Shadows of Gotham: An Unlikely Alliance

Extra Chapter: Welcome to the Titans

The Batcave buzzed with activity as Damian prepared for the next step in his partnership with Wednesday Addams. Despite all the chaos in Gotham, Damian had been thinking about how useful it would be for Wednesday to meet a group that understood her darker sensibilities and who, like her, fought for a greater purpose.

After discussing it briefly with Dick, Damian had made the decision: it was time for Wednesday to meet the Teen Titans.

"You sure about this?" Dick Grayson, now operating as Nightwing, asked as they prepared to leave Wayne Manor.

Damian adjusted his uniform, checking his gear with his usual precision. "Of course. Wednesday fits in better with the Titans than anyone realizes."

Dick smirked, leaning casually against the Batmobile. "You realize the Titans are more about teamwork than solo heroics, right? Not sure Wednesday's used to playing on a team."

"She'll adapt," Damian replied confidently. "She has more than enough skill. Besides, she and I already work well together."

"Fair enough," Dick said, pushing off the car. "But remember, the Titans are a family, and they have their quirks. Just like her."

The flight to the Titans' base-located in the iconic T-shaped tower overlooking Jump City-was brief, and soon, Damian, Dick, and Wednesday were stepping into the sleek, high-tech interior of the headquarters. As they entered, Wednesday took in her surroundings, her expression as unreadable as ever.

"This place is... interesting," she remarked, her voice neutral.

"It's home," Damian said, looking ahead as they entered the Titans' main living area. The room was spacious and bright, a stark contrast to the gloom of Gotham. Large windows allowed natural light to pour in, and the furniture was modern and colorful-far different from the eerie elegance of Drake Manor.

"Get ready for the team," Damian added, almost as a warning. "They're... different."

As if on cue, the rest of the Teen Titans came into view.

The first to greet them was Beast Boy, who was mid-transformation as he approached-changing from a green cheetah back to his usual human form. His wide grin faltered only slightly as he saw Wednesday, sensing her serious demeanor.

"Yo, Damian! Who's your friend?" Beast Boy asked, his tone enthusiastic as usual.

"This is Wednesday Addams," Damian said, his voice formal. "She's here to meet the team."

Beast Boy's grin returned, though it was tinged with curiosity as he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Wednesday! I'm Beast Boy. You like animals?"

Wednesday glanced at his hand for a moment before shaking it. "I have a pet dismembered hand, if that counts."

Beast Boy blinked, unsure whether she was serious, but decided to roll with it. "Cool, cool."

Next to approach was Raven, who floated over with her usual calm, almost ethereal presence. Her dark hooded cloak and expressionless face immediately caught Wednesday's attention. For the first time since entering, Wednesday seemed to show a flicker of interest.

Raven studied Wednesday for a moment, her violet eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not like the others," she said, her voice low.

"Neither are you," Wednesday replied, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips.

Raven nodded approvingly. "I like her," she said simply before turning to Damian. "She's better company than Beast Boy."

"Hey!" Beast Boy protested.