"Are you sure this is going to work?" Terra feebly questioned, looking at her restraints that bound both her hands and feet. Above here, she was connected to the Tower's electrical generator, while below, she was bound to a raised platform that would amplify the generator's output, as well as preventing her from being ground out and dying of electrical shock.
"Trust me, Terra," Cyborg called from his control panel, running a final diagnostics on the system, making sure that this procedure was as safe as it possibly could be, "I wouldn't do it unless I was certain you were going to be fine."
"Seriously though, Cy," B.B. questioned over his shoulder, "she is going to be fine isn't she?"
"Yes, I know it sounds dangerous," he replied, "but I have saw to it that she is as safe as she possibly could be while I do this. All I need to do is pass an electrical current through her body that is strong enough to cause the fail-safe to release and the armor should come off."
"Have you tested it?" The Changeling pressed, making sure that Terra wasn't going to be harmed.
Cyborg turned around, a blank expression on his face.
"Yes and no," he admitted, "you see, I did run a complete system test, but it hasn't actually been tested in a live situation."
"That's great," B.B. commented sarcastically, "humor me, what were the results of your simulations?"
"About a 50 success rate," he sheepishly admitted, making sure that Terra didn't hear him.
"Dare I ask what happened to the failed test "subjects"?" Beast Boy questioned, not pleased with what he was hearing, but knowing it was going to happen anyway.
"Let's not discuss that right now," Cyborg replied, holding up a finger, "for now, let me get all of the calibrations correct so I can run this without a problem, ok?"
"Alright, you're the smart one," Beast Boy admitted, backing away slightly.
"Don't forget it," Cy joked, a visible smile upon his face, looking up to find Robin and Star entering the basement of the Tower, stepping off of the stairs. "Oh, look who's just in time."
"Sorry we're late, Cy," Robin apologized, "so, from what you've told me about this concept of yours, and the precautions you've taken for Terra's safety, I presume this is going to work?"
"Yes, come on, I'm like the smartest guy…ever," he joked, but did have somewhat of a truth to it though.
"Oh, friend Cyborg, I cannot wait for you to make it possible for friend Terra to wear the clothing of normalcy once more, please proceed," Starfire gleefully announced.
He nodded with a smile, turning to face Terra, who was looking like she had definitely had better days, which was absolutely true.
"You ready?" He beckoned, resting his hand on the button that would start the process.
"As much as I'll ever be," she replied, still uneasy about her current situation.
"Alright," Cyborg answered, turning to the group that watched in awe. "I don't know what could happen if things do go…south, so keep your distance, ok?"
They slowly nodded, wishing that things did go as planned and wouldn't have to think about their own safety.
"Okay," Cyborg commented as he turned back to the control panel he had constructed, resting his finger on the switch, "here goes nothin'."
Beast Boy held his breath, as did the others, anxiously waiting to see what was going to happen, and hoped for the best.
Cyborg flipped the switch into an upwards position, the generator above Terra's head beginning to whir to life as its revolutions grew faster and faster. She looked up, nervous as to what was going to happen. The whine of the generator grew to an immeasurable number of revolutions, sustaining it, signaling that it was at the desired speed. Cyborg moved his finger across the panel, lifting a clear hatch, giving him access to a large red button. He slowly depressed it, looking up to see if his newly-built machine was living up to his expectations. Arcing electricity quickly traveled down the cables that were suspended between Terra's restraints and the generator, beginning to illuminate the entire room. The arcs finally reacht Terra, quickly beginning to course through her mortal vessel. Her face was grimaced with extreme pain as her body convulsed violently from the intense voltage. Beast Boy thought of pressing the button to abort the procedure, but he knew that Terra was willing to continue, no matter the consequences. Terra could no longer take the electrical shock, letting out a wail of excruciating pain, then her body going limp. Not only Beast Boy, but the others except for Cyborg all feared the worst. He pressed the button, the room entering pitch blackness again, the sound of static still filtering from the generator as it slowed to a stop.
"Terra!" Beast Boy yelled, turning back to Cyborg "is she okay?"
He pressed another button, a metallic sound crisply resonating throughout the spacious room as Terra's restraints undid themselves, followed by the sound of her body crumpling to the floor. The lights also came back on as well, revealing the results of the procedure. Terra lay there, motionless, her body was still smoldering from the electric current that passed through it. He, as well as the others, waited anxiously to see the fate of their friend, Beast Boy doing all he could to restrain himself from rushing to her aid.
"Cyborg, don't just stand there!" The green changeling yelled. "Do something! She needs help!"
"Calm down," he reassured, turning to face his worried friend, "I have her vitals on this, she's fine. A rather dramatic fashion, but she's okay, just give her some time to regain her bearings before we approach her, ok?"
He checked the panel as well, just to be sure. The information upon it was almost another language to Beast Boy, but from what he could manage, Terra was indeed fine. Only a few seconds later, Terra began to stir, her groan of pain audible as she attempted to rise to her feet, holding her head. She weakly stood up, her knees wobbling as she did, even stumbling about from her disorientation.
"Whoa," she managed, "let's put that down on the list under "things I will never do again in my life."."
Cyborg left his panel, walking across the metal grate floor to Terra, offering his hand to help her weakened state.
"You took that rather well," he commented, "I figured you would have passed out."
"I'm a little tougher than I look, Cy," she matter-of-factly informed, "it's gonna take more than a little shock to put me down."
"Alright, alright," he joked, leading her up to the others.
"Well," Robin began, "did it work?"
"I don't know," Terra replied, "but all I know is that it fried off the new paint job I just put on it." She turned to Cyborg, hoping for an answer, "do you know if it worked or not?"
"Let's find out," he quipped, "in theory, you should just be able to pull on it hard enough and the latches should release. Would you like to do it, or will you need one of us to help you out?"
She placed her hands on the chest piece of the armor, maneuvering her hands about it until she was able to get a good grip on it, then pulling at it with all her strength. As she strained, the sound of the metal buckling began, growing louder and louder, then finally a loud snap as the latches broke, the remnants falling to the floor, metallic clanks as the debris struck it echoed. She looked at her hands, seeing the front piece of the chest armor laying in it, just to hear the other half that made up for the back to fall to the floor, clanging loudly, continuing to emit noise as it rattled around much like a coin does after it slows to a stop. A sigh of relief came from all the Titans, but Terra's was more of one of happiness and joy, finally able to rid herself of the only thing that bound her to Slade. She continued to quickly go to work on the remaining pieces of armor, literally ripping them off of her body, each making noise as it fell. Terra even kicked off the boots, grinning happily to see her bare feet once more. Luckily, the wrapping material that was underneath of her armor had remained intact. Tears of freedom graced her eyes as she looked up at her friends.
"There's no way to express the thanks I have for you guys," she managed, her voice breaking, "you truly are my friends."
They all were light-hearted, but Cyborg stepped forward, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"Hold on, there's a part two," he stated with a smile.
She quickly looked up at him with a grin upon her face still.
"What part two?" She questioned.
"Now that you are out of that restricting armor," Cyborg began, "I can begin giving you serum treatments that will accelerate your metabolism and boost your growth hormones. What I'm basically saying is, Terra, is that I can physically age you the equivalent of 7 years in the course of one. It is…strange, but you will be able to catch up with us in a sense, that is if you want anyway, if not, that's fine, it's your choice."
"Seriously? No way. You are basically going to grow me up?" She managed in awe.
"Seriously, and yes way," he replied. "So, your choice, do you want me to do it, or do you want to grow up naturally?"
She thought for a moment, glancing over at Beast Boy, as he did the others, but she stopped on him the longest as she gazed at him, staring deeply into his eyes, as if she was asking him. She finally faced Cyborg again.
"Yes, Cyborg," she gladly answered, "do whatever it takes."
"Great," he replied, "now let's head back upstairs, y'all, I think it's my turn to fix lunch, not to mention that you need to get dressed."
Before he even looked back at her, she was already clambering up the stairs, more than eager to dress herself once more, ready to don her uniform she wore as a Titan, and feeling as if she had earned the title once more. Robin and Star led them up the wide stairs, apparently Robin had found someway to apologize to her for what he said, or Star managed to forget, as she did with many things, but all that mattered was they were hand-in-hand once more, and Star resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. Cyborg turned to his green friend.
"You know she did that for you, don't ya?" he flatly informed, but not to alert their other companions, "I'm telling you, I could tell that you were the reason that she decided to grow up, I guess you could call it."
"I guess," he replied, avoiding it, "come on, I mean, it's only right she is as physically old as her age, it doesn't matter what I think."
"Man, I know you still feel for Raven, but Terra feels for you, and you need to accept that," Cyborg pressed, but being sure to respect his feelings, "it's your choice."
"No, it's Raven's," Beast Boy corrected, "she's the only thing I can think about, she's in my heart, and my heart's telling me that…"
"That what?" Cyborg questioned, intrigued by his use of intelligence for once.
"That I need to follow my heart," he answered truthfully, "I must accept the fact that it has been nearly 4 months, but the wounds are still so fresh to me. I must accept the fact that if she was going to return, she would have done it already. I must finally accept the cold, hard truth, no matter how painful it may be, even though part of me disagrees: Raven's gone."
Impressed by his feelings, Cyborg continued to listen.
"So what's your heart telling you?" The cybernetic asked, taking the changeling serious for once.
"It's telling me that I'm only prolonging the truth, and in order for me to come face-to-face with it, I must accept it, deny it no longer. Yet, Raven was the only girl I ever thought about seriously spending the rest of my life with, and that dream has been shattered. Cy, I don't want to be lonely, but I don't want to betray my feelings for Raven."
"Quite a conundrum, the mind and heart, ain't it?" Cyborg seriously commented. "Listen, man, I'll tell you this much, you do what you want to do, nobody's forcing you to do nothin'. Logically, I would have to say that even in her passing; Raven would accept whatever choice you make, knowing that no sane person can go a lifetime alone without a part of them dying. I knew how she was, man, she will understand, so do what you want."
"You're right, Cy," Beast Boy admitted, "it just feels different, I can't really explain it. I'm sure the answer will come my way soon, I just need to give it time."
"Now that's the way to think," Cyborg congratulated in a sense. "I know it's difficult for someone who hardly has a brain, but you managed," he added in a joking tone.
"You best watch yourself before I sick the robot on you," Beast Boy warned, referring to the team's personal assistant, 001. "If it can whip me that bad on Gamestation, just imagine what he'll do to you."
"I don't know if you've had a sudden brain lapse or something," Cyborg informed, ruffling his friends hair, "but I basically built that thing, so don't get any cute ideas."
"You know me," B.B. rest assured with a devious grin.
"Yeah, that's the point," Cyborg replied in good fun.
Even as Cyborg and Beast Boy had their own continuing conversation, Robin and Starfire did also, Robin more than happy that she actually decided to speak to him once more after nearly a week of silence all because of what he said.
"Star, I've been thinking," he began, caressing her hand in his.
"What is it that you are thinking about, Robin?" Starfire questioned in her usual uppity tone.
"That I would like to do something really special for both of us, but I can never seem to get it to seem right," he tried, while attempting to mask his true intention at the moment.
"I don't think I understand, Robin, would you please elaborate?" She politely requested, turning to face him as they continued up the stairs, nearing the top.
Robin let out a sigh of distraught, unable to truly word an explanation.
"What I'm trying to say Star is," he managed, "…is that since we've been in, well…love, I…"
Starfire's jade eyes
sparkled as she heard Robin, and by the way he was fumbling about
what he was trying to say.
"Yes? Go on, Robin," she replied
happily, knowing it was something significant.
"You know what?" He finally blurted, attempting to regain what composure he still retained. "I think it would be better if I told you in private. I would like you to meet me atop the Tower this evening, oh, and where something nice, I will too."
"Really Robin?" She questioned out of happiness, especially since they hadn't really spent any time together since Raven's death, and it would do them both good if they were to do so.
"Really, really," he replied with a smile, getting a rather large one in return from the Tamerainian
She wrapped her arms around him, grinning as much as ever, even forgetting her own alien super strength.
"Too…much…hugging," he managed with a groan, feeling Star's arms crushing in on his body.
She blushed with embarrassment as she quickly released him, allowing him to draw in a couple of breaths to regain it.
No sooner than the access door to the central room parted, revealing it, Terra was already coming back from her room, wearing her outfit that she wore as a Titan, even the butterfly clip that kept her hair out of her face. She looked up at the group as the entered the room, the largest smile on her face the others had ever seen as she twirled her goggles about her finger before snapping them onto her head in a simple motion, ready to go.
"Man, this feels great," she commented, "everything going back to how it's supposed to be. Even my clothes still fit, but that isn't much of a surprise."
"It's nice to see you in that again, Terra," Cyborg commented, getting a nod of agreement from the others.
"Yeah, gun metal gray isn't exactly my thing," she replied, motioning to her person "I'll stick with black and yellow all day."
"That's good to hear," he answered with a nod, "now look out, it's my turn to fix lunch, I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"When am I not hungry?" Terra said with a laugh, her, as everyone else did, made their way to the living area while they waited.
Needless to say, the day went on after lunch, seemed to go on as it usually did, luckily it wasn't interrupted by a calling for their assistance. Cyborg and B.B. spent most of it playing Gamestation, as they usually did in their free time. Starfire was anxiously waiting in her room, as Robin had instructed her to do until he came for her, not wanting to ruin the surprise he had for her that awaited atop Titans' Tower. Meanwhile, unknown to the others, Terra had found her way into Raven's room, the air having a distinct odor to it from being bottled up behind the door for what seemed like an eternity. She left the lights off in order to not attract any attention as she quietly stepped into it, looking around.
"I need to know a little more about her," she thought, checking behind her, 'I think there's something they aren't telling me, and I want to know what is. They may have, but I feel like they haven't told me everything about Raven. I want to see for myself."
Terra knew what she was looking for, it was the matter of finding it was the only thing eluding her grasp as she made her way around Raven's neatly made bed, the note and wilted flowers still laid upon it. Her attention was grabbed by a precariously placed book bound in black and violet with a lock upon it.
"There it is," she quietly stated, picking it up, looking it over, "Raven's diary. If there are things that they don't even know about her in here, then I will see them. I respect her and everything, but I must know, I must know the truth."
She faintly heard the sound of a door closing, feeling as if someone was coming, she quickly stuffed the small hardback diary into her back pocket, making her way to the door as quickly and as quietly as she possibly could. Just before she exited the room, she looked around either corner, making sure no one saw her or what her intentions were for going into Raven's room. After making sure that the coast was clear, she slipped out of the room, gently sliding the door shut, back into its locked position. She saw Robin as he entered the central room, coming towards her. Before he was able to get close enough to even question her, she non-conspicuously slid back into her own room, closing and locking the door behind her. Robin, who hadn't noticed Terra out of sheer nervousness, approached Starfire's door, but he wasn't in his usual outfit, but wearing an actual three-piece suit. The suit jacket and pants themselves were black, while the collar shirt he wore underneath of it was a maroon-red, the very same one he wore by itself on their first date, but he collar was graced by a jet-black tie, same color as the rest of his suit, the only thing that stood out was his silver cufflinks. He swallowed hard as he brought his hand up to knock upon the metallic door, knowing that Star was just on the other side, and probably just as anxious to see what lay ahead of them. Robin gently knocked on the door, rapping it three times.
"Yes?" Starfire questioned in her friendly voice.
"It's me, Star," he managed, keeping his voice from quivering.
She quickly opened the door, nearly scaring the daylights out of Robin, but the feeling quickly subsided in her awe-inspiring beauty as he took it in. She wore an evening gown that was only mere fractions of shades lighter than Robin's shirt, encrusted with glimmering sequins that seemed endless in numbers. Her hair seemed to shine as the light reflected off of it, as well as having a small wave to it as to its regular straightness. Star also wore the emerald earrings that Robin bought for her on another outing. Her face also seemed to glow as she looked him deeply into his eyes, who was still speechless.
"What is it that is so important for you and I to be doing the dressing up?" She queried.
Robin finally shook his head gently, regaining control of his attention.
"Just come, I'll show you," he gingerly replied with a smile, holding out his hand for her.
She smiled, taking hold of it as he led her down the hall and into the central room, Star's extravagant gown flowing behind her as she walked, getting Cyborg and Beast Boy's attention.
"Whoa," they both said in unison of amazement.
"Star, you look…stunning," Cyborg commented, Beast Boy nodding as well.
"Thank you for the compliment, friend Cyborg," she replied, blushing slightly.
Robin nodded as well as they continued their way to the elevator, as if it were a signal. The elevator doors closed behind them, and began its short climb to the rooftop of the Tower.
"You still haven't explained to me what this is all about Robin; do you care to do so?" She asked again, almost pleading.
"It's a surprise, Star," he replied, "trust me, it's well worth it. I do need you to do one thing though; close your eyes and don't peek."
"Okay, Robin," Starfire replied with a smile, honoring his request by closing them.
No sooner than she did, the elevator stopped, the doors opening. Even in her sightless state of the moment, she felt the cool air of the late spring evening as there was a gentle breeze. Robin led her forward several feet away from the elevator, enough to get the doors to close. He stopped, keeping hold of her hand as he maneuvered around to face her in a sense.
"Are you ready, Star?" He questioned, looking at her as she kept her eyes closed.
"May I please open them now, Robin?" She begged, eager to see what was so special.
"Yes, Star, you can," Robin granted with a laugh.
She quickly snapped them open, no sooner than she did, her jaw dropped out of sheer amazement at what she saw. There was a small table, graced by two chairs, all of which was ornate and extravagant. Upon that table was two candles, both lit, shimmering light dancing across the white linen table cloth in the evening dusk. There was two placed areas for them to share a romantic dinner.
"So, what do you think?" Robin asked in her speechless state.
"Oh, Robin, this is most wonderful," she replied, gently hugging him. "you did all of this for me?"
"Why, of course I did," he informed, "yet, it all seems inadequate when it is compared to you."
She blushed at his compliment, even after all the time they spend together; every little thing still affected her.
He gently led her to her seat, even being the gentleman he usually was, pulling it out for her, taking his seat right afterwards.
"This is most wonderous, Robin, but where is the food of dining?" She questioned, noticing there was nothing before them, and deducing that was what they were to do.
"Don't worry, it's all taken care of," he replied, snapping his fingers.
No sooner than he did, Cyborg and Beast Boy exited from the shadows, wearing their usual outfits, but the addition of a black bow-tie was clearly visible. Acting as if they were waiters, Cyborg set down a tray, covered by an ornate, silver dome. As he did so, he then pushed a button on his arm, the ambient sound of a violin began to play throughout his speaker system. Beast Boy stepped forward, pouring both of them a glass of velvety, red wine.
"May I present to you your dinner of the evening," Cyborg stated in an uppity voice, truly acting out his role.
He lifted the dome off of the silver tray, steam exiting as he did so, revealing what Robin had been preparing for the longest time before this event.
"A delectable course of oven-roasted chicken marinated in a sauce of zorka berries and lemon pepper, all on a bed of Italian pasta," Beast Boy informed flatly, a blank expression in his face. "Enjoy your dinner."
Both of them stepped back, exiting the light, then Beast Boy leaning to his friend to whisper.
"Why are we doing this again? I feel stupid," he protested, while keeping out of Robin or Starfire's range of hearing.
Cyborg leaned down to do the same.
"Robin said he'd give us both $20 if we did this for him," he reminded the changeling, "besides, it ain't like you ain't got nothing better to do."
"You're right about that, I guess, and who can argue with money?" The changeling reasoned, standing erect once more.
Needless to say, Starfire was more than pleased with all the trouble Robin had went to, even including something from her own planet into the meal, as it happened to be the only thing that he could digest without any incident. For alien food produce, the berries were rather tasty to him before he decided to use them, just in case it were to prove disastrous, it was better to find out before he used them in the recipe.
"This is most delicious, Robin," Starfire commented after swallowing a mouthful. "Your culinary skills are very impressive."
"Thank you, Star," he replied, going along with it, "it's just something I do in my free time, I don't have much."
"Well, if you are able to make something of this magnitude," she began once more, "you should find more free time."
Robin let out a small laugh, seeing that she was truly enjoying it.
"I'll try," he informed with a smile.
She gently nodded at his statement, continuing to eat the magnificent meal he had prepared for her.
"You know something Star?" He began once more, taking notice that the sun was just a sliver above the horizon, barely illuminating anything. The cityscape of the buildings lighted against the nearly black sky from the coming of darkness made for a rather peaceful sight, the only noise belonging to the gentle wind accompanied by the sound of the waves of the bay lapping at the rocky shores of the island, the docile tones of the ambient violin from Cyborg's own personal sound system only adding to the moment.
"What is it that I am to know, Robin?" She naively questioned, as she always did, Earth customs still seeming to be beyond her reach at the moment.
"This reminds me of our first date," Robin replied, "that special moment we spent together."
"I would have to agree," She added, "it also reminds me of that moment. Why do I need to know this?"
"Well," Robin began once more, shifting his posture slightly, sliding his hand into his pocket as he placed it on a black velvet box, "I was just making sure that I would be able to recreate that time for this. Yet, I want to top that moment."
"What is it you are taking about?" Starfire managed in her confusion. "It would be most wonderful and all, but what could you possibly do to make this very romantic evening more stupendous that it already has been?"
"Well," Robin thought as he rose from his seat slowly, easily grabbing Starfire's attention even more than he already had. "This is it, now or never, no turning back."
He took a mere step around the small table to be in front of Starfire, letting out a breath as he palmed the box that contained the surprise in his pocket, pulling it from the confines of it while keeping it hidden.
"What are you doing, Robin?" Star questioned, out of concern as well as unknown to his intentions of the moment.
No sooner than she finished her statement, Robin slowly took a knee as he gently rested it upon the ground below him, looking up at Starfire, who had stood up thinking something was wrong with him. Before she rushed to his aid, he brandished the small velvet box, opening it, revealing an extravagant ring with a large emerald in the center, diamonds all around it arranged in a circle, the light easily glimmering off of its many facets it contained.
"Starfire," he began in a calm voice, looking deeply into her eyes, "Princess Koriand'r of Tameran, I ask your hand in marriage. Will you marry me?"
Starfire's eyes grew as large as they ever did before, the green of them easily visible as they seemed to glow. She stared at him intently, not a hard stare, but just in pure disbelief, and one of extreme joy. Starfire managed to regain control of herself after spacing out in sheer amazement, cracking a smile that turned into one of the biggest grins he had ever seen from her. Robin continued to hold the ring out, looking at Star, awaiting an answer, and hoping for the best.
"Yes, Robi-, Richard Grayson," she finally replied, containing herself, "I accept your hand in marriage."
A wave of relief, as well as joy overcame Robin as he carefully removed the ring from its box, sliding it onto Starfire's slender finger. He rose as she looked at it, tears shimmering in her eyes. Just as he did so, she wrapped her arms around him, engaging him in a kiss, as he was more than welcome to accept it.
"I think that's our cue," B.B. whispered to Cyborg, motioning towards the door, getting a nod as an answer, both of them exiting the scene without notice.
After what seemed like an eternity, she released him, tears of joy still strolling down her face.
"One more thing though," he managed, both of his hands rising to his face.
Before she could even think of mouthing a reply, Robin grabbed the corners of his mask, pulling gently, freeing it from his skin as he peeled it off slowly, while keeping his eyes closed. Starfire's face lit up even more as she saw what he was doing, finally able to see the answer to a question that had long eluded her.
"Would you like to guess, or do you just want to see for yourself?" Robin toyed, smiling while his eyes remained closed.
"Please just show me, Robin," she begged in a sniffled tone from her recent tears while retaining her grin.
He slowly opened them, looking deeply into Starfire's own jade green eyes, as she did the same, seeing something that very few had ever seen, and would ever see. What she saw was dark, vivid blue eyes looking back at her, truly telling all there was to tell about Robin, just by looking into them.
"Your eyes," she began, still in shock from his proposal, "are the most beautiful I have ever seen. There is nothing that I am able to compare them to, Robin, it would all seem so…inadequate."
"There's no need to, Star," Robin replied, "as it is the same for you to anything in this world."
As Robin made his lavish proposal to Starfire, other things were happening in the nearly-abandoned Tower, only a lone Titan remained within its walls, and she was locked in her room, secretly turning the pages of a lost friend's own personal writings.
"There's gotta be something in here that I'm missing," Terra commented as she continued to turn pages, even looking at dates that were well before she had ever show up on the team.
"Well," she commented, offended by something that was apparently written by Raven that retained to Terra and her being on the team at first. "I know she didn't care for me in the beginning, but I didn't know she hated me that much. I don't even want to see what she wrote about me when I did what I regretted doing now that I think about it."
She continued to flip through the pages, the dates growing closer and closer to the present, stopping every now and then to see a date of importance, or an entry that appeared to be longer than others. Even as she did so, the truth began to reveal itself. Terra didn't want to believe what she was told, but now reading it from the pages of her personal diary, she was able to confirm it: B.B. and Raven were in love. She could no longer deny it, and she new that what they shared was something special, something difficult for him to overcome in order for them to be together. Terra's eyes scanned the last dated entry, the one right before she departed to return home to Azarath, only to be ambushed and captured by Slade.
"I don't want to believe it," she said to herself, "but it's there in writing. He loved her, as did she, there's no denying it, but I love him as well, and I know he does to me likewise. I want to be respectful about it, but I need to get it across to him that Raven's gone, and he just needs to accept it. I respect his feelings and all for her, but all he is doing is hurting himself by thinking she's still alive. If she was, she would have found some way of contacting one of us, or even returned. In any case, since I'm going to be stuck like this for awhile, he still has time to make his decision I suppose. I hate sounding so…conceited, but I don't know how to put it any other way."
Her acute hearing picked up the elevator returning after what seemed like forever ago when it was last announced. She quickly fumbled the dairy around, putting it in her drawer of her nightstand, quickly closing it. Terra heard somewhat of a commotion going on in the central room, followed by pounding footsteps that grew louder, as if someone was running to her door. It violently slid open, Beast Boy out of breath standing there.
"What's going on?" She questioned out of concern, seeing there was great fear in his face.
"Come quick," he informed after catching his breath, running back to the central room, Terra in tow this time.
The duo entered, finding Robin and Star still in their formal wear, he had put his mask back on, but they were all looking at the main screen, a picture of Pantha on the screen.
"Now," Cyborg began, still in shock, as well as disbelief, "tell me what happened again."
"It's Wildabeest," she began, sounding the same as Cyborg did in shock, "he-he sent a distress signal, I was closest Titan able to help. I'm the only one here right now, but I'm sure others to come, but it wouldn't help. When I got here, he was…dead."
"Did you see who did it?" Robin pressed, controlling his anger that someone would basically murder a Titan in cold blood.
"No, by the way things look, I was too late, and nothing I could have done," she stated regretfully, as if she was at fault, "but I did find this near his body."
She held up the device, as if it were left as a reminder or a signal. It was much like a Titan communicator, but it was an octagonal shape with a capital "H" upon it.
"The H.I.V.E." they all stated in unison, disgusted.
"I don't know who they are, but I assume the worst from them," Pantha commented, "if you'll excuse me guys, I need to take care of the situation here."
"Alright," Cyborg solemly replied, 'if anything comes up, let us know, Titans out."
The screen fizzled out, anger clearly visible in everyone's eyes. Before they dispersed, Cyborg was already punching in a series of keys.
"What are you doing, Cy?" Beast Boy questioned, approaching him.
He didn't reply, only bringing up another image on the screen, and it happened to be that of Jinx passing through in their own residence. She stopped out of confusion, turning back to face the screen.
"Titans?" She questioned in disbelief. "How did you hack into our computer?"
"I've got questions, and you better answer them," Cyborg informed, not wanting to hear any kind of disagreement.
"…Oook," Jinx replied, seeing that Cyborg was as serious as he possibly could be. "What do you want to know?"
"The H.I.V.E. just killed a Titan, and I want to know who did it." The cybernetic stated, while retaining his calmness.
"Hey, don't look at us, we may not like you guys, but we'd never off one of you." Jinx protested, the others coming into the picture to see what was going on. "We didn't do anything, heck; we haven't done anything to get you guys on us for like that past three months."
"Then who did it?" Robin chimed in, sounding just as serious as Cyborg did.
"What about them there new kids that just graduated?" Billy Numerous said in the background. "I mean, with all their new-fangled powers, shoot, I wouldn't put it past 'em."
"He does have a point," See-more added, "from what I've heard about them new kids, it's pretty scary stuff."
"New kids?" Beast Boy though. "Are you talking about Frost, Inferno, and the rest of their crew?"
"Yeah, all them," Billy replied, nodding, "they are more ornery than a croc with an appetite, and attitude to match."
"They tried kicking us out of our own house," Jinx added, "but yeah, they are pretty dangerous, so I'd be careful if I were you, er, I mean, that is if I cared or anything."
"Right," Cyborg managed, seeing that Jinx did indeed care about them to an extent. "Well, if you here anything or even know where they are at, maybe you could help us out."
"You're joking, right?" Jinx stated, crossing her arms as she cocked an eyebrow, "we may be villains, but we're not stupid."
"I know how you guys work," he added, "You'll get something in return if you help us out."
"Fine," Jinx succumbed, "since we are…acquaintances "Stone", then ask away, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."
"What was these guys' final exam?" Robin interjected, finally stepping into full view for Jinx to see.
"We usually don't know of other students' assignments, but from what I could tell by the way Blood was acting, it was something big," she gladly informed, then noticing his very formal wear, "and I do have to say you look rather dashing there, Robin."
"Um, thanks," he replied, feeling rather awkward about the situation, clearing his throat. "but do you know exactly what it was?"
"I already told you, if I knew, I'd tell you, but assignments vary from student to student, or group to group in this case." Jinx reiterated, telling the truth. "I'll tell you this much though, we were summoned to teach a class that had them in it, and they were definitely something else, I mean, you could actually tell that they stood out from the others."
"What do you mean there was something about them?" Beast Boy questioned, not getting what she was attempting to explain.
"I mean that they frankly scared me, and from what you guys said, they are capable of what I thought. That Decibel guy is just as smart as Gizmo, with the strength of Mammoth to match. Frost is just plain creepy in my opinion. Inferno, even though he is a jackass, he is just as dangerous as the others. Elektra was always trying to start something with the other students, and I'm sure she could have held her own against all of them. Whirlwind, or whatever the hell her name is, just appeared to be soulless to me, just as cold and emotionless as Frost was, no pun intended." Jinx went on, naming all of them off in timely fashion. "Frankly, we don't like them one bit, I'm surprised that Blood hasn't sicked them on us yet. So what's in it for us for sharing information?"
"Well," Cyborg began, rubbing his chin, "seeing how you did give us quite a bit, I'll say this. Depending on the situation and timing, we might, oh, I don't know, maybe arrive late to a crime or something that you and your team commit."
"Are you saying you'll let us get away scot-free?" Billy jumped in.
"I said we might," Cyborg corrected, "and it depends on what it is that you done, anything drastic and you'll kiss that chance goodbye."
"Alright, alright," she reasoned, "what about just plain immunity? Don't even show up, say something like, oh, I don't know, the system was down and you never received the call, come on, I know you do repairs on the Tower and you gotta fix things, am I right?"
"Oh, I don't know," Cyborg replied, "if you give me something else, I'll keep it in mind."
"I think I heard Elektra bragging about how they were going to be sent to Asia or something another after they were finished in the Mediterranean, which I assume you've already found out about the hard way. I'm sorry, guys, that's all I got. I may not like you, but that doesn't mean I have to hate you, right?"
"Likewise," Beast Boy chuckled, "hey, I noticed that the little weirdo ain't running around, where's he at?"
"If you mean Gizmo," Jinx managed through a smile, which was rather awkward for enemies, "he's in London right now, being the super-nerd he is, going to some electronics expo or whatever; he won't be back for quite some time."
"Interesting," Robin stated, "if we didn't know any better, you'd think we were just friends."
"Don't get soft on me, Boy Wonder," she stated, "as I said, we may not hate you, but we sure don't like you."
"Alright, alright," Cyborg cut back in, "you guys will get your immunity if it's something small. Oh, one more thing."
"What, Cyborg?" Jinx stated, aggravated, but also respecting him.
"How's things going on between you and KF?" He questioned, getting a shocked surprise from her, especially in front of her own team.
"He changed his name, by the way, it's Impulse now," Jinx corrected, "and things are doing alright I guess."
"You kiddin'?" Billy Numerous interrupted, "that greased lightnin' feller crashed here a couple days ago."
She turned to face him.
"Shut up, ass," she quickly snapped, disliking him, but turning back, embarrassed.
"Listen," she managed, "I guess we'll catch you later, or the next time you decide to hack our computer again."
"Lookin' forward to it," Cyborg said with a laugh, cutting the transmission. "Well, at least we know it wasn't them. Those weird kids that thought they could take us, you know, the ones Terra whipped?"
"Yeah, Cy," Robin replied, feeling as if his teammate was talking down to him, "I knew there was something different about those guys, and I fear the worst is taking place; Brother Blood and the H.I.V.E. Academy are going to systematically attempt to decimate the Titan order. Not even committing crimes to get our attention, but by simply hunting us down like we were prey of some kind. I don't know about you, but I refuse to stand idle and allow them another chance to…murder another Titan."
"I totally agree," Beast Boy stated his opinion, "so where do we start on cutting these guys off at the pass?"
"I suppose we could send the warning to our fellow Titans in that area of the world, yes?" Starfire suggested. "So they may be better prepared if they are to run into them?"
"Good idea, Star," Cyborg congratulated, "and maybe search them out ourselves?"
"No can do, Cy," Robin interrupted, "the city needs us, besides, we need to start searching out Blood, find his new Academy, and shut both of them down."
"You are right about that," Cyborg realized, "well, since all this drama is done and over with for now, I suggest we get some shut-eye and start tomorrow.
"Sounds good," Robin replied, "you heard him, team, hit the sack, we got a lot of work ahead of us tomorrow, and probably for quite some time. We will find Blood, I assure you that."
They all nodded in agreement, feeling a small vow of revenge beginning to manifest for their fallen comrade. Yet, even though it didn't strike as far home as Raven's passing did, it was still tragic. It took their mind off of that for the moment in reality, seeing how they had a purpose, as well as a duty to protect their allies, yet, the graduated H.I.V.E. students they faced were going to stop at nothing to complete their mission: Complete extermination and eradication of the Titans, Titans East, and all Honorary Titans.
"My liege," a violet-cloaked individual with an "H" badge holding it upon his person, hood up, addressed another cloaked individual, a red eye glowing intently beneath it.
"What is it?" He queried, narrowing his eyes out of annoyance.
"Your students are successful," he informed, "they wish to present this to you as a gift."
He held out his hand, showing Blood a Titan communicator, blood stained upon it, turning it over to find a message carved into it, reading:
"This is only the beginning."
A devious grin curled across his lips as it developed into an evil grin.
"Marvelous," he commented, lowering his hood to reveal his cybernetic parts, "I knew they were quite capable. It is only a mere matter of time before the annoyance once known as the Titan order is nothing more than a memory in the archives of libraries. Tell them to continue as planned, and only to contact me if they are successful. If they fail, they will not wish to reveal themselves to me."
"Yes, my liege," the man obeyed, bowing as he exited.
"It is nigh," Brother Blood said to himself, "my conquest of all things artificial has begun; it's only a matter of time before any interruption of any kind will be swiftly dealt with deadly force. They are very impressive indeed, reminds me of myself really, soulless, emotionless, well, evil."
A small screen on Blood's left arm activated, revealing an image of Professor Chang.
"What is it, Professor?" He swiftly questioned, making the older man jump.
"I just wished to discuss a matter with you, Brother Blood," he explained, treading lightly.
"Well?" Blood stated, inviting him to continue.
"Seeing how your prized students are eliminating Titans, won't that attract attention to you and get them to come here?" He realized.
"You do have a point, but what does that have to do with you?" Brother Blood replied.
"They cannot discover what I am doing here, it will ruin everything." Professor Chang boldly informed, caring for his work.
"I assure you that they will do no such thing." Blood promised, "by the time those insignificant whelps find my headquarters, it will be too late. You will be able to finish your work long before they arrive, if not, I will find somewhere else for you to continue."
"O-okay," Chang succumbed, the screen deactivating.
Blood only looked on intently from his throne across the expanse of a room.
"Please, n-no more," Slade managed, on his knees, "you have your wish, you have broken me, just make it stop, I beg you."
"Why, mortal?" Trigon beckoned, "I was just beginning to become amused with your pathetic rebellion."
"I know my life is one of great evils," Slade replied, still on his knees, looking down shamefully, "but I can't continue to relive them, watching all the mistakes of my life pass before my eyes."
"So have you come to terms with the loss of your wife Adeline, the death of your son Grant, all because he wanted to be just like you? Let's not forget about Joseph now, all because of you foolish pride, he was turned mute. Last, but not least, your own daughter who you denied existence for the longest time, and finally manipulating her to your own uses. She wanted to be just like you, and she got her wish. You see, mortal, you have committed numerous acts of atrocity in your lifetime."
"You are r-right," Slade admitted, seeing it was useless to deny the truth any longer, "I need to accept these actions that have taken place, and I take full responsibility for the singe-handed destruction of my own family. It is pointless to deny, it will only continue to haunt me."
"At last, the mighty spirit is broken," Trigon mocked, "I wished you would have realized this sooner, mortal."
Confused, Slade looked up at the demonic entity.
"I-I don't understand," he truthfully admitted. "What do you mean?"
"As you realized the errors of your ways, Slade," Trigon explained, "I realized mine. You see, mortal, I underestimated you, and as well as the heroes that my daughter is in league with, which became my own downfall."
"Are you suggesting that I work for you again?" Slade deduced, confused, as well as slightly angered by the thought.
"Maybe," Trigon commented, "this time would be far different."
"Anything's better than here," he replied, "I'm all ears."
"Good," Trigon added, "my daughter still walks amongst the living. I wi-"
"Wait, what? Did you just say that Raven was alive?" Slade asked out of complete surprise, as well as disbelief.
"Yes, mortal," he answered, annoyed by the interruption. "Her mother and the Elders of Azarath revived her to continue living out her life as scripted by the Archives. In any case, once I summon enough energy, I will grant you powers once more, you will seek her out, and destroy her. I have other ways of coming to the Earth plane, I no longer require a need for her, so put her out of her misery."
"No deal," Slade boldly protested, "last time I did something for you, I was doubled-crossed in the worst way possible. You may have broken me, but I'm not stupid."
"I see, you wish for collateral," Trigon pondered, "since you can be quite useful, I will allow you to keep your powers even after you complete the task, but have flesh and blood. I may even grant you immortality of sorts; you can die from injury, but never from age."
"Powers and limited immortality?" Slade questioned, making sure he heard correctly, "and all I have to do is hunt down Raven and finish what I started?"
"It is as simple as that, mortal," Trigon answered, watching Slade rise to his feet.
"When can I start?" Slade replied, having a renewed and revitalized strength about him in hearing what he could posses by merely enacting revenge upon his former student. "She will pay for what she had done in her rebellion to me, and you will get the reward of her corpse."
"You see, mortal," Trigon beckoned, "we both win. Yet, for this to become a reality, you must allow me to summon the energy to complete the task. Do what you wish, I will leave you be for the moment."
"Gladly," Slade answered, feeling his own person about himself coming back to him, Trigon's inescapable grip upon him beginning to lift itself ever so slightly.