FAULT LINES ━━ titans [REWRITING]

TWENTY FIVE.

"So just to let you all know," Donna announced, walking backwards in front of the trio, "if we don't go on the Ferris wheel next I will ditch you all and have zero regrets about it."

"Because riding the Ferris wheel by yourself, like a loner, is such a fun way to spend your time," Nora replied dryly with a frown.

Dick shoved another tuft of pink cotton candy into his mouth with a laugh and Abby felt the corners of her lips turn up in a smile as she sipped away at her now-purple slushie.

Abruptly Donna's eyes lit up, a gleeful grin spreading across her face as she turned back to the group, "Change of plans — we have got to go on the Wild West Shootout, oh my God."

As they handed over their money and lined up along the row of chairs,  Abby caught sight of faint perplexion in the features of the boy beside her as he picked up the paintball gun.

"What's wrong, Boy Blunder?" Abby inquired, a smirk on her lips, "Worried you're gonna lose to a girl?"

Dick scoffed, "Not on your best day, Bird Brain."

Before Abby could retort, a scream tore through the buzz of the fun and games around them. More screams joined the original as a small rush of people stampeded past. Abby frowned, exchanging looks with the other three before slowly placing her gun down and stepping back into the mob of people.

She was met with the sight of Scarecrow, crudely stitched mask in place, as he made his way through the entrance of the carnival, madly swinging a large scythe as he danced back and forth happily in his step. His appearance sparked panic, waves of families and friends streaming past the teenagers to escape the villain.

Abby clenched her fists, "Can't even enjoy one night off."

In the corner of her eye, she noticed Dick pull the hood of his coat over his face and Donna pull out a golden loop of rope from inside her denim jacket.

"No rest for the wicked," Nora muttered, eyes glowing blindingly as she stepped up beside Abby.

Dick appeared at her elbow, expression dark. "Don't breathe in his gas. Stay alert, he's lethal with that scythe."

"Pretty sure he's lethal without it too, genius," Abby pointed out.

Donna rolled her eyes at the duo and wound her lasso around her fist. "What's he even doing here? Carnivals aren't really his scene."

"Don't run, ladies and gentlemen!" Scarecrow howled, a maniacal joy to his voice, "There's no need to panic, you're all going to trial my new formula for me!"

"Well, that answers that," Abby muttered, fists tightening.

"A new formula?" Nora groaned, "Isn't one enough?"

"Clearly not," Dick murmured in response.

Scarecrow slowed to stop as the herds of civilians thinned enough to leave the four sidekicks on show. He twirled his scythe, pacing side to side. His gaze seemed to be focused on Nora.

"And who are you?" he asked, tilting his head, "Volunteers?"

"Disgruntled customers," Abby corrected sarcastically, pulling the hood of her jumper over her head as she charged forwards.

A jovial laugh cracked from his throat as he burst into action, bringing the scythe around in a large arc towards the young brunette. She slid under it, coming up close enough to land an upwards kick to his abdomen.

The villain stumbled back, swinging wildly at Abby, who barely rolled out of the way. Dick barreled in behind her, throwing a right-handed jab into Scarecrow's face; the villain let out an enraged roar, swiping Dick's feet from under him and stamping down hard on his chest. He batted Donna aside as she came to her friend's aid, cutting deeply into her side with his blade.