Chapter 11: Trigon.
Nobody could've guessed how this day would go, sure there was the crimson skyline getting darker and darker by the minute but to the average citizen of Jump city it could be chucked up to either strange weather or food poisoning however for the Teen Titans it could only spell trouble as Hawk at the moment kept watch as he patrolled the city from the skies anticipating the demons to arrive as he saw the silhouette of Trigon from the horizon where Titans tower stood. Seeing the giant didn't phase him in the least as he figured he wasn't any tougher then the bastards he was used to brawl with for breakfast however as he kept on sweeping the streets he witnessed the earth itself rising, turning into an army in the image of the general itself and as for the citizens?, the ones he saw turned one by one into demonic beings as their flesh ripped from its bones, every woman, man and child, hell even animal as Hawk grimaced.
"Dove, Fish sticks, soccer hooligan, amazon…. do you see what I see?"
From an office building's roof on his left Dove answered.
" it's not something that we would miss…. how do we proceed from here?"
At that Hawk's response was.
"simple, we hold that army off for as long as possible until the A team kicks that bastard straight in the balls."
With that Dove ended her transmission as Wonder Girl led the charge into battle with Aqua-Lad and Arsenal bringing up the rear.
"seriously?…. can you guys knock it off with this soccer hooligan crap?….. this is getting old."
At that Aqua- Lad rebutted.
"hey at least you're not fish sticks."
At that Arsenal just shrugged as he took out his trusty bow and arrows shooting a volley of shots into the demonic stone army as each of those shots hit squarely on the foreheads before exploding leaving now only decapitated statues as Hawk landed on the ground punching a stone golem that Arsenal couldn't hit.
"thanks…. didn't know you cared…"
At that hawk replied jokingly.
"hey even assholes like me have their standards."
With that the Titans led by Wonder Girl repelled attack after attack as Night-wing, Beast boy and Cyborg swooped in to provide back up.
"sorry we took so long….. listen we have to catch Trigon's attention no matter what… we have a plan to deal with him…. and we could use all the help you can give us."
At that Hawk and Dove asked in unison.
"so what's this big plan of yours Beast boy?"
Avoiding getting punched while slogging a few Trigon sentries and subduing demonic children, or rather imps as Beast boy replied as follows.
"in a nutshell….we plan on leading him into a mystic cage….. once we catch him there ….. we kick his ass and call it a day"
At that Hawk grinned as he said.
"count me in… Dove, you and the rest stay behind and make sure there's no demons on our asses"
At that Dove pleasantly smiled.
" done…. but if you don't come back in one piece I'll be kicking you ass… got it?"
At that Hawk embraced Dove by her waste whispering.
" I love it when you talk dirty"
With that Beast boy, Hawk, Night-wing and Cyborg drove off as Trigon's silhouette became larger and larger at this point almost covering half the city.
" so how do we get his attention?"
At that hawk answered in a manner of fact way.
" we hit him where it hurts the most…."
At that Beast boy asked.
" 'Yo Mamma' jokes?"
At that Hawk dismissed him.
" no… something even more effective… we kick him in the balls…."
At that everyone other than Hawk winced instinctively as Hawk asked puzzled.
" what?…. I'm just spit balling ideas."
At this moment Beast boy had a revelation as he said.
" I got it, but I'll need to get close to Trigon….. can you provide backup for me?"
With that everyone nodded as Cyborg stepped on the gas paddle as Trigon's visage and presence already reached the city, crumbling a few buildings to dust with his mere touch while Raven was laying still unmoving after the ordeal as Arella did the best of her abilities to help her heal faster as Constantine was trying to keep some of Trigon's minions at bay, key word is trying.
"not to rush you or anything but….."
Arella replied the following with a bit of impatience.
"trust me I know….. but my powers are considerably weaker than in…. of course, think you can cover us while I teleport us to Azarath?"
At that Constantine smirked replying.
" I don't think… I know I can."
With that Constantine went on the offensive killing a few of the demons as Arella concentrated on opening the portal to Azarath as Arella entered quickly as the portal closed behind her as Arella carried Raven into Azarath.
"hang on for a bit more little girl… "
With that said and done Constantine tried to contact the Titans as Beast boy at this point tried to get Trigon's attention.
' hey there yank can hear me alright?'
With that Beast boy answered as followed.
'we're sorry the yank you have dialed is currently occupied leave a message at the bloody end'
At that Constantine pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation as replied to Beast boy's wisecrack.
'alright then can you please take a message that Raven's not bloody here right now?….. would you please pass along that the Titans need to keep Trigon busy for a bit longer otherwise their plan is going down the crapper?…. can you do that please?'
At that Beast boy answered awkwardly.
'sure thing…. by the way you really should start drinking decaff…'
Not waiting for Constantine to respond he updated the rest of the Titans present as Hawk responded appropriately.
"how much time is a little more time?"
At that Beast boy took a stab in the dark.
"my guess is as soon as Raven can stand back on her feet."
At this moment the Titans got as close as possible to Trigon as Hawk "entertained" the demonized citizens, keeping them off of his friends as they began attacking the demonic monster trying to keep him at bay until Raven returns, speaking of as soon as Arella crossed the portal to Azarath she immediately carried her daughter towards the temple of Azarath where she encountered the last person she needed to see right now, the high magistrate of Azarath, Coman. Without even a greeting he addressed Arella harshly.
"leave….. you or your daughter are no longer welcomed in Azarath!"
At that Arella fought not to lose her patience as she responded.
" I don't expect you to forgive me or my daughter….. but Raven has dedicated her life to do good by the world…. Rachel has dedicated to live by her own terms….. and I know you value it as well….. so please allow me to heal her so she could defeat Trigon once and for all…"
At that Coman's only response was.
"come then there is little time to waste"
With that Arella followed Coman with Raven in though as he led her to the very room that Raven was taken to when she was eight. As Arella and Coman entered the room once more Coman instructed her to lay Raven in the middle of the room as the monks of Azarath quickly and efficiently created a mystic circle around the laying Raven when they were finished Coman got into a lotus position and began chanting an enchantment as his fellow monks joined him as mystic energy slowly but surely began pouring into Raven's body making it reel from the impact as the monks waited for a few several moments. At this point Raven began to stir as she woke up to be greeted by her mother.
"how are you feeling?"
As Raven stood up she addressed her mother.
"well enough to walk….. now come mother, we must stop Trigon now"
At this point Arella asked.
"you're not Raven or Rachel are you?"
At this point Raven's reply was.
"that's partly correct….. I'm Raven's intelligence….. the accumulation of he knowledge and experiences… I've entrusted Raven's soul and spirit with someone I could deeply trust before Trigon could corrupt it."
At this point 'Raven' turned to Coman thanking him before urging Arella to come along as Arella sighed.
" unfortunately I cannot leave freely as I wish…. I've taken a lot of risks and broken so many Azarathian laws, but this is the limit to what Azarath could tolerate…. that being said I will send you back with this knowledge….. I love you Rachel Raven Roth….."
At this point 'Raven' gave a knowing smile replying.
"you're daughter never had any doubts about that…. now I trust the monks of Azarath will take good care of you?"
At that Coman gave a silent nod of approval as he and the monks opened the portal back to earth, Jump city in particular as 'Raven' passed through ending up outside of Titans tower where Constantine was waiting anxiously.
" it's about time….. got everything sorted?"
At this moment he only got a nod from 'Raven' as he contacted the Titans once more. When the Titans received the word that everything's back on track once again Beast boy found himself in the form of a cheetah running upwards on Trigon's arm as he shifted into a spider monkey mid way when Trigon tried to shake him off as Beast boy made it towards his face changing into human form again.
" hey tall and gruesome….. over here… I've got something that you probably still need…."
At that Trigon chuckled darkly as he answered.
'believe me little whelp…there's nothing you can offer me'
At that Beast boy smirked replying.
" I've got Raven's soul in my possession…. and without it you can't do much of anything otherwise you would've done it already."
At that trigon rebutted.
' take a look around…. your skies have turned crimson red, your friends are overrun by my army and your insignificant people are pawns at my disposal…. why would I care for a little girl's soul?'
At that Beast boy gave the following reply, knowing just what to push.
" oh really… if you're so powerful….. how come you can't kill us?"
At that Trigon looked taken aback as Beast boy continued on a tirade.
" I mean you're supposed to be an all powerful god right?….. some god, can't even kill insignificant insects like us…. pathetic!"
At that Beast boy turned himself into a falcon flying off as Trigon soon followed as he made his way toward Titans tower checking on occasion that the others and Trigon are hot on his trail, reaching his destination he was greeted by Constantine and Raven.
"okay my part is about over…. now it's up to you two"
At that Constantine quipped.
" thanks for the added pressure….. as if we needed more as it is….. bloody yank"
With that rant out of the way Beast boy noticed that Trigon has stopped moving as the rest of the core Titans plus Hawk has made it to Titans island as the ground around them shook and reformed into Trigon's duplicates as Beast boy muttered.
"shit…. he caught on too soon….."
At that Hawk added the following comment.
"well it was an obvious trap to begin with so…"
Before any of the other Titans could react the duplicates started charging at them as Beast boy turned into a T Rex trying to stomp them as he bit into them, sending them flying out to sea as Night-wing and Hawk avoided their attacks, disarming them and in Hawk's case ripping their arms off as Cyborg and Starfire held back laying suppressive fire making sure none of the others are too overwhelmed as Raven took the initiative as she confronted her father directly.
"the great and powerful Trigon… sending mere minions to do his dirty work….."
At that Trigon chuckled in bemusement.
"believe me little whelp yourself and your friends are mere pests of no consequence."
At that 'Raven' rebutted.
"for mere pests we've managed to foil your efforts of breaking our spirits…. so behind the bluster and posturing you're nothing but a weakling who lives to torment the helpless…"
At that Trigon cackled darkly.
"little one I am a literal god…. I have anticipated your every move from the beginning because I have read every move you've made."
At that 'Raven' smirked.
"well…. you haven't read any of his moves…."
With that Trigon stopped dramatically realizing that he lost control over his body as he realized that his daughter was merely a lure, a decoy as it appears Constantine took cover during the battle as he took control over Trigon's mind.
" a brazen attempt for a lowly human….."
At that Constantine's only reply was to mutter as it took a whole lot from him to manoeuvre Trigon into position.
"good lord…. for a god….. you sure like to prattle on….. when you should keep….. your mouth shut…"
With that 'Raven' addressed the Titans.
"Titans prepare yourselves…."
As she gave the signal 'Raven' concentrated all her power aiming it directly at Trigon as she unleashed it as a raging Torrent forming a dark portal behind him as the core Titans unleashed their strongest attacks on him as Constantine made trigon loose balance as he was sucked into the portal followed by Night-wing, 'Raven', Beast boy, Starfire and Cyborg as Hawk and Constantine stayed behind as the Trigon constructs disintegrated to dust.
"so what now?"
At that Constantine replied as he he dusted himself off.
" now it's up to them….. for us however it means cleanup…"
At that hawk nodded asking.
"need a lift old man?"
At that Constantine chuckled as he replied in a nonchalant manner.
"thanks but no thanks…. I'll catch a taxi…."
With that Hawk took off using the powers of Chaos to fly him over to where he left Dove, Wonder Girl, Aqua-Lad and Arsenal. Making it just in the nick of time he witnessed the demons turning back into human form, collapsing either from exhaustion or from the pain caused by their wounds.
"right then…. quit gawking and call the coppers….. some of them need medical attention…"
With that the team contacted emergency services who were well underway with Hawk thinking.
' how the hell did he do that?!'
With that thought quickly going from one ear to the next Hawk refocused himself as the Titans remaining on earth made sure the Emergency response teams evacuated all of the victims, survivors or otherwise, as the core Titans landed in a dimension filled with nothing by suffocating darkness as Beast boy was the first to recover.
" Raven…. what is this place?….. and how will it help us to defeat daddy dearest?"
At that 'Raven' explained.
" this realm acts like a black hole…. this is a place where emotions cannot exist and thoughts cannot be formed…. so for a god who thrives on shaping reality and manipulate emotions… it's literally purgatory."
At that Cyborg and Beast boy asked in unison.
"wait a minute….. if this is some sort of black hole… how come were not being ripped apart?"
At that 'Raven' reiterated.
" I said acts like….. it's not like a black hole we know it to be… to be accurate it's a void where no thoughts or emotions can exist."
With a collective 'Oh's' Night-wing interrupted the conversation.
" with that out of the way…. we need to find Trigon, beat him and return home as soon as possible."
With that Raven nodded in agreement all the while in another part of this realm Trigon came to as he was Trying to muster and summon his powers with little to no success.
" infernal little wretch….. it doesn't matter….. even without my powers I'll defeat and kill you one by one…"
With that Trigon began to march, with every step he's making, his resolve makes him stronger by the minute. For about an hour or so he trudged through the darkness as eventually he was starting to make out the shape of his daughter and her little friends. As the Titans kept on marching in the dark using only Starfire's star bolts as a beacon, and a weak one at that, Beast boy suddenly asked.
"wait a minute….. you said this place will in theory weaken Trigon right?…. so doesn't this effects Raven as well?"
Before anyone could give an answer the 'ground' started shaking as the Titans had a close call with a blood red fist, no doubt belonging to Trigon, as Cyborg answered in a comedic manner.
"you picked one hell of a time….. you green goof."
At that Beast boy answered defensively.
" how exactly it's my fault Trigon has great timing?"
At that Starfire rallied them all with a reassuring response.
"Beast boy no one blames you but you must remain alert, Cyborg, you and I will lead the charge…. will you shed some light on the situation?"
At that Cyborg answered with a sense of bravado in his voice.
"way a head of you…"
With that said and done Cyborg calibrated his white noise cannon to produce blinding light as well as he began attacking Trigon, aiming squarely on his eyes as he unleashed a torrent of rapid fire shots as Trigon, for once, did his best to avoid them, however for Night-wing and Beast boy the shot acted as a flash light making sure that they saw their target well enough before mounting an attack as Night-wing aimed low towards Trigon's legs with his escrima sticks while Beast boy transformed into a dinosaur he recently discovered, the largest on record, a Titanosaur, a whopping brontosaur , as it swung it's tail towards Trigon's face only for the demonic foe to catch its tail mid swing before swinging the dinosaur with some difficulty throwing him back quite a few yards narrowingly missing Starfire and Cyborg as the dinosaur transformed back into Beast boy who in turn morphed into a bat trying to get back into the fight only to be hit by Night-wing as he was thrown back by Trigon.
"thanks for breaking my fall."
Beast boy now returning to his human form had only this to say.
"anytime…. can you do me one favor though?…. please get off… you're crushing me…."
With that Night-wing awkwardly got off clearly showing signs that he was hit and injured badly as 'Raven' got in front of the boys summoning a force field around her as she tried to heal Night-wing and Beast boy as she showed signs of extreme stress.
"to answer your question…. yes this place effects me as well so do me a favor will you?…. try and not get hit….. I don't know for how much longer I can maintain my powers…."
At that 'Raven' continued to treat the wounded Titans as Starfire and Cyborg continued attacking solo as Trigon continued to avoid it for as long as possible until he was hit squarely in the chest.
" I believe the expression for this moment is Bullseye? "
At that Cyborg replied with.
"you took the words right out of my mouth little lady"
At this point Trigon took a deep breath as he watched in shock as his hands was covered with a deep crimson substance almost black for some people as he registered that the Titans drew blood on him which infuriated him, however he maintained his composure as he addressed them.
"for a time I considered sparing your insignificant little lives…. but no longer"
With that Trigon concentrated his strength into a beam shot from the centre of his four eyes, the beam had immense strength behind it as it shot passed Starfire and Cyborg as its shock wave tossed them back to where the rest of the Titans were as the light from the beam covered the area almost blinding the Titans as Trigon made a strategic retreat with the Titans in the meantime tried to recover from the attack.
" say anyone knows where big, red and pompous ran off to?"
At that 'Raven' answered.
"probably licking his wounds…"
At that Beast boy continued the conversation.
" so it's good news right?"
At that Cyborg sarcastically asked.
"gee genius… how do you reckon?"
Ignoring the comment or simply not catching it Beast boy gave the following answer.
"well maybe it's just me but back on earth we couldn't touch him…. now we drew first blood."
At that Night-wing got in front of Beast boy as he made sure he didn't run off to anywhere.
"hold on Rambo… it's true we did make him retreat…. but we also need to rest up a little otherwise we might as well continue on a suicide mission."
At that Beast boy couldn't argue as he sat down with some difficulty resting his feet and arms before asking.
" does anyone have enough money on him for a hotel….. or a motel at the least, anyone?"
At that Cyborg shot daggers at him saying silently ' don't make me smack you' as Beast boy looked confused asking genuinely.
"what…. what did I say?"
To that 'Raven' responded him with.
"sorry to burst your bubble but this dimension has no concept of motels"
At that Beast boy smacked himself on his head as he said.
" I'm sorry everyone… what was I thinking right?"
At that Cyborg only replied with.
" don't worry about it…. so don't be sorry just try and stay quiet."
At that Beast boy whispered.
" I'm sorry….."
At this point Cyborg shot him a dirty look silently asking ' really… are you trying to annoy us right now?' but to that Cyborg got no response as Beast boy fell asleep on 'Raven's' lap as he sighed loudly which woke up Beast boy.
"hey do you mind?…. some of us need some peace and quiet."
That remark got him a small flick on the forehead from 'Raven' as Cyborg quietly snickered as the Titans found a place to lean on and rest for a bit as Trigon found an entrance to a cave as slowed his pace as he tried healing himself, that though cost him more energy than he bargained for as he stopped opting instead to run a finger through his chest closing the wound so he'd stop bleeding. As he finished healing himself he took a minute to rest, reluctantly, as he tried to muster what little left from his energy to tear his way back into earth as 'Raven' felt his attempt to escape and immediately proceeded to wake up the Titans, Beast boy was not thrilled.
"seriously!?…. it's not been half an hour yet…"
At that 'Raven' responded with.
"take it up with Trigon….. he's trying to escape….."
With that said and done Starfire exclaimed.
"then lead the way we're behind you…."
With that said and done 'Raven' led the way while Trigon, concentrating his powers towards his arms has managed to make a tear in the fabric of reality getting him this much closer to earth but at a cost, with each tear he made it cost him his stature with now standing at about roughly 4 feet. As he was about to step through the portal he felt a sharp pain in his back as a flurry of Star bolts hit him dead centre as another blast from Cyborg white noise cannon stunned him.
"am I going crazy or did he get smaller from the last time we saw him?"
'Raven' at that answered Beast boy.
"your eyes do not deceive you now focus….. he must not cross through that portal."
At that Beast boy gave a nod as he ran towards Trigon's right, doing so he transformed into a rhino as he charged head on trying to blind side him, unfortunately Trigon was able to dodge as he punched the green rhino straight in the mouth. As Beast boy reverted back Trigon seized his opportunity by catching him by his throat.
"that's far enough daughter… if you wish to save his life, you'll allow me safe passage back into your dimension….. otherwise I can't guarantee this one's survival….."
At that Beast boy said as he tried to grasp for air.
" stop him no matter what… I'm not important….. you can't let him escape back….."
At that Trigon was genuinely surprised.
" though tempting I need you alive at the moment…. as you're the only assurance I can escape this infernal prison…. and I don't believe your friends are brave enough to take that chance"
At that Beast boy muttered.
"but I am….."
With that he transformed into a T Rex as he escape Trigon's grip before swiping its tail at the red demon as 'Raven' exclaimed.
"now's our chance quickly…. we have to cross to the other side…"
With that said the Titans sprinted towards the tear as Beast boy did everything to keep Trigon occupied for as long as possible until everyone but 'Raven' made it through as she concentrated her powers on Beast boy trying to hurl him through the tear and as Beast boy turned back to human form he exclaimed in shock.
"Raven….. what are you doing?… have you gone nuts?"
At that 'Raven's' only response was.
"in hindsight this does seem a bit desperate….. but someone has to stay here and make sure he doesn't escape…"
At that Beast boy argued.
" still I can't just leave you alone with him… I can't let him or this place kill you…"
At that moment of distraction Trigon rushed 'Raven' grabbing her by the throat as both made it through the tear with Beast boy falling into the ground, luckily for him tough nothing was broken as he managed to follow through with this only thought in mind.
' and we're fucked…..'
Landing on the other side the Titans looked around to where they dropped of quickly establishing that they landed near the entrance of one of the biggest hospitals in the Jump metropolitan area as they stood their ground seeing that the portal was yet to be closed as Wonder Girl and Hawk joined their ranks.
"figured you could use some backup."
Smirking at Wonder Girl Night-wing retorted.
" you figured right…. where are the rest?"
Hawk took this opportunity to answer.
"guarding nearby hospitals….. after the shit we've seen…. we're not taking any chances…."
With that said and done Trigon came through from the portal holding 'Raven' as his captive as he felt his power slowly but surely returning however 'Raven' wasn't his hostage for long as a green rhino came charging in from behind ramming into Trigon causing him to release Raven as both teens made it safely to their friends as Trigon grinned in delight, not only did he manage to escape captivity from a purgatory like dimension but also he landed right in front of a fresh pool of victims/minions to exploit. As he reached his original height he got to work, transforming both staff and patients into demonic soldiers as their sounds of torment filled the air Trigon sets his sights towards Titans tower. As the demonized staff and patients swarmed out to surround the Titans Hawk exclaimed.
" I believe in absolutes….. and that Trigon asshole is an absolute asshole."
Beast boy at this point replied with.
"here here…. now let's focus on making sure he doesn't rebuilt his armies further as we finally kick his ass once and for all."
To that the Titans agreed with that statement as 'Raven' caught the sides of Beast boy's head.
" hold still."
With that 'Raven' used her powers on Beast boy as she finally regained most of her old self minus a few memory gaps as Beast boy looked bewildered before reminding himself of the following.
' Raven's essence remember?…..'
As Beast boy refocused on the problem at hand I.e the numerous demonic beings trying repeatedly to attack and surround them Hawk asked Raven the following, successfully fending off a few demons.
"kinda of a dumb question to ask but what are the likelihood of those trapped inside surviving this battle?"
Raven using her powers to create a riot shield of sorts answered as followed.
" slim to none… and the ones that do survive often wish that they didn't."
Understanding what she meant Hawk redoubled his efforts to ward of the demons and in some cases, mainly when it came to older male demons, he used his considerable strength to choke them and quickly break their necks as Night-wing gave him a pointed look as he still tried his best to subdue his opponents putting them out of commission.
" I know you disapprove of my methods but this is as much as a life and death situation as it gets….. besides you heard the little lady."
At that Night-wing answered in between the blows made by his escrima sticks.
"you're right I don't…. normally I'll disavow your actions….. just do me one favor for now… only result to extremes when all options have been exercised."
At that Hawk replied.
" I can live with that….."
Speaking of lives Cyborg interrupted the conversation saying.
"this feels like a diversion….. requesting permission to run on ahead and make sure that Trigon won't infect more as he goes about his way"
At that Night-wing and Starfire nodded a yes as Wonder Girl, Dove , Aqua-Lad and Arsenal made it to the scene, with Arsenal firing a few arrows at the demon's shoulders sending them reeling back as the core Titans could breath easily for a few seconds more.
" go on get outta here… we'll deal with these Romero's rejects"
At that most of the Titans went after Trigon while Beast boy stayed a bit longer behind prompting Arsenal to ask.
" is there a reason you're still here?"
At that Beast boy answered nonchalantly until Raven came back to drag him along.
" a suggestion really… a trick arrow with a soccer ball attached at the tip….. think about it….."
With that said and done Arsenal kept firing arrows at the demonic beings before slightly laughing at Beast boy's idea mainly because for lack of a better words, he actually liked that one. As Cyborg summoned the T car via remote control he urged everyone inside as he floored the gas pedal running a few red lights as he maneuvered around a few passing cars as Beast boy, trying to keep himself from vomiting, said.
" hey Cy slow it down… we're trying to get there in one….Ouch…"
At this point Cyborg noticed that Beast boy bit his tongue as the cybernetic teen looked at him with an apologetic expression.
"sorry about it Greengo….. last time I was checking he headed towards Titans tower."
At that Beast boy swallowed the pain as tried to reply.
"why… there…. of all places?"
At that Cyborg replied wile driving.
" don't know….. but I do know I ain't giving him the chance to do jack shit…."
As Trigon reached the shorelines of Jump city he conjured up a few demonic beings out of thing air to stand guard as he trudged through the waters heading his way to Titans island just as the T car came roaring only to come a few seconds later into a screeching halt.
"Cyborg….. give us a fair warning next time….. I bit my tongue earlier….. I don't need to make out with side windows too….. Cy?"
Cyborg didn't answer as he got out of the car in horror to take a good look at the demons on shore, to make sure he wasn't seeing things as he recognized who they were or looked like at least.
"dad….. and…. Sarah?"
At that the rest of the Titans joined him as they too recognized some of the people on shore starting with Richard's parents, Raven's/Rachel's grandparents, Beast boy's adoptive mother Rita, and Starfire's long lost grandmother.
"tell me I'm not thinking what I think I'm thinking….."
At that Night-wing answered Beast boy's remark.
"no way to be sure Beast boy….. still stay on your guard, Trigon's trying to mess with us that's for damn sure….."
At this point the demonic Rita Farr spoke as addressed Beast boy.
' deep down I knew you were a failure….. still you letting me die… there's no coming back from that….'
At this point Beast boy tightened his jaw as he addressed the rest of the Titans.
"don't hold back on these guys….. Trigon made them look like people we deeply care about, but those aren't them….. I know because the real Rita Farr would never talk like that….."
With that Beast boy charged in morphing into a wolf as he bit and mauled the demon that looked like it was his mother before said demons body went limp, turning into dust, giving the other Titans the go to do the same as Night-wing beat the demons impersonating his parents with his escrima sticks as Cyborg and Starfire unleashed their blasts at 100% incinerating their opponents to dust which left Raven to deal with her opponents as the 'woman' spoke.
'you won't kill us….. you don't have it in you to use Trigon's gifts in such a way'
At that Raven replied while grabbing both of their foreheads with her hands.
"you're absolutely correct….."
With that she began to use her powers to set their 'minds' at ease while the demonic bodies felt at ease collapsing on to the floor eventually turning into dust as well as she pointed out.
" I gave comfort to the pour souls manipulated by Trigon to be his pawns in his little schemes"
At that Beast boy went quiet as he gestured the others to follow him since Trigon was more than half way there towards Titans tower. As Trigon was getting nearer and nearer to the tower he felt the presence of Beast boy getting closer and closer as he did flying as fast as he possibly could in the form of a falcon only to change mid way into a Pachycephalosaurus as he let himself fall into an angle aiming at Trigon's head, however he slightly miscalculated. In his current projection he was about to hit Trigon's crotch but said foe merely moved away a bit as he let Beast boy past him as he was about to hit the ground like a meteorite. As Beast boy was about hit the ground Trigon used his mind to morph him back into human form as said boy hit the paved way braking his arm in several places making him mutter.
"thanks dickhead…."
With that Beast boy tried to stand up as the pain in his arm was too much to bear, screaming in agony Trigon spoke.
" surrender while I'm still merciful…."
At that Beast boy shot back.
" Ha… and I figured you didn't have a sense of humor…."
At this point Beast boy was banking on Trigon to respond to his taunting but instead he merely raised a few soldiers made of stones in his image as they were about to kill Beast boy for him however before they could do anything else a black glow surrounded one of the soldiers as it was thrown at its brothers as Raven swooped in to check on Beast boy noticing his broken arm.
"tell me where would you be if I wasn't here to tend to your wounds?"
At that Beast boy played naive.
"wound?….. Oh this?….. Ti's but a scratch…"
At that Raven mended Beast boy's arm as best as she good before she had to focus on making a force field to defend them both from the stone soldiers before Beast boy morphed into a bear slamming into as many stone soldiers as he could before clawing at them and ripping their limbs off before he morphed back into human form spitting their remains.
"yuck… gravel…."
At this point Starfire and Night-wing swooped by as Night-wing stated.
"need a hand?"
To that Beast boy replied.
" no thanks I got two already….. feel free to join the fun anyway."
With that said and done Night-wing made short work of the soldiers who tried to attack him as Starfire destroyed her fare share with her Star bolts as Cyborg eventually arriving as well to help level the playing field. As he crashed the t car into several soldiers before hand breaking and jumping out of the car, blasting them away with his white noise cannon.
"show off….."
With that Cyborg responded to Beast boy's comment.
" I know… now anybody has an idea on how we stop this guy before we're running out of juice?"
At that Night-wing answered.
"on it…. just give me a minute…."
At this point Trigon was almost touching the shore of Titans island as he stopped before reaching his arms into the skies as he opened a portal where once stood the skies as a variety of demonic soldiers swooped down from the skies as Beast boy pointed out.
"we need a plan now as Trigon reenacts "Night on bald mountain", at that everyone looked at him funny as he defensively claimed.
"Night on bald mountain?….. Fantasia…..?"
At this moment Night-wing had an idea as he got everyone's attention.
" his powers works off concentration right?….. is there anyway we could distract him long enough that his powers would eventually turn on him?"
At this Raven replied with.
"anything's possible at this point…. but it would have to be one hell of a distraction…."
At this point Cyborg took over as Beast boy had an inspiration for an idea saying in unison.
"guys….. stall him… we have an idea…."
At this both teens ran back to Titans tower as the rest of the Titans held Trigon's armies at bay as Beast boy was making a few phone calls.
"hey Greengo who are you calling at this point…"
At that beast boy plainly replied.
"just making calls for a few friends….. what about you?, what are you gonna do?"
At this Cyborg awkwardly replied.
"well it begins and ends with me flying the T jet right into his face…."
As Beast boy reached the ops room Cyborg quickly headed into the hangar not waiting to hear Beast boy's reply as Beast boy himself made a call to Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman asking for their help, all of whom replied with a resounding yes as Beast boy ended the transmission he steeled himself before making one final call.
"this is Beast boy calling the Doom patrol….. please respond….. Steve, Cliff, Larry…. I know that we didn't leave on the best of terms and I got a few things to answer for… but this is bigger than me…. I really could use your help about now…."
As Beast boy finished his message Larry Trainor a.k.a Negative man responded with.
"reading you loud and clear….. and hey the fact we have issues with you doesn't mean we're gonna treat you like an asshole….. so would you cut out with this moping crap?"
At that Beast boy smirked.
"sure thing pal…. I'll save you some action until you get here."
At that Negative man ended the conversation with.
" roger that…. over and out?"
With that Beast boy exited ops room as he called out to Cyborg.
"hey Cy… wait up good buddy"
As he reached the hangar he saw Cyborg already waiting for him by the T jet. As Beast boy and Cyborg flew the T jet, getting closer and closer to Trigon by the second Beast boy at some point got out of the chair and headed for the emergency exit as Cyborg asked.
"hey….. not turning chicken on me now are ya?"
With this Beast boy laughed.
"don't be silly….. we both know chickens can't fly….."
At that Cyborg gave an actual snort as he rammed up the speed in the T jet before activating the auto pilot as both jumped out as both free fell as Beast boy turned into a pterodactyl catching Cyborg with it's claws as the T jet continue to fly as it collided with Trigon's face as the jet exploded as it caught Trigon by surprise, knocking him off balance since that whole episode in that mystical purgatory.
"let's hope it slowed him down a bit…"
As the smoke from the explosion cleared Trigon came out with small to non existent injuries as he ordered a hoard of his demons to seek out Beast boy and Cyborg as the teens landed on ground level as Beast boy reverted back to base form. The demon army now giving chase after both of them caused them to run away as they tried to lead them away from the Titans.
" you had to jinx us didn't you Tin can?"
At that Cyborg replied with.
"focus you goof it was a hail merry attempt anyway….. so if you want to do better… go ahead and do it quick….."
With that Beast boy turned around and morphed into a T Rex biting off multiple demons before swiping away the rest with it's tail as Cyborg was left awestruck as he asked.
"you mean to tell me you could've done that the entire time?"
Beast boy returning to human form just answered.
"yeah well you have a giant ass cannon for an arm so what's your excuse?"
With that Beast boy and Cyborg returned to the battle in a silent awkwardness as Night-wing, Starfire and Raven fended off demons and demonic statues as Trigon continued to tear a hole in the sky as a jet came swooping by followed by a couple of streaks of red and blue. As the jet passed Titans tower from above, a familiar yet imposing silhouette glided down landing silently before delivering a few quick and deadly blows to the demons while a few devices were implemented to the statues before exploding a few seconds there after. The figure never losing its compulsion or nerve during the entire ordeal.
" I'd say thanks but we're not out of the woods yet…."
The figure now identified as Batman replied.
" agreed… you go after the general….. me, Superman and Wonder Woman will keep the foot soldiers off your path….. now get moving."
With that Batman continued to fight on as Superman and Wonder Woman joined the fray as they continued the fight with eventually Aqua-lad and Arsenal swooped in to provide a lending hand as Hawk, Dove and Wonder Girl joined with the core team heading towards Trigon.
"hope that you don't mind the company….."
At that Night-wing joked accordingly.
" actually we needed live bait thanks."
At that a familiar streak ran by saying.
"hi slowpokes, bye slowpokes"
At that Kid Flash ran as fast as he could making it seem like he's running on water before reaching Trigon as he ran laps around his body and across it as he tried to land a few fatal blows before Trigon swatted him like he was a mosquito as he was flown across the shore landing next to the Titans. Undeterred Kid Flash got back on his feet as he again ran laps around Trigon only this time he created a tornado around the red giant as he tried to deplete his air supply before he slowly stopped saying.
"sorry everyone, got to refuel, anybody got a sandwich on them?, no… damn it."
At this moment the rest of the Titans caught up as they began attacking Trigon as nearly all of his armies came through.
" save your strength foolish mortals…. your doom is at hand."
At that Raven answered declaring.
"they're not wasting their strength….. they're keeping you busy until I could build up mine…."
With that Raven used her powers to fling a few pieces of debris at Trigon as she hit him a few times across his chest and head disorienting him as she used her powers to trap him in place as the portal he opened began to close as some of the demons trying to invade couldn't get out as he began to laugh.
"even if you do defeat me today dear child….. I have already won….. I have invaded your realm… have turned the people you hold dear against you… they will never see you for more that you really are…. a demon spawn…."
At that Raven replied.
" you think mere words could hurt me?….. I know who I am… I am not merely your daughter….. I'm a hero"
At that Trigon laughed darkly.
"than do what you know must be done….. kill me."
That confused Raven as Trigon merely continued.
" don't pretend you do not understand…. you couldn't separate yourself from me….. that dimensional prison could not hold me… and I will never stop haunting you unless you do exactly as I say little one."
At that Raven was tempted to do away with her father however instead of killing him she tried to knock him out only for him to evade as he concentrated his energies, engulfing the entire city in a force field of his own, however instead of killing everyone as Raven feared would happen something much worse did. The souls of her friends got sucked out of their bodies absorbing with Trigon as the lifeless husks that remained turned to stone statues as Trigon stated.
"you should have killed me when given a chance…"
With that Trigon remolded and reshaped Titans tower into a fortress of his own design as he left Raven t wallow in her failure as a look of true horror and terror etched on her face thinking.
' you wanted a war?… you've got one….'
Before she could do something foolish a familiar voice rang in her head.
'oi what are you bloody doing?….. you going in there without a second thought gives that wanker the satisfaction of beating….. use your head for crying out loud.'
At that Raven stopped and asked.
'Constantine?…. how did you escape Trigon's wrath?'
At that she felt him smirking as he said.
' well that's just the thing then… I'm not really here, now I'm going to give you a few tips and you're gonna follow them if you want to save your mates savvy?'
At this point Trigon took notice that Raven has stopped moving, suspicious of this fact he tried to probe her mind as she took notice just as quickly. Chanting her mantra she engulfed herself with her powers as a black beam shot at Trigon temporary blinding him as Raven made her escape. As she made her escape Raven followed Constantine's instructions to the letter which led her to a Motel right on the edge of town as she made it to the specified room as instructed.
" I'm here now what?"
With that Constantine materialized before her eyes as he said.
'well I think this pretty obvious, we have to stop daddy dearest from turning the earth into an hellhole.'
At that Raven sarcastically replied.
"and here I thought Beast boy had mastered the art of pointing out the obvious."
At that Constantine deadpanned.
'well then here's your answer…. now how do you reckon we'll go on about saving your friends then?'
At this Raven thought for a few moments before answering.
" say can you lend me a hand with something?… I'm thinking that maybe if I could trap Trigon within his own mind then maybe I can save the rest…"
To that Constantine answered.
' sure that seems like a good plan as any… I'd would take me a few days so in the meantime check the fridge on turn on the Teli…'
With that Constantine vanished as Raven decided to try and relax her mind for a but she knew that it was only a matter of time before Trigon moved on conquering more of earth than just lowly Jump city, still she had to put faith that her friends somewhere were putting up a fight. Speaking of friends the next time Beast boy woke up he was stuck in a bizzare universe where his pat memories melded in with his recent memories with his desires?, as he walked the vastness of his mind constantly melding and morphing to new shapes and forms Beast boy couldn't help but crack.
"gee I never knew I'd want to see a literal take on a mind fuck….. thanks Trigon"
At some point he stopped walking aimlessly and tried to concentrate on getting out of this new reality, in fact he was trying to think about anything really but the more he tried the more energy he depleted causing him shortness of breath as he barely had strength to stand anymore.
" don't bother…."
At this point a man walked up to Beast boy although man is a loose description, it was more of an amalgamation of three persons combined into one, the first was his adoptive father Steve, the second was an asshole Beast boy never wanted to see again, his legal guardian Nicholas Galtry and the bitch herself Tara Markov. As Beast boy shook his head he muttered to himself.
"keep it together…. this thing isn't real….. it's all in your head…"
At that the 'man' began laughing darkly before turning into the form of Trigon as he addressed Beast boy.
"that's the thing….. in here it is real….. this place is nothing but your thoughts…. though not for long…."
With that Beast boy asked what did he meant before Trigon disappeared as Beast boy closed his eyes trying to regain his strength as a few images flashed in his eyes, those though were clear as he saw his spirit leaving his body turning itself slowly into stone.
"you think you've won?….. Raven will defeat you and I'll be there to watch as she kicks your ass back to hell…."
At this point Trigon did not bother to reply, why should he? He already won. Later in the day Constantine came back with what appeared to be Raven's vanity Mirror as Raven asked how he got a hold of it with him stating that this was a mere replica of what she possessed as she asked the logical question.
"what do you expect me to do with a mere replica?…. its quality's inferior isn't it?"
At that Constantine snorted as he answered.
"when I say replica I mean its another one like yours you've got confused with imitation."
At that Raven tried to hide her annoyance by continuing as nothing had happened.
"let me guess, you want me to use it to unite all my emotions to fight against Trigon?"
At that Constantine answered as he left the room.
"bingo… no hop to it…"
With that Raven breathed deeply as she began to concentrate as the portal opened from within the mirror as Raven got pulled in, crossing through the other side she saw her world or rather her emotion's rolled slowly rebuild itself as some of her emotions showed up as if nothing happened, as the emotions swarmed towards Raven said teen spoke.
" I wish there was time to talk to you all but I need to unite us all….. anyone of you know how to do it?"
At that 'knowledge' spoke up.
'it's simple really….. you'll have to find something in common that we all share…. and you'll need to acknowledge all of your emotions…. especially the one's you've suppressed.
" right… care to guide me through?.…. we haven't got much time….."
At that 'knowledge' acknowledged an warned.
' I know where it's coming from but please beware… tread lightly or else nothing can save you from the wrath of those emotions you imprisoned.'
With that Raven joined 'knowledge' gesturing her to show her the way. As Raven and 'knowledge' went further and further into Nevermore the more and more the terrain changed as smooth surfaces were replaced by rough terrain and the land consisting or rock formations with sharp edges as Raven noticed that some of the rock formations were crystallized as some of them reflected Raven's less than pleasant memories as the rest of the rock formations look like volcanic stones, honestly it made her feel weary so she struck a conversation with 'knowledge'.
"any useful tips before we reach our destination?"
At that 'knowledge' deadpanned.
'try not to anger 'anger'.'
At that Raven tried not to roll her eyes as she said.
"any other pearls of wisdom you'd like to share?"
At this point and time 'knowledge' nodded a 'no' as Raven replied accordingly.
"for someone who personifies knowledge you seem to act like you know very little"
At that 'knowledge' smirked as she made sure Raven couldn't see it.
'the sum of my knowledge is limited only by the person whom I am taking its likeness from.'
At that Raven pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation as she chose to end the conversation before she'll loose her sanity and throttle her own self as the two went passed beyond the mountains and into a dark cavern filled with ice as the temperature dropped accordingly as Raven tried not to remember what had happened the last time she wound up in a similar scenario.
' to answer your inevitable question, no I particularly do not know why "anger's' realm looks like a painting done by Frank Frazetta.'
At that Raven nodded in acknowledgement as she replied.
" I'll make it a point to change that as soon as possible"
With that both of them continued deeper and deeper into the cavern until they reached a clearing where on the edges of the cavern's walls laid what can only be described as 'anger's' castle, a palace made entirely of a deep crimson marble giving it the illusion it was actually black.As the two entered the palace they found 'anger' lazying about on what looked like a gigantic bed.
" looks cozy…."
Catching 'anger's' attention the emotion in question stood up as she made herself presentable as a pleasant smile was plastered on her face, though on closer inspection that smile was not pleasant though, it was more akin to passive aggressive.
' Raven….. to what do I owe you the pleasure of your company?'
At that Raven never lost her cool as she replied with.
" I came with a proposal…..'
At that 'anger' spat with the same pleasant tone.
'forgive me for being crass but bullshit….. you need a favor from me….. I mean why else would you even bother validating my existence?'
To that Raven got straight to the point.
"join me and my other emotions so we could defeat Trigon once and for all!"
Amused by her boldness 'anger' offered this for a rebuttal.
'one question…. why would I ever want to do that?….. Trigon's rule brings about the very emotions that makes me as strong as I am….. why would I ever give up the chance to experience freedom….. freedom which you denied me for so long.'
At that 'anger' came dangerously close to striking Raven not even bothering to pretend to disguise her feelings of resentment as Raven offered this in return.
"you don't have to like me…. hell if you want to despise me for the rest of our natural life then by all means…. but that's just the point Trigon has no concern for either of us…. he tried to dispose of me when he invaded my home, so if I'm gone you're gone with me and the rest of us"
At that 'anger' tried to retort back but as much as it pained her to say that Raven was right so instead she asked the following.
' what would you like me to do?'
At that Raven answered as follows.
"join the rest of my emotions in Nevermore as for me I'm returning back to the real world as I start merging with all of you shortly"
With that Raven was about to leave as 'anger' caught her shoulders.
"is there something you wish to say?"
'anger' replied as follows.
' I'll need a favor from you in return'
At that Raven gave a small nod.
"name your price"
With that 'anger' said bluntly.
'can you do something about my living accommodations? I'm getting frustrated living in a kingdom of fire and ice'
At that Raven gave her a small smile in agreement before opening up the portal back to the real world as Raven stepped out to see that Constantine was waiting for her.
'have you got everything sorted?'
At that Raven deadpanned.
" I did, what about you?"
At that Constantine gave her a smirk replying.
'have you forgotten to whom you're talking to?'
With that both prepared for the enchantment that hopefully will finally rid this world of Trigon's menace.
Final author's note: thank you so much to all who have read this story and the rest of my stories, a special thank you to Eris who bothers reviewing my work. With that said and done, the last two chapters to go see you in 10 days time till the next update.