Chapter 12
[Starfire's room]

Koriand'r was angry and disappointed at her boyfriend. After he viciously attacked Solor to try to prevent him from dating her counterpart, she was not certain if she wanted to stay his girlfriend. She had watched the blows Solor absorbed after telling Nightwing to go all out and while the younger dragon shrugged them off easily, the point remained that he wanted a reason to tell Solor to leave the team.

Nightwing's reaction was not like him. He had readily accepted Edward as a team member, allowed Edward to pay for their first date, and had come to terms for his feelings towards her. Nightwing had allowed Beast Boy and Terra to be together and didn't bat an eye when Edward and Raven were not just dating, but, was their "Best Man". And, she considered Edward to be a brother now.

She knew that Solor deeply cared for her counterpart after she had arrived and while she was stunned to look at herself, limp in Edward's talons, Solor had calmed down so much and that allowed her to eventually forgive Solor. Knowing how he truly felt, seeing his utter sorrow when his guard was completely down did affect her strongly. That "confession" she would keep close to her heart and even when he goaded her in their last spar, the apologetic look before he explained why he did that did get her to forgive the taunts about Nightwing.

There was a knock on the door and she said, "Go away, Teammate Nightwing. I do not wish to do the making up right now!"

"It's Raven," was the reply. Starfire opened the door and allowed her adopted sister in.

"I am the sorry," she said.

"It's OK," Raven said, "I figured that you'd want the girl talk."

Starfire smiled, but, it quickly faded.

"I do not know why Teammate Nightwing hates friend Solor so much," Starfire said.

"I think he was unwilling to look past his hurting Edward," Raven said.

"Is that not the prejudice?" Starfire asked.

"Yes," Raven replied, "And Edward's quite angry about it. He just told Nightwing a piece of his mind, I think. Edward's anger levels are elevated and Nightwing's not happy. Edward just told him to get the … well I won't repeat it … away from him."

"Brother Edward is the angry, then," Starfire said, "Should he be?"

"In this instance," Raven said, "He's taking Nightwing down a few pegs and I do not think he will settle for some harmless pranks. Edward is not willing to let this one slide. It's a personal affront to him seeing how he's already bonded with Solor."

There was another knock on the door and Raven raised an eyebrow, "It's Terra and your counterpart."

"Come in!" Starfire called out. The door opened and the two girls came in, looking unhappy.

The door closed and they sat down dejectedly.

"Are we having the girl talk?" Kreinyol asked.

"I don't see the guys here," Terra said, "I think this would count."

Raven nodded, "It's just us gals right now. And, we have problems. It doesn't take an empath to realize that the team is in trouble. Edward's angry at Nightwing. Then, Nightwing openly said that he wanted a reason to throw Solor out. The emotions are, well, hard for me to ignore. Solor's much calmer than I would expect, but, I don't know him enough to be certain."

"New boyfriend Solor is the calm," Kreinyol said, "It is me who is unhappy. We did not mean to cause the rekmas."

"It is not your fault that you were dragged here," Raven said, "We all saw how you and Solor arrived. This is temporary, I assure you."

"Are you the certain?" she asked.

Kori smiled, "We are, friend Kreinyol. Teammate Nightwing needs the lesson."

"Wasn't he boyfriend Nightwing?" Kreinyol asked.

"He is in the doghouse," she replied, "I am the hurt that he did that. I thought he had changed, but, I see he has not. I do not think it is wise to call him 'Boyfriend Nightwing' for a while."

"Taking him down a few pegs?" Terra asked.

"Please, what is taking down a few pegs?" Kreinyol asked.

"It means that Koriand'r wants to tell him that his actions were not good and to lower his ego a bit," Terra replied, "Edward helped them to get together after I was rescued. My counterpart is so lucky. She will never have to make the mistakes I made."

Raven said, "Terra, you should be happy for your counterpart, though. As I understand it, she and Beast Boy hooked up already. My counterpart already lost out, sadly."

"Edward told Nightwing off," Terra reported and that confirmed what Raven was feeling through the mind-link.

"I'll bet," Raven said drily, "I sensed a spike of anger from him."

"Well, considering he told Nightwing that he's lucky Edward doesn't drop him in front of Batman in his underwear and to get the 'F-Bomb' out of his face, I'm not surprised," Terra replied.

[You used the 'F-Bomb'?] Raven asked Edward.

[Dang straight,] Edward replied, [I take it the gals are having a chat?]

[We are,] Raven said, [I suggest you have a similar talk with Solor, Cyborg and Beast Boy.]

[Oh, I plan to,] Edward said, [I am disappointed in Richard right now. I never thought he would show his prejudice in such a manner. Doesn't he realize that by showing that, he is also displaying a prejudice towards me by association?]

Raven sighed, [I do not think he realized it. He allowed his anger at Solor's use of the Blessing against you to cloud his thinking.]

[Dammit!] Edward swore, [I already forgave him for doing that and didn't I tell him that if he wanted to hold someone accountable, I was willing to take my medicine?!]

[I was there, sweetheart,] Raven replied, [I hate to say this, but, can we trust him?]

[We need to find out,] Edward said.

"I think we need to discuss if we trust Nightwing now," Raven said aloud, "His actions over the last few days have caused a lot more trouble than Solor's. At least he was willing to apologize for his actions and swallowed his pride to do so. And Edward raises a good point. Kreinyol, before you dropped out of the sky, Solor used his Blessing of Light against Edward and it took my mate several hours to recover from the damage."

"He is the OK?" she asked.

"Edward is fine," Raven said, "His regeneration ability came in handy and he bounced the beam away by turning his scales silver. But, Nightwing obviously took a greater offense than Edward did.

"Then again, Edward's gained the ability to use that and Solor had to teach him, quickly, how to use that power. You saw that, remember?"

"I do," Kreinyol replied.

"I know the guys are angry at him as well," Raven said, "Edward almost intervened, but, I talked him out of it. I knew Solor was actually keeping his instincts at bay. He wanted to fight back, but, his need to prove our first impressions wrong was paramount in his mind. To prove that he was worthy was important."

"But, Friend Nightwing cannot be allowed to escape a punishment," Kreinyol stated.

"I agree," Terra said, "If he wanted to ban dating, he should have done that after I was freed or even before then."

"I hate to say it, but, Terra's right," Raven said, "We knew Beast Boy harbored deep feelings for you when you first spent the night. It was my jealousy that didn't help matters. For a long time, I hid that I cared deeply for him, even when we bickered a lot. It wasn't all that easy to let go, but, Edward made a lot of sense and was so kind about it. I think he knew that Terra had won his heart without even trying."

Terra mock-glared at Raven before chuckling, "I knew you were jealous, and I'm happy that we're past all that. You and Edward are perfect for each other. But, we're digressing. Kreinyol is right. Nightwing crossed a line with everyone. I've never heard Edward really curse and when he told Nightwing to get the 'F' out of his face, I know my jaw dropped. Then again, we know how angry Edward can get and that alone chased Nightwing out of the room."

"So," Raven asked, "How do we go about showing Nightwing that he has crossed the line and that we can't trust him as much?"

"I hate to say this," Terra said, "When he was still Robin, he tried to reach me when I was still with Slade saying that he promised Beast Boy he'd give me another chance and while I do feel that Nightwing does deserve another chance, maybe he should step aside for a while and let Cyborg or Edward lead the team."

"It would have to be Cyborg," Raven said, "Edward has an agreement with Nightwing, himself and Bruce Wayne that mandates that Edward not be made the leader of the team on a full time basis. The reason is that Edward and Bruce are silent partners in funding the Titans. I'm not sure if it covers if the team votes Edward as a temporary leader until Nightwing proves himself fully trustworthy."

"I think we need to talk to the guys," Kori said, "Without Teammate Nightwing."

"Kori," Raven said, "I hope that you do not break up with him over this."

"That is up to him," she replied, "If he is the sincere in his apology and does the taking of the lumps, I'll forgive him."

"Friend Kori," Kreinyol said, "New Boyfriend Solor invited me to do the sharing of his room. So that friend Nightwing may have his space back."

"I do not wish for Nightwing to be in my room until I know he is the sincere," Kori responded, "He may sleep on the sofa."

With that, the girls decided to move on and talk about other things…

"So, Kreinyol… we all know how you two met", Terra started, a mischievous smile forming on her face. "Do you know anything that might be… useful against Solor?"

Kreinyol looked at Terra, confused. "I do not understand. I thought you were all okay with Boyfriend Solor?"

"We are", Raven said, sighing. "Terra just wants to get into real girl talk and get some dirt - some embarrassing information about the boys - that we can use against them later if their egos get too inflated."

Kreinyol fidgeted a bit, not entirely sure if she should share some of the things she knew about Solor. Granted, most of what she had known of him was from before she knew he was a dragon. Then, she thought of something, and a small, happy smile covered her face when she realized she could share this.

"He is a very talented singer", she said, getting surprised looks from all of the girls. "Sometimes, when he is upset, he goes to the roof of our tower, and spends a lot of time up there. Not even our Raven, whom I thought was as close to him as I was, was allowed to come close when he's like this, but I got curious about his actions. So, one day, I decided to see what he was doing, and I heard the most beautiful song I've ever thought possible."

"What was he singing?" Kori asked, definitely intrigued by this. She often wished that Nightwing would sing to her, so to hear that her counterpart got to hear something so beautiful was definitely a plus for Solor.

"I did not recognize the tune or words, so I assume he was singing something from his old home."

"How sad", Terra said. "Despite his attitude, he does have a gentle side. Is it something to do with him being a dragon?"

"Possibly", Kreinyol replied. "He has told us he was banished from his home. Perhaps his k'norfka sang to him when he was a child?"

"That would explain why he would sing it so much", Kori said. "He must miss his family dearly."

"So, what else is he good at?" Terra asked, taking command once again. "Video games, dancing… kissing?"

At the last one, Kreinyol blushed heavily, but chose not to comment on that. "On the contrary; he hates technology with a passion. I believe when he first attempted to use a computer, Cyborg banned him from touching anything until he had proper lessons due to the computer… I believe the term is 'crashing'." She giggled at the memory. "He looked very embarrassed for the first time since I had met him… and I have to admit, it is a good look on him. If I had a way to get him to look like that every day, I would."

"That cute, huh?" Terra said, enthralled by the conversation while the other girls merely listened. "I'm starting to wonder if my counterpart will be jealous when she finds out you two hooked up."

"Oh, no", Kreinyol said. "Our Terra looks up to Solor, that much is obvious. But it is more of a… how does the term go?"

"Teacher and student relationship?" Kori offered.

"Yes, that. They understand and respect each other, but I do not think they have the patience to stand each other for long periods of time."

Before anyone could say anything else, Raven spoke up. "The whole team is meeting to decide what to do about Nightwing. It's time we head to Solor's room."

As they walked out of the room, Terra whispered to Kreinyol, "You better keep him, Star. I want to hear that song sometime."

[Ops]

The other guys, except for Robin who had retired to his old room, were also talking and discussing Nightwing's fate. It had to take priority over the comedy Edward had selected to unwind as well.

"Well, guys," Edward said, "We need to have a serious chat."

"No kidding," Cyborg said, "I was afraid this was going to happen. Nightwing told me while you and the others were up top that he was thinking about stopping this new relationship. I warned him that he'd turn the others against him if he did.

"I had hoped I talked some sense into him, but, obviously he ignored my advice."

"He didn't ignore you," Edward replied, "I noticed how his entire demeanor changed as soon as he saw Solor and his Starfire together. His mind is not as clear as it needed to be. I have a feeling that he was leaning towards giving his permission or possibly staying neutral. But, all he sees with Solor is the temper. From the first fight and the sparring session, all Nightwing saw was unfettered anger."

Solor sighed, "I do regret that, Edward. I should not have let your words get to me like that."

"Don't let that worry you anymore," Edward advised, "If you hadn't used that Blessing of Light on me, would we have escaped the Collector's clutches? He did not intend to honor his word, correct?"

Solor thought about it and nodded, "You're right. That filth would have kept the girls just to keep us from fighting back. I had a bad feeling about that whole exchange anyway, truth be told. That allowed me to save my own use of the Blessing until later when it was truly needed."

"What angers me the most," Edward said, "Is that Nightwing clearly has a prejudice against Solor and that extended to me by association. Everyone here, except for Solor, has seen what happens when my anger is fully unleashed. Yet, Nightwing has not said a word to me. Solor comes along and in his anger ripped down part of the forest, and the next day, blasts me with a laser to the point I'm on the DL for a few hours and he's out for almost 14 hours.

"All he wanted to do was find a reason to tell Solor to pack his crap and leave. Considering that he doesn't really have any material goods to speak of would have gotten him out of the Tower quickly. That reminds me, Solor: When we're done here, I'll give you some cash so you and your girlfriend can really hit the mall of shopping and buy things you need. Consider it a gift, though. I don't want you worrying about repaying me. You treat her right, that's repayment enough for me."

Solor's jaw dropped, "How wealthy are you?"

"Put it like this. If I gave you $5000, it's almost like me handing someone on the street $5. I'm worth at least $25 billion with what I've been able to store in my backup lair. That information does not leave the Tower, gentlemen."

"What information?" Beast Boy quipped.

"Good answer," Edward said smirking as the others picked their jaws off the floor.

"I think maybe we need to 'insist' that Nightwing step aside for a while," Cyborg said, "This is not the first time he has endangered the trust we had in him, probably in both universes."

"That is correct," Solor said, "His little diversion as Red-X and Slade's apprentice did not help."

"Same thing happened here," Cyborg confirmed, "Don't get me wrong, I still trust the man, but, it's badly undermined. He needs to learn that there are limits and he crossed the line with all of us.

"Edward, I'll admit I was shocked to hear you using the F-Bomb. I'm not condemning it as I think it drove home that you're pissed."

"Damn straight I'm pissed!" Edward snarled, "Not at you guys, not even at Solor because I do understand where he came from and I meant it when I said that I'm proud of my unofficial apprentice. In the last few days, he's tamed his anger considerably. But, I cannot stand by while Nightwing shows such disdain for Solor. I had to live 90% of my life hiding from people's prejudices and risking being hung in the mid to late 18th Century for being in cahoots with Satan. At least Solor's people aren't exactly on the 'one and done' list. If I'm killed, that's the end of my species, even with my son. Being a half-Dragon doesn't exactly spell species survival."

"Should we take that vote?" Beast Boy asked.

"I think we should," Cyborg said, "Don't get me wrong. I think of Nightwing as family and it bothers me that he threw away the trust he worked to regain. But, his attitude towards Solor has undermined that trust severely."

"You probably figured out that I hate the man," Solor said, "I'm angry that he tried to protect his counterpart's feelings. I'm certain had she learned English from him in my universe things would be more like here. He's insufferable at best in my universe. A couple of times, I walked away because of his attitude, only to be drawn back. Now, I think of the Tower as my home."

"You've adjusted pretty well, all things considered," Edward said, "I know things here are the same, but, also different. Raven told me she sensed your unease when you first stepped into the building. That was not really a surprise, though. I'd probably react in a similar manner seeing your Tower and team.

"But, Beast Boy is right. I hate to say it but, Nightwing isn't really fit to lead the team right now. I am not permitted to take full time leadership duties, but, I might be allowed to assume that role for a temporary period or Cyborg, since he's the second-in-command anyway would step up.

"Do we ask Nightwing to leave just his position or to leave the team, though? I'd hate to have to ask him to pack his stuff."

"He's still vital to the team," Beast Boy said, "And, well, he never asked me to leave the team even when he had a reason to kick me out. He accepted Terra back on the team twice as well. We shouldn't repay that kindness by asking him to leave. We've all done stuff that warranted being fired and asked to leave the tower and he gave us all another chance."

Solor raised an eyebrow, "I never expected to hear you say that. My Beast Boy is more immature. What you said, though, gives me hope that he will also mature. I think that if I am able to return home, that I will encourage him to be more mature. It will prevent my Raven from shipping him here!"

"Thank Terra for that," Edward said, "She's had a huge impact on his life. There's a time and place for joking and even the once in a while prank, but, to BB's credit, he's learned that. Terra loves his sense of humor and he's realized that there are times when it's OK to pull a really good prank, other times, he's liable to annoy Raven enough she will phase him through a window. That is, if I don't zap him, or Terra playfully slaps him upside the head.

"But, we digress. OK, I am all for just suspending Nightwing as the leader of the group. It's fitting."

[Rae?] Edward said, switching to the link, [Can you bring the rest of the team to my old room in a moment or two?]

[Including Nightwing?] she asked.

[Not yet!] Edward said.

[All right,] she said.

"Let's adjourn to my office," Edward suggested, "My apologies, Solor. I know it's temporarily your quarters as well."

"It's all right, this one time," Solor said.

They got up and headed for Edward's old room and they met the gals there as well.

They went in and took up seats where there was room.

"Well," Edward said, "Guess I'll head up this meeting of the team. I wish Jericho were here to also vote, but, there isn't time. We'll fill him in later on, I suppose.

"We all saw what happened a short while ago and we need to make a decision as a team on what to do about it. So, do we need to actually take a vote of no confidence to see if he should remain the leader of the Titans or if someone else should take over on a temporary basis?"

"Friend Edward," the younger Starfire interjected, "doesn't Teammate Nightwing deserve the defense?"

Edward looked at her and the other Starfire whom he knew so well and even she nodded, despite being angry at her boyfriend.

"You're right, Kreinyol," Solor said, "I hate to admit this, but, he should be allowed to defend himself despite what he saw. I know he is a pain, but, let him defend himself like a man."

Edward nodded, "So be it, then, unless anyone else has an objection. Computer, please summon Nightwing to this location. Tell him it's not a request."

"Acknowledged," the computer replied.

A few moments later, he arrived and knew that the team was meeting to decide his fate.

"Please, take a seat," Edward said. Nightwing complied with the request, "Computer, please begin to record this meeting. You, too, Cyborg."

Both the AI and Cyborg began to record the meeting. That way, no one could alter the official record of the proceedings.

"As we are recording this," Edward said, "We are here to determine the fate of Nightwing in his role of leader of the Titans. This record shall remain in existence for a minimum of five years or the dissolution of the Titans, whichever comes first.

"The reason for this meeting is due to recent actions by Nightwing against Honorary Titans Solor of the Circle and Starfire's counterpart from Solor's universe, Kreinyol, which is Solor's alternate name for her and to avoid confusion, we will use that convention here. Any references to Koriand'r shall refer to our universe's Starfire."

Edward spent the next several minutes recounting the events for the record and wrapped up by saying, "I, for one, do not desire to be the leader of the Titans as that would violate the spirit of an agreement between myself, Nightwing and Mr. Bruce Wayne, unless the team wishes for it.

"Nightwing is being offered an opportunity to defend his actions, if he so chooses.

"Do you wish to present any defense?"

"What defense is there?" Nightwing replied, "You all saw that I tried to beat Solor into submission because I wanted to protect my counterpart."

"You also said that you wanted to throw Solor out?" Edward asked, "Did you forget that Solor is also a Dragon, in many ways similar to myself? Did you not think that as such, I might have also taken offense?"

"You did not attack a member of the team, though," Nightwing replied, "You didn't tear down part of the forest, nor, used a weapon of mass destruction against any of us."

"I had no reason to," Edward said, "And I fail to see the relevance here. Solor is here not by his own choice and neither is Kreinyol, whom I rescued. Solor had a very draconic reaction to being dumped here and he did not know that he was in a very similar universe where he could have asked for help. And let the record reflect that I pushed Solor into the use of his Blessing of Light and that I have considered the incident to be closed and the score settled."

"What about Solor's anger issues?" Nightwing challenged.

Edward held up a hand to fend off Solor's retort and replied, "Like I told you before: What about my temper? You have, first hand, seen what happens when I give into those emotions. Malchior is buried in the desert because he refused to let go of Raven. I gave Trigon the Terrible the reward he earned and avenged how many souls?"

Raven shrugged, "Probably billions if not more."

"I'll admit that defeating Trigon did give me a sense of pleasure, but, also relief," Edward continued, "Blackfire also felt my wrath, and, I think she even had intel on me that showed I am most protective of my extended family here. You heard about that from Superman, correct?"

"Yeah," Nightwing said, "We were still a long ways out when Blackfire managed to anger you."

"And, have you ever looked for a reason to fire me?" Edward said, "I want the truth here, so, don't worry about my feelings."

"Of course not!" Nightwing said, "You're a vital member of this team and what I told you before still stands: Only you can throw yourself off the team."

"Then, how do you justify trying to throw me out?" Solor asked, "What did I do to you?"

"It's not what you did to me," Nightwing said, "But, to my team! You attacked Edward not once, but twice! You almost tore off one of his wings and he might not have been able to regenerate that! You attacked him in a sparring match because he insulted his parents and could have done him serious harm."

"And he forgave me for those!" Solor said, "You knew that, so, what else do you have? Also, I did not know Edward would be able to absorb the use of my Blessing of Light until afterwards. That allowed us to escape that abomination. I can't teleport, he can."

"Racial slurs, then," Nightwing said.

"What about them?" Solor asked, seeing that Edward had silently allowed him to continue.

"You continued using them," Nightwing said.

"And, Edward will tell you that I was justified," Solor said.

"Agreed," Edward said, "Cyborg, did you show the team the footage of when we were captives?"

"I did," was the reply.

"Then," Edward said, "Solor was justified in making that racial taunt in my direction and Raven's direction. He had to get me to fully realize the power of the Blessing of Light to rescue his Starfire and my dearest wife. He even apologized for going there. From what I know of him, apologizing is not native to his species, so, that tells me that there was already some respect there.

"Why can't you see that? Nightwing, I am really disappointed in you. I never once thought you'd be so blinded that even after you said you'd give Solor a chance, and even made him an honorary member of this team, you'd renege on your word and openly state that you were looking for a reason to get rid of Solor. Would you have tried to bar me from Raven or Beast Boy from Terra…or break Kori's heart by telling her that dating was not an option?"

Nightwing couldn't answer the elder Dragon, though.

"Does anyone else want to say something?" Edward asked. The silence was, as they say, deafening.

"All right," Edward said, "Please wait outside, Nightwing."

He left and Edward let out a sad sigh.

"Any point in having any further debate?" he asked, "If not, I need a motion. Kreinyol, what I am asking for is someone to make a formal request to take a vote and someone else supports the request. After that there is a vote where someone says 'Aye' or 'Nay' to the request. If more folks vote in favor of the motion, it is carried out. If not, then, nothing further happens."

"I understand voting, friend Edward," she replied with a smile.

"My apologies, then," Edward said, to get a mirthful giggle out of her.

"I move for a vote of no confidence in Nightwing," Cyborg said.

"Is there a second?" Edward asked.

"I second," Beast Boy said.

"Moved and seconded by Cyborg and Beast Boy for a vote of no confidence. I need to be clear on this," Edward said, "A vote in favor means that you do not wish for Nightwing to remain leader. A no vote means he stays.

"All those in favor please say Aye"

Everyone except Edward said "Aye".

"Those opposed please say 'Nay'."

Silence.

"In the opinion of the chair, the 'Ayes' have it. The chair abstains, however," Edward stated, "The next question before us is who shall assume leadership and for how long? Also, do we ask Nightwing to leave the tower while suspended or consider him to still be a full member and allowed to go on missions, just not as the leader of the group?

Terra raised her hand and Edward nodded, "Go ahead Terra."

"I do not want to ask him to leave the tower," she replied, "He allowed me more chances than I deserved and it would be poor form to ask him to leave completely. After I betrayed the team to Slade, I pretended to have no regrets, but, in reality, I knew I threw everything away. My last thoughts before I was petrified were of the team and how I wished that I had not done all that and another chance.

"When I was recovered, Robin was the one who covered me with his cape and welcomed be back to the team, despite what I had done. I cannot just turn my back on him.

"He allowed us to date and found time between missions to let us all have a date night."

The other folks in a relationship nodded.

"I do not wish for Nightwing to leave, either," Koriand'r said, "I do not take the pleasure in this, but, I cannot allow him to do the escapement of punishment."

"What do we want to do, though?" Cyborg said, "He's not going to react well to being set down as it is."

"That's up to him ultimately," Edward said, "I'm in favor of letting him still be a member. Terra has a valid point, and he did not throw Beast Boy off the team during the incident with the Beast or any other member who had 'fallen' for whatever reason. That's why I would have to oppose asking him to leave, to be honest. I would recommend a reasonable time limit. Say, 30 to 60 days suspension. But, please do not limit yourselves to that. If it's too long, feel free to shorten it as needed."

"I would move for a 30 day suspension," Solor said, "I may hate him, but, I also recognize that he is a valued member of the team regardless of those feelings I must set aside. He did apologize to me after all."

"I would do the second," Kori responded.

"It's been moved and seconded that the suspension last for 30 days," Edward said, "Any further debate?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"All right," Edward said, "All in favor?"

There was a chorus of "Ayes".

"All opposed?"

Silence.

"I will abstain," Edward said, then.

"Finally," Edward continued, "Who will run the team during this 30 days? Cyborg is the next in line to lead the team, and I would support it. I could technically also lead the team as it's not a permanent takeover, I think the agreement would allow for that."

"I think you should lead, man," Cyborg said, "You've got far more experience than all of us combined."

Solor smirked, but, said nothing.

"You did help the team when we were reduced to kids," Raven said, drawing an odd look from Solor and his Starfire.

"Long story," Edward said, "Not really important to recount here. The problem is I can see Nightwing getting royally angry if I were to take his slot and that might cause further problems. He would come to the conclusion that I am breaking the agreement and he would probably report it to Bruce Wayne. I must, therefore, decline the offer, Cyborg."

"I guess that means I'm the leader, huh?" Cyborg said.

"We could let Beast Boy lead," Raven said, "He has proven that he is capable of doing so in a crisis."

Solor looked stunned. In his universe, the near defeat of the Titans and the Doom Patrol had not occurred yet, so, he had not seen Beast Boy step up to the plate and actually lead the team.

"You're kidding, right?" he asked.

"Not at all," Raven said, "This is a future issue for your team, Solor, and regretfully, I do not think it is a good idea to tell you everything that will transpire."

Solor glared at Raven only to discover Edward glaring back a moment later. He decided that angering the elder dragon was not a smart move and wisely backed down for a change.

Edward merely smiled, but, it wasn't a warm smile, it was more along the lines of a "Mess with my wife and see what happens" smile.

"Sorry," Edward said, "I just do not have that confidence that Beast Boy can lead just yet. I would have to recommend Cyborg be the interim leader."

There was general nodding of the heads at that suggestion, even from Beast Boy.

"I think it's settled, then," Edward said after a moment, "Do we really need to vote on it?"

"Nah," Cyborg said after a few moments of silence.

Beast Boy got up to get Nightwing, only to hear Edward say, "I'll tell him, Titans. I will use his full name, so, Solor and Kreinyol, please keep this in the strictest of confidence. It does not leave this universe's Tower."

"All right," they agreed.

Beast Boy sat down and Edward went to get Nightwing. They entered a moment later.

"We've come to a consensus," Edward said, "Richard John Grayson, you are hereby relieved of your leadership duties within the Titans for a period of 30 days, and this period shall begin with immediate effect. Cyborg will be the leader of the team during this time. You are not asked to leave the tower and are still considered a full member of the team. You are merely relieved of your leadership duties."

"Yeah, I bet you tried to take the role," he snarled.

"No, I did not," Edward said calmly, "You know I am not allowed to do that under the agreement. I am merely keeping my word, something that you know I take great pains in doing. And, to head off any griping that we were going to ask you to leave. You have, on several occasions allowed team members to royally mess up and gave them additional chances. Terra defended you quite well having been allowed back twice after leaving. But, I would not have supported that drastic of a measure regardless. No one would have. Even Solor, the one you offended and his girlfriend were not willing to see you leave for the month.

"Also, you are only suspended from leadership, so, you are still expected to go on such missions that come up.

"This is not personal, Nightwing. It could have been because of your personal feelings towards Solor. I choose to keep this strictly as business. This is a chance for you to regain any trust that you lost."

Nightwing sighed, "Fine."

"We're adjourned, then," Edward said, "Computer, end recording. Retain for five years from this point. Transfer Nightwing's command codes to Cyborg for 30 days, authorization Barnes PI 1-1."

"Acknowledged," the AI said, "Command codes transferred to Cyborg for 30 days, Edward."

Everyone left, save for Solor and Kreinyol.

"You know that I could say something to Bruce?" Nightwing challenged.

"But, you won't," Edward said calmly, "You do and I have Victor send the video from earlier today. What would Bruce say after seeing the video of his ward trying to force two teammates to not have a relationship when there are already three couples, one he graciously fronted the wedding for out of his own pocket? I doubt that he would be pleased. You wanted to talk earlier, and against my better judgment, let's adjourn to a neutral room."

They headed to the training center and went in.

"OK," Edward said, "What's on your mind?"

"A lot," was the reply, "Since we're on equal terms as team mates, exactly what did you see in Solor?"

"Originally, the same thing that you did: A hot headed young dragon lost in a different universe. One who was more than willing to try to kill me for interrupting his little rage fest. I wasn't aware that as soon as he saw my true form he went to 'play-fighting' or sparring me, and the damage done to that wing joint was not play fighting in my mind. And, in the first official sparring match, yeah, I messed up and should have left well enough along. I paid the price, though."

"What changed your opinion?" Nightwing asked.

"I still cannot give you the whole story," Edward replied, "Well, at least not the entire back story, but, you were trained by Bruce. The signs are there in front of you if you look at things objectively. The end result, you already know. Solor's a lot like I was as a younger Dragon. Especially before I met Xena and her friends. I could have been Solor easily. But, when I was in that Greek village so long ago, I learned the value of having close friends.

"When Cally's mind snapped after our adopted son died was heart-wrenching. The only two I allowed near for almost a day were Xena and Gabrielle. I was that grief-stricken. I questioned why I am immortal, knowing that I'd carry that pain for a long time. I paid that price far longer than necessary. The bottom line here is love, Dick.

"But, I paid an even worse price. I had figured in 1750 that Callisto had to be long dead. She wasn't, though. She had become a goddess. My lost in time friend showed me that her pain was everlasting. But, someone gave Callisto the means to kill herself. She did and I found out later that 'day'. Again, it took Xena to get through to me. She saw me in my darkest hour in two different eras.

"The point is that those events could have turned me into a bitter old Dragon who would have taken over the world without remorse. They didn't because I had friends who gave me unconditional love."

"Is that why we noticed Solor not willing to hurt our Starfire?" Nightwing asked.

"Of course," Edward said, "He's not fond of you, because of your counterpart. But, he is respectful of you and her being together. He also sees what his Starfire will become in a few years. You notice how our Starfire has a better command of English, and isn't quite as confused with human customs? It's obvious seeing the two of them together. But, Solor is trying to keep his word that he will not harm us, despite what occurred before. I doubt that he will hurt anyone on this team again."

"I'm sorry for thinking you wanted to take over the team," Nightwing said, "And for angering you."

Edward smiled warmly, "Apology happily accepted. I really have little desire to lead the Titans, man. The others did want me to be the team leader and bypass Cyborg. Even he wanted that. I couldn't even go against the spirit of our agreement, and that is something that you need to remember."

"I will," Nightwing said, "Maybe the pressure of being the leader finally got to me."

Edward rolled his eyes, "Yeah, keep telling yourself that."

"OK, Mr 3000 year old Dragon," Nightwing retorted, "What do you think the problem is?"

"First off," Edward admonished, "Drop the attitude. I'm not your enemy and never have been. You saw an angry dragon who isn't me manage to put a hurt on me and you couldn't protect me like you want.

"That didn't sit well with you. Also, it didn't help when I had to tell you off, and instead of growing a pair and confronting me like a man, you transferred that anger onto Solor. You and the entire team are my family, you know this. You know I tend to get protective of my teammates and while I am not neutral where it comes to Solor, I will still strive to find a balance.

"Your wanting to protect your counterpart in Solor's universe is admirable, but, it wasn't necessary. Raven and I both knew his feelings for his Starfire even before the rest of the team. Remember when I plucked his Starfire out of the sky? You did not see after they had a long talk. Raven and I did. When Solor finally entered the kitchen area, he was CARRYING her as easily as a mom cradling her newborn. And, he was sporting a handprint as well. He told her a harsh truth and that he saw himself as a monster. I'm guessing that she slapped the taste out of his mouth and he allowed it. Raven told me later via the link that she felt a major spike in both of their emotions that lasted several minutes. But, when we saw the two, my instincts were proven right. It takes true love to tell the other that he is not human and for the other person to accept that. Just like you and Kori, Raven and myself, and BB with Terra. That's why I objected so strongly. Had you listened to my warnings, you might have seen that sooner. Besides, in his universe, who is to say that Robin and Raven wouldn't hook up at some point? He will have to rescue Raven from Trigon's clutches if history holds true."

Nightwing nodded, "That's very likely, actually. I hope, for their universes' sake that Starfire and Solor can be retrieved. Don't misunderstand though. This isn't looking for a reason to dump them. It's practical thinking. If they are still here when Trigon tries to take over, the entire team is severely weakened and even assuming that Slade helps in that universe, it may not end well. Trigon may be able to cross over here."

"It would be a fatal mistake," Edward said simply, "I will not permit him to take Raven again. I killed him before, I will not hesitate to end the threat should it happen again.

"Listen, you have a month to think about things without the pressure of being the team leader. Use it wisely is my ultimate advice. Meditate on what has transpired. You're welcome to join us."

"I have to get back in Kori's good graces first," Nightwing said, "She's still angry with me. Then again, the whole team is. I should have listened to Cyborg."

"Yes, you should have," Edward replied and left it at that.

"It's getting late," Nightwing said, "If you'll excuse me, I need to get some sleep."

"Go on," Edward said, "I think Rae's waiting for me as well."

They left the training center for their respective rooms. When Edward got to him room, Raven was reading another book, but, smiled when she saw him come in.

"You know," she said, "I feel like celebrating, if you know what I mean?"

Edward smirked, "You don't have to tell me twice!" He got into bed next to Raven and they proceeded to "celebrate".

With that, a long day came to a close.