“We are Gathered Here Today…”
Nightwing frowned as the communication bead in his ear buzzed. Below, he was watching a pair of crooks trying to break into a store. “Bad time,” he whispered. “I’m kind of busy.” “You’ve got a couple of minutes,” Oracle replied through the earpiece. “I can see everything through your mask camera. I’m surprised you’re still out what with the wedding tomorrow and all.” ”Easy answer for that,” Nightwing replied. “I wasn’t invited.” “Really?” Oracle asked, surprised. “I don’t know what’s going on.” Nightwing’s eyes narrowed as he saw the crooks coming out of the store. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” He dropped down toward them. Garfield Logan looked around and smiled. While he had slept the night before, workers had transformed part of the backyard of Vernon Questor’s mansion into a paradise. “What do you think?” Questor asked. “It’s perfect,” Gar said with a smile. “Everything’s going to go perfect today. I can feel it.” ”That would be a wonderful change,” Questor observed dryly. “Hopefully all of the shenanigans were taken care of during the bachelorette party incident.” ”Ah,” Gar said, rubbing the back of his neck. “You heard about that, I see.” “Indeed I did,” Questor said. He glanced at his watch. “You should be getting dressed,” he said. “The guests will begin arriving soon.” ”Right,” Gar said. He turned and headed for his dressing room, where his tuxedo waited. Kory Anders, Bette Kane, Karen Beecher, and Miriam Delgado were gathered around a mirror. Behind them, tailors fussed with their dresses. “It’s good to see you here,” Karen said to Miriam. “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to make it after what happened.*” (* Mirage was brutally attacked by Deathwing in Arsenal #6 – db) “Are you kidding?” Miriam asked. “I wouldn’t have missed today for the world. My best friend’s getting married.” “I can’t believe it either,” Bette added. “Seems like just yesterday that we started up the team again.” ”Yes,” Kory said. “That’s how it seems to me as well.” A faint smile crossed her face. “It seems like just yesterday that Donna was getting married.” “Well, Gar had a hand in planning that one, too,” Karen said as she turned around to inspect the back of her dress. “This one should be just as perfect as that one.” They all turned as a knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Miriam called. Brion Markov, Tara’s brother, stepped in. “Is it safe?” he asked. “It’s a good thing you didn’t ask if everyone was decent, because around here that’s debatable,” Bette said with a smile. “You should be able to go on in,” she said, motioning toward the inner door. “Thank you,” Brion said. He tapped on the door. After hearing a soft acknowledgement, he walked inside. Tara sat at a mirror doing her makeup. “Brion,” she said as she rose and embraced him, careful not to smear her makeup on his tuxedo. “Hello, little sister,” he said. He looked into her face for a moment. “You look just as lovely as mother did on the day she married our father. You truly look like a princess.” “Oh, Brion,” Tara said. “You’re going to make me cry and my makeup’ll run.” Brion smiled again. “Are you and Gar going to take me up on my offer?” ”I think so,” Tara said as she sat back down. At a motion from Brion, she began putting her makeup on again. “I’ve been wanting to get back to Markovia, and I’m not sure that Gar’s ever been. I think it’ll be a lovely spot for our honeymoon.” “Excellent,” Brion said. “I have already had the staff cleaning the guest wing.” ”Wing?” Tara asked. “Why did you give us an entire wing?” A sly smile crossed Brion’s face. “You are newlyweds, after all,” Brion said. He was laughing too hard to duck the pillow that Tara threw at his head. “You’re awful,” Tara said as she continued with her makeup. Outside, Roy Harper waved. Donna Troy walked over to him. “I’m surprised you beat me here,” she said. “I had to get Lian here to get dressed,” Roy said. “You look great.” ”Thanks,” Donna said. “So do you.” ”Where are you sitting?” Roy asked. Donna led him toward her seat. As they passed the gate, an usher was checking an invitation. “Mr. and Mrs. Wolfman. Are you with the bride or groom?” ”Groom,” the man replied. The usher took the arm of the man’s wife and they started down the aisle toward their seats. “So, are you ready?” Roy asked with a smile on his face. ”I think so,” Donna said. “I’m just nervous. I can’t believe it. I’ve faced down mad gods and not broken a sweat, and something this simple…” ”It’s okay,” Roy said as he put his arm around her. “Everybody gets nervous. Even I do, and I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve done it.” “I hope you’re right,” Donna said. Preparations were continuing in the men’s dressing room as well. Jason Parker stepped back and took a look at his handiwork. “There,” he judged. ”Thanks,” Paco said. He looked at himself in the mirror. “What freak invented bowties, anyway?” ”At least you’ve got it easier than I do,” Victor Stone said. “When Donna got married, I still had my old metal body. Try finding a tux to fit that!” ”As I recall, you did,” Mal Duncan said. “Yeah, but it wasn’t easy,” Vic countered. He turned as Gar walked out of the inner room, his tuxedo flawless. “How’s it goin, sprout?” Vic asked. Gar smiled nervously. “I think I’m ready,” he said. He took a deep breath. “Guys, thanks for doing this today.” Vic walked over and squeezed Gar tightly. “No problem,” he said. “Now let’s go get you hitched. I hear you’ve got a killer buffet set up for the reception and I’m hungry.” Laughter filled the room. Roy and Donna looked around. “I can’t believe everybody who’s here,” he whispered. “I know,” Donna said. “Scoot over, Wonder Chick,” someone said. Donna looked up into the smiling face of Wally West. His wife Linda and Garth stood behind him. Donna jumped up and hugged them all as Roy shook their hands. ”Wow,” Wally said. “This is the first time we’ve been together since the old Titans went under, isn’t it?” ”It feels good,” Roy said. “I wonder where Dick is,” Donna said. “Probably got something big going on back in Bludhaven,” Garth decided. “Oh, no,” Wally said. ”What’s wrong?” Linda asked as she leaned over. “I just spotted the Teen Titans.” ”So?” Wally took a deep breath before he continued. “Bart’s with them.” Roy sat back, a wide smile on his face. “Looks like this could get really interesting.” Bart Allen, Tim Drake, Connor Kent, Seren, Cissie King-Jones, and Grant Emerson crowded onto one row of chairs. Cissie and Seren talked softly as Grant looked around. Kyle seemed bored with the whole thing. Bart was bored with the whole thing. “So can I –“ Bart started. “No,” Tim said firmly. “That was part of the deal, remember? You behave and you can come.” ”All right,” Bart said. “But what about –“ ”No,” Tim said, already feeling a long day ahead. Gar took a deep breath and was preparing to go outside when a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned and saw Mark Dayton, his stepbrother who had the mind of his adoptive father, Steve Dayton. “Gar,” Dayton began, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m proud of you.” Tears filled his eyes as he continued. “And I know that Rita would have been, too.” ”Dad,” Gar said as they embraced briefly. “Thanks.” Dayton wiped his eyes and nodded at the door. “Now let’s get you married before I lose control.” Gar, Vic, Mal, Jason, and Paco lined up at the front of the group. Bette’s nephew Brandon stood beside them, holding the rings on a satin pillow. Reverend Shane Caudise, an old friend of the family, stood at the front. ”How’re you doing?” the reverend asked. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” Gar whispered back. He felt Vic elbowing him in the ribs. “Take a look at that, sprout,” Vic whispered. Gar looked back the aisle just as the harp player began playing the traditional song and everyone stood. His eyes began to water as he saw Lian walking toward him, scattering flower petals. Behind her were Bette, Kory, and Karen. Behind them was Tara. She looked incredible in her long flowing white gown. Brion walked beside her down the aisle. “She looks incredible,” Gar whispered with a cracking voice. Vic’s hand patted him on the shoulder. “I know,” he whispered back. “Just don’t go losin’ it now.” Gar nodded as Tara stopped a few steps away. The reverend opened his Bible and began. “Dearly beloved,” he said, “we are gathered here today to join Garfield and Tara in the holy bands of matrimony.” The minister kept speaking, but Gar was too busy fighting the butterflies in his stomach to listen. He took a deep breath and fought to focus on what was being said. “Who is bringing Tara to be joined in holy matrimony to Garfield?” the reverend asked. “I am,” Brion replied. “And who is bringing Garfield to be joined in holy matrimony to Tara?” “I am,” Dayton replied. “Who’s that?” Donna whispered. ”No idea,” Roy shrugged. ”Mark Dayton,” Leonid Kovar whispered from behind them. “He is Steve Dayton’s son and now has Dayton’s mind. It is a long story.” Brion gave Tara’s hand to Gar. They smiled at each other through her veil. “Hi,” Gar whispered. “Hi,” she whispered back. They turned to face the reverend, who was facing Gar. “Do you, Garfield, take this woman to be your true and wedded wife, and do you solemnly promise to love, cherish, honor, and protect her, for as long as you both shall live?” ”I do,” Gar replied. “And do you, Tara, take this man to be your true and wedded husband, and do you solemnly promise to love, cherish, honor, and protect him, for as long as you both shall live?” “I do,” Tara said. Donna fished through her purse for a Kleenex. “I knew this was going to happen,” she said. “Always happens at weddings.” She handed it to Roy. “Here you go.” “Thanks,” he said as he discreetly wiped his eyes. “Now wring this out on Gillhead so he can stay out of water for another hour.” Gar was speaking now, repeating after the reverend. “I, Garfield, take thee, Tara, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” “Give that back,” Donna sniffled. “Now I need it.” ”Here,” Linda said as she passed a new one down the aisle. “I made sure and brought extra.” Now Tara was repeating her vow. “I, Tara, take thee, Garfield, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” The reverend turned back to Gar. “Garfield, what pledge do you give to Tara?” ”A ring,” Gar replied. “And do you give this ring to Tara as a sign and seal of the endless affection with which you will cherish her, and the unbroken fidelity with which you will perform to her the vows of a husband?” ”I do,” Gar replied. “As you place this ring on Tara’s finger, please repeat after me.” ”With this ring, I thee wed,” Gar said as he took the ring from Brandon and slipped it onto Tara’s finger. Beside Gar, Jason suddenly tensed. There was something about that little boy. Something about his look… “Tara, what pledge do you give Garfield?” ”A ring,” Tara replied. “And do you give this ring to Garfield as a sign and seal of the endless affection with which you will cherish him, and the unbroken fidelity with which you will perform to him the vows of a wife?” “I do,” Tara answered. “Tara, as you place this ring on Garfield’s finger, please repeat after me.” ”With this ring, I thee wed,” Tara said as she slipped the ring onto Gar’s finger. The reverend looked at both of them. “In consideration of these solemn and sacred pledges, I am authorized by the laws of the state of California in your marriage license and by the laws of God in His holy word, to pronounce you man and wife. As I do this, let me remind you that you henceforth are one; one in interest, one in reputation, and above all else one in affection. What God hath joined together, let no man part asunder.” The reverend paused and smiled. “You may kiss the bride.” Gar gently raised Tara’s veil and wasted no time in following those directions as everyone began to applaud. “May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Logan,” the reverend called. Later, at the reception, Gar and Tara danced their first dance. “I am so glad that’s over,” Tara said. “I don’t think my knees stopped knocking through the entire thing.” “You said it,” Gar said. “I just kept waiting for the Brotherhood of Evil or Brother Blood to blow through the wall.” Just then a hand lightly tapped Gar on the shoulder. He turned to see Mark Dayton standing there. ”You guys need to come with me for a second,” he said. “Here we go,” Gar said. The three quickly made their way into the house. “Donna?” one of the photographers asked as he approached. “Is that you?” ”Nick!” Donna said with a smile as she recognized the older man. “It’s been a long time!” “Too long,” he agreed. “Roy? Is that you, too?” ”Sure is,” Roy said with a smile as he shook the older man’s hand. “Wally and Garth are over here, too.” ”Where’s Dick? I’m surprised he’s not here.” ”So are we,” Donna said. “Well, get those two over here. I’ve got to get a picture of the four of you.” Wally, Roy, Donna, and Garth quickly lined up for a picture with their arms over each other’s shoulders. With a wide smile, he snapped a picture. With hugs and handshaking, the four original Titans moved into the crowd. The photographer moved back to his partner, who was snapping a photo of a smiling Kory Anders. “They’ve always been good kids, haven’t they, George?” he asked. “You said it,” George said. “Good to see them all doing so well.” “We’re here,” Dayton called as the three of them stepped inside an empty office in the mansion. “Excellent,” a familiar voice said. “I could not have kept the portal open much longer,” Raven explained as she appeared. “Raven!” Gar exclaimed. “It’s good to see you.” ”And you,” Raven said as a smile toyed with the idea of crossing her lips. “The tradition says that guests should bring a gift, so I have brought one that I know you have missed.” A glowing portal enlarged behind Raven and a woman stepped out. She was wearing white gloves and boots along with a red minidress. “Hello, Gar. Hello, Steve,” she said. “Rita,” Dayton gasped as tears began running down his cheeks. The two of them ran to Rita Farr and embraced her. “It was really nice, wasn’t it?” Bette Kane asked. She was leaning in for a glass of punch beside Jason Parker. “Yeah, it was,” Jason said. He paused a moment, “Was that little boy your nephew?” he asked. “Yeah,” Bette said. Her hand trembled a tiny bit as she took a drink of punch. “He was so perfect.” ”Yeah,” Jason said. “I just … There was something about his face. It looked… familiar.” ”I don’t know where from,” Bette said. She quickly turned and headed back into the crowd. Jason’s face went white as he realized who the face looked like. “Charley?” he whispered. Gar and Tara were walking out of the office. Dayton had stayed for a few more moments with his wife. Lilith appeared and approached them. “Lilith!” Tara said. “It’s good to see you.” “I’ve been looking for you both,” Lilith said. “There’s someone here who wants to see you.” She turned and Cody Driscoll appeared in a dark doorway. “Hello, Gar,” he said as he stepped forward. “I… I…” He grabbed Gar in a fierce hug. “I’m so sorry,” he sobbed. “I don’t know what… I…” He finally gave up speaking and just cried. “He’s making great improvements,” Lilith said. “I believe that we are nearing the point where we can completely undo the damage that Provoke did to his mind.” Despite himself, Gar found himself patting Cody on the back. Cody finally released him. “Cody, we have to go,” Lilith said. “You knew we couldn’t stay long.” ”Wait,” Cody said. He turned back to Gar. “Do you think that… Well, maybe when Lilith says I’m better…” He took a deep breath. “Could I be a Titan again?” ”We’ll see,” Gar said. “We’ll have to see what Lilith says.” Despite the tears, a smile crossed Cody’s face as he and Lilith vanished. Gar took Tara’s hand and the two continued walking back toward the reception. “Before we leave,” he said, “I’d like to get together with the team so we can get everything laid out before we head to Europe.” “That’d be good,” Tara said. “We can get that taken care of, and then you’re all mine.” As they reemerged onto the dance floor, the MC, a skinny guy who went by the name of D.J.J.D., had just taken the microphone. ”We’ve got a special treat for you all today,” he announced. “We’ve got an old group that’s gotten back together to do a number or two. With special guest singer Donna Troy, I give you, Great Frog!” The crowd burst into applause. Donna stepped to the microphone as the guitarists began playing. With a deep almost-otherworldly tone to her voice, she sang “Across the Universe.” As she sang, couples slowly made their way onto the dance floor. “This is so perfect,” Tara said. “I never want today to end.” ”Me neither,” Gar said. A young man walked out of the bushes where he’d just landed moments before. He looked around and finally spotted someone he recognized at the buffet. He hurried over. “Bart!” he called. Bart Allen turned around. A huge grin crossed his face as he recognized who’d called his name. “CM3!” he said. “It’s great that you’re here too! Listen, Robin and Superboy and Arrowette and some of the others are here! I’ll go get them and-“ ”That’s all right,” CM3 said. “Listen, Bart, I need to find Changeling. You see him anywhere?” ”There’s out there dancing to some old slow song,” Bart said. “Hasn’t anybody ever heard of fun music yet?” ”Great. Thanks,” CM3 said before he blended into the crowd. Bart just shrugged and started grabbing cocktail weenies. He’d just thought of a great joke to play on Robin. On the stage, Great Frog had shifted into “And Your Bird Can Sing.” Donna made sure to point at Gar when she sang the line “and your bird is green.” Everybody laughed. Dagon scowled as he perched in a tree. He started to turn when he heard someone behind him. “Looks like they’re having fun, doesn’t it?” Nightwing asked. “Not my style,” Dagon said. “Why don’t you go down there?” ”Simple,” Nightwing replied. “I wasn’t invited. I just wanted to make sure that everything goes smoothly today. They deserve it.” Dagon blinked and Nightwing was gone. Gar and Tara stood behind the buffet table. Most of the casual guests had gone, leaving an assortment of Titans. Gar smiled as he looked out at everyone who’d come. Roy. Donna. Garth. Wally. Mal and Karen. Bette. Kory. Vic. Miriam. Leonid. Tim. Bart. Connor. Seren. Grant. Cissie. Jason. Dagon. Paco. “You know,” he started, “I remember the first time I met the original Teen Titans. I was still hanging out with the old Doom Patrol and we got to catch a thief together. That was just the five of us. Now I look around and I can’t believe everyone who’s here.” He took a deep breath before he continued. “We’ve all become one big family. I just think about those of us who’re here, and those of us who couldn’t be. There’s really only one toast to make here.” He raised his glass, followed by the others. “To the Titans. Past, present, and future.” Everyone drank. Later that night, the Teen Titans were leaving. “I can’t believe we only got Coke,” Connor was complaining. “They’ve all got booze. Why can’t we have some?” ”We’ve gone over this,” Tim said, rubbing his forehead. “Guess who I saw!” Bart said. “Who?” Tim asked. Bart paused a moment. “I forgot. But it was really good to see them!” Around a table in a meeting room, the Titans West had assembled. “Well, Tara and I wanted to get this over with before we leave,” Gar said. “First off, let me introduce you all to Captain Marvel Junior. CM3’s decided to join up with us, especially since we’d be short on power otherwise.” ”What do you mean?” Paco asked. “We’ve got one superstrong guy. How much power do we need?” ”Sonya and I are returning to Russia tonight,” Leonid said. “Seeing the People’s Heroes here made us realize that something is very wrong back there. I have enjoyed being with you all, but Russia is my home and she needs me.” ”We understand,” Gar said. “You know that you’ll always be welcome.” “Thank you,” Leonid said. “Which brings us to me,” Bette said. “I got an invitation to play at Wimbledon. I don’t have to go out on the tour for as long because of how well I did against Serena Williams a few weeks ago. I’ve always wanted to play there, and this is the first opportunity I’ve ever gotten. I will be back, but I want to do that.” ”Which brings up the question of leadership,” Gar said. “Bette and I have discussed this and we’ve decided that the temporary leader should be… Karen.” ”Me?” Karen asked. “But I…” ”Don’t worry about it,” Gar said. “Once Bette gets back, she’ll take over. I’ll take over once I’m back. It’s not permanent.” ”Don’t worry,” Mal whispered in her ear. “Just push back your announcement and go with it.” ”All right,” Karen said. “But I’m still not sure about this.” “You’ll do great,” Gar said. He glanced at his watch. “Well, Tara and I have a Questcorp jet waiting on us at the airport. You guys take care of each other and we’ll see you when we get back.” Gar and Tara thanked everyone for being there and left. Bette soon followed with Leonid and Sonya. Karen looked around the table. CM3. Vibe. Mal. Dagon. Golden Eagle. They were the Titans West. 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