Chapter 77

Batman, aka ????? ????? PoV

The Titans.

A group of like-minded young superheroes who decided to unite as one. They were somewhat similar to a younger and more inexperienced version of the Justice League. Though when the Justice League was established every member was already older and more experienced.

Many see them as a junior Justice League, which helps them grow out their reputation with the public. Children and more inexperienced heroes see the group as an attainable goal, compared to the high standards of the Justice League. And from there, the Titans are seen as a possible stepping stone to getting into the Justice League.

Despite several of my colleague’s personal thoughts, this was not the case.

The Titans was an organization that was not beholden to the Justice League. We shared a common goal. We were closely tied together by blood and personal relationships.

There was a relationship between us and them, but it was one of equals. Even when Grayson had been the leader, he was always trying to draw a line in the sand there. In truth though, there was always a level of reliance when he had been in charge. Not only financially, but emotionally.

If I had asked him directly to do something as the leader of the Titans, he wouldn’t say no. That was something I understood very well and made sure to never abuse.

But that has changed.

Law seemed to be making it his mission to making the Titans as self sufficient as possible. Something that is only able to be done due to his newfound wealth. Wealth that he’s been spreading around the tower and the city in order to have the Titans become as self sufficient as possible.

Which involved several businesses earning the ability to use their likeness in manufacturing toys and other products. But that wasn’t the only business he’s been sticking his fingers into in Jump City.

Malls, small independent stores, book stores, mechanic shops, bowling alleys, bars, gymnasiums, dry cleaners, boutiques, pawn shops, small local chain banks, gas stations, and strip clubs.

…Despite how surprisingly business savvy he had suddenly become, he was at least still able to act his age.

But his business sense and deals are going surprisingly well. With only a few failing businesses here and there. Leading me to surmise that someone is giving him advice.

What is more interesting however are his ‘investments’ and ‘donations’.

Such as his large donations to the local police department. Which was of course used to get better equipment and having several officers getting a bump in their salary.

All of which was mostly operated under the table.

The bigger businesses that he was incapable of simply buying out in the city instead saw themselves receiving heavy investments. Both by public trading, and back door dealing. As even several private company’s suddenly saw him as a new part of their board of directors.

Then there were the sporadic and strange purchases of abandoned land or buildings. Five empty warehouses near the docks. Large plots of untouched land outside the city. An abandoned long term healthcare facility. A decrepit underground arcade.

It was highly likely that he planned to use these as emergency bases or hideouts.

Already it seemed he had the city in the palm of his hand. If not outright owning half the city, then at least having sufficient enough sway in it.

…It was difficult to not see the parallels.

His actions and psychological profile indicate that he’s trying to control the city. To be able to control most aspects in order to make sure everything is running smoothly.

It showed that he cared about the city itself.

If he simply wanted money, there was other ways to go about it. But instead, he selectively chose businesses in the city. Not to mention at least once a week he checks out some of the various businesses under his thumb personally.

If it simply stopped there, then everything would be fine.

But it doesn’t.

Damage control.

Property damage was sometimes a given in this line of work. Walls get peppered with bullet holes, shops get burnt down, and homes get destroyed. Likewise, criminals get injured. Limbs get broken, shoulders get dislocated, and people get cut.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be striving to be as less destructive as possible.

A part of me understands that they’re young. Inexperienced. I can’t expect a perfect showing from them especially when there are few that could meet the standards. Yet it was hard to not notice how…indifferent Law and the other Titans could be.

The Bialya mission was just one example. Even before that the Titans haven’t exactly been shy about leveling entire buildings in order to bring villains or criminals down.

They’ve even seemed to have team moves explicitly for the purpose of wide scale destruction.

No one has lost their lives in these events. It was also true that they make sure that civilians are no where near them when they do this.

That being said, if they continue like this, it won’t be long until a body count starts to accrue.

It doesn’t help that several members of the Titans seem to have no problem getting especially rough with criminals or villains. Going so far as to permanently damage a few.

The three biggest offenders were Galatea, Ravager, and Law himself.

What was even more troubling was that the newer heroes that were taken under their wing might start learning some bad habits. Sure, the others might be trained enough to make sure their enemies don’t die, but they won’t. And if they mirror their actions…

It would be a disaster.

*~o~*

Rose ??????, aka Ravager PoV

Fuck.

I knew it was a bad idea to allow that Martian access to my head. What the fuck had I been thinking when I agreed?

And because I did, I lost my chance to ask for more info from the Justice League.

Shit.

My frustration was taken out on a nearby punching bag. One that was getting the shit kicked out of it, if the wear and tear on it was any indication. A part of me felt a bit of satisfaction at that.

Even as my arms and legs were starting to feel sore, I continued. This was nothing. This was nothing compared to the training I was put through. The training he put me through.

…But back then I had a different reason to endure. A reason I NO LONGER HAD. That bridge was currently burnt, and his days were currently numbered.

A number that was now higher because I fucked it up. Fuck. Shit! Damn it!

But that should be expected by now. Nothing ever goes the way I want it to. Life always finds a way to fuck me over. Just when I think it can’t get worse, it does.

I hate it. I hate it all.

Why couldn’t I just…win? Just for once?

Whose dick did I have to suck for things to start looking up!?

“You know, just because I can afford to get new gym equipment, doesn’t mean I particularly want to.”

Oh hell no.

Turning around, I was greeted with the second most annoying fucker in my life. Despite Law having a constant resting bitch face, his eyes betrayed his true emotions. The fucking sadistic ass amusement he was getting from watching me.

What a fucking cunt.

“You.”

I hissed out.

“Me. I prefer if you greeted me with my name for once. I think it’d help with team building.”

“Fuck off.”

I turned back to continue exercising. Maybe he’d get the fucking hint for once in his life and leave me alone. For a moment, my hopes even lifted as he went quiet for a few seconds.

“Then again, you rarely call anyone on the team by their name. So, I guess I’m just getting treated fairly.”

With one last hard jab, I sighed before turning back around. Facing my great and oh so beloved team leader. Who in turn kept several feet of distance from me while crossing his arms.

Fuck, I hated that he always tries to keep a distance. Because I know he did it explicitly to not piss me off, which of course pisses me off!

“What do you want?”

He waved his hand.

“To talk.”

No shit? Really!?

“About what?”

I bit out, stepping closer and closer to him. Just by doing so I could feel my blood pressure rise. His eyes betrayed nothing. He simply kept watching as I approached.

“A few things. The Bialya mission, for starters.”

…Oh fuck no.

“There’s nothing to talk about, and you better fucking remember that.”

I threatened, jabbing a finger into his chest to get my point across. He raised an eyebrow in response, but didn’t put up his hands. He didn’t even tense up even slightly.

He wasn’t taking me seriously at all.

“If that’s what you want…”

I eyed him suspiciously as he looked away, before looking back into my eyes.

“…Rose.”

I immediately slapped him across the face. His face tilting sideways from the blow. It was a dumb fucking move, especially considering my situation. Almost immediately I began to regret it as a small streak of blood started to trickle out of his nose.

My entire situation was now threatened because I lost my temper. He could throw me out, hell, he could even throw me in prison and the other Titans would probably just watch. They practically worshipped the floor he walked on.

Even so…I didn’t want to lose my place here.

…I still needed to learn where he was, after all.

Law touched his nose before examining his fingers for the blood. The blood that was…very…pink? Huh. Does…does he bleed Pepto Bismol or something?

“Well, can’t say I didn’t deserve that.”

I looked at him owlishly as he simply accepted the fact that I had just slapped the shit out of his face. And in return, he gained a small shit eating grin. Once again finding amusement in my actions.

This fucker was so aggravating to deal with.

“Just…don’t ever call me that. Okay? My name…is Ravager now.”

I stated, causing him to do that evaluating look shit. The one where he tries to read someone like a fucking book through their micro expressions.

But I wasn’t a goddamn book. I was Ravager.

And I always will be.

He quickly looked away with a somewhat bored expression before shrugging.

“If you say so.”

The hell was that supposed to mean? No, don’t think about it Rose. He was just trying to fuck with my head again. Eventually he took a step forward before stretching out his arms.

“With that out of the way, we can move on to the next order of business.”

I eyed him warily.

“And that is?”

He cracked his knuckles.

“Training.”

I snorted. He was going to be sorely disappointed if he thought I was going to take time out of my day to spar with his ass.

In response, he gave me that annoying ass amused look.

“What? You’d rather continue beating a helpless punching bag into submission instead of a real challenge?”

Oh, it was on.

“A real challenge? What, is your girlfriend behind you?”

That got him to grin, which only pissed me off even more. It was like it was damn near impossible to get under this asshole’s skin. It was like he was part doormat or something.

“Big talk coming from someone with a strippers nam-”

Immediately I lashed out, and he blocked. I was angry, but I wasn’t angry enough to get sloppy. The moment he tried to counter I broke off and immediately swung up with my knee, already knowing he would try to follow.

Which is exactly what he tried to do.

Oh, I was going to enjoy this.