Hello, sorry for the delay… I had a lot of things to do and I haven't had a lot of time for writing, but finally chapter 11 is here; enjoy it… by the way… I could use some reviews…

The Stone Chest

Chapter 11

"And The War Begins"

Connor…

The titans, Jessy and me were enjoying a great dinner; my best friend cooked the dishes and they were delicious; she was a great cooker indeed. After the battle against the assassins, we were trying to rest. We needed to recover fully since the final battle was about to start, yet neither of us had an exact idea of when the fight would begin.

"This beef is just delicious, you're really good" – said Robin.

"This tastes like the Sblorb of my planet, it's luxurious friend Jessy… you deserve the joy hug!" – yelled Starfire excited.

"I don't think is necessary Star, she knows you're enjoying the food" – said Robin while grabbing one arm of the Tameranian to prevent Jessy to be suffocated to death by a bear hug. The others started to laugh by seeing the scene.

"Thanks a lot to bother cooking me a special tofu dish" – said Beast Boy.

"Thig ig vegly gut" – added Terra without stop eating making the glances of everybody to focus on her – "Ghat?" – asked the blond girl without noticing what was going on.

"I really appreciate your comments but I don't think I'm that good" – replied Jessy smiling.

"Good? You're the best chef ever in this tower… well, next to Connor" – refuted Cyborg laughing.

The guys kept talking and suddenly I lost track of their conversation; in fact I was barely listening them. Words kept going through my ears, but my brain refused to process them. In those moments I was immersed in a brainstorming session; theories, thoughts, possible explanations were part of it since there were some loose ends in what was happening. One of the things I could explain was why even the real Assassins were being so easy to beat; in fact, they were being vulnerable to light attacks and that didn't make sense. Normally a one to one fight against them was extremely difficult so I feared the worst when I saw ten of those creatures prepared to battle; however, the fight was not difficult at all; we even could say that we defeated them quite fast and that was intriguing me... Eventually, it became evident for the others that I was not paying attention to their conversation so Beast Boy tried to pull me out of my trance.

"Houston calling, please respond from outer space, over" – said the green titan parodying a NASA call.

"Connor responding from outer space, over" – I replied.

"Man, where have you been? You was in nowhere, we were talking to you and you didn't even notice it" – pointed Cyborg.

"I'm sorry guys, I was just digressing... there are a lot of ideas in my head" – I said ashamed.

"And would you mind sharing your thoughts with us?" – asked Robin.

"There are some things that just don't make sense to me. I don't understand why both Orders joined forces so sudden. I still can't believe Jack killed Joseph and tried to blame for me that. I can't figure it out Zarth's next move now that he controls both orders. I don't understand why the assassins that came here were that weak..." – I started saying, but Terra cut me out.

"Weak?" I'd say they were pretty tough instead" – said the blond girl.

"It was a nasty fight" – added Cyborg.

"Those creatures are too treacherous" – pointed Beast Boy.

"Yes, I know those creatures were a real pain back there, but let me put things in this way… if those Assassins would have fought the same way I've seen them do it before… we would still be fighting against them… and probably losing" – I answered trying to make clear for them the real power those killer could have.

Everybody went silent trying to understand my last words; their faces showed they were really worried even afraid considering the consequences. I really felt bad for having taken them into this mess in the first place, the test that were waiting for us were going to be real tough and extremely dangerous… and, a the end of the day, that battle was more mine than them… that thought made me feel very guilty and I couldn't erase that feeling from my mind.

"You have nothing to feel guilty for, as Robin have said, the decision of helping you was ours and we don't regret it" – said Raven sincerely.

"Eh?" – I said by reflex… I was surprised by the fact she could read my mind considering that I was sure of having closed it to avoid any possible intrusion – "I, well, you see, this is not your battle guys, really" – I said trying to recover from the shock.

"Maybe at the beginning it wasn't, but now I can assure you that it is" – said Beast Boy who had turned on the TV a few seconds before.

The entire group turned back to watch the news as Beast Boy had requested; in that moment all the channels were broadcasting live; the scenes were really shocking, chaos everywhere, buildings destroyed, people running for their life, explosions all around the place, the army and the cops fighting desperately an enemy that wasn't being shown on camera yet, the firemen department trying to rescue several people trapped in the ruins of the buildings; in short, we were watching a city being slowly wiped out due to a large scale offensive; but it was when we read the headlines when we got frozen… those scenes were not from an unknown city or from an armed conflict in another continent, those scenes were being broadcasted from Jump City…

Robin…

No matter how hard I tried I couldn't believe what my eyes were telling me; before me it were shown scenes of what looked a war zone; the city had turned out into a pandemonium and the worst was that it was happening not far from where we were. That barbaric battle was happening in the city we swore to protect. Damn it!! This was unacceptable. This was the first time that the people were actually feeling the horror of a war; in the battle against Trigon, they were petrified therefore didn't watch the destruction he caused… only we lived the tragedy and felt the pain… but now, now all the citizens were suffering the real terror by being merciless attacked… Definitely, Zarth couldn't care less for the fate of the city; he was prepared to wipe out the place to accomplish his objectives. Seconds later we confirmed what we already knew; one of the channels displayed in the headlines that the attack was being carried out by the Order of Chaos… finally they had decided to stop being an undercover organization…

I really needed to give instruction to the team, but before speaking I looked at their faces and noticed their anger and consternation. Terra hugged hard Beast Boy, I think it was unconsciously, and then she buried her face in his chest to avoid watching the TV while Garfield was completely astonished with the scenes. Cyborg couldn't bear the situation, his face showed rage and he was clenching his fists so hard that I could see blood on them; he definitely wasn't having a food time. Starfire were sobbing hard and several tears ran through her face while she got close to me to feel protected and I hugged her with no doubts… hesitating was not an option right now. Raven changed her eternal poker face and showed astonishment and fear while taking her right hand to cover her mouth. Jessy and Connor were deeply shocked too; their faces showed huge agony due to what was happening… After analyzing the reactions of everyone I took some minutes to put all the pieces in place and then I started talking; I was the leader and I had to guide them in this moments of pain.

"It seems that one of the questions has been replied… titans, the time for the final battle has come" – I said calmly.

"You're right my friend" – said Connor meditating to make a decision – "Now I am with you guys and despite I'm not part of the team I want you to know that I am at your orders" – added Blackwood resolved.

"The same goes for me" – confirmed Jessy

"Hey guys watch that!" – said Beast Boy stopping me from giving the witch and the wizard an answer.

News Audio

… James Williams here, this is unbelievable! We never thought we would someday be witnessing this kind of destruction! Right now I'm on the island where the titans had their headquarters. As I told you some minutes ago, we could see a huge explosion in this place and we feared the worst… and as you can see, the T Tower has been reduced to rubble by that blow… fortunately, the firemen haven't found any body yet which are good news…That gives us hope that the titans are still alive somewhere waiting for the right moment to strike back… but if you are hearing this broadcast let me tell you that you better find that moment right now because otherwise you will have nothing to save… back to the studios…

End of News Audio

The reporter was really shocked and by the end of his speech he couldn't help his voice sounding downhearted. It was dreadful watching our home reduced to ashes… we had lived many moments in there. There were so many memories inside those walls, so many feelings… In those instants, the initial surprise and shock were replaced by anger and powerlessness while seeing how those guys were destroying the city and everything we had been protecting. Definitely, there was no time to waste; each minute passed meant dozens of people dead and we couldn't allow that happening anymore... it didn't matter if perhaps we were not ready yet for the battle or if there were assassins more powerful than which we fought like Connor said or if Terra couldn't control her powers properly yet... It was out of the question to simply stay here and train some more while many people keep dying just a few kilometers away; it was nor or never, it was the time to win or being defeated... and considering the consequences in each scenario... being defeated was not an option...

"Well, stop wasting time, the city needs us more than ever and we can't fail it" – I said resolved trying to cheer up the others.

The guys nodded and seconds later we were flying to the city; my looking the horizon we could see the signals of what we just watched in the news... fire was everywhere and several smoke columns filled the sky like a silent cry for help. After seeing that landscape we decided to go faster. Connor was carrying Jessy while flying and Raven was just aside them using her dark energy to keep their speed. Starfire was carrying me in her arms while fly in the front of the group... it was strange being so close to her after what had happened in the library; feeling her breath and her warm arms hugging me made me feel really alive and happy; her presence gave me the balance and peace needed to face the horror we were about to fight and I still couldn't believe it. But, now it wasn't the proper time to make dissertations about my feelings, our duty was first. Terra was manipulating the air surrounding her to fly (or float and move perhaps) to be aside Beast Boy who had transformed into an eagle; the blond girl also controlled the rock that acted as a plane for Cyborg, which proved that her skills had considerable increased thanks to her hard training and that gave hope to us all that she will be ready when the time arrives... And so we were flying towards our destiny without knowing what was in the future for us, but with only one goal in our heads: Beat those treacherous warlocks and make the peace returns to our city that truly deserves it... a peace we had fought hard to maintain...

PPPPPPPPPPPP

Tara…

I couldn't help walking from one side to the other while hearing the explosions outside; each detonation increased the desperation I was feeling because those noises meant only one thing: Zarth had decided to begin the attack. The room, which acted as a prison for me, was very damp and the smell of mold was also pretty strong since all the walls were covered by it. The light was almost nonexistent and the temperature was really low; nevertheless, the cell conditions meant nothing for me; I had more important things in my mind, being one of them to escape from my prison. Although the reasons for doing that were not the mold or the dampness. Many months had passed since Jack decided to capture me and keep me captive in the Order's Base; but despite the facts, I always had the hope of escaping on time to reach Terra and warning her about the prophecy. However, the final battle had begun and I was still locked in a filthy cell down in the dungeons... Suddenly I heard footsteps coming from the main corridor, the noise was increasing each second and finally a shadow could be seen behind the door of the cell where I was. At the beginning I feared the worst and prepared myself to face my executioner, but then I realized that the person who opened the door didn't have killing intentions...

"Tara you have to get out of here, things are out of control out there; Jack has gone nuts... He asked us to form an alliance with the Order of Chaos and currently, Zarth is leading many members of both Orders into a war against he city... thousands of innocent people are dying" – said the wizard after coming inside my cell.

"Dominic?" – I asked with some doubts while trying to identify the man that came inside – "So, it has begun then..." – I added after confirming his identity.

"I'm sorry for what happened and you know I'd have taken you out of here sooner if I could; but since Jack locked you here due to that absurd theory that Andrews had transferred his powers to you and that you were the key, the surveillance in this part of the dungeons became huge. In fact, I still don't know why Jack didn't kill you after confirming that Terra was the key instead of you... You have been very lucky" – added the other.

"What have you known about her?! Is she ok?!" – I asked forgetting what he have said before my daughter's name... I was extremely worried about her... I feared the worst, again.

"Nothing more, after coming here with Connor and the others to rescue Jessy we have received no more data regarding her. It's like she would have disappeared" – said Dominic.

"That was very foolish and she could have paid a high price for it... they have no idea of the prophecy or how much they are in danger. We need to warn them!"

"I know, I know, but first we need to prepare ourselves; many members of the Order listened to Jack and now they're fighting alongside with the Wizards and Witches of the Order of Chaos; not to mention all the Assassins, I had never seen so many killers together. That alliance is taking over the city without sweating and yet they're making a massacre all over the place. They're everywhere Tara, leaving the Base without a plan is too risky" – said Dominic gravely.

"But staying here doing nothing is not a better choice!" – I said resolved.

"You're right and that's why I've come for you. All the members who didn't accept that alliance are gathering to fight them, or at least try. We are being clearly outnumbered, but we can make things more difficult for them… Besides, our main goal is helping those Titans, Connor, Jessy and Terra"

"Then stop wasting time and take me to the others; my daughter is coming to the city I can feel it, Andrew's energy lies inside her… but if I can feel her, Zarth can too and I'm sure he's going to send several troops to capture her" – I said trying to calm down.

"Ok, let's go then; you're going to be our guide to find Terra"

PPPPPPPPPPPP

Terra…

After some minutes, the Tower could be seen below us; it was obvious that the place and the entire island had been reduced to rubble; in that moment we saw each other and it was like we could read our minds because without saying one single word, everybody agreed to keep flying towards the city instead of stopping in our headquarters. Right now it was more important to stop Zarth than to quantify our loses, the Tower and our stuff could be replaced or rebuilt later, but people life has no price or way to be restored… when somebody dies, there's no way to bring him/her back so we needed to stop the massacre as soon as possible, every minute wasted meant more meaningless killing. That reminded me the huge responsibility lying over my shoulders; and a great fear covered my body every time the moment when Connor read the rest of the parchments came to my mind…

Flashback

The whole group was gathered in Connor's Manor after one of the several training sessions we had when Blackwood called us vehemently so again we could see the parchments containing the prophecies. The wizard opened one of them and started explaining that what we had watched thanks to Jessy's powers were only some historical facts required to understand what would happen in the future. So, summarizing, those scenes were only some kind of prologue to the prophecies, but not the main dish. Those words made several questions to rise in my mind, well, in all our minds, actually; but before we could say anything, Connor started reading the scroll…

And the circle of life and death will repeat, the dark forces can't be locked forever and by the end of one era, a great evil power will come back, a heartless being will be set free to bring chaos all over the Earth. Only the power of the elements will stand a chance against him; but this time, the demon won't be able to be locked again; if the light forces win, the demon will be destroyed for good… The final battle will begin; Zarth, ruler of the shadows and evil warlock, will try to cover the world with death and endless destruction; while the wizard's daughter, titan and villain who by that time will be back from the stone where was locked after saving many people from the fire of the Earth, will try to preserve harmony and peace. The result of that duel won't be written or foreseen by any form of life or by any soul. Nobody will know the winner identity until the battle ends. Endless annihilation if the dark forces win, praises if the elements prevail… although even if the elements prevail, pain and misery could find another way to emerge…

We listened those words with extreme caution and deep silence and when Connor finished reading the text they all turned their eyes at me very incredulously. Evidently, the "titan and villain" part along with the "saving many people from the fire of the Earth" part, not to mention the "back from the stone" line were clear references to me. It was just amazing to realize that my life had been written many years before I was even born… even being Slade's apprentice was part of an ancient prophecy… every move I made, every step I took had been recorded in those parchments… my head couldn't process all the information and I think the others were feeling exactly the same... But, what we agreed from that moment was to train harder… the result of the battle was not written, so it depended on our skills and strengths… and the most important thing those scrolls showed to us was that it was really worthy to be prepared.

End of Flashback

The prophecy didn't tell the result of the final battle; in fact, it was written that nobody would be able to know it until the very end of it... That implied that the winner would be decided on skills, like a 'survival of the fittest' approach. But that didn't make me feel better; it is true I could control my powers way better than before meeting Connor; in fact, I could control the four elements at will, but will that be enough? Zarth had to be an extremely skillful warrior and wizard and I don't think I have mastered my powers yet... Will I stand a chance against him? The prophecy said I'll do, but I was not sure... many thoughts filled my mind and I was getting more afraid with each minute passed. Failing meant the end of the world and that load started to feel very heavy over my shoulders...

Raven…

Eventually we started approaching to the city port and the scenes we had watched on the TV became an unpleasant reality; in fact, this time, like many others, reality beat fiction. Many buildings shared the same luck than the tower and a lot of people either hurt or dead could be seen in the streets nearby. That landscape reminded me when my father tried to take over the world by using me as a portal thanks to... yes, another prophecy; but that time, the people didn't suffer like now because didn't notice anything and certainly nobody was killed. Finally I understood what Connor said to me when he showed me the scrolls that described the battle between Trigon and me as a prelude for something even worse...

Flashback

I was reading some scrolls of the original prophecies trying to find an explanation to the nightmare I had days ago; I even tried reading several books from the library itself since there were some terms in the prophecies I didn't fully understand for being in other languages (including some dead languages); besides, there were some references to certain parchments, legends and other stuff I could only find in Connor's books. However, no matter how hard I had tried, nothing appeared, not even a close explanation for that nightmare; and something inside me kept telling me that the dream represented a warning, that inner voice told me that my nightmare had really been a vision... then Connor came in and stop my dissertation.

"Well, Rae I see you have found yourself a hobby" – he said smiling while giving me a cute kiss in my lips.

"Eh, yes" – I said surprised by the kiss although I kissed him back. I still didn't get used to being his girlfriend or to be kissed and that stuff – "I felt curious so I came here wanting to know some more" – I added hiding my true intentions.

"Do you want some company?" – he asked while grabbing a chair.

"That wouldn't bother me" – I lied with a hint of a smile; I really enjoyed her company, but with he around I would have to be more careful for looking what I really wanted to know.

Both of us started to read the documents since he also wanted to do more researching about the final battle against Zarth. Although our motivations were different. By seeing his face, I could say he was really excited having those parchments in his hands and it wasn't hard to understand why... those documents kept deep secrets about dark arts, black magic, new spells, etc; not to mention some knowledge about de future, some very important knowledge indeed. And there was no other source for having this information... I decided to put aside those thoughts and quickly I had focused again on my own investigation, but suddenly a gasp from him cut my concentration.

"I think you should read this, Rae" – said Connor seriously, which was not very common on him.

I distrustfully took the scroll and seconds later I was reading another prophecy; but this one was completely different... each line I read went directly to my heart and mind like a knife. My emotions were getting wild and I barely could keep calmed while seeing the text in front of me...

And that child, who was born by the unnatural union between the angel and the demon, will try to redeem herself by fighting evil; but she will learn that her own evil can't be stopped... even against her will, she'll become a portal for Trigon entering to this realm and only her friends' faith will help the daughter when facing her father in a battle for salvation... the white will overcome the blue and light will defeat darkness. But beware... when this battle ends the real danger will be close. Tremble with fear you enemies or Zarth when the Raven emerge victorious because that will only mean one thing: the time for his arrival will have come.

It was the turn of my life being written in a parchment. My fears, my deepest horrors being foreseen many years, no centuries ago. Many answers I needed were written in that document, which came to my hands a little late. But the worst part lied in the last words, which still sounding inside my mind. The only meaning of my existence and my battle against Trigon was to warn others about Zarth's arrival... Connor noticed how affected I was and immediately I could feel her arms surrounding me; being hugged by him was a completely new sensation for me and I still didn't know how to react or how would be the proper reaction, but I knew something for sure... I liked feeling him that way.

"That was what Jack told us when Trigon appeared and that's why we decided to remain unnoticed. Of course he conveniently omitted the part about Zarth's arrival" – said Connor lowering his voice.

"I just can't believe everything I suffered for many years was just a page of some prophecies... it's strange knowing that the most important battle of my life was only a simple sign, like a neon light of a display advertisement. If I would have known this before I wouldn't have bother so much" – I said trying to put my thoughts in order while making a little joke by speaking with sarcasm.

"Don't take it that way; for you that was the most important battle and not only for you, but for your friends too. They never gave up on you and supported you 'til the very end. It's not easy to find people who actually are with you in he bad times; and you also must understand the danger represented by Zarth; he's despicable, heartless and extremely evil. I assure you he won't be as benevolent with people as Trigon was" – added Connor gravely.

"What do you mean with 'as benevolent as Trigon was'?" – I said getting angry – "He couldn't care less for the city, the Earth or the people. He wanted to take over the world no matter what and…"

"It's not necessary to assume that attitude. I didn't mean Trigon was a good guy, but remember that when he came all the people got petrified and didn't noticed what had really happened. For mankind, that incident didn't happen at all and that, honey, that will be the main difference you'll see when Zarth arrives"

End of Flashback

Beast Boy…

We all were trying to get used to this mess in which the city had become; it was amazing what Zarth and his followers had been capable to do in a short period of time and the worst thing was this was just the beginning. In fact, we just reached land when a group of guys in black suits came to face us. Immediately we all landed to begin the fight against them.

"Titans go!" – said Robin throwing a couple of grenades to one of the attackers.

The creature didn't bother to evade the attack, in fact it received the hit fully and continued his way towards Robin as nothing would have happened; the wonder boy was pretty surprised by that and didn't have the reflexes to evade counterattack of the assassin that threw the titan meters away. The killer instead of making a pause flew at full speed towards the leader of the titans to finish him; but I transformed into a dragon and flew to cut its way. However, when I reached a point to use a blaze of fire against it, the creature disappeared and the next thing I felt was a huge punch in my back that threw me against the road. Despite the hit I just had received, I quickly stood up since I didn't want to give it a chance to take me by surprise again; nevertheless, when I tried to find it I couldn't see it anywhere. Suddenly a shadow emerged from the ground in front of me and I could see a horrible pair of eyes in the middle of an incredible dark face. A strange feeling started taking over myself and I began loosing control of my body; the next thing I knew was that creature grabbing me by my neck in order to kill me by stabbing me in the chest with its right hand… fortunately, in that very moment a huge blaze of fire wiped out the killer.

"You better be careful from now on, the assassins can put you into a trance… that one almost killed you" – reproached Connor.

"It's alright dude, don't take it so hard, it won't happen again" – I said trying to hide the fear I was still feeling…

Terra…

There were a large group of assassins and we soon realized these ones were completely different compared with the others we fought at Connor's manor. Now, the creatures were extremely more powerful and defeating them was going to be a titanic task. Two killers surrounded Starfire and immediately I wanted to help her, but another assassin blocked my way. The red-haired girl tried to use her starbolts against her opponents, but that didn't work and soon both counterattacked with a fierce energy beam and instants later, the Tameranian feel to the ground. Once again I tried to reach her, but the other assassin cut my way for the second time, but this time it threw me an electrical discharge that I could block with a fire shield created by my left hand. However, when I wanted to strike back the killer had disappeared and immediately I flew upwards guessing its next move… fortunately I was right and I could see the assassin appearing right behind where I was floating before so I took advantage of this and destroyed it with a blaze of fire. Finally I could reach Starfire who was standing up while moaning in pain.

"Are you ok?" – I asked worried.

"I'll be better when we destroy those Glrogres" – replied the alien visibly angry while rising to go back to the battle.

"Wait, your powers don't hurt them at all" – I said while flying aside her.

Starfire was soon in front another assassin and a beam came out from her eyes, the attack was directed towards the killer that instead of avoiding it, decided to fight it back with an electrical discharge of its own. The assassin's attack easily overpowered Starfire's one and continue its way towards the Tameranian. Seeing its attack being beaten astonished the titan and apparently she didn't have intentions to evade the killer's beam so I decided to use the same trick it had used. I created a horizontal tornado that overpowered the assassin's attack turning it back to the killer, but the creature disappeared to avoid my move. Immediately I grabbed Starfire's right hand and took her away to avoid the assassin caught us by surprise.

Robin…

Cyborg, Jessy and I was fighting against two creatures that seemed to read our minds since they foresawevery move we made, which was turning the battle a piece of cake for them. So, we created a strategy and decided to see if it worked; the half-human half-robot threw an energy beam towards one of the killers that didn't bother to evade it; the creature received the hit and continued its way to strike Cyborg. Nevertheless, Jessy cast a fire spell against it, but the assassin could evade it and counterattacked with an electrical discharge. It was in that moment when I made my part by using my staff to repel the killer's attack and send it back to the assassin that didn't see that coming and was destroyed. Now there was only one more left that immediately threw several energy beams, which forced us to split to avoid the attacks. And the worst part was the arrival of two more assassins… now we had to face three creatures; Jessy threw several blazes of fire trying to keep the killers busy, but the three beings rose to avoid the attacks. Then, the assassins flew towards us but before reaching us they disappeared; I left the place where I was hiding to avoid being caught by surprise and the others did the same so instants later the three of us were standing in the middle of the street and the three killers appeared surrounding us.

"Well friends, now we are in trouble" – said Jessy.

Well if you said that because we were fighting three assassin now I guess we're doomed because those guys have called two more friends" – said Cyborg preparing for battle.

"We can't be defeated, we have to fight them, Jump City needs us more than ever… we have to beat those creatures" – I said trying to be optimistic.

"I think either you lost your contact lens if you use them or your mask is too tight buddy" – said Cyborg.

I was about to replied when the assassins started their attack, but luckily for us, Raven used her soul self to rescue us. Instants later we were along with her and Connor in one of the roofs nearby.

"Now you owe me a big one" – said Raven half smiling.

"You bet, those bad dressed guys are a pain" – said Cyborg.

"Thanks Raven, but it's not over yet" – I said hitting the ground with my right fist while feeling powerless.

In that moment, Beast Boy, Terra and Starfire arrived to the roof where we were; the three looked very injured, which showed their fights hadn't been easier.

"Ok, please somebody wrote down the license plate of the truck that hit me" – said Beast Boy feeling dizzy.

"Those creatures are too powerful; my attacks don't hurt them" – said Starfire.

"And they keep coming and coming… we are way outnumbered here… it's a matter of time before they beat us" – added Terra.

And she was right, any second passed more creatures arrived and if at the beginning things were difficult now it was impossible to beat them all; definitely it had to be other way and the only thing I thought was running away and try to find Zarth avoiding as many battles as possible. But we had just gathered when a large number of killers surrounded us.

Connor…

It were more than 20 creatures all around us and our real chances against them were just below zero; and the worst thing was that even if by a miracle we could beat them… there were plenty more killers to fight before even get close to Zarth. I was pretty sure he had filled the entire city with assassins to protect his new domain. We were expecting them to begin the attack and the killers were about to start it when a rain of fire fell destroying a lot of the creatures and making the rest to withdraw. Immediately we searched for the source of that attack and a big smile formed in my lips while seeing Dominic, with a large number of wizards and witches, to the rescue. Now, the outnumbered one were the assassins and seconds later there was no one standing so we could gather to talk.

"Well, I guess now you believe me" – I said as a greeting.

"I do indeed and I'm sorry for don't believing you before. I've been blind and I didn't see what Jack was planning… but it's not too late for stopping this disaster" – replied Dominic.

In that moment, a woman came close to us and we got astonished after realizing she was the same woman we have watched in the scenes of the scrolls. None of us said anything and we all felt time had been frozen… finally, mother and daughter met their gazes and it was like none of the two knew what to say or to do. It were just too many emotions together and we needed time to assimilate them… it was like being in a roller coaster; finally, after several seconds, our blond friend broke the silence.

"Mom? Is that you?" – said Terra doubtful while walking towards the other woman.

"Yes darling, but how could you recognize me? I don't understand, unless…" – started saying Tara.

"We've watched the scrolls" – replied Terra.

Tara nodded silently and then both women ran towards each other to end in a big hug… many tears ran freely in both women cheeks and for a moment we all forgot what was happening in the city. The anger, the fear, the powerlessness we were feeling were suddenly wiped out by that endless joy of seeing mother and daughter together again.

"I'm sorry I didn't look for you before, I should have done it. I was a fool and I'll never forgive myself for that… I'll never forgive myself since I haven't been a real mom for you" – said Tara feeling anger with herself – "But I've always cared about you… and I've never left you alone" – ended the woman.

"I know mom, I know you did what you did to protect me, I…" – started saying Terra but Dominic quickly cut her.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I'm sure there are more assassins on their way here so you better leave as soon as you can. You have to reach Zarth whereabouts"

"You're absolutely right, but the streets are not safe anymore; the entire city is taken over by those creatures" – I said stepping forward.

"I know, that's why you will have to use the sewer system…it's the less dangerous place in the city at least… We have used it so far to move around and it's almost clear from assassins" – said Dominic.

But before I could reply another group of killers appeared very close to where we were and they outnumbered us again so everybody prepared to fight.

"You can't stay here to fight; you have another mission, a more important one indeed. Go now, we'll try to buy you some time" – said Dominic.

"But that is suicide" – I said worried.

"Don't worry. We won't let those creatures kill us. Besides, your mission is not a piece of cake type one. Let's see who buries who" – joked Dominic.

"Are you coming with us?" – asked Terra to her mother very worried.

"You bet… I'll never leave you alone again" – answered Tara – "I'm sorry for leaving you Dominic but our paths split from here my old friend" – added the older of the Markov while watching Dominic.

"It's ok, see you soon"

After waving them goodbye, Raven used her soul self for taking us to a street nearby but away from the assassins sight; from our new position we could hear the sounds of the fight between Dominic's group and the killers. Thanks to them, we had the proper time for reaching the sewers without being noticed. Robin, who knew perfectly well the zone and the system, quickly found an open path for entering and seconds later we were walking towards the Order of Chaos headquarters for the final battle…

What dangers await for our heroes in their way to Zarth's whereabouts? Will the city be able to recover from this strike? Will the prophecies give another surprise? Will mother and daughter become a new dynamic duo? Don't miss next chapter.

Author's Notes: Well, this one gave me some fight but finally I'm done. As you can see, this chapter is darker and more tragic than the previous ones, but the story is reaching its end so the moment of truth has finally come for the titans. The final battle is about to start so it's a matter of how fast I write to see who's going to be the winner. Tara has found her daughter again and it was just in time since the blond titan is about to face her most difficult test ever. Raven still thinks her nightmare was nothing but a premonition and that makes her feel uncomfortable… let's see what happens at the end.

As you might notice, this chapter was written in first person, I did it for varying things a little bit. I know I didn't choose all the characters just the ones I thought could tell the story in a better way… I hope you have liked it, although I won't repeat this format in the chapters upcoming. The end is quite near (2 chapters away actually) and next chapter is going to be full of action so don't miss next part.