It had been one week since they walked away from Slades lair. The night they arrived, they found Slades hidden cameras had terminated themselves, and had fallen to the ground. A quadruple check of the tower with Robin at the lead for any of Slades tech was done. After an exhaustive three days of checking, the Titans knew that every piece of equipment, frequency and wireless connection in the Tower was made by Cyborg and ONLY Cyborg.
During the search, every Titan had a serious look to them. How close they were to getting killed still resonated with them. The adrenaline and desire to save Robin had worn off. And all that was left was an uneasy feeling that the Teen Titans were almost no more.
Logan too, was serious since that night. He hadn't joked around, or offered to spend time with the others. He did his searching for any of Slades cameras, cooked them meals, then spent time on the boulder along the shore.
Robin looked out the window and saw Logan staring into the distance. A part of him was upset that Logan called off the fight between them and Slade. But he knew Logan made that decision for a reason.
'He'll kill us….'
Robin turned and headed to meet the other Titans.
—-
In the evidence room, Robin sat at the desk that was clear of any 'leads.' Around him on chairs were Cyborg, Raven and Starfire. They were all quiet, understanding what this meeting was about since Logan wasn't present. The seriousness that they showed earlier in the week had been replaced with nervousness.
"Can you guys tell me… what happened after the fake chronoton detonator?"
So they told him. How Logan took charge of the situation. How he knew there were cameras in the tower. Made them search for him, even though Logan knew where he was at. Knew about the probes in their bodies. How they traveled to Ravens mind. How he commanded animals to deliver messages to them. His 'talk' with the police without anyone knowing. His powers to alter and remove things from their bodies. They spoke for over an hour, with Robin sitting at the desk.
"He asked me to search your suit for any hidden traps. Before Starfire knocked the wall open, he told me to shoot at Slade to push him away from you." Cyborg explained their entrance into the base.
Robin nodded, taking in all that had happened when away from the others.
"Slade told me he wanted me as his apprentice. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps." The others cringed at the news, but Robin continued. "He played mind games with me, tried to stoke suspicion and jealousy towards Logan for everything that he does." He finished.
"Are you?" Raven didn't know why she asked. Even though they were all curious.
"… I don't know. It sounds like you guys did a good job without me."
"Don't say that Robin." Cyborg cut in, before Robin could put himself down. "Logan stepped up to bring you back, I'm sure he would have done the same for all of us. Now that you're here, the teams whole again.
"He is right friend Robin, do not think for the moment that we were 'the better off' without you. We ALL wanted you back, and now that you are, we can be a team again." Cyborg and Raven nodded at Starfires words.
"We can learn from our first encounter with Slade, and we will stop him the next time he comes to hurt us." Raven said.
*beep* [Front Door Open]
A small alarm within the evidence room notified the team someone entered the tower. Logan came inside.
Robin took out his communicator. "I'm calling a team meeting right now. Let's head over to the common room." The others nodded.
—-
Logan walked down the front entrance hallway when he got the alert for a non emergency team meeting. So he continued at a slow pace, since he was near the common room. He entered the room as the others walked through the double doors of the main hallway. He smiled at them.
"Guys…"
They each gave him their own greetings, then they all headed to the couch. Except for Robin. After they sat down, Robin made his way to the front of their living room, looking at the them.
"I wanted to call this meeting, to announce that I would be stepping down as team leader of the Teen Titans."
The three titans he spoke with in the evidence room were shocked. They began to try and convince him to reconsider. But Robin wasn't listening. His attention was focused on Logan. Who sat back into the large couch with a serious face, smile gone.
"So Cyborg will take the lead?" Logan asked.
"Hold up! I can't be team leader. I'm best as support, and maintaining the tower. I can't be lead strategist and making the calls when we're out fighting." Cyborg spoke loudly.
"If you made up your mind, then we'll have to find someone new who can lead the team." Logan said to Robin. This surprised everyone.
"I would step down, and have YOU take over as Leader."
"I decline…"
"Why?"
"Because I can't live up to the expectations of the leader for the Teen Titans." That response confused everyone. But Robin glared, because Logan was dancing around this serious issue.
"You exceeded those expectations, when you saved the team. Saved me. Utilized the police force, and met Slade head on. We were all ready to fight and stop him, but you were the only one to pull us back. I didn't think much of it at the time… But if he could hold the team hostage with the probes, he could have taken any of us in the base. If he hurt one of us, we all would have flown into a frenzy. Slade… we wouldn't have stopped him for good. You were right. He's the kind of villain that slips into the shadows when things don't go his way. Not to mention, we were under commercial property. Not only our lives were at risk.
Logan was smiling towards the end of Robins response. Which confused them even more.
"THAT'S why I wanted you to be the leader Robin." Still confused, they said nothing to let Logan explain.
"You took my advice. You thought of the well being of the team. You had every right as the leader to make that call. I ASKED you to turn and leave, and you thought it through. You considered my input, whether you agreed with it or not. That's what a REAL leader does, they listen to there team."
Silence, they said nothing.
"I made every call, never allowing the others to contribute in the mission. I kept certain things from them, out of selfishness. I left the others in the dark and pushed them around everywhere that I wanted them. I protected you and the others… but I manipulated you too."
Still no one said anything.
"You're the leader of the Teen Titans, right now. But later, you'll be even greater. Being leader is more than just saving the city, and getting us home safe. Because something has to come after the Teen Titans. You Robin, there's just something about you… something great that I can see... just like Batman did." Logan then turned to the others. Robin didn't know what to say.
"And you guys, I believe in the same for you. You guys are great the way you are, and I know that you all will only grow stronger. Cyborg, you're young, but also one of the smartest people I know. Smarter than people who spent more time learning science, technology and machines. Star, who knows someone with a more pure heart. Who would do anything to protect her friends and loved ones. And Raven… who knows where you go from here. When you decide what to do with your life, I know great things will come from it." Logan stood up.
"And me… right now. I just want to spend time with you all. Protect you all. And help you guys see how amazing you are. I COULD be leader… but I can't be what the Teen Titans need right now, I can't be what's needed after."
"I'm your support. Your eyes and ears on the field. Your training partner and your cheerleader, but most importantly… I'm your friend." He turned to his leader.
"I never doubted you leading us Robin, I won't doubt you now." Then Logan left.
The others didn't move after that. They couldn't image that someone they'd known for over a year, thought of them to that degree. That believed he saw something in each one of them, that they couldn't see themselves. What could you say to someone who thought so much of you, when you had so many self doubts.
—-
*pant* *pant*
"Just a few more seconds Raven…"
*pant* *pant*
"And you cleared it! Great job, two weeks and you're already cutting your best time in half since you first started." Raven was barely listening. Two weeks of cardio, after she rarely ever exerted herself was killer. She had been so used to floating and flying, that she neglected muscle building exercises.
Since her fight with jinx, she'd been self conscious of her physique and stamina. After bringing it up in a team meeting, everyone offered to help her in training.
Cyborg stopped the counter on his arms terminal. He saw the embarrassment that Raven had at her less than stellar stamina during that meeting. It reminded him back when he met people in school who couldn't keep up with him in sports. He was popular back in school BECAUSE he helped others out in their training. He was never one to ignore or put others down. And training Raven really brought back good memories.
*pant* "it's over..?" Cyborg wanted to laugh at the 'not so Raven' facial expression. She was really beat.
"Sure is. And as your coach for today, I prescribe you a healthy meal and plenty of water to rehydrate." Raven rolled her eyes, but Cyborg could see a small grin form on her lips.
"As a matter of fact, it's about lunchtime. We'll both head over for some grub."
The two made it to the kitchen, where Logan was stirring a large pot. His face showed he was concerned.
"What's the matter?" Cyborgs asked. Raven also looked to see what had Logan worried.
"It's Star, she's in her room again, and she won't talk to me."
"Where's Robin?" Raven was curious where their leader was. Logan's attitude picked up a little.
"He went to go check on her. I hope she opens up to him, if not, maybe either of you. I just don't know what's bothering her."
—-
"You were right to not leave Starfire," Robin looked at his teammate as she sat on her bed. She had gained some… changes. She still looked like herself, but parts of her body were drastically different.
"I was tempted to leave, out of embarrassment for my looks." She held up her hand to stop Robin from interrupting her.
"I know that I do not look the 'ugly' Robin, but some of my features are mannish and not the lady like."
Robin knew there was no changing her mind, but he was happy that she didn't do something as drastic as leave them. "You know that me and everyone else would have followed you. No matter what you thought of yourself, you'll always be our Starfire."
She smiled.
"C'mon, let's go to the others. You don't have to be embarrassed. We… love you no matter what." He didn't know where he got the courage to tell her that, but it was the truth. In the short time they've all known each other, 'friends' wasn't enough to describe the Teen Titans.
"Thank you Robin…"
*swoosh*
The three turned around and looked to Starfire who entered the common room. She saw Cyborg and Raven give surprised looks. Robin followed behind, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. She looked to the others with a smile.
"Hello friends."
Seeing Starfire put on a brave face, her two teammates returned her smile. And greeted her. Logan stepped forward and admired her.
"You're growing up Star. It's just puberty, and everything will get better after.
She was glad that she did not run away, and she was happy to have them in her life.
—-
"We hope that we've answered all your questions. We would like to thank the mayor and police Chief for having us attend this formal gathering of Jump City's protectors. And we would like to make this closing statement; the Teen Titans will do their best to protect the city and her citizens, no matter the threat." Robin stepped back from the microphone.
Applause were given to the Titans and Jump City Police. After a hectic week of armed robberies along with chaos by Mumbo and Johnny Rancid, the mayor asked that a formal public speech be made to reassure the citizens that extra steps were being taken to ensure their safety.
The Titans stood to the side of the stage along with decorated service men and woman. Handshakes and pictures would be taken for the public.
"Mr. Logan…" the police chief shook his hand.
"Mrs. Gomez…" Logan shook her hand back with a smile.
After the police Chief shook all their hands, her and her service officers left to monitor the social gathering.
"Just a little while longer guys, then we can head out." Robin looked to Raven, who was trying to block out all the people and noise. "Sorry Raven, just two more photos and we'll head back home." She nodded.
Slowly Robin was pulled away by the mayor who wanted the Titans opinion on an upcoming investigation of a meta human seen along the coast. A group of female reporters wanted to ask Starfire about what haircare products she used. And Cyborg walked over to talk with someone that they didn't recognize. Which left Raven and Logan standing together.
"Excuse me!" The Titans turned to a young lady approaching the stage. She was waiving to get there attentions. When she finally reached them, she walked up the stairs to greet them.
"H-Hello, my names Erica Jones." She shyly introduced herself.
"Hi there." Logan greeted back, "I'm Logan and this is Raven." Erica turned to Raven and gave her a head nod, before returning back to Logan.
"Do you remember me?" She asked hopeful. Butterflies in her stomach.
With a big grin that sent her heart fluttering, Logan replied. "Yes I do. Are you okay since the attack?" Raven stood there awkwardly.
"Yes, all thanks to you. Thank you for saving me and my friend's life that day." Logan's grin turned to a smile.
"You don't have to thank me. It's my duty to protect anyone in danger. I'm just glad that neither of you were hurt."
Erica's eyes shifted to Raven in embarrassment. Raven, who was also embarrassed, looked to Logan.
"I'll… go see if Robin's done with the mayor." Then she walked off.
Logan didn't want her to leave, but he didn't want to be rude to Erica. So he turned to her.
"I wanted to give you something." She told him with a smile. Then she reached into her pocket. Logan could smell the pheromones that came from Erica. He was expecting her to give him her phone number, and was about to let her down gently. But then she held out her hand, and in it, was a small pink ball. He stared at it, then reached out and took it. It read.
'WINNER'
Erica smiled. "I'm a part of a community group that does events for students. Our focus is getting students involved in outdoor activities. I'm the head of the group that does time capsules for the kids, but we're gaining popularity. Since teens are getting into the program, adult school and trade schools are getting involved in the project."
Logan smiled, she was doing a great thing.
Raven watched from a distance. That Erica had given Logan something, and he took it with a smile.
"You exchange that token, so you can submit something to put in the time capsule. Usually we give these to people than win competitions, but after I talked to the head of the program, they loved the idea that a Teen Titan would join in the project." Erica said happily.
"Thank you for giving me this." Logan said.
"So think of something good to place in the capsule, cause the next time we see it, it'll have been twenty years." Erica backed away, then waived at Logan before stepping down from the stage and heading to her group of friends.
Raven didn't notice the others gather around her, but did see Logan pocket what that Erica gave him with a smile.
"Alright team, let's head back to the tower."
—-
*knock* *knock*
"Yeah, come in." Cyborg called from his room.
The door swooshed open, and Logan entered. He saw Cyborg looking at a small card. Then he put it down on the counter where he stored extra parts for himself.
"What's up?" Cyborg asked, curious what Logan wanted.
"I noticed you were having a nice conversation with a girl at the public event." Half way through his statement, Cyborg rolled his eye and waived his hand.
"Don't think too much into it, she's someone I went to school with."
Logan looked embarrassed. "Well there goes my 'just go for it' speech." The two shared a laugh. Cyborg thinking the topic was over, headed over to get a tablet he used for monitoring the tower.
"What did you two talk about?" Logan realized he was being nosy, but Cyborg really looked happy when he spoke with her.
Seeing no harm to the subject, Cyborg answered him. "She landed an entry position at Wayne Tech. She was always bright in school, and someone finally noticed her."
"You must be happy for her."
"I am. She was really nice to me and the friends I had in school." He began to scroll through the tablet.
"Would you take a job like that?" Logan asked.
"At Wayne Tech? That's a job for professionals. They're second only to STAR Labs. I couldn't land a job like that."
"What do you mean, she looked the same age as you. And your designs built this tower. How many people at Wayne Tech can say they designed and BUILT a super hero tower?"
"… it's not that Logan." Cyborg wasn't in good spirits anymore. He then began to shuffle around at the counter.
"What is it Cy? I'm only speaking the truth, you really are one of the smartest people out there." Cyborg didn't respond, but after a few minutes, finally spoke up.
"It's only because of my father…" Cyborg said.
Logan took a seat at a chair in Cyborgs room. He gave him his full attention. Cyborg never thought he would talk about his father, especially to a friend, but… Logan was someone… someone who honestly wanted to help his friends.
"Everything I know, is because of my father. When… when I became who I am today, my father put a lot of information inside my robotic brain. Not just information about how my parts work, but volumes and terabytes of science and engineering. Mathematics and even medical data. There was no way I could have learned everything I know, if it wasn't for my robotic half…" silence filled the room. Logan let Cy take a breather after admitting such a thing.
"…Did your father put 'how to turn an alien battle ship into a tower of peace… into a home?" Silence.
"Did he show you how to design communicators, that would help us fight crime, and call each other when we needed our friend's help?" Cyborg didn't say anything.
"I'm sure he gave you all that knowledge for a reason, but I don't think he gave it to you, so you could become a hero. A hero who saves lives, by running into danger, instead of away from it." Cyborg gripped the counter.
"It's not about how you got all that brain power Cy, it's how you use it. I don't know what your relationship with your father is like. But I'm grateful, that what he gave you, led to us meeting each other."
Cyborg watched Logan as he spoke. It took a lot out of him to talk about his father. He still felt raw from his father's decision to do what he did. His choice to fight crime, came from his heart to defend those that were stepped on when he was in school. At some point, his father faded to the background, and so did his feelings. Because he was good at the knowledge he had received. People needed saving. A tower built. Communicators made. And a team and city to protect.
"Thanks Logan…"
"Anytime Cy. Let's do our check up on the towers systems."
—-
"Grrr…" Robin dodged an attack from Plasmus, by rolling away from its sludge shots. Starfire who was assisting him, had to change opponents and focus on Overload, who had gotten too close to Cyborg. Not wanting to risk the enemy tampering with Cyborgs power core, she turned the enemy's attention to her so Cyborg could get some distance.
Off to the side, Raven had been lifting objects to throw at Cinderblock. Logan was up close and distracting the enemy, but Raven had to dodge the few projectiles Cinderblock would throw any chance he could. With debris just flying over Ravens head, Logan transformed into a bull and charged Cinderblock, who slipped to one knee. With intense concentration, Raven lifted a steel girder and both it and Logan collided on both sides of their foe. The power and vibration of their combined attack stunned Cinderblock to collapse on the floor and not get up.
*Beep* *Beep*
The Titans looked to their communicators and saw a distress signal, while dodging any attacks.
"There's a break in at the Technological Museum!" Robin just dodged another sludge attack from Plasmus.
Logan looked to Raven, "Go help Robin, so it'll be two vs. one for Plasmus and Overload."
"What about you?" Raven asked.
"I'll head over to the museum, and see who's breaking in."
"You should wait for either of the two to go down, so someone can go with you." She didn't want him to go alone. None of them should go to a crime alert without backup.
Plasmus and Overload got a second wind, and started to go berserk. Cyborg and Starfire were having trouble stopping the flying lightning balls thrown. Robin was having trouble dodging the sludge that began to spread across the field and began to send bullet sludge in every direction.
"I won't engage them if it's too big a risk. I'll observe them, and try to hold them in place till you guys are done here." Logan then held up his communicator. "" I'll head to the museum, don't worry, I won't fight unless it's necessary. I'll wait to engage them if they're a danger. Stay safe!" Then he changed into a falcon and flew in the direction of the call. Raven had to join Robin to stop a wave of sludge from grabbing his legs.
The others raced to finish their foes so they could offer support to Logan.
—-
"Valuable in the past, priceless in the future."
"You're a time traveler?"
Warp looked up to the railing to see a lone Teen Titan stand there.
"A Teen Titan… Logan I believe, yes? I've heard about you in the history book archives. You're histor- oof!" Warp flew forward, doing a somersault before landing on his back and sliding across the room.
Logan stood there, staring at the man lying in the floor. The eagle that raced towards his back, then changed into a ram, before literally 'ramming' into him, stood ready for the enemy.
But he didn't move. Worried that he seriously hurt the guy, Logan jumped down to see if the man was okay. He was groaning and in a daze, before passing out.
Wow…
"Logan! How's everything at the museum?" Robin spoke through the communicators.
"You're not gonna believe this… but it's over."
"Over? What happened?"
"I'll tell you later. I need to unfreeze the guards, call the police for me, and I'll meet you guys back at the tower.
"If you're sure…"
"Don't worry Robin, there's no one else here, and what he's after is safe in its case."
"Okay. I'm calling the police to pick them up."
—-
Logan walked into the common room to see Starfire in the kitchen, Robin and Cyborg on the couch.
"Where's Raven?" He asked.
"She's in her room." Cyborg answered, flipping through the channels.
'Again' Logan thought. She had been spending a lot of time in her room lately. And when she would come out, there was almost a… giddiness about her. Well, a Raven giddiness. So he gave her space and joined Starfire in the kitchen.
—-
Robin stood in front of the team.
"It's been some time since the HIVE have broken out of jail, but we know where they are now."
"Are they at large again friend Robin?" Starfire asked.
Robin shook his head. "No, they're at… school."
—-
Logan looked to the open door, and was glad to see Starfire having a heart to heart with Cyborg. Robin walked up next to him and gave a nod, then headed to Cyborgs door to tell him the mission would start.
Out from Cyborgs room, was a fully human African American young man. Unblemished skin, and a physique that screamed line backer. He had a nervous smile on his face. But he wasn't nervous about the mission, but about being in his old 'skin.'
So the four of them headed to the common room, where they bumped into Raven as she exited her bedroom. Startled, she righted herself. She realized she almost missed Cyborg before he headed out, and looked guilty. But Cyborg didn't mind, he put his hand on her shoulder, whatever she was doing was her business.
They all made it to the common room, where Cyborgs clone stood frozen in the corner, turned off.
"Are you ready Cyborg, you need anything before you head out?" Robin asked.
"I'm good Robin, I better go before I'm late."
"We're just a call away, hopefully you get back soon." Robin said.
"Be careful friend, and do not hesitate to call home." Starfire told him.
"Good luck Cyborg." Raven said.
Logan smiled, and held up his hand. "Stay safe Cy."
Cyborg lifted his hand and shook Logan's.
"It's Stone… Victor Stone."
Logan's smile grew wider.
"A cool name… for a cool guy."
—-
"I am most worried, friend Raven has still not left her room." Starfire said to the two.
"We've given her plenty of time, and we even asked her what she's been doing, but she's still locked up in her bedroom." Robin replied.
Logan sat there. He had smelled and sensed Raven this past week. And… he preferred to give her privacy. He was worried too though, and was running out of patience. It wasn't his business, but what was making her have these feelings and… urges. He tried to block those thoughts out, he felt like a pervert thinking about it.
They had fought Kardiak a second time, and Raven had almost caused serious damage to the city when fighting the enemy. Then she raced to her room again when they got back.
"I believe we should-"
BOOM!
The tower shook, and they heard a loud roar above them. So they ran to see what had happened.
While Robin and Starfire raced to the roof, Logan headed to where he was needed most. After getting to her bedroom, he saw Raven in white, crouched on the floor. So he walked to her. The sound of Starfire and Robin battling whatever was on the roof was deafening, but he heard her clearly.
"… he lied to me…" she spoke softly, head down.
Whoever 'HE' was… he wanted to kill him…
But that wasn't needed right now, Raven was more important than anything else. So he walked to her, and joined her on the floor. He reached up and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. She finally looked up to meet his eyes.
"I don't know who 'HE' is. And I don't know what you've been doing this past week, but… the Raven I know. Wouldn't stay down on the ground. She doesn't fight only for the team or the city. She fights for herself too." He gave her shoulder a squeeze, then shifted and headed to the roof.
She watched him go, then with a newfound power and determination, she shot into the air like a rocket.
—-
The cool wind blew her cape, and her bangs brushed against her cheeks.
Jump City's late night shone in the distance. And her white cloak faded some time ago.
She had been sitting on the roof, when she sensed him. He stood behind her. She felt his hesitation, but also the love and care that he always had for her.
Azar… it was hard to be close to him.
To feel his feelings, so strong and so pure.
That they could wash away all your fears and self doubts.
That he could make you believe you could do anything, be anyone… even defy destiny.
He was here to comfort her, to make her whole again. The real 'super power' he had.
A lone tear ran from her eyes.
Oh Azar, she loved him…
