The interior of Titans Tower matched everything Hikaru had imagined—and yet seeing it in person still hit differently. The main operations room was massive, all clean lines and modern design, with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Jump City Bay. Computer terminals lined one wall, their screens flickering with data feeds and security footage. A kitchen occupied another corner, surprisingly domestic against all the high-tech equipment. The furniture looked lived-in: scuffed couch cushions, game controllers scattered on a coffee table, a half-eaten bag of crisps near Cyborg's usual spot.
Hikaru followed the team inside, his boots creating a slight echo on the polished floor.
"Definitely beats my apartment in Tokyo." He stated as he took in the space.
The team arranged themselves around the common area—Cyborg claiming an armchair, Beast Boy flopping onto the sofa, Raven choosing a corner spot a bit away from the rest. Robin remained standing, arms crossed in that distinctly Batman-trained posture. Kid Flash figeted in place, unable to stay still. Donna settled onto the arm of the couch, relaxed but attentive.
Robin gestured toward an empty chair. "Before you're officially in, we need to talk."
Hikaru sat, keeping his posture casual despite the scrutiny. Six pairs of eyes tracked his movement—well, five pairs and whatever Raven's hidden gaze counted as beneath her hood.
Robin's voice rang out professional and measured. "Dr. Light—what's your relationship?"
"Mentor," Hikaru answered smoothly. The lie of omission came easily—not technically dishonest, just incomplete. He found he had at some point he had inherited his father's code of never lying, though this didn't forbid leaving things out. "We have a lot in common. Both have light powers, both from Japan. She thought I could use a team."
Robin nodded, some tension easing from his shoulders. "I've heard of her. Smart, competent. Good reputation in the community."
"Sounds like her."
Cyborg leaned forward, one dark brown eye and one red whirring as it focused. "Any enhancements? Tech? Gear we should know about?"
"All organic." Hikaru spread his hands. "Does being part-angel count as enhancement?"
Cyborg let out a laugh. "Fair enough, man. What about communication? You got a phone at least?"
"Yeah, standard stuff. Nothing fancy."
"I'll get you a communicator." Cyborg tapped the device on his wrist. "Links to the Tower's systems, GPS, emergency beacon—the works."
Beast Boy bounced up from the sofa, green eyes bright with curiosity. "Can you shapeshift? Like, with the wings and stuff?"
"Just the wings." Hikaru grinned. "But I can fly circles around you as a bird."
"Dude, that sounds like a challenge!"
"Maybe it is."
Kid Flash zipped closer, slinging an arm around Beast Boy in a blur of yellow and red. "So you were solo in Japan? No team?"
Hikaru shrugged. "Yeah, other than some training sessions with Dr. Light."
Kid Flash's expression softened, though his grin remained. "Man, that sounds lonely."
"Had its perks." Hikaru gestured around at the assembled Titans. "But… this could be a nice change of pace."
Kid Flash's grin widened. "You're gonna fit in fine, dude."
Throughout the questioning, Raven had remained silent, watching from her corner. Now she spoke, her voice cutting through the casual atmosphere.
"You're an angel."
Hikaru couldn't resist the retort. "That's kind of you to say."
Raven's eyes narrowed, distinctly unamused.
"Okay, okay." Hikaru held up his hands in surrender. "Half, actually. The wings kind of give it away."
"You emit a strong divinity." Raven tilted her head, still studying him with that unnerving intensity. "More than I'd expect for someone our age."
"Good genes, I guess."
Raven's gaze lingered another moment, clearly weighing whether to press further. Finally, she settled back into her corner, apparently satisfied—or at least done questioning for now.
Donna shifted from her perch on the sofa's arm, her expression thoughtful. "Raven mentioned divinity. Divine parent?"
"Yeah." Hikaru kept his tone light, casual. "He's… got his own thing going on."
Understanding flickered across Donna's face. "Yeah. I get that. I've learnt from Diana that divine parents aren't exactly known for being responsible."
Hikaru laughed, genuine and surprised. "That's actually pretty accurate for my situation."
Donna smiled, warm and sympathetic. "I've learnt many stories growing up on Themyscira. Supernatural beings tend to have different definitions of family."
Hikaru nodded in understanding. "Makes sense."
Raven's hood shifted in silent agreement, though she didn't voice it.
Kid Flash broke the moment of shared understanding with characteristic enthusiasm. "Okay, but seriously, how fast ARE you?"
Robin straightened, his tactical mind clearly already moving to the next phase. "Good point. Training room. Let's see what you can do."