6. Set her Free

Cyborg had learned a lot from Beldin, and the theory the Makor and Sambar had taught him had vastly expanded his talents. He knew how to use his will quite adeptly now, and his strength with it was quite phenominal. And he had thought maybe - just maybe - he was ready to start experimenting with using the Pearl of Destruction.

Staring down at where Ravager was strapped to the table, with Jericho staring out at him through her human eye, he knew this was more than he was ready for...but he'd be damned if he let his friends down. But how had it come to this?

Flashback...

Early that morning, there had been a large ruckus. The Titans had gone out to investigate, and discovered Ravager, staggering around like she was drunk...or possibly just crazy...er.

She had come staggering up to them, the ruby eye glowing with unholy fire...but something was supressing it. Then they saw her human eye. It was glowing green.

Beast Boy had stared, and spoken up. "Jericho?"

Ravager had sounded strange when she spoke. "Please...save my sister."

End of Flashback...

Beast Boy had explained about Jericho's powers, how he could overshadow people. Beldin and Makor had immediately began debating the sorcorous ramifications of this ability, and only Cyborg could track the whole debate. Jericho had explained how Rose was his sister...and how they were both the children of Slade, who was now Kal Deathstroke. How Kal Deathstroke had reached into Rose's mind and crushed her soul...but how Jericho had found a fragment of her being that he could connect to, that she was still there inside.

Beldin had explained. "It's a form of mental control. Gods are very good at it. They can take a mortal in their hand and crush their soul and spirit until they have no choice but to obey them. The better gods don't do it, but the worse ones do." He let out a few choice swear words. "That happened to one of my brothers, the arrogant bastard. He actually thought he could deceive a god." He shook his head. "Luckily for the girl, Kal Deathstroke is not a true god...yet. There may still be a chance to break her free and help her put herself back together. But first we have to break his hold on her."

Cyborg now stood over Ravager - no, her name was Rose - holding the Pearl. He felt its power in his hand, begging to be used, seeking to destroy. He would have to be very careful. He nodded to Jericho. "Okay...set her free."

Jericho fazed out of Rose...and she immediately focused her eyes on Cyborg. He felt her will building, but he was ready. Holding the Pearl out, he spoke one word. "Release."

There was a thunderous detonation of soundless sound. The world seemed to shift and rock, but did not move. Cyborg's eyes glowed with the pink light of the Pearl, and Rose's human eye glowed with red fire. Cyborg bent his will to the task, turning the destructive properties of the Pearl on the presence in her mind that controlled her, while holding it back from what was left of her.

Seeing the focus of the enchantment on her, he reached out, focused his will and all the power of the Pearl, and spoke again. "Contain," he said, and plucked the ruby from her eye socket.

Rose screamed, but it was her scream, the one no one had heard until now. She fell to her knees, clutching herself. Jericho was at her side, holding her up.

Beldin was staring in awe. "How by all the gods did you use the essence of Destruction to heal?" he demanded.

"By destroying the infection. Think of it as a sorcorous antibiotic." He stared at the ruby, seething with unholy power. He gathered his will.

Beldin stepped back. "What...what are you planning?"

"To put this on my terms." He squeezed the ruby. "Recoil," he said, releasing his will and crushing the ruby in the same thought.

From a distance away, an unholy shriek of pain erupted. A voice was heard in everyone's minds, one the Titans recognized.

"Very well, so called Godslayer! I come for you!"

The Titans all nodded. "Slade," Robin said.

"Kal Deathstroke," Raven corrected.

Beast Boy just got Rose and Jericho to the room they had used when Trigon came for Raven. It had been fortified.

Starfire prepared for battle.

Cyborg turned to Jinx. "I think you should-"

"I'm seeing this through," she interrupted. "I'm not running and hiding."

Beldin stepped back with Vella. "We're not allowed to interfere in the battle, I'm afraid. I've taught you what I can. I hope you're ready."

Cyborg nodded. "Thanks, Beldin. I hope so, too."

Kal Deathstroke was coming. It would all be over soon.