The Apprentice

Stained Reputation

The cafeteria is smaller than Robin expects, only seating about thirty students at four tables. The tables are sparsely filled, some with what are now familiar faces, and some not. He suspects then that the building has several floors identical to this one, housing groups of students of different skill levels.

The H.I.V.E. academy truly lives up to its namesake. The lack of windows is more noticeable without the skylight, and Robin feels a shuddering sense of claustrophobia at the thought of moving down poorly lit hallways into identical sunless cells. He adjusts his grip on his tray, shoving the imagery aside, and steps tentatively forward.

The table at the back seats three of the largest students, two looking human while the third seems to be an alien in a mech suit. At the table to his right, Windstorm, XL Terrestrial, Angel, and another hero— villain, he must keep reminding himself— are engaged in quiet conversation. Robin does a double-take at the sight of the fourth student's costume. It is strikingly similar to Batman's suit, down to the serrated trim of his cape, and the pointed ears, gloves and boots.

"Uncanny." He mutters to himself, disbelieving. It definitely doesn't help with Robin's struggle to separate the villains from the heroes in his mind. After all, everyone so far has been acting so... normal.

Well, most of them.

Robin's gaze shifts to Windstorm, whose blue eyes instantly flick up to meet his, piercing him in a way that leaves Robin feeling strangely exposed. Windstorm flashes him that same knowing smile, all warmth and teeth. It sets Robin on edge, his grip tightening around his tray. He shoots back a glare that hopefully reads as What is your deal?

"Robby, hey!" Billy Numerous shouts to his left, calling him over with an enthusiastic wave. Robin turns towards the sound, but keeps his eyes on Windstorm until the last possible moment.

"Pull up a chair, buddy!" Billy insists, and Robin disengages, finally walking towards the table on his left. Billy is sitting in front of the H.I.V.E agents Robin is used to: Jinx, Mammoth, and Gismo, as well as the one he'd met at the bank. He takes a moment to remember the name they'd called him— See-more. The cyclops smiles, something shy and real, and Robin returns it.

"Ugh, did you have to invite barf brain?" Gismo whines, driving his fork into his mashed potatoes.

"I figured we get to know each other," Billy reasons diplomatically, wagging his own fork for emphasis. "I heard new students need all the help you top grads can give."

Robin turns to Gismo, eyes wide.

"You're the academy's top graduates?" He blurts, and Gismo blows him a raspberry.

"Duh! Who else?" Gismo protests, and Robin levels him with a flat look. He gestures to the far table, where the students with the biggest builds are comparing the mountains of food on their plates.

"I don't know, maybe the guy dressed in yellow with the big 'H' on his chest?" Robin points out, incredulous. Jinx rolls her eyes.

"You mean Private H.I.V.E." She drawls, crossing her arms. "He's good, but he's not a team player. As for the costume, I think he's related to one of the founders or something."

"He's a real butt kisser." Gismo snickers, digging a hole into his potatoes.

"Hey..." Mammoth growls, leaning back to get a better look at the table. His nostrils flare, and he throws his chair back. "They got seconds!" He roars, and stomps off to confront the group. Jinx and Gismo cringe, but stay put, clearly used to his antics.

"Not again..." Jinx sighs, uncrossing one arm to rub at her temple. "I swear they don't feed him enough."

Robin sits back, still reeling at the revelation. "Top graduates, huh?" He can't help a barb, smirking. "If you're the best H.I.V.E has to offer, then the Titans have nothing to worry about."