Chapter 07: Der Name Der Night. (Inner quest part 02).
It has been two days since Starfire began her inner journey, one day since Night-wing came for her aid and rescue with Raven showing no signs of stop or even rest. True Donna Troy did stay to be her aide if necessary with maintaining the runes intact and occasionally help with the chants when Raven was about to collapse from exhaustion about a couple minutes at a time, overall though Raven has not taken a proper rest in a while as she thought to herself.
' please for the love of God and Azar…. hurry up you too…'
In the meantime Cyborg and Beast boy, having nothing better to preoccupy themselves with, were watching TV, a series of a detective Monk in the time of medieval Europe as a special news bulletin came through.
' this is Bethany Snow reporting from midtown Jump where from what I could gather people are dropping dead on the streets and the Titans are nowhere to be…'
Before the transmission could continue Bethany snow writhed in pain for about a few minutes before her bones began to crack spawning violently horns from her back and forehead as her flesh began to tear apart leaving little flesh left as her muscle tissue began to show before her eyes turned sickly yellow. At this point and time Cyborg and Beast boy were left completely stunned as the Titans alarm blared off, running towards Raven's room both shouted at the same time.
" we have an emergency on our hands…. all hands on deck…"
From within the room Donna geared up as Wonder Girl as she gave the reply.
"contact Kid Flash…. let him know we need back up and meet me in the Titans hangar at once."
Having confirmed her orders Cyborg and Beast boy scattered as Wonder Girl gave an apologetic look to Raven to which she replied with.
" don't apologize…. just go…. I'll manage on my own for a while."
With that Wonder Girl acknowledged as she left Raven's room, heading towards battle. About 5 minutes later the Teen Titans arrived to midtown Jump only to be greeted with streets paved with blood as literal demons ran all over the place consuming the flesh of those fortunate enough not to be turned. In a silent shock everyone froze, even Kid Flash, as Beast boy said the following out loud.
" thank god Raven prepared us for this…"
That statement struck a cord with every last Titan as Wonder Girl replied.
" Raven preparing us has nothing to do with it…. we're Titans it is our calling to help however we can… now Titans… Together."
With that Beast boy morphed into a velociraptor as Cyborg caught a ride on him blasting some of them with his white noise cannon as Kid Flash began running circles around the demons knocking them down as he amassed them in a single location as Wonder Girl leaped into action, searching for survivors, making sure along the way that the roads were clear for first response vehicles could make their way through. Deep within Night-wing's and Starfire's minds in the meantime Night-wing kept watch over a resting Starfire as he went over their options one last time when Starfire woke up.
" did you get some sleep?"
Starfire answered with a small sigh.
"no… too worried about our friends…."
At this Night-wing acknowledged that he shared her fears as he concluded the conversation with this.
" I have a plan to confront Trigon but you wouldn't like it…."
Starfire at that reminded him the following.
"like it or not…. we have to end this nightmarish quest… so I trust you."
At that Night-wing gave her a small smile as he uttered the following words.
" I got a plan…..but it's not a subtle one…"
At that Night-wing gave a quick rundown of his plan to Starfire as he carried her as a sack of potatoes all the while concentrating on the Tamaranian royal palace. After safely reaching the royal palace Starfire regained some air as she whispered.
"really Richard… there was no other way?"
At that Night-wing gave an apologetic look and a sheepish smile as he said back quietly.
" I'm truly sorry Star….. desperate times calls for desperate measures."
At that Starfire gave a small huff in annoyance as Night-wing reached the palace gates being guarded by a couple of demons. Hoping his plan would work he demanded.
"let me trough lowlifes… I must see your master immediately."
One of the demons clearly insulted by the lowly human before him exclaimed in anger.
' why should I take orders from you?…. what do you take us for?'
At that Night-wing grinned as Starfire took to the air both saying at the same time.
" a fool…"
With that both punched the guards out as Starfire showed Night-wing a short cut leading them deep within the castle. Having emerged with none the wiser Night-wing looked at Star awkwardly as she began to giggle.
" I'll freely admit that plan worked out fine."
At that Night-wing began to laugh as he asked before they'd split their separate ways.
"well I do have my moments?"
At that Starfire gave a wry grin replying.
" you are cute…. but not that cute I'm afraid."
With that both split Starfire going after the demons infused with her powers and Night-wing tracked down Trigon, trying to locate him and end this once and for all. Knowing the palace like the back of her hand Starfire knew where to find the demons who have tried to make a feast out of her. Heading towards the castle's bedrooms she found some of the demons consuming the flesh of the local Tamaranian wild life while the other ones were either torturing or sodomizing them. In her righteous fury Starfire tackled most of the demons mid flight while the ones who remained on ground level gave chase after her leaving very few wild life breathing or untouched. As Starfire made safe distance she unleashed a flurry of star bolts at her enemies they in turn dodged with ease as they showed that they could fly just as well as her as a few of them launched streams of fire from their hands and mouth. With that a fierce battle has started in the air as Starfire dodged and launched several attacks of her own as she merely grazed her enemies and after a few minutes she began to think.
' they want power?…. I'll happily oblige…'
With that Starfire took off upwards as most of the demons followed suit with Starfire making it's way the closest she could reach Tamaran's suns before she started to breath deeply. When the demons finally caught up with her some of them tried to attack, however their bodies started to betray them as they began to feel excruciating pain.
"you may have consumed some of my powers and abilities but you have no idea on how to control them"
With that said most of the demons either exploded or caught on fire plummeting to their doom as Starfire descended, making sure there are no survivors, to her dismay some where left, seven to be exact, each with a group of seven making it forty nine in total. Wasting no time Starfire dove into battle. In the mean time Night-wing searched the castle for Trigon as well taking down as many demons as he could along the way. Eventually he made it to the royal chambers where he found Trigon overlooking the battle Starfire waged in the air.
'magnificent isn't it…..?'
Night-wing didn't say a word at first until he opened his mouth to say.
" sure if you think letting your spawns fight your battles for you is some sort of achievement."
Trigon at that sardonically laughed.
' haven't you made that mistake before?'
At that Night-wing gave a shrug as he silently said 'hey I'm only human' as he lunged towards Trigon trying to land some solid punches and kicks while also alternating to his escrima sticks. Trigon at that felt no concern as he easily evaded every punch kick and blow as he mused to himself.
' I must admit that it eluded me where your source of darkness laid…. until you tried that stunt with my guards…'
Night-wing hearing but caring little for what his enemy had to say kept on the pressure with his attacks as Trigon effortlessly countered as he continued his little speech.
'desperation….. desperation to keep your lover from getting hurt…. desperation to keep your little friends and insignificant city safe….. desperation to get the approval of your mentor….. and desperation to honor the memory of your dead parents'
At that Night-wing snapped as he yelled at him.
" do not involve my parents in this…. or I'll promise you a fate worse than death…."
At that Trigon smirked as he asked mockingly.
' hit a little nerve there did I?'
At that Night-wing, on the brink of exhaustion tried to land a few more quick jabs and hits until a kick finally connected with Trigon's face. At that moment Trigon took a step back as he felt the pain as a small cut was forming on his cheek. Seeing the blood Trigon began to laugh in amusement.
' I must congratulate you… it has been quite some time someone gave me a fair challenge.'
At that Night-wing answered with a serious face.
" I intend to give you far more….. now prepare yourself"
At this point and time Trigon gave a small and muffled smug chuckle.
' I already have…'
At that Trigon disappeared from existence as Night-wing cursed the coward as two people came up from behind Night-wing and when those people spoke Night-wing's heart skipped a bit.
" son….?…. is that you!?"
With that Night-wing turned around to face John and Mary Grayson, his parents, standing before him alive and well as he dropped his guard, walking towards them just to make sure he wasn't dreaming or hallucinating.
" mom… dad!?….. how can this be…. I….."
Before he could say another word Mary Grayson shushed him with her index finger on her mouth as he embraced them in a tight hug that could have rivaled Starfire's, however being self conscious he release them after a minute in which point John and Mary asked.
" Richard?…. what are you wearing exactly?"
At that Richard didn't know where to begin as he answered awkwardly.
" I'm a hero…. like Batman and Superman….. in fact as we speak I'm in the middle of trying to save the world…."
At that an awkward silence grew between the three as John and Mary weren't sure how to react to the news, either with extreme pride or extreme worry as Night-wing noticed that they looked exactly like the last time they were alive so he opted to ask.
" it maybe strange to ask but…. what's the last thing you remember?"
At that John and Mary were about to answer however at that particular moment a demon Starfire was fighting crashed a few feet away from them with Starfire pummeling him to the ground, yet both still answered.
" we remember getting ready for the trapeze act for the Wayne fundraiser event…"
That confirmed Night-wing's suspicion that Trigon used his power either to pluck them right out of that specific moment or he made a couple of demons take shape of his parents using this memory, in all honesty Night-wing wasn't sure which option was worst. A few moments have passed as Starfire gently made her way towards the Graysons as she asked them politely.
" excuse me…. are you by any chance John and Mary Grayson?"
As the Graysons were about to answer the young lady Night-wing/Richard caught himself as he introduced her.
" sorry… where are my manners… mom, dad….. I would like to introduce you my girlfriend miss Kory Andres…."
At that John and Mary's reaction was a mix between silent shock and pride before John gave his son a firm shake and a hug while sardonically commenting.
" well….. I must say, we blink for one second and the next time we see of you… you're all grown up with a lovely girl on your side…. it kinda makes us worried what will happen if we blink for a second time."
At hearing that Mary gave John a silent look that said 'really?' while Night-wing tried to hide a creeping smirk on his face reminding himself about the situation they are in.
" no that's alright mom….. I wish I could've introduced you under better circumstances but we have to leave soon."
At this precise moment the demon that Starfire pummeled rose from the ground as he made his way towards the Graysons only to be met with a punch by Night-wing and John before John used his arm to pivot Mary as she delivered a kick towards the demon's stomach sending it back a few feet, at that Night-wing gave a stunned look at mom and dad as they said.
"what kind of parents will we be if we let our son fight all of our battles for us?"
At that Night-wing smiled fondly as he straightened himself out.
"Starfire…. make sure no other demon escapes you… when you're done go back to Raven she expects you back."
At that Starfire gave a nod as she flew off while Night-wing addressed his parents.
"as for you two…. we better return to where you came from before a certain 8 year old will start to miss you."
At that the Graysons agreed before all of them concentrated on the image of Hailey circus before slowly disappearing. When they reappeared next they found themselves on the lot the circus pitched itself, it was a warm day with a few clouds obscuring the sun with the lot nearly empty which prompted Night-wing/Richard to say.
" that's funny…. I don't remember it being cloudy that day."
Before anyone could else make another commend a familiar voice rang in their head.
' so perceptive…. truly worthy for the disciple of the world's greatest detective.'
Night-wing not in the mood for any of this showed it by exclaiming.
"Trigon…. what have you done!?"
Trigon did not betray any emotion as he responded the following.
'better yet…. why don't I show you….'
With that as if on cue the ringmaster, the clowns, the performers, animals and even small children all came out of the main tent in a zombie like state as they slowly started cornering the Graysons to which Night-wing/Richard started whispering.
" dad…. mom… find a place to run and hide…. now"
At that his dad tried to protest before Night-wing continued.
" I know what you're gonna say I really do…. but with this bastard there's always more…. so please take mom and go…"
At that john answered.
" you say you know what I'm gonna say?….. if you really knew that you'd have known that I'm not gonna abandon you."
At that moment Night-wing show a rare moment of vulnerability.
" I lost you once before…. that's why I'm standing in front of you as a hero….. I can't imagine losing you for a second time…. so please both of you go, save yourselves."
At that John Grayson gave a tight squeeze at Night-wing's shoulder.
" son…. there are a lot of things in this world that aren't meant to last…. like cotton candy or a rainy day….. the things that do last though are the memories we cherish up here….. as John gave a small tap on Richard's forehead while his mother finished the sentence pointing at his heart…. and the moments we cherish in there".
With that John and Mary left in a hurry as Night-wing took a stand just as the circus employees and crowd began to turn into demonic versions of themselves.
" come get me…. I'll send you back to your master on a one way ticket to hell."
At that the demons started charging at Night-wing as he himself sprinted towards them sending a few of the back with a flying kick before pulling out his escrima sticks shocking most of them unconscious. Speaking of unconscious Starfire in the meantime gave chase to the rest of the demons plaguing her home destroying every last one of them as she finally felt at ease for a while, feeling heavy she laid down to rest only to reawaken in Raven's room.
" Raven?!…. is it glorious to see you….. where are the others… where's Donna?"
Raven dispensed with little pleasantries.
" midtown Jump, hurry a group of demons have attacked the city."
Hearing that Starfire changed quickly back to her uniform as she opened and flew out the window as Raven commented.
" one down and another to go….. hurry the hell up Night-wing."
Back in midtown Jump the Titans held their own against the demons as they were knocked down only to rise again as Beast boy made the following comment.
" it's like a demented game of bowling…. as soon as we knock down one set of pinheads another takes it's place."
At that the rest of the Titans replied.
" we know… now knock them harder…"
As the Titans continued fighting the demons harder to allow the EMT teams to evacuate the area in time Starfire swooped in blasting away at the sidewalks and a few empty buildings to make a barrier between the demons and the Titans.
" I'm sorry for being late…. now what's the situation?"
Beast boy at that took the initiative to catch her up.
" in short demons began popping in for a little fun in the sun… we've stalled them for long as possible so they don't wreck half the city and we can't do much else because those demons….. they used to be citizens…. you know the average Joe and Jane…"
At that Starfire sighed in grief for the people that have turned as she addressed the Titans as such.
" Kid Flash….. run as fast as you can, make sure the survivors are safe and make sure that there aren't any other places infected by Demons… Cyborg, myself and Beast boy will remain here to fight off the rest of the demons for as long as possible….. Wonder Girl, return home….. make sure both Raven and Night-wing are well rested and safe…"
Wonder Girl responded as follows with Kid Flash only giving a nod before running off to do his part.
" on it."
As soon as Wonder Girl left the barrier Starfire created began to crumble piece by piece as Starfire spoke to Beast boy and Cyborg.
" you've been doing great so far…. don't let up…. in fact try to render their bodies useless so the demons will have no choice but to leave"
Beast boy at that answered in his usual flare.
"oh is that all?!….."
Cyborg at that interrupted as he spoke.
"hey focus over here….. we got an ass kicking to dish out."
As Cyborg finished talking the demons broke through the barrier. At this point and time Starfire launched a barrage of star bolts at the demons regulating her power so that every shot isn't a kill shot but rather a stun shot, as the same with Cyborg's white noise cannon while Beast boy chose to go with something a little more up close and personal choosing to morph into a silver back gorilla as he knocked as many as he could to the ground. At some point the demons landed a few solid punches which made Beast boy retreat a bit before morphing into a woolly Mammoth as he charged head on against them only to morph yet again mid charge into a cheetah, knocking them on their feet as he used the cheetah's speed and body mass to slam into them.
"God….. that was a stupid idea… I tried that trick a few years ago already…. what the hell was I thinking….."
Before he could think on it further he noticed that some of them were airborne and with a grunt of annoyance he transformed into a falcon confronting them yet again head on yet again only to be blasted out of the sky by a fire ball sending him straight to the ground with a few minor burns. Seeing this Starfire became livid as she chased the flying demons as Cyborg rushed to administer Beast boy with first aid as Kid Flash returned with an update.
" all survivors made it and are accounted for… so far this is only the area where demons began attacking for now and… holy shit did someone get Beast boy?"
At that Beast boy remarked with irritation and visible pain on his face.
" No… we're having a barbique without you….. of course someone got me god dammit…."
At that Kid flash didn't choose to answer as he didn't wait for instructions as he rapidly got Beast boy into his arms as if carrying a baby as he sped up towards the tower, in the meantime all Cyborg could've said was a simple thanks by which time Kid Flash returned.
"damn you're fast…"
At that kid Flash gave a small grin as he said.
"trust me it isn't always a compliment…"
Cyborg just gave him a silent look that said ' I'll take your word for it' as they soon got refocused as they held the rest of the rampaging demons at bay while Starfire still gave chase to the airborne ones. As Starfire gave chase to the flying demons she made sure to hit them just enough so they'd lose the ability to fight as she dropped them one by one to the ground. When all were grounded she dove in knocking them out with a well placed punch, as the day wore on a sudden disembodied voice could be heard, a voice they grew to know and remember all too well.
' well done heroes… your resolve to deal with my pawns is truly impressive yet….. if you had the shred of remorse you pretend to posses… you would have simply put them out of their misery…. again congratulations are in order….'
As the voice slowly disappeared so the demonic features on the foes who faced the Titans only to leave a pile of skinless humans wreathing in pain to every stimulation that their bodies felt, whether it was the solid concrete ground. The rain that started slowly pouring or the air grazing their muscle tissue.
"Kid Flash get emergency services now…. Cyborg, you and me should to anything in our power to make sure the victims won't die on us"
Without saying a word Kid Flash ran as quickly as he can as Cyborg commented.
"Beast boy got off easy… he would've puked if he'd seen this shit."
Starfire disagreed, replying with disappointment and disgrace clear in her voice.
"no… he got the worst of it."
Cyborg gave a gesture for her to explain as he made sure that every victim was laying on a stretcher as Kid Flash returned with them as ambulances came in to evacuate them to nearby hospitals.
" I failed my training….. therefore Trigon offered me as a feast for his spawns…"
Kid Flash offered his two scents on the matter.
" if you really failed you'd probably won't be standing here….. speaking of, are you gonna do just that?….. or offer a helping hand."
Starfire gave a small smile of gratitude as she indeed helped evacuate the victims into the ambulances as gently and fast as possible.
" finish up here…. I'm heading to the tower to check on the others"
A few minutes pass as Starfire returns to the tower, first to check up on Beast boy who was now spending some time in the infirmary, struggling to slaver himself with Aloe Vera on his burn wounds.
"Beast boy?….. are you okay?… you can't imagine how sorry I am for what happened to you."
At that Beast boy gave a small pained smile.
" apology accepted….. now don't think about it too much….. it's not my first time getting burnt."
Not sure on how exactly to take that comment Starfire gave a small nod as she continued on her way to check on Raven. As she reached Raven's room she entered quietly as she saw Night-wing/Richard still laying on the floor.
" how bad is it?"
Starfire sighed in disappointment as she said the following.
" a lot of people were killed…. those who survived will never be the same again…. the ones who attacked included…. how's Richard?"
Raven answered between even breaths, maintaining the spell and runes.
" still fighting for his life."
Within Richard's mind Night-wing kept on fighting a swarm of demons delivering punches after blows with escrima sticks, using his feet for an extra kick while all the while being thrown around by a few demons who got lucky every once in a while in a vicious and never ending cycle. At some point some demons got a good hit into Night-wing's ribs as he hitched his breath at the painful sensation as he tried recollecting his thoughts.
'can't go on like this much longer…. I need a better plan…. quick….'
At that he thought about what Batman would do or say as he had a moment of inspiration as he concentrated on a specific thought and specific a location. As Night-wing and the demon horde began disappearing the demons suddenly reappeared in a dark and damp cave without any idea where they were, just like Night-wing wanted. Just as his mentor taught him Night-wing masked any signs of his presence as he picked the demons one by one like a ghost, leaving little time for them to come to their senses, and letting the fear set in. As the demons vanished one after another eventually Night-wing stood there all alone until he took notice to someone.
" is this your idea of backup?"
The being revealing itself as Batman answered in a straight forward manner.
" you had it handled pretty well for yourself…. I was just here for mental support….."
Not letting Night-wing have a word in Batman concluded the conversation with.
" now go…. the public needs you… so do the Titans"
At that night-wing gave a small smile and chuckle.
" I see your bedside manners needs work as much as me evading getting punched in the ribs…."
At that Batman gave a small rare smile reserved only for Night-wing as the young hero reached out his hand for a firm handshake as batman returned the gesture.
" I'll see you around old man…"
With that Night-wing concentrated on Hailey's circus venue before disappearing again only to reappear for what seemed like the last time, only now he wondered around for a little bit checking to see if there were no demons left in sight. After doing a quick sweep of the area Night-wing confirmed that no such surprise could occur however though he noticed that the venue was completely empty.
"that's funny… where is everybody?"
With that Night-wing started wondering around looking for signs of life unsure of what he was going to find. Looking in every tent, wagon and car he found absolutely nothing and no one however he didn't give up. With that he spent what seemed like an hour until a thought crept up in his mind.
' please tell me it's not the case….'
With that Night-wing stopped dead in his tracks as the one thought he didn't want to relive replayed itself through his head. He had to say good bye….. again. The thought filled him with tears of rage and sadness, all of the work, all of the effort, all of his dedication….. did they all amounted to nothing?. before he could ponder on the question further he felt a small hand placing itself on his shoulder, Right behind him stood Raven.
"tell me… is Star okay?"
Raven gave a small nod as she said.
' yes… and we're all waiting for you…. the question you should ask is are you ready to go back?'
At that Night-wing closed his eyes for a few secs as he opened them again with resolve steeled behind them.
" for the moment yes….. but I will return…. there are always new demons I have to face with….."
With that Raven instructed him once again to relax and close his eyes, as he did so the next time he opened them he was back in Raven's room standing up in his birthday suit.
" I'll give you some privacy to change."
At that night-wing gave a mock disappointed expression replying.
"oh and here I began to wonder what it would be like to stroll around the tower Au Naturale for once…."
At that raven could only respond with.
" I'm sure you'll find the right time for that….. in the meantime we have trouble to deal with…. welcome back."
Night-wing gave her a small smile that silently said 'it's good to be back' before quickly putting on his uniform. In the following days to come Night-wing along with Starfire and the rest of the Titans have managed to visit the hospitals where the survivors/victims of the recent attack while keeping patrols around the city on schedule and while it was business as usual for the Titans, for Raven it brought about familiar and unpleasant memories from Azarath. Every hospital she visited has brought the feelings of terror, anger and confusion to the forefront and the only thing she could really provide in her worsen condition was temporary relief from the physical pain the victims have suffered before some of them succumbed to it. It was on a day where Beast boy and Raven came back from the children hospital that Raven started collapsing from exhaustion when Beast boy caught her mid fall as he asked in a worried tone.
"Rach….. Raven… what happened?, are you okay?"
Raven acknowledging his worries as she answered as such.
" not really… be a dear and get me back to the tower"
At that beast boy gave a nod before carrying her on his back as he morphed into a silver back gorilla as he rushed her back to the tower. When they both arrived there Night-wing was reviewing a few case files in the living room while Cyborg was doing a few maintenance check ups on his hardware. Bursting through the living room Beast boy, now in human form, carried Raven to med bay with Night-wing contacting Cyborg.
"you're needed in med bay…."
By the time Cyborg got into med bay he had everything he needed as he asked Beast boy and Night-wing to wait outside as he assessed Raven's condition. At this point Beast boy began pacing across the waiting room as Night-wing asked.
"are you and Raven expecting a child or something?"
Beast boy confused could only ask.
"what?!….."
At that Night-wing chuckled for a bit as he said.
" then quit pacing you'll create a crater at this rate"
Beast boy almost snapped at Night-wing before he got a hold of himself saying.
" don't joke around with me…. I'm not in the mood…"
Night-wing at that said a bit rudely.
" I know you're not…"
At that Beast boy asked dejectedly.
" than what's the point of this talk then?"
At that Night-wing answered as followed.
" to remind you…. you have to think like a Titan first…"
With that said Beast boy excused himself telling Night-wing that he's going outside to get some fresh air and exercise with Night-wing agreeing that would be the best at the moment concluding with.
" I'll keep you posted…"
At that Beast boy gave a small smile and a nod as he went outside the tower, once there he morphed into various types of animals, training in numerous different routines for a few hours. As evening came so did the cold winds came and while Beast boy didn't usually mind them, today it felt like they carried a sting with them as though they were taunting him with his failures, he morphed back into human form ready to unleash his frustrations with a scream until a familiar scent crept by him.
" what are you doing here Rachel?…. aren't you supposed to be in bed?"
Raven answered in a dead pan manner.
" I would… if your emotions didn't scream at me…"
Beast boy now feeling self conscious lowered hi head to the floor muttering.
"sorry…"
At that Raven came by slowly giving him a small hug.
" don't be….. I know exactly why you're frustrated"
At that Beast boy didn't continue the conversation, he just kept Raven warm for a few minutes. As the two warmed each other throughout the cold evening Beast boy was the first to break his silence.
"let's go back inside… the others must be as worried sick as I was…"
At that Raven gave a small nod as she replied.
" that sounds nice… and thank you for not ruining the moment… or jinxing it…."
At that Beast boy gave a small grin replying.
" you're welcome….. besides knowing our luck something will come along to ruin the moment either way…."
At that both of them began to quietly laugh as they made it back into the tower, escorting Raven back to her room he adopted a serious tone.
" now in you go young lady you'll need plenty of rest…."
At that Raven raised her eyebrow silently asking ' young lady?….really?' to which beast boy gave a small grin before asking.
"has your eyesight returned?"
Raven at that answered in an innocent yet honest tone.
" it comes and goes every so often…."
At that beast boy gave her a small goodnight kiss before leaving with Raven now standing inside her room with a slight chill going up and down her spine.
"Beast boy…. could you help me for a moment?"
Beast boy comically turning around like a toy soldier asked.
" how may I be of service?"
Raven hugging him tightly.
" can you keep me company tonight?… it's too cold in there alone…"
Obliging her Beast boy spent the next few days with her while Raven, to the best of her abilities has engrossed herself in her books and tomes with Him leaving her in peace to do what she does best. On the third day with her stay together they both heard a soft knock at Raven's door, opening it Cyborg stood from across the room with Beast boy and Raven asking.
"can we help you?"
Cyborg at that just gave a playful smirk replying.
"it's nice to see you kids playing but we got something going down on our hands…. so group meeting in the living room…. now."
Raven and Beast boy acknowledged Cyborg's update, as soon as they arrived Night-wing proceeded with the meeting.
" thank you all for coming on…. Cyborg take it away"
With that Cyborg showed through the TV screen a short excerpt from an earlier local interview.
' so for the record….. you're an acolyte under the guidance of one Sebastian Blood?'
'yes'
'and why should we believe Brother Blood's claims that the Titans deceived us as of late?'
'for the simple reason they have harbored the perpetrator of the demonic attack…. worse than that the person responsible for the senseless loss of life is none other than the heroine calling herself Raven…'
At that point Cyborg ended the recorded interview with Beast boy exclaiming.
" great….. on top of a demon wanting world domination Brother Blood turned the entire city against us… is that about right?"
To that Night-wing responded with.
"not entirely… it caused division among the city… some wish that we surrender Raven to the authorities….. some want her dead….. and the rest want a solution from us as soon as possible."
At that the Titans agreed that the best course of action was to find a solution that would keep the citizens of Jump City safe as Raven took the opportunity to address everyone.
" the city wants a solution….. here's what we'll give them….. tell the truth about me and my situation….. tell them that I'm ….."
A few hours later Night-wing addressed Jump City in a press conference relaying Raven's message.
' the last few months have been hard on Jump City as of late so I've come bearing some news… regarding the rumors of our teammate Raven being responsible for the brutal assault and massacre….. it's true that it relates to her, however, she is, for lack of better words, a product of rape….. she had no say or control in the matter as much as we have a say with which eye color we are born with…. furthermore in the interest of keeping the public safe she has resigned as of further notice from the Teen Titans until she either takes control of her powers back or until she finds a way to neutralize the threat that is about to strike not only Jump but the entire world as we know it… rest assured the rest of us Titans have been busy preparing ourselves to defend you no matter the cost…. that is all'
At that the various news and media outlets have opened the flood gates with a million question with one sticking out the most.
" the serial killer scare from a while back…. is it connected in anyway to the recent events that have unfolded?"
Night-wing at that felt stumped, he didn't want to lie yet he knew admitting it would cause even more unrest so he chose to answer as follows.
"nothing definitive so far…. but rest assured the Titans are looking into this…."
With that Night-wing left the press conference as reporters tried to swarm him, using his quick reflexes he dodged most of them while feeding them the classic line 'no comment'. once gaining enough distance Night-wing switched out of uniform to civilian clothes as he entered a navy blue colored Porche 928 with ms. Kory Andres waiting in the passenger seat.
" I trust everything went well?"
Night-wing/ Richard gave her a look that said 'only time will tell' before heading home. Back in Titans tower Raven shut herself off to the outside world as she buried herself in research trying to find a spell, a charm or even curses to either separate herself from Trigon, destroy him completely or lock him away somewhere where he could do no harm to her or the Titans, page after page she rifted through her books without finding anything useful while the only gain from her research was near paper cuts from flipping pages in a rapid rate. At some point she enlisted Cyborg to help her search the internet however that turned out empty as well.
" you look like hell."
Raven now laying down on the sofa after a panic episode which caused her chest pains looked up to see Night-wing with a slight worried expression on his face.
" I'll live….. just promise me one thing…"
At that Night-wing finished for her.
"no dad jokes right….?"
At that Raven gave a firm nod saying 'yes' as she asked.
"what now?"
Night-wing answered as followed.
" well from what I'm seeing right now….. you're stuck…"
At that Raven rolled her eyes replying.
"thanks captain obvious."
At that Night-wing held his index finger in a gesture that said 'wait' before he continued.
" you're stuck….. now take a step back so you could see the whole picture…"
Raven at that sighed as she replied with.
"sorry… I'm just not used to not being in control."
At that Night-wing smiled warmly as a big brother as he said.
"may I tell you something?"
Raven didn't say a word, instead she gave Night-wing a silent gesture to go ahead when Cyborg bursts trough the room.
"we got big trouble….. I'll explain on the way….."
True to his word, as soon as the Titans deployed to the crime scene Cyborg elaborated further.
" an anonymous call was made to the JCPD….. it said judge Chase was being held at gun point, about to be executed if Raven doesn't surrender herself to them within the hour…."
Night-wing who sat next to Cyborg in the T car cursed as he asked.
"you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Beast boy who sat behind them remarked as follows.
" Blood's loon squad?….. isn't that obvious by this point?"
Night-wing argued the next point while acknowledging Beast boy's remark.
"well that goes without saying…. I'm afraid the Vigilante will make a reappearance… dooming whoever has been dumb enough to kidnap him to begin with."
Beast boy felt stupid for forgetting that Chase for a while became a vigilante so he tried to redeem himself by asking.
"so….. do any of you knows where he lives….. or where we can find this nutcases?"
Cyborg at that smiled proudly.
" don't worry your little head…. we're going straight to the source."
As the Titans made their way to Jump city's court house all of them split looking for judge Chase's office eventually finding it as Night-wing lead the search.
"Beast boy….. do your thing….."
Beast boy was about to morph into a bloodhound but he stopped himself. Looking around the modest chamber he noted a few photos of what in all likelihood were judge Chase's family until he landed his eyes on a picture of the man in question next to an RV?, to which Beast boy remarked.
"funny…. never knew him as an outdoorsy type…. Cy can you do anything with this picture?"
At that Cyborg continued the line of inquiry.
" you mean scan it and give a rough estimate on were it's parked?…. on it…."
Impressed Night-wing quickly chipped in.
"get on it then… we go only minutes left…. Star take to the skies…."
At that Starfire nodded saying .
"consider it done…"
Within a minute Starfire flew outside searching for the RV as Night-wing, Beast boy and Cyborg ran to the car with Night-wing contacting Donna.
" Donna listen we don't have much time… ask raven if she can lend us one of her cloaks quickly…."
From the other side Donna smirked replying.
"Raven thought of the same thing….. she already sent it to the T car's back seats"
At that Night-wing smirked as he replied.
"excellent…. now please remind her not to overexert herself"
At that Donna gave him a smirk of her own as she hung up as Beast boy caught up to Night-wing.
"you've got a plan don't you….. I'm in….."
With that about 5 minutes passed as the Titans located Chase's whereabouts as the y sent Beast boy up ahead to do recon. As Beast boy flew overhead as an howl he managed to spot the RV several miles off of Jump City's highway in an abandoned forest which gave Beast boy enough confidence to swoop down and morph mid flight to a field mouse. Scouring around he made a few mental notes before fin ding a reasonable hiding place to turn back to human form.
" Beast boy here….. by what I saw we got four assholes outside circling the wagon, keeping their heads on a swivel with probably at least three more inside watching Chase…."
Night-wing responded back.
"probably?….."
Beast boy concluded the conversation with the following remark.
" yeah probably….. I can't just waltz in pretending to be a girl scout selling cookies you know…"
With that Beast boy checked his pockets hoping to find something useful coming across the ring Cyborg created a while back prompting Beast boy to say.
"scratch that remark…. I got a plan…."
At that Night-wing was about to ask what the plan was but Beast boy closed the communicator at exactly the wrong moment. Wearing the ring he turned himself into a 'lost hiker' as he expertly evaded the guards until he was a knock away from the RV. Knocking for a few solid minutes made one of the kidnappers to open it violently as Beast boy fainted panic, taking a quick look inside he saw Chase with two more inside as he fainted being scared scurrying off. Once out of site Beast boy contacted Night-wing again saying.
" 3 inside…. definitely 3…."
At that Night-wing acknowledged as he noted.
"you cut me off intentionally did you?"
At that Beast boy answered innocently.
"what?….. no…. I swear it was just a weird coincidence that's all…."
At that Night-wing said nothing as he ended the transmission. When the Titans arrived at the scene Night-wing immediately dispatching 2 of Brother Blood's acolytes as Starfire and Cyborg quickly dealt with the other 2 remaining before rendezvousing with Beast boy, now wearing Raven's cloak.
"hey Greengo can you give us a hand over here?"
Per to Cyborg's request Beast boy began slowly clapping to which Cyborg was less then pleased.
"Ha Ha I walked into that one…. now get over here before I'll stick my metal foot up your ass…."
Beast boy was about to retort when he picked up a faint scream from inside the RV so with that he instead said.
"drop what you're doing now…. something happened inside."
With that the Titans raced towards the RV only to see judge Chase walking outside, as he saw the Titans he greeted and thanked them for the assistance as Night-wing asked.
"not to be blunt but… what happened to your kidnappers?"
Adrian Chase dropped all matter of pleasantries when he gave the following response.
"there inside…. and yes still alive"
Night-wing taking his word with a grain of salt entered the RV only to find Brother Blood's acolytes all beaten up with several bones broken and shattered,among them was one with a shattered collar bone. Stepping outside he told Cyborg to call 911 as he addressed Chase out in the open.
"who am I to thank for the mess inside?, the judge or The Vigilante?"
Puzzled Chase gave a sarcastic and dry laugh as he responded.
"mess?…. I did what I had to so I can survive…. since you weren't up to the task… you hadn't even survived Raven's little boot camp."
At that Night-wing fainted a laugh as he said.
" funny… now how Adrian Chase would know a thing like that?"
At this Adrian's face began to twist before slowly and sickeningly began to transform leaving specs of flesh falling to the ground as the rest of the 'acolytes' rose to their feet transforming into their original state, the demonic servants of Trigon as Night-wing simply asked.
"where's the real Adrian Chase?"
The demons answered in unison.
'he's still among the living….. unfortunately the same can not be said of you'
With that the demonic beings tried to lunge at the Titans, with Night-wing evading, pulling out his escrima sticks and landing a few fatal blows on the demon that impersonated Adrian Chase with Cyborg giving an extra dose of white noise from his cannon, Beast boy transforming himself into a rhino ramming and stomping on the demons as they fell down with Starfire giving the finishing blow hurtling a few star bolts. When the dust was clear the demons laid still as Beast boy pointed out.
"that felt way too easy….. does anyone else feel that way?"
To that Cyborg responded with the following remark.
"yeah well either that….. or either we've gotten really good at this….. now relax and accept the victory…."
Hearing that night-wing pointed out.
" I hate to be pessimistic but Beast boy has a point… so head on a swivel."
At that Starfire took higher into the skies checking the surrounding area as she swooped down again alerting the others.
" I hate being the barer of bad news but we've got more demons coming from all directions…."
At that Night-wing acknowledged as he addressed the rest of the team.
"stand your ground….. this is going to be a long night….."
Back at Titans tower Raven, trying to rest in her room awoke suddenly as she felt something was off. Not wasting any time she immediately contacted Kid Flash, Hawk and Dove within a few secs relaying this message.
" if any of you can read me the Titans are in trouble, as in neck deep…. I'll send the exact coordinates, stand by….."
Raven tapping into beast boy's mind was able to locate exactly where they where as she silently hoped.
' I know I'm invading your privacy…. but I have no other choice so please forgive me…..'
Having a fix on their location Raven gave the exact coordinates as she pleaded her friends to hurry as they in turn assured her that they were dropping everything they're doing right now and are already in route. Closing the communicator Raven began to feel ill before she felt like her head was about to explode when she heard an all too familiar voice bombarding her even further.
'do not think that calling them changes anything… sooner or later all of your friends will fall before my might, leaving you all alone…. just for me….as it should be…. as it always was meant to be…'
At that Raven began to struggle covering her ears as she tried to breath deeply only resulting with short and laboured breaths. With every attempt at wrestling back control Raven's room became more of a chaotic mess with the walls cracking up, the windows breaking and the electronics malfunctioning until a portal to another dimension opening, through that portal a familiar feminine figure stepped out as she approached Raven, whispering something inaudible she laid her hand on Raven's forehead as the Titan in question collapsed in exhaustion. At this point and Time Donna rushed through the doors to see the figure with Raven at her lap.
"with all due respect… identify yourself….. now!"
The feminine figure answered as such.
" believe me I understand your frustration…. and as her mother I thank you for looking after her…. so per your request my name is Angela Arella Roth and who you might be?"
At that Donna wasted no time introducing herself.
" Donna Troy….. also known as Wonder Girl."
With that about fifteen minutes went by as Donna and Angela traded pleasantries as well as catching up about what her daughter's been doing since last she saw of her when the former has started to regain consciousness.
"would you mind giving us some privacy Donna dear?"
At that Donna acknowledged the woman's request as she left Raven's room just as Raven woke up.
"mom?!….. what are you doing here?"
At that Angela smiled warmly as she answered.
"what any mother would…. making sure my little girl's safe and sound."
At that Raven responded a little flustered ,yet still with a tone of gratitude in her voice.
"thanks….. now if you don't mind I have some things to take…"
But before she could finish her sentence a sharp pain in the head interrupted, to which Angela laid Raven in her bed as she said the following.
" sh….. rest now….. Donna caught me up on some of what happened…. your friends are worried for you enough as it is….. not to mention your husband."
At that Raven groaned at the fact that now her own mother has started this running joke again however she didn't have the strength, both literally and mentally, to dispute this claim as Angela mentioned the following.
" I'm happy for the two of you… I can hardly wait to hear the pitter patter of little feet in the near future…"
At that Raven got really flustered as she responded with a whisper.
"mom…. I'm not having sex with him….. he's my husband for god's sake…"
Angela gave a sigh o disappointment before leaving the room while Raven breathed in trying to get some sleep. Speaking of breathing, Beast boy was busy at this point trying to kick some demon's ass before he reverted back to his human form, wheezing and breathing heavily.
"damn bastards… any of you guys got the energy to hold them off?"
Night-wing at this point tried to hold the demons of as he answered as follows.
"we're right there with you…. just hold off a little longer…. backup's on…"
At this moment Kid Flash ran by knocking a few demons a few feet in the air before they fell, slamming into the ground when Kid Flash replied.
"you're welcome….."
At that Night-wing replied just as the demons quickly got to their feet.
"stay sharp….. those bastards don't know when to stay down."
As Night-wing delivered another flurry of lethal blows Hawk jumped up from behind him tackling some of the demons like a steroid raged football player all the while pointing out.
"now look here boys, the trick his all in the wrist and fists….."
With that Hawk started wailing on the demons delivering blow after blow as he smashed their heads in one after the other while Night-wing and Kid Flash concentrated on another batch of demons.
" should we tell him he's overdoing it?"
At this point Kid Flash said jokingly.
"do you really want to be on the receiving end of his fists?"
With that in mind Night-wing and Kid Flash continued fighting as Starfire and Dove came swooping in offering backup as the Titans for the first time in a while got the upper hand driving the demons off until the demons suddenly caught fire dissolving into cinders.
" could somebody tell me what the hell happened?"
At that Night-wing answered.
"simple Beast boy…. they outlived their usefulness…"
With that Night-wing suddenly collapsed as Starfire and Kid Flash caught him just in the nick of time.
" I got you…. Titans you go on a head of us…. we'll catch up shortly."
With that the Titans showed no objections as they left Starfire and Night-wing alone, seeing that Night-wing allowed himself a smirk as he commented.
"if I didn't know you better I'd say you had a hidden motive there."
At that Starfire fainted naivete as she said.
"what ulterior motive could I possibly have?"
At that Night-wing chuckled as he finally allowed himself to breath in the scent of the forest and enjoy the relative quietness of the surrounding area as he answered.
" a quiet time with your fiancee maybe?"
Starfire was about to answer when she caught Night-wing kneel on one knee presenting her with what she knew from earth's culture and customs was a small and simple silver wedding band with a small diamond embedded into it.
" I know it's probably not the best of times….. but life taught me to never waste an opportunity… and never take life for granted…. so please Star….. Kory….. will you marry me?."
At that Starfire's only response was to meet Night-wing at his eye level, removing his domino masked as she simply said.
" I do Richard…."
With that a genuine smile crept up Richard's face as an even bigger smile showed on Kory's/Starfire's face as she grabbed him securely before she flew the both of them back to Titan's tower. On the way back Night-wing enjoyed the view as the following thought crept into his mind.
' if we fall now… all of this could be lost…..'