Teen Titans

D.E.O. Headquarters

"This is a joke, right?" Superboy asked as he looked at Risk sitting in the cell. The young man looked as if he'd been there for a while, judging from his long shaggy blonde hair and unshaved facial hair. "Ashton Kutcher's waiting to tell us we're being Punk'd, isn't he?"

"You seriously want us to take a felon into the Teen Titans?" Robin asked as he looked over at Director Bones.

"I told you they weren't going to go for it," Risk said in a low tone as he sat in the cell. "You barely got Titans West to take me."

"Before you make your decision, I think you should see something," Bones told the trio. "It might just change your mind."

"Shouldn't we have the others here?" Wonder Girl asked as she looked in Robin's direction. "I thought you wanted a new member to be approved by the whole team?"

"Omni, Damage and Impulse will all have their chance to vote," Robin assured her as they followed Bones. Risk was led after them by the guards, still heavily chained. "Let them enjoy their downtime right now."

Inertia's Futuristic Lab

"I was cloned from Bart's own DNA in the 30th Century. I spent several years in a tube, learning everything I could at a snail's pace until I was in every way 1,000 times better than him. And do you know what the first thing they told me was when I opened my eyes on my first day out?" Inertia asked as he stood in front of his high tech computer, Craydl. "They said I only had one purpose in life, and that was to destroy Bart Allen. That that was all I was designed for."

"Enough of your biography. When do we get to destroy the Teen Titans?" Dr. Light asked impatiently as he sat at a table.

"Patience, Dr. Light," Inertia told him. "This is all part of a carefully laid plan. The destruction of the Teen Titans has to be done skillfully."

"And you're sure this 'carefully laid plan' will work?" Deathstroke asked in an annoyed tone, still not believing he'd been talked into this. He looked around the lab, his photographic memory detailing everything.

"It's fool proof," Inertia replied as he turned around from the computer. "While Mammoth, Gizmo and Jinx were distracting the other Titans, we were able to acquire our main objective. Isn't that right, Bart?"

Inertia looked up at a large tube, where Bart Allen was floating inside, surrounded by a green gel, with a gas mask attached to his face to keep him sedated and several IV's attached to his arms and bare chest.

The Campus of UCLA

Grant's hands were glowing with blue energy as he rushed forward and punched Mammoth, who only laughed as he grabbed Grant by the neck and threw him through a tree. Mammoth charged toward the spot where Grant had landed, hoping to land another blow before Grant was able to stand.

Not too far away, Gizmo stomped toward Cam, who had morphed into his Omni costume. Omni rolled out of the way as Gizmo's spider-like metallic legs shot down at him.

"Hold still, geek, so I can impale you properly," Gizmo told him.

"Do I look stupid?" Omni asked as he dodged the legs. "Wait, don't answer that."

Near the street, Jinx was watching the fight and was growing bored. She wanted a piece of the fight, but there were only two Titans. That's when she saw something interesting coming her way. It was a charging rhino and it was heading right toward Mammoth.

"Finally, things are getting interesting," Jinx said as she stamped her foot on the ground and sent a tremor crackling through the pavement, knocking the rhino off course. It started morphing into the form of a teenage boy wearing a costume similar to Plastic Man's, only blue and black, as he slid into the side of a car.

"Ow," Luke McDunnagh said as he stood up and saw Jinx doing a cartwheel towards him, sending mystical bolts flying at him.

Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl and Risk were sitting around a table in a conference room as a T.V. and VCR were brought in.

"So, how'd you end up back with the D.E.O.?" Wonder Girl asked as she looked over at Risk.

"I tried to run," Risk told her as he looked down at the chains around his hands. "My mother was sick and I needed to take care of her. She died a week after I came home. They arrested me at her funeral."

"Is that it?" Superboy asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I might have knocked over a few convenience stores to help pay her medical bills," Risk replied as if it were nothing.

"This video was delivered about two weeks after Titans West went their separate ways," Bones said as he put the tape in. There was snow on the screen as the 'Star Wars' theme song started playing as the image of a garage appeared, followed by Bones jumping from out of nowhere with a lightsaber in his hand, attacking a mannequin as he made a "Woosh!" sound.

Bones' jaw dropped as he quickly ejected the tape as he looked at the teens around the table. "Wro- wrong tape."

He quickly put another tape in and pushed 'Play'. The image on the screen soon showed the image of a young man with green skin and hair.

"Hello, Titans," Garfield Logan said as he looked into the camera.

Luke's legs stretched as his body shot up to avoid the mystic bolt that flew through his legs. He swerved his hips and ducked his head, his elastic body ducking and dodging the bolts as Jinx continued firing at him.

Meanwhile, Grant was putting all his strength into hitting Mammoth, but nothing was working. His adrenaline was pumping harder the more he hit the villain and his knuckles were starting to bleed as Mammoth laughed.

"Silly Titan," Mammoth said as he picked Grant up by the shirt. "You can't hurt me."

Grant's leg reared back before shooting forward, nailing Mammoth in the groin as hard as he could. His eyes rolled back as he dropped Grant before saying in a high-pitched voice. "Okay, maybe you can."

Gizmo continued stomping toward Omni before Omni dove between the mechanical legs, landing behind Gizmo. Before he could turn around, Omni jumped and climbed onto Gizmo's back, covering his eyes.

"Hey, get off of me, you freak!" Gizmo shouted as he blindly stumbled around. Omni jumped off just as Gizmo stumbled forward and landed face first in a fountain.

Grant got a few more punches in on Mammoth before picking him up and throwing him into the fountain alongside Gizmo. Jinx was trying to use her powers to hit Luke, who morphed into a Jack in the Box, just as a clown head sprung out and hit her, knocking her into the others.

"Let's take these guys in," Grant said as he cracked his knuckles. "I hope the police have something strong enough to-"

A bright flash of light blinded the three heroes temporarily. When they were able to see again, the villains were gone.

Mammoth, Gizmo and Jinx returned to Inertia's lab, soaking wet.

"We had them!" Mammoth shouted as Gizmo sat on his back.

"You smell like wet dog," Gizmo told him as he held his nose as he climbed off.

"You were just supposed to distract the Titans," Inertia informed them. "We got what we were after."

"He's cute," Jinx said as she looked at Bart floating inside the tube. "What are you going to do with him?"

"Make him suffer," Inertia replied as he looked at his helpless cousin. "But first we're going to kill the Teen Titans while he watches. That's the purpose of bringing all of you here."

Inertia turned toward the villains he'd assembled. "The Titans worst enemies are going to brutally destroy them, all while Impulse is forced to watch, knowing he can't do anything. The plan is that everything he knows and loves will be taken from him as he watches. First the Teen Titans, then Jay Garick and the Wests. And just when he thinks it's over, I'm going to deliver the most devastating blow to his girlfriend Carol as he watches before I kill her. And once his world is completely shattered, only then will I kill him."

"And what makes you think the Titans will fall so easily?" Deathstroke asked. "I've been fighting the Titans for years and I've learned to never underestimate them, especially when there's a Robin involved."

"I've been planning for Bart's death ever since the minute I was born," Inertia replied. "Ever since he was with Young Justice I've been plotting and planning the perfect way to destroy him. This isn't just some simple revenge scheme; it's my destiny."

Gizmo looked at Mammoth and made a 'He's nuts' motion.

"It's been two days since I lost Tara," Gar said as the Titans watched the video. His voice sounded tired and he looked like he hadn't slept in a while. "She was the love of my life. Without her... I don't know how to go on. Titans West is on the verge of disbanding, it has been for a while. But I've never been prouder to work with a group of heroes.

I know all of the team members in both of our groups are going to do great things, and that includes Cody Driscoll. He's got his... flaws, but the Titans have always been about family, and Risk needs that more than anyone. He needs a place where he can grow and learn how to be the man I know he can be.

I don't know who will on the Titan's roster by the time this video is shown to you, but I hope that whoever you are, you'll see it in your hearts to take Risk in and give him the home that Titans West once was to him. He has too much potential to let it go waste in a D.E.O. holding cell."

Risk turned his head, trying not to let anyone see the tears that were starting to form. He respected Gar, but he had never known that the feeling was mutual.

"Take care of Cody, Titans," Gar requested. "All of you are family. Watch out for each other."

The screen went blank as the video ended before the lights went up.

"Are you crying?" Superboy asked as he looked at Risk.

"No," Risk told him as he wiped the tears away. "I- I'm just getting used to the light again."

Robin looked around to his teammates. "I vote we take Risk in, at least on a probationary period."

"I second it," Wonder Girl replied as she looked over at Risk. "I think he deserves a chance, and I know Impulse and Omni will vote him in."

"I don't know," Superboy replied. "Do we really need another powerhouse? I mean, we already have me and Damage, and Omni to a certain extent. And where's he going to stay? We don't have a headquarters, and, no, I'm going to hang out in that place Omni and Impulse found for us."

Outside of the UCLA Campus sat a small wooden shack with a poorly painted sign.

He-Man Villain Haters Club

"We'll work something out," Robin told him. "And we could use him since you spend most of your time in Smallville. But you need to be on your best behavior, Risk."

"I'll be good, I swear," Risk replied quietly. "It's not like I have any reason not to act out now that my Mom's gone. She was all I had."

"You've got the Titans, now," Cassie replied as she looked over at him. "Just try to get along with everyone, alright?"

"He'll be wearing the standard monitors to make sure he doesn't run off," Bones told the group. "But other than that, he'll be free to work with the rest of you. Is that alright with you, Mr. Driscoll?"

"Are you kidding?" Risk asked as he looked up. "I'd give my right arm to see the sun again."

Grant looked around the damaged area where he'd been fighting members of the brotherhood alongside Cameron and a new kid. He looked over at Luke and raised an eyebrow.

"Who- what- the hell are you?" Grant asked as he looked the boy over.

"The name's Offspring," The young man replied. "You might have heard of me. Son of Plastic Man? Met Batman when he set me straight from a life of wrong doing?"

"Nope, never heard of you," Omni said as he morphed back into his street clothes.

"Me, either," Grant said as he looked at the fountain where the trio of villains had vanished. "We'd better call Robin and report this in. Offswitch-"

"Offspring,"

"Whatever, you want to come with us?" Grant asked. "We could probably use you if those guys show up again."

"WOULD I?!" Offspring asked happily as stretched his arms out and pulled Grant and Cameron close to him. "We're going to be the best of friends, I just know it!"

"Is he a relative of yours?" Grant asked as he looked at Cam.

In Inertia's lab, Mammoth, Gizmo, Jinx, Dr. Light and Deathstroke were gathered around a table.

"I just want the Teen Titans captured and brought back here," Inertia instructed. "Mammoth, you'll bring in Superboy; Jinx, go after Wonder Girl; Gizmo, you'll take down Omni; Dr. Light, you'll take care of Damage, and Deathstroke, Robin's your's."

"And what about you?" Deathstroke asked. "What will you do while we're doing all the work?"

"Preparing the Titan's destruction at your hands," Inertia replied with a twisted grin on his face. "Once you bring them back here, my idiot cousin will be just be lucid enough to see them die one by one, each death killing him inside just a little. And don't forget, Deathstroke, you're payment is riding on you pulling off your end of the deal."

"I haven't forgotten," Deathstroke coldly replied as he held his gun toward Inertia's kneecap. "Just don't double-cross me, boy. Even speedsters have weaknesses."

"I don't like this," Superboy said as they returned to the UCLA Campus. "He's not even a college student."

"Neither are you," Wonder Girl replied with a smirk. "At least Risk could attend college if he wanted."

"Funny," Superboy replied in a whisper.

"I had to call in a few favors through Oracle," Robin told him. "I got Risk an empty dorm room where he can stay and we can an eye on him. He'll be attending classes with us."

"Wait, how?" Risk asked as he looked at Robin. "I'm a dirt poor trailer park kid. I don't even have 2 cents to rub together."

"It turns out that Gar was prepared for you," Robin replied as he handed Risk an envelope. "He left you some money so you could go to whatever college Jason Parker was attending, but since he's at NYU and we need you here..."

"Gar's too nice for his own good," Risk replied quietly as he tucked the envelope into his jacket. "What makes him think that I just wouldn't take the money and run?"

"Because he has faith in you," Wonder Girl replied. "Gar could always sense the good in people. He knows you can do great things, and so do we."

"Where are you getting this 'we' stuff?" Superboy asked them. "I still have doubts about this. And don't forget, three of our members still haven't voted him in."

It was then that Superboy's cell phone started ringing with Justin Timberlake's 'Cry Me A River'. Robin, Risk and Wonder Girl just stared at him blankly.

"Dammit, Kenny's been messing with my ring tone," Superboy said as he answered. "Hello?... Hey, Martha... Yes, I'll be home for dinner... Pick up milk? I thought we lived on a farm?... Alright, alright, I'll pick up milk along the way home.... Please don't call me 'sweetheart'."

Superboy hung up as he looked at the others. He took off into the air without looking back. "Duty calls. I'll catch you guys later."

"And I have to get ready for my date," Wonder Girl replied as she took to the air as well. "I'll call you tomorrow to see how Risk is doing."

"Looks like it's just us," Robin replied as he watched Wonder Girl fly off. A sudden thud was heard as Robin quickly turned around and saw Risk was passed out on the ground, a dart lodged in his neck.

"Don't worry, it's just a sleeping agent," Deathstroke said as he stepped out of the shadows. "Hello, Robin."

Superboy was flying toward S.T.A.R. Labs to hitch a ride home on the teleporter when a large shadow loomed over him. He looked up just in time for Mammoth's massive form to come crashing down on top of him, creating a human sized crater in the ground.

Wonder Girl returned home to her dorm, and was getting ready to walk through the building's entrance when the door exploded, sending her flying back, just as Jinx came cart wheeling out, kicking Wonder Girl in the jaw.

Grant, Cam and Luke were heading toward Tim's dorm when a bright flash of light blinded them.

"What's going on?" Grant asked as he rubbed his eyes. When his vision started coming back into focus, he saw Cam was gone, and Dr. Light was floating over him, shooting deadly prisms of light toward the ground. Luke was trying to readjust his eyes and ran into a tree, falling backwards behind Grant.

Cameron rubbed his eyes and saw Gizmo flying towards him with a rocket pack. He rammed Cam in the stomach, knocking him backward into a fountain.

"Not so tough when you don't have powers to leech off of, huh?" Gizmo asked as he flew back around and hit Cam in the back, knocking him forward into the fountain.

Inertia laughed as he watched the five different view screens of the Titans being attacked. He turned and looked up at Bart, who was floating helplessly in the green gel.

"Don't worry, cousin, your friends won't die, yet," Inertia told him with a laugh. "They've still got a good few hours left to live out their pathetic existence. Then after they're dead, the torture really begins."

To Be Continued...

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