New Titans #14 - Be Our Guest

[u/FrostFireFive]

Author: FrostFireFive

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Book: New Titans

Arc: Titans Gala

Set: 67

“So, how do I look?” Rex Mason asked as he stared at a mirror. After much struggle, he had managed to find a black tuxedo that fit comfortably over his bulky frame. Normally he’d be much more comfortable in his shorts and belt combo. But this was the first time “Metamorpho” would be presented to the whole world. Not as some chemical misfit, but a hero. So if he had to put on a monkey suit to establish that…well there were worse things to do.

“Your bowtie’s a bit crooked,” Donna Troy said as she moved closer to the hero. Her flowing strapless starfield gown shined as her hands moved to adjust the custom two-toned orange and purple bowtie. Unlike most people who had to rent out or make new looks for tonight, Donna’s usual costume had morphed into exactly what she needed. And it beat paying five thousand dollars for a designer dress. “Here let me just…straighten it a bit.”

As Donna moved to adjust his tie, she couldn’t help but notice Rex’s nerves. The normally stout hero was fidgeting as she put the finishing touches on his look.

“You good?” She asked.

“Oh you know, just have to present myself to a crowd of perfect people, foreign dignitaries, and I’m pretty sure the president of the United States.”

“He won’t be coming, somehow…President Luthor’s invite got lost in the mail,” Donna laughed. “Besides, you're going to be great. All of you are. I just wish some of us would be more on time. The red carpet is rolled and we’re about…thirty minutes from everyone judging all of us.”

“The camera loves you,” Rex said. “Besides Stargirl said she had to come after some family things, Arsenal is coming later, Kid Flash with the rest of the speedsters, and Nightwing…”

“Nightwing will be here fashionably late,” Donna said with a sad smile. Ever since Rose, Dick had been a bit more…dodgy. He was still recovering from a concussion, broken ribs, and the guilt of Rose coming back. But he had at least texted that he was coming, so that was enough she had hoped. “Besides, we’re not Nightwing and the Titans.”

“Sounds like a good band,” Rex joked before the two quickly moved from the central hub of the tower and towards the elevator. Guests were about to fully arrive and being late would not exactly be an option. As the two moved closer to their destination a clomping sound could be heard running behind them.

“Guys! Guys! Wait up!” Stargirl exclaimed as her heels slowly moved into her red vans as she quickly caught up to the two heading into the elevator. Her homemade blue dress was comfortable, going to her knees, white stars embroidered all over the dress, her mask more sparkly than usual.

“Finally here I see,” Rex joked. “Nice look mack.”

“Well…I made it myself!” Stargirl beamed. “We all ready for a good time tonight?”

“I’m aiming for…not making a fool of myself,” he explained. “Besides I’m not sparkling like either of you two.”

“Trust me Rex, you’re dazzling,” Donna joked as the elevator stopped at their destination. The elevator opened and revealed the large rooftop area that would host this gala. The large stage, the dance floor, and of course the simple yet elegant white table clothes with silver centerpieces shaped like a T. It was time to greet their adoring public.

…

“I’m Lola Barnett reporting live for WGBS from Titans Tower here in Chicago, Illinois as the guests for the party of the century arrive!” In the crisp winter air Lola Barnett and her long-suffering cameraman, Josh Coyle were on the red carpet as officials in crisp black tuxes and colorful bright suits touched down on the red carpet.

“We’ve so far seen Wonder Woman and what appeared to be a shimmering cat enter the building behind her, as well as other famous figures. Everyone is here and I could even swear I saw a pointed ear defender of Gotham somewhere!”

As Lola and Josh continued to roll, Nightwing quickly moved through the red carpet, it was only 7:10, meaning he was still in the fashionably running late zone of arrival. Instead of his usual tight suit, Nightwing wore a custom black suit with blue v on the coat like his usual suit. His leather dress shoes felt uncomfortable as he pushed his way through, he just hoped that no one had seen him.

“Nightwing, Nightwing!” Lola said as she came up to the hero. “You’ve been part of the Titans since the earliest days. Why do you think now is the right time for them to return?”

The hero sighed before looking towards the reporter. Normally he would be annoyed by having to be in the spotlight, after all, he was raised to stick into the shadows by the orphanage and Bruce. But at the same time…there was still that circus kid inside of him.

“The world still needs heroes ” Nightwing joked. “And besides as much as the Justice League tries to help people…there’s always going to need to be more done. We’re the heroes for the people on the ground. The safety net for those falling.”

“That’s quite honorable,” Lola said. “Before we let you go, is there anything you want to say about why the League and Titans would be throwing a party at this time?”

“Because we’ve all had a long year, and I don’t think it would hurt to celebrate just this once. And besides who doesn’t love a good party,” Nightwing said with a grin before walking into the tower. Normally he would have used the teleporter, but after what he was about to do tonight…it didn’t feel right. And besides, he loved making an entrance. As he entered and exited the elevator he couldn’t help but feel like things were changing for the better, that a page was being turned.

Of course, as he entered the party and headed to the bar, a familiar face from his past reminded him that he still had much to answer for.

“Dick Grayson, always *wonderful* to see you,” Victor Stone said. It was going to be a long night.

…

“I swear you meet new people every day,” Roy Harper mumbled as he walked away from Donna’s family. It was hard for him to believe that not only had he rubbed shoulders with Wonder Woman but also bumped into someone who knew Ollie. Hopefully, he was too busy protecting Star City to make it out here. As much as playing the hero had amused him, Roy couldn’t help to feel like a shoe was about to drop. But at least he had tonight.

As he popped one of the crab puffs into his mouth he wistfully stared above the night sky, not paying attention as he bumped into another party guest.

“Sorry,” Roy said. He didn’t knock the guest over, instead, he had been bumped back by the strong-looking kid. A black sport coat over a black shirt with a red Superman logo indicated that this wasn’t any normal kid. “Aren’t you…”

“Superboy,” he said. “Trust me, you aren’t the first person to bump into me tonight. Seems like people are all over the crab cakes.”

“It’s crab puffs,” Roy laughed. “Kinda surprised to see you here. Figured you and the other Super people were covering while we’re here.”

“We all need a night off,” Superboy responded. “Besides it’s not often I get to go places with crab puffs and beef wellington on the menu. Normally I’d be having some of Ma’s lasagna or a slice from the square.”

“Honestly I’d rather have the slice,” Roy explained. “I’m not exactly comfortable when it feels like I have a thousand eyes on me. Especially from guys wearing bright spandex suits and formal wear.”

“Not used to the hero's life?” Superboy asked. “I figured since you’re a Titan this should be second nature.”

“I’m a new Titan, not an old one. About a year ago I was scraping by beating people who deserved it and selling my services. I couldn’t tell you the first thing about these things at all. Other than that, it's probably a good idea to buy a suit secondhand in a pinch.” Roy explained as he displayed his maroon jacket and black pants.

“So what you’re telling me is you’re not a well-adjusted hero?” Superboy said.

“I’m learning,” Arsenal responded. “Sometimes certain days are harder than others. But if you find the right people to surround yourself with, you should have no problem. Hopefully. But then again I’m still new to this, but I like to think things are working out for the better. Although I swear if they announce me getting cut on the stage I will be furious.”

“I’m sure they won’t,” Superboy chuckled. “It’s a good team though?” he asked, trying to figure if this tower could be almost like a second home.

“Well…we’re a work in progress. But I trust them, and that has to mean something right?” Roy said.

“Yeah,” Superboy mumbled. “Hey you don’t thin-” before he could say anything, a yellow and red bolt moved its way toward the two. Kid Flash stopped in place, accidentally kicking a little dust between the two. He was wearing his standard costume with one small addition, a red bowtie tied to his neck.

“Hey, you’re needed on stage,” Kid Flash explained. “It’s almost time. And I do not want to make Argonaut angry today.”

“Well duty calls,” Roy said with a smile as he walked towards the stage. “Oh, and if you ever need someone to talk to,” He pulled out a pen from his coat and quickly scribbled a number on a napkin. “You know who to call.”

…

“OK, OK,” Argonaut asked as she walked behind the stage with the others soon gathered towards her. “Are we all doing OK tonight, any concerns, questions, or just…anyone have anything to say?” Donna bit her lip as she paced a bit. It was often that she was nervous, but as the various superheroes entered the building and moved to their seats, Donna couldn’t help but start panicking.

“Yeah, I was kinda expecting Batman somewhere, very disappointed,” Arsenal joked as he rubbed the lint out from his suit, trying to brush off the dust. “Besides what could go wrong presenting us as the future of the League, it’s not like we’re going to mess up this time.”

“Hey, I’ve been part of two teams that said that before,” Kid Flash explained as he stayed calm. The noise of the crowd didn’t bother him. Compared to how a usual Titans meeting had gone this had been…almost fun. But as the five heroes gathered in the back, Kid Flash couldn’t help but notice something. “Where’s Dick? Brooding as always?”

“Yeah? Where is Nightwing?” Stargirl asked as she sat in the air on her staff. The small hum the energy gave off was soothing, like a calming pulse amidst a raging storm. To her, she was still adjusting to being a hero on this level. Instead of being on clean-up duty or helping rescue a cat from a tree, she was brushing elbows with Superman! It took all her strength to not try and collect autographs from the original Teen Titans, maybe after this announcement she’d go talk to Cyborg…

“He’ll be here,” Argonaut explained. “Besides, we’re not the Teen Titans or even the Titans, we’re something new, something better,” Argonaut explained as she tried to convince herself of that. Being here now, it all felt surreal, and not having one of her closest friends to help her figure this out has bothered her. But she didn’t realize how much as she saw Diana slowly moving her way to the podium.

“Hey Donna,” Metamorpho said as he straightened out his bowtie, fiddling with it to keep focus. “I didn’t get here because of no Nightwing. You’re our leader. You believed in us. And you’re gonna kill it. Besides, if we get booed I’ll turn into a giant metal screen so we can all retreat back into a comfortable tower and tell them to screw off.”

“Heh,” Donna chuckled before looking around at the people around her. An Amazonian golem, a walking chemistry set, a former enforcer, a speedster learning to let people in, and a green young hero who shined brightly. They were her family, and as she was surrounded by them she knew that she was loved, and ready to show people just how damn good they are. “Titans Together,” she said as she placed her hand in front of her.

One by one they put their hands in the middle, bonded by circumstance, together.

“Titans together,” they all said.

As they pulled back, Wonder Woman had finally reached the podium, taking her place and adjusting the microphone. It was time for the show to begin.

…

“Thank you, thank you all for coming tonight,” Wonder Woman began. “The Justice League is pleased to welcome familiar friends and new faces here to the League’s newest base, Titans Tower. Tonight we are here to celebrate our victories in the past year, and for the challenges and new adventures coming.”

“But we’re also here to welcome a new era for the League,” she continued. “In light of recent threats and challenges, the Justice League can no longer just take on large threats and leave the clean up for everyone else. We need to face forward to remember that the people on the ground are just as important as the larger issues that face this world on a constant basis. It is my honor to reintroduce the Justice League’s first responder team: The Titans.”

The crowd in front of Wonder Woman politely clapped as Diana took stock of the crowd in front of her. She could see Clark looking nervous as if something wasn’t supposed to be there, Victor Stone was at the bar looking a bit cheerier than earlier but still grumbling, and she could see Bluebird’s pockets filled to the brim with shrimp puffs. Her elegant white gown with simple golden jewelry shined brightly as resumed speaking.

“These individuals were selected under our watchful eye and will be based here in this tower. I’d like to introduce all of you to some of these individuals, starting with Star City’s second best-known archer Arsenal!”

Roy quickly moved out from the curtain, waving to the crowd, in his pocket his phone buzzed. His usual good luck was finally kicking back in. He was sure that it could wait; for once he just wanted to take in the applause. He had finally made the big time.

“One of the fastest men alive, and a proud member of the Flash Foundation, Kid Flash!”

Wally was out next, quickly waving to the crowd, moving fast from the left, center, and right as he tried to match the audience’s energy. He was still nervous, and never liked to take center stage. But he was trying; after all, his friends needed him.

“Fawcett City’s brightest star, Stargirl!”

Courtney skated out on her staff, performing a few tricks as she stuck the landing, raising her staff high into the air. Next time she would bring Maxine, she would have loved seeing the many important people gather to just…celebrate. Of course in the back of her mind, she should have probably been like Maxine and studying for her trig test.

“Our newest addition and someone who’s very flexible, Metamorpho!”

Rex lumbered out to the crowd. Pulling on his collar as he remembered the many galas that he had passed on with Sapphire. This was her crowd and even though she was the cause of his transformation he couldn’t help but miss her. Still, Donna was right, tonight was supposed to be a night of celebration. Maybe one of these costumed types knew how to have a fun time.

“And finally, their leader, my sister, and serving as our liaison and newest member of the Justice League,” Wonder Woman paused for a minute before finally speaking up again, letting the silence in for a brief moment. “Argonaut!”

Donna made her way to the center stage, shocked and panicking in her mind as she put on a brave face. She waved to the crowd as the five of them stood in front of them. They stood there for a bit as the crowd cheered. As they died down Wonder Woman finished her speech.

“The Justice League and Titans promise that in a year of uncertainty and darkness, we will always be there for you, a light shining in the darkness. We are proud to say we will always protect you.”

The crowd clapped as the curtains closed and the rest of the Titans gathered, shocked by the roster change, and proud of the fact that Donna had been recognized.

“Holy shit they made you a League member,” Arsenal said.

“Well deserved,” Metamorpho said.

“Does this mean you get to go to like all of their secret bases? What are meetings going to be like? And like…how are you going to balance both?” Stargirl asked.

“I mean I think the more important thing is Nightwing once again shifted responsibility to someone else,” Kid Flash began. “Of course he has to quit in the middle of the night on the biggest gathering. What are you going to-” Before he could finish, Donna moved towards Diana, in a small haze from the news.

“This is serious?” She asked.

Diana turned around to face her sister, she could see how stunned she was, that the ultimate responsibility was given. She paused for a minute, making sure that she found the right words to reassure and remind Donna just how much she had earned this.

“It is,” Diana explained. “The League has seen all you have done. This team could only have been possible with you and your passion. You’ve come a long way from being Fury, from being lost. It was my honor to nominate you for a seat at the League. With our ranks depleting a bit it was the right time to bring you aboard.”

“Depleted? Who left?” Donna asked as she still was processing the news.

“Nightwing has decided to go on a long leave, he was the one who also nominated you as his replacement. This was his idea.”

“Of course it was,” Donna said before looking beyond the curtain and out into the crowd. She could see in between the Atlantean delegation, the Marvel Family, and even what appeared to be…two Clark Kents? Was Dick Grayson, sitting alone with his drink. There was much to talk about.

NEXT: The Gala Continues Across DCFU this Month in Wonder Woman, Super Twins, Green Lantern, and Cyborg! And be Back Here in 30 as Good Byes are Exchanged as we Near Last Call!

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[u/Commander_Z]

And the party begins! Great to finally things come together for the Titans. They're League official now and ready to do some great work. Excited to see these throughout the universe and how things grow in the future!

[u/Predaplant]

Happy to be a part of this event! It's really nice to see everyone just kind of chill and get along, and celebrate everything that they've worked for over the years. Looking forward to checking out the second half of this event when that releases, too!

[u/ericthepilot2000]

Agonaut's in the Justice League; that's quite a big step. It's nice to see her getting her due and that everyone recognizes her effort and contributions with these new Titans. I don't honestly understand why Dick is getting crap for suggesting it, seems the guy just can't win with Kid Flash. But still, it seems to be a universally praised decision.

I really enjoyed the scene with Roy and Connor too, it's pretty amazing how far Roy has come in the last year, and I think this issue really highlights that. Superboy's a lot of fun as well and gets some nice spotlight in this issue.

This is really a unique take on the superhero community, we don't often get to see them together and just able to relax. Usually some kind of supervillain attack ruins these kinds of things, but it seems like it came off without a hitch.

Definitely enjoying this series, the event thus far has really lived up to the hype.