Cardinal Takes Flight

by khorsegal13

Christie is a normal, eleven-year-old girl, but her from her first day at school she meets people who will bring into some life-changing adventures... This is a perfectly clean book! My first, so please be kind! It is a Marvel/DC crossover, and I own the rights to none of the pre-established characters. Enjoy! (Also, a comment would make me really happy! :)

11. Avengers Meeting

Robin's POV

I was very caught off guard by how easily Spider-Man gave us the answer. Way too caught off guard. Apparently, the Avenger's level of security concern was far below that of the Justice League. The plan had clearly been to set up, catch him, and question him. We had succeeded in reaching the goal of getting answers, but we had skipped all the steps. It bothered me more than it probably should have, but I had worked out how it was going to go, and this was not it. I turned to see Cardinal looking to me for the next step. Her calm, but questioning expression, clearly ready to move on and waiting for guidance, showed how quickly she'd rolled with the change of plans, compared to myself. I very slightly shook my head to clear the ridiculous stop I'd come to thanks to the shift. I guess we should go to the Avenger's tower? I didn't really know what I'd do once we got there, but it seemed like an obvious next step. I shrugged, "I guess we go to the Avenger's tower, now?" I was hoping for her to agree or disagree, but she simply shrugged back, "Sure."

We headed the way Spider-Man had gestured, but I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Originally, I expected to have to push for answers, now, I decided it may be much, much easier than that. I got to the ground without a second thought, until I realized Cardinal wasn't nearly as familiar as I was. I looked back up, to see how she was doing, but had to squint at the bright orange, evening light coming over the building. I turned back to the warmly lit street, blinking hard to get rid of the tears that came from the blinding sunset. I couldn't see her anyway, there was no point in trying. Apparently, she didn't struggle too much, because only a minute later she found the ground next to me. That was actually impressive... I thought once I had a chance to register it.

"Nice job!" I said with a smile, the warm sun still beaming on my face, but blocked from blinding me by Cardinal's head. It actually felt pretty great.

"Thanks" Cardinal replied. She wasn't as quiet as Mandy, but she was far from loud. Not Will, either... I thought, smirking slightly to myself. It didn't bother me too much that she wasn't loud. In fact, it probably would have bothered me if she was. Batman said the minimum possible at all times, and, although I was perfectly allowed to say more, he wasn't much for back-and-forth conversation that wasn't necessary. Very different from Bruce Wayne... I thought to myself. That was why it worked, but even to me it was still weird sometimes. Bruce Wayne made small-talk with strangers, I could pour out my heart to Batman and get nothing more than a single-word answer. Thinking of Batman, reminded me how unusual it was to be feeling the sun at all in costume. Batman and I worked almost solely at night, which was quickly approaching.

I looked around, that thought still fresh. The sun was setting quickly. That could mean the Avengers were gone, or it could mean they just arrived, honestly, I had no real idea. I knew Tony Stark was Iron Man, I guess if he's working days... they may meet at night... I wasn't confident though. We had started towards the tower, but lost in my thoughts, I hadn't looked up and noticed it until now. It was incredible. A tall building full of windows, with a large "A" at the top. Although, normally silver, the windows and metal exterior reflected the sunset behind us. Orange, pink, and a hint of red simmered across the front. I was impressed, but I was also surprised, this wasn't subtle in the least. I guess we should have known, after all, it is Tony Stark. I glanced to Cardinal, who seemed to be having the same thoughts that I was, although the white of the mask's eyes always complicated reading emotions. As I approached the main glass doors, I saw a lady who clearly hadn't noticed us yet. Her light red hair was pulled back in a black clip and she was working through paperwork behind the main desk. I looked to Cardinal, a new question coming to mind, "Should I knock, or just open it?"

I honestly wasn't sure why I was asking her everything. This was one of her first missions. I had been at this for three years. But all that time, Batman always led...Is that why we are the only ones here? I came back to the present, greeted by Cardinal's response, "I don't know" I guessed it was up to me. I reached for the handle and pulled open the door, drawing the lady's attention as her eyes locked on to us. I was a little concerned until a small smile appeared. Right move.

Cardinal's POV

I wasn't judging Robin for not being sure, but I was a little bit surprised. He had been doing this for so long, I thought he'd have a plan. I knew I didn't have one. As we stepped into the Avengers tower's first floor, the lady at the desk smiled up at us, "Hello!" She stood and began to walk to us, tucking her files under her left shoulder as she did. "I'm Pepper Potts." She offered her free hand to Robin, and he shook it. I prepared myself to do the same.

"What brings you here?"

She seems friendly enough. I took her hand, now extended to me, and shook it. She had a firm grip, and her smile seemed genuine. I waited for Robin to answer, not personally interested in talking.

He did, "We were trying to find out a bit more about Spider-Man and the rest of the Avengers." He was doing a pretty good job keeping it friendly, but there was something in his tone that implied that he was still a bit unsure about how friendly this would be. Honestly, I wasn't sure either, but they seemed nice so far, and I didn't feel the need to create hostility that wasn't there. Robin could be a tiny bit more relaxed. I thought to myself, but didn't say or gesture anything. Pepper seemed very unfazed by the question., as if it were something she answered on a daily basis, "Well, the Avengers are dedicated to protecting those around us, and Spider-Man, well..." her head tilted slightly, and she partially rolled her eyes as she continued, "he's got great intentions, but he's new." Does she not like Spider-Man? He seemed nice...

My thoughts paused as she leaned in with more of a smirk and a wink, "At least he knows how to say 'thanks'" It was said playfully, but I wasn't exactly sure how to take it. It sounded directly aimed at someone...maybe Iron Man?

Robin had a tiny smirk and breathed what could have become a laugh but didn't. It looked a lot more like he was trying to be friendly and play along than like he actually understood the joke. Pepper pulled herself back, standing professionally, and shifting the pen that had ended up in her left hand so she could point with it down the hall, "They're meeting in there if you have something specific you wanted to know."

While they're meeting? I didn't say it, but Robin did, "Um, thanks. We can wait until they're done."

She glanced at the hall as if she could watch the meeting and was spotting the one that the joke was aimed towards. I wanted to know who it was, but it didn't really matter. Then Pepper looked back to us, "Oh, no. They'll be fine."

Looking back into the hall she called out, "Hey, Tony! I'm sending someone your way!"

She didn't wait for a response before pointing again, clearly trying to assure us we should go.

"Pepper, wait, we're in the midd..."

"Go!" She whispered hurrying us.

This was awkward. I felt it. Robin felt it. Neither of us wanted to get in the middle of whatever this was, and neither of us wanted our first impression with the Avengers to be interrupting their meeting. She was insisting to the point where it would be awkward not to go. I looked to Robin, willing him to make a choice, so I didn't have to, and we wouldn't just be standing here. Part of me just wanted to leave and come back later, but Robin started down the hall. I followed him, shrugging to myself, ok then... Iron Man's voice was amplified significantly as Robin a little bit hesitantly opened the door. In fact, he was almost shouting to be heard, but stopped, throwing back his head, rolling his eyes, and throwing up his hands a bit as we walked in, "You don't care..." He definitely said it to himself, but it wasn't helping the atmosphere.

The Avengers were at a long glass table with rounded corners and too many black, leather chairs for the members seated in them. Iron Man sat in front of the door where we'd walked in, his back to us. On his right was Black Widow, who didn't appear much happier with the interruption than Tony. Maybe less happy, I thought as her eyes locked with mine, in a not-welcoming fashion. Next to her, Hawkeye leaned back in his chair, seemingly much less disturbed by the unexpected entrance. His legs were crossed, almost at table level. Further down the table sat Captain America, who gave us a welcome nod and smiled, but I was still a little focused on Black Widow's unwavering stare, she does not like me...I noted, before finishing my look around of the table. On Captain America's right sat the only remaining member at the meeting, presumably Bruce Banner who leaned forward, clearly interested in why we were here, but he didn't seem aggravated like... Black Widow. She had just then, finally, looked away from staring at me.

"So," Iron Man said leaning back in his chair as he spun to face Robin. I was glad he wasn't facing me. "What brings, Bird-Boy and his new friend?" He was looking both of us up and down and naming us as he went. His raised eyebrow implied that we weren't who he was expecting. Robin seemed unsure what to say to that, and while not offended, he didn't seem to appreciate being "Bird-Boy". I was immediately a little put-off by Iron Man, but I was going to write him off yet. It took Robin another second of Tony's waiting for an answer before he gave one, "Robin." He corrected, but he wasn't mad, "And we're here to learn more about the Avengers."

Robin's POV

I don't know why we're here anymore... I couldn't say that, of course, but it was the truth. I had to actively convince myself not to leave the room and say, 'never mind'. Our goal was to find the Avengers. We did. Now I was just aggravated with myself for assuming the next step was to go there with no point.

Iron Man wasn't wearing his helmet but had the rest of the suit on... well, excluding his hands, one of which was holding a pen. It didn't look like he'd been using it. Just aggressively clicking it. He looked at me for more of an answer, but there wasn't one, "More about the Avengers?" He turned back to the table sweeping his arms towards them as if I'd said I didn't see them. I sighed. Must he?

"We help people, save the world now and then, similar to you, except we look cool doing it."

I disagreed that we didn't look cool doing it, but it was a pointless argument. If no one else, at least Nightwing looks cool doing it... Not that I'd tell him that to his face. He'd take it and run with it. I also had no idea what to say. Come on, there's got to be something you could want to know...what would Batman say? The fact is, Batman wouldn't say. He wouldn't have come here for no reason. If he did, he wouldn't have walked in the front door, and he wouldn't be talking to them. Most of all, he wouldn't be standing here hoping not to look lost while desperately searching for something to ask. "Yeah, but we so publicly? Don't you think that's risky?" There we go. At least it's something.

He turned back to me dramatically, eyebrow still raised like I'd said something absurd then he abruptly shrugged, "Why not get a little credit? A little fame never hurt anyone." Yeah it did... I didn't get a chance to say it before he switched, almost a light, accusation, like he was accusing without wanting to admit it

"Why always in the dark? Whatcha' got to hide?"

I tensed a bit. It wasn't all that aggressive, but I felt a bit attacked. "No," I said too quickly, too defensive. I took a breath composing myself, "Trying to avoid everyone we fight finding us while we sleep, and" I quieted as I added the last part, "...don't feel the need to feed our egos every time we help someone."

He shrugged and twisted his mouth, unbothered, "Suit yourself, I guess, that all? We were kind of in the middle of something if you didn't notice, and a visit from 'sidekicks of the night' wasn't part of the agenda. "

I was aggravated. I looked to Cardinal, more than ready to be done with this, but I was still talking to Iron Man, "Yeah. Thanks for your time." She met my eyes and didn't object to the idea.

With that, I walked out of the room. I didn't know what bothered me so much, but I felt like he completely disrespected everything we did, and the backhanded wave goodbye as he turned back away from us didn't help. "That went well." I said sarcastically looking more to the floor than at anything. We passed Pepper, who seemed to be back at whatever she was doing before we had come in. Cardinal didn't reply. I didn't really expect her to. As we stepped outside I looked up again. I took a breath and released some of the tension. The sky was dark now, but thanks to the many tall buildings and bright, city lights almost no stars could be seen. After I took a moment I looked to Cardinal, "Now what?"

She shrugged as she replied, "Shouldn't we tell Batman what that we found them?" I sighed. Why didn't I think of that? Of course we should.

"Yeah"

I pressed the earpiece, and spoke into it quietly, but not in a whisper, "Batman?"

I waited for a response but knew I may not get one. If he was in public the best I could hope for was that he tapped it to let me know he could hear me. He always could; he never took off the earpiece, but some reason it made me feel better to have a response before talking into a void.

"Yes?" His response came after a moment.

"We found Spider-Man and the Avengers. It doesn't really seem like he was hiding. Just busy. They don't really keep the tower a secret, apparently. Should we head back?"

I waited a second for him to respond, guessing in my mind when it would be. He always waited a second. It was consistent, and I guessed right.

"No, I'm going to come join you there. It won't take me too long."

He didn't explain why. That wasn't too unusual, and I didn't take it personally. I did look to Cardinal, but she was getting consistent too, and I had an idea of her response to.

"I guess we just hang around here?"

Yup. I was right. She shrugged. I half shook my head, smirking a bit as I started walking off. We hadn't gotten too far down the dark street when I saw someone walking in the distance. Someone familiar for some reason that I couldn't quite place. She was blond with a single, high ponytail and glasses. She had a dark pink jacket and a busy T-shirt underneath. I paused, and Cardinal must have too, because she didn't pass me up. I studied the lady as she walked closer until it hit me. That was my mom.

Robin's POV

I was very caught off guard by how easily Spider-Man gave us the answer. Way too caught off guard. Apparently, the Avenger's level of security concern was far below that of the Justice League. The plan had clearly been to set up, catch him, and question him. We had succeeded in reaching the goal of getting answers, but we had skipped all the steps. It bothered me more than it probably should have, but I had worked out how it was going to go, and this was not it. I turned to see Cardinal looking to me for the next step. Her calm, but questioning expression, clearly ready to move on and waiting for guidance, showed how quickly she'd rolled with the change of plans, compared to myself. I very slightly shook my head to clear the ridiculous stop I'd come to thanks to the shift. I guess we should go to the Avenger's tower? I didn't really know what I'd do once we got there, but it seemed like an obvious next step. I shrugged, "I guess we go to the Avenger's tower, now?" I was hoping for her to agree or disagree, but she simply shrugged back, "Sure."

We headed the way Spider-Man had gestured, but I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Originally, I expected to have to push for answers, now, I decided it may be much, much easier than that. I got to the ground without a second thought, until I realized Cardinal wasn't nearly as familiar as I was. I looked back up, to see how she was doing, but had to squint at the bright orange, evening light coming over the building. I turned back to the warmly lit street, blinking hard to get rid of the tears that came from the blinding sunset. I couldn't see her anyway, there was no point in trying. Apparently, she didn't struggle too much, because only a minute later she found the ground next to me. That was actually impressive... I thought once I had a chance to register it.

"Nice job!" I said with a smile, the warm sun still beaming on my face, but blocked from blinding me by Cardinal's head. It actually felt pretty great.

"Thanks" Cardinal replied. She wasn't as quiet as Mandy, but she was far from loud. Not Will, either... I thought, smirking slightly to myself. It didn't bother me too much that she wasn't loud. In fact, it probably would have bothered me if she was. Batman said the minimum possible at all times, and, although I was perfectly allowed to say more, he wasn't much for back-and-forth conversation that wasn't necessary. Very different from Bruce Wayne... I thought to myself. That was why it worked, but even to me it was still weird sometimes. Bruce Wayne made small-talk with strangers, I could pour out my heart to Batman and get nothing more than a single-word answer. Thinking of Batman, reminded me how unusual it was to be feeling the sun at all in costume. Batman and I worked almost solely at night, which was quickly approaching.

I looked around, that thought still fresh. The sun was setting quickly. That could mean the Avengers were gone, or it could mean they just arrived, honestly, I had no real idea. I knew Tony Stark was Iron Man, I guess if he's working days... they may meet at night... I wasn't confident though. We had started towards the tower, but lost in my thoughts, I hadn't looked up and noticed it until now. It was incredible. A tall building full of windows, with a large "A" at the top. Although, normally silver, the windows and metal exterior reflected the sunset behind us. Orange, pink, and a hint of red simmered across the front. I was impressed, but I was also surprised, this wasn't subtle in the least. I guess we should have known, after all, it is Tony Stark. I glanced to Cardinal, who seemed to be having the same thoughts that I was, although the white of the mask's eyes always complicated reading emotions. As I approached the main glass doors, I saw a lady who clearly hadn't noticed us yet. Her light red hair was pulled back in a black clip and she was working through paperwork behind the main desk. I looked to Cardinal, a new question coming to mind, "Should I knock, or just open it?"

I honestly wasn't sure why I was asking her everything. This was one of her first missions. I had been at this for three years. But all that time, Batman always led...Is that why we are the only ones here? I came back to the present, greeted by Cardinal's response, "I don't know" I guessed it was up to me. I reached for the handle and pulled open the door, drawing the lady's attention as her eyes locked on to us. I was a little concerned until a small smile appeared. Right move.

Cardinal's POV

I wasn't judging Robin for not being sure, but I was a little bit surprised. He had been doing this for so long, I thought he'd have a plan. I knew I didn't have one. As we stepped into the Avengers tower's first floor, the lady at the desk smiled up at us, "Hello!" She stood and began to walk to us, tucking her files under her left shoulder as she did. "I'm Pepper Potts." She offered her free hand to Robin, and he shook it. I prepared myself to do the same.

"What brings you here?"

She seems friendly enough. I took her hand, now extended to me, and shook it. She had a firm grip, and her smile seemed genuine. I waited for Robin to answer, not personally interested in talking.

He did, "We were trying to find out a bit more about Spider-Man and the rest of the Avengers." He was doing a pretty good job keeping it friendly, but there was something in his tone that implied that he was still a bit unsure about how friendly this would be. Honestly, I wasn't sure either, but they seemed nice so far, and I didn't feel the need to create hostility that wasn't there. Robin could be a tiny bit more relaxed. I thought to myself, but didn't say or gesture anything. Pepper seemed very unfazed by the question., as if it were something she answered on a daily basis, "Well, the Avengers are dedicated to protecting those around us, and Spider-Man, well..." her head tilted slightly, and she partially rolled her eyes as she continued, "he's got great intentions, but he's new." Does she not like Spider-Man? He seemed nice...

My thoughts paused as she leaned in with more of a smirk and a wink, "At least he knows how to say 'thanks'" It was said playfully, but I wasn't exactly sure how to take it. It sounded directly aimed at someone...maybe Iron Man?

Robin had a tiny smirk and breathed what could have become a laugh but didn't. It looked a lot more like he was trying to be friendly and play along than like he actually understood the joke. Pepper pulled herself back, standing professionally, and shifting the pen that had ended up in her left hand so she could point with it down the hall, "They're meeting in there if you have something specific you wanted to know."

While they're meeting? I didn't say it, but Robin did, "Um, thanks. We can wait until they're done."

She glanced at the hall as if she could watch the meeting and was spotting the one that the joke was aimed towards. I wanted to know who it was, but it didn't really matter. Then Pepper looked back to us, "Oh, no. They'll be fine."

Looking back into the hall she called out, "Hey, Tony! I'm sending someone your way!"

She didn't wait for a response before pointing again, clearly trying to assure us we should go.

"Pepper, wait, we're in the midd..."

"Go!" She whispered hurrying us.

This was awkward. I felt it. Robin felt it. Neither of us wanted to get in the middle of whatever this was, and neither of us wanted our first impression with the Avengers to be interrupting their meeting. She was insisting to the point where it would be awkward not to go. I looked to Robin, willing him to make a choice, so I didn't have to, and we wouldn't just be standing here. Part of me just wanted to leave and come back later, but Robin started down the hall. I followed him, shrugging to myself, ok then... Iron Man's voice was amplified significantly as Robin a little bit hesitantly opened the door. In fact, he was almost shouting to be heard, but stopped, throwing back his head, rolling his eyes, and throwing up his hands a bit as we walked in, "You don't care..." He definitely said it to himself, but it wasn't helping the atmosphere.

The Avengers were at a long glass table with rounded corners and too many black, leather chairs for the members seated in them. Iron Man sat in front of the door where we'd walked in, his back to us. On his right was Black Widow, who didn't appear much happier with the interruption than Tony. Maybe less happy, I thought as her eyes locked with mine, in a not-welcoming fashion. Next to her, Hawkeye leaned back in his chair, seemingly much less disturbed by the unexpected entrance. His legs were crossed, almost at table level. Further down the table sat Captain America, who gave us a welcome nod and smiled, but I was still a little focused on Black Widow's unwavering stare, she does not like me...I noted, before finishing my look around of the table. On Captain America's right sat the only remaining member at the meeting, presumably Bruce Banner who leaned forward, clearly interested in why we were here, but he didn't seem aggravated like... Black Widow. She had just then, finally, looked away from staring at me.

"So," Iron Man said leaning back in his chair as he spun to face Robin. I was glad he wasn't facing me. "What brings, Bird-Boy and his new friend?" He was looking both of us up and down and naming us as he went. His raised eyebrow implied that we weren't who he was expecting. Robin seemed unsure what to say to that, and while not offended, he didn't seem to appreciate being "Bird-Boy". I was immediately a little put-off by Iron Man, but I was going to write him off yet. It took Robin another second of Tony's waiting for an answer before he gave one, "Robin." He corrected, but he wasn't mad, "And we're here to learn more about the Avengers."

Robin's POV

I don't know why we're here anymore... I couldn't say that, of course, but it was the truth. I had to actively convince myself not to leave the room and say, 'never mind'. Our goal was to find the Avengers. We did. Now I was just aggravated with myself for assuming the next step was to go there with no point.

Iron Man wasn't wearing his helmet but had the rest of the suit on... well, excluding his hands, one of which was holding a pen. It didn't look like he'd been using it. Just aggressively clicking it. He looked at me for more of an answer, but there wasn't one, "More about the Avengers?" He turned back to the table sweeping his arms towards them as if I'd said I didn't see them. I sighed. Must he?

"We help people, save the world now and then, similar to you, except we look cool doing it."

I disagreed that we didn't look cool doing it, but it was a pointless argument. If no one else, at least Nightwing looks cool doing it... Not that I'd tell him that to his face. He'd take it and run with it. I also had no idea what to say. Come on, there's got to be something you could want to know...what would Batman say? The fact is, Batman wouldn't say. He wouldn't have come here for no reason. If he did, he wouldn't have walked in the front door, and he wouldn't be talking to them. Most of all, he wouldn't be standing here hoping not to look lost while desperately searching for something to ask. "Yeah, but we so publicly? Don't you think that's risky?" There we go. At least it's something.

He turned back to me dramatically, eyebrow still raised like I'd said something absurd then he abruptly shrugged, "Why not get a little credit? A little fame never hurt anyone." Yeah it did... I didn't get a chance to say it before he switched, almost a light, accusation, like he was accusing without wanting to admit it

"Why always in the dark? Whatcha' got to hide?"

I tensed a bit. It wasn't all that aggressive, but I felt a bit attacked. "No," I said too quickly, too defensive. I took a breath composing myself, "Trying to avoid everyone we fight finding us while we sleep, and" I quieted as I added the last part, "...don't feel the need to feed our egos every time we help someone."

He shrugged and twisted his mouth, unbothered, "Suit yourself, I guess, that all? We were kind of in the middle of something if you didn't notice, and a visit from 'sidekicks of the night' wasn't part of the agenda. "

I was aggravated. I looked to Cardinal, more than ready to be done with this, but I was still talking to Iron Man, "Yeah. Thanks for your time." She met my eyes and didn't object to the idea.

With that, I walked out of the room. I didn't know what bothered me so much, but I felt like he completely disrespected everything we did, and the backhanded wave goodbye as he turned back away from us didn't help. "That went well." I said sarcastically looking more to the floor than at anything. We passed Pepper, who seemed to be back at whatever she was doing before we had come in. Cardinal didn't reply. I didn't really expect her to. As we stepped outside I looked up again. I took a breath and released some of the tension. The sky was dark now, but thanks to the many tall buildings and bright, city lights almost no stars could be seen. After I took a moment I looked to Cardinal, "Now what?"

She shrugged as she replied, "Shouldn't we tell Batman what that we found them?" I sighed. Why didn't I think of that? Of course we should.

"Yeah"

I pressed the earpiece, and spoke into it quietly, but not in a whisper, "Batman?"

I waited for a response but knew I may not get one. If he was in public the best I could hope for was that he tapped it to let me know he could hear me. He always could; he never took off the earpiece, but some reason it made me feel better to have a response before talking into a void.

"Yes?" His response came after a moment.

"We found Spider-Man and the Avengers. It doesn't really seem like he was hiding. Just busy. They don't really keep the tower a secret, apparently. Should we head back?"

I waited a second for him to respond, guessing in my mind when it would be. He always waited a second. It was consistent, and I guessed right.

"No, I'm going to come join you there. It won't take me too long."

He didn't explain why. That wasn't too unusual, and I didn't take it personally. I did look to Cardinal, but she was getting consistent too, and I had an idea of her response to.

"I guess we just hang around here?"

Yup. I was right. She shrugged. I half shook my head, smirking a bit as I started walking off. We hadn't gotten too far down the dark street when I saw someone walking in the distance. Someone familiar for some reason that I couldn't quite place. She was blond with a single, high ponytail and glasses. She had a dark pink jacket and a busy T-shirt underneath. I paused, and Cardinal must have too, because she didn't pass me up. I studied the lady as she walked closer until it hit me. That was my mom.

Robin's POV

I was very caught off guard by how easily Spider-Man gave us the answer. Way too caught off guard. Apparently, the Avenger's level of security concern was far below that of the Justice League. The plan had clearly been to set up, catch him, and question him. We had succeeded in reaching the goal of getting answers, but we had skipped all the steps. It bothered me more than it probably should have, but I had worked out how it was going to go, and this was not it. I turned to see Cardinal looking to me for the next step. Her calm, but questioning expression, clearly ready to move on and waiting for guidance, showed how quickly she'd rolled with the change of plans, compared to myself. I very slightly shook my head to clear the ridiculous stop I'd come to thanks to the shift. I guess we should go to the Avenger's tower? I didn't really know what I'd do once we got there, but it seemed like an obvious next step. I shrugged, "I guess we go to the Avenger's tower, now?" I was hoping for her to agree or disagree, but she simply shrugged back, "Sure."

We headed the way Spider-Man had gestured, but I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Originally, I expected to have to push for answers, now, I decided it may be much, much easier than that. I got to the ground without a second thought, until I realized Cardinal wasn't nearly as familiar as I was. I looked back up, to see how she was doing, but had to squint at the bright orange, evening light coming over the building. I turned back to the warmly lit street, blinking hard to get rid of the tears that came from the blinding sunset. I couldn't see her anyway, there was no point in trying. Apparently, she didn't struggle too much, because only a minute later she found the ground next to me. That was actually impressive... I thought once I had a chance to register it.

"Nice job!" I said with a smile, the warm sun still beaming on my face, but blocked from blinding me by Cardinal's head. It actually felt pretty great.

"Thanks" Cardinal replied. She wasn't as quiet as Mandy, but she was far from loud. Not Will, either... I thought, smirking slightly to myself. It didn't bother me too much that she wasn't loud. In fact, it probably would have bothered me if she was. Batman said the minimum possible at all times, and, although I was perfectly allowed to say more, he wasn't much for back-and-forth conversation that wasn't necessary. Very different from Bruce Wayne... I thought to myself. That was why it worked, but even to me it was still weird sometimes. Bruce Wayne made small-talk with strangers, I could pour out my heart to Batman and get nothing more than a single-word answer. Thinking of Batman, reminded me how unusual it was to be feeling the sun at all in costume. Batman and I worked almost solely at night, which was quickly approaching.

I looked around, that thought still fresh. The sun was setting quickly. That could mean the Avengers were gone, or it could mean they just arrived, honestly, I had no real idea. I knew Tony Stark was Iron Man, I guess if he's working days... they may meet at night... I wasn't confident though. We had started towards the tower, but lost in my thoughts, I hadn't looked up and noticed it until now. It was incredible. A tall building full of windows, with a large "A" at the top. Although, normally silver, the windows and metal exterior reflected the sunset behind us. Orange, pink, and a hint of red simmered across the front. I was impressed, but I was also surprised, this wasn't subtle in the least. I guess we should have known, after all, it is Tony Stark. I glanced to Cardinal, who seemed to be having the same thoughts that I was, although the white of the mask's eyes always complicated reading emotions. As I approached the main glass doors, I saw a lady who clearly hadn't noticed us yet. Her light red hair was pulled back in a black clip and she was working through paperwork behind the main desk. I looked to Cardinal, a new question coming to mind, "Should I knock, or just open it?"

I honestly wasn't sure why I was asking her everything. This was one of her first missions. I had been at this for three years. But all that time, Batman always led...Is that why we are the only ones here? I came back to the present, greeted by Cardinal's response, "I don't know" I guessed it was up to me. I reached for the handle and pulled open the door, drawing the lady's attention as her eyes locked on to us. I was a little concerned until a small smile appeared. Right move.

Cardinal's POV

I wasn't judging Robin for not being sure, but I was a little bit surprised. He had been doing this for so long, I thought he'd have a plan. I knew I didn't have one. As we stepped into the Avengers tower's first floor, the lady at the desk smiled up at us, "Hello!" She stood and began to walk to us, tucking her files under her left shoulder as she did. "I'm Pepper Potts." She offered her free hand to Robin, and he shook it. I prepared myself to do the same.

"What brings you here?"

She seems friendly enough. I took her hand, now extended to me, and shook it. She had a firm grip, and her smile seemed genuine. I waited for Robin to answer, not personally interested in talking.

He did, "We were trying to find out a bit more about Spider-Man and the rest of the Avengers." He was doing a pretty good job keeping it friendly, but there was something in his tone that implied that he was still a bit unsure about how friendly this would be. Honestly, I wasn't sure either, but they seemed nice so far, and I didn't feel the need to create hostility that wasn't there. Robin could be a tiny bit more relaxed. I thought to myself, but didn't say or gesture anything. Pepper seemed very unfazed by the question., as if it were something she answered on a daily basis, "Well, the Avengers are dedicated to protecting those around us, and Spider-Man, well..." her head tilted slightly, and she partially rolled her eyes as she continued, "he's got great intentions, but he's new." Does she not like Spider-Man? He seemed nice...

My thoughts paused as she leaned in with more of a smirk and a wink, "At least he knows how to say 'thanks'" It was said playfully, but I wasn't exactly sure how to take it. It sounded directly aimed at someone...maybe Iron Man?

Robin had a tiny smirk and breathed what could have become a laugh but didn't. It looked a lot more like he was trying to be friendly and play along than like he actually understood the joke. Pepper pulled herself back, standing professionally, and shifting the pen that had ended up in her left hand so she could point with it down the hall, "They're meeting in there if you have something specific you wanted to know."

While they're meeting? I didn't say it, but Robin did, "Um, thanks. We can wait until they're done."

She glanced at the hall as if she could watch the meeting and was spotting the one that the joke was aimed towards. I wanted to know who it was, but it didn't really matter. Then Pepper looked back to us, "Oh, no. They'll be fine."

Looking back into the hall she called out, "Hey, Tony! I'm sending someone your way!"

She didn't wait for a response before pointing again, clearly trying to assure us we should go.

"Pepper, wait, we're in the midd..."

"Go!" She whispered hurrying us.

This was awkward. I felt it. Robin felt it. Neither of us wanted to get in the middle of whatever this was, and neither of us wanted our first impression with the Avengers to be interrupting their meeting. She was insisting to the point where it would be awkward not to go. I looked to Robin, willing him to make a choice, so I didn't have to, and we wouldn't just be standing here. Part of me just wanted to leave and come back later, but Robin started down the hall. I followed him, shrugging to myself, ok then... Iron Man's voice was amplified significantly as Robin a little bit hesitantly opened the door. In fact, he was almost shouting to be heard, but stopped, throwing back his head, rolling his eyes, and throwing up his hands a bit as we walked in, "You don't care..." He definitely said it to himself, but it wasn't helping the atmosphere.

The Avengers were at a long glass table with rounded corners and too many black, leather chairs for the members seated in them. Iron Man sat in front of the door where we'd walked in, his back to us. On his right was Black Widow, who didn't appear much happier with the interruption than Tony. Maybe less happy, I thought as her eyes locked with mine, in a not-welcoming fashion. Next to her, Hawkeye leaned back in his chair, seemingly much less disturbed by the unexpected entrance. His legs were crossed, almost at table level. Further down the table sat Captain America, who gave us a welcome nod and smiled, but I was still a little focused on Black Widow's unwavering stare, she does not like me...I noted, before finishing my look around of the table. On Captain America's right sat the only remaining member at the meeting, presumably Bruce Banner who leaned forward, clearly interested in why we were here, but he didn't seem aggravated like... Black Widow. She had just then, finally, looked away from staring at me.

"So," Iron Man said leaning back in his chair as he spun to face Robin. I was glad he wasn't facing me. "What brings, Bird-Boy and his new friend?" He was looking both of us up and down and naming us as he went. His raised eyebrow implied that we weren't who he was expecting. Robin seemed unsure what to say to that, and while not offended, he didn't seem to appreciate being "Bird-Boy". I was immediately a little put-off by Iron Man, but I was going to write him off yet. It took Robin another second of Tony's waiting for an answer before he gave one, "Robin." He corrected, but he wasn't mad, "And we're here to learn more about the Avengers."

Robin's POV

I don't know why we're here anymore... I couldn't say that, of course, but it was the truth. I had to actively convince myself not to leave the room and say, 'never mind'. Our goal was to find the Avengers. We did. Now I was just aggravated with myself for assuming the next step was to go there with no point.

Iron Man wasn't wearing his helmet but had the rest of the suit on... well, excluding his hands, one of which was holding a pen. It didn't look like he'd been using it. Just aggressively clicking it. He looked at me for more of an answer, but there wasn't one, "More about the Avengers?" He turned back to the table sweeping his arms towards them as if I'd said I didn't see them. I sighed. Must he?

"We help people, save the world now and then, similar to you, except we look cool doing it."

I disagreed that we didn't look cool doing it, but it was a pointless argument. If no one else, at least Nightwing looks cool doing it... Not that I'd tell him that to his face. He'd take it and run with it. I also had no idea what to say. Come on, there's got to be something you could want to know...what would Batman say? The fact is, Batman wouldn't say. He wouldn't have come here for no reason. If he did, he wouldn't have walked in the front door, and he wouldn't be talking to them. Most of all, he wouldn't be standing here hoping not to look lost while desperately searching for something to ask. "Yeah, but we so publicly? Don't you think that's risky?" There we go. At least it's something.

He turned back to me dramatically, eyebrow still raised like I'd said something absurd then he abruptly shrugged, "Why not get a little credit? A little fame never hurt anyone." Yeah it did... I didn't get a chance to say it before he switched, almost a light, accusation, like he was accusing without wanting to admit it

"Why always in the dark? Whatcha' got to hide?"

I tensed a bit. It wasn't all that aggressive, but I felt a bit attacked. "No," I said too quickly, too defensive. I took a breath composing myself, "Trying to avoid everyone we fight finding us while we sleep, and" I quieted as I added the last part, "...don't feel the need to feed our egos every time we help someone."

He shrugged and twisted his mouth, unbothered, "Suit yourself, I guess, that all? We were kind of in the middle of something if you didn't notice, and a visit from 'sidekicks of the night' wasn't part of the agenda. "

I was aggravated. I looked to Cardinal, more than ready to be done with this, but I was still talking to Iron Man, "Yeah. Thanks for your time." She met my eyes and didn't object to the idea.

With that, I walked out of the room. I didn't know what bothered me so much, but I felt like he completely disrespected everything we did, and the backhanded wave goodbye as he turned back away from us didn't help. "That went well." I said sarcastically looking more to the floor than at anything. We passed Pepper, who seemed to be back at whatever she was doing before we had come in. Cardinal didn't reply. I didn't really expect her to. As we stepped outside I looked up again. I took a breath and released some of the tension. The sky was dark now, but thanks to the many tall buildings and bright, city lights almost no stars could be seen. After I took a moment I looked to Cardinal, "Now what?"

She shrugged as she replied, "Shouldn't we tell Batman what that we found them?" I sighed. Why didn't I think of that? Of course we should.

"Yeah"

I pressed the earpiece, and spoke into it quietly, but not in a whisper, "Batman?"

I waited for a response but knew I may not get one. If he was in public the best I could hope for was that he tapped it to let me know he could hear me. He always could; he never took off the earpiece, but some reason it made me feel better to have a response before talking into a void.

"Yes?" His response came after a moment.

"We found Spider-Man and the Avengers. It doesn't really seem like he was hiding. Just busy. They don't really keep the tower a secret, apparently. Should we head back?"

I waited a second for him to respond, guessing in my mind when it would be. He always waited a second. It was consistent, and I guessed right.

"No, I'm going to come join you there. It won't take me too long."

He didn't explain why. That wasn't too unusual, and I didn't take it personally. I did look to Cardinal, but she was getting consistent too, and I had an idea of her response to.

"I guess we just hang around here?"

Yup. I was right. She shrugged. I half shook my head, smirking a bit as I started walking off. We hadn't gotten too far down the dark street when I saw someone walking in the distance. Someone familiar for some reason that I couldn't quite place. She was blond with a single, high ponytail and glasses. She had a dark pink jacket and a busy T-shirt underneath. I paused, and Cardinal must have too, because she didn't pass me up. I studied the lady as she walked closer until it hit me. That was my mom.