The Titans and their X-Men backup arrived at Loft Street quickly, taking in the situation swiftly. It immediately became apparent to them that it was a hostage situation – and a very serious one. The SWAT team and a hostage negotiator were already hard at work, trying their hardest to talk the three hostage takers out of violence.

Three men with guns had their weapons pointed at five young women huddled together, shaking and terrified. All three hostage takers were literally out of their minds, shouting and screaming at the negotiator at the top of their lungs, making their ridiculous demands.

"I warn you, our companion has a bomb around here, and if you don't give us what we want, we're going to shoot these people and blow up the entire place!"

"You've gotta be kidding me," Logan muttered.

"Any idea how to stop a bomb from going off, Nightwalker?" Robin asked.

"Do I look like a bomb squad member? I work metal, not stop bombs from exploding!"

"Give us the rifles NOW!"

"Nightwalker, you've got to stop those guns from being fired," Robin said. "Raven, tell us where the guy with the bomb is. We've got to work fast here."

"Leave the guys with the gun to me. Raven, find the guy with the bomb and take him out. Let the bomb squad here deal with the bomb later."

The hostage negotiator was still patiently talking to the gunmen, calm and in control. As the X-Men looked on, eager to see how the Titans would handle this situation, Nightwalker made the first move, using his water weaving abilities to freeze the gunmen's hands in place before they could pull the triggers. As the three of the stiffened, sensing the immobility in their hands, Nightwalker whipped the guns out of their hands in unison, breaking them into little pieces.

"What the hell?"

Sensing their opportunity, the SWAT team moved into action at once, barging into the three offenders will full force, knocking them over and handcuffing them at top speed.

Raven, have you found the bomb guy yet?

Yes, I've just taken him out. Tell the bomb squad to come east, just around the corner of the grey building. The bomb's right here with me.

Got it. Nightwalker immediately headed over to the bomb squad and passed on the information to them.

"Titans, you've done it again. Thanks." One of the SWAT officers smiled at the team gratefully, while some of his colleagues rushed towards the hysterical women and helped them away.

"No worries, officer. Just doing our job."

The bomb squad returned soon enough with Raven and the suspect, faces filled with relief. "The area's secure now," one member reported.

"So much for very big trouble," Cyborg commented. "I was definitely expecting something much more dreadful! This was too easy to take care of."

"Hey, it was a double red code," Robin said. "And to people who don't have superpowers, this was major trouble! Besides, we're crime fighters. We're doing this to help people, not for fun or to gain glory!"

"Impressive," Logan was saying in the meantime. "They certainly handled it faster than we could have."

"They are good, I admit," Storm agreed.

The Titans were as cool as cucumbers as they excused themselves and departed, leaving the SWAT team to handle the suspects. The X-Men recruits were watching the Titans with shining, admiring eyes and as Nightwalker walked past them, Bobby clapped him on the back.

"Good job back there."

"Whatever." Nightwalker didn't even bother to look at him.

"OK." Bobby was looking somewhat awkward, his eyebrows raised.

Let's say he isn't the friendliest Titan, Jean told Bobby telepathically.

Yeah, that's obvious now. What's up with him, anyway?

It seems he's a pretty good friend of Raven, and after the way we treated her…I don't think he's too fond of us for that.

Oh.

"You know," Amara said, "seeing all this…it's got me thinking."

"About what?" Roberto asked.

"We ought to have a bit of a friendly fight with the Teen Titans, don't you think?" Amara suggested. "I mean, a match just to test each other's abilities, have some friendly competition…that sort of thing. And it would give us a chance to know each other better, don't you think?"

"Hmmm." Ray's eyes lit up at once. "I must admit, that sounds like a good idea. I'd love to see how we can match up against those Titans."

"If they agree in the first place," Bobby said, casting a surreptitious glance at Nightwalker.

"Why wouldn't they?" Roberto asked brightly. "After all, this is the perfect chance for us to show off our skills to each other. I'm sure they'd love it."

"Well then," Bobby said slyly, "then you can be the one to ask them."

"Fine." Roberto shrugged.

"Ask Starfire," Storm told him. "She's the friendly one."

All eyes were turned towards Roberto as he headed towards the Titans. He approached Starfire first, exchanging quiet words with her that his comrades couldn't hear. Starfire responded in a decidedly loud voice, beaming from ear to ear with obvious delight. Then she clapped her hands and floated away to Robin, excitedly reciting Roberto's proposal.

From where they were, it was too hard to hear Robin's response, but as far as the X-Men could tell, it seemed to be going fine, judging from the Titans' expressions. Raven's face was expressionless as usual, and Nightwalker looked nothing less than angry. With noticeable hand gestures, he made it clear what he really thought about it.

"He's not the happiest Titan, is he?" Amara sighed.

"Oh, let him be," Bobby said mildly. "I'm sure he'll eventually…warm up."

"Uh-huh."

Starfire finally flew back to the X-Men, her face all smiles. "Friends," she smiled, "Robin has agreed to have this match. He has invited all of you back to our tower for this purpose."

"Cool!" Rahne's face was all smiles as well now. "Your home is that huge T-shaped tower, right?"

"Yes."

"Even cooler."

"Well then, let's go," Robin said. "You go bring whoever wants to come. Starfire will lead you to the Tower. The rest of us will go back and prepare the place."

"Alright. X-Men, let's move. Make it quick. Don't keep them waiting."

The two groups split up efficiently, going their way, with Starfire hovering amidst the X-Men.

I really don't think this is the best idea, Nightwalker grumbled.

Oh, just put up with it, Raven retorted. Do you know how uncomfortable you're making them?

That's their problem, not mine.

Unfortunately, now that our Titan friends seem interested in becoming further acquainted with them, I think we have little choice but to be nice.

Maybe you should remind me why I'm being so hostile?

Raven sighed and rolled her eyes skywards. Whatever. Can we just get going and try to be civil, at least?

Fine. Whatever you say.

But even as they began their journey back home, Raven already couldn't help but wonder if this 'friendly' match was the perfect recipe for disaster.