Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds.
Just normal suits in a deck of playing cards, right?
Well, not in this game.
This game, however, is a game of life and death.
Episode 1: Draco
It was another typical day in Jump City. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, people were going to their jobs…and the local superhero team was hard at work, fighting a giant stone golem.
Yes, just another typical day in Jump City.
The Titans were fighting Cinderblock and the area had been evacuated. Cyborg and Starfire blasted the hulking rock giant and Robin threw several explosive discs at Cinderblock's feet, causing a powerful explosion, sending him flying.
Supposedly, after defeating the Brotherhood of Evil, most of their rogues had been put to ice. However, it would not seem so as they were fighting Cinderblock, one of the villains that had been put to ice along with the leading members of the Brotherhood of Evil as well as some of the other villains. How he had gotten free was a mystery but the Boy Wonder, Robin, had a very sinking suspicion on whom it was that did it.
Regardless, the leader of the Titans had no time to think of that question as he and his team had a criminal to apprehend.
Raven chanted her magic words, "Azarath, Metrion, ZINTHOS!" and unleashed her magic, engulfing several street lights in black aura as she pulled them out of the concrete and sent them at Cinderblock, tying them around him. However, the stone giant used his Herculean strength to break free and charge at her.
Luckily for the dark empath from Azarath, help came in the form of a small green flying squirrel that glided down in front of her before taking Cinderblock by surprise as it turned into a big and powerful elephant and smacking Cinderblock into the air. The elephant morphed into a green boy with pointy ears, short hair and clad in a black and purple suit. He grinned at her. "You owe me," he said, cockily.
The cloaked girl rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah."
"No!" Starfire yelled, gathering the attention of her friends and teammates. They turned to look to what she was screaming at.
The area of town was supposed to be evacuated. However, it would seem that someone was still there. He was standing in the path of Cinderblock's descent. He wasn't even making any motions to move away.
Robin shouted, "Titans! Save the-" However, his order was cut off when the 'civilian' in question raised his hand and sent a powerful blast of wind that blew Cinderblock away. The Titan's jaws dropped as the civilian fixed his black jacket and ran his previously outstretched hand through his messy and braided auburn hair before adjusting the goggles on his head.
"Are you alright?" Starfire asked the young 'civilian'.
He only answered, in a sage-like voice, "As long as I have faith and believe in my power, nothing and no one can harm me."
"Huh?"
He turned to the Titans and saluted before walking away.
"Hey, wait!" Robin shouted, but Cinderblock roared and charged at the Titans, diverting the teens' attention towards him. However, in Robin's mind, he questioned, 'Who was that?'
After defeating Cinderblock, which involved putting the giant on ice again via Robin's freeze discs, the Titans returned to Titans Tower, their home, to rest and relax after their grueling mission. Beast Boy decided to relax by playing some video games. Cyborg was in the garage working on his baby the T-Car. Raven was in her room either reading and/or meditating. Starfire was doing, well, who knows? Robin, however, was in his room thinking.
"Who was that guy?" he questioned. He was thinking about the boy who had saved himself by the use of wind powers. So far the only people who had powers in the city, aside the Titans, were villains. But, the guy just looked like someone who was just passing through town and didn't seem like a threat at all. I mean, what was he doing in the city and with that kind of power? He repeated the question in his head. Just who was that guy?
The door of his room slid open as a soft and gentle voice spoke, "Robin?" Robin looked up to see Starfire standing at the doorway. He put on a smile and stood up from his desk where he had been thinking.
"Hey, Star," he smiled at her. She slowly walked into his room. "What are you doing here? Did you want anything?"
She sincerely spoke, "I was…worried about you. You immediately locked yourself in your room after we returned from apprehending Cinderblock. I grew concerned and wished to see what was wrong."
"Nothing's wrong, Star," he said to her.
"Please, Robin," she said to him, almost pleadingly, "Please, if anything is bothering you, do not hesitate to talk about it…especially with me."
Robin couldn't help but feel a little guilty for unintentionally pushing her away. She was always there for him and he had hurt her, without even realizing it. It also hurt him that she was so forgiving even after all the things he had done; like ignoring her for example. All these years he had tried to ignore his feelings for her. He didn't know how much he had hurt her because of that and how much it hurt him as well.
Their trip to Tokyo, which had been several weeks ago, had opened their eyes to their feelings to each other. Neither of them knew why they had revealed their true feelings for each other then. Maybe it was the atmosphere of the city? The two almost kisses they had and the REAL kiss after defeating Commander Daizo opened new doors for them. Robin was worried about what to do afterwards. Now, he had a relationship with Starfire and he hated to do anything to hurt her…again.
"Okay, you win Star," he said to her. She smiled and floated towards him.
"If I have won, do I not get a prize?" she said to him, eyes half opened and staring at him lovingly. Understanding what she meant, he leaned towards her and closed his eyes. She did the same as their lips met in a kiss.
To Starfire, kissing wasn't all that new. Her people used 'kissing' as a tool to gain the basic linguistic knowledge of other races, learning their languages and other basic information. However, when arriving on Earth, she learnt that kissing meant something…more. The first time she and Robin had kissed was when she escaped to Earth from the Gordanians who had captured her and intended to make her their slave. Afterwards, when she arrived on Earth, she had attempted to liberate herself of the shackles on her hands. In doing so, she had caused massive property damage and panic. It seemed funny now that the boy she was in love with now was the boy she attacked. Of course, he was trying to protect the city at the time as she was seen as a threat. When she had released her shackles, she had pulled his lips to hers in a short 'lip-contact' and learnt English. After that, well, the rest was history.
Now knowing what kissing really meant on Earth, she didn't want to stop doing it, especially with her dear Robin.
They broke the kiss and gazed at each other lovingly. Things had changed, a lot, since Tokyo. For one, Robin enjoyed his alone time more with Starfire as they went out on dates. The worst part, however, was that the Titans (honoraries included) were betting on the two to get together sooner or later. Cyborg had won the bet, no surprise. Seeing his smug look when he said, "It's about time," probably meant more than just his happiness at seeing Starfire and Robin get together. He was smiling at all the money he had won. What he was going to do with that money was none of Robin's concern, but it might have something to do with upgrades…or his car, most definitely the latter.
Starfire wrapped her arms around Robin and he did the same. They hugged each other, enjoying the others company. Somehow, in the midst of the kissing, they had moved to his bed and were lying on their sides, just gazing at each other.
It was moments like this that Robin was glad that Starfire was around. He was his anchor, always had been and always will be. Starfire just wished she could stay like this forever.
Suddenly, the alarms blared.
Beast Boy was playing videogames. He was playing a first person shooter. The trip to Tokyo had an effect on him too. For one, he now had a larger fan club there compared to the one in Jump City which was almost none-existent. Also, the amount of phone numbers he had got was enough to fill up the little black book he had gotten himself just incase he got girls' phone numbers. Now, if he could just learn to speak Japanese. He envied Starfire's ability to learn another language through smooching. At least she didn't need boring classes or audio tapes.
His thoughts went back to the fight with Cinderblock. Wasn't he supposed to be frozen with the Brotherhood of Evil? How did he get out and who freed him. There were many possibilities, but only ONE name came to mind.
Slade.
The man in the two toned mask caused Beast Boy to shake with anger. The man had taken something precious from him and there was no way he would ever forgive him. Slade had taken…Terra.
Despite Slade saying he had nothing to do with Terra's revival, there was no way he was going to listen to that madman. The warning he gave Beast Boy to leave 'Terra' alone further fueled Beast Boy's rage and suspicion. Slade had something to do with Terra's revival, he had to be.
When he saw Terra again, two months ago, he had been so happy. His heart, however, broke when she said she didn't remember him or ever having powers. She just wasn't the same girl he knew. He refused to believe that, but in the end he had to let her go.
He sighed sadly. He would sometime lie on Terra's bed to enjoy the scent she had left there. It sometimes felt like she was still there Sure, she had betrayed them, but she sacrificed herself for them. Her room, out of respect for her, had been left untouched.
He blamed himself for her betrayal. He was not fast enough to catch her when she ran and not trying hard enough to go look for her. Also, it was he who had caused her to turn completely to Slade.
Beast Boy dropped the controller and wiped a tear out of his eye. He had to move on, but couldn't.
Seeing the boy who had blown Cinderblock away made Beast Boy think of Terra again. It was because Terra was a traveler and the guy looked like he was just passing through. Remembering Terra hurt, but he tried to suppress it. Sometimes, he would perch himself on a tree as a bird and watch as Terra exited Murakami High. He didn't dare say anything to her as he had promised himself to never bother her again. She was finally smiling again and that was good enough for him. She didn't need to remember her past…she was happy in the here and now.
Of course, he just wished that she remembered…Him.
Suddenly, the alarms blared.
Cyborg was whistling as he gave his car a wash, wax and buff. He grinned to himself as his 'baby' shone like brand new. Put of all his inventions, he prided the T-Car above all.
Boy, did he need to get a life.
His grin widened, remembering the trip to Tokyo. Robin and Starfire had, after all this time, FINALLY gotten together. Cyborg had waited patiently and his wait was worthwhile as it bore fruit. Who knew he was the one to win the betting pool. All that money was his. Now, all he had to do was find a way to invest it.
Cyborg had always been the most observant of the Titans. Heck, his brain was probably a super a miniature computer. Over the years since the Titans first formed, he had seen Robin and Starfire growing closer and closer. He smiled, remembering how flustered Robin would get around Starfire and how Starfire would blush around Robin when they were alone. They had worked well together and now were a couple…Hopefully, this was a good thing. Robin, despite the colors he wore, was a really angsty and dark kid at times. Hell, he was raised by Batman so no surprise there. The guy was already so damn dark.
Now, what was he going to do with all that money? Upgrade the Tower? The T-Car? Himself?
Suddenly, the alarms blared.
Raven was in her room, sitting on her bed and reading a thick old book. Scented candles were lit around her room to provide her calming atmosphere. Living with four other teens with extremely different personalities was not always a calming thing for the empath. There was a joker, a preppy, a jock and rich boy.
Raven sighed. She never wanted to get too close to anyone. Her powers never allowed her to feel too much. She was afraid that if she felt anything, she would destroy the world. Well, overtime, she learnt to open up bit by bit and was actually smiling ever one in a while. She saw the Titans as family. She would spar with Robin, work on the T-Car with Cyborg, shop and meditate with Starfire, and ignore Beast Boy's jokes.
Her friends had helped her find hope, done the impossible by helping her destroy her father Trigon, and saved the world from The End. They stood by her no matter what and wouldn't trade them for anything. Sure, they annoyed the heck out of her, but she still cared for them/
The trip to Tokyo had made her an instant celebrity there as she somehow became mascot for 'Super Twinkle Donkey Gum'. It made her cringe to see herself associated with a gum with such a ludicrous and ridiculous name, but what was she to do? At least the reading material from that kind old man's shop was fulfilling.
Her thoughts went back to the boy that had blown Cinderblock away with a wave of his hand. What she felt off him felt mystical in nature. It was elemental magic, she knew, but how did he get it? Most importantly, who was he? Was he friend, for or neither? Could he just be passing by? A traveler? What if he fell into the wrong crowd and ended up like…
Suddenly, the alarms blared.
In the city, a boy was taking his beeping cell phone out of his pants pocket and looking at the screen. He smiled.
"So, another one finally shows up. Goodie."
The Titans had received a distress call from another part of town. They rushed to the scene to see a humanoid lion creature going on a rampage and attacking anyone it could get its claws on. The creature had reddish brown fur all over its body and wearing black leather pants that were held up by an ornate belt. Its hands ended with long and sharp claws. Its mane was the color of silver and its face was skeletal in appearance. It had a black chestplate and shoulder guards as well as chains around its arms. It wore a pair of boots with clawed toes.
Starfire was enraged by the creature's horrific actions and went into action before Robin shouted, "Titans! Go!" she screamed with righteous fury and flung her starbolts at the murderous monster.
Robin finally shouted, "Titans Go! And the rest of the team followed to assist Starfire.
The enemy they were fighting was un-doubtfully more agile than anyone they've ever come across. Its claws were also sharp and made cuts in Cyborg's thick armor. Beast Boy battled it as a lion as Robin used his Bo-staff. It lashed out at the heroes who tries their best to subdue it, but at the same time try not to get impaled or sliced to pieces by the claws.
The lion creature roared and lashed out at Raven who chanted, "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!" to throw a bus in its way. It, however, leapt up and ran on the bus straight towards…
"RAVEN!" Beast Boy shouted.
Raven froze. Suddenly, a silver and blue blur rammed into the monster and sent it crashing into a nearby news stand. Raven looked to see the blur and it was a silver and blue motorcycle. The motorcyclist wore a black jacket with matching pants and a red Chinese shirt under the jacket. He also wore a white scarf around his neck.
He took off his silver and blue helmet to reveal the face of the teen that had previously and literally blown Cinderblock away. He took out a cell-phone and looked at the screen before looking at the lion monster. "I see…Lion Beast Spirit." He then took something out of his pocket. It was a silver hexagon shaped device with a blue face. He turned to Raven and asked, "Daijoubu?"
Raven, from her short stay in Tokyo, had learnt some basic Japanese and knew that the stranger had just said. Translation: "Are you okay?" She nodded. He smiled.
"Good." He then turned to the creature, now identified as the Lion Beast Spirit. He said, "Time to seal you," and placed the object on the front of his waist, just below his abdomen, before a blue belt wrapped around his waist. He got off his bike and inserted…a card? Yes, a card into the device.
The Lion Beast Spirit roared and ran at the stranger. The Titans went to help, but the strange teen again used his powers to blow the Lion Beast Spirit away by using only his breath. He pointed to himself, then to the sky and finally did a slashing motion with his hand; all this while saying, "With the slash of my blade, I will create a path to my destiny."
Beast Boy blinked in confusion at the boy's strange quote, "Say what?"
"Henshin," the stranger said before the device, now belt buckle, split in half and opened to reveal a symbol that looked like the symbol of Spades from those playing cards you see all the time. The buckle announced, "CHANGE SEIRYU!" as a blue energy field shot out of the belt as the creature charged and was pushed. The blue energy field had the image of a dragon. The stranger then ran into the field and…he changed when he exited the field.
The mysterious stranger was now clad in a suit of silver and blue armor which was worn over a darker blue bodysuit. The torso armor was blue with a silver chestplate and shoulder guards. His gauntlets were plated on with golden bracelets on the wrists. Metal plates also adorned his knee-high silver boots. His helmet was blue with a silver faceplate, which had a sharp horn that was part of it. His eyepieces were green. On his chestplate was a blue symbol that looked like the one on his belt buckle, except with a dragon emblem on the inside. He summoned a sword with a dragonhead hilt and ran at the creature, slashing it across the chest.
The Titans watched, awed and amazed. Who was this guy?
The stranger announced, the tip of his sword pointed at the Lion Beast Spirit, "I am the hero destined to use his blade to slash a path into the future! The Dragon of the Storm! Warrior fated to wield the Dragon Fang! Legendary Knight of Seiryu! My name is… DRACO! Kenzan!"
The Titans had heard his name: Draco.
The Lion Beast Spirit roared and charged again. Draco blocked its claws with his sword and said to the Titans, "Don't interfere!" he pushed the Beast Spirit back with a kick and transferred his sword from his right hand into his left, now with the blade facing down. He reached to the hilt and spread out the panels hidden inside the hilt. The panels contained cards with red backs.
"Now…which card to use?" he said, almost playfully as he tapped on each card holding panel. The Beast Spirit roared and charged while Draco's attention was diverted.
Robin shouted, reaching into his belt, "Look out!"
"Ah, this one!" Draco said as he drew a card, which held the image of a tackling armored wild boar, and the panels slid back into their original position, stacked up on one another. He slashed the card through a slot on the hilt. The eyes of the dragonhead flashed and it announced, "TACKLE!" the card was absorbed into his body and he tackled into the Lion Beast Spirit, sending it crashing into a bench, smashing it to pieces. Draco then spread his cards out again and picked another one before slashing it through his sword like the last one. "SLASH!" The card, which held the image of an armored lizard with a sword-like tail, was absorbed into his sword before he ran at the Lion Beast Spirit and slashed down with his blade before placing his hand on the Beast Spirit's chest and shocking it with electricity. This shocked Robin as he had originally though Draco possessed only the power to control wind.
With a stroke of his hand, Draco created a powerful gust of his wind that sent the Beast Spirit flying. "IT'S OVER!" he shouted as he leapt up, swords still charged by the power of his card as well as by his own electrical powers, and delivered a powerful downward slash with his blade. The Lion Beast Spirit roared and was engulfed in flames before it hit the pavement.
The Titans watched in awe as the stranger landed back down gently, with the help of a cushion of air, and looked at the fallen Beast Spirit. He took another card from his belt and said, "In the name of the Dragon, by this card, you will be sealed." He threw the card at the Beast Spirit's body and it stuck on its chest. The Lion Beast Spirit was then sucked into the blank card and then flew back into Draco's hand. Draco, smiling under his helmet, gazed at the new card, which was holding the image of an attacking lion. "Beat Lion, huh? Sounds interesting." He put the card into his sword and reached down to his buckle. He closed it and ejected the card. The blue energy field that had changed him into his armor swept over him again to strip it off him. He sighed and adjusted his goggles before walking back to his bike.
Robin was the first to ay something, despite his shock, "Who…who are you?"
'Draco' then answered to the Titans, pointing to himself, to the sky and making a slashing motion with his hand, "I am the man that shall slash a path to find his destiny with the blade of his sword." This Zen-like philosophy confused Starfire, Beast Boy and Cyborg, but not Raven and Robin. Of course, it didn't answer Robin's question. He then said, "If you want your questions answered, follow the path of your own destiny." He then got on his bike, pulled the goggles over his eyes, put on his helmet and sped away, but not before saying to the Titans, "Ja ne!"
Robin narrowed his eyes and said, "Let's follow him, Titans."
Preview of the next episode: Wanting to know more of the mysterious teen, the Titans follow him. They then find him in a café where he works part time with his sister. The café is their aunt's and they are helping her run it. He introduces himself, but introductions are cut short when another Beast Spirit attacks.
ZK Chromedragozoid: The first chap of Knight of Legends. How was it? Good? Bad? Mediocre? Please read and review to tell me what I should add to spice the story up some more. Also, if there are any Kamen Rider fans out there, I think you can guess which Kamen Rider show I'm using as inspiration. It's kinda obvious, don't ya think? Anyway, please read and review and send me constructive criticism. Note: I said CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.