Chapter Two: New Faces.
No.
"But Jericho, crime in this area is on the rise, and all the Titans I suggested need a Tower.
I said no.
"Why? You can't possibly manage a city the size of this one on your own. Even Batman has others to help him."
They can come; I just don't want to join them.
"Why? You had no problems getting along with Herald when you two helped Beast Boy."
That was an emergency. Besides, how will I communicate with them?
"Herald's fluent in ASL, and he's teaching the others."
Jericho knew he was trapped. There was no way he could explain why he didn't want to live in close proximity to other Titans, especially not to Robin. But there was such a thing as going down fighting.
I don't see why you need me.
"A number of reasons. Firstly, you're already here, and from what I've heard you're well on the way to making a good name for yourself. Secondly, you showed great promise last year, when you helped us fight the Brotherhood of Evil, and thirdly, both Beast Boy and Raven suggested you. Independently."
Why did they do that? Jericho was surprised and a little flattered that two original Titans thought him worthy of joining a Tower.
"Beast Boy said that you were a real asset when he worked with you, and without you, the assault on the Brotherhood would have been impossible. He also seemed to like you, and thought you would work well with Herald."
And Raven?
"Raven said that you showed a lot of promise, and you would benefit greatly from a team setting. She was, in her words 'very impressed' with the way you fought in the battle against the Brotherhood."
…If I join, is my privacy assured? If he was going to join, it was going to be on his terms.
"Of course. You don't have to tell us anything that you don't want to, as long as you're willing to be a Titan."
…Alright.
"Excellent. I thought it might be a good idea for you to meet your new teammates before you officially start up, so you can get to know them a little better. Herald is going to stop by tomorrow with the others. Is it okay if you all meet in your apartment?"
Jericho groaned inwardly. What had he let himself in for?
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"So, Jericho, I guess you want to be introduced to the guys?"
Jericho nodded, eying Killowat nervously. He'd positioned him in the corner, away from the steel of his guitar strings. Better safe than sorry.
"Yeah, so, you know me, so the only thing I'm gonna say for myself is that I'm leader of this group. You know, just so ya know."
Jericho nodded.
"Well, I guess I'm up next." Killowat took the floor. "I control lightning and stuff. Stuff you need to know…stuff you need to know…aha! I need to earth myself at least once a day or bad things happen."
Jericho raised an eyebrow. Bad things? Such as?
"Uhh…little help?"
Herald sighed. "Sorry man, but Kil' here has been having trouble with the whole sign language thing. We're still working on it. Kil', he wants you to explain what "Bad things" you mean."
"Yeah…I can accidentally loose some of my power into the surroundings if I'm not careful. I'm also not allowed around live wires, in case I accidentally suck all the energy out of them."
Jericho nodded and smiled, then stuck out his hand. Well, if he was joining he might as well make some new friends. Killowat took the proffered hand without question, and Jericho felt a slight spark in his hand, similar to a static shock.
"Alright, then, next up is Hot Spot." Herald gestured towards a figure for whom the descriptor "red-head" would be, for once, completely accurate.
"Hey, man, we've met before, so there's not much need for formal introductions. Just wanna say that I think this'll be a great opportunity for all of us, especially you, man."
Jericho smiled again, and once again extended his hand. He regretted this course of action a moment later, when Hot Spot made contact. It was cooled than putting his hand on a hotplate, but that was all that could be said for it. Nonetheless, he continued smiling, even though the muscles in his neck tightened considerably. It would be cruel to avoid physical contact with his new teammate. It wasn't his fault that he was the way he was, after all.
"Alright, then I guess you should meet the last member of out little band," Herald grinned. It felt good talking to Jericho in music metaphors. "Argent."
"Evenin'." Jericho turned to see a Titan he didn't know, although he had caught glimpses of her in the battle. "Well, my job on this 'ere group is to keep you gents in order, if you know what I mean." Jericho wasn't sure he did know what she meant, but beamed nonetheless. It was amazing how often that worked.
So, what can you do?
Argent opened her mouth, but Hot Spot was quick to interject. "He means your powers." He said with a warning look.
"Oh, right. I mean, that's what I meant too." Argent blushed slightly but continued. "Well, you know that Green Lantern guy?"
Oh yes. The one who makes things out of green energy?
"Yeah, that one. I can do that, but not as well as him. And my energy is red. Goes with my costume."
Alright, nice to meet you. Jericho shook her warmly by the hand.
So, where is the Tower going to be?
"Well, it's not technically a Tower per se…" Herald gained an air similar to a stage magician about to unveil his greatest trick. "It would be easier if you just saw for yourself."
