golden Eagle asserting his dominance rubs me the wrong way."

"Hey, I'm not disagreeing with you," Gar said. "Look, we two are different in lots of ways. You're multi-talented, for example. I still can't even make Raven laugh. But one thing we do have in common is this sidekick complex. It's never felt right for me to yell out 'Titans, go!', but when push comes to shove, everyone here has had to be faced with taking on championing a mission. Even quiet Raven."

Robin stuttered, "Well, I've led before -"

"So why hesitate now? With Mir on the line?" Gar paused for Robin to respond. He didn't. "Because you know that if you assert yourself, that would lock you in as the long-term leader? Is that it?"

Robin slumped his shoulders and nodded.

"Hey," Gar called Robin to look up. "All the Robins I know personally have displayed the most amazing leadership skills."

Robin narrowed his masked eyes. "You do know I'm only the third Robin, right?"

"And I never even personally knew the second one!" Gar laughed, then stopped himself animatedly. "Though, technically, we've all fought him at some point."

Robin's eyes became even narrower. "You did? ... Who's 'we'?"

"Don't deflect," Gar deflected. "I meant Nightwing and you! You show that potential, my dude! You know what I learnt about Nightwing's leadership? It wasn't about leading his team. It was about lifting up his friends.

"A leader by principle, not by title!"

Gar proceeded to stand up and puff up his chest, as if bestowing an honor, immersed in his own moment of handing down wisdom.

"Uh... You got what I meant, right?"

Robin nodded.

Beeping noises disrupted their conversation.

"Found her!" Robin announced, getting up. On his way out, he shook Gar's hand. "Thanks, Gar!"

Gar watched Robin leave Main Ops, satisfied with his results. He stretched as if he had just done a pumping workout.

"Ahh, I'm a certified wiseman now, I suppose."

"Titans, assemble!" Robin called.

"Uhh, is that our CTA now?" Tula asked as she, Flamebird, and Golden Eagle reconvened with Robin in the hallway.

"I detected surveillance footage of Mir and the trio," Robin reported. "They're heading toward this hillside. People typically don't go there, but there's an abandoned park."

"Great job, Robin!" Flamebird commended.

Tula was just as excited. "Okay, team, we oughta come up with a strategy."

Flamebird looked at her Atlantean teammate, agreeing with her.

"Let's rescue her!"

Tula and Robin agreed. They looked to Golden Eagle.

Robin spoke, "We need you, Golden Eagle. But, if that is alright with everyone, I want to lead this."

Flamebird and Tula agreed. Robin extended his hand to Golden Eagle. Gar, Cyborg, and Raven peeked from around the corner.

The half-Thanagarian kept his eyes on Robin's hand. He sighed.

"I understand now that Mirage is facing trust issues on me... In that same vein, I see why she relies on your leadership... And why I need to rely on your leadership too."

Golden Eagle proceeded to shake his hand.

"Let's get our Titan back."

Flamebird exclaimed, adding to Golden Eagle, "Let's get our friend back!"

The shapeshifter, cyborg, and sorceress smiled.

Leaned against Cyborg, Gar whispered, "A family in the making."

Paper had her body outstretched, wrapping herself around the unconscious Mirage after suffocating her.

"How much do you think we can ransom her for?" Rock asked, cracking her rock knuckles.

Scissors cackled as she snipped through tree branches to give them way as they continued their hike up. "A crapload, I'll bet!"

Paper sniggered. "Bet on that after we get some!"

"Home bittersweet home!"

Scissors tossed out a few cut branches, revealing the hilltop playground. The slide was clogged with leaves and twigs. The swings were dangling. Everything else was rusty, except for the shed-sized wooden playhouse, which the trio had occupied as their place.

"Tie her up to the pole," Rock suggested.

Paper approached the loop pole, and loosened her grip on Mirage in order to stretch her arm for twine, and that was when Mirage took advantage.

Eyes suddenly opened, she said, "You obviously don't do this often."

Mirage squeezed herself free, Paper scrambling to recapture her. The illusionist camouflaged herself, concealed from the three's sights.

"You idiot!" Scissors snapped, slashing her hands around in preemptive self-defense.

"It was Rock's idea!" Paper pointed.

The invisible Mirage pinned her location on her communicator, though her teammates were already nearby.

"I see them," Golden Eagle reported from the sky.

"Excellent," Robin replied. "Stay put, Golden Eagle. Don't be spotted."

"Roger that, boss."

While the villain trio were arguing with one another, the invisible Mirage noticed Golden Eagle's pinned location on her communicator, looking up to find him. The drizzling rain dampened the vision slightly, and his armor and overall build caused Mirage to envision not Golden Eagle, but Azrael.

Her heartbeat raced with anxiety, feelings of betrayal and confusion resurfacing once again. She had to calm down, or else she'll lose her illusion-casting ability to make her invisible.

That's not Azrael, she thought to herself. Give him a chance. Ugh, come on, heartbeat, slow down!

Robin, Flamebird, and Tula finally arrived and could see Mirage's captors, still scouring for their supposed hostage.

Flamebird nudged Tula, "We'll need a maneuver to take them down."

Tula smiled and grabbed one of Flamebird's birdarangs out of her utility belt. It engulfed in flames as she threw it towards the trio, landing between Rock and Scissors, etched squarely on the corner of the playhouse's wall panels.

With a look of dread, Rock glanced at the general direction the weapon came from. "Uh oh."

"Now," Robin declared to Golden Eagle via transmission.

Robin, Flamebird and Tula emerged from the trees, Golden Eagle hovered above them, and Mirage reappeared beside Robin.

"Teen Titans, go!" Robin called out.

And just like that, it was over. It didn't matter how the fight went. The team managed to set their egos and apprehensions aside and work together.

Defeated, Rock, Paper, and Scissors were bound beside the playhouse, to be taken to prison, no longer subject to getting wet by the rain as the sky had cleared.

"Mission success!" Robin proudly reported.

Flamebird high-fived the Boy Wonder. "Big thanks to you!"

"If I have to be honest, Robin," Tula spoke, "my gut tells me you'd make the best leader out of all of us. I know you don't want to lead, but just putting it out there."

Robin appreciated the vote of confidence. "Actually, I'm going to embrace taking the leadership role. I deserve that chance. Not to dig at Nightwing, but I plan on being the first Robin to not ditch his friends, ever."

Mirage was on the other side, checking out her reflection on her communicator, concealing any bruises or imperfections with her powers. She noticed Golden Eagle's reflection, behind hers.

"Mirage," Golden Eagle began, "I'm sorry about this morning. I came on strong, wasn't listening to you, and they captured you."

"It's me that should apologise," Mirage said. "I was... not putting my trust in you as a Titan. I projected my experience with Azrael on to you. Whenever I would look at you, I saw Azrael instead."

"I understand now why. Admittedly, I was faced with my own insecurities, fearing that I may not belong on this team. But I promise I am not like him. For starters, I know where I came from, though I may not know exactly. Thanagar. And I take pride in that. And now, I will take pride in being a Titan as well as your team member."

Mirage turned around, facing the real Golden Eagle now.

"We definitely got on the wrong foot," she stated. "For re-starters, can I call you G.E.? Golden Eagle may take too long to call out."

For the first time, Golden Eagle let out a smile. "Sure. Can I call you Mir?"

Mirage chuckled. "Mhm."

As the sun was beginning to set, the five young heroes arrived back at the home base.

"You know what sounds like a great hangout spot for us? That frozen yogurt place."

Mirage's suggestion was met with unanimous agreement. They paused right outside the entrance, finding all five founding members right outside. They seem to be finished with their wedding preparations.

Gar tittered, elated and proud. "Sweet! Mirage is back!"

"I assume y'all beat Rock, Paper and Scissors," Cyborg commended, nodding approvingly at Golden Eagle. "Nice work, Titans."

"Thanks for allowing us to use the tower to store stuff for the wedding," Nightwing said appreciatively.

Tula snickered. "Are you kidding? Do you need to ask for permission? You literally built the tower."

Starfire giggled. "And now, we hand it over to you, the new protectors of this city."

And as the two groups passed by each other and essentially swapped places, Robin stood face-to-face with Nightwing. Mirage was opposite Raven. Tula with Gar. Flamebird with Starfire. And Golden Eagle with Cyborg.

"We will do everything in our power to protect the people of this city," Robin assured.

"And one another," Flamebird added.

"And the world!" Golden Eagle boasted.

The five founding Titans had no doubt that they would do a good job.

And as the frame of the symmetrically giant T-shaped tower slowly zoomed out, Gar spoke, "Just to make sure, Nightwing, even though we're retiring, there's no pension fund for this, eh?"

Nightwing chuckled. "I don't think we'll ever retire from being Titans. Not that I'm complaining."

(A/N: And the torch has been officially passed. The two-part finale is up next.)