Thanks to those who have reviewed. This chapter will be a battle heavy chapter as well as a prelude to the end of the story. Hope all my readers have enjoyed.


Ker-pow!

Two powerhouses collided with fierce resolve atop the roof of Jump Financial. One of these titans was an age old demon bent on casting the planet Earth in darkness. The other was a female alien bent on protecting the Earth from the likes of the demon. With a new power granted to her by an unlikely friend the Titan known as Starfire was now able to go toe-to-toe with the evil personification of darkness, the Night King Yauo.

"This… this foe… " Muttered the Night King, slowly recovering from yet another blow given to him by Starfire, "I could actually be defeated at this rate." He thought

A fury filled growled slipped from his lips as he glared at Starfire, his towering form masking her far smaller figure. But it was this very trait that put him at such a disadvantage. Starfire's stature was much too nimble for the enormous Yauo and while having brute strength that far exceeded her own, it meant nothing if he could not lay a claw on her. His corrupt flame breath had also been rendered useless due to her newest ability, an ability he had yet to overcome. To further disadvantage him; now that Starfire could land a blow without the worry of recoil there was no more holding back for the alien princess who was using every ounce of strength she possessed to pummel Yauo.

"I cannot let myself be defeated by such a foe. I will succeed at my goal and this creature will not stop me!" he said, "If I could only lay a claw on her, this battle would be over in an instant."

His thoughts were cut short however as Starfire charged once more, fist drawn back to deliver yet another punch upon Yauo's scaly hide. But even though she fought with fearless resolve, not all was well with the Tameranian. While pain did not shoot through her arms like in her previous scuffle with the demon, her muscles still ached every time her glowing fist collided with the dense hide of Yauo. The creature was large and there was no denying that, even with her immense physical strength, punching such a large creature was a little more than her body could handle. Starfire knew that she could not go on like this forever such a titanic creature had to have more stamina than she did. If she was going to defeat Yauo she would need to land a decisive blow. But at the moment she didn't have anything in mind to do such a thing, leaving her with only one choice, pounding the living stuffing out of the dark demon.

"I do hope that Malchior and Beastboy hurry with their task. I do not know how much longer I can go on like this." She thought

Starfire's punch came fast, but Yauo was expecting the direct charge and pulled back surprisingly fast, letting Starfire overshoot her attack. She was left wide open and Yauo took it upon himself to punish her for her lack of judgment and swiped at her. But Starfire was quick at recovering and managed to pull away before Yauo's immense claw could smash her. He went to swipe at her again, hoping to a least drive her back, but before he could a flurry of attacks stopped him. From sonic blasts to arrows to bolts of dark and light energy Yauo was overwhelmed and backed away from his Starbolt-shooting opponent. The demon's gaze quickly turned to the source of the attacks, his head snapping over to the adjacent building were the rest of the Titans stood, seemingly finished from launching a barrage of different attacks at Yauo.

"Them." He growled, his anger fueling the corrupt flames in his throat

But before he could unleash his fury on the interrupting Titans he heard a battle cry and turned, though far too late to stop the advancing Starfire as she laid a solid blow to the demon's head.

Ker-blam!

Yauo steeled himself against the blow and did not reel back as far as he had previously, though the attack still hurt and hindered him for a couple of moments. Starfire would have followed up with another devastating punch, but even his time of momentary daze, the dark creature managed to wave his left arm about his body, as if swatting away an insect. Starfire could not risk flying in closer lest she be blindside by a wayward strike and reluctantly backed away. Meanwhile, on the adjacent building…

"Well, looks like we at least gave Star an opening at least." Replied Cyborg, his arm humming lowly as it charged for another blast

"Yeah, but where'd she get that power?" Speedy commented, his bow drawn back as he readied another three arrows, "Sure she didn't have it before."

"Don't know, but I'm sure Beastboy's the reason behind it." Robin replied

"If it isn't one thing it's another with that kid." Bumblebee remarked, "It's like he's a beacon for craziness or something."

"More like stupidity, but that works too." Replied Raven

"Maybe, but if I didn't know better I'd swear he could make the impossible possible."

"Not likely."


A large dark flying lizard soared through the skies on the outskirts of the city, his wings beating evenly through the air. Sitting snuggly on the back of his neck was a green hair, green skinned boy, doing his best to hold onto the dark dragon.

"You know, you should come with seatbelts." Replied Beastboy, "Or a saddle."

"Quiet green one. You should count yourself lucky I am even allowing you to ride on my back. I should throw you off this very moment and let you fly yourself."

"But then I wouldn't be able to tell you where the hole is at."

"Do not take me for a fool. I could find it on my own. You would need to be some sort of imbecile not to notice a large hole in the ground."

"You just passed it."

"And another thing… what?"

"You just passed it." Repeated Beastboy

Malchior turned his head to see that he had indeed passed the large gaping hole in the ground that was once the sight of Yauo's dark pool. Out of the corner of his eye he also noticed a rather smug look on Beastboy's face.

"Stop smiling you." He growled as he turned back around

He landed near the edge moments later, his large claws digging into the earth.

"Well Malchior, looks like we're here and it's all thanks to my awesome sense of direction."

Malchior growled angrily at that but soon his anger turned to mischief as Beastboy attempted to hop off his back. With nothing more than a slight shrug of his shoulders Malchior managed to throw the changeling off balance. So instead of landing on his feet as he attempted Beastboy instead ended up landing on his rump, hard.

"Ow! That hurt!" yelled Beastboy, his bottom filled with pain, "You did that on purpose!" he yelled, pointing accusingly at Malchior

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Replied the dragon, though it was obvious by the look on the dragon's face that Malchior had enjoyed that

This time it was Beastboy's turn to growl, but before he could offer the dragon a piece of his mind Malchior made his way down the hole.

"So what are you looking for?" Beastboy asked, rising and following Malchior down the hole

"Should it not be obvious?" he asked

"Well… uh… "

"That was a rhetorical question."

"Oh… but still, what are you looking for?"

"Arrgh… " He sighed, feeling as if he were talking to a boulder, "The demon's previous dwelling."

"I'm pretty sure that Yauo didn't have a house."

"That is not what I mean." Malchior replied, "Much like myself that demon was sealed away in something that kept him bound, separate from this world. For me it was that accursed book, so for that demon…"

"It was the mirror!" Beastboy answered, feeling quite proud of his accomplishment

"Hmm, seems as if you are not as dimwitted as I had thought."

"You sound like Raven."

"Raven." He murmured and it was obvious to Beastboy that Malchior still had resentment toward the dark sorceress

"Uh…yeah, so what do you need the mirror for anyway?" he asked, trying to turn the conversation away from the violet-haired girl, "It's broken you know."

"No matter." He replied, "There is still much that can be done with it."

"Like what?"

"You will see soon." He replied, reaching the bottom of the hole, "Now where could it be?" he wondered, looking about, "Ah, here it is." He replied, reaching toward a small dark pool

"Ewwww! You're gonna stick your claws in there!?" exclaimed Beastboy, visibly blanching at the sight of the pool

"Yes." Malchior replied as if it were general knowledge, "The mirror is located at the bottom of this pool."

"How do you know?"

"Trust me, I know."

"Okay then."

Malchior continued his trek into the dark pool, his claws disappearing within the strange substance. As he searched around for the mirror though a sharp pain ran though his claws and he quickly pulled back. As the remnants of the dark ooze slipped from his claws Malchior saw what had caused him pain. It had seemed that a lone Insectoid had latched onto his claws, trying vainly to dig its teeth into his hide.

"You!" he growled at the creature, flames licking at his lips, "That is your final mistake!" he growled, unleashing his fury on the Insectoid

Hardly a screeched passed its lips before the wayward Insectoid was incinerated. As the flames died down there was nothing left of the creature but of a few charred remains, which littered the ground. The creature may have been destroyed but the flames in Malchior's mouth had yet to subside as he turned his attention to the dark pool. Not trusting that that Insectoid was the only one still hiding away Malchior launching torrent of flames toward the dark pool, setting the strange ooze ablaze with his dragon might. Beastboy quickly backed away as the pool lit up, the flames dancing about like they had a mind of their own.

"Dude! Watch it! You almost singed me!"

"That would be a shame." He replied, his voice ever so laced with sarcasm

In response Beastboy blew a raspberry at the large dragon and for a moment Malchior looked shocked. Not because of the raspberry personally, but because of Beastboy's response to the comment. To think he had been beaten by someone so immature.

"You are such a child."

"Yeah, well you're such a… uh… uh… dragon!" Beastboy shot back

"My, what a comeback."

Malchior was once again greeted with a raspberry. Seeing as this exchange was only wasting time Malchior turned back to the burning pool and launched another stream of flames at it, hoping to burn it quicker. He could hear the cries of a few Insectoids, but those cries died out almost as quickly as they had come out. A full minute passed before the pool finally burned out and the flames dissipated, leaving scarred earth and a ghastly mirror frame in its wake. Littered about the frame were several pieces of broken glass and the sight of them dropped Beastboy's spirits slightly. After all, the entire reason that Yauo was out and about was because of him.

"Perfect, everything is here." Malchior replied, reaching for the frame

As he picked it up dirt and charred ooze trickled down from it, settling on the ground.

"Well you found it. But like I said, it's broken."

"That does not serve as a problem for me." He replied, and with that he snapped his fingers

The moment he did so the mirror fragments that littered the ground rose up and quickly reassembled in mid-air before implanting themselves into the mirror frame.

"How…how did you do that?" Beastboy asked, caught between being impressed and stupefied

"Magic my friend." Malchior replied

"Great answer." Beastboy replied, obviously not accepting of the answer

"Now then, enough time has been wasted. Let us go." Replied Malchior, spreading his wings

"Hey, wait up!" yelled Beastboy, jumping and latching onto Malchior's free claw

"Release my claw! Fly yourself!" barked Malchior, trying to shake Beastboy free

"I can't keep up with you!" Beastboy told him, turning into a humming bird and flitting his way up to Malchior's back, "So you'll just have to carry me back."

"You!" Malchior growled, but quickly let go of his anger, seeing it as useless, "Very well." He replied and took to the skies


A mighty emerald flame rushed from the gullet of the Night King on a collision course with Starfire, ready to incinerate her in an instant. But the alien girl was ready and brought up her new energy barrier, the green sphere encompassing her and protecting her from harm. Well, the harm of the flames anyway. As the flames died down Starfire looked up to see a large dark form hurtling towards her. There was no time to dodge the blow as the large mass smashed into her barrier with tremendous force. The sheer blunt trauma was more than the barrier could take and it collapsed, the large dark mass slamming into her soon after. Luckily for her the barrier had taken much of the blow so instead of taking a huge slam from the dark mass she was instead swatted away, though not without sending her flying back into a building about a few blocks away. Yauo would have chuckled at swatting away the annoying Tameranian but he didn't get the chance as he was once again bombarded by an assortment of different attacks.

"You Titans!" he growled, unleashing his pent up fury in a blaze of green flames

But Starfire wasn't the only one with a barrier, as Raven threw her own up, the dark shield deflecting the green flames away effortlessly.

"Just one annoyance after the other." He replied, "Very well then, time to take the fight to them."

The titanic beast slithered his body further up the building until his entire body was sitting atop Jump Financial. The building creaked and groaned but held against his phenomenal weight. Luckily the structure would not have to deal with that weight much longer.

"What is he doing?" Speedy wondered

Mas y Menos shrugged their shoulders, just as confused as their bow-wielding teammate. Robin's eyes narrow as he studied Yauo's posture, the beast bending its spine back and placing its large paws atop the building. But it was not until a devilish smile appeared on his face did Robin realize what Yauo intended to do.

"Titans, move!" he yelled, but it was too late

With a little boost from his arms Yauo leapt at the Titans, his huge body sailing through the air toward them. They wouldn't have gotten off the roof in time, but luckily they were saved by an amber-skinned ally. With a might battle cry Starfire drove her glowing fist into the side of Yauo's head, impeding his attack on the Titans as well as knocking him away. But even so, only his head was deflected. The rest of his body continued to careen toward the building, though horribly off target. Instead of landing on the roof of the building, his body smashed into the floor three floors down from the roof. Knowing full well he was going to fall he grabbed hold of the roof, his claw digging deep into it.

"Raaaah!" he heard someone yell, and then he felt a horrible pain run though his claws, which made him release his grip on the roof and plummet to the street below

"That's for trying to jump at us." Replied Cyborg, cracking his robotic knuckles

Yauo was in the air for about three seconds before he hit the street, hard, his back taking the initial hit before his head connected with the ground. As the rest of his body toppled down the demon muttered a pained groan. He had no time to suffer however as he heard yet another yell. Looking up he saw Starfire barreling down on him, hoping to capitalize on his fall. But Yauo was not totally out of it and launched a fireball up at Starfire. She managed to block the blow, but was sent soaring as Yauo smashed his fist into her barrier.

"… grrr… err… " groaned the mammoth demon, slowly rolling over onto his belly

It was at this time that Yauo realize just how vulnerable he really was. The fall had done far more damage than it should have and it could only be blamed upon his battle with the Titans.

"These damnable Titans and their interference." He growled, slowly slithering down the street, "They are nothing but flies to me, yet they are quite the nuisance. Though it is the red-haired Titan that is giving me the most trouble." He replied, "My battle with her must end. Though how will I go about it?" He wondered, until he noticed the other Titans descend to the street a few blocks away, "Heh, heh, heh. Her comrades. They are her weakness." He chortled, slithering his way behind a nearby building

The flying alien known as Starfire had already regained her composure in the air and was shaking the last bit of confusion from her head. Even with her barrier up Yauo could sure hit hard.

"Oh... " she moaned, "I cannot let myself be hit like that again." She murmured, "Now where is my foe?"

Focusing her eyesight down she noticed a wisp of Yauo's tail disappear behind a nearby building, toppling a nearby car as it whipped about erratically.

"There."

With a lurch Starfire sped towards the building, Starbolts blazing in her hands. She knew even with her new abilities that her Starbolts still didn't pack the necessary punch to truly hurt Yauo. However the confusion created by the exploding balls of light would do the necessary job of distracting the demon while she delivered the coup' de gra.

As she descended though she noticed the ground begin to shake, this caused her to sport a look of confusion as she homed in on Yauo. Or so she thought. By the time she rounded the side of the building Yauo was gone and all that was left was a large gaping hole in the ground. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure that the demon had taken to tunneling underground. But this new event did elicit a question or two.

"What is he planning?" she wondered, "He cannot be escaping, no… something else is a foot."

The rumbling had yet to subside but it was beginning to diminish, which could only mean that Yauo was on the move. And while Starfire didn't have the ability to sense or track Yauo underneath the street, she did have the ability to gauge where he might end up and the result of that terrified her as she realized just where he was going.

"No." she uttered before pushing with all she had down the street

Meanwhile, down the street…

"Yeah, he left a nice size dent in the street." Replied Bumblebee, looking at the devastation caused by Yauo's fall, "But he still got up and slithered off."

"And we have to still fight him." Speedy chimed in

"I can't wait until this is over." Aqualad commented

"Hey, Star's coming." Cyborg commented, noticing the female dart down the street, her hands waving erratically

"Friend's! Move!"

Surprising though Robin's attention on the other hand was not on the alien princess zooming over to them, but on Terra who was staring intently at the ground.

"What's wrong?" He asked

That's when the geomancer's eyes grow fearfully wide and at that moment Robin knew something was wrong.

"Titan's move!" he yelled, just as the ground began to shake violently

The group of heroes tried to move; they truly did, but only managed to get a few feet away before something exploded from the ground, sending pieces of street and parked cars through the air. The Titans were sent spiraling from one another in semi-circle around the demon that had exploded from the ground. All but one though.

"This is not my day!" yelled Bumblebee, as Yauo's gaping mouth opened and closed in on her

Starfire's amazing mid-air speed had gotten her over to Bumblebee in the nick of time, but she would not be able to move herself and Bumblebee out of the way fast enough. Thus she was left with only one course of action. With enough force to move an bus Starfire threw her hands forward, shoving Bumblebee clean out of the way of the approaching oral cavity and out of harm's way.

CHOMP!

"STAR!!"

The Titans watched in horrific anguish as Yauo swallowed the green-eyed alien in one large gulp. A small lump being the last they saw of her before she disappeared down Yauo's throat.

"Eeewwyeck!" he blanched, his long tongue hanging out of his mouth in disgust, "She tasted putrid." He gagged; shaking his head as if too rid his mouth of the offending taste

"You…" came a growl from below

The large dark demon turned to the source of the sound, that of Robin. The disgusted frown on his face replaced with a look of wicked satisfaction. The Titan stood below him seething, his rage blazing with malice intent.

"Well, well. That deals with one problem." he said the seething Titans, "Who would like to be next? I am sure you Titans would love to join you rancid tasting friend." he replied

"Yauo you..." roared Robin, ready to unleash hell upon the demon

But before he could strain his vocal cords with a vicious verbal assault his communicator went off. Hastily he grabbed it, ready to bark at who had called him, but was surprised to see who was on the other end.

"Starfire?"

"Oh, I am fortunate that a signal was able to penetrate through." replied the voice on the other end, "Is friend Bumblebee okay?"

"Ye… yeah." replied the boy wonder, confusion evident in his speech, "But what about you?"

"The inside of this creature is quite disgusting. Though now I have discovered what Cyborg's breakfast must feel like." she replied, half-jokingly, "I am most fortunate that Yauo does not believe in the chewing."

"So she is still not down?" growled the Titanic beast, "A nuisance in and out of the body. No matter. It'll only be a matter of time. And as for you... " he said, raising his behemoth paw

The Titans lunged for cover as Yauo's claw came crashing down, crushing the pavement under it's impressive might.

"Get back here Titans!"


Starfire's trip through the digestive system of the gargantuan demon was not a pleasant one to say the least. The powerful muscles within his gullet and subsequent stomach were a tiring trip all its own. An assortment of noxious and foul smelling liquids covered her body as well as gagging her, being that there was little air within Yauo's stomach. But the powerful alien remained diligent as she was force down, trying her best to get out.

"This is sickening." she gagged, clenching her fist in anger, "But I will escape!" she barked, starbolts glowing radiantly in her hands

The green balls of energy illuminated the dark interior of Yauo's stomach area. Soon the darkness was assaulted with flashes of green as Starfire attempted to blast her way out, but to no avail. With a dissatisfied grunt Starfire's eyes glowed brilliantly green and before long emerald eye beams danced across Yauo's belly. Yet the dangerous jade beams fared no better at hurting the demon than her starbolts.

"Oh, this is no use." she murmured, "But if I do not hurry and free myself... " she thought, looking down toward her skirt

The eyes of the alien princess widened as she watched the powerful stomach acids within Yauo slowly eat away at the fabric of her uniform.

"... I will certainly share the fate of many a past meal."

Vainly she tried to punch her way out, but unlike the hard exoskeleton-like armor that Yauo wore on the outside, the soft insides of Yauo absorbed much of the force that Starfire unleashed. Coupled with the fact that she didn't have much room to move around only add to Starfire's misfortune.

"Oh... " she moaned dejectedly, "Starbolts will not work nor does brute strength. What am I to do?"

Back outside...

"Azerath Metrion Zinthoss!" cried Raven, her powers taking hold of numerous cars and fling them pointedly at Yauo

The gas-guzzling vehicles smashed into Yauo's face, the windows shattering on impact, the metal crunching with a sickening sound until the fuel tanks were comprised, resulting in a nice sized fireball to be unleashed as they exploded. An intense wave of heat rushed passed the dark sorceress, her cloak billowing slightly as a result, the warmth tickling her skin. A column of smoke arose as the fire slowly died down, masking the demon from view. Raven stood patiently, waiting for any sort of counterstrike from the large demon.

"... grr... " she heard

Raven's eyes narrowed at the sound, her powers flowing about her. Seconds later the Night King tore through the smoke, his mouth open with his claws brandished, heading straight toward the empath. She looked unfazed at his approached and simply melded into the ground before his claw to slash her. The Night King only ended up hitting air and would have roared in frustration had it not been for a beam of sound particles smashing into him. A sharp yelp of surprised escaped from Yauo as he had not seen the blast coming. But soon that surprise turned to anger and with the roar of green flames Yauo showed his disdain toward a certain half-metal man.

"You will burn away into nothingness." he growled at Cyborg

"Bring it." Cyborg replied, his sonic cannon humming vibrantly

With a flick of his neck the dark demon unleashed his corrupted flames toward the cybernetic Titan, a large ball of flames rushing toward him with the intent of destroying him completely. But Cyborg was not daunted by the approaching heat, for the ground rose up high in front of him, taking the furious blast head on. The pavement cracked, and flames crept up and around the raised street, but eventually the flames died down, losing their sustenance in an instant.

"Earth mover!" barked Yauo

"The one and only." replied Terra, her hands brimming with her earth-based telekinetic powers

"Thanks Terra." replied Cyborg, "You okay?" he asked her as she took her place to his right

"Not really, but I can't afford to stop now, now can I?" she replied

"Heh, got a point." he chuckled, "Yo Rae... " he called, the dark girl materializing on his left, "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be." she replied, looking up at the daunting beast before her

The massive creature, annoyed with the constant interference of the Titans let loose his frustration with a violent release of air from his vocal cords.

RRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!


The only light to pierce the prevailing darkness within Yauo slowly began to fade, as Starfire weakened. The lack of air coupled with the constant motion of Yauo's stomach muscles and the suffocating fumes was taking its toll on the alien princess.

"I cannot take this anymore... " she murmured, her eyes closing, "I am sorry friends... "

So, is that it?

"Wha... " she murmured, her breathing labored

You are giving in?

"I... who are... "

I asked you a question, answer me!

"Let me sleep...so tried." Starfire muttered

Pathetic!

"Too powerful... " she murmured

This is nothing!

"Leave me be."

Is this how you repay me!?

"Huh... ?"

Is this how you will let it end!?

"I... I don't want it to."

Will you fall to such a beast!?

"No."

Then awake!

"I must... "

Show me your passion!

"I will... "

Do you have the power!?

"I do... "

Can you fight!?

"I can... "

Then you must...

"I must... "

WIN!!

"I must continue!" she roared, before unleashing a wave of Starbolt energy from her body, "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!"


Waves of emerald flames flashed down the street, incinerating anything unlucky enough to be caught in its path. Luckily the Titans had taken it upon their selves to get out of the path of the blaze, taking refuge behind nearby buildings. As the initial blast passed by the Titans retaliated, firing their respective attacks at the dark demon that stood above them. Explosions raked the scaly hide of the Night King, coating him in pain, but the demon held strong and prepared to counter with yet another powerful blast of corrupt flames.

"If I must decimate this entire city in order to destroy you Titans then so be it!" roared Yauo, "Let everything BURN!"

Flames rage in his gullet, ready to be unleashed upon the defenseless city, but as the Night King brought his head back in order to release his pent up aggression, something odd began to happen. A sharp pain in what served as the demon's abdomen stopped him in his tracks. Just as he tried to ascertain what had happened, another pain roared through him, making him lose control of his flames. Emerald fire traveled down the wrong pipe and the mighty demon began to choke on his own power.

"Uh... what happen?" Speedy asked, his bow drawn

Along with his choking fit the mighty demon seemed to have more abdominal pains for his claws gripped his stomach area tightly. Flames soon spilled from the Night King's jaws, followed by strange green ooze that dribbled from his lips. A sickening gurgling noise broke free from Yauo's mouth as more and more of the strange green ooze spilled, dripping to the ground in a small, foul smelling puddle.

"It looks like he's... going to be sick." replied Raven, "Disgusting." she murmured, visibly sickened by the sight

BLECK!

A stream of green bile surged forth, coating the surrounding area in its acidic properties. From the downpour of stomach juices a large, lumpy object fell. And stranger still the large lumpy object was moving. The lump 'stood', the coating of bile slowly sliding from its form to reveal...

"Starfire?"

"This is truly disgusting." murmured the upchucked alien, "Fortunately though I am free from the 'belly of the beast' I believe."

The putrid bodily fluids of the demon dripped down her body, its acerbic feel stinging at her body and clouding her head.

"I must rid myself of this foul liquid." she thought, turning her attention to a lone fire hydrant, "That will do."

With a fling of her wrist a starbolt flew forth, smashing into the hydrant and uprooting it from its position. The power of the blast coupled with the pressure of the water sent the metallic placeholder soaring, where it eventually landed a few feet away, cracking the pavement on impact. The high-pressure water jetted toward the sky before gravity took hold and brought it back down to the street, where Starfire eagerly flew under, letting the cascading water wash away the remnants of her trip within the Night King. A mixture of water and acidic juices pooled around Starfire as she gave herself a quick shake to rid herself of the squalid fluid.

"The warm shower would be most appreciated at this time, but for the moment this will have to do." she told herself, as she stepped out of the water, dripping wet.

"... erg... you... will pay!" came a deep growl

Starfire's jade color eyes blaze with a righteous fury as she turned her attention back to the creature that tried to make a meal of her.

"You who endangered my friends and then snacked upon my like oh so may zorkaberries, it is you who will pay!"

With a sound that could only be classified as hawking a loggie, Yauo gathered the remaining bile in his mouth and spewed the vile substance from his mouth, letting it splatter across the ground with a sickening splat sound. He was still slightly disoriented from releasing his lunch all over the streets of Jump, but the demon managed to maintain a look of rage as he glared at the Titans, particularly Starfire.

"I... have... grown... tired... of... your... INTERFERENCE!!" he bellowed, filing the sky with his rage

Green lightening crackled menacing in the sky, masking the Titans behind it's green glow. Seconds later the deafening sound of thunder assaulted the ears of all that were around.

"Safe bet we've made him mad." Raven interjected

"Yeah, I think I'd take that bet." replied Terra

"Mad or not, he's still going down." came Robin

"Yes, we will vanquish this demon." Starfire replied

"You are right about that little one!" boomed a voice, a familiar voice

A bright wave of red and orange flames rained down from the sky, bathing Yauo in its natural heat. Yauo retreated, putting his massive claws up to defend himself against the onslaught of flames. As the flames died down the Titans turned to the source of the flames and their jaws promptly dropped.

"You!" yelled Raven surprisingly

"I am happy to see you as well, my dear." replied Malchior as he made touchdown

Raven's cloaked billowed violently underfoot as her powers came to life, but before she could utter her magic phrase to slay the terrible dragon a shrilled yell impeded her.

"Wait! He's on our side!" they heard

Hopping down from the neck of Malchior Beastboy jumped down, waving his hands frantically the moment he got his balance to try and dissuade his empathic teammate from turning Malchior into a smear on the street.

"What!?" came a chorus of shocked replies, the Titans obviously at a lost to what their green friend had said

"He's..." Beastboy began, trying to think slowly and carefully as to not to entice any negative outcomes, "He's not here to get revenge or nothing like that. He promised to help."

"Beastboy." growled Robin, causing the changeling to gulp in fear, "I knew you were up to something, but what exactly would that be?" the leader demanded

"Robin, please do not be angry with friend Beastboy for it is I who was on this in as well." replied Starfire, giving Robin a soft smile as to calm him. "But I do not believe now is the time to discuss these matters." she replied, turning her attention back to Yauo who had recently recovered from Malchior's flames

Starbolts blazed in her hands with a low hum of power. Not only did this show that the Tameranian was far from beaten but that she had an enormous amount of power yet to be unleashed.

"Heh, heh. Seems my assistance is paying off for you." Malchior replied

"You! Dragon! Why are you here!?" Yauo demanded

"Simple, to crush you." replied Malchior

"So you're helping the Titans? When did you join them?"

"Do not mistake." Malchior corrected, "I am not doing this because I like them or even believe in their cause. It is simply a matter of survival. I may not like it, but I need the Titans to handle you. This is only a temporary truce."

Robin raised an eyebrow at this and turned to Beastboy, giving him a look that demanded that he be given answers.

"How?" was all Robin asked

"Let's just say I gave him an offer he couldn't refuse." Beastboy replied with a half grin

Robin didn't look entirely convinced with Beastboy's reply, but the current situation didn't give him much time to think it over as Yauo had gone on the attack again, lunging at the Titans. However, Malchior was not daunted and simply brought his paw up to reveal something he had been holding since he had first arrived. Yauo gasped and backed away, sending the remains of a nearby car tumbling. A grin seemingly spread across Malchior's face as he got the desired reaction he wanted from Yauo and as he spoke the dragon's words dripped with ridicule.

"Well then, it seems the mighty demon has a fear after all."

"Where... how... damn you!" Yauo managed to say, brimming with hate toward the dragon

"Hmm? Scared of this?" Malchior asked, waving the cracked mirror for effect, "Some demon you are."

"Do not look at me with such a condescending gaze, for you know as well the revulsion of being trapped in a mystical artifact."

Yauo's commented seemed to hit point as he saw Malchior visibly tense up, a small chuckle escaping the demon's mouth as he saw he hit a sore spot.

"As I thought. Hold your tongue dragon, if you cannot handle what you are told." Yauo said, grinning

Malchior snorted, a waft of smoke puffing out of his nostrils before surprisingly he chuckled as well, Yauo giving him an odd look because of it.

"You are right." Malchior replied, "But the difference being is that I am free and you will be trapped, back in this mirror!"

"I won't let you!!" roared Yauo, unleashing a raging inferno of green flames

"Aldranon Enenthranel Volsolanirist Nor!" roared the mighty dragon, unleashing a foul curse of old

A blast of white energy rushed from the cracked mirror, meeting the blazing green fire head on. The collision was mighty but it seemed the blast of white energy was more powerful, completely overtaking the flames and traveling toward Yauo, smashing into him with incredible force.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" he bellowed with fierce animosity as he felt his body being ripped apart and pulled forward

The great demon struggle adamantly against the pull but it was to no avail as he was dragged into the accursed mirror. Malchior stood with steadfast resolve as the demonic entity was forcefully pulled into the mirror, barely flinching as he held the mirror in place. Finally, after moments that seemed to drag on the Night King was gone, not a trace of him left to the outside world.

"Well, that is done." grunted Malchior, turning the mirror towards himself to inspect it

He saw nothing, nothing but a cracked mirror and the final wisps of energy disappearing into the air. With another grunt he tossed the mirror aside, letting it slide along the ground before coming to rest a few feet in front of him.

"Now then, for you Titans." he said, turning around to face them, "My side of the agreement has been fulfilled, it is now time to honor yours."

"Agreement?" asked Robin, once again turning to glare at Beastboy

But before anything else could come from the vigilante's lips Starfire intervened, creating a wall between Beastboy and Robin.

"As I mentioned before, I was on this in as well." she replied, "Beastboy sensed that we as Titans were in a losing battle and needed assistance quickly. I will be the first to do the admittance that I did not believe his plan to be... plausible... " she replied

"Or sane." came Raven

"... yes, but it was the only course of action that friend Beastboy could take and thus I went along with this not quite plausible plan and asked friend Malchior for assistance."

"Friend?"

"Er... what I mean to say is that... there were certain pledges made during the creation of this agreement." she told him, "However the details of that can be save for a later date. Do know that I did not object to this plan and if you so wish to place blame on Beastboy I implore you to do the same for me." she replied, "I wish for no special treatment even if the plan was not of my creation."

"Thanks Star." mumbled Beastboy to her back, thankful for the assistance, "Sorry you got caught up in this though."

"There is no need for forgiveness." she replied

Robin sighed and put his head into his hand, obviously torn. It should have been an easy decision. Starfire had admitted her fault and was willing to take equal blame in the decision to let Malchior free, but Raven could feel the conflicting emotions in the masked leader. He was letting his feelings get in the way.

"I could care less about you own personal accords." replied Malchior, tired of waiting, "I will be taking my leave of you now." he replied, spreading his wings to take flight, "Farewell Titans. Until we meet again."

However, before he could lift into the air a vibrating sound caught his attention, he turned only to see an explosion of energy rise up from the cracked mirror. The energy quickly took form, the form of a large claw.

"DRAGON!!"

There was no time to evade as the large claw came crashing down, latching onto Malchior with a vise-like grip. The great dragon roared in protest but all his strength failed him as he was dragged toward the mirror courtesy of the massive claw.

"Friend Malchior!" yelled Starfire, bursting forward to aid the dragon in peril

She grabbed hold of one of his claws and pulled hard, but even her alien strength could not stop Malchior's descent into the mirror. Nor did the aid of the large green woolly mammoth trunk that wrapped around her mid-section in a vain attempt to help.

"Azerath Metrion Zinthoss!"

Even the massive black talon that sallied forth from Raven's palms proved to do little in impeding the progress of the dragon and the two Titans as a vortex opened up. Though it did managed to get Raven sucked into the rabbit hole along with her friends. A chorus of screams could be heard as multiple individuals were dragged into the depths of the ancient reflective artifact.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!


Hope you enjoyed that chapter. I thought it was really fun to write, though the next one will be even better. Time to see the inner-workings of the demonic mirror.

Note: I do hope people really enjoy my chapters and have an easy time reading them. My writing style is a little different than most people on this site and I don't want to confuse people. While I am trying to deviate away from grammar mistakes (which I hope my readers will point out) I purposely do other things that many would deem improper sentence structure (like leaving sentences 'undone' at the end of quotes. It is simply something I am more comfortable with, but I do hope this does not come as a nuisance to anyone reading). I hope this has cleared up anything that may be confusing. But if there is still more that you, as my readers, do not understand please leave me reviews, no matter how scathing they may be. Only good critics can help a writer become better.