Chapter 7
[Later that day]

Cyborg had shown Nightwing the battle, such as it was, with Cinderblock and they had to admit that Solor was capable of fighting alongside the team. He and Edward had combined forces as well, Solor trying to melt the dirt Terra used and Edward trying to flash freeze it, only to see Cinderblock able to escape it.

Nightwing was at a crossroads and he knew it. Edward's protective nature had been triggered towards Solor for some reason and that would be hard to overcome. And this was after Solor used his ultimate weapon against Edward.

He had a reason to allow Solor to go on that mission and his expectations were met. Solor did not give Cyborg any problems, and it seemed that the two dragons were on the same page for once.

Also, Nightwing's initial anger towards Solor was being undermined. Solor's attitude had settled down quite a bit, especially after his universes' Starfire had also been dropped in their lap.

The native Starfire's attitude had changed as well, Nightwing noted. She was less likely to want to blast Solor's head off his neck, but, was still not talking to him…and that bothered Nightwing. The last time she had gotten angry and "demoted" him to teammate they were on another planet and were almost killed, Cyborg had been dismembered, Beast Boy couldn't understand Cyborg's instructions and Raven lucked out and made some little friends who treated her like a goddess. This time…Nightwing was relegated to the couch as Starfire made good on her threat and offered to share her quarters with Kreinyol.

Finding that Solor allowed Edward to start teaching the younger Dragon how to cook was a surprise as Nightwing figured that Solor, out of sheer pride, would not accept help. Nightwing was equally surprised to see the two dragons, Raven and Kreinyol meditating on the roof of the tower.

Raven had not reported any major spikes in their emotional states, but, she was still annoyed at the leader of the team for angering Edward. But, she knew that if Edward were to really blow his stack and quit the team, they would see her leave as well. She knew that the Titans would likely crumble with the loss of at least two members. Terra and Beast Boy would likely quit as well, probably not right away, though. Starfire – their Starfire – would likely leave and go back to Tamaran. That would break Nightwing's heart.

So, Nightwing made a decision that he hoped he would not regret and went to find Solor.

He found Solor on the roof with his Starfire.

"Solor," he began, "May I speak with you?"

Solor thought about it for a moment and said, "Whatever you have to say, you may say in front of Kreinyol."

Nightwing nodded, "She would want to hear this as well. As of now, you're both Honorary Titans. You already have communicators that the AI sees as valid, and, I'd rather not anger Edward.

"Solor, I know in your universe, you're a founding member and I do respect that status. But, if you two are truly stuck here for good, then at the end of 30 days, and barring any major incidents, I will take a vote and if the others agree, you'll become full members.

"Starfire, we'll have to figure out a cover story since there's two of you now since the press will eventually see you in action alongside our Koriand'r."

She looked surprised at the revelation that he knew how to pronounce her Tamaranian name, then, remembered what Raven had said.

"Could I not be a twin to your Starfire?" she asked, "We are identical, even if she is older."

"Personally," Nightwing said after a moment, "I think that's a wonderful idea. I'm sure that our Starfire will like the idea."

Solor said, "That would work, I think. And, thank you for the opportunity to gain your trust, Nightwing, and for not yelling at me for tagging along with Edward earlier. He is unlike the dragons we have at home."

Well," Nightwing said, "He's been very adamant about wanting to help you. More like protect you. I'll admit that I was not pleased that you went with Edward, but, I will disregard that seeing the result. Edward certainly didn't voice an objection to me, so, far as I am concerned, he appreciated the backup."

"I do not need his protection!" Solor said.

"It's Edward's nature," Nightwing explained, "You should have seen him when he joined. He was overly protective of Raven and the others to the point we had to ask him nicely to let us operate as a team again and to let us watch each other's backs. Don't take it personally. Cyborg reminded me that he's never complained about the roles he plays here: Healer, Cook, Protector, Counselor."

"Counselor?" Solor said, "What is that?"

"He's our go-to guy when we have issues to discuss that we can't, for obvious reasons, see a head shrinker."

Both Solor and Kreinyol got the mental image of a guy LITERALLY shrinking heads and shuddered.

Nightwing actually smiled, "Not literally you two. Edward allows us to talk about what is bothering us and he has given his word that whatever is discussed stays in his room.

"I know I've been harsh on you, Solor. I'm sorry."

That took the younger Dragon by surprise. The Robin in his universe didn't apologize much. He did apologize when Slade tried to force him to be an apprentice, but, given that Solor was the victim of Slade's little gift, Solor was not as willing to forgive at the time. To see the older counterpart apologizing for being an ass stunned Solor.

"I am at a loss," Solor admitted, "Robin – the younger one – would not have apologized for doing what he thought was right. Nightwing, I do not like you. That's obvious. But, you've managed to hold the team together even with a dragon who says that he's as ill-tempered as I am. I am impressed. Apology accepted."

"You haven't seen Edward fully enraged," Nightwing said, "The couple of times Edward's gone there, those who triggered his temper have either died at his claws or teeth, or barely survived. I would watch out for his lightning. It's his primary range weapon and when he's well and truly pissed off, the power is pretty intense. But, it's not as powerful as that laser you can use."

"I tried to back out of using that," Solor said, "He goaded me by insulting my family."

"We were there, remember?" Nightwing said, "He made a mistake, and admitted that while you were recovering. He's accepted full responsibility for his actions and willing to take his lumps over it. I know it was in response to you insulting his first wife, but, that doesn't excuse it."

"No, it did not," Solor said, "However, he has already apologized and humbled himself. As I know he prevented Starfire from trying to kill me when I was defenseless, I have forgiven him in payment of that debt. He accepted my apology for calling humans filth, so, I returned the courtesy."

"He's had a change of heart. So has our Starfire," Nightwing said, "They both claim that something else happened while you were recovering, but, Edward tore me a new one for trying to get him to tell me more…And my Starfire had banished me from the bedroom."

"Then, you shall sleep there tonight," Kreinyol declared, "I will not let new friend Nightwing to sleep in a lonely room of darkness."

"No," he replied, "She is right. I will sleep on the couch this night."

Solor was concerned. Not for Nightwing, but, he remembered bits and pieces of a recent dream where he told his Starfire everything and was quite upset.

"Would you excuse me?" he asked and got up.

He went to look for Edward and found him in Raven's quarters.

"May I see you?" Solor asked, "Privately."

"Come on in," Edward said.

"This is Raven's room," Solor noted, "I should not be in Raven's room. She gets really nasty."

"Oh, she still does," Edward said, "It's all right this one time, though."

"One of the benefits of being her mate?" Solor asked.

"Among other things," Edward replied. He got up and guided the wary younger dragon into the room.

"See, nothing happened," Edward said, "Please, take a seat."

Solor sat down and asked, "You and Starfire were watching me the other day, correct?"

"After you used that weapon?" Edward asked.

"Precisely," Solor said, "I did try to tell you that the Blessing of Light was powerful."

"Some blessing," Edward muttered, "It took me four hours to completely regenerate and the scales that you blasted, I had to remove. They were charred. But, I do not think you are here to discuss that."

"No," Solor said, "I am not. I am here because Nightwing said you are the team's counselor?"

"I am," Edward said, "When a team member needs a friendly, yet impartial ear, they know that they can come to me with the utmost confidence that what is said between us, stays between us. I will extend that to you and your Starfire as well."

"I had a dream when I was recovering," Solor said.

"I know," Edward said, "That is how I know you have a different name for your Starfire. You were talking in your sleep, I'm afraid."

Solor looked angry, "And did you tell anyone else?"

"No," Edward said, "our Starfire was there and heard it, but, she will not say anything. I'm not going to humiliate you by repeating what you said when your guard was down, and neither will she. Nightwing demanded to know and I read him the riot act instead.

"I will say that our Starfire and myself saw/heard you reliving that dark day to your Starfire and the deeply hidden emotions finally coming to the surface.

"You need not worry about if we will blackmail you or threaten to reveal your innermost secret. I don't play that game."

"But, you know," Solor said. He wasn't angry, though. He was resigned to the fact that Edward and their Starfire knew.

"Solor," Edward said, "We are dragons, and, yes, that has clouded my mind a bit. But, I will tell you this: I do not wish to hear that you think of yourself as a monster anymore. I've seen how you care about Kreinyol, Raven and I saw that glimmer of joy in your eyes that was very revealing. Deep down, you've got a good heart. Your Kreinyol sees that. I see it, so does Raven now. I do not even think our Starfire is angry with you anymore. She is still very much the same young woman you carried into the kitchen.

"Your Starfire is fine, as well. You saw how she was protected before I hit the water. Yes, I was stunned, but, I was not about to let anything bad happen to her regardless. Her mouth and nose were covered before I hit the water, so, she would not have drowned in the time it took me to get back to the surface.

"I am pleased that your Starfire is all right, and your entire attitude has changed as a result. You worked with us to take down Cinderblock. You didn't even argue back when I asked you to led Cyborg lead and that said a lot to me.

"Finally, I noticed that you and your Starfire joined Raven and myself on the roof to meditate. Far as I am concerned, you and her are welcomed meditation partners. Raven and I talked and she has no problem teaching you or continuing where your Raven left off."

"You're not the same as my race," Solor said quietly, "You're not even acting like my father, yet, you are about his age."

"I have no reason to act as your father," Edward replied, "I would rather be your friend or mentor while you are here. Yes, I know your Raven could find you and Kreinyol at any moment and rescue you. But, if that never happens, you need friends regardless. Think about it, Solor. If you would like me to mentor you, I would be honored to do that, and, it would send a message to the others that I am extending a lot of trust and faith in you."

Solor thought about it for several seconds before extending his hand, "I accept."

Edward grasped Solor's hand and said, "I must warn you: I am strict, but, fair. So, if I end up chewing you, it is because it's needed. Don't take it too personally."

"I would not expect you to cut me any breaks, Edward," he replied, "I was a hard teacher for Terra and she at times hated my guts. But, she is a stronger fighter and has control over her powers. The Terra here probably did not like you guys much at times."

"Our Terra was scared off when Robin told he that he knew she had a lack of control and went right to Slade. Like I told you, she returned and was allowed to rejoin the team. It was a very slick plan as she was relaying all the intel she could to Slade. He got her so angry at the team that she almost killed them all when she betrayed them," Edward said.

"Why is she here, then?" Solor asked.

Edward replied, "She switched sides when Slade viciously beat her and her powers activated a volcano that could have destroyed the city. She sacrificed herself to shut it down.

"I wasn't with the team at the time, but, I heard that Beast Boy was rocked by her death. Only, she wasn't dead. She was imprisoned in a way I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Her essence was locked up in the statue she became.

"The day after I joined the team, we went to visit her and my innate abilities picked up her faint psychic vibrations. It took the entire team to come together to revive her. The team had already forgiven her by then."

"Where is Slade?" Solor asked, "He needs to feel my wrath!"

"He's in Hell," Edward said, "Terra killed him in self-defense, Raven's father revived him … long story there. Terra found out that he had returned and after she got over her shock and fear, we took him down for good. When she was done with him, he had broken ribs, legs and arms were likewise broken, and crushed man berries.

"He went to prison on many lifetime without parole sentences. He was killed in a prison riot.

"If you are rescued prior to Trigon using your Raven as a portal to enter, he will be your biggest fight ever. It will take a combined force of your Titans and your Circle to oust him if Raven is eliminated. And, make no mistake, Solor. He will likely remove Raven from the picture. In this universe, Trigon discovered what my rage is like and, like yours…It's not pretty. That's when I can tap into my powers to the fullest."

"They are nothing compared to my Blessing of Light!" Solor declared.

"Kick it down a notch," Edward said gently, "I don't think there's much of a comparison there, unless I am blasted by a huge power surge, like several hits with lightning."

"You absorb electricity?" Solor asked, "That's one on me, I'll admit."

"I can also replicate certain attacks. Like, when I am full of righteous fury, I can throw starbolts as well. And, something else, Solor…" Edward said, "I have not tested it, but, I may be able to do that Blessing of Light attack now. I would have to see if that happened. It's something I do not have control over regarding if I gained use of that weapon or not."

"Interesting," Solor said after a moment, "But, the Blessing of Light would drain you like it does me."

"Yeah," Edward said, "I gain the entire gamut there. That's why my fury at something must be righteous to use starbolts. I cannot just use them like my other breath weapons. I get the strengths plus weaknesses of those weapons."

"Would you be willing to show me how powerful your breath weapons are at some point?" Solor asked.

"I do not see the harm in that, the others have seen those in battle situations," Edward said, "Also, are you up for some additional sparring? I know our Starfire wanted a shot a while ago. She's still interested."

"I would like that," Solor said.

"Don't be surprised if it goes two on one," Edward said with a chuckle, "Then again your Starfire might even the odds in a hurry."

"She would even the odds, all right," Solor said, "Heck, this would be quite enjoyable."

"It would be," Edward said, "I'm no longer curious about your Blessing of Light. Once was enough for this Dragon. Far as I am concerned: You insulted my family, I insulted yours. Let's call that account settled, please?"

Solor replied, "That will work. Besides, you did apologize when you didn't have to."

"I wanted to, Solor," Edward said, "I had to swallow my pride because I should have respected your decision, period. You said No, and I forced you to anyway. I paid the price for my arrogance. You will understand some day."

"Oh, before I forget: Nightwing made me an honorary Titan," Solor said.

Edward smiled broadly, "That's wonderful news! And, yes, that is something to take pride in. It is also a relief to me. Nightwing took a while, but, as you heard at lunch, he realized that he would not be able to dissuade me."

"I can understand, I think," Solor said.

"Let's just say that I can be really stubborn at times," Edward said with a chuckle.

"I bet," Solor said, "I do have a question, though."

"I'm all ears," Edward said.

"According to Starfire, Nightwing's been relegated to the couch," Solor said, "I hope that's not really because of our arrival."

"Don't let that trouble you too much," Edward replied, "Our Starfire knows what she wants to do, and, even if she's angry with Nightwing – something I would not put past her to be honest – a trip to the mall usually results in her being happy. She'll let Nightwing back in pretty soon. If not, he still has his old room to use for plan B. Something tells me that the two Starfires will be sharing their quarters.

"I do wonder what we'll tell the media, though."

"They already talked about it. Kreinyol will say that she is Starfire's twin sister," Solor said.

"Luckily, they are identical. If someone got it into their head to do a DNA comparison, it's a 100% match," Edward said, "Heck, if something happened and they needed to donate an organ, say a kidney, to the other, there wouldn't even be a need for lifetime medications the match would be so perfect."

"Don't tell me," Solor said, "You're also a doctor?"

"I can act as a doctor, yes," Edward said, "In the 1950s, I served a short stint as a MASH unit. I happened to be there visiting an old friend when a lot of wounded came in and I was pressed into service. Then again, I couldn't sit back and watch either."

"You certainly care for the humans," Solor said, "Had I met you a year or two ago, I would have questioned why you help. But, seeing you rescue Kreinyol they way you did, I already have my answer."

"I'll admit I was stunned seeing her falling through that tear in reality," Edward said, "And while she probably would have survived, I was not about to take that chance. I would have done the same if it had been a stranger, though. That's because I've lived all my life among mortals. It took a long time to learn how to think like them and to know when to be a dragon and when to look like this."

"Seriously," Solor objected, "you did not go through your long life looking exactly like this."

Edward laughed, "You're correct. I had to alter my looks more times than you can count and keep on the move a bit. Sometimes, I would get lucky and be able to stay in one village or city in Europe for several years by artificially aging. But, other times, people started getting too nosy and I'd be forced to leave.

"Up until the last century, it was relatively easy to alter my looks to make sure that a person who I saw in one town would never recognize me if I moved to another village 20 miles away."

"How did you avoid wars or the plague?" Solor asked. He definitely wanted to learn about Edward now that hostilities were over.

"With great difficulty," Edward said, "Wars were one thing I could avoid easily enough, but, once the Plague broke out…That was nothing I could avoid. I had to stay put for fear of spreading it myself. I was not able to become sick, but, I could be a carrier of the Plague regardless. There were no sanitation methods back then, so, I was well and truly screwed for a long time. People did wonder how I was able to help and not get ill. I told people that God would protect me."

Solor sat deep in thought for several minutes before asking, "Could you show me how powerful your breath weapons are?"

"I do not see why not," Edward said, "I do not have to use them on you so the risk of you being hurt is fairly low. We can go back to the desert for this. We might as well do that sparring session there as well.

"Also, I noticed when we sparred last time, you seemed to disapprove of my providing transportation for the others."

"Well, it's beneath us to be like pack animals," Solor said.

"For you, maybe," Edward said, ignoring the insult, "For me, I do not mind. Sometimes, as you know being a Dragon, it's far faster to take wing. Cyborg, Terra, Arella and Jericho are not flyers. Terra is a partial exception given she can use her powers to levitate boulders to fly, but, for longer distances, I usually have her on my back."

"Who?" Solor said.

"Arella is our Raven's biological mother," Edward said, "Jericho is Slade's son."

"You allowed that slime's SON on the team?!" Solor exclaimed angrily.

"Solor, relax," Edward said, "Jericho is nothing like his late father. He's a very kind, considerate young man we are happy to have here. Unfortunately, he and Arella are visiting the Titans East for a while."

"Our Raven doesn't talk about her parents," Solor said.

"If she can rescue you, don't reveal anything of what I will tell you. Like I said, Arella is Raven's mom. Trigon the Terrible is her demonic father. That's why she has can not allow herself to feel anything. It's why when her emotions run amok, things tend to explode. Our Raven…I'll call her Rachel here…is more open with her emotions now. I know she partially explained that.

"In this reality, Raven did become the Portal and allowed Trigon to take over. Almost all life on Earth was petrified, except the original Titans. Do I remember any of this or was able to help in that fight? No. I wasn't in the area at the time and was petrified as well. I do not remember anything about that. Rachael said it was a good thing and from what I could get the other Titans to reveal, they're probably right."

"What does this Trigon look like?" Solor asked.

"I'll show you, but, we should go outside for the full effect," Edward replied.

They stepped out of Raven's room and located Nightwing to let him know. That way, the Titans wouldn't react to seeing a copy of Trigon outside their windows.

"Hey, Nightwing," Edward said, "Solor wanted to see what Trigon looks like. I figure that if he's rescued prior to his arrival, his Titans and fellow dragons know what's coming."

"Taking it outside, I hope," Nightwing said.

"Of course," Edward said, "I did not want to worry about the team getting into a battle mode over a false alarm."

"Thanks for the warning," Nightwing replied, "And, a good idea to let Solor know as well."

"It is a good idea," Solor said, "I might be cast out, but, if they know what is to be, they can prepare, if possible."

"Oh, let our respective Starfires and Rae know that there's a sparring session in the desert, please. Solor and our Starfire still want to spar, I think. We don't need to worry about Solor's laser attack coming into play. I've seen enough."

"No kidding," Nightwing said, "All right, we'll meet you out there, then."

"Finally, Solor has graciously consented to let me mentor him."

"That's fine," Nightwing said, "Thanks for the head's-up. And, for the mentoring, I hope you know what you are getting into. But, that's on you."

"Let's go," Edward said to the younger Dragon. They headed outside to the base of the tower.

"I've had to fight Trigon, so, I can duplicate his form," Edward said.

As Solor watched, Edward's form shimmered and enlarged. His skin went to a blood-red color, his feet went to hooves as white hair replaced his normal black hair. His size increased to the roof of the tower as partial horns grew. His two eyes became four as well. His upper body became thick and muscular.

"I do not know what his horns look like as when I defeated him," Edward said, his voice now booming like Trigon's, "They had been cut off by the Titans as well as Slade, who had set aside differences and fought together."

He reverted back to normal then.

"That form, I really don't like," Edward muttered, "The extra sets of eyes are annoying."

"What happened to him?" Solor said.

"I killed the honorless dog," Edward said coldly, "One of the few times I do not regret killing. His sons, also now dead, kidnapped me and delivered me to Trigon. They were able to not only negate my abilities, but, tortured me as well. When one of his sons made a mistake, I was able to get free. They felt my full and unfettered wrath. Trigon tried to stop me from leaving and the fight destroyed his palace, thus killing his sons as I had them tied up in the same rope they used to negate my powers.

"I killed his physical form, but, he made a terrible mistake: He attacked Raven from within after she almost died during the trans-dimensional teleport. The lack of oxygen knocked us both out."

"So, he attacked her mind?" Solor asked, "I've heard about Raven's mind from the Cyborg and Beast Boy of my world."

"Yeah," Edward replied, "He almost turned Raven against us. She even tried to restrain me with her powers. That's when the Titans saw what can happen when my anger explodes. I broke out of Raven's soul-self and blasted Trigon with every thing I had. I thought that she was gone and I was not going to let her go without one helluva fight. Trigon was overpowered by my sheer rage and I tore his throat out. In this universe, Trigon is no more. When he died at my claws and teeth, I hoped he was in Hell."

Edward turned away as his emotions were starting to get the best of him…the memories came flooding back and he couldn't shield Raven from the full effects.

Solor saw Raven's soul-self arriving a moment before Raven herself emerged.

She was livid! "What in Trigon's name did you do now, Solor?!" she demanded to know, "You've already hurt him twice physically, now, he's remembering what my bastard father did to him! Haven't you done enough?!" Several boulders rose into the air in response to being grabbed by her powers.

"Raven," Solor said, "calm down. I meant no harm. How was I supposed to know Edward would become upset?"

Solor went to try to comfort Edward…something he normally didn't do…only to be blasted back by Raven's powers. She wasn't going to allow Solor to do any additional harm.

Solor got up and said, "Well, I guess our spar is off then." He bit back a more rude comment, figuring that Edward would not appreciate it.

Edward's emotions were starting to calm, being deftly soothed by Raven. He looked as Solor and said, "No, it's still on. I know you meant no harm."

"He didn't?" Raven asked.

"No," Edward said, "How could he when he did not know what your father did to me?"

Raven's eyes slowly reverted to normal and the boulders fell as well.

"I thought you were OK," Raven said.

"Rae, dear," Edward said sadly, "I'm no different than mortals from an emotional standpoint. You of all know this. I love, laugh, cry and get angry with the best of mortals. That means that sometimes, I have to heal emotionally as well and unlike my regeneration powers…they don't extend to emotional injury."

Solor looked awful, though. He had never considered that an immortal dragon could be wounded in such a way.

"I am sorry," he said, his three words conveying the sadness he felt.

"It's OK, man," Edward said, "It happens. No harm intended, no offense taken."

"Thank you," Solor said. He still felt like crap and it was a feeling he did not like at all. And seeing another Dragon admitting he has all too human feelings made him wonder if the road he was forced to take was one he liked. He did not like having to humble himself to humans, but, a kindred spirit was sometimes worse. His species demanded the best in order to protect humans and it did not leave room for petty human feelings.

[Parts elsewhere]

"Well," the unseen voice said as he watched the scene unfold, "The daughter of Trigon lives and is able to be open with her feelings. Her obvious mind-link with this universes' native Dragon should be all that I need to lure it into my collection."

He laughed aloud, the sound echoing and frightening the other captives. He would set in motion events that would echo throughout the known worlds as he would have to deal with two enraged Dragons, the wrath of the Daughter of Trigon, and at least one royally angry Tamaranian princess.

Who would prevail, though?