Chapter Text
(“Hello pretty boy.” Catalina laughed as he tried and tried and couldn’t move. “Be a good boy and stop moving birdie.”
“Go to hell.” She smirks and ran her knife over his pants. “Okay.”)
I bolt up. “Fuck.” I muttered as the slight dawn light peered into my window.
I sigh and look around and of course, it wasn’t fake. Of course, I wasn’t back with my wife and my family. I am 14 once more in my childhood room.
It’s too earlier for me to walk out. I normally didn’t wake up for a couple of hours.
I stare at this room and snatch one of my empty notebooks. I pull out a pencil and write. I write and write and write. Anything that I could think of that Bruce should know. Kate, Bette, Roy, Zatanna, Rocket, Barbara and that was all. I wouldn’t mention Damian or Jason or Tim or any of it. Not now. I won’t mention Slade or Kara. I won’t mention under any circumstance about Bart or Nora. I won’t mention Mia. Dinah and Oliver’s kid, who is currently 12.
I won’t mention the people I met that had to be pieces of my mind. It’s confusing. Why would my mind make another world’s Batman be Bruce’s father and not him? It’s confusing and I can’t think about it right now.
I stand up with pages filled with information about people. Outlines of people that I worked with. I wrote about my two teams. The Titans and The Icons. Both are just like the other. Icons and Titans.
Icons were like the Justice League to the people and the Titans were hidden somewhat. But they weren’t this team.
The door opens with a knock and Alfred stands there with slight pity in his eyes and Dick knows Bruce told him. “Master Richard, breakfast is ready.” I smile and nod. “Coming.” I keep the book in my hands and place it by Bruce as I sit down. Pancakes and eggs and bacon are on the table.
Bruce raises an eyebrow. “I got bored and wrote some information about the simulation down.” Bruce nodded and I shrugged.
I slowly started eating and pretended like I didn’t almost just drop my knife when I tried to grab it. “Master Richard?”
“Yes?”
“Do you need some help?”
“No.”
Bruce and Alfred shared a look.
“So. Who continued your training?” Bruce asked and Alfred glared at him. “Roy and Catwoman. Oh and Kate.”
Bruce’s eyebrows furrowed. “Kate as in my cousin and Catwoman as in the thief?” I nodded. “Yes.” Bruce nodded as I continued to eat and I pretend I wasn’t uncomfortable that there wasn’t any more sound.
Not the Titans talking or the Icon’s bickering. Kori wasn’t laughing and playing mom. Donna wasn’t here with Dawn and Lian wasn’t running up to him with Jade laughing and Roy rolling his eyes. Damian and Tim weren’t bickering, Barbara wasn’t working, Cass and Stephanie weren’t gossiping and Jason wasn’t annoying the shit out of them. Kate wasn’t walking towards him and smacking him upside the head as Bette stuck out her tongue. Duke and Harper weren’t visiting and Raven didn’t appear in a portal to snatch some of the food he made and Gar wasn’t following her.
Kara wasn’t jumping through the portal to ask him questions and for more videos of Clark and Conner. Zatanna wasn’t dragging them back and Raquel wasn’t apologizing for them. Cyborg wasn’t asking him questions to help upgrade security and Bart wasn’t running through the manor too fast to wait for Tim to be done with breakfast and go with him. Rose, Mia, and Jericho weren’t in the corner with Tara laughing as Jason flipped whoever came towards him to the ground.
“Dick!” I looked up and Bruce was staring at me. I look down and realized. I had dropped my knife and zoned out. “Sorry. Just. Thinking you know.”
Bruce didn’t say anything but I knew better. He was thinking something. Something I didn’t want to think about. So I kept my mouth shut and tried not to think about it all.
We went to the cave later that day and M’gann and I shared a look. No one else was there. Conner was being brought out on vacation with Wally.
Dinah and Martian Manhunter were waiting for us in the ‘therapy’ room. “I wish we were doing this with Raven,” M’gann said but not quietly enough. They all turned to her. “Raven?” Batman asked. “One of the founding members of the Teen Titans. Remember, I wrote that in my notes.” Bruce hummed. “You haven’t read them yet?”
“I was going to let Dinah read them out loud since I assume nothing personal was in it.” I nodded. “Fair enough. No nothing too personal.”
We sat down and Dinah opened the book.
“ Kate Kane. B’s Cousin. Twin sister to Beth. Former Military and daughter to two at the current time of birth active military members. On her 12th birthday, Gabrielle (Mother) took them out. Attacked and captured by terrorists. Only one of the three was rescued by her father. Her. Traumatized by the sight of her mother and twins’ corpses.
Earned both the RECONDO badge and the Superintendent's Award for Excellence before being expelled for being Lesbian. Due to her resignation to protect others. Was drifting for a year but then it happened. During her drifting was trained by multiple vigilantes and assassins due to her aggressive boxing and martial arts training.
Became Batwoman and stood by my side since then. She helped train Barbara Gordon (Page 11 & 12 ) and helped her become Batgirl. Also inspired and trained Bette Kane (Page 3 & 4) to become Batgirl part-time before becoming Flamebird.
Adopted ----- T----, --- D----, --------- C---, --------- B----.
Works part-time with B.O.P. (See pages 12 and __)
Leader Of The Icons and Currently helps run Wayne Industries.”
M’gann raised an eyebrow. “Jesus Dick. You did this all this morning. I want to see the others pages.” I shoved her. “Shove off.”
Dinah raised an eyebrow “Who were the names that were blocked out? I can’t see the imprints?” I looked at her. “People I will tell you about only if it is necessary and only then.”
She frowned but kept going.
“Mary Elizabeth Kane aka Bette Kane. Cousin of Kate Kane. Owner of Hero Intermediate. (Medical Place for heroes to stop at). Former A.R.G.U.S. member and formerly a green lantern before giving the ring up.
Started training 6 months after it and become Batgirl part-time, sharing with Barbara Gordon before turning into Hawkfire. Later on, becoming Flamebird.
Part of Team Alpha 1 in A.R.G.U.S. which was the head team and trained by their trainers. Also trained by Talia Al Ghul, Poison Ivy, and the Amazons.
She lost her mother and father in the attack which caused her massive PTSD. Currently lives in Wayne Manor when she is not doing other things.
A main undercover agent for Titans and Icons.
Works for B.O.P. as well as being forced into participating with the Suicide Squad before being broken out and bomb taken out.
Runs a part of Wayne Industries as well and stationed in Gateway City with Cassandra Sandsmark aka Wonder Girl.”
M’gann laughed. “What order are you going in?” I snorted. “I didn’t go in one I just wrote what I thought about.”
“Talia Al Ghul? Poison Ivy?” Bruce asked. “It’s not the worst she could have done at the time.” M’gann said and I nodded .”She’s not wrong. At least she didn’t go the Joker and Bane.” M’gann groaned. “She would have murdered us like Bane did B.”
Dinah looked up. “B?” I laughed. “The person with their first name crossed out and only the B showed,” I said and she looked at us curiously. “Are we going to go through all the others right now?” Dinah shook her head. “We only have time for 6 of them. So only 4 more” I nodded.
‘ Who’s the next four?’
‘It’s Roy, Zatanna, Raquel, and Barbara in that order.’
M’gann looked up with a smile
Dinah’s eyes widened.
“Roy Harper. Adopted Child Of Oliver Queen. Father to Lian Harper. Already a hero known as ‘Red Arrow’ which is changed to Arsenal. He brought me to a hospital in New York and questioned me on what happened after finding me.
Former member of the Outlaws. He trained with Cheshire (yes that Cheshire), Talia Al Ghul, Koriand’r, Emiko Queen. Lost O.Q., D.L., and the team. Also, like literally all the Justice League.
Currently resides in Titan Tower or house in Ireland. Also in an apartment in Star City.
Trained multiple heroes like Rampage, Lady Justice, Onyx, and Lady Lightning.
Founder and Leader of The Titans and The Icons.
Works for both teams along with Queen Industries. Forced to participate in the Suicide Squad with Bette but also saved. Mind-controlled into joining the Dark Titans.
Mind-controlled using DNA from CADMUS forcing him to spy but fixable easily.
Watches over Star City, New York, and Washington DC with multiple heroes including Starfire, Nightwing (Me), Troia, Omen, Vox, Hawk and Dove, Ms. Martian, and Aqualad (Garth).”
Bruce’s eyes widened and I laughed.
“Quite a list huh. This is only the basics too.” M’gann rolled her eyes.
“Mind-controlled.” I sighed.
“M’gann can take care of it easily and if she can’t I can fix it with the counter-agent which is easy to make. I just need some iron and a couple of chemicals we have in the Batcave. I can steal it from Barry if I need to.”
“Okay! Let’s continue!” M’gann interrupted. Martian Manhunter was still staring at us intently.
“Zatanna Zatara Street magician trained by her father Zatara. Homo Magi trained by John Constantine. Former J.L.D. member.
Lost her mother before it and her father died in the attack leaving her alone.
She trained herself with young John Constantine before being able to find us and join us.
She has also been trained by Talia Al Ghul, Cheshire, and others. She trained herself in fencing and martial arts.
She kept herself busy with taking over mentor and leader assignments while going to college for psychology. Currently resides in Titan Tower and Washington DC.
Has trained Lady Justice, Onyx, and Lady Lightning.
One of the first members other than the founders to join the Icons and Titans. Currently only associated with the Icons in public but stays with the Titans. Has worked with John Constantine multiple times and B.O.P.
Currently considered the leader of the Icons.”
Martian Manhunter finally spoke. “This is a big pool already even though it’s been only 4 people. Two bats, Roy, and a magician.” M’gann laughed. “The world needed to be safe somehow.”
Dinah hummed. “Well. I think Zatara while he wouldn’t like his daughter fighting would be proud of this girl.”
“If she was real,” M’gann said making the room slide into silence. Dinah sighed and nodded.
“Next,” Batman said and he was getting moodier and moodier. Soon enough, I think he’s going to just explode. Just, Boom!
“Raquel Ervin. Former sidekick to hero known as Icon. Born in the poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhood in Dakota.
Lost her mother and father in the attack along with all her few friends. Icon died fighting against the aliens.
Worked for A.R.G.U.S. for a year before being kicked out for ‘wrong-doings’ by the corrupt leader. She was a part-time member of JLD aka Justice League Dark before leaving to fully lead the Icons.
She trained with Icon day in and day out. Anytime she wasn’t training with him she was practicing her martial arts or aim.
Got a degree in engineering. She was taught with the Amazons and a few Justice Society members. She trained side by side with Stargirl and Wildcat II.
She took over many leadership duties during emergencies and any other time. Founding member of the Icons and one of the first members of the Titans. She is in charge of the building and security. She also helps train all the new kids.
She stays in either Titan Tower or the Icon’s watchtower. When she is on her own she watches over Dakota.”
Dinah nodded slowly. “She sounds nice.” M’gann looks at her. “She was. So so nice.”
Dinah takes a breath. “The final one today.” Before she can continue, I full body turn to Batman. “You will hate or be okay with this one.” Batman raises an eyebrow and Dinah stares at me before continuing.
“Barbara Gordon.Daughter of Jim Gordon. She was a founding member of the Icons and the B.O.P.
She found out I was Robin around 4 days after the attack and a week later kept fighting me for two weeks till I let her be trained by Kate and myself to become ‘Batgirl’. She trained with any and all heroes she could find. That includes Wildcat, Canary, and Arrow.
She went to college for a law degree after we graduated. Sadly during her 6th year of being Batgirl, she was shot in the spine and luckily brought to Leslie and Bette in time to be able to live but was paralyzed waist down.
She had to give up her cape but didn’t stop being her. She became known as Oracle.
She became tech support for the Icons and the Bats. She quickly formed the B.O.P. (Birds Of Prey) with Canary and Huntress.
She became a part-time trainer for the teams focusing on backup and support.
She also helps split up cases to other teams like Titans East, Titans West, and Giants. Which are a smaller team of Icon members that focus on strength only missions.”
M’gann reaches her hand into mine. “If we do this every time you add more. I’m going to start sobbing every time we walk in here.” M’gann said and Dinah tilted her head.
“Why?” M’gann stared at her blankly. “Because we were in a simulation for 31 years and we thought it was real. We thought those people we loved and became family with were real and we will never see those versions of them again.”
She had stood up during that small speech. I pulled her down.
‘ M’gann. If we yell at them. I don’t want to know what will happen.’
She took a very deep breath and stared at the group. “Sorry about that.” She turned to Bruce. “What are we doing now?” Bruce turned to stare at us. “J’onn is going to be checking to make sure there isn’t any damage in your minds from the simulation.” M’gann tilted her head. “That won’t take away the memories. Right?”
J’onn stared at us. “Do not worry. It will mess with the memories.” I let my mind walls down. Well. Down enough. Not enough for Bart or them but enough.
He looks at me as his eyes go reddish white. He stared at me for a couple of seconds before blinking and stepping back. His eyes back to the red color. “Your mind is blocked from my view from magic.” I stared at him.
“Are you saying Raven’s magic is still in my head? Even though it was a simulation?” M’gann laughed quietly. “So did we literally just get aged down and have our scars wiped off?”
Dinah tilted her head as M’gann turned back to J’onn. “I can open his mind for you. Don’t worry.” Her eyes slightly glow. After a couple of seconds, they return to normal. “There.”
J’onn nods and his eyes go back to that white color. This time I can feel him going through memories.
“We need heroes. The world is falling into Shambles!” Donna exclaimed. “I can’t. I. No. I’m not leading another team.”
--
“I thought you didn’t know Donna.” Roy rolled his eyes. “Shove it. I met her when Luthor pronounces his ‘League’. Now c’mon Rob. We need a team.”
“Fine.”
--
“Jade.” Cheshire nods to him. “Grayson.”
--
“Mr. J! I suggest you let the kid go.” Harley Quinn appeared. Joker tilted his head. “No, I don’t think I will.”
Harley tilted her head and pounced as Ivy appeared. Ivy went towards the gang. Catwoman appeared and helped him out the chains.
--
“We need a name,” Garth said and everyone was staring at me. “What comes after the gods fall?” Donna asked. Roy tilted his head. “How about the Titans?” I asked.
--
I swung my escrima sticks as electricity ran over them. Bette and Kori launched themselves above me. Zatanna and Raven are on my right. Kara and Mia are on my left.
“Why is there more!” Bumblebee called.
“I don’t know! Just fight them!” Rose yelled back.
“Yeah, no shit,” Bumblebee called back.
Gar ran over as a Tiger and ripped another one to the ground. “Shut up!”
--
Raquel laughed as Zatanna lifted her drink. Jade and Roy were off in the corner as Barbara cackled with Kori.
Raven and Donna were sitting with M’gann and I.
“So. Everyone is drunk.” I laughed. “Yeah.”
--
J’onn left my mind as I blinked and was back in the therapy room. “Okay, then. That was fun.” I said. J’onn moved to M’gann and the process repeated.
Dinah turned to me. “Do you want to talk about what you had to see again?” I raised my eyebrow. “You want me to talk about getting saved by the Gotham Sirens and a fight against a bunch of aliens.”
Bruce stared at me. “Gotham Sirens?” I rolled my eyes. “Catwoman, Harley Queen, and Poison Ivy.”
M’gann took a deep breath as she opened my eyes and J’onn’s eyes went red.
“There isn’t anything wrong with their minds. It’s just the memories of that life. I can’t tell why the blood and magic are still there.” He said but M’gann and I shared a look. He wasn’t saying something. He was hiding something.
Dinah turned to us. “Since it’s lunch. You guys can go and meet us after you eat.” She said before Bruce basically shooed us out of the room.
We walked towards the kitchen. “So we both know they are hiding something, right?” M’gann nodded.
“We are not sneaking up on them to listen in. We are going to see if we can trust them before that.”
I sigh. “Fine. Now, can we go look and see if there is anything on Cass? Since she is probably the only one we could possibly find a clue or hint about.”
M’gann nodded and they walked right past the kitchen.