Chapter 2
"Well, who were they!?"
"Nobody!"
"Robin, please tell us,"
"Starfire! Don't worry about it! None of you have anything to worry about!"
"Yes we do! Those guys knew you and it's clear that you knew them! Who were they!?"
Raven chimed in, "One of them knew how to cancel my powers! Who were they!?"
"Robin, they knew exactly where our security cameras were positioned. I checked the feed and... nothing,"
"I don't have time for this,"
Turning on his heels the boy wonder strode for the door that served as the living room exit. As the door automatically slid open Cyborg and Beast Boy stepped in Robin's path to block him. "We want an answer," demanded the two Titans with great fortitude.
Realizing that all attempts at escape would be futile, Robin sighed, "Fine,"
The other Titans smiled as Robin went to take a seat on the black leather couch. He stared through the glass windows at the sea below the tower and an awkward silence filled the room. Then he started, "They were members of the League of Assassins,"
Beast Boy closed his eyes and chuckled, "Hahaha! No seriously dude, who were they?"
Robin glared at the green boy, "They were the League of Assassins,"
"From your nights in Gotham?" questioned Cyborg.
Robin simply nodded. "The League of Assassins are my responsibility. It's my fault they're here. I don't know what they're after, but I don't want any of you pursuing them,"
In unison the other Titans screamed in shock, "What!?"
"It's too dangerous. The League of Assassins aren't our ordinary criminals. They're trained martial artists with experience in dark arts. I won't let any of you get hurt. Let me deal with them,"
"But-"
"I'm doing this alone, understand?"
The boy wonder scanned his team's faces which were nodding sourly. "Great, and now for that other problem,"
Wally West paced up and down the hallway, hands behind his back, and face in a worried scowl. What was taking them so long? His steps were quick yet careful. He did not want to speed up and risk revealing his secret. His worried walk continued and he waited impatiently for the teens currently meeting in the living room. Suddenly the door to the living room slid open to reveal the Teen Titans. Wally curved his lips into a fake smile, "Hi guys,"
Cyborg stepped forward with a serious expression on his face, "Mr. West, you're going to have to stay here for the night,"
"What? Why?"
Cyborg studied the ginger's face full of disbelief. The titan expected more fear from a simple scientist. Taking a deep breath the robotic man continued, "It's for your own protection,"
"But I have research to do!"
"That'll have to wait Mr. West,"
"But-"
"I'm sorry, but you have to stay,"
Realizing that there was no escape, Wally simply nodded. A smile grew on Beast Boy's green face, "Cool dude, now time for the tour,"
The shape-shifting titan grabbed Wally by the wrist and proceeded to drag him down the hallway. The other Titans followed close behind. After an hour Wally was familiar with the living room, game room, and his own room. "And the last stop of our tour will be the garage," explained Beast Boy.
Wally followed the Titans into the garage to view their vehicles. Cyborg turned to the teenage scientist, "Mr. West, if things get crazy and we're not here, stay in the T-Car. It has a built in defense system and alarm so we'll get the message if you're in any danger,"
Wally nodded and examined the rest of the garage. Power tools littered the floor and the scent of oil was ample in the air. He observed the various drills on the ground and noticed a red tool box against a wall of the garage. As Wally investigated the room the brand new red motorcycle by the toolbox caught his eye. Its glossy finish was better than that of the T-Car. It was small in size and had two 'R' letters engraved by the wheels. "Thats mine,"
Wally turned his head to look at Robin. "It's a new project I've been working on. Still in the prototype phase but when it's done it'll be perfect. Bulletproof, flameproof, nitrous, everything,"
Wally nodded and the group headed back up to the living room. The exhausted teenagers fell to the couch and relaxed. After several minutes Robin stood up, "I'm going after the ones who attacked at the press conference. If anything happens while I'm gone put the tower in lockdown mode,"
"Lockdown mode! But how will you get int!?" questioned Starfire.
"Just do it, trust me,"
His teammates and Wally nodded as the boy wonder left the living room to prepare for battle.
A dim light lit the bamboo floor and the sound of crickets could be heard in the distance. A dark voice suddenly revealed itself, "Step forward,"
A brunette clad in black and several ninjas stepped forward into the light. "Kneel,"
The ninjas and brunette did as commanded. "Bow your heads,"
The group bowed their heads and awaited further instructions. "Talia al Ghul,"
The brunette stared up. "Our forces have informed us that a new revolutionary brand of Xenothium products are to be released,"
The brunette nodded attentively. "The scientist responsible for the stabilization of the element is named Wally West. Find him and bring him to me,"
"Do you plan on using him to synthesize Xenothium-"
"Are you questioning me?"
"No sir," muttered the brunette now staring down at her feet.
"Find him and bring him to me,"
The brunette nodded, "Yes master,"
Robin painstakingly checked his utility belt once more. As always all gadgets were accounted for. Do it one more time. The boy wonder began to review his belt once more. He prodded at the meticulously stored gadgets and sighed as he finished. He fell back onto his bed and massaged his temples. He had so many questions. Why were the League of Assassins in Jump City? For Robin? For Dick Grayson? For what?
Knock-Knock!
The sound broke his thoughts and Robin turned around to walk to his room door. It slid open to reveal Wally. "Wally, what can I do for you?"
A scowl emerged on the boy's face, "I have to stay here over night!"
"Well, yes, the League of Assassins-"
"Dick! I have my own priorities! I can't waste a night relaxing in Jump! Central and Keystone City needs Kid Flash!"
"I know Wally! But it's only for a night. Your identity is important to you right? Or do you want to just give it away?"
"I don't even understand what the big deal is. Why can't I just tell them that I'm Kid Flash?"
"Because it just makes things more complicated,"
"How do you know?"
"Believe me. I know," said Robin with a frown plastered on his face.
Wally acquiesced, he didn't stand a chance against the boy's famous glares, "Fine. I'll stay for one night but then I'm going directly back to Central City,"
Robin nodded and exited his room. As he headed for the garage he said to Wally over his shoulder, "Wish me luck,"
The boy wonder hopped from rooftop to rooftop staring at the streets below as he performed each leap. The cool breeze of the night whipped at his face and he remained calm as his acrobatic instincts moved his body. The clouds above were dark and a light drizzle started.
The boy wonder stopped on one roof and closed his eyes. He listened to the drizzle around him slowly turn into a full storm. Rain drops dowsed his face and his naturally spiky hair fell to cover his forehead. He could feel his uniform getting wet and he exhaled as the sound of thunder echoed across the darkness. Slowly he began to open his eyes and the rain slightly blurred his vision. The sound of thunder roared once more.
When the boy's eyes were fully open he could see that he was surrounded by ninjas who were drawing their blades. Robin reached into utility belt and stepped into a defensive stance. It was going to be a long night.
