So… I had been looking into these chapters and the Land of the Lustrous manga's and the most recent ones were starting to get disturbing. From what I discovered is that Phos is more broken then usual, turning into a monstrous and shattered gem that wants to destroy everything. Don't believe me, there are images of this new and evil Phos on captions and Deviant Art and… Oh boy… That's nightmare fuel incarnate. It's actually sad really. Seeing Phos in this state made me feel like it shouldn't have happened. I as any other person who watches the anime find Phos to be the best character as they were determined to fight and would do anything in accomplishing it. That's the reason why I made this story. Because I want to see the gem succeed then going down this dark and twisted path. Trust me, this adaptation of Phos's character is far better then the one in the manga.
Getting that out of the way, it's time we go down to the final part of Forces of Nature. Yes… I said final part because this one is going to be a two parter. I feel like it's much more sufficient in the final fight between Phos and Poison along with the first confrontation of Robin and Slade. And it will make things interesting in the coming episodes. Also, I still don't have any responses from anyone on whether or not I do a Christmas episode being that the holidays have passed. I just hope I get that out of way if people are interested in the reviews. If not, I'll save it for next year. Though I think I should start working on the three parter if I'm not busy. But we shall see.
Speaking of reviews, last one is certainly something. While I have one review, I do have 160 hits. I pretty much a handful of readers saw the last chapter. Pretty sure more people will be reading this story and this chapter, considering what's been going on as of late. But it's just me. Let's see if this chapter will get some heads turned, including the twist I will have in the end.
So on this second and final part, the team has to stop a giant fire monster from destroying Jump City. At the same time, Robin and Phos must encounter two different foes, with one being someone the gem has faced.
Chapter Notes
Now this part will take place between the fiery beast scene on the episode. But I won't be focusing on that scene particular. Instead, I would be focusing on both Robin and Phos taking on the old man, who is Slade by the way, and Poison. There will be a chance that the two will team up, but not on this chapter. I'll be saving it for the season one finally. But for now, enjoy Phos vs. Poison round two.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Land of the Lustrous
Episode 6: Forces of Nature (Part 2)
Phos was completely unconscious for some time as they were easily defeated by Poison in a dangerous fight. They had it all under control until a huge explosion distracted them, leading to the apprentice to slice the leg to loose their balance, take them down, and fired a rocket at the remaining fire escape to bury them. The collapse knocked them out and was fast asleep. Trying to regain some form of conscious, they could hear the echoing voices of Lightning and the old man Poison was with.
Slade: "You're gifts are your own. Who are they to tell you how to use them?"
Lightning: "And who are you that commands such power?"
As they were hearing these voices, they soon heard the voice of Antarcticite in their head, as images of the two appeared in front of the gem.
Antarcticite: "You're spoiled… This is why working in groups is so-"
Phos: "I didn't get into trouble… That's what's so frustrating that I can't sleep. Plus, I hear it's exhausting just trying to stay awake in the winter. So I thought maybe I could try testing myself through it."
Antarcticite: "Very well…"
It soon switched to the voiced of the old man.
Slade: "I am but a humble old man whose power is drawn from nature, like your own. Come with me and sow as much destruction as you please."
Then it returned to the memory of Phos and Antarcticite.
Antarcticite: "We low hardness gems have nothing if not our courage."
Phos: "There are things I just can't do."
Antarcticite: "Because you never try."
Phos: "I do things I can as best as I can."
Antarcticite: "And so you never accomplish anything new."
Then they heard Thunder's voice sounding worried.
Thunder: "Will we harm anyone?"
Then back to Antarcticite blaming themselves from failing to find Phos's old arms to Sensei Kongo.
Antarcticite: "Both of Phosphophyllite's arms were lost. The failure is all mine. I am terribly sorry."
Phos: "What?! W-w-wait, this was clearly all my own fault."
Antarcticite: "I scoured the area as completely as possible, but… Never mind, I'll be more thorough this time!"
Sensei Kongo: "This was all due to the lack of caution on my part."
Antarcticite: "No… It was because I'm not used to working in a team and was reckless. I've never made such a blunder before… I don't know what to do…"
Then back to Thunder asking if what they would do would hurt people.
Thunder: "This destruction… Will we harm the innocent?"
Slade: "Would it matter if you did? You are unique, gifted, better. Why should anything interfere with your enjoyment?"
It was at that moment, Phos remembered the moment Antarcticite was taken and left behind a promise to the gem before heading to the moon.
Antarcticite: "Make sure Sensei doesn't get lonely. And take care of winter…in my place."
That lead to Phos's eyes to snap open and realized that they were buried underneath the rubble. Quickly focusing hard, they used both arms break the rubble out and setting them free. Slowing shaking from the attack, they groaned and got annoyed about remembering that.
Phos: "Damn it, Antarc. You really like to remind me of your demise."
Looking up, they noticed that Poison wasn't around. Obviously, she must've left after nearly crushing them. But the apprentice was somewhat successful. Even if Phos wasn't shattered, there were cracks on their face and leg with gold alloy seeping into a few of those cracks. Phos rubbed their head and wondered how long has it been.
Phos: "How long was I out? Guess long enough for Poison to leave."
But then, they immediately remembered that explosion and who was in that courtyard.
Phos: "Oh no! Starfire and Beast Boy! I have go check on them!"
They soon got up to get to the battle, immediately forgetting something. Pretty soon, they nearly fell and grabbed piece of shredded metal to keep themselves balance. Looking down, they noticed that there's a stump on left leg and remembered that as well.
Phos: "Oh yeah… I completely forgot that Poison took my leg down. Guess I was caught in the moment."
Seeing the stump leaking out, they started to focus and learned a new trick from Robin. The leaking gold started to solidify and gathered, taking on shape and mass until it became the identical leg they lost completely with the heel. It is something they learned from Robin if a piece of their body was removed and would use the gold as a temporary replacement until the real one is together. Getting back up, they stomp on the replacement leg and smiled.
Phos: "There we go. Much better."
They soon walk up through the ally and found their agate leg still lying there, completely prone. The gem sighed and was glad that it wasn't taken or destroyed.
Phos: "At least my leg is in one piece. For a second there I would've lost my third leg."
They soon pick up the leg and proceeded to the courtyard to see what happened. What they saw was completely horrendous. There was rubble just about everywhere and there wasn't a soul around. Feeling worried, they decided to call out their names.
Phos: "Starfire? Beast Boy? Are you out there? Say something!"
They walked around through the rubble and were getting scarred more and more as they didn't hear them anywhere. So they tried again.
Phos: "Star! BB! Please let me know where you are! I need to know if you are all right!"
Still nothing as they backed away to the rubble and rubbed their temples, wondering if they got out or not. But as they were trying to figure out a way to find them, a green spider start to crawl out of the rubble, searching for someone. That spider soon turned into Beast Boy and saw Phos in front of him, surprised that they arrived too late.
Beast Boy: "Phos?"
The sound from behind startled them and turned to see the changeling back in one piece. They smiled and were glad that he was there.
Phos: "Beast Boy! Oh thank Red Dia that you are all right."
BB soon noticed the damage on their body and was shocked at their condition.
Beast Boy: "Wish I can say the same to you. What happened? You look like you were trying to escape the Seven Dwarves."
The gem looked away and was a little nervous about what occurred.
Phos: "Misadventure. I'll explain when we find Star. Speaking of which, where is she? She was with you, right?"
BB's expression changed dramatically and told the gem what happened.
Beast Boy: "She was… We were ambushed by those two when we were investigating this place. We held on until some form of blaster attacked. She was caught in the rubble explosion and… Well… You have seen the results."
Phos heard that and immediately realized what happened.
Phos: "No…"
Beast Boy soon jumped down and asked for their help.
Beast Boy: "Quick! Help me move all this rubble. She's got to be in there somewhere."
The gem nodded and dropped their leg to use all the help they can.
Phos: "On it."
Multiplying their arms, they grabbed the large debris and picked it up while BB lifted a few. During the recovery, Beast Boy was trying to speak to Star, as if she was in the rubble and must've survived.
Beast Boy: "Star? Starfire? Where are you? Come on, give me a sign here. You have to be all right, OK? 'Cause I- It was a joke, you know… Back at the Tower and… I'm sorry. I never said it, but I'm really really sorry. It was supposed to be funny, and you could have been hurt, and… I'm a total clorbag."
He lifted a bigger boulder off the pile and dropped it, but immediately gave up and hung his head down, feeling defeated. Phos looked at this while grabbing a few more boulders and was surprised at how emotional he was becoming. Sure it was his original attention to get payback from what Cyborg had done, but Starfire got caught and the Changeling didn't know how to say it. Who would've thought this mess made his let out his true feelings. It must be hard for him to admit he goofed up and they can't blame him. But as they were looking at his defeated state, they soon notice a shadow coming from behind him and were getting closer. Curious, the gem turned around to see who it is. It was then that they got a surprise of their life and told Beast Boy to turn too.
Phos: "Beast Boy…? I think you better…"
Beast Boy just waved it off and interrupted the gem.
Beast Boy: "Don't say anything, Phos. I know that it is all my fault. If I didn't set that Instalube up, if I didn't apologize to Star sooner… We all wouldn't be in this mess to begin with. I'm afraid that Starfire is gone, and I should say I'm sorry sooner. I just wish that she forgives me."
By the time he said that, a voice came from the shadow and responded with a familiar tone.
Starfire: "I forgive you."
BB heard that as his eyes snapped opened. Turning around, he saw Starfire standing there with her arms behind her back and a warm smile on her face. His reaction speaks for itself.
Beast Boy: "Starfire!"
He quickly jumped up to her and turned into a little kitty, meowing in excitement. Star got her hands out and grabbed the kitten, giving him a warm hug. Beast Boy soon looked up and gave her 'the face' as he would call it as the Tamaranean giggled with his embrace.
Starfire: "I am glad you are unharmed as well."
Phos soon approached the two and was surprised that she was in one piece.
Phos: "We were going to say the same thing to you. We thought for sure that you were a goner after all of this. How did you…?"
Star turned to them and reminded them of both their strength and what happened the last time.
Starfire: "Friend Phos, I am a Tamaranean. My strength and durability can help me survive through the worst of calamities. Need I remind you of the time you drop a sign on top of me the first day we met?"
Phos blinked and remembered that time. That was when they met the team and fought Star back when she was terrorizing the city. Course, they wish to forget what they had to go through with her.
Phos: "Oh yeah… How could I forget about that? Could still remember the time you flung me into a building with your brute strength. Still have the cracks from that."
Beast Boy immediately turned back and was on his knees, being extremely apologetic.
Beast Boy: "I am so sorry. You got to forgive me."
Both the gem and the alien turned to him as Star bend down and placed her hands on his shoulders, assuring him that she had done that.
Starfire: "I already have. Now those evil brothers must be made to apologize."
Phos thought approached the two and told them what they found.
Phos: "I think we have more problems then two elemental brothers. We also have a familiar face that came back, along with someone else."
Both of them looked to the gem and were confused by what they said.
Beast Boy: "A familiar face and someone else? What are you…?"
Before he could finish asking, they all heard a voice of a certain leader from behind.
Robin: "Phos! Beast Boy! Starfire!"
The three turned their heads to the direction of the voice and saw Robin, Cyborg, and Raven approaching their position. Apparently, they seen or heard the explosion and headed down there to investigate. That is when they saw all that destruction and the three remaining Titans, one of which was badly damage.
Cyborg: "Y'all all right?"
Raven: "We've heard the blast coming from here and decided to check it out. What happened?"
All three looked to each other until Phos decided to step in and try to explain it.
Phos: "It's long and complicated…"
Five minutes later, Phos managed to tell everyone of what transpired with Thunder and Lightning. During the explanation, Robin was fixing Phos up with an emergency kit he carried around completely with Krazy Glue and powder incase the gem was seriously damaged from battle. He already covered up the cracks on their face and leg. Now all he has to do is glue the other leg to their body. As he was placing the Krazy Glue into the exposed agate, Phos finished up on what transpired.
Phos: "And there you have it. Poison was here and was with this strange old man. And judging by what happened here, left with those two brothers."
Everyone heard her and was a bit surprised that this strange rival of Phos returned.
Cyborg: "Poison… Isn't that the strange girl with the robotic arm that was with those Hive students not too long ago?"
Beast Boy was sitting on a piece of rubble and remembered about that group.
Beast Boy: "You mean those three delinquents that nearly took us out and took over the tower? How could I forget? That pink haired sorceress got the drop on me, literally."
Starfire soon stepped in and thought they taken care of all of them.
Starfire: "But I thought the HIVE were defeated and apprehended."
Raven turned to her and told her that they didn't take all of them.
Raven: "Well, we only got three of them. Poison slipped through our fingers and fled. I never thought that she would return this soon."
Robin heard this and thought that it was strange as well.
Robin: "Doesn't matter. Now that she's back, maybe we might be able to stop her and have her join her friends behind bars."
He soon finished spreading the glue and showed Phos what he did before placing in on the body.
Robin: "Well…? What do you think? Is that enough?"
The gem looked to his work and was impressed.
Phos: "Yeah, that good. Not too much, or the glue would seep out of the cracks.
They soon look down at the golden prosthetic leg they made and watched it melt and sink into the stump. Once they did that, Robin places that leg to the stump and connected it to the body. As he was checking to make sure the leg was connected, he asked Phos about the other person that was with Poison.
Robin: "This stranger Poison was with… Did you get a good look at him?"
Phos nodded and try to gather as much detail as they remembered.
Phos: "Sure… It was an old man dressed in some strange red robe and bandages, a white beard and mustache that goes long, and a strange looking straw hat. He looked like something out of that feudal era Japan articles I was reading for my encyclopedia research. The strangest part is that I overhead him calling Poison his apprentice. Really weird, don't you think?"
Robin heard that while making sure the legs was attached and didn't think it was.
Robin: "No, it's not. An apprentice is when an old master passes knowledge and technique to a young one to help continue the line. Though, from what you said, it is strange that a mysterious assailant with a robotic arm following the shadows of an old man."
Beast Boy heard that and reminded him of something else.
Beast Boy: "You think that was weird, check this out. When I was searching for Star through the rubble, I overheard that old dude that he has power that is drawn by nature. But judging by the red beam that destroys everything in one hit, I don't think Nature can do that."
Cyborg listened to that and found it a bit strange as well. Looking around, he soon notices something that was billowing smoke and checked to see what it is. By the time he got there, he took a closer look and realized what it was.
Cyborg: "That's because it isn't nature that did this. It's technology."
He soon picked up what he found and showed it to everyone.
Cyborg: "Here. Take a look."
He soon threw it in the air so they can see what he found. Phos immediately stretched their arm and caught it in midair, retracting it back to see what the hybrid has discovered. It looked like some kind of camera thing with stilts and a jack in the box cranker, but in it is some sort of laser weapon that had a low red hum and some type of wire connected to it with a power pack. Cyborg soon explained to them on this discovery.
Cyborg: "That is some sort of high powered laser cannon, minimize and customize to pose as a camera of some kind. There's a cable connected to it that has an unlimited power source. My guess is that this thing caused all this destruction in the first place."
Robin finished up dusting the cracks on the attached leg of Phos and got up to see the device up close.
Robin: "And how do you know that this is a laser cannon?"
Cyborg: "Because this is the same type of cannon tech Cinderblock used on me and Phos back at the train yard while you guys were busy with Plasmus."
Phos heard him and remembered about that time, then remembered one of the weapon mods that Poison currently possess.
Phos: "That's right! Cinderblock used that weapon on us, but it was on a really large scale. Come to think of it, Poison has that type of technology on her robotic arm when I faced her. This sure sounds coincidental."
Robin heard that and started to put the pieces together.
Robin: "So, we have a mysterious stranger with knowledge to technology and weaponry. And to make things worse, recruited two dangerous felons that would destroy anything they touch."
Beast Boy overheard it and told the leader that it wasn't the case.
Beast Boy: "Um… Actually Robin, I don't think those brothers don't pose a threat."
The leader heard him and turned to the changeling for an explanation.
Robin: "Please… Explain…"
By then, Beast Boy decided to tell everyone what he believes the two brothers are.
Beast Boy: "I don't think they are evil. I think they're just like me."
The others heard him and wondered what he meant.
Cyborg: "Just like you? In what way?"
Raven soon come up with words that resembled that of Beast Boy.
Raven: "Obnoxious… Rude… Not funny… I can do this all day."
BB glared to her and explained what those two brothers and him have in common.
Beast Boy: "We are both misunderstood. Like me, those two think that what they were doing is fun. What they didn't know is that their style of being fun is hurting those around them and could lead to some dire consequences. I learn that the hard way."
He soon turned to Star and smiled, knowing how troubled he was with his prank. He soon turns back to the others and continued.
Beast Boy: "I've seen it with the older brother. I can tell that he doesn't want to harm anyone. But now with this guy bringing them in, I fear that what he has plan for them that can't be good."
Robin heard his side and knew that he has a point. All those two wanted is to have fun, but their antics could lead to destruction. And now with them joining this mysterious old man with access to tech, it could spell a disaster for everyone.
Robin: "If that's the case, then we have to find them and stop them before they cause far worse harm."
Though they have to accomplish that, the obstacle they have to deal with now is where to find them.
Starfire: "But how can we locate those brothers. They have already left after Beast Boy and I were caught in that blast. They could be anywhere!"
Just then, they heard a loud roar coming from afar. Hearing that, they all turn and saw something quite unexpected. Up on the high mountaintops, there stood a huge giant made of fire with an 'S' engraving on it. Seeing that, they all deduced what caused that.
Raven: "I'm going to take a wild guess and say that must be the brothers doing."
Cyborg: "Brothers and that old man. Look at the size of that thing! It looks big enough to burn an entire forest!"
Robin then looked at the giant and noticed its trajectory. Looking to the city, he soon realizes where it would go.
Robin: "Or an entire city. If that thing gets down here, there won't be a Jump left to protect! We need to get there now before it comes down that mountain. Raven!"
The telepath heard him and knew what he wants her to do.
Raven: "Gather around! I'll get us there quicker."
So the group went around Raven as she started to focus. Opening her glowing white eyes, she waved her hands into an X and a black circle appeared around them. It soon engulfed the team and turned into a huge Raven, flying high to the mountains where the burning giant was with the team in it.
Around the same time, Thunder and Lightning look up to the huge beast and was shocked by it. They never thought that this would escalate rather quickly. After all, they just followed the strange old man to cause as much destruction, without harming humans in Thunder's case. When they climbed the highest mountaintop, they were introduced by multiple dummies made of sticks and hay. Lightning was of course upset about this, but the old man insisted to give it a try. So try they did and the two started to hit the dummies and they were engulfed in flames. At first they thought they finally found some fun to be had, but that was all an elaborate rouse as the old man chanted something and the red lines appeared on the flames, all of which connected into a huge person. That in turn created this giant as it rises up and roars after being awakened. Once it was completed, the old man raise his arms up and gave the fiery giant the order to burn something down.
Slade: "Burn fire! Burn it all!"
The giant heard him and turned to the city that's down the mountain. It was going to march down to the city when the Titans immediately approached in front of it. Thankfully, Raven did bring them there via black magical big and blocked the giant's path.
Robin: "Didn't anyone ever tell you? Play with fire, you're going to get burned."
The giant soon waved its arm and a stream of flames came out of it and headed towards the group. The group immediately turned around and jumped down the cliff to avoid getting burned. But that first attack caused the trees around it to burn away, giving it a clear path. Robin looked up to see it march down, burning everything in its path. The rest of the team managed to recover and watch as the giant was coming down the hill to reach the city.
Phos: "This is bad. If that giant reaches the city, everything will be gone!"
Robin got the message and decided to stop it.
Robin: "Not if we have anything to say about this. Titans, Go!"
The group soon started to run and flew down the hill, catching up to the giant as it started to approach a few houses on the hill. Once they all caught up, Robin started to throw a bunch of pellets at the creature. The pellets soon exploded and formed a fog to blind it. Raven soon came out of the flames and thought of an idea to stop this reign of terror.
Raven: "Blaze can't spread if there's nothing to burn. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"
She outreaches her hands as they glowed black, firing a telepathic wave down to the forest. That wave hit a bunch of trees and they were engulfed by the black magic, pulling them of the ground and away from the fire giant. Robin saw this and followed with her plan.
Robin: "Good idea, Raven. Beast Boy, Starfire, Phos, help her out!"
The three heard him and followed on Raven's plan, spreading out to remove anything flammable in the giant's way. BB started to turn into an Ox and charged towards the first batch of trees, knocking them down like dominos. Star soon flew high and threw a single star bolt to take down a huge batch. Phos then turned both their hands into golden axes and easily chopped up trees in their path. Stopping to turn, they uttered the one word from every lumberjack.
Phos: "Timber!"
Soon enough, all trees started to fall at the same time and crashed to the ground. Looking at the fallen trees, they smirked and were pleased with their work.
Phos: "Heh, heh… Always wanted to say that."
With all the trees cleared, the giant has nothing to burn. This gave Cyborg a chance to finish it off. Going ahead of the beast, he turned and jumped high in the air, coming down to pound the ground. That caused a blue shockwave and headed towards the giant and hit it with such velocity. That led to an aftermath of dirt and dust as the group watched on to see if they were able to defeat it.
Beast Boy: "Is it out?"
The changeling soon approached the dust, wondering if that was over and done with. But by the time the dust settled, the fire giant emerged and roared right at them. The group was shocked that it was still alive as Raven blurted on what Beast Boy said.
Raven: "You had to ask."
But Robin wasn't paying attention to the giant. Instead he was focusing on the old man that caused all this with the help of Thunder and Lightning. Seeing him, he decided to handle him personally.
Robin: "Keep that fire contained. I am going to have a little 'talk' to the old man."
Phos heard him and recalled the old man and his connections with Poison. So they decided to join him on this talk.
Phos: "Okay if I tag along? You could use a little backup."
Robin turned to the gem and thought it would be best, considering what they witnessed.
Robin: "I never thought you asked."
Meanwhile, back up the cliff, the old man look down to the fight and knew the Titans will intervene. So he needed to make sure the plan goes smoothly and require the help of the two brothers.
Slade: "Go, young masters! Fire is your creation. They have no right to destroy your fun."
Lightning was getting pumped and was itching for a fight.
Lightning: "Yes! We must fight!"
Thunder though was questioning everything after hearing Beast Boy telling him that what he's doing is wrong. He soon turned to his little brother and told him of what they were doing.
Thunder: "But brother-"
However, he turned to his bigger brother and stopped him there.
Lightning: "Do not annoy me with your foolish concerns. Come!"
Thunder heard the spat and was really conflicted. He knows that what he's doing seems to be wrong, but his brother was blinded by sheer joy of the chaos he's creating. Still, he cannot turn on him, and decided to go with him. Just then, a lightning bolt hit the two and in a cylinder of light, they both vanished to get to the team that was dealing with their creation. The old man looked back to the battle feeling rather confident. But as he was enjoying himself, he heard a voice from close by and turn to see who's coming. That's when he saw Robin coming down at him with a thrust kick and knocked the staff off his hand, landing and implanting the ground. He landed on the other end and turned to see the old man just looking rather calm in the matter. Phos soon joined him as they jumped down and made a cushion out of their arm to soften the fall. Seeing the two, he lifted his hand up and the cane detach from the ground and flew up to his hand. He soon got into a standby stance and looked to the two, very pleased with their arrival.
Slade: "Robin, we meet at last. And you must be Phosphophyllite. My apprentice told me a lot about you. So nice that I finally see you face to face."
Phos heard that and was really confused about that statement.
Phos: "Hold on. How does Poison know about me? I have never seen her before in my life."
The old man tilted his head to the side and could tell that they have no idea.
Slade: "Odd… She hasn't told you? Though I feel that she never got into talking to anyone other then myself. And to think the two of you were friends."
That got the gem very upset and told him straight away of that statement.
Phos: "Poison and I aren't friends! Heck, I never had seen her before in my life! So if you think that me and Poison have a connection, you are dead wrong."
Robin soon lifted his hand and decided to get to the point.
Robin: "You know about us. But who are you?"
The old man tightened his cane and told them who he is.
Slade: "Me? Why I'm just a humble old man, who's power-"
Phos soon interrupts him and finishes what he was saying.
Phos: "Who's power come from nature. Yes, yes, we got the message. We also go the fact that your so-called power doesn't come from nature, but of technology. That modified laser cannon you made is the same one on Poison's robotic arm. So basically you're not a man with mystical powers. Who are you, really? And no theatrics."
The old man starred at the gem and could tell that they would be a bother. Thankfully, he always has someone watching his back.
Slade: "My, aren't you quite the forceful one. But you're opponent will not be me."
Just as he said that, the two heard footsteps from behind the old man and realized what he was referring to. Approaching behind him stood poison as she unsheathes her sword and was ready to fight.
Slade: "It would seem my apprentice has heard you, and doesn't look happy. Poison, dispose of this gem while I take care of the Boy Wonder."
The apprentice turned to him and nodded in approval, before glaring at the gem and getting into an attack stance. Phos looked at this and realized their error.
Phos: "Okay…. Really wish I didn't say that out loud."
Robin turned to them with his bo-stall out and told them to focus.
Robin: "Let's worry about your blunt later. Right now, we need to take them out. Get ready!"
The two stood their ground, waiting for the opposing group to strike. Both the old man and Poison remained in their stances as the four were like statues with the background of the giant coming down the hill while lightning and thunder blasts were appearing. It was then that the two charged with their weapons ready to slice. The two saw that and immediately got into defensive positions. Robin got his bo staff up and blocked the old man's cane while Phos launched themselves with their heels and shot up to avoid the attack. They soon flipped and came down while Poison strike at the spot the gem used to be. Turning around, she could see them landing on the other side and turning back to her. Both of them were in opposite directions as Phos decided to get this fight over with once and for all.
Phos: "Don't know why you want to pick a fight with me, but I'm sure going to end it."
So the gem turned one of their arms into a sword while the other became a shield. Poison soon got her sword in her hand while a red energy shield from her robotic arm. The two did a stare down for a while until booth charged into each other. Both weapons soon started to collide with their swords clashing into each other. They hit high, they hit low, they hit to the sides and the middle. They were evenly matched in both armaments and endearment. Poison got her sword up and was about to knock Phos's head from their body. Phos lifted her golden shield up and blocked the strike, giving them an opening to the waist. They soon swung their sword to the waste area, only for Poison to have it blocked by her energy shield. The two soon held on as they were trying to out strength each other. But as they were holding it, a burning tree close by started to fall and headed straight towards the two. They heard the sound of it and turned to see it falling to them. Looking to each other, they realized that they would both get crushed and let go to run into two opposite directions. The tree fell and crashed to the ground, exploding in flames. Phos managed to escaped the fall and turned back to see the wall of flames where the tree fell. Looking at this, they wondered where their rival was and if she succumbed to the flames. Before they could go and check, a missile came out of the flames and headed straight towards them. Seeing them, they sidestepped out of the way and the missile flew past them. Quickly, they stretched their arm out and grabbed the missile and with a quick 180, they swung the rocket back and flew towards the spot, exploding on the fallen tree on impact. Just then, Poison came out of the flames with a quick jump and armed her blaster on her robotic arm and fired rapid shots. Phos did some somersaulted flips and went back to avoid the ricochet of red projectiles. Once Poison was coming down close, she switched her blaster into her dagger and thrust it forward to go for the heart, of in Phos's case, the chest. The gem soon got back up and saw the apprentice heading straight towards them with the dagger coming down to the body. With both their hands, they melted them and thrust forward, grabbing hold of Poison and pushed her away from them. She was soon launched and flew towards a burning forest, disappearing from the flames. Phos watched on and wondered if this time, they got her. So they lifted themselves by the heels and formed a platform to elevate up and get a high enough view through the smoke. Looking around, they couldn't find her anywhere. All they could see is a lot of smoke and fire without a sign of this mysterious rival.
Phos: "Doesn't look like she's around. Maybe she got caught in the flames and didn't survive. That's rather fortunate."
Looking around more, they soon notice Robin fighting this old man as they clash their staffs together. Seeing this fight, they decided to assist the leader in his fight.
Phos: "Looks like Robin is handling himself. But it would seem that he is in need of some assistance. Better get down their and-"
Before they could finish what they are saying, a red beam hit the base of the podium and tore a chunk of it. That is enough to cause the podium they were on to tilt and fall. Phos was caught by surprise as they started to fall while the podium melted and went back to their heels. They soon started to go through the burning branches and were about to shatter on the ground. Thankfully, they recovered by stretching their arms and form a liquid mattress to comfort their fall. Phos landed safely, as the liquid reverted back to their arms as their uniform was on fire in certain places. But with them being just a gem, they are impervious from fire and won't feel any pain. Getting back up, they crank their neck and were in a bit of a daze.
Phos: "Ow… Talking about cutting it close. A few more moments and I would've been shattered to a billion pieces. Wonder what hit me?"
As soon as they asked that, another blaster shot came by and nearly missed them by a few inches. The gem felt that and wondered where it came from. That's when they noticed a dark silhouette going behind the trees and whizzing on by. Seeing that, they try to follow with their head and couldn't get around as the shadow was fast. They soon didn't know where it was, until another shot came from behind. The gem felt that and ducked down, missing the shot completely. Coming back up, they could see the shadow running past more trees and vanished instantly. Seeing this, Phos was starting to get annoyed.
Phos: "Hey! Don't move you pesky punk. Quit hiding and show yourself!"
They waited for another attack and could see a shot heading from the left, then the right, then the front, and then the side, and finally the back. The gem quickly dodged each and every shot and got down from the last one. With their golden arms crossed, They started to flatten as the fingers extended and turned into sharp blades.
Phos: "Too soon!"
With that, they got their arms out and their fingers extended, going right between the trees. With a quick spin, the bladed fingers started to slice through the trees and they all fall and topple around them. With the trees down, they reverted their arms back and looked on to see what is in the clearing. That's when they saw Poison standing there, completely caught and with no cover to hide in. The gem blinked and was shocked to see her still alive even after that hit and the fire. But that shock turned to anger and was getting even more annoyed by this.
Phos: "You… You just don't give up, do you?"
They soon turned their arm to a sword and were ready to take her down. Poison did the same with her sword unsheathed and swipes it to the side. The two held their ground as a beam went to the sky in the post where the fiery giant was and the clouds started to gather. Just then, Poison was the first to react as she charged in and position her sword ready to slice her down the middle. Phos got her sword up and went into a defensive position. Both swords clashed while a lightning bolt appeared at the same time, coming down from the clouds. Phos pushed the apprentice away as she did a quick flip and landed right on the ground with one knee. They looked up to see Phos launching themselves with their one heel and headed straight towards the apprentice. Poison managed to block that with her sword and they collide once again, with another lightning bolt came down after followed by thunder. Phos landed as the two held on for a while. But Poison needed to find a way in escaping and get an advantage. Looking at one of the fallen trees, she decided to use it and stick her robotic arm out, firing a grappling hook. The line attached to the trunk of the tree and with one quick pull, she brought the tree towards the two. Phos heard that and turned to the side to see the trunk heading towards them. Quickly, they turned to the trunk and with one quick slice, cut the tree in half, having the burning bark flying in two separate directions between them. Once the tree was away, Phos took a quick breather, not realizing that Poison has an opening. With the dagger out, she came up and went right to the gem's neck. Phos felt that and backed away, avoiding the strike and blocked it with her other golden sword they formed. The two soon got into a clashing of swords as they used their weapons to collide to each other, not even hitting their body parts. At the same time, lightning came down while thunder was booming around them. Phos soon went completely crazy as they did multiple swipes with her swords. Poison blocked each of them off, but was having a difficult time in finding a way out of it. As she was backing up, she didn't notice a root sticking out of the ground and tripped on it, falling on her butt. Phos saw this and got the opportunity in finishing her off for good. They got her sword raised high and were about to end this. But Poison had one more trick up her sleeve and aimed her robotic arm to them and fired a net out of the nozzle. Phos was caught by surprise and the net was wrapped around their body. Falling to the floor, they struggled to get out of it while cracks from the impact were present. When a shadow loomed over them, Phos slowly looked up and saw Poison standing over them with her blaster attached to her metal arm pointing right at them with lightning dancing in the background. Phos starred right at the blaster end that was humming low and had to stall her long enough. With one arm behind their back, they extended one of their fingers and formed a sharp filer to cut the ropes on the net while posing a threat to the apprentice.
Phos: "Okay Poison, you got me. Just promise me one thing. When you fire, make sure the first shot count."
Poison heard that and tilted her head, wondering what she's going on about. But considering she got them where she wants them, she decided to follow their advice and charged up their blaster to fire a powerful enough blast to incinerate them to dust. But just as she was about to fire, a lightning bolt came down and hit between Phos and Poison, causing a blast that pushed them in opposite directions. Phos skidded and had a bit of an after burn with bits of powder on the dirt, revealing their exposed minty skin. They shook off the blast and realized they have the time to escape, trying to cut what's left of the net to free themselves. At the same time, Poison was recovering, but her robotic arm was short-circuiting and was inoperable. She could tell that her weapons were disabled and won't be able to reactivate it. But she can still fight back and twisted her sword with her only arm. Quickly, she charged in and was going for the kill, but by the time she was close to the net and raised her sword up, she stopped and notices that the net was empty. Seeing this, she wondered where the gem went. It was then a golden finger tapped her shoulder from behind and a very familiar voice.
Phos: "Excuse me…"
Hearing that, Poison turned around and saw Phos standing there with her arm out and her fist turned into a boxing glove. They soon smirk to the apprentice and finished what they said before.
Phos: "Didn't make it count."
With that, they thrust their glove to her face and hit the helmet side, causing a dent. Poison staggered back and was having a hard time adjusting her sight. With the apprentice staggering, it gave Phos the chance to end it. Winding all they way back again, the boxing glove suddenly extended and grew to a much bigger size. With a quick turn, the huge glove punched her again and this time, pushed her off the ground and sent soaring through all the damaged trees and vanished through the flames. With her finally away, Phos's hand returned to normal and they collapsed on the floor, panting from the fight. As they were calming down, rain started to come down and drenched the gem as the fire around her was slowly being put out. Even the flames on their uniform were put out, leaving it damaged and burned, exposing the gems body. By the time the fire was gone, they heard a voice from not far.
Robin: "Phos?"
Hearing that, the gem turned around and saw Robin standing there, looking serious while holding something in his hand. Blinking, they got up and dusted themselves up.
Phos: "Robin… Looks like I'm not the only one that managed to fight off an enemy. What happened to the old man?"
Robin sighed and told them of what transpired.
Robin: "Gave me the slip when that lightning bolt hit him. What about Poison?"
Phos brush their damaged uniform and told him what happened.
Phos: "She put up quite a fight, but I managed to outsmart that pain in the shard. Though I got a feeling that she'll return, and when she does, she'll be looking for payback."
The two were very silent until Robin spoke up.
Robin: "At least we got something out of the fight. I do believe I know the identity of our mysterious visitor."
That got Phos's attention as they asked on whom he's talking about.
Phos: "Well, who? Who is that old man that Poison is working for?"
His response is tossing the object he was holding as the gem got a hold of it. Taking a good enough look at it, they noticed that it was a pendant of some kind with an 'S' engraving. Starring at it, Robin mentioned one name, the same name Gizmo mentioned not too long ago.
Robin: "Slade…"
Meanwhile, back with the team, they were celebrating a victory as the Fire Giant was defeated and burned out. But it wasn't by them; it was by the hands of those that created that monstrosity, Thunder and Lightning. What really happened is that when the two brothers fought the Titans, Beast Boy confronted Thunder and wanted to reason with them. Thunder didn't want to fight the changeling, but BB didn't understand that if he didn't want to fight, then why destroy homes and hurting innocent lives. What were they fighting for is what Beast Boy is asking him. Thunder told him that the old man said that they are unique, gifted, better. But when he said that, the Titan told him that gifts don't make him better, it's how they should use them. And that's when Thunder realized what he meant by that. After realizing the error of his way, he faced his younger brother and fought him to get some sense out of him. After a brief and vicious battle, Thunder showed him what the Titans are doing. That the Titans have gifts like them, but they use them for good then for destructive fun. If they are special, then they should be special and help the Titans. And while their gifts can create destruction, they can do something much more. Sot he two headed up to the clouds and performed their ritual of a storm, but this storm is going to do more then thunder and lightning, they also produce one more thing, rain. So together, the two created rain and it was pouring like crazy. The giant saw that and screamed in pain, which was when in a flash and it vanished leaving behind a smoldering pile of ash. The team watched it all go down and was elated, celebrating the victory thanks to the brothers. Beast Boy was soaking up the moment while opening his mouth to let the rain dance on his tongue. But soon, he turned around and saw Thunder and Lightning coming down and approaches the team. Walking to them, Thunder was the first to apologies for their previous actions.
Thunder: "I am sorry for the trouble we have made."
He bowed as a means of kindness before turning to his brother who looked a little miffed with his arms crossed. Seeing this, he pats him on the back to speak up as well. Sighing, he decided to apologize too.
Lightning: "I am…also sorry."
He too bowed gracefully to respect to the green changeling. Thunder shook his hand and told him that they have learned so much from the young Titan.
Thunder: "You have taught us much, green one. Thank you."
BB though shook it off and told him to not thank him.
Beast Boy: "Don't thank me. Thank the person who taught me."
It was then that he introduced them to Starfire. Star soon approached as they bowed to her, followed by the Tamaranean bowing back.
Starfire: "And thank you for helping to defeat the flame monster."
The other two soon joined in as a voice of Robin was heard.
Robin: "I couldn't agree more."
The two soon turned to the voice and saw Robin and Phos approaching them and decided to give them something.
Robin: "You two did cause a lot of damage in and out of the city. But in the end, you understand that you powers are more then destruction. And with a bit of practice, maybe you two can become more then just elemental warriors."
He went into his utility belt and took out two unknown objects. By giving them to the two, they looked at them and realized it was a T Communicator with a T in front.
Robin: "Congratulations. You are both official honorary Titans."
They both have smiles on their faces as they looked up and thanked him and the rest of the team for this honor.
Thunder: "Thank you all. We promise to use our gifts for good, rather then mindless destructive fun."
Phos crossed their arms and reminded them of not to do that again.
Phos: "Just don't go back to your destructive ways. Trust me, I am itching for a rematch if you two decided to cause trouble again."
The two looked to each other and were silent about it. That's when they looked back and laughed it up."
Lightning: "Trust us, shiny haired one. If that were to happen we would give you a fair warning."
Phos got the joke and gave a bit of a chuckle.
Phos: "I'm sure you will."
The leader soon shook hands with the two brothers, as the rest gathered to celebrate.
After the celebration, the clouds parted the moment Thunder and Lightning left and morning came, showing a bright rainbow hovering over the city. Phos watched on and marveled over the sight of that rainbow. Raven peered her eyes to them and was curious about what they were looking at.
Raven: "Hmm…. I take it that you never seen rainbows like this before."
The gem turned to the telepath and smiled a bit.
Phos: "Actually, I have rainbows in my world when the storms are away. No matter which world I live in, they are always so beautiful. Maybe I should look them up for my Encyclopedia collection.
Rae chuckled and could tell that she's going to love researching about Rainbows.
Raven: "You might be surprise on what you learn. Though to be fair, there is no such thing as leprechauns or a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."
Phos heard this and smirked a little.
Phos: "I'll be the judge of that."
As they were talking, Robin handed Cyborg the S Pendant to look at it. Starring at the pendant, he started to put the pieces together.
Cyborg: "So, this Slade is the one held responsible in the prison break in, those blaster weapons, recruiting the H.I.V.E., and that monster. And now with this apprentice of his he wants to destroy the city. Question is, why?"
Phos overheard that and got serious, turning to the leader and wanting to know about the apprentice as well.
Phos: "I got an even better question, Cyborg. Why Poison has a strong interest in me?"
Robin looked to the two between him and didn't have the answers, yet.
Robin: "I don't know… But we will find out, and he won't get away with it."
As that was going on, Beast Boy approached Starfire and asked if he's still a troublemaker.
Beast Boy: "So… Am I, you know, still a Clorbag?"
Star crossed her arms, turning to him and changed the name.
Starfire: "Hmm… No… I believe you are more of a Milnip Wisserloop."
BB heard that and his eyes were gleaming. So much so, that he celebrated with a bit of dancing.
Beast Boy: "Sweet! Go, Beast Boy! I'm a Milnip! Who's your Wisserloop?"
But as he started to dance, he soon stopped and realized that he didn't know what it meant.
Beast Boy: "Wait… That's a good thing, right, Star?"
All the Tamaranean could do is laughed it off and flew away with the boys walking down the hill.
Beast Boy: "Star?"
He soon turned into a jaguar and started to give chase to the others. All that was left is Raven and Phos as the telepath told them to return.
Raven: "Come on, Phos. Let's go home."
She soon lifted up and flew towards the others while Phos walk down. But as they were walking, they soon stopped and noticed something shining. Curious, they bent down and picked up what it was. What they could see is a strand of red hair, shiny glittery red hair. Looking at it, they soon realized whom it belonged to.
Phos: "Cinnabar…?"
Indeed, that strand belongs to Cinnabar. The gem hasn't heard from them since they were sucked into that mysterious portal. And with the exception of the arm they have at the Tower, they haven't found any other shred of evidence. Now they have something and the questions have been circulating. Has Cinnabar been around Jump City? How long have they stayed? Are they even close by? Were they long gone by now? These are the questions that would crack them under pressure. Raven turned to see them looking at something and told them to get moving.
Raven: "Phos! What are you doing? We better get back to the Tower. We could all use some rest after what we'd been through."
Phos soon shook off their train of thought and looked up to Rae, who was waiting for them. Seeing her, they decided to save their questioning for later and place the strand into their dress jacket.
Phos: "Sorry! I'm coming!"
The telepath turned and followed the others, not wanting to loose them. The gem then proceeded to head down the hill, still wondering about the strand and if Cinnabar was close.
Meanwhile, in a gear infested location somewhere in Jump, the door started to open up and both Slade and Poison walked in. Slade was merely wounded with the face cracked to reveal the mysterious orange mask. Poison though remained silent as she was holding her robotic arm and it looked damaged from the lightning bolt. As the two entered, Slade explained about the failure of the mission.
Slade: "Hmm… It seems that we underestimated the Titans. They have proven to be very resourceful in the most extreme of situations. Still, it doesn't matter. Everything is going according to plan. All we need to do and wait until we pull our next move."
Slade turned to look down to Cinnabar and noticed that she's rubbing her damaged robotic arm, sparking and short circuiting after the lightning bolt hit between her and Phos. Seeing this, he places his hand on her shoulder and assured her that she will get her revenge.
Slade: "Patience, my apprentice. You will get your chance in defeating your friend. But until then, you need to rest and repair that arm of yours. Can't let you go back into a fight in your condition. Return to your room. You'll receive further orders when the time comes."
He soon rubbed the top of her helmet, giving her a job well done. Poison looked up to him and gave a bit of a warm smile. But then, her expression went back to normal and returned to her room. Slade starred her down and could tell that it's all going smoothly.
Slade: "Soon, my apprentice, you will embrace your destiny. Soon…"
Back with Poison, she entered her room and headed to the workbench filled with tools. With her only arm, she adjusted the robotic one and with one pop, removed the arm easily. Getting to the toolbox, she opened it and took out a screw driver, using it to undo the screws to her compartment. Once she opened it, she got a laser welder out and begins repairing the inner circuitry of the arm. Turning to it, she saw the metal fingers moving a little bit. Satisfied, she went to work on repairing the arm. Course, that spot where the robotic arm was has a stump on the arm. But the strangest part is that on that stump is a glittering red rock with what looked to be little tubes sticking out that has bits of mercury dripping down.
That will end the final part of Forces of Nature on the Phosphophyllite Chronicles. That's right… I left behind a complete clue on the identity of Poison. I'm sure you all know who it is right now. But don't spoil it for those that don't know yet. Now on the next one will be another episode near and dear to my heart. So stay tune for that. Either that, or maybe the Christmas episode I promised. Either or. Stay tune for find out. Please Review. #WherearetheGoodCartoons?
