When Gods Smile

Chapter 1. His name is Valere

Raven sat in her room meditating. "Azarath… Metrion… Zinthos…" 'What is this feeling that I'm having towards…' a picture frame exploded, 'don't think about it Raven, get a hold of your emotions.' She slowed her breathing and continued. "Azarath… Metrion… Zinthos…"

An hour or so later, the alarm went off. Raven's communicator started blinking, it was Robin. "Raven, it's Brother Blood."

Beast Boy, having gone out to rent a movie, was the first to arrive on the scene. "Cool!" was all Beast Boy could say as he gazed upon Brother Blood frozen in a giant piece of ice and standing in front of it was a lone figure holding a drawn sword.

The Male teenager wore a black t-shirt and blue jeans. His hair was dark and cut short, but what really captivated Beast Boy was the red, orange and purple blade with a black handle.

The male sheathed his sword and started to walk away, but Beast Boy ran up to him before he could get three feet. "Dude! Did you do that? It's so cool!"

The male looked at his green admirer. "… Ya… and you might be?"

"Beast Boy, at your service." A very large and awkward grin spread on his face. He held out his hand.

The male accepted it with a firm grasp. "I am Valere. But some call me Ghost Blade."

For the first time Beast Boy noticed the amulet. It was a glass sphere on a silver chain. It was glowing red. "So, Ghost Blade, what is that amulet for?"

Valere looked like he didn't want anything to do with that subject, so he changed it. "Would they happen to be your friends?" Valere asked, pointing over Beast Boy's shoulder.

Beast Boy turned to find that the others had arrived. Valere seemed to be pointing at Raven particularly. A chill ran down Beast Boy's spin. "Guys, come over here. I want you to meet someone."

All the Titans were now standing in front of Valere. Beast Boy looked at his team. "Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven," he held his hand towards Valere, "this is Valere."

Robin eyed the sword. "Why do you have that?"

Valere threw his thumb over his shoulder at the frozen Brother Blood. "I might have had to kill him, if I had not had my sword." He heard Cyborg give off an evil chuckle, but his attention remained on Robin. "I would assume that you are the leader them?"

Robin gave a slight nod and held out his hand. "Glad you meet you, Valere."

Valere took Robin's hand with a grasp as firm as the one he had with Beast Boy.

Valere turned to Raven and gave a slight bow. "Raven, you are a fair maiden."

Before Raven could respond in anyway, Valere took her hand and kissed it. Raven yanked her hand away. "Don't ever do that again!" she yelled and walked away, but stopped momentarily. She shook her head and continued.

Valere shrugged and turned to Starfire. Robin tensed up.

Valere bowed. "I hope you would not respond that way to my chivalry?" He made no move.

Starfire turned to Robin as he calmed. "Friend Robin, what is chivalry?"

Robin was now completely calm. "Star, it's like… rules for gentlemen. He's just being respectful."

Starfire smiled at Robin and turned back to Valere. "It would be fine, new friend Valere." With that she held out her hand.

Valere rose up a little and took her hand. "It is an honour, lady Starfire." He gave her hand a light kiss and rose to his full height.

Valere turned his attention to Cyborg and held out his hand. Cyborg shook Valere's hand and pointed at the large piece of ice. "Will he be alright?" Valere nodded. "I like him better this way."

Beast Boy got Robin's attention. "Dude, I think Blood isn't going anywhere, so could we go home now?"

Robin gave Beast Boy a nod and turned to Valere. "You want to join us?"

Valere shrugged. "I have nothing else to do and I would like that."

They all got into Cyborg's car.