Chapter 7

I took a mint.

“…And you’re saying this thing can teleport people? And that there’s no chance of it fucking up and scrambling my insides?”

Robin sighed once more, rolling his eyes under his mask at me.

“It’s a Zeta Tube, and yes. It’s perfectly safe. We’ll be transported to a location close by to the Hall of Justice. Where the Justice League will be waiting for us.”

…Oh god. Not only did I have to worry about sudden and inexplicable death, I had to worry about the goddamn Batman. Fuck, when did my life become such a mess?

I took another mint.

“Right. And uh, when do we leave?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

I grimaced at that, before giving the zeta tube thingy a wary glance. I was a man of science, this is true. I liked studying the chemistry makeup of objects. However, this didn’t mean I was big into everything science related.

For example, computers. I didn’t know what to do with them besides play games poorly or find porn. Whereas Ethan was the exact opposite. Complicated technology that involved more machinery than chemicals was just not my cup of tea.

And to be just told to trust a machine to pretty much scan and delete me, before copying my atoms into a different space was just…unnerving.

“…are you sure we can’t take a plane instead?”

“Oh for-just get in there!”

Robin suddenly pushed me towards the Zeta Tube forcefully before stepping into it himself. A pit formed in my stomach as I had a premonition of my sudden and quick death.

I hope there’s an afterlife of some sort, if only to get revenge on Robin.

“Scanning…T-01 Robin. T-06 Law.”

Ah, the T must stand for titan…wait, why the hell was I number six? I mean, if we’re going by who joined first and shit, wouldn’t I be like five cause I was before Starfire?

My next thought was that it was sorted by strength, but that can’t be right. Robin being number one? That’s a funny joke. Not that he wasn’t strong or anything, but some of our other teammates were just powerhouses on their own.

Then again, Robin was the one who helped put the Zeta Tube in the Tower…what if he made the list himself? And put himself at the number one spot? Did that mean he thought of me as the weakest member?

Cause if so I’d be happy to correct such delusions. I was top three at bare minimum. Physical strength wasn’t everything after all.

Oh god. What if instead of strength, it was who Robin though was the most attractive?

…On some level I would be both offended, and relieved that he wasn’t gay. I mean…when he was starting out, he wore some pretty short and revealing tights-

“Transporting to area Z-045…”

Oh boy…

I decided to take a min-

I felt my stomach lurch as I found myself in another place. A fresh mint in my hand. We were in some sort of…park? There were a few trees around the place, as well as a very closeby public restroom. It looked we had been in a…portapotty?

Well, that’s gross.

Robin clapped me on the back.

“See? Nothing to-“

I interrupted him by getting rid of my entire breakfast onto the nearby park floor. He immediately stepped away in disgust and looked away as I took half a minute to recover. Filling myself up internally with stuff to deal with motion sickness and vertigo.

I wasn’t really sure what caused it, but I could at least try to identify the cause.

“…Are you done?”

“Yeah. Alright. Let’s get going.”

This time when I popped a mint into my mouth, I made sure it would make my breath smell overpowering like mint in order to mask the smell of vomit. I didn’t know if Robin was keeping his distance due to the vomit, or due to the smell. Leaving me wondering if I should apply more cologne to myself, or if that would be too much.

As we approached the Hall of Justice, a massive line of people became apparent. I hadn’t realized the place had been turned into a tourist attraction. That was a pretty risky move by the Justice League, to just let normal people walk around their main base of operations and artifacts. At least it did help explain all the funding they apparently seem to have.

Hmm, maybe the stuff they put on display here are replicas, and that the real dangerous stuff is in a different safer building? Actually, if they have Zeta Tubes…was the Hall of Justice even their real Headquarters?

I would assume so, but only because I would have no idea where else they would put a second more secure headquarters. Under the white house? Mount Rushmore? Atlantis?

…oh fuck, did they have a headquarters on the Amazon Island? Please tell me they had a headquarters on the Amazon Island.

“Robin!”

The Flash’s sidekick immediately zoomed right next to Robin. Holy hell, he was pretty damn fast. I mean, that should be pretty obvious right? But it was one thing to be told someone has superspeed, and it was another to actually see it in person.

His uniform was similar to the Flash’s, but in yellow. He also had ginger hair showing. Something I was pretty sure Flash didn’t have…I think? Actually, I don’t think his hair has ever been exposed.

...Actually, could Batman be ginger? That was something to think about.

“Hey there, I’m Kid Flash. Didn’t expect Robin to be bringing someone else with him. Are you uh…part of the Titan’s?”

He inquired, immediately becoming interested in me. I also couldn’t help but notice that he didn’t even let Robin finish greeting him before turning away. Though Robin didn’t seem annoyed by it. Maybe that was his quirk or something.

“He is Wa-Kid Flash. I invited him and a few of our other friends to meet up to…talk about some stuff before we look around the Headquarters.”

Wa? Oh shit, was that almost his actual name? Wa…wa…Walter? Despite the slip up, Kid Flash didn’t seem to really care much. Maybe cause the only people around were the two of us, and everyone else was still waiting in line, taking pictures.

After a bit of introductions, the three of us started to go into the Hall of Justice together. Kid Flash showed a lot of interest in the Titan’s. Asking me and Robin various questions on what it was like living there. It sounded pretty obvious that he was considering joining up. Robin must have had the same conclusion as he was pretty happy and confident to be talking about it.

Hmm…that…actually made me think of a question. How exactly were ne-

“Robin, it’s good to see you again.”

At first I thought he was just a normal guy, before noticing the lines around his throat. Gills? Was this an Atlantean? Interesting…so this was Aqualad?

“It’s good to see you again, too Aqualad. And you too Speedy.”

The sidekick of Green Arrow gave a small nod of agreement. A smile plying at his lips as he looked around. Once again Aqualad seemed interested similar to Kid Flash from earlier. Speedy on the other hand seemed pretty flaky in his interest.

They would attempt to include me in their discussion. Throwing some questions my way out of kindness. To which I informed them that my name was Law and that I was part of the Titan’s. Something that had all of them nod politely at…

Except Kid Flash. His eyes narrowed slightly, before his face fell for a moment, before attempting to correct it. Though he was obviously really bad at it.

So, he knew who I was. That was…unfortunate.

The next door our group walked through; we were finally greeted to the backs of several Justice League members. To my disappointment, Wonder Woman was not among them. Hell, none of the Justice League chicks were present. I felt more than a bit cheated.

I had been trying not to look directly at him, but my eyes kept drifting towards the black cowl. There was only a handful of people in Gotham that when they looked at the Bat felt anything but a deep fear. This was a man who’d beat criminals into the hospital. Hell, that’s if they were lucky.

This was a man whose reputation preceded him. Not to mention my own history with the man…It made this whole thing a lot more…complicated.

“And what do we do about the kids?”

Flash asked, to which Batman glanced in the group’s direction.

“I’ll deal with them.”

While I didn’t mind much being called a kid, the same couldn’t be said for the others. They were obviously annoyed at seemingly being looked down upon. Even still each of them looked at the approaching Batman with a slight amount of chip on their shoulder.

They didn’t even seem slightly scared…

I wish I could say the same.

A mint instantly found itself in my palm as I tossed it into my mouth. That was obviously the wrong move, as the movement was noticed by Batman. Who then proceeded to look at me. His eyes narrowing, causing me to sweat a bit under his glare.

…Actually, hadn’t he been glaring even at the Justice League members? Was he just…permanently glaring?

Yeah, that definitely sounded like Batman.

“Robin, Law. I want to speak to the two of you. In private.”

He shot a look towards the others in the group, who almost instinctively started to move away. Damn, they may not be scared of him, but they sure as hell respect him enough to immediately acquiesce to his commands.

However it seemed like the only one not part of the program, was Batman’s own sidekick. Who simply crossed his arms and looked up.

“Why? What’s this about?”

I didn’t even know it was possible, but Batman squinted even harder at Robin’s defiant like attitude. Jeez, I started to feel like I should be the one to start convincing Robin to do whatever the fuck Batman wants. I itched for another mint, but I was afraid the act would bring Batman’s gaze to me.

“…It’s about the Titan’s.”

To that Robin smirked slightly.

“That’s alright then. I don’t mind if the others hear.”

…Huh!? Uh…I kind of mind. Especially if whatever the fuck Batman says has something to do with me. Which…I highly expect it to. Why else would he want me to come by?

Batman paused for a few seconds before responding.

“Alright.”

Against my better judgement, I shakily made a mint and tossed it into my mouth. Once again, Batman’s gaze shot to me. Which of course saw me starting to sweat bullets.

“It’s about the work the Titan’s have been doing so far.”

Robin and my expressions instantly relaxed. Thank god. Batman continued on.

“The Titan’s are to report any and all active crime and villains in the area to the Justice League. Afterwards, we’ll decide if the Titan’s can handle it, or if the Justice League needs to step in.”

…Hm? Wait, what was that last part?

“…what?”

Robin asked, having apparently also been taken completely off guard by Batman’s words, but in a different way. Batman proceeded to answer him in the form of continuing forward.

“Starting now, the Titan’s will not act unless they have Justice League approval.”

Uh…That was a pretty big ask. Even from the Batman. Kid flash and Aquaman frowned, but it was Speedy who snorted out loud in derision. Obviously showing what they felt about Batman’s words. Robin looked down at the floor as his hands balled into fists.

“…And if we do?”

“Then the Justice League will cut funding to the Titan’s.”

Oh shit. Batman’s playing hard ball. Also explains why they pumped so much money into the Tower. If they pulled the plug on funding…well, I’m pretty sure none of the other Titan’s were secret millionaires, so we’d be pretty fucked. Hell, we’d probably just straight up disband at that point.

Though to be completely honest…I’m not sure I was down to kowtow to someone like this. Even if they were the Justice League. I didn’t exactly escape a prison to be put in another one.

“I don’t think-“

As I started to talk, Batman immediately looked at me. Causing me to immediately swivel my head away and start coughing. Pretending like I hadn’t just been about to say something.

I might not like it, but that doesn’t mean I was going to say it to fucking Batman’s face. Who knows what he’d do to me if I did.

“You can’t do that!”

Kid Flash stated, actually seeming somewhat angry. Whether it’s because he wanted to be a Titan, or for Robin, I couldn’t tell. Batman glared at him, but the next person to step up was Speedy.

“So you plan to treat the Titan’s like children? This is ridiculous…I’m starting to wonder what exactly do you have in store for us for the Headquarters.”

Batman turned his scathing look towards Speedy. During the conversation getting louder and louder, some of the other Justice League members started to look over. Giving the group concerned and curious looks. Green Arrow seemed to grimace at Speedy.

“…The Justice League still intends to show you around the Hall of Justice.”

Speedy looked at Batman, apparently waiting for him to continue, but as Batman continued to not say anything, he got more and more upset.

“That’s it!? Are we ALL just children not to take seriously to you?”

Aqualad put a hand on Speedy’s shoulder, that was quickly brushed off.

“Speedy, it’s not that-“

“No, it IS that big of a deal. The Hall of Justice isn’t even their real headquarters! It’s an orbiting satellite in space. They just use the Hall of Justice as a front to teleport there.”

Most of the Justice League members were now crowding around and listening to the conversation. As one they all seemed to swivel and look to Green Arrow. Who grimaced and seemed to apologize.

The sidekicks on the other hand seemed absolutely floored by this knowledge. Before quickly becoming angry like Speedy.

“Called it!”

I whispered to myself, doing a small fist pump in my theory from earlier. Can’t believe I was actually able to see through the Justice League’s-

Wait, hold up. Let’s go back a second. Where was their headquarters again?

“You don’t take younger heroes seriously, and we aren’t even trusted with the most basic actions of being a hero. Why am I even here?”

This time Green Arrow answered Speedy.

“Well hold on now, I-“

“I don’t need an answer to that question. I’m out of here. Who’s with me?”

Well shit. He has my vote. Despite his rather rousing speech, none of the other sidekicks seemed to be able to meet his eyes. They all looked hurt, ashamed, and angry. Leading Speedy to simply shake his head in disappointment before leaving the room.

“…Maybe they’re right. Maybe you guys aren’t ready.”

Speedy decided to drop that scathing remark before leaving the room. Leaving everyone’s eyes on his back before the door automatically closed behind him.

The atmosphere in the room was pretty tense due to Speedy. But even after he left, it didn’t seem to dissipate by a lot. Letting a pretty lengthy silence to sit. The tension left me wanting to eat a mint, but I didn’t want Batman to turn to look at me and have that be what breaks the silence.

…Jesus was it hot in here…

Just then, the silence was broken by the sound of some sort of alarm from a nearby computer terminal. After a few seconds, Superman showed up on the monitor.

“Superman to Justice League. There’s been an explosion at Project Cadmus. It’s currently on fire.”

Cadmus? I knew that place.

Batman and the other leaguers turned towards the computer. Immediately he began to work at it, bringing something up on the monitor and minimizing Superman’s head.

“Hm…I’ve been suspicious about Cadmus for a while now…this might be the-“

The alarm blared again. This time instead of Superman it was…some guy who looked like a stage magician and talked with an accent of some sort. Spanish, if I had to guess. Maybe Greek?

“Zatara to Justice League. Wotan is attempting to use the Amulet of Aten to block out the sun. Requesting full League assistance.”

Oh shit. Magic man sounded pretty serious there. And considering the looks the Justice League members were giving each other, they took it just as seriously as the panicked stage magician. The next person to talk was Superman.

“Cadmus can wait.”

“Agreed.”

Batman nodded before pressing several buttons and apparently communicating to all Justice League members that their presence was requested at specified coordinates, before turning back to the group of sidekicks and me.

“…Stay here. This conversation isn’t over.”

Robin said nothing. Only glaring at Batman as he and the other Justice League members left. Leaving only me, Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad remaining in the room.

“Well…that happened.”

I commented, if only to break the silence before sitting down in a nearby chair. The other’s continued to stand and pretty much brood around the place. My words seemed to break through a dam that had been holding them back, as they immediately began to vent.

Talking about how they were just disrespected, how angry they were, how disappointed they were in the justice league, and then eventually wondering why they didn’t walk out with Speedy. Leaving a lengthy silence after their pity party which was pretty infectious.

Honestly, I was still on the ‘orbiting satellite’ part mentally, but I still felt the need to break the silence once again.

“So…Project Cadmus huh? What’s that about?”

I asked, actually a bit interested in the topic. Mostly due to the deal I made previously with the government, before getting broken out by Starfire and becoming a superhero. Because I had actually heard that I was heading to a ‘Cadmus’.

“I don’t know…but I bet I could find out.”

Robin said with a smirk, before going towards the computer. The other’s made a lighthearted attempt to stop him before Robin interrupted them.

“Look, we’re heroes. Just because they taught us doesn’t mean they can control our whole lives. We’re going to go to Cadmus, so if you want to stay here, be my guest.”

Huh…Robin just assumed I would be going along with him. I was…kind of surprised by that. He had more trust in me then I really expected. Still meant that he owed me one for going along with him though.

Kid Flash and Aqualad looked at each other before shrugging.

“Alright, what’s the plan?”