Ten Years Later – Gotham City
Sweat dripped from my forehead as I drove my fists into the Olympic grade punching bag again and again. Each strike echoed through the gym, thudding like a war drum. My wrapped knuckles didn't stop for a second each hit was continuous.
My hoodie and sweatpants were soaked through. Weighted vest strapped tight ankle and arm weights underneath felt unconfutable but Ignored it. My elevation mask restricting my breathing made me feel so hot but I kept pushing making sure to control everything from my tempo, power, speed and breathing without stopping and then I heard it.
The whistle blew.
" That's fifteen straight minutes," Coach said. "Nice work, Kid. a new record for you." I stepped back, gasping through the mask. With deliberate slowness, I stripped off the vest and hoodie. The weight hit the floor with a heavy thud, drawing startled glances from across the gym.
My body was sweaty with veins popping out all over my body and muscles relaxed as they breathed fresh air feeling relieve from the high intense training. I looked in the mirror seeing my tall lean muscular frame I looked like a slightly smaller version of my father with no mustache (Thank good).
Ted Grant (Wildcat) approached. "That was good work you put in kid, your control is coming along I can tell you don't rely on your powers when training which is good for the basics" I smirk saying "thanks coach" while putting on a compression shirt. Ted handed me gloves saying "its time for a quick sparring session and your done for the day".
I changed into dryer spare gym clothes and got into my stance. the bell range and we begun.
The punch came at my face faster than any normal human could throw, but I wasn't exactly normal. I weaved to the side, letting the fist whistle past my ear, then countered with a quick jab to Ted's midsection, I pulled at the last moment so I wouldn't break a rib. My fist still landed with a solid thwack.
"Oof!" Ted staggered back, momentarily winded. The older man's grizzled face broke into a proud grin. "Nice one, kid. You've been holdin' out on me." He straightened, rolling his broad shoulders. Even in his late fifties, Ted was built like a brick wall and moved like a panther. He had insisted on a full-contact sparring session again today, and he never really took it easy on me, despite calling me "kid".
I couldn't help but grin back, sucking in a deep breath of the gym air. "Didn't want to dent your ego, old man," I replied, throwing a bit of banter. My tone was light, but inside I was buzzing some from the workout adrenaline, the other part ever-present hum of power in my veins. At nineteen, I finally understood what mom meant about my heritage.
The Amazon physiology gave me endurance, strength and reflexes beyond normal humans. Ted barked a laugh and raised his gloved hands. "Ego? Son, I've been knocked down by Bigger and scary guys in my day. My ego can take a few love taps from you." He beckoned. "Hands up. We ain't done yet."
I raised my guard again, feet shifting on the ring we circled each other. Ted's eyes were sharp behind the headgear, looking for an opening. I kept my movements measured. This training was about for control and skill power last since it's me.
I had to constantly check my strength. One slip and I could seriously hurt Ted, which I'd never forgive myself for. He new my story but not all of it just that I'm a little special and that the big heads in the League like Batman and Wonder Woman wanted me to learn discipline from an old pro and a eye kept on me. Funny part was I was gonna come here whether they said something or not.
He threw a left hook. I deflected with my forearm, the impact reverberating but hardly painful. Ted grunted; he felt that difference. He knew I wasn't normal, but we had an unspoken agreement not to address it directly. With a quick shuffle, I saw an opening in his guard. I dipped and sent a light uppercut that popped his headgear half off and sent him stepping back.
"Time!" Ted panted, holding up a hand and ripping off the loosened headgear. Sweat matted his salt-and-pepper hair. "Jesus, kid. Remind me never to piss you off." I relaxed and gave a lopsided smile. "You're doing great. Last year I wouldn't have gotten that punch in at all." That was true Ted's skills were incredible, and only my Amazonian attributes let me keep up and gradually overtake him.
He smirked and gestured for us to exit the ring. "C'mon. Let's call it here. I need water, and you probably don't even need to catch your breath, do ya, you lucky bastard."
We ducked under the ropes and hopped down. I grabbed a towel and tossed one to Ted. As he lumbered off to the cooler for water, I wiped my face and arms. My reflection in the wall mirror caught my eye—a tall young man with brown skin, short-cropped black hair.
"You're taller again," he muttered. pulling out measure tap "You were six foot even 3 years ago , now your 6'3."" I smiled saying you are still taller then me Coach. Ted smiled "well I guess that's the one thing I got over you kid".
I looked back at the mirror seeing myself now that I'm 19 years old as of last month. There was a faint scar on my chest from a close call 5 years ago during the battle at Titans Tower. The thought of that day made me pause, I clench the towel in my hand. That day I could still hear the screams, see the rubble and blood.
"Yo, kid , you okay?" Ted's gruff voice shook me from the memories. I realized I was standing stock-still, staring at myself with what must've been a haunted expression. I forced a breath and nodded, slinging the towel over my shoulder.
"Yeah. Just breathing," I said, trying to sound casual. "Thinking about the past?" He said. Ted walked over and offered me a cold bottle of water. I took it gratefully. He gave me a knowing look. You never did tell me everything but I wont push you to open up just don't bottle it up kid."
I twisted the cap off and took a long drink, using the moment to collect myself. Ted was referring to the incident five years ago. The world didn't know what officially happened only the after math. I saw some of the horrors first hand. A Pile of bodies at Titans Tower and one of the Justice League satellite falling from the sky literally into the ocean causing earthquakes and floods all over the world and my parents disappeared and no one will tell me what happened to them.
Last time I remember being with them was 5 years ago I was at home with my parents talking about the training and recruitment the Titans offered me. Robin(Dick Grayson) and his new teen hero group called the Teen Titans. They were close to my age gathering side kicks and powered teens giving them a home and training. But nothing could have prepared me for the carnage I saw that day.
After the League watchtower satellite fell I was stuck watching two heroes tear each other apart. The shockwaves of their punches shattered every window for miles. Omni-Man's costume was in tatters and Superman had some bruises and a bloody nose but neither would fall and then Invincible came.
Kid?" Ted pressed gently, drawing me back again. I realized my hands had crushed the plastic water bottle, water dripping onto the floor. I set it aside with a sigh. "Sorry. I guess… some things stick with you." Ted put a hand on my shoulder, and his typically tough demeanor softened. "You don't have to tell me more. Just remember, whatever happened, you're still standing'. You did right by people."
I managed a small smile. "Thanks, Ted." He didn't know the half of it, but this was enough.
I gently shook off Ted's hand and gave him a more convincing smile. "I'm good. Really." My eyes drifted to the clock on the wall. Late afternoon. "Actually, I think that's enough for today. I've gotta clean up and head home." I gave him a tight smile. "It's fine. Thanks for the training."
Before he could reply, the gym doors swung open. two familiar face came in wearing their civilian clothes with duffle bags. Barbara Gordon, and Kate Kane, or Batgirl and Batwoman, and their eyes locked on me.