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SM/DC Chapter 73 : Striking Back
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 23:10:30 +0000 UTCKara, sensing the tension radiating off Arthur, gently placed a hand on his, her grip firm but reassuring.
“Wait, It's the Titans.” she said softly, her voice calm but urging restraint.
Arthur’s glowing blue eyes flicked down at her before he exhaled through his nose. His stance relaxed just slightly.
“I know,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, I’m already acquainted with them.”
Across from them, Raven’s eyes slightly narrowed, her hood casting a shadow over her face as she silently observed the scene. But her attention wasn’t on the destruction. It wasn’t even on the conversation. No, what caught her eye was Arthur and Kara’s hands touching, the way she reached for him, the way he actually listened.
For a moment, something unreadable flickered across her expression before she schooled her features back into neutrality.
Meanwhile, the Titans surveyed the battlefield, taking in the cracked earth, the scorched buildings, and the lingering energy in the air.
Robin’s sharp eyes darted from one destroyed structure to the next before he muttered, “What the hell happened here?”
Arthur ignored him completely.
Cyborg frowned, his cybernetic eye scanning the area. “A flying object just flew past here not long ago.”
At that, Raven stepped closer to Arthur, her piercing violet eyes locking onto him.
“Who did you fight here?” she asked, her voice steady, inquisitive, but not prying.
Arthur opened his mouth, but before he could answer
“A clone.”
It was Kara who spoke, her voice quieter, strained. She lowered her gaze, her hands balling into fists.
“My… clone.”
A moment of silence stretched between them.
Beast Boy blinked, eyes wide. “Wait. You got cloned?”
Blue Beetle crossed his arms, muttering, “Okay, that’s definitely a bad thing.”
Cyborg, always the analyst, furrowed his brow, looking between Kara and Arthur. "So… she was strong, huh?”
Arthur scoffed. “Stronger than most.”
His gaze shifted toward Cyborg, eyes sharp. “Tell me, Cyborg… are you keeping your teammates in the dark about Cadmus clones, or do you not know either? Is the Justice League keeping secrets even from you?”
Cyborg exhaled heavily, his mechanical eye dimming slightly. “Man… It’s complicated.”
He turned to the Titans. “Look… Cadmus has been a problem for a some time now. The League has been keeping tabs on them, but it’s classified. Even I don’t have full clearance to share things with you guys. And if I don’t…” He gestured at the rest of the team, his meaning clear.
Robin stood silent.
Arthur smirked, eyes landing on him. “Of course, Batman’s sidekick already knew.”
Beast Boy made a face. “Dude, seriously? Not cool, man.”
Jaime crossed his arms. “Yeah, what the hell, Robin?”
Robin finally spoke, his voice level but firm. “Need-to-know basis.”
Arthur rolled his eyes. “Classic Bat response.”
Robin, arms crossed, as he spoke up again, “Where is she now, Arthur?”
Arthur’s gaze snapped back to him, and for a moment, there was something cold in his expression.
“You’re trespassing again,” Arthur said flatly, voice carrying the weight of finality. “You should leave. You’re a bit late to the party.”
Silence fell once more.
Robin clenched his jaw, about to respond, but Raven walked towards Arthur.
He turned to Raven, his expression shifting, quieter. “You were right. And I was stupid.”
Raven arched a brow, arms crossed. “About?”
Arthur sighed. “I was too careless. They didn’t just target me, they targeted my family. I don’t hide behind fake names like you guys. That makes me an easy target. If Galatea had been here to kill instead of… whatever that was, I would’ve been too late to do anything about it.”
Raven’s eyes darkened. “So, Galatea is the clone’s name…” She exhaled softly. “I can’t say I’m happy to be right, not when your family was hurt. But… I’m glad they’re okay.”
Arthur didn’t miss the way her gaze flickered toward Kara for a split second.
He smirked. “Well, I’m gonna strike back.”
Raven narrowed her eyes. “Do you even know where they are?”
Arthur’s smirk didn’t fade. “No.”
She studied him. “Why do I feel like you’re lying?”
Arthur just smiled. Kara did too.
Raven sighed, rubbing her temple. “Of course.”
Arthur stretched his arms. “Anyway, you guys would do us and the city a big favor if you cleaned up this mess. Especially you, Jaime your scarab should be more than useful here.”
Jaime’s eyes narrowed, fists clenching. “Oh, screw you, man.”
Arthur grinned mockingly. “Oh? Struck a nerve?”
Jaime took a step forward, but Cyborg held up a hand, stopping him.
Arthur just chuckled, turning to Kara. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close into an embrace. Kara blinked in surprise but didn’t resist, settling against him.
Before anyone could say another word, black tendrils curled around him and Kara, shadows creeping like living smoke dark mist coiled at his feet.
“See ya,” Arthur said. “Exchange”
And in an instant, they were gone.
Silence hung in the air for a moment. The Titans stared at the empty space they left behind.
Then
Beast Boy whistled. “Whew. Okay, I don’t know what’s wilder him vanishing into shadow and leaving this..thing behind or the way he just scooped Kara Zor-El up like that.”
Jaime scowled. “Who cares?”
Cyborg rubbed his temples. “That guy…”
But Beast Boy’s attention drifted elsewhere. His lips curled into a mischievous grin as he slowly turned to Raven.
“So, uh….” He nudged her lightly with his elbow. “You see that? ’Cause I saw that.”
Raven’s eyes narrowed. “Beast Boy.”
“I mean, I get it..Arthur’s got the whole dark and brooding thing going for him, but man, looks like Kara is stealing your..”
A surge of dark energy flared around Raven.
Beast Boy immediately backed up, hands raised. “I’ll shut up now.”
Jaime huffed. “Good..”
But Raven didn’t respond.
Because her fingers twitched slightly.
And she was still staring at the spot where Arthur had vanished.
Because the image of Arthur disappearing with Kara, his arm around her, his shadows swallowing them whole…
It lingered in her mind far longer than it should have.
And now, where Arthur had stood moments ago, a single shadow demon remained, its glowing eyes staring silently at the Titans.
Cyborg, who had been processing everything a little slower than the rest, suddenly froze. His mechanical eye flickered, and his expression twisted into pure confusion.
“Wait a damn minute…” His voice boomed, cutting through the lingering silence. His eyes darted back to where Arthur and Kara had just vanished, and then it hit him. Hard.
“That was ...KARA.”
Beast Boy blinked. “Uh, yeah and ?”
“No, no, no. What the hell is she doing here with Arthur?! She’s supposed to be at the Watchtower held by the Justice league, she wasn't supposed to leave!”
A beat of silence.
Beast Boy, ever the instigator, leaned in with a smirk. “Uh-oh. Sounds like someone’s about to get in trouble with the big guys upstairs.”
****
Gotham – Arthur’s Estate -
The swirling darkness of Arthur’s shadow exchange faded as he and Kara stepped into the grand halls of his estate. The gothic interior was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the polished floors. The scent of old books and faint embers from the fireplace lingered in the air.
Kara glanced around before turning to Arthur. “What about your family?”
Arthur exhaled, closing his eyes briefly before answering. “They’re safe.” He opened them, his gaze cold but assured. “Still in Jump City, but they’re in my brother’s tower, protected by two of my strongest shadows. If Cadmus tries something again, they’ll be the ones regretting it.”
Kara nodded, relieved, but before she could respond
A voice echoed from the darkness. Smooth. Amused.
“Indeed, it’s time.”
Arthur’s eyes sharpened instantly as he turned, his body tensing. From the shadows of the room, a figure emerged, relaxed, casual, but carrying an air of dangerous confidence.
Jason Todd.
Arthur’s brow twitched. “Jason? How the hell did you find this place?”
Jason, dressed in a leather jacket and jeans instead of his Red Hood armor, smirked. “You underestimate me, Blackwynd.” He stepped forward, hands in his pockets, his stance effortless. “I make it my business to know things.”
Before Arthur could respond, another voice, calm and sophisticated, interrupted them.
“Master Arthur, you have a guest…”
George, ever the composed butler, stepped into the room, his posture immaculate. His sharp gaze landed on Jason before flicking to Arthur for confirmation.
Arthur, not taking his eyes off Jason, simply raised a hand. “Yeah, George, I can see that.”
George’s lips pressed into a thin line before he glanced between them, then sighed lightly. “It appears I have been… deceived by our guest Jason here..”
Arthur smirked. “You wouldn’t be the first.”
George gave Jason a slow, assessing look. “I shall endeavor not to let it happen again.” With that, he gave a polite bow and retreated into the shadows of the house.
Jason watched him leave, then let out a low whistle. “Classy guy. Makes me wonder how you ended up so…” He gestured vaguely at Arthur. “You.”
Arthur rolled his eyes.
Kara, arms crossed, looked Jason over. “Redhood.”
Jason gave her a quick once-over and smirked. “Supergirl. Golden child of the League.” He tilted his head. “Didn’t think you are the type to hang around guys like Arthur.”
Kara raised a brow. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
Jason shrugged. “Come on, blondie. You’re all sunshine and hope. He’s, well…” He gestured at Arthur. “The brooding nightmare man. Bit of a contrast, don’t you think?”
Kara smirked. “And here I thought the Red Hood was supposed to be this big scary vigilante. Turns out you just like to run your mouth.”
Jason chuckled, looking at Arthur. “Okay, I see why you keep her around. She’s got some bite.”
Arthur sighed. “Jason, are you here to help or just to piss me off?”
Jason’s smirk faded slightly, his eyes hardening. “I’m here because I’ve got intel. If you’re serious about striking back at Cadmus… I have a way inside” His voice lowered. “You’re gonna need me.”
Arthur met Jason’s gaze, his mind already working through the possibilities. Then, with a smirk, he said, “Funny. I have a way inside as well.”
Jason’s grin widened, eyes glinting with intrigue. “Well then,” he said, crossing his arms. “Looks like we’re about to crash a Cadmus party.” He took a step closer, his tone turning serious. “We should make a plan. Right now.”
