Things Have Changed

by Nightwing781

Three years have passed since the Teen Titans have disbanded, and all went their separate ways. Titans Tower stands empty overlooking Jump City. When an old Titan enters a new city two Titans with old ignored feelings resurface.

37. Reunion

Jump City

Downtown (Outside Jump City Bank)

9:17 A.M.

Raven dropped her barrier after a volley of fire had struck it.

"Dammit! I forgot how annoying Intergang are!"

They were fighting Intergang; a Jump City street gang that was heavily militarized. They used advanced technology and weapons from Apokolips. Nightwing and Raven had gotten the alert from the old system in Titans Tower. Intergang were attempting to rob Jump City Bank with their advanced technology; and they brought an army. She looked to her right to see Nightwing engaging three guys in close quarters. They were close enough to be inside when Raven raised her barrier to protect themselves from Intergang's energy-based weapons. He was watching her back. She heard the familiar metallic sound of his escrima hitting their targets. He dispatched one of them, then landed a roundhouse kick directly to the next one's head. The man recoiled from the hit. Nightwing landed a front dropkick to the same one and landed on the flat of his back. He popped up and delivered three quick hits to the final one with his escrima. Intergang had moved into a firing line in front of the two of them. Raven flicked her wrists and stared them down. She gritted her teeth trying to contain the anger.

"When I find the dumb bastard who gave them Apokolips tech…"

Nightwing looked at the firing line in front of them. He put the escrima in their holster on his back and moved toward Rachel. He spoke through the psy-link.

"Give me a few seconds, I'll make them panic, fire early. When they do, make a dome. I'll drop smoke bombs and get behind them. We can take them from both sides."

Without a word she nodded. Nightwing stood next to Raven. The man in charge of Intergang stepped forward.

"Been a while since we've seen two Titans in this city! Everyone here forgot about you!"

Raven smirked.

"Yeah? The statue in the square says otherwise. And the observation lot near Titans Tower."

The intergang leader frowned.

"True. The people here remember you like they remember a distant memory. A memory that fades with each passing day. All your 'deeds', all your 'accomplishments' are near a decade old… Jump City doesn't belong to you Titans ANYMORE!"

Nightwing stepped forward and eyed the leader.

"Tell me something, do you see the Titans in front of you? There's only two of us here."

Nightwing took another step. Rachel watched his movements very carefully, when he was ready to move, she needed to be at his side in an instant. Nightwing looked at the leader and then up and down the line of the Intergang. The leader smiled with malice at Nightwing.

"Good. It'll be easier to erase the memory of the Titans with just the two of you. And it'll send a message that Jump City is ours. The Titans lost their hold on this city long ago…"

Nightwing took half a step forward. He narrowed his eyes at the leader, squared his shoulders and set his jaw. Rachel knew he was making his move to intimidate them. To find the weak link and get him to fire early. Nightwing moved his right hand subtly towards his smoke bombs, his other hand was behind his back to signal Raven. He looked at the leader.

"Are you sure about that? What makes you think you'll be any more successful than all the other thugs, guns for hire, professional assassins and hitmen that have tried to knock us off? Every single time, we have triumphed. Every victory, every defeat, we learned from. We got wiser, stronger, tougher. Hell, I singlehandedly took down every single gang in Bludhaven!"

Nightwing gave Raven three fingers with the left hand that was behind his back. He inched his right closer to his smoke bombs. Rachel began the countdown in her head.

"Three"

Nightwing didn't take his eyes off the leader whose body language had changed. His weight was now on the back foot, a sign of nervousness. Nightwing examined the firing line for the weak link.

"I've taken down legions of men alone. And I don't even have powers. Think long and hard about what the two of us could do. Especially considering SHE does…"

One of the Intergang members; the one closest to the leader began whispering into the leader's ear.

"He- he's tellin' the truth. I got a cousin in Bludhaven, he was in one of the gangs. His right hand was broken so badly, he has to use his left for everything now. If what he's saying is true…"

The leader glared at the gang member.

"Quiet! We've got twenty rifles pointed at their damn heads! We're in control! What is he going to do?"

Another gang member, this time to the left of the leader spoke up. He had sarcasm mixed with fear in his voice.

"Oh, I don't know, throw a smoke bomb, disappear and break our faces while we panic? I mean, it's not like he has a reputation for doing that! Oh wait, that's EXACTLY WHAT HE DOES!"

The leader looked at the two of his men. He began to panic.

"Impossible! He- he can't do that! Can he…?"

Nightwing counted through the psy-link.

"Two."

The Intergang on the left looked to the leader.

"I thought you said WE were in control…"

Raven saw the leader's eyes flash to a panic. She counted again.

"One."

The leader pointed at the two of them.

"Alright new plan, FIRE NOW!"

Faster than a blink of an eye Raven was at Nightwing's side with a dome deployed. Nightwing threw smoke bombs to hide their position from within the dome. Red energy blasts hit it. Nightwing looked to Raven from within the smoke.

"Predictable… Why is the one in charge always the weak link?"

Rachel laughed.

"You know how it is… Big man, loud voice, little di- "

Nightwing cut her off.

"There's our window, GO!"

Raven dropped the barrier and a thick dark cloud of smoke remained in the area. The leader of the squad yelled louder.

"Keep firing until all your guns are dry! Don't let them escape!"

Nightwing and Raven made their move; Nightwing used a grapple to change position, Raven, a portal. Before the leader could issue another command, the smoke dissipated, and the two of them were gone. The leader screamed.

"WHAT?! HOW?! FIND- "

He was interrupted. A large black shadow appeared to his right, when he looked, he saw a raven made of black magic. Several of his men were thrown into the air and began to drop. Then he saw blue flashes to his left and spun in that direction. He saw several more men drop, along with the sound of metallic clangs and the buzz of electricity. He heard his men yelling in confusion.

"Stop shooting you idiots!"

"Watch the crossfire!"

"I see her, she's- "

"Damn, Nightwing's too fast!"

The leader yelled.

"Hand to hand you idiots! Use the Plasma Batons!"

Raven had taken a position to the right and was engaging the Intergang members in close quarters. She had three surrounding her. The first one advanced and had his knee kicked in, he collapsed onto his hands and knee. She turned to the one behind her and watched him draw a security baton with plasma arcing at its tip. It was more Apokolips tech. He thrusted it towards her and she spun right avoiding the tip, the man turned towards her, she used both hands to chop him in the throat, hard. He dropped the plasma baton and grabbed for his throat with both hands and made choking noises. Raven placed her right foot behind his left heel, placed an open hand on the middle of his chest and drove him to the ground and went down to her knee with him to add force to the blow. Without getting up she swept the third man's legs from under him. He hit the ground with his back, before he could get up, he saw Raven's knee come full force at his face. Then he was knocked out. The first man was back to his feet and trying to stand on one knee, his other knee was bent in the opposite direction and limp. He had a look of terror on his face as Raven, who was back to full height delivered a left hook knocking him out clean. The leader panicked and looked to his left, to where Nightwing had taken a position. Six men had already been knocked out and he was engaging four more. The leader of Intergang was in a blind panic. He knew they were coming for him. He heard Raven shout; the adrenaline had taken over her.

"Come on! I can take you ALL!"

The leader turned towards Raven's direction and saw her arms covered in black magic. She was using her magic to protect her arms from the batons as she blocked and parried them. She took down another three. He heard Nightwing yell at Raven.

"The batons are near a million volts, watch it!"

The leader turned and saw Nightwing backflip over a guy, when he landed, he took out three others. The leader saw an energy rifle on the ground and picked it up. He made sure it was loaded. He didn't have much time; he knew he had to pick a target. He decided on Nightwing. He turned left; too late. He was down to one guy. He spun right to target Raven; again, late. He was down to two. The leader backed up and pushed the man to his left at Nightwing.

"Stop them! Don't let them get me!"

He watched Nightwing take out the guy to his left. Nightwing grabbed the man's wrist and pulled it towards him, then Nightwing launched knee first hitting the man in the jaw. Rachel elbowed the first man in the temple and dropped him instantly. The second man raised his baton and got ready. Rachel smirked. She clapped his ears; he dropped the baton and covered them as they began to ring. Rachel clotheslined the man. His feet went up and he dropped to the ground cold. Nightwing and Raven approached the man slowly at the same time. He began backing up. Raven rubbed her knuckles.

"Nobody left. Look like it's just you… And ME…"

The leader threw the rifle at Raven. She put her arms up to block the blow as Nightwing rushed him. Nightwing tackled the man to the ground and began interrogating him.

"Intergang doesn't rob banks! It isn't your style. You guys steal tech, information, and occasionally you do assassinations. Why rob the bank? Who hired you?!"

The leader got an arm free and punched Nightwing in the jaw. With the same hand he put a finger to his ear and put out a call to the other gang members who were listening. Raven called out to Nightwing.

"Stop that- "

The call went through.

"Damn Titans are back! Fire up the boom tubes! Bring out everyone! Even the exo-skeletons!"

Raven's tone relaxed.

"- transmission… Great…"

Nightwing knocked the leader out and stood up. He turned to Raven.

"Sorry. Sucker punch."

Raven turned her head and looked at all the knocked out Intergang members.

"There will be reinforcements soon. Probably coming from one of their old depots."

Nightwing walked over to her and rubbed his jaw where he had been struck. He spit out blood.

"It will be an army. Ready?"

She smiled.

"Do you even have to ask?"

Nightwing cracked his neck while Raven bounced a few times trying to keep her adrenaline going. Nightwing started looking around. A few civilians were on the street: whispering. The bank alarm was still ringing. Raven could hear the whispers from civilians.

"They took out all those guys themselves?!"

"Holy shit! It's Nightwing and Raven!

"What?! Two of the Titans?! Are they back?!"

"It's only the two of them…"

"Wait, does that mean they're together?!"

Raven shrugged off the rumors and looked at Nightwing who was still looking around. She knew that look, he was putting things together or he had noticed something she missed.

"Hey, Nightwing. What is it?"

Nightwing looked at Raven.

"No police."

Raven's eyes lit up in surprise. She felt foolish for not noticing.

"Oh, right! I guess with the fight I hadn't noticed."

Nightwing looked at the bank and narrowed his eyes. He was so much like Batman. He looked back at Raven.

"The Tower's systems picked up the bank alarm, right? Then we rushed straight here. So, the police should have had at least a seven-minute head start. And if I remember correctly, if the bank vault is opened even five seconds early, it sounds a silent alarm. That alarm links directly to JCPD Headquarters. We hear the alarm, and someone no doubt called the police. So, where are they? And Intergang operating in broad daylight, and still no cops? It's almost as if- "

Before Nightwing could finish, he saw a red flash in front of him. Raven called out to him.

"Hold that thought, we've got incoming!"

Nightwing picked his head up and saw what Raven had seen. A Boom Tube had opened, and then another. Raven's eyes began scanning for threats. Then a third Boom Tube opened and the sound that followed. Raven called again.

"Nightwing, we've got three- no four- "

A fourth opened, followed by another. Then two more. Raven yelled in frustration.

"Seven?! Azar's Staff! We've got seven Boom Tubes open!"

Nightwing set his feet and watched as Intergang; all of Intergang came walking out of the Boom Tubes. There were dozens of them. They had their weapons and tactical gear, all of them were ready for a fight. Raven and Nightwing scanned them with their eyes. They saw members of Intergang in Apokolips Exo-Suits. Each one gave the wearer enhanced strength and durability, enough to be a match for an Amazon or Atlantean. They all took a few steps towards the two of them and began whispering among each other.

"The Commander was right… It is two of the Titans…"

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen…"

"They broke three of my ribs and my collar bone last time I saw them."

"It's time for payback!"

Nightwing eyed Raven and spoke to her through the psy-link.

"We take them together. Split them down the middle, fight back-to-back. If we get overwhelmed, fall back and split up. Meet back at the Safehouse, they will probably try to hit the Tower. Make sure you aren't tailed."

She nodded.

"Right."

Raven encased her hands in magic and spread her feet, she was getting ready to move. Nightwing drew his escrima and loosened his shoulders. They gave looks to each other, Nightwing nodded. Time to move. Just as they put weight on their feet and were about to charge there was another red flash. Yet another Boom Tube opened in the back ranks of Intergang. Raven gritted her teeth, adrenaline again taking over.

"Come on, let's go! I can do this all- "

Just before Raven could finish, she heard a loud crackle. Then a white flash from the back ranks. Followed by a boom. Screams followed and some Intergang members were tossed into the air and knocked down. A light blue beam came from the rear of Intergang and passed through the formation. The beam just barely grazed Raven's cheek. It passed by her with incredible speed.

"-day…?"

Raven saw a hole in the formation of Intergang and looked through it; Cyborg was standing in front of the Boom Tube that had just opened behind Intergang. He was holding up his right arm that had morphed into his sonic cannon. Raven's eyes lit up with happiness. Nightwing just smiled a wide grin. The Boom Tube behind Cyborg closed, and he smiled when he saw his friends on the other side of the hole he created.

"Did y'all start the party without me?"

Raven dropped her guard.

"Cyborg?!"

Nightwing grinned wide.

"About time you showed up!"

Intergang began to panic.

"Holy shit, it's Cyborg! He's a Leaguer!"

"Nobody said anything about fighting no Leaguer!"

"Yeah? Well, nobody said anything about fighting half the Titans either!"

"Are we ready for this…?"

Half of Intergang watched Nightwing and Raven in front, the other half watched Cyborg in back. Cyborg morphed his cannon back into his normal arm, a grin on his face. Cyborg dropped a shoulder and ran into the ranks of Intergang and began tearing through them. Nightwing looked at Raven and smiled.

"We going?"

Raven returned the smile.

"Are you kidding, I'm right behind you!"

Nightwing shifted his grasp on the escrima and charged into the ranks of Intergang. Raven encased her hands in magic and charged in with Nightwing. The three of them worked together and split the Intergang down the middle once again. Even though there were three Titans, Intergang had the numbers. Soon Raven was on the defensive. She was fighting four people in close quarters. She took out one with a roundhouse kick but another one soon took his place. Rachel flicked her wrists encasing them in magic, she delivered a palm strike to the chest of an Intergang and knocked him back into other members. Before she could attack again, she heard the loud trumpet of an elephant. She took a step back and looked around.

"The hell...? Did these guys raid the zoo?"

Nightwing took out two of Intergang simultaneously, then a third with a spinning back kick, then a fourth with a flurry of strikes with his escrima. The Intergang engaging him backed off to go on the defensive. Nightwing was about to attack again when he heard a rumbling noise, then the ground underneath the feet of Intergang cracked, a piece of the road began floating. The Intergang members panicked, and some jumped off the floating rock, the rest looked at each other confused. Nightwing looked at Raven.

"Uh, Raven, did you…?"

She kicked an Intergang in the stomach then looked at Nightwing.

"Don't look at me, I didn't do it!"

"Then who…?"

Another trumpet from an elephant, this time it was closer and louder. Raven felt the ground shake. It became worse over the period of a few seconds. Raven yelled.

"Okay, seriously, who brought the- "

She never finished her question. Cyborg delivered an uppercut to one of the Intergang members in an exo-skeleton. He hit the ground hard. One of the Intergang yelled.

"Brace! INCOMING!"

Before Raven had time to react, there was a third trumpet, the ground shook violently. She turned her head and in the corner of her eye she saw a green elephant charge past her and plow through a group of Intergang. Ten tons of African Elephant slammed into them knocking them aside like dolls. She saw the Elephant change direction and charge back towards her scattering several Intergang. The elephant stopped in front of her and changed shape, in front of her stood Beast Boy. His suit was no longer purple and black, but red and white. His suit was sleeveless, and he had fingerless gauntlets on his hands. Raven saw that his muscles were more pronounced, and his fangs had grown. In truth, he himself had grown and was now as tall as her. He turned and looked at Raven.

"Yo, Raven! Need a hand?!"

Raven grinned wide.

"Beast Boy! I can't believe I'm saying this but… It's good to see you!"

"Been a while! Oh, and it's 'Changeling now'.

He noticed her new suit and eyed her from head to toe, then back again. Raven glared as he eyed her, she knew he was checking her out.

"Cool suit yo! You upgraded."

"Since I'm in a good mood, I'm going to ignore the fact you just undressed me with your eyes. But yeah, I upgraded. Also, Changeling huh?"

Raven looked over to see Nightwing standing in front of the ground that had been levitated earlier. The floating earth was then slammed into the ground with tremendous force. Enough to knock out the Intergang who were on it. A female voice called out from behind them.

"Sorry we're late! SOMEONE, wouldn't settle for anything less than a first-class flight!"

Nightwing turned around and saw Terra stepping off some levitated rocks to ground level, she was spinning a few small stones in the palm of her right hand. She had grown as well, long blonde hair held behind her left ear, while the bangs on her right partly covered her right eye. She had also changed her suit. She still wore a shirt that was cutoff at the navel, but it was made of a bullet resistant material. She wore black pants made of the same material. She had khaki colored combat boots and fingerless gloves instead of the ones she used to wear. A black sleeveless jacket with yellow highlights and her trademark yellow T were on the back and completed her kit. Terra looked at Nightwing with a smirk. Her eyes lingered on his rear.

"Well… Helloooooo…"

She met his eyes.

"And here I thought your ass couldn't get any more toned… In this case, I am glad to be wrong."

Nightwing smiled.

"Terra! Knew you'd make it!"

She smiled.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world…"

Cyborg had made it through the Intergang line to the other Titans. He fist bumped Changeling.

"Hey, BB! Glad you could make it."

Changeling grinned and showed his fangs.

"Finally! Been forever Cy! What have you been up to?"

By this time the Titans had moved closer to each other; Intergang had backed off for the moment. Raven approached the group and eyed Terra with anger. Terra saw her glare and returned it.

"Raven…"

Raven crossed her arms.

"Terra… Why the hell are YOU here?"

Terra crossed her arms.

"I have as much right to be here as you. I am a Titan after all."

"Are you? What happened to 'I don't need the Titans'? And 'I was never one of you'?"

Terra's lips twitched. She was trying to control herself. Nightwing broke the two of them up.

"Hey, ladies! ENOUGH! You can tear out each other's throats later, right now, turn your anger on Intergang."

Terra turned towards Nightwing.

"Fair enough."

Raven put her back to Terra and looked at Nightwing.

"As you say, Nightwing."

They turned towards Intergang who had begun mumbling amongst themselves. The Titans could see the fear in their eyes. One Intergang member spoke up trying to instill confidence into the rest of them. He turned to Intergang.

"Hey! What are you all doing?! Are you all afraid of a bunch of has been's? There's only five of them! We outnumber them six to one! Take your balls, out your purse, and KICK THEIR ASS! Once the Titans are gone, nothing is stopping us from running this city ourselves!"

Intergang nodded to themselves. Some checked the ammo in their energy rifles, the others drew their plasma batons. A dozen or so wearing exo-skeletons walked to the front of the line. They pounded the ground leaving dents where they punched the ground. Changeling smiled.

"Intergang got serious. Didn't these guys used to be a joke?"

Cyborg smiled.

"Yeah, all we had to do was growl and they used to run."

Terra put her arm on Changeling's shoulder.

"Maybe their balls finally dropped. About time, I say."

Nightwing glanced at them.

"Stay sharp, we're not out of this yet. Do not underestimate them. Or their technology."

One of the Intergang in an exo-skeleton moved early; his anger getting the best of him. He charged for Terra.

"I'll show you balls, BITCH!"

He planted a foot and began to sprint for Terra. She took her arm off Changeling and got ready for him. Before he could reach her there was a green flash of energy on the ground between them. The man in the exo-skeleton stopped in his tracks.

"What the…?"

Then another one, this time closer to the Intergang man. The Titans began looking around for the source; then there was a red blur and a shockwave next to them. The Intergang man was doubled over and a figure standing in front of him with their fist in his gut. The Titans looked at the figure and each of them had a smile on their face. The long flowing red hair, the tanned skin, and glowing green eyes gave the figure's identity away; it was Starfire. Starfire grabbed the man she had punched and lifted him off the ground like he was weightless. She brought him close to her face, anger showing in her green eyes.

"You will not harm- "

She flew into the air still holding the man.

"-my friends!"

Starfire slammed the man into the ground leaving an impact crater. The man was out cold. Intergang stared at her in fear as she hovered over to where the Titans had gathered. She landed in the middle of the group with a huge smile.

"Friends, you are here! All of you! I am so happy to see you!"

Raven was the first to greet her.

"Star, glad you made it."

Starfire turned to her.

"Sister Raven! I have missed you!"

Starfire embraced her with a bear hug. She used too much strength, Raven felt like she was being crushed and had little air.

"Star… you're crushing… me…"

Starfire released her.

"Oops. Apologies Raven."

Cyborg put a hand on Starfire's shoulder.

"Gang's all here. NOW, it's a party."

"Cyborg! My friend!"

She looked around at the Titans.

"You ALL look older."

Changeling looked at Starfire and showed his fangs triumphantly.

"Yeah Star, that tends to happen. You do too you."

She had certainly filled out during the last near decade. Her muscles and abs had also become more toned. Her other assets had also increased in size. Changeling eyed her head to toe and tilted his head. His eyes lingered on her chest before pulling them away.

"You've certainly… Filled out…"

Raven rolled her eyes and grunted.

"Ugh..."

Terra was staring at Star's chest, then to her own and back again.

"That is so not fair…"

Starfire turned to Terra.

"Friend Terra! You have returned! We thought you were-"

Terra grinned.

"Gone? Trying to live a normal life? I was."

She looked at Changeling with a sparkle in her eyes.

"But… There's someone I couldn't stay away from. Or someone who couldn't stay away from me… Take your pick."

Starfire squealed.

"You two are together then?! Oh, that is wonderous news!"

She hugged the two of them. They squirmed under the strength of her hug and wriggled out of her grasp. Rachel gagged and threw up a little at the thought of Changeling and Terra together. Nightwing approached Starfire.

"Good to you see you Starfire."

She turned and looked at him puzzled. She stared deeply into his eyes as if she recognized them, but not the person the eyes belonged to.

"You… are Robin? You grew. And look… Old?"

Nightwing shook his head with a smirk.

"Wow. Subtle as always, thanks for that. But you are right. It has been a rough seven years."

He looked at her seriously this time.

"And it's Nightwing now."

Starfire was puzzled at the name change.

"Night… wing?"

He threw a glance toward Intergang who had moved to the circle the Titans thinking it gave them an advantage. Nightwing threw a look to Raven who just nodded. Nightwing looked to Starfire.

"Look, I'd be glad to catch you up later. All of you… But right now, we have a job to do."

He took a commanding tone.

"Form up! Defensive formation: Omega!"

The Titans spread into formation, they circled, standing shoulder to shoulder. Nightwing first, then Raven to his left. Cyborg at his right shoulder followed by Starfire then Changeling. Terra stood next to Raven. Nightwing eyed Intergang, not taking his eyes off them. He gave a command to Raven.

"Raven. Link us up."

She nodded.

"Linking you all in… Now."

Raven closed her eyes and focused. She sent out a psychic link to all the Titans. They could now speak telepathically. She sent out a thought to everyone.

"Testing. Sound off!"

Each of the Titans began hearing the others sound off in their heads.

"Nightwing here."

"Starfire! Ready!"

"Cyborg, read you loud and clear."

"Changeling! I forgot how weird this felt!"

"Terra. You know I hate you in my head Raven."

By now, civilians had gathered around to watch the display. They were whispering among themselves, and a few of them had their phones out recording.

"The Titans are back!"

"I thought they abandoned us!"

"I can't believe I'm watching this!"

One of the civilians was in his early twenties. He had his phone pulled out and was livestreaming everything.

"Hey guys it's your boy Brandon comin' at ya live! I was out getting myself a burrito when, you won't believe what I saw; The Titans are back! Yep, you heard right! They're having a showdown with Intergang, and I, your humble entertainer, will bring you play by play on- "

Intergang was edgy. They were fidgeting with their guns and their plasma batons. They were nervous, panicking.

"It's… It's the Titans… all of them…"

"We are so dead…"

"This isn't what I signed up for man!"

Nightwing eyed the Titans to his right, then to his left.

"Titans, prepare yourselves."

Raven flicked her wrists encasing her hands in magic and put her hands up.

"Ready, Nightwing."

Cyborg's red eye flickered as he scanned Intergang and ran a targeting algorithm. He smiled as he put his arms up into a combat stance.

"There's fifty-six of them, that's eight a piece… Just like old times."

Starfire encased her hands in green energy, her green eyes scanning Intergang. She flipped the long red hair out of her eyes.

"I have missed all of you so much!"

Changeling bounced, cracked his neck, and bared his fangs. He raised his hands and stuck out his fingers like claws.

"You guys are the best!"

Terra flexed her hands and brought up her left one in front of her face. Small stones danced between her fingers as she blew a strand of hair away from her right eye.

"They're going to have to try much harder than this!"

Nightwing looked left, then right. All the Titans nodded to him. He smiled, his adrenaline spiked, endorphins triggered.

"Titans, Go!"

The Titans charged Intergang. Raven reached out to Nightwing through the psy-link.

"Your adrenaline spiked when you said that. You missed this!"

He took down an Intergang member with a sweep of the legs and responded.

"So did you!"

"Maybe just a little…"

The massive smile on her face betrayed her response. She did miss this, more than she wanted to admit. Changeling morphed into a gorilla and began throwing Intergang around like toys. He grabbed one by the ankles and slammed him into the pavement while backhanding another member. He beat his chest and roared in the face of an Intergang who hesitated to attack. Changeling picked up the Intergang and pressed him over his head, then threw him into the ground. He grabbed the next one by the front of her body armor and threw her over his shoulder. They sailed through the air and landed on two other Intergang members that Raven was engaging. She yelled at Changeling.

"Dammit Changeling, I had them!"

Changeling looked at her, still in gorilla form.

"Sorry Raven!"

Raven kept her more vulgar comments to herself and refocused on the Intergang in front of her. She dealt two flurries of kicks and punches to the two in front of her dropping them. One approached with his security baton drawn, he swung at her several times, each swing she dodged. He thrusted with the baton hoping to get her with the plasma on the end. She encased her hand in magic and grabbed the baton near the middle then pulled with all her force. He came rushing toward her as she put a knee into his sternum. She spun around him taking the baton with her, she put a boot to his tailbone sending him forward and dropped the baton. The man knocked into the back of Terra who staggered forward from the impact. Terra turned to see the man who had knocked her off balance, she saw Raven fighting. Terra kicked the Intergang member's heels knocking him to the ground, then kicked his skull knocking him out. She yelled at Raven for getting in her way.

"Hey, pay attention!"

Raven yelled back.

"Don't get in my way next time!"

Terra stopped fighting Intergang and approached Raven.

"You knocked him into me!"

Raven walked towards Terra, their faces inches away as they yelled at each other.

"Because you were in MY way!"

A round from an Intergang weapon struck the ground next to them, Raven put a barrier around them before two more struck it. Raven glared at Terra.

"As much as I would love to kick your ass, we're a little busy here!"

Terra glared back.

"We'll finish this later!"

Raven dropped the barrier.

"Agreed!"

They both turned and refocused on Intergang. Nightwing took out three Intergang simultaneously then turned to the next ones. They looked at each other, hesitating to attack after seeing him take out the three. He smirked and got ready to attack again, as the next group rushed towards him there was a green flash of energy. Nightwing flinched, he put his arms inro a blocking stance. The group of Intergang were on the ground in front of him.

"The hell…?"

He looked up to see Starfire levitating above them raining down Starbolts.

"Hey, Star, danger close!"

Starfire threw another bolt in his direction.

"Oops! Sorry Rob- I mean, sorry Nightwing!"

He watched as Starfire rushed forward at full speed hitting an Intergang in an exo-skeleton with a superman punch sending him into a nearby building. She picked up another one by the armor and slammed him on the pavement. She turned and flew off at another group at full speed. Nightwing refocused and realized he had become surrounded in the confusion. He pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it on the ground cloaking his position and movements. He began taking down the group that had surrounded him. He heard the other Titans cry out in confusion starting with Changeling.

"Oh, it's in my eyes! And my throat! I can't see!"

Then Starfire.

"Nightwing! You must warn us before you do that!"

Terra was next.

"Dammit! That brings back bad memories!"

Raven cried next.

"It's not hard to manage in the smoke Titans! Not if you know how!"

Cyborg was last.

"Good thing I have Infrared filters in my eye!"

The smoke cleared and the Titans turned to Nightwing, who had taken down a dozen Intergang in the time it took the smoke to clear. Changeling just smiled.

"Some things never change…"

Cyborg was engaging a group that all had exo-skeletons. He blocked a few punches then lashed out with a left cross. He swung his arm back taking down two at the same time. He raised his arm that had switched to his sonic cannon and fired a blast. Changeling had moved into the line of fire and took part of the blast. He morphed back into his normal form as he hit the ground covering his ears. Cyborg shouted.

"Don't wander into my line of fire!"

Changeling's ears were ringing, he couldn't hear anything but saw Cyborg's mouth move. He was yelling louder than he needed to.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING! OH GOD, I'M DEAF!"

Cyborg called out to him.

"Relax, that blast was less than twenty five percent maximum. It'll wear off."

Changeling still couldn't hear and yelled out.

"WHAT?!"

Raven rolled her eyes and spoke through the telepathic link she had set up amongst the Titans.

"He said it'll wear off in a few minutes! Don't be so overdramatic…"

He answered back.

"Easy for you to say, you're not deaf!"

Nightwing snapped at the two of them telepathically.

"Both of you, cut the chatter and focus!"

Raven and Changeling changed focus and got back into the fight with Intergang. Cyborg called out through the telepathic link.

"Down to twenty! Easy!"

The Titans were clearly out of Intergang's league. Raven approached an Intergang member in an exo-skeleton. She watched as the woman in the exo-skeleton hesitated. She backed up, fear flashing in her eyes. Raven took another step, the Intergang woman panicked. She looked around, trying to find a way out of being Raven's primary focus. The woman saw the live streamer from earlier. She walked over to him. The live streamer had his back turned and wasn't paying attention as he was streaming footage of Nightwing taking out several members of Intergang.

"Yo are you guys seeing this?! Nightwing's moves are straight fire. He's freaking flying! And his ass is so perf- "

The Intergang woman in the exo-skeleton grabbed him from behind and turned towards Raven using him as a hostage. The streamer had terror in his eyes. The woman began making demands to Raven.

"Stay back!"

Raven stopped her approach on the woman and stared her down. The woman tightened her grip on the streamer.

"Now, you're going to listen to me or else this kid's gonna- "

Before the woman could finish her sentence, Raven levitated into the air and launched herself forward with her knee extended. It connected with the Intergang woman's jaw, and she dropped to the ground cold. The live streamer stumbled forward after being released from her grasp. Raven looked down at the woman and quipped.

"Sorry. Were you saying something?"

Raven looked at the live streamer as she stood back to full height.

"Hey, I know that was scary. But you're all right now. You should talk to someone."

The live streamers' eyes lit up with excitement.

"Are you KIDDING?!"

He held his phone up for Raven to see. She could see herself on the screen surrounded by floating hearts from all the likes he was getting.

"I haven't gotten this many views since I drove a golf cart off my roof! This is killing fam!"

Raven was caught off guard. She couldn't believe this kid.

"Is this kid serious?"

Raven placed her hands on her hips.

"You know, you could have gotten hurt. Or worse."

The streamer shrugged.

"Eh, I've been through worse. Like, when I tased myself in the nuts!"

Raven couldn't believe the stupidity of the kid.

"Astounding. The more he speaks, the more I dislike him."

She tried to remain patient and professional.

"Just try to stay out of the way next time."

The streamer waved a hand dismissing her.

"Whatever, Mom... Hey, can I get a selfie?!"

He began to hold his phone up and turned around to take a selfie of himself with her. Raven turned on her heels and walked away.

"Yeah, I don't DO selfies…"

As she walked back to the Titans, she heard the streamer talking to his fans.

"Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!"

Raven made it back to formation with the Titans. There was a dozen Intergang left. Before they could attack again, they all hesitated. They looked at each other, fear in their eyes. Then one of them backed up, then another. The last member in an exo-suit called out to the others.

"Screw this! Nobody said nothing 'bout fightin' the damned Titans!"

He looked at the others and yelled.

"Fall back!"

He put a finger to his headset and was talking to someone on the other side.

"Fire up the Tubes! Get us out of here! No, it's the damned Titans! I don't care about the boss; we just got our asses kicked! Damn it, get us out of here!"

A second later a Boom Tube opened. The same man began yelling again.

"Through the tube, go! Retreat!"

He saw that some of the remaining members tried to carry and extract the other Intergang members who were still unconscious.

"Leave them dammit! Save yourselves! They'll have to find their own way back!"

The dozen remaining Intergang started for the Boom Tube. Raven looked at Nightwing.

"Orders Nightwing?"

Nightwing relaxed his stance and watched as Intergang made it to the portal.

"Stand down. Let them go."

Changeling looked at Nightwing in disbelief and confusion.

"What, why?! We've got them on the run!"

Terra backed him up.

"Yeah, what the hell?! We can take them, finish this now."

Raven glared at the two of them.

"Nightwing gives the orders. If he says to let them go, we let them go."

The Titans relaxed and watched Intergang step through the Tube and retreat out of sight. Raven saw Nightwing glaring at the portal like Batman. She knew that look; he was putting clues together. Raven spoke through the psy-link.

"You look just like HIM. What's wrong?"

He didn't take his eyes off the horizon.

"Still no police. No sirens. No sign of EMT's or other emergency personnel. A gang attack of this scale, in daylight, and nobody shows. Why? Something's going on here. Something is missing from the equation, and I WILL find out what. So, I'll let them retreat to their holes, their depots; that way we can track their movements. Money, personnel, equipment… I have a theory, but I need more evidence."

He exhaled and relaxed. He faced the Titans with a wide grin on his face.

"Thank you all for coming. It is good to see you all again."

Changeling smiled wide.

"Of course. You know we couldn't abandon you."

Terra stepped beside Changeling.

"Any of you."

Cyborg looked at Nightwing.

"It's about time you sent out the call. Been waiting for a reunion tour."

Starfire squealed again.

"Oh, you all must tell me of your adventures!"

Raven looked at the circle of Titans.

"It… Does feel good being home."

Terra turned towards Titan Tower and looked at it.

"Anyone been to the tower yet? How's it- "

Changeling cut her off.

"Race ya!"

He morphed into a falcon and took off towards the Tower at full speed. Terra yelled from the street.

"You're on!"

Terra lifted a piece of earth she had thrown earlier and jumped on it. She flew after Changeling. Cyborg had thrusters igniting from his feet and he lifted into the sky.

"Last one there buys pizza!"

He flew off at full speed, catching up to Terra almost instantly.

Starfire began laughing.

"Oh, what fun! I want in!"

Raven looked at Nightwing and shrugged.

"Sorry, but I shouldn't leave them unsupervised."

She levitated into the air and then flew off in the direction of the tower. Nightwing shook his head and yelled after the Titans who were now out of ear shot.

"You guys know I can't fly right?!"

He looked down and shook his head.

"Right. Guess I'll find my own way back."

Nightwing rotated his left forearm towards the sky. He pressed a button on his gauntlet and the holographic display on his arm lit up. He entered a command and waited for a few seconds. He heard the jet engine of the Batmobile, then the screeching of tires. He turned around to see the Batmobile driving towards him at high speed. He tensed, got ready to move. He watched the Batmobile's brakes engage, the tires squeal. He jumped into the air. The hatch on the car popped open and Nightwing landed in the driver's seat as the Batmobile had turned around. He closed the hatch and hit the throttle, then afterburner and sped down the road towards the Tower.

Jump City

Titans Tower (Outside)

10:30 A.M.

The Titans, minus Nightwing, were standing outside the Tower. Cyborg and Starfire had tied, both reaching the Tower at the same time. Raven was third followed by Changeling, then Terra. They were waiting for Nightwing to show up. Changeling stared at the Tower.

"Aw man… She looks like she's been abandoned."

Starfire responded with sorrow in her voice.

"It is heartbreaking to see the Tower like this. So many fond memories here…"

Cyborg cheered both up.

"Come on guys, we'll fix her up. Better than ever. Nightwing and I can upgrade the security system, update the soft, bring in new furnishings and update the tech. It will be better than top of the line!"

Changeling turned towards Cyborg.

"Awesome! Can't wait to play video games on a new ultra-HD TV!"

Raven rolled her eyes.

"Really? You're more concerned about a new TV for video games than security or the Tower's software?"

Changeling shrugged.

"Hey, we all have our priorities!"

They all suddenly heard a jet engine and tires squealing on asphalt. They looked down the road to the Tower and saw the Batmobile heading up the road at full speed. They watched as the Batmobile approached them in seconds. It came to a screeching stop a few feet away from them. Changeling's jaw hit the ground as he began to drool at the sight of The Car in front of him. Nightwing popped the hatch and stood up. He placed a hand on the side of the cockpit and leapt out. He saw Changeling come running up to him.

"Duuuuuuuude! You brought the Batmobile?! You gotta let me take her for a spin!"

Nightwing walked past Changeling and headed for the group of Titans.

"Not going to happen."

Changeling turned around and tried to do his best puppy dog eyes.

"Pleeeeeease? I promise I'll be gentle! Won't get a scratch on her!"

Nightwing shook his head.

"Sorry Gar… Not my call. Batman's rule, not mine. Only members of the Bat-Family can use his equipment."

Changeling pouted his lip.

"C'mon, pretty pleeeeease? He doesn't have to know!"

Nightwing spoke with a commanding voice, signaling Changeling that he wasn't changing his mind and to stop asking.

"I've already broken enough of Batman's rules. I have no intention of breaking this one. That's final."

Changeling looked at the Batmobile with sad eyes and then looked back to Nightwing.

"What kind of engine does it have? And weapons? How thick is the armor?"

Nightwing looked to Changeling. He began speaking with a bored, uninterested tone. He was trying to humor Garfield.

"WayneTech hybrid power cell engine with a jet turbine and Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Twelve hundred brake horsepower. Two-hundred and nine top speed without afterburner; zero to sixty in two point seven seconds. Manual transmission. A hundred- and twenty-millimeter-thick armor, carbon nanotubes. Kinetic dampeners to prevent rounds from ricocheting and hitting civilians. EMP shielding, and explosive reactive armor around the cockpit. As for weapons, that's classified."

Changeling was drooling again.

"Cooooool!"

Raven rolled her eyes and grunted.

"Ugh, boys…"

Changeling followed Nightwing to the others. Starfire looked at Nightwing.

"Has anyone been inside yet? How's it look?"

Raven looked to Nightwing, she was following his lead. Nightwing saw her glance and answered.

"I got here yesterday, I was able to check everything out. The foundation is still solid, with no cracks in the walls or signs of structure damage. The generator is still working, and the Tower has full power. All in all, it just needs minor repairs and updated systems."

The Titans began walking towards the door. Changeling was excited.

"This is gonna be great! The Titans are together again. Intergang didn't stand a chance, and we are unstoppable!"

Nightwing eyed him seriously.

"Were you watching the same fight I was? We were sloppy, amateurish. We got in each other's way, stepped on each other's toes, took out each other's targets. We've forgotten how to fight as a single cohesive unit. The only one of us who fought like they were part of a team was Cyborg. But he fought like he was part of the League, not the Titans. We'll have to learn how to fight together again."

Terra looked at Nightwing.

"We will, Dick. Don't worry. We'll get back into shape quickly."

Starfire looked at Nightwing.

"So, what's this thing about Deathstroke having an army?"

Nightwing looked at Starfire.

"I'll brief you all by the end of the week. I need to gather more intel, get a few leads, and talk to an informant. You will all know something when I do. For now, let's just get settled in."

Cyborg chimed in.

"Sounds good to me! Video game tournament anyone!?"

Changeling looked to Cyborg.

"You are SO on!"

The Titans approached the door. Nightwing felt a hand around his wrist, he looked down to see the black painted nails of the hand. He knew it was Raven and looked at her. She slowed her pace and had that 'we need to talk' look on her face. The two of them hung back as the Titans walked into the Tower. She released his wrist; her voice was nervous. Like she couldn't find the words.

"Hey, listen, before we head in there, I've been thinking..."

She eyed the others as the door closed behind them.

"When we get in there… Well… The others don't know about us. And they don't need to. When we're around the others, and out in the field, let's put our relationship on hold. Keep things professional."

Nightwing eyed the Tower.

"Are you sure that's how you want to play this?"

"Yeah. It will be… difficult. But it's for the best. If they find out- "

She looked away.

"-we'll cross that bridge when we get there. But I certainly won't tell them."

Nightwing nodded.

"Agreed. In front of the others, we keep it professional."

Raven nodded, then got a feisty look on her face and spoke through the psy-link.

"But the first chance I get, I'm getting you out of your suit."

She winked and walked into the Tower. Nightwing followed.

Jump City

Titans Tower (Common Room)

12:07 P.M.

The Titans had spent the last hour and a half settling in and cleaning up the Tower. They had all checked out their rooms and began getting reacquainted with the Tower. Victor and Garfield were on the couch playing a fighting game. Tara was sitting with her back against the arm of the couch with her legs draped over Garfield's. Koriand'r was sitting on the kitchen counter brushing her hair. Tara was excitedly giving Garfield commands, trying to help him beat Victor at the game.

"Watch the uppercut! Ranged special into a cancel! He's not safe on block, get in there! Combo, combo combo!"

Terra watched as Victor won the first round. Garfield glared at Tara.

"Hey, no backseat help. I know what I'm doing!"

Tara shrugged.

"Suit yourself. But you're out of your league."

Tara looked at Victor.

"Hey, Vic, I call winner."

Victor nodded.

"You got it."

As the second round started the door to the common room opened. Rachel stepped into the room with Dick behind her. Dick looked at the Titans and called to them.

"Rachel and I are heading into the city to get groceries to stock this place. If you need or want anything text one of us."

Rachel looked in Garfield's direction and held up her phone in his direction showing him the screen, she had a grocery list on it.

"I've already got vegetarian stuff on the list, so you're covered Garfield."

Garfield smiled and nodded.

"Thanks, Rachel!"

Rachel walked over to the kitchen and put a piece of paper on it.

"This is both our numbers."

Starfire blurted out.

"Remember, I like the bitter thick yellow drink thing!"

Rachel looked at her suspiciously.

"You mean mustard?"

Koriand'r nodded excitedly.

"Yes, mustard! The bitterness reminds me of the glorflax fruit from Tameran!"

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Mustard really isn't for drinking Koriand'r…"

Kori began to protest.

"But…"

Rachel turned and started walking back towards Richard.

"I promise nothing. But I'll see what I can do."

Koriand'r smiled.

"Thanks Rachel! Love you!"

Rachel rolled her eyes again and spoke under her breath.

"Yeah, you too…"

She stood next to Dick, he nodded to her.

"Alright guys, we should be back in a few hours. Let us know what you need."

The two of them started for the door when Tara called out mockingly from the couch.

"Bye mommy Rachel, bye daddy Grayson. No baby making on the way to the store…"

Dick immediately looked uncomfortable. Rachel's eye twitched from anger. She turned on her heels and stared at Tara.

"What was that?"

Her voice was cold, threatening. Tara stuttered then began to recover.

"N-Nothing! Didn't mean anything by it. Just a joke!"

Rachel glared.

"We're just going to the store. Would you rather take my place and go with Grayson? I'd be more than happy to stay here and finish my book."

Tara shook her head.

"Nope, I just called dibs on the winner."

Raven exhaled, trying not to take her anger out on Tara. She decided it wasn't worth it and turned around.

"That's what I thought."

She walked back towards Dick who nodded. They walked to the door out of the common room. Dick called to the others.

"We're heading out. See you guys in a few hours."

The door opened and they stepped through it. Tara called again from the couch.

"Have fun you two…"

Rachel clenched her fists and was white knuckled. The door closed behind them. Rachel screamed at the top of her lungs knowing they couldn't hear her.

"TRAITOROUS BITCH!"

Dick eyed her as they walked to the elevator.

"Finished?"

"I- Yes…"

They reached the elevator and Dick pressed the button.

"The more upset you get at comments like that about the two of us, the higher the risk of them figuring it out."

Rachel shied away from him.

"I know Dick, but…"

The door to the elevator opened and she stepped in. Dick followed behind. Rachel looked at him.

"I just… She doesn't belong here. After what she did… But I'll defer to your judgement."

Jump City

Titans Tower (Common Room)

9:21 P.M.

The city lights were shining through the large window in the common room. The night was clear, and the shining moon was reflected off the ocean that looked like glass. The water almost looked silver. All the Titans were hanging out in the common room minus Richard. He hadn't been seen for hours, not since he and Rachel returned from grocery shopping. Rachel was reading a book in the corner. Koriand'r was sitting on the couch with Victor and Garfield. The two of them were watching the Sharks game. Tara was leaning against the kitchen counter with her phone in her hand. She was continually scrolling down with her eyes glued to the screen. Koriand'r poked Victor in the shoulder.

"Uh, wouldn't you guys rather do something together?"

Victor looked at her.

"We are, Kori. Just because we're all doing our own thing doesn't mean we aren't all together."

"But-!"

Koriand'r depressively exhaled. She looked around the room and saw Rachel reading in the corner. She smiled and got off the couch and approached Rachel. Kori stood in front of Rachel.

"Sister Rachel!"

Rachel didn't take her eyes off the page she was on.

"What, Kori?"

Kori nervously played with her hands.

"Well, I was just wondering… It's been a while since we had some girl time. And I was wondering if you wanted to do something fun!"

Rachel lifted her eyes from the page to meet Kori's.

"THIS is fun."

Koriand'r kept pushing her.

"What if we braid each other's hair?"

Rachel was uninterested.

"Really? Is this, High School?"

Koriand'r took a step closer to Rachel. She had excitement in her voice.

"We can meditate together like we did before! Or shopping! Oh, how about a horror movie? You enjoy those!"

Rachel sighed; she was trying to remain patient.

"Kori, please leave me alone. I am perfectly content sitting here alone, reading my book, in silence."

Koriand'r dropped her shoulders and exhaled sadly.

"Okay Rachel, I'll leave you alone…"

She turned away with sad puppy dog eyes. Rachel swore under her breath as she watched Kori walk away.

"Damn puppy dog eyes… She knows I can't say no to her when she does them…"

Garfield turned on the couch and looked at Koriand'r.

"If you're bored Kori, we could have a game tournament."

Rachel looked up from her book.

"Didn't you already have one? I thought you quit after Vic beat you five times."

Garfield glared at her.

"I didn't quit… I just… Didn't want to play anymore."

Rachel raised an eyebrow.

"Because you lost."

Gar was defensive.

"I had an off day!"

Rachel looked back at her book.

"Whatever."

Koriand'r looked around the room.

"Please, friends, it's been almost ten years, can we please all do something together?"

Victor turned around and looked at Kori.

"Alright Kori, what would you like to do? It's too late to go out and do anything and you are not one for video games."

Kori looked around the room while thinking.

"Well… We can do the horror movies that Rachel likes. Or how about the sci-fi one with the lasers and the light sword thingies!"

Kori looked around again, her eyes went wide as she came up with an idea.

"Oh, I know! How about we tell each other of our adventures! What we have all been up to! We haven't had time to catch up!"

Rachel looked up from her book and rolled her eyes, then went back to her book. Garfield looked at Kori.

"That sounds good, I'd be up for that!"

Tara looked up from her phone.

"Sure, that sounds fun."

Victor sat up.

"Yeah, we can do that. I haven't really been keeping tabs on everyone."

Koriand'r's face lit up with a smile.

"Yay! I can't wait to hear what everyone's been up to!"

Victor stood up.

"If we're doing this…"

He walked over to the kitchen and stuck his head in the fridge. They heard him rummaging through it, then the sound of glass bottles clinking together. He pulled his head out with a grin on his face. He held up his hands, and in each one was a six pack of beer.

"Let's do it right!"

Garfield grinned.

"Woo! Party!"

Tara looked at the beer and smiled.

"Alright, I'm in!"

Koriand'r looked at the bottles and tilted her head.

"That is beer is it not? I don't think I've ever tried it."

Victor looked at her and smiled.

"First time for everything, Kori. Always wondered if Tameranian's could be affected by alcohol."

Victor put the beers down on the kitchen island. He grabbed a bar stool and moved it to the center of the room.

"Grab a chair everyone! Arrange them in a circle."

Tara put her phone away and grabbed a chair and carried it to the center of the room. Garfield and Koriand'r followed and began moving chairs. Victor looked over to Rachel and called out to her.

"Hey Rachel, you in?"

Rachel looked at the four of them then dropped her head and exhaled.

"By Azar, I suppose I'll never hear the end of it if I don't agree…"

She closed the book she was reading and stood up.

"Why not. I guess I don't have anything else important to do."

She walked across the room to where the others were beginning to take seats. Koriand'r looked at the door to the common room.

"Should someone go and get Grayson? I haven't seen him in a few hours."

Tara grabbed a beer in each hand. She handed one to Garfield and sat in a chair.

"Think he's in his room. He's been in there since Rachel and him got back from shopping."

Garfield took the beer and sat down.

"No way am I going to get him. Going into his room is like wandering into Rachel's room."

He smiled and looked at Rachel. He tried to mimic her voice and began reciting the line she had told him so many years before.

"Nobody. Goes. In. My. Room."

She just rolled her eyes. Cyborg handed Rachel a bottle. She grabbed it by the neck and nodded towards him.

"Thanks, Vic."

She sat down in a chair next to him. Garfield looked at the group.

"So, who's- "

They heard the door to the common room open, they all looked to see Dick walk into the room with his phone to his ear. He nodded to them as he walked further into the room. He wasn't speaking as Richard Grayson, but as Nightwing. His voice was calm, commanding.

"-you're the only person I know who has access to the intel I need. I've been digging but it's taking too much time. Time, I do not have."

The Titans looked at each other and shrugged, they were trying to figure out who he was talking to. Dick continued to talk on his phone.

"Hey, try to focus please, this is important. Yes, this is serious. When can you get the info? In person? I'm not in Gotham. Jump City. With the Titans. Fine, in person. Usual payment? Agreed. Let me know when you're in town, I'll send you a rendezvous point. Yes, I'll have your payment, you know my word is as good as Batman's. I'll be in touch, Nightwing out."

The Titans watched as Dick put his phone into his back pocket. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples; he was trying to relieve stress. Rachel knew that look, whoever he was talking to on the other side wore his patience down. He exhaled and looked at the Titans who were gathered in a circle.

"Hey guys, what's going on?"

Victor had a grin on his face.

"Grayson, man of the hour! Grab some seat, take a load off! We're catching up."

Dick looked toward the door then at the Titans and shrugged.

"I was in the middle of something…"

He dropped his head and smiled.

"It can wait."

He walked over to where the Titans were seated and grabbed the last bar stool. He walked behind Victor to place it in a circle when Vic held a beer up for him to take. Grayson put the chair down and sat in it and refused the beer.

"I'll sit but I'm not going to drink. Rather keep my senses and reflexes sharp in case something comes up."

Vic kept holding the beer for him to take.

"Come on Dick, let your hair down. The city is quiet, I've been scanning for activity since we thrashed Intergang. Everyone is keeping their head down, at least for now. It's been damn near a decade, relax, unwind, and have a drink with old friends."

Dick nodded.

"Okay, you convinced me."

Dick reached out and took the beer. He pointed the cap towards Victor.

"Would you mind?"

Victor smiled and reached over. He grabbed the cap with his mechanical hand and popped the cap off. Dick nodded in thanks and brought the mouth of the bottle to his lips and took a sip. Rachel looked at him.

"Everything okay? What was that about?"

He lowered the bottle from his lips.

"I was talking to one of my contacts. Thought they would be my best shot at getting information on Slade. It's always… stressful dealing with them. But they do have the intel I need."

She looked concerned.

"Who's your contact?"

He looked down.

"Not important right now…"

He changed his tone and looked up at his friends.

"So, what have I missed?"

Garfield spoke up.

"Nothing yet. We were deciding who should start."

Koriand'r raised her hand excitedly.

"Oh, oh, me, me! I volunteer to go first!"

Rachel smiled and took a swig of her beer.

"Guess we have a winner. Go ahead Kori."

"Oh, wonderful! Let's see, what to tell, where to start?"

Rachel held up a hand to stop her.

"Just… Summarize, quick version. Important parts, starting when we last saw each other. Go."

Kori sat up.

"Right, helpful. Let's see… Oh, I went back to Tameran which was in the middle of a rebellion. Their leader, Moriand'r, was trying to claim the throne herself. She used mercenaries from other planets, criminals, the downtrodden and other citizens who felt frustrated with my family's rule. They believed my sister would be the one to change things. Get away from tradition. What she promised was anarchy, chaos. Tameran would not survive the transition. So, I returned and fought for the Loyalists. It was a long bloody war. But after two years of fighting, in a duel between Moriand'r and myself, the Loyalists won. I retook my family's throne. Instead of execution, I imprisoned my sister. I visited her every day. We spoke. The void between us became smaller and smaller to the point where I have a sister again. Then the war with the Gordanians started again. Trying to claim Tameran again. Then I got the call and came here. That's it."

Rachel took a swig.

"Sounds like you've been busy."

Garfield looked over at Rachel.

"She isn't the only one."

He took a sip of beer.

"After we all went our separate ways, I decided to try the solo gig. Went back to Midway City. It worked out for a few weeks. Then Niles Caulder contacted me. Said he was planning on forming a new Doom Patrol and knew I had done time as a Titan. He wanted me to be the first member. I agreed. He gave me names of recruits; I went out and convinced them to sign on. After a year the Doom Patrol had a reputation. I started to see them as a kind of surrogate family. Then Tara showed up a year or so later. I asked her to join up. Then we uh..."

He smiled. And looked to Tara who just smirked.

"We picked up where we left off. And we did A LOT of 'picking up'."

Cyborg cheered.

"That's my boy! Up high!"

The two of them high fived. Cyborg looked at Tara.

"You too girl! Up high!"

He high fived Tara. Rachel rolled her eyes and grunted.

"Okay, we get it. Moving on…"

Kori looked around confused.

"Wait, I don't get it. You two picked up what?"

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Oh, by the Hell's…"

Garfield looked at her confused.

"Wait, Hell's? As in plural? As in more than one?"

Rachel looked at Kori and made a crass hand gesture to explain to her what Garfield meant.

"They did the THING."

Kori's face lit up and she began laughing.

"Oooohhhhhh… HAHAHAHA! Then why not just say so? On Tameran, we do not have the same modesty on sex that Earth does. On Tameran sex is-."

Rachel cut her off.

"Nope, not having this discussion. Garfield, back to you before Kori starts explaining her sex life."

Garfield smirked. She could hear his thoughts. He wouldn't mind hearing about Tameran's customs on sex. He started where he left off.

"Right, so after we picked up where we left off and Tara joined the team, incidents started cropping up. We cleaned them up and moved on to the next. Then about a year later I got a tip from an 'anonymous source' that told me to investigate the incidents and Caulder's business connections. Well, turned out, Niles was working with Lex Luthor and created the incidents. We would clean it up, get the credit, and our reputation grew. Meanwhile, Caulder's company handled the fallout and would collect a payout. I confronted him. I had only one option. If he went public about causing the accidents, as the leader of the Doom Patrol, it would damage our reputation. Nobody would believe that we didn't know. We would have had to disband. So, I had to force him out, quietly. Told him to leave Midway, never contact us again. By that point my acting career had taken off so I bought the mansion from him so we could still have an HQ. I thanked him for believing in us, giving us another family, and for teaching me how to lead, then sent him on his way. That about covers things."

Garfield looked at Grayson with a coy smile.

"I just hope that my 'anonymous source' knows how much I appreciated their help."

Dick took another sip of beer. Then looked him in the eyes.

"I'm sure your anonymous source is aware of your gratitude. Whoever he or she may be."

Cyborg took a swig and looked at Tara.

"Alright Tara, you're up. Story time."

Tara took a sip and shrugged.

"What's there to tell? You guys' left Jump City and I stayed at the University for the next two years. I tried to forget what happened, tried to forget that part of my life. Everyone then began to slowly stop talking about you. Then they began to forget your deeds, everything you sacrificed, all the blood you shed. Then I began to get angry, frustrated. How could they forget about you so easily, forget about US. Then, one day, I just couldn't take it anymore. Something in me stirred… Immense guilt, major regret… I had a need to explain myself, my actions. Apologize for everything. Only, I didn't know where any of you were. Then I heard about the Doom Patrol, how they were back and were being led by Gar. So, I packed my things and found him at the Mansion. Explained everything. He asked me to join up. And in the Doom Patrol I saw not only a place to belong again, but redemption."

Rachel was squeezing the bottle in her hands tight enough for Dick to hear her skin straining against the glass, she was white knuckled. She didn't think Tara deserved redemption, that she should live with the guilt of betraying them forever. For betraying HER trust. And to make her become what she had to that night they fought. Cyborg noticed her body language and changed the subject. He looked at Rachel.

"Okay, Rachel, your turn. Spill."

Rachel immediately relaxed and hid her anger and body language. She took a sip of beer and started.

"Not much to say. After we all split, I just drifted from place to place, never staying in one place for more than a month. Lived in motels. Portland, Seattle, then started moving east. Made it to the east coast, to Salem. Then Jumped oceans. Ireland, Scotland, London. Then further east. Germany, Romania and Transylvania. Turkey. Egypt. Made it as far as Nepal before stopping. I was looking for answers and trying to find out who I was, where I fit in after the Titans. I never really felt like I belonged anywhere…"

She took a sip and stared at the floor.

"Turned out I went too far. The answer was, east, but not nearly that far. So, I turned back, or rather, felt 'called' I guess. I found out who I was in Blud – "

She stopped herself before she spilled the secret. Victor caught what she was about to say. He smiled, then glanced at Rachel, then to Dick. Rachel corrected herself.

"I found out who I was when I got back Stateside. And the answers I was looking for? Well… That's for me to know alone."

Rachel took another sip from her bottle which was now nearly empty. She heard a few whispers from the Titans as she finished her story. Victor smiled.

"Right, my turn!"

Victor took a sip of his beer.

"After leaving Jump City, I went back to S.T.A.R. Labs in Detroit to see my dad. He was working on a Fatherbox. Whatever tests he was running on it 'woke it up'. Parademons came through and attacked. Soon after, all Apokolips came through. The furies, Steppenwolf, even Darkseid himself. Next thing I know, I'm surrounded by the League's founding members and landed a few blows on Darkseid. I was able to 'talk' to the Fatherbox and open a portal forcing the invaders back through. Batman gave me the offer to join up after the battle. Batman isn't someone you just say no to, so I accepted. Been running missions and handling The Watchtower's communications since."

Garfield was on the edge of his seat.

"You slugged it out with Darkseid?!"

Victor put his bottle down.

"I wouldn't say I slugged it out. I landed a few blows, outran some Omega Beams, then I found the good side of my face ground into asphalt when I tried to charge him. Darkseid is… A whole other league…"

Rachel took one giant sip from her beer finishing it and looked at Victor.

"Heard about the invasion while I was in Seattle… Glad you made it out in one piece."

Tara looked at Grayson who had been quiet up until now.

"Alright Dick, you're up! Saved the best for last!"

Dick looked up to see the other Titans all with their eyes on him. He locked eyes with them and shrugged.

"I left here that night, went back to Gotham and realized I couldn't be Robin anymore. So, I became Nightwing. End of story."

Kori was disappointed, as were all the other Titans, aside from Rachel. She knew what he had gone through, knew he didn't want to talk about it. She understood, the others never would understand the trauma he went through the last near decade. Koriand'r leaned forward.

"Oh, come on! There must be more!"

Tara crossed her arms and glared at Grayson.

"Yeah! What the hell, Grayson! We all shared, gave our life stories. You can't just give a two-sentence summary. We were about for seven years! SOMETHING must have happened!"

Garfield chimed in next.

"Yeah, details Dick!"

Dick dropped his head. He started playing with the label of the bottle while the others continued to stare.

Victor nudged his shoulder. Dick looked over to see him smiling.

"C'mon man! Don't be like that. Don't tell me the 'Son of Batman' is scared!"

Dick really didn't want to bring up all that he had been through. He didn't want to be reminded of that dark place he entered. The place that Rachel dragged him out of. He felt a tug at the back of his mind; the psy-link. Rachel was reaching out to him.

"It's okay. I'm here."

He glanced in her direction and saw with a smile on her face, then a discreet nod of encouragement. Victor noticed their exchange and smirked but didn't say anything. Dick looked down at his bottle again, then up at the Titans. All their eyes were still on him. He looked back down at the bottle.

"Damn you all..."

Grayson brought the bottle to his lips and chugged the entire remaining half of the bottle. He placed the empty bottle between his legs on the floor.

"I went back to Gotham only to realize that the city had changed. Or maybe I had changed… Doesn't matter, things weren't the same. Batgirl had been crippled by the Joker. Bruce had an ACTUAL son… And Batman had been secretly spying on my activities in Jump City the whole time. So, my trust in Bruce was shattered. Again. Just when I was trying to figure out who I was, there were twenty-one bodies that washed up on Gotham's shores. I tracked them to Bludhaven. The Haven was a city full of crime and corruption. If it was too vile or evil for Gotham, it wound up there. I knew Bludhaven needed a different kind of hero to protect her. And I couldn't be Robin anymore. I had seen too much, done too many things. It wasn't who I was. Bludhaven demanded something better, something bigger, something darker… So, that's what I became... Nightwing: 'The Dark Heir of Gotham', 'The Son of Batman'… I started a new life in the city. Became a bartender at a cop bar, then joined the force as a cop, later I became a detective. During the day I worked inside the law to take out gangs and criminals, by night as Nightwing. Singlehandedly I disbanded all Bludhaven's gangs. Stopped the corruption. Then Bludhaven's kingpin, a man named Blockbuster, tracked me down, discovered my identity. He took EVERYTHING from me… EVERYTHING. I became obsessed with catching him. And by the time I did, I had become someone else. I was in a dark place, didn't even know who I was. I realize now that I didn't care if I lived or died. I kept pushing myself to my limits, doing dumb and reckless things, just hoping some random guy with a gun got lucky and ended things for me. And by the time I pulled myself out of it and came up for air, Bludhaven was destroyed. That brings us to the now."

All the Titans just stared. There was an awkward silence that filled the room. Nobody was expecting his last few years to be as difficult as they were. Rachel could feel through the psy-link that his mind was wandering to that dark place again. She was about to reach out when Tara broke the silence.

"Well, that got dark…"

Kori looked very concerned. She eyed Grayson, her voice was low, soft.

"Um, Richard… Are… Are you okay?"

Dick looked to Koriand'r with a cold expression, one that Rachel had seen before, on Batman. Rachel wished it was just the two of them alone. She knew how to comfort him, and if she couldn't she at least knew other ways to take his mind off things. Dick answered with a low, shaken voice.

"I don't know... I just need time. Thanks Kori."

Another awkward silence. And of course, as always, Garfield was the first to open his mouth.

"So, uh yeah, it's still a little early to turn in. I'm certainly not done yet. You guys want to play a game?"

Rachel raised an eyebrow and looked at Garfield suspiciously.

"What KIND of game?"

"I don't know, I haven't thought that far ahead yet."

Koriand'r interrupted.

"Oh, oh, how about the truth or dare?"

Raven glared at her.

"We're not in middle school."

Just then Tara got a wicked smirk on her face.

"I know! How about a game the Doom Patrol plays every slow Saturday night?"

Rachel glared at her this time and crossed her arms.

"I am NOT playing anything that removes clothing."

Tara winked.

"Why not? Self-conscious about you're figure?"

Rachel clenched her fist. Before she could snap Tara spoke again.

"Don't worry. No clothes shedding required. It's called 'Never Have I Ever'."

Tara looked at Rachel.

"See? Everyone stays fully dressed."

Rachel spoke with frustration.

"Yeah, but you're going to make it dirty and I'm going to have to live the rest of my life with knowledge I'd rather not know about my friends and roommates."

Tara smiled.

"That's the fun part."

Koriand'r raised her hand.

"Um, I don't know the rules."

She put her hand down and looked depressed again. Tara leaned forward and looked at her.

"It's easy Kori. Basically, we just go around in a circle and say, 'Never Have I Ever', then we say something embarrassing or revealing like uh… Oh, 'Never Have I Ever used someone else's toothbrush'. And if somebody has done that thing, they take a drink."

Rachel gagged.

"That is so unsanitary…"

Tara threw her head in Rachel's direction while still looking at Kori.

"See? Like that. Then the next person goes."

Koriand'r put her hands together.

"Oh, yes. This shall be fun!"

Garfield put a finger in the air.

"Uh, got a problem. Our drinks are all empty."

Victor nodded to the kitchen.

"Should be more. I made sure Dick and Rachel picked some up."

Tara stood.

"Cool! I'll get more!"

Koriand'r stood up.

"I can help."

"Thanks Star.

Tara and Kori got up and walked to the kitchen. Garfield stood up next.

"And I gotta drain the dragon. So, intermission time I guess."

Rachel rolled her eyes as Garfield walked towards the door of the common room. Rachel stood up.

"I'm going to take my book back to my room and stretch my legs. Be back in a minute."

Rachel walked behind Victor to the couch she was sitting on earlier. She grabbed her book and made a straight line to the common room door. Victor turned his head slightly to the right and watched her walk out of the room with a smile on his face. He looked up to see the two girls in the kitchen. He looked at Grayson.

"So… You and Rae huh? It's about time!"

Dick dropped his head and exhaled loudly.

"Dammit… I thought we were doing well of hiding it… How did you find out?"

Vic leaned forward so the girls couldn't hear their whispers.

"You're not the ONLY Titan who has access to Batman's reports y'know?"

Vic looked to make sure the girls were still busy.

"Seven years, and Raven's been almost a ghost, even to people like you and me. No digital footprint, no trail to follow, a few isolated appearances but nothing reliable. Then one day, I'm in the command center of the Watchtower and I see a recommendation for Raven to join the league. Sponsored and approved by Batman. I got curious. Started searching Batman's files for every mention of Raven. Found a report dated six months ago; you were injured and brought back to Wayne Manor. WITH Rachel. Then she kept popping up in more and more reports. Then I came across one that says she joined the Bat-Family. I knew right then; something was going on between you two."

Dick nodded towards the kitchen. Tara pulled her head out of the fridge and Kori shut it behind her.

"I'd appreciate it if you kept that to yourself. We don't want the others to know."

Victor smiled.

"Relax Dick, I'm not going to tell the others. Not my place."

Dick nodded; relieved.

"Thanks, Vic."

Just then the door to the common room opened and Garfield walked through with Rachel on his heels. The two of them walked back to their seats. Garfield smirked.

"What are YOU two talking about?"

Vic smiled.

"Nothing. Just catching up."

They sat back down. Rachel's eyes lingered on Victor's before she glanced at Dick and then pulled her gaze away. Tara and Koriand'r came back over and began handing out bottles. Tara sat down and stretched out.

"Everyone know the rules?"

The Titans nodded while Rachel rolled her eyes. Tara looked around.

"So, who's first?"

Cyborg nodded.

"I'll go."

After a brief pause Victor looked around.

"Never have I ever eaten a whole pizza by myself."

Every single one of the Titans smiled and took a drink. Tara looked at Victor disappointed.

"Oh, come on! You can do better than that!"

Victor smiled.

"Consider it a warmup."

Tara looked to Vic's left.

"Grayson, you're up."

Dick looked up to see Tara's eyes on him. He was uninterested. His mind was somewhere else.

"Pass."

Tara scoffed.

"Nope. No passes. Come on, just say anything. First thing that comes to mind. But make it spicy!"

Dick played with the bottle in his hands and stared at it.

"Fine. Never have I ever-"

He hesitated; nothing came to mind. A thought came to him, he said it without thinking of who would have to drink.

"Never have I ever gotten a tattoo."

He immediately felt a white-hot stare. And he immediately knew who was staring. He looked up to see Rachel's violet eyes on him. He could tell she was fighting back her anger. He reached out through the psy-link.

"I wasn't thinking. I just said the first thing that- "

"QUIET!"

Rachel took a sip without another word or glancing at anyone. The other four Titans watched her as their eyes got wide. Kori started laughing. Garfield was at the edge of his seat.

"No way! Where?! What's it of?!"

Rachel glared at Garfield.

"Nowhere you'll ever see it!"

Tara began laughing uncontrollably.

"HAHAHAHA! Oh, I can't even! I- I bet it's on her- "

Rachel cut off the laughter.

"NO. No! It is not where you're thinking!

Tara kept laughing and Kori was giggling. Garfield was still trying to imagine where it was. Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Azar grant me patience… If I show you where and what it is will you just drop it?!"

Tara and Garfield looked at each other. Koriand'r tried to stop giggling. The three of them looked at each other and nodded. Tara looked back at Rachel.

"We'll drop it, but only IF you show us."

Rachel stood up and turned around. She exhaled and pulled up the bottom of her shirt to reveal the raven tattoo on her lower back.

"There? Happy? Get enough of an eyeful?"

She lowered her shirt and sat back down. Tara and Garfield kept staring. Rachel kicked Tara's leg.

"Hey, I said to drop it!"

Tara shook her head.

"Uh right. Moving on. Kori, you're up."

Kori looked around and giggled again.

"Hmmmm what should I? Oh, I know!"

She began laughing again.

"Never have I ever seen anyone in this room naked."

All the Titans looked around at each other and had a drink. Koriand'r was surprised at how easily thay had all taken a drink. She looked at each of them.

"Really? All of you? Who?"

The five of them looked at each other and answered in unison.

"Kori."

Koriand'r began pouting.

"That one was too easy…"

Tara smiled and looked at her.

"Don't walk around or sunbathe on the roof naked as much, and we wouldn't all have had to take a drink."

Tara nodded towards Garfield.

"Alright babe, your turn."

Garfield grinned with his fangs showing.

"I've been thinking about this one. Never have I ever kissed anyone in this room."

Five of the Titans took a sip, Dick, Kori, Garfield, Tara and Rachel. Victor looked around and grinned.

"Am I the only one who hasn't seen any lip action with anyone in this room? So NOT fair."

Tara grinned.

"My turn! And I've got the perfect one!"

Tara looked around with a huge grin on her face. Rachel knew she was going to dread this one.

"Never have I ever- "

She looked around again, a sly glint in her eyes. She smiled wider and continued.

"- slept with someone of the same sex."

The Titans looked around, without anyone taking a drink. Then Kori shrugged and took a sip. Nobody seemed surprised. Afterall, Tameranians were known for polygamous relationships and open marriages. Then without betraying an emotion or a glance at any of the Titans, Rachel put the bottle to her lips and took a drink. The other Titans spun their heads to look at her. Tara's eyes were wide, Garfield's eyes were wide, and his jaw was on the floor. Rachel looked to see the others staring at her.

"What?"

Tara was ecstatic.

"No way! You? YOU?! Of all the people here and you take a drink?!"

Rachel glanced at her uninterested.

"And? Am I a monster to be out to the sword? Burned at the stake with her ashes scattered to the four winds?"

Tara shook her head.

"No. Not at all! I'm just… surprised. You were always big on 'discipline' and 'control'. I'm just shocked your self-control got the better of you."

Rachel shrugged.

"Yeah, well I'm only human. And demon, I guess… I have moments when my discipline and control fail me."

Tara leaned closer to her.

"She must have been something to get your attention. Now come on girl, deets! Spill 'em!"

Garfield looked like he was set to burst. He was way more interested than he should have been. Dick was feigning disinterest, but it was clear he was curious by the thoughts she heard in his head. Rachel crossed her arms and looked unimpressed.

"I agreed to play your thrice damned game, not give details each time I take a drink. Now DROP IT, and let's move on."

Tara threw her hands in the air.

"Fine, fine. But I WILL get the answer out of you one day."

Rachel glared.

"You are welcome to try. It will not happen. Now who's turn?"

Tara pointed at her.

"Yours. You are the last one."

Rachel's eyes went wide, and a brief panic overtook her.

"I think now is a good time to end our game."

Kori spoke loudly.

"What? Already?"

Tara looked at Kori and nodded, then looked back at Rachel.

"What gives Rachel? You can't end the game just because you don't want to go."

Before Rachel could answer Dick spoke up.

"Rae's right. It is getting late, and we've all had a long day. Plus, that little dust up with Intergang. We should all get our rest. Besides- "

Dick looked to Garfield.

"- someone looks like he can't handle much more of his drink."

Garfield looked around.

"What? No? I'm fine."

His words were not as clear as they usually were. The alcohol was beginning to affect him. Tara looked over to him with a stern look.

"Again, Gar? I told you that you're a lightweight. Remember the premier six months ago? Or the film festival?"

Garfield put his hands up.

"That was just twice!"

Tara glared harder. Garfield surrendered.

"Alright, alright, fine. You win."

Tara took his bottle from him and downed the rest of it herself. Dick stood up while finishing the last bit of liquid in his bottle.

"I'll get this mess cleaned up. Rest of you, get your sleep. I'll see you all in the morning."

The Titans stood and began filing their way through the door. Koriand'r could be heard asking the others around her.

"I feel kinda funny. Giddy? Is that the word? Or maybe, happy?"

Tara started laughing.

"Oh my god! I think Kori is beginning to feel the alcohol!"

The door to the room closed and Dick and Rachel were the only ones left. Dick began fixing the chairs while Rachel took the bottles into the kitchen. Rachel walked back into the room as Dick was fixing the last chair. She quickly kissed him on the cheek and squeezed his hand.

"I'm heading to my room for the night. See you Grayson."

He turned his head as the door closed behind her.

"Goodnight, Rae."

Dick turned to see the city lit up outside the main window. He walked to the glass and smiled.

"I forgot how beautiful this city was at night. I've missed this view."

Then anger began to overtake him.

"This city WILL NOT become another crater. Jump City will not become Bludhaven, even if I die trying."