Hikaru's mind went blank for half a second. Right. Codename. Should've thought of that, kind of comes with the whole superhero introduction.
"Let's go with Seraph," he said, keeping his tone light. "Your new prospective teammate."
He paused, then added, "Well, if you'll have me. Your mentor might've mentioned I was coming?"
Kid Flash's face lit up immediately. "Ooh, so you're the mysterious new guy. Just how fast ARE you?"
Hikaru looked at Kid Flash, unable to suppress a grin. "Fast enough to keep up with you… Probably."
Beast Boy bounced forward, brimming with excitement. "Can you teach me that thing you did earlier?! The whole not-looking-knockout thing?!"
Hikaru let out a laugh before he began to explain in detail. "Well, it's a mix of heightened senses and spatial—"
Robin cut in, voice sharp and professional. "Batman did mention someone. Didn't say you'd be handling crimes before we even met."
Hikaru shrugged, his wings shifting slightly behind him. The movement drew a few glances.
"Force of habit. I've been doing this a while. Heard the noise and got here first."
Donna stepped forward, arms crossed beneath her silver bracers. Her blue eyes were steady, assessing. "You've done this before."
"Few years of practice."
"Where exactly have you been doing this?"
"Japan. Tokyo, mostly. Kept a low profile."
Cyborg raised an eyebrow, his mechanical eye whirring as it focused. "Low profile with big angel wings?"
"You'd be surprised how easy it is when you move fast enough."
Kid Flash tilted his head. "Solo?"
"Mostly." Hikaru's expression remained casual. "Didn't really have a choice."
Beast Boy's curiosity was genuine, his earlier excitement tempered. "Why not?"
Hikaru paused, choosing his words carefully. "Didn't know any other heroes. Japan's got a smaller hero roster. A lot less hectic compared to the states, no real need for team-ups."
Donna's gaze didn't waver. "And now?"
Hikaru met her eyes. "Now my mo—my mentor thinks it's time. And… maybe she's right."
Movement from the back of the group caught his attention. Raven stepped forward, her violet eyes fixed on him from beneath her hood.
"…Hikaru."
One word, but everyone heard it.
The team turned to her, surprise evident on several faces. Raven rarely spoke first, if at all.
Hikaru's face brightened immediately, genuine pleasure replacing his guarded expression. "Oh, Roth? Didn't expect to meet so soon and outside of school at that. Small world."
Raven pinched the bridge of her nose between two fingers. "You've got to be kidding me."
Robin's masked gaze snapped between them. "You two know each other?"
"He transferred to Jump City High yesterday," Raven said, her tone flat. "Sits next to me in homeroom."
Beast Boy's jaw dropped. "Wait, you go to her school?"
"Yep."
Robin's posture straightened, voice firm and authoritative. "You're coming with us. We need some answers."
Hikaru gestured toward the bay, where the massive building dominated the skyline. "Back to the giant tower shaped like a T?"
"Yes."
Hikaru grinned. "Works for me. Lead the way, Captain."
Robin's expression hardened. "It's Robin." He turned and started walking toward where his R-cycle was parked.
"Noted." Hikaru kept his voice light, but muttered under his breath, "As rigid as expected."
"I heard that."
Suddenly, Raven was beside him. It seemed she had approached with silent steps.
Hikaru flinched, a slight movement that Raven seemed to catch. "Jeez, maybe approach with audible footsteps next time."
The tiniest hint of a smirk touched Raven's lips before she turned away, her cape billowing behind her.
The team dispersed toward their various modes of transport. Cyborg headed for his car, Beast Boy shifted into a bird. Wonder Girl took to the air with practiced ease, her dark hair whipping in the wind. Kid Flash was already racing ahead.
Robin glanced back over his shoulder. "Seraph. Follow us."
"On it."
The rest of the team moved out to head back to their base as Cyborg's engine roared to life.
Hikaru spread out his wings, with one powerful beat, he launched himself into the air, rising above the buildings before leveling out. Flying alongside the team.
Alright, first impression made, he thought, banking to match Wonder Girl's trajectory. Good. Probably? Hard to tell with Robin.
The Boy Wonder was definitely as intense as expected—he's wound pretty tight. Batman's training really shown through in every movement, every word. Kid Flash seemed fun, if a bit hyper. Beast Boy had an enthusiasm that was hard not to like. Cyborg appeared laid-back but competent. Wonder Girl carried herself with warrior's confidence tempered but there was genuine warmth underneath.
And Raven... well, that was going to be interesting. She'd clocked him as non-human within seconds of meeting at school, and she figured out his hero identity rather quick as well. At least she's not the type to run her mouth.
Titans Tower loomed larger as they approached, its massive T-shaped frame juxtaposed against the night sky. The building was even more impressive up close than in the comics—all sleek architecture and advanced technology, sitting on its own island in the bay. Lights glowed from various windows.
Hikaru's wings flared out, catching an updraft and lifting him higher. The wind rushed past his face, cold and exhilarating.
As they approached he is hit by a sudden wave of nostalgia, memories of his past life's childhood started the flash in his mind. He had grown up watching the show and now here he was about sit down for a Q&A at the iconic headquarters.
Realizing he had slowed down while reminiscing, he sped up to rejoin the team. As a grin spread across his face.
I can hear the theme song from here.