The common room was occupied—Cyborg and Terra were playing video games while Beast Boy provided color commentary, Robin was reading on the couch, and Starfire was practicing cooking with Donna in the kitchen.
Everyone looked up as Hikaru and Raven emerged from the shadow portal.
"Whoa, dude!" Beast Boy bounced to his feet. "What happened to you?"
Hikaru glanced down at his shirt, now sporting multiple bullet holes though his skin beneath remained intact. "We got jumped by cultists."
"Cultists?" Robin was already moving, his expression shifting to pure focus. "What kind of cultists?"
"The Church of Blood." Raven's voice was tight and controlled, but Hikaru could sense the tension beneath it. "They tried to kidnap me. They want me for some kind of ceremony involving Trigon."
The room went silent.
Starfire's eyes widened with concern. "Friend Raven, are you harmed?"
"I'm fine. Hikaru..." Raven hesitated. "He took most of the hits."
"Because I'm bulletproof," Hikaru added quickly as Starfire rushed toward him. "I'm okay, Kory."
Cyborg had already pulled up the Tower's main computer, his fingers flying across the interface. "Church of Blood... searching databases now."
"They knew her real name," Hikaru said, moving to join him. "And they specifically mentioned needing Raven for something related to her father."
Robin's jaw tightened. "How many?"
"Twelve that we saw," Raven said. "Possibly more in the surrounding buildings. They were armed—guns, mostly—but they didn't fight like trained soldiers. More like zealots."
"Because that's what they are." Cyborg's expression had gone grim as information flooded his screens. "Church of Blood—international cult operating for centuries. Each generation led by someone called Brother Blood, serving as high priest. They worship..."
"Trigon," Raven finished quietly. "Of course they do."
Donna had set her book aside, her warrior's instincts clearly engaged. "What's their goal?"
"Greater power, apparently." Cyborg scrolled through files. "They maintain a public image of charity work and community outreach, but there's been reports of disappearances, mind control, ritual sacrifices—all the cult greatest hits."
"They've been recruiting in Jump City," Robin said, his detective mind already working. "I've seen their flyers downtown. Thought they were just another wellness group."
"Perfect cover," Hikaru muttered. "Hide behind good PR while planning demonic summonings."
Terra had gone very quiet, her hands gripping her controller tightly. "They can really summon demons? Like, actually?"
"If they have the right components." Raven's voice was hollow. "And apparently, they think I'm a crucial one."
Starfire moved to Raven's side, her presence warm and supportive. "We will not permit them to take you, friend. You are our sister."
"Damn right." Beast Boy's usual joking tone had vanished, replaced by fierce loyalty. "Nobody messes with our team."
Hikaru smiled at the immediate, unified response. This was why he liked being on this team.
"We need to go after them first," Robin said, and Hikaru heard the tactical mind clicking into place. "They know where Raven goes to school now. They'll try again, probably with more preparation."
"Agreed." Donna stood, her Amazon training evident in her posture. "We eliminate the threat before they can coordinate another attempt."
Cyborg's fingers continued dancing across the keyboard. "I'm cross-referencing their known properties in Jump City with recent utility usage, building permits, anything that might indicate where they're operating from."
"They mentioned a Master," Raven said quietly. "And Brother Blood specifically. If we can find him—"
"We cut off the head," Robin finished. "Without their leader, the organization falls apart."
"Found something." Cyborg pulled up a map, highlighting a warehouse district near the industrial sector. "Registered to a wellness retreat called Serenity House. Public records show it as a meditation center, but utility usage is way too high for the listed occupancy. And check this out—building modifications filed six months ago, including reinforced basement construction."
"That's where they're hiding," Hikaru said with certainty. "Has to be."
Robin studied the map, his analytical mind already formulating strategy. "If they're using mind control like the reports suggest, we need to be careful. We're not fighting enemies—we're fighting victims."
"Restrained force only," Donna agreed. "Disable, don't destroy."
"What about this Brother Blood guy?" Beast Boy asked. "Is he mind controlled too?"
"Unlikely." Raven's expression had hardened, her fear transforming into something sharper. "He's the one doing the controlling. But that also means he's the most dangerous."
Hikaru thought about what he knew about Brother Blood—centuries of Brother Bloods, each one killed by their successor. This iteration would be experienced, intelligent, and absolutely dedicated to his cause.
"We'll need a coordinated approach," Robin said, already planning. "Multiple entry points, teams of two to cover more ground quickly. Cyborg, can you get us building schematics?"
"Already on it." Cyborg's mechanical eye glowed as he interfaced directly with the Tower's systems. "Pulling city records now."
"I'm coming," Raven said firmly when Robin glanced at her. "They want me specifically. I need to be there to shut this down."
"Agreed. But you're not going alone." Robin looked around at the assembled team. "Raven and Hikaru—you two work well together, and Hikaru's durability makes him ideal for protecting you if things go sideways."
Hikaru nodded. "Works for me."
Starfire moved to his side, her concern evident despite her warrior's composure. "You are certain you are unharmed?"
"They're just bullets," Hikaru assured her, catching her hand. "You leave bigger bruises when we spar."
She studied his face, then smiled. "Then we will end this threat together."
Robin continued dividing assignments. "Donna and Starfire, you two will breach from the north. Your flight gives you tactical advantage. Cyborg and I will take the main entrance. Beast Boy, Kid Flash, Terra—you three are our wild cards. Stay mobile, adapt to whatever we find."
"What's the play if we encounter mind-controlled cultists?" Kid Flash asked, his usual humor subdued by the situation's gravity.
"Knock them out, tie them up, move on," Robin said bluntly. "We're here for Brother Blood. Everyone else is just an obstacle."
"Building schematics are up." Cyborg displayed the warehouse layout across multiple screens. "Two floors above ground, extensive basement network. Multiple exits—they've definitely prepared for a raid."
"Then we need to move fast," Donna said. "Before they can evacuate their leadership."
Robin checked his utility belt, ensuring everything was in place. "Gear up. We leave in fifteen minutes."