Titans: Chasing Mayhem

Road Trip

The Titans were in high spirits at the bowling alley. It was a welcome contrast to the intensity of Gotham City less than a week earlier when they fought not only Scarecrow but one of their own, Red Hood. Neon lights flickered overhead, reflecting off the polished floors as the sound of pins crashing and laughter echoed throughout the room. Gar, ever the showman, was spinning and twisting like he was in a music video, launching the ball with wild enthusiasm, only for it to veer into the gutter.
"Nice one, Gar," Rachel teased, sipping her soda from her seat as Gar rolled a gutter.
"You guys are way too serious about this," Tim, watching from the sidelines, raised an eyebrow.
"You're just mad 'cause you can't bowl," Gar laughed, tossing a playful glance at Tim. Tim frowned, narrowing his eyes.
"Watch and learn." Tim grabbed a ball with confident flair, but as soon as he released it, it veered off course—far off course—and collided with the bumpers before lazily rolling into the gutter. The group erupted in laughter.
"Not exactly what I had in mind, Tim," Gar teased, still chuckling.
"I... I meant to do that. Just testing out the lane dynamics. Let's see what happens next." Tim gritted his teeth and ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, right, Tim. If you wanted to test something, you should've tested whether you can aim." Rachel snorted, causing Dick to chuckle from his seat.
"You just need a little more... practice," Dick smirked. Kori, sitting nearby and drinking a milkshake, was trying not to laugh too hard.
"Maybe a little less confidence and a little more aim next time, Tim." She gave him a playful wink. Tim rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling.
"Whatever. I'll get it on the next round." Just then, Dick's phone buzzed. He pulled it out to check the screen: Bruce Wayne. He stepped away from the group to answer it, a little of the lighthearted atmosphere evaporating as he focused on the call.

"Dick," Bruce's voice was clipped and direct as always. "I've just spoken with Superman. He wants to meet Connor."
"Superman? Why suddenly now," Dick asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He wants to help Connor. Superman believes that he could help him understand his Kryptonian side better. It's an opportunity for him to learn more about who he is." Bruce's tone softened slightly. Dick glanced at the group. Connor was standing by the lane, holding his ball and talking with Rachel. He seemed... well, like he was part of the team. Like he belonged. Dick nodded, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice.
"Alright. We're heading to Metropolis then."
"I know, this is important for Connor. He deserves a chance to know more about himself. I need you to get him there, Dick," Bruce insisted. Dick exhaled slowly.
"Understood. We'll leave tomorrow morning."
"Keep me posted. Tomorrow at Star Labs, apparently they also have a few surprises in store," Bruce replied before hanging up.
Dick stood there for a moment, letting the news sink in. This was good. He knew it was a good thing for Connor, but the sudden shift in plans was always a little... unsettling.

When he walked back inside, he was met by the sight of Gar and Rachel— laughing at something— while Kori was making her way toward him. Tim had already grabbed another ball and was ready for another round.
"Everything okay?" Kori asked, noticing his distant expression.
"Yeah, we've got a detour," Dick said with a sigh, the weight of the decision already making itself known. "We're heading to Metropolis tomorrow. Superman wants to meet Connor."
"Wait—Superman? He wants to meet me?" Connor's eyes lit up.
"Yeah. He said you needed flying lessons," Dick smirked.
"Really," Connor asked, excitement creeping into his voice.
"I'm messing," Dick chuckled, but he does want to meet you. And apparently, Star Labs went into overdrive when they heard we might be visiting."

"Welcome to Star Labs," a cheery young man greeted them, with a young blonde trailing behind him. "I'm Bernard, and this is Cassandra," the young man introduced himself.
"Hi," Cassandra waved excitedly behind Bernard.
"Hey," Tim grinned and waved back, looking around the impressive building.
"We had short notice but we're very excited for your arrival. We also have a few showcases planned for you all. Cassandra can take you," Bernard nodded toward Rachel, Kori, Tim, and Gar. "If you don't mind," Bernard took Dick and Connor aside, handing Connor a letter. "Superman gives his deepest apologies, but he was unable to make it, however, he did give me this to give to you." Bernard took a step back so Connor could read it.
"It says he had to go off-world," Connor muttered, as he skimmed through the letter. "But he wants to meet me when he gets back," he looked up at Dick.
"I'm sorry man," Dick sighed, putting a comforting hand on Connor's shoulder.
"It's alright, next time," Connor nodded.
Bernard waved awkwardly, "Uh if you don't mind, there is something Superman did want me to show you." He led the others to a control room where several Star Labs employees were working. "If you'll take these," Bernard gave each of them a square-framed pair of glasses. Dick had to pause for a moment as he saw Connor put on his glasses, the resemblance uncanny to that of his father from which he was cloned.
"What," Connor chuckled, pulling down the glasses.
"Nothing, uh. You look like him," Dick grinned.
"Glasses, please," Bernard reminded. They put on their glasses to see planets emerge before their eyes in a 3D solar system. "Right about there," Bernard pointed to an orange light moving past the planets.
"Comet," Connor asked as they watched the movement.
"Superman," Bernard grinned.