Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or any of the other famous
characters I may or may not include in this fic.
A/N: There are some things I should have said in the last chapter. The first has to do with the fact that I listed the secondary category as romance. I'm not really good at writing romantic stories, but this story will contain some in later chapters. Also, I have already made Robin and Starfire a couple (just in case you didn't notice). And, this is both my first Teen Titans fic and my first fic ever, other than the one-shot Teen Titans songfic I wrote.
In this chapter, I mention three other characters named Kaze, Atla, and Voltan. Kaze is simply Japanese for wind. I wanted this character to be named after a Shinto wind goddess, but there wasn't one; so I took the god of wind, Kamikaze, and took off the Kami part. Atla is the Norse goddess of water. And Voltan is the Mayan god of the earth.
Oh, and thank you to Leviathan680 for reviewing.
[the next morning]
Starfire was the first one up. She walked down the hall to where Kagutsuchi was allowed to stay. She opened the door to find Kagutsuchi in a state of meditation. He was still wearing the black jeans and sunglasses, but had replaced his shirts with a black tank top. Multiple scars could be seen on his shoulders. The strange thing was he was floating about two feet off the ground. "Wow, how are you doing that?" At the sound of her voice, Kagutsuchi's eyes shot open and he hit the ground with a thud. "Sorry."
"That's okay, it happens every time I lose control in that form of meditation," he said.
"What was that?" she asked.
"That was something that I've been working on for a long time. It uses my spiritual energy, or ki, to hold me up. I've gotten it to where I can use it in battle and as a form of transportation."
"Okay, come friend, let us wake the others."
"I'd rather not disturb them like that. However, I think the smell of breakfast might wake them up."
"I am afraid I am not good at preparing Earth foods," she said.
"Actually, I meant that I'd make it."
"Oh, okay," she said with a smile, "Oh, do not forget to make some with no animal products for Beast Boy."
"All right, let's go," he said and they walked out into the hall and toward the kitchen.
As they walked, Starfire asked him, "Kagutsuchi, may I ask you something?"
"Of course, go ahead," he said.
"How did you get those scars?" she said pointing at his shoulders.
"When I was growing up, my father was very abusive, he even carried a whip around with him. These aren't even my worst scars I have larger ones on my back," he said and then he noticed that Starfire's eyes were beginning to fill with tears. "But he never actually hurt me, like many warriors of the past I was able to overcome pain by focusing on something else," he said with a reassuring smile. It was a lie, but hearing it made Starfire stop crying. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
"Okay, it's almost done," said Kagutsuchi, as he stood over the stove.
"I will go wake the others," said Starfire as she walked into the hall. As she did, Robin walked out of it. "Good morning my dearest love," she said before she kissed him, "I am going to wake the others, Kagutsuchi has prepared breakfast for us all."
"He did?"
"Yes, I did," said Kagutsuchi, "I wanted to thank you for allowing me to stay here last night."
"Oh, what'd you make?" Robin asked.
"Scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits n' gravy," he said.
"I've never had biscuits n' gravy before."
"Then you're in for a treat, my mom's gravy and scrambled eggs recipes are really good." At this time Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire entered the room and sat down at the table.
"So, what are we eatin'?" asked Cyborg.
"Scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits n' gravy, using my mom's recipes," responded Kagutsuchi.
"Dude, I don't eat anything that comes from an animal," said Beast Boy.
"So I heard. I made some for you using tofu substitutes," said Kagutsuchi, handing Beast Boy a plate of tofu eggs and bacon.
"Thanks," said Beast Boy.
"Wow," said Cyborg, "what did you add to the eggs?"
"I mixed in some cream. It's a Southern recipe," said Kagutsuchi as he sat down.
"I thought you said you were from California," said Beast Boy.
"I am, but my family's from Arkansas," Kagutsuchi responded.
"Well, thanks for breakfast... uh... what was your name again?" asked
Cyborg.
"Kagutsuchi."
"Okay... I probably won't be able to remember that, or pronounce it right," said Beast Boy.
"Well then, you can call me Zachery," said Kagutsuchi.
"Why didn't you tell us that name sooner?" asked Cyborg.
"Because the name Kagutsuchi has been with me for centuries, and I prefer it," responded Kagutsuchi. "But I'll respond to Zachery."
"How about Zack?" asked Beast Boy.
"Zack will work too," said Kagutsuchi (A/N: I hate being repetitive, so I'll be switching between Zack and Kagutsuchi.)
"Okay... Y'know, I was really impressed with how you fought yesterday, despite how I acted when we got back here," said Robin, trying to get off of what was obviously a touchy subject.
"It was because I called you Batman's protégé, wasn't it?"
"Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to join us, as long as no one else has any objections."
"None here," said Beast Boy.
"It doesn't matter to me," said Raven, although she did want to hear more about him.
"I would love to have you join our team," said Starfire with a smile.
"Before I say anything, I have one question for you," said Cyborg. "Do you play video games?"
"The only video games I've ever played were in an arcade," he said.
"Then I have much to teach you, young grasshopper," said Beast Boy with a bow.
"Only if you want to teach him how to loose," said Cyborg.
"SHUT UP!!! I've beaten you plenty of times," said Beast Boy.
"Yeah, every blue moon," retorted Cyborg.
"That's enough, guys," said Kagutsuchi.
"All right," said Cyborg, "lessons start tomorrow."
"I'm probably gonna regret that," said Kagutsuchi.
"Yes, you will," said Raven.
"Well then, since we're all in agreement..." said Robin.
"Wait, before you guys make your final decisions," interrupted Kagutsuchi, "you should probably know more about me."
"Okay, what do we need to know?" Robin asked.
"Here, let's go into the main room, it's a little calmer in there," said Kagutsuchi. They all walked into the main room, and sat down on the crescent shaped couch; except for Kagutsuchi, he stood in front of the TV.
"What did you want to tell us, Kagutsuchi?" asked Starfire.
"Okay, I told you I'm the reincarnation of the ancient warrior Kagutsuchi, and I really need to elaborate on that. Kagutsuchi was an immortal when life in the universe was in its infancy. He, along with the other three immortals, Kaze, Atla, and Voltan, defeated a great evil, thinking they were saving the universe. Unfortunately, in doing so they offset the balance of good and evil. To correct this balance they were each forced to split into an angel and a demon. And now, that evil is beginning to return, but the angels and demons could not recombine into the immortals; at least, not without a soul that was already balanced. That's where my friends and I came in. There are four of us; each of our souls was bonded with the soul of an angel and a demon, and someday we will be able to become the immortals, and defeat the evil once again. This is my eighth lifetime with the souls of the angel and demon Kagutsuchi, and I have the memories from the other seven."
"And this is supposed to affect our decisions?" said Robin.
"There's more. I am capable of transforming my body into either an angel or a demon. These transformations are controlled by emotion; strong negative emotions can cause a demon transformation and strong positive emotions can cause an angel transformation. Also, where the angel works with me, the demon takes control and forces me to do things I would never do normally. The last time I became a demon it leveled several large villages. I just wanted to warn you that such destruction could happen again. So, do you still want me on your team."
"Yes," said Robin, "What you've done in the past does not change who you are now. Also, after what you've told us, I'd rather have you here, where we can keep an eye on you in case you transform again."
"About that transformation; the demon can only take control in a complete transformation. If I only transform partially, to what I call my Semi-Demon form, I still have complete control," said Kagutsuchi.
"Well, I guess that's good," said Robin, "Anyway, welcome to the team."
"Thanks," said Kagutsuchi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Zack was starting to drink a coke while he was in the kitchen. Robin was sitting at the table reading, and Cyborg was walking in.
"Hey, Zack," said Cyborg, "if you're gonna be fighting with us, you should probably get a costume to fight in."
"Maybe something like mine," said Robin.
Zack almost choked on his drink and managed to say in between coughs, "Sorry Robin, but I avoid tight clothing like I did the plague."
"What plague?"
"The bubonic plague, but I don't use the same methods." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- [flashback]
A dirty boy in dark ages clothing is seen chasing a cat with an axe down a dirt road with bodies lying next to buildings shouting, "DIE, BASTARD TOOL OF SATAN, YOU CONDEMNED MY VILLAGE TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- [end flashback]
"I'm not particularly proud of that part of my first life," said Zack.
"Okaaaay... You still need something to fight in," said Robin.
"Oh, I have something," said Zack.
"Good," said Robin.
"Can we see it?" asked Cyborg.
"Sure," Zack said, putting down his drink. "Stand back." He made his hands into fists, pointed his palms up, and bent his elbows. He then began to yell as his body was engulfed in flame (similar to how the fighters in DBZ are surrounded by energy). When the flame dissipated, Zack's clothes had been replaced by a black gi (like what Son Gokou wears on DBZ) with a gray flame emblem over his heart. His flame necklace was still around his neck and he was still wearing his sunglasses. He had his katana strapped to his waste and his wakazashis were strapped to his back. "How's this?"
"That'll work," said Robin in an astonished tone.
Raven, Beast Boy, and Starfire walked in to investigate who was yelling.
"Yo, what's with the yelling?" said Beast Boy.
"Kagutsuchi was showing us his costume," said Cyborg.
"It's not really a costume," said Kagutsuchi, "it's actually a battle garment that is a part of my body that I can switch with my real clothing."
"That doesn't explain the yelling," said Raven. Apparently she had been meditating when it had happened and was now beginning to become agitated, but she repressed it.
"Here, this will," said Kagutsuchi. He again made his hands into fists, turned his palms face up, bent his elbows, and began to yell as his body was engulfed in flame. When the flame dispersed, he was wearing the clothes he had been wearing that morning. "I don't actually have to do that thing with my arms, it just lets people know that I'm about to do something."
"That reminds me, I wanted to ask you, what else can you do that you haven't shown us?" asked Robin.
"Well, if you would all meet me on the roof in few minutes I'll show you," he said.
"All right," said Robin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- [on the roof]
"I wonder why Zachery wanted us to meet him up here?" asked Starfire.
"So that I would have room to work and not burn anything," said Kagutsuchi as he flew up to the roof. He was wearing his gi and his swords.
"Okay, so you can fly," said Robin, "what else?"
"A lot," said Zack as he landed. "First, I can teleport using any flame. All I have to do is expand it to fit my body." At that moment a flame appeared below him and expanded to a little more than the width of his body and he sunk into it at a moderate speed. Another flame appeared on the other side of the roof, expanded to the width of his body and he rose out of it at a moderate speed. "Over here," he said and the others turned around.
"Interesting, what else."
"I have a lot of attacks using fire. You've all seen flamethrower and fireball. I can do something I call 'fireball barrage,' which I use to overwhelm enemies," he said. He then walked over to the edge of the tower and said, "Watch." He held up his hands and made them into fists; his fists were engulfed in flame and he began punching very rapidly (like how fast they throw energy attacks on DBZ); every time he punched a fireball was released. At the angle he was punching, all the fireballs hit the water and were put out. He turned around and said "I can also do an attack that I call 'supernova.'" He turned toward the sea and held his hands above his head so that his palms were facing each other; between them, an orb of fire appeared. He moved his hands apart and the orb grew immensely; it was about twice the size of his body. He then threw the giant orb into the sea, causing a lot of steam. "And here's one of my favorites. This technique allows me to do battle with someone without the risk of them running away. Just stay where you are." He walked to the center of the roof and held up his fist. His fist was engulfed in flame and he thrust it into the air above him. A fireball shot from it and stopped about ten feet above him. The ball then opened up and formed a dome that covered the area around Kagutsuchi and the other Titans. "I call it the Arena of Fire. One of the reasons I like it so much is that I can use it with my teleportation technique to confuse my enemies by quickly jumping into the wall and jumping out of any spot within the arena," he said before he held up his hands and the arena retracted back into a fireball and dissipated. "The rest of my flame attacks require my sword and/or my demon or angel forms, either partial or full."
"Why do you have to be in one of your other forms?" asked Raven.
"Those particular attacks require either the demonic flame or the angelic flame."
"Can you show them to us?" asked Robin.
"All right, but I can only show you the demonic techniques," he said.
"Stand back please, this will be very hot." After the others took a few steps back, Kagutsuchi drew his katana and shouted, "I CALL FORTH THE DEMONIC FLAME!!!" His body and sword were engulfed in black flame as he yelled. When it dissipated, his body had gone through several frightening changes. Curved, blade-like spikes were coming out of his knees, elbows, outer parts of his wrists, and his shoulders. The spikes on his knees were about 5 inches (13 cm) long and curved up. The spikes on his elbows were about 13 inches (33 cm) long and if he were pointing his arm forward, the spike would be pointing behind him. The spikes on his wrists were only about 4½ inches (11.5 cm) long and if he were pointing his arm forward, the spike would be pointing forward. The spikes on his shoulders were about 6 inches (15 cm) long and curved away from his head. He also had small horns (like what the devil had in the movie Little Nikki) and vampire-like fangs. His spikes, horns, and skin were the same color, which had become a fairly light shade of brown. His gi was now tattered, scorched, and torn due to the extreme heat and spikes. "The fire was merely a visual affect, it makes the transformation look better," he said in a voice that sounded like a cross between his own and that of a deep demonic one that seemed to eat at their souls.
"Cool," said Cyborg. "Those spikes do anything?"
"They assist in combat and the ones on my wrists extend to replace my wakazashis," he said, "watch." He crossed his arms in front of his face and thrust them down at an angle to his sides and the spikes extended to the length of his wakazashis.
"That form is very frightening," said Starfire.
"It's supposed to be, but I don't really like to use it. It gives off too much negative energy," he said as he retracted his wrist blades and crossed his arms in front of his face. "Return to mortal," he said as he was once again engulfed in black flame and when it dissipated he was back to normal and so was his gi. "That better?"
Before anything else could be said, the alarm went off. "Titans, there's some madman sacking the plaza. Let's get going," said Robin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- [the downtown plaza]
It was a chaotic scene beneath the rain cloud filled skies. A man dressed in all black, medieval warrior style clothing complete with a broadsword was running through the plaza, attacking random people. His face was covered with a shroud so that only his eyes were visible. He was about to kill a woman trying to save a child when his sword was encased in black energy.
"I can give you five reasons why you DON'T want to do that," said Robin.
"Please," he said in a deep, scratchy voice, "skip the numbering and get on with your meaningless attacks."
"Okay, but remember, you asked for it," said Cyborg said before he fired his sonic cannon.
The figure quickly opened a portal of darkness and slipped through to avoid the blast. It reopened behind Cyborg and a sword slashed out of it; the sword penetrated Cyborg's back and cut some wires; Cyborg shut down. Another portal opened up near Robin. The figure shot out of it and attacked him from behind. Robin was down, he was unconscious before he realized what had happened.
"ROBIN!!!!" Starfire shouted. Her eyes glowed green as she flew at the figure as fast as she could. She tried to punch, but he dodged it and she flew into the wall of a building.
Raven telekinetically lifted a streetlight. She swung it at him, but he ducked into another portal. It reopened behind her and he shot out of it and knocked her out. Beast Boy then swooped down in his pterodactyl form; the figure ducked and Beast Boy missed. He then landed and changed into a lion. He pounced toward the figure with his claws aiming at the shroud. The figure quickly did an uppercut and knocked Beast Boy into a building.
"And she said, 'Certainly the Teen Titans will be a match for Dub,'" he quoted sarcastically as he viewed the Titans' motionless bodies. "This is the best they could do." Then a flame appeared about six feet in front of him and Kagutsuchi came out, wearing his gi and all his swords. "Who are you?"
"I'm reason number six, Kagutsuchi."
"Hmm, a swordsman," said the figure, eyeing Kagutsuchi's blades. "Draw your weapon!"
"Very well," said Kagutsuchi as he slowly drew his katana, "but I am more experienced then I appear."
"Perhaps, but no one has faced Dub without falling victim to his blade, and you will be no exception." With that, Dub ran at Kagutsuchi and made a broad swing with his blade that was meant to take the boy's head, but Kagutsuchi managed to duck backwards and avoid the strike. After missing, Dub attempted to slash down and cut his opponent in half, but Kagutsuchi caught the attack with his katana. Now it was Kagutsuchi's turn; he stood up straight, forcing Dub back and then leaped into the air and threw a fireball at his opponent. Dub ducked into a dark portal and reappeared above Kagutsuchi. As Dub slashed with his sword, Kagutsuchi flew into his own portal to avoid him and reappeared on the ground; Dub did the same so that they were facing each other.
"We could probably go on like this for hours," said Kagutsuchi, lowering his sword slightly and leaving himself open.
"We could, OR YOU COULD DIE!!!" Dub ran at Kagutsuchi with great speed, aiming his sword at his opponents open spot, only to hit the back of Kagutsuchi's sword and to feel the edge of a wakazashi at his throat.
"I told you I was more experienced then I appeared to be, but you didn't listen Dub, son of CARMAN," said Kagutsuchi before he jumped back, sheathed his wakazashi, and took a defensive stance.
"How do you know of my mother?"
"That's the least of your worries," said Kagutsuchi. "How should I put this... I know, sunlight always penetrates the darkness."
"What sun? The sky is filled wi.... AAAHHHHH," he screamed as he was hit in the back by several starbolts. Starfire, being one of the strongest Titans, was the first to reawaken and assist Kagutsuchi.
"Keep em' comin' Starfire, he's vulnerable to light energy!" said Kagutsuchi.
"Not this time swordsman, I will return with my brothers, and you will not survive," said Dub as he opened another dark portal and escaped.
"Good work, Starfire, your starbolts seem to be the perfect weapon against him," said Kagutsuchi as he sheathed his katana and walked over to her.
"You were fighting excellently as well, Zachery. How did you know my starbolts would be so effective?" she asked.
"Lets revive the others, then I'll explain it to everyone at once," he said.
A few minutes later the others were awake and Robin had made temporary repairs to Cyborg. They were all wondering what had happened.
"Who was that guy?" asked Robin.
"His name is Dub, son of the evil witch Carman. He and his brothers, Dother and Dian, were supposedly defeated long ago, but it appears they have resurfaced. Also, his powers come from the fact that he is a creature of darkness, his brother Dother is a creature of evil, and Dian is a creature of violence. So the destruction seen here is but a sample of what they can do together," said Kagutsuchi.
"How do you know all this?" asked Robin.
"Their story is found in Celtic mythology, and I recognized him because his energy is similar to that of his mother, who I faced in a past life. I proved this assumption when I mentioned Carman and confessed to being one of her children."
"Ookaaay," said Beast Boy, thoroughly confused.
Then, something worse than even the great evil that the immortals fought arrived.... network reporters. They all turned to look at them.
"Here come the vultures," said Robin, "so Kagutsuchi, do you want to introduce yourself?... Kagutsuchi," when he turned around, Kagutsuchi was gone.
"Guess he hates reporters more than I do." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
When the others got back that evening, Zack was on the roof meditating. Most of the Titans went about there own business, but Raven went up to speak with him. She wanted to know just how he 'found a way around' having his demon take control when he was angered, as well as why he left so suddenly after the battle. When she walked onto the roof he was just coming out of his trance.
"Hello, Raven," he said as he lowered himself to the floor and stood up.
"Hi," she said. "I was wondering, why did you leave when those media people showed up?"
"There are certain people I'm trying to avoid at the moment; there was a possibility that they would have seen the news reports."
"Really," she said in a sarcastic tone.
"Okay, they've been trying to get to me for centuries. Whenever they find me, they attack, which wouldn't be so bad, since we're pretty evenly matched, except other people end up getting hurt," he said as they sat down on the ledge.
"Who are they?"
"Two of the other immortals, Atla and Voltan. They blame me for Kaze's death, which is partially true."
"But, you and those two have obviously been reincarnated repeatedly, wasn't she?"
"No. She died by my hand, and by the demon Kagutsuchi's will. Because the demon form of one of the immortals killed her, she was not reincarnated. I still don't know what happened to her."
"What do you mean 'the demon Kagutsuchi's will?'"
"In my first life I was reckless with my demon form; I thought I could control him. I became enraged during a battle and he took over and began attacking villages. Atla and Voltan were too far away, so it was up to Kaze to stop him in her angel form; she simply wasn't strong enough. I saw the whole thing from within my mind," his eyes were now starting to tear up. In a quivering voice he said, "I saw him strike her down using my own hands, and I was powerless to stop him," After that, there was silence. He recovered for a few moments and said, "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have told you all that. Once I get started on that subject, I can't stop talking."
"It's all right, I know what that's like to lose control of a demon," then there was silence for a while. She almost said something sympathetic but that could have caused something very horrible to happen.
"I eventually regained control, and vowed to never use my demon form again; and I never have."
"How did you stop from transforming into a demon without controlling your emotions?"
"For a while I had to control my emotions; but, after a lot of meditation and guidance from my master, I found a way to separate my powers from my emotions for as long as I wanted. In fact, one of the reasons I came here was to possibly teach you what I learned."
"Why would I want to learn?" she asked. In the deepest part of her mind, she feared what his answer would be.
"It would make your powers less dangerous. I know you've accidentally expressed emotions, and that things have blown up because of it." He also knew that she would not go along with the idea that she wanted to express emotions for certain reasons.
"How did you do it?"
"That's pretty difficult to explain," he said and then thought for a moment. "I got it! Do you know astral projection?"
"Yes."
"Good. If I put myself into a certain type of meditation, you'll be able to project yourself into my mind."
"Right now?"
"No, my mind is still active from the battle, and I don't want you to be trapped in there. I don't know how long even you could last in it; there's some pretty scary stuff in there."
"Like what?"
"You don' wanna know," he said and then there was a long silence as they sat there in front of the setting sun. "I'm gonna go back downstairs; see what the others are up to, wanna come."
"No, I'm gonna stay here for a while."
"All right. I'll talk to ya later."
As he walked away, Raven thought to herself, 'I have a feeling he's hiding something. Oh well, I'll find out later.'
Okay, that's chapter two, tell me what you think. Oh, and the curse of flatulence still stands for anyone who flames me.
A/N: There are some things I should have said in the last chapter. The first has to do with the fact that I listed the secondary category as romance. I'm not really good at writing romantic stories, but this story will contain some in later chapters. Also, I have already made Robin and Starfire a couple (just in case you didn't notice). And, this is both my first Teen Titans fic and my first fic ever, other than the one-shot Teen Titans songfic I wrote.
In this chapter, I mention three other characters named Kaze, Atla, and Voltan. Kaze is simply Japanese for wind. I wanted this character to be named after a Shinto wind goddess, but there wasn't one; so I took the god of wind, Kamikaze, and took off the Kami part. Atla is the Norse goddess of water. And Voltan is the Mayan god of the earth.
Oh, and thank you to Leviathan680 for reviewing.
[the next morning]
Starfire was the first one up. She walked down the hall to where Kagutsuchi was allowed to stay. She opened the door to find Kagutsuchi in a state of meditation. He was still wearing the black jeans and sunglasses, but had replaced his shirts with a black tank top. Multiple scars could be seen on his shoulders. The strange thing was he was floating about two feet off the ground. "Wow, how are you doing that?" At the sound of her voice, Kagutsuchi's eyes shot open and he hit the ground with a thud. "Sorry."
"That's okay, it happens every time I lose control in that form of meditation," he said.
"What was that?" she asked.
"That was something that I've been working on for a long time. It uses my spiritual energy, or ki, to hold me up. I've gotten it to where I can use it in battle and as a form of transportation."
"Okay, come friend, let us wake the others."
"I'd rather not disturb them like that. However, I think the smell of breakfast might wake them up."
"I am afraid I am not good at preparing Earth foods," she said.
"Actually, I meant that I'd make it."
"Oh, okay," she said with a smile, "Oh, do not forget to make some with no animal products for Beast Boy."
"All right, let's go," he said and they walked out into the hall and toward the kitchen.
As they walked, Starfire asked him, "Kagutsuchi, may I ask you something?"
"Of course, go ahead," he said.
"How did you get those scars?" she said pointing at his shoulders.
"When I was growing up, my father was very abusive, he even carried a whip around with him. These aren't even my worst scars I have larger ones on my back," he said and then he noticed that Starfire's eyes were beginning to fill with tears. "But he never actually hurt me, like many warriors of the past I was able to overcome pain by focusing on something else," he said with a reassuring smile. It was a lie, but hearing it made Starfire stop crying. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
"Okay, it's almost done," said Kagutsuchi, as he stood over the stove.
"I will go wake the others," said Starfire as she walked into the hall. As she did, Robin walked out of it. "Good morning my dearest love," she said before she kissed him, "I am going to wake the others, Kagutsuchi has prepared breakfast for us all."
"He did?"
"Yes, I did," said Kagutsuchi, "I wanted to thank you for allowing me to stay here last night."
"Oh, what'd you make?" Robin asked.
"Scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits n' gravy," he said.
"I've never had biscuits n' gravy before."
"Then you're in for a treat, my mom's gravy and scrambled eggs recipes are really good." At this time Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire entered the room and sat down at the table.
"So, what are we eatin'?" asked Cyborg.
"Scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits n' gravy, using my mom's recipes," responded Kagutsuchi.
"Dude, I don't eat anything that comes from an animal," said Beast Boy.
"So I heard. I made some for you using tofu substitutes," said Kagutsuchi, handing Beast Boy a plate of tofu eggs and bacon.
"Thanks," said Beast Boy.
"Wow," said Cyborg, "what did you add to the eggs?"
"I mixed in some cream. It's a Southern recipe," said Kagutsuchi as he sat down.
"I thought you said you were from California," said Beast Boy.
"I am, but my family's from Arkansas," Kagutsuchi responded.
"Well, thanks for breakfast... uh... what was your name again?" asked
Cyborg.
"Kagutsuchi."
"Okay... I probably won't be able to remember that, or pronounce it right," said Beast Boy.
"Well then, you can call me Zachery," said Kagutsuchi.
"Why didn't you tell us that name sooner?" asked Cyborg.
"Because the name Kagutsuchi has been with me for centuries, and I prefer it," responded Kagutsuchi. "But I'll respond to Zachery."
"How about Zack?" asked Beast Boy.
"Zack will work too," said Kagutsuchi (A/N: I hate being repetitive, so I'll be switching between Zack and Kagutsuchi.)
"Okay... Y'know, I was really impressed with how you fought yesterday, despite how I acted when we got back here," said Robin, trying to get off of what was obviously a touchy subject.
"It was because I called you Batman's protégé, wasn't it?"
"Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to join us, as long as no one else has any objections."
"None here," said Beast Boy.
"It doesn't matter to me," said Raven, although she did want to hear more about him.
"I would love to have you join our team," said Starfire with a smile.
"Before I say anything, I have one question for you," said Cyborg. "Do you play video games?"
"The only video games I've ever played were in an arcade," he said.
"Then I have much to teach you, young grasshopper," said Beast Boy with a bow.
"Only if you want to teach him how to loose," said Cyborg.
"SHUT UP!!! I've beaten you plenty of times," said Beast Boy.
"Yeah, every blue moon," retorted Cyborg.
"That's enough, guys," said Kagutsuchi.
"All right," said Cyborg, "lessons start tomorrow."
"I'm probably gonna regret that," said Kagutsuchi.
"Yes, you will," said Raven.
"Well then, since we're all in agreement..." said Robin.
"Wait, before you guys make your final decisions," interrupted Kagutsuchi, "you should probably know more about me."
"Okay, what do we need to know?" Robin asked.
"Here, let's go into the main room, it's a little calmer in there," said Kagutsuchi. They all walked into the main room, and sat down on the crescent shaped couch; except for Kagutsuchi, he stood in front of the TV.
"What did you want to tell us, Kagutsuchi?" asked Starfire.
"Okay, I told you I'm the reincarnation of the ancient warrior Kagutsuchi, and I really need to elaborate on that. Kagutsuchi was an immortal when life in the universe was in its infancy. He, along with the other three immortals, Kaze, Atla, and Voltan, defeated a great evil, thinking they were saving the universe. Unfortunately, in doing so they offset the balance of good and evil. To correct this balance they were each forced to split into an angel and a demon. And now, that evil is beginning to return, but the angels and demons could not recombine into the immortals; at least, not without a soul that was already balanced. That's where my friends and I came in. There are four of us; each of our souls was bonded with the soul of an angel and a demon, and someday we will be able to become the immortals, and defeat the evil once again. This is my eighth lifetime with the souls of the angel and demon Kagutsuchi, and I have the memories from the other seven."
"And this is supposed to affect our decisions?" said Robin.
"There's more. I am capable of transforming my body into either an angel or a demon. These transformations are controlled by emotion; strong negative emotions can cause a demon transformation and strong positive emotions can cause an angel transformation. Also, where the angel works with me, the demon takes control and forces me to do things I would never do normally. The last time I became a demon it leveled several large villages. I just wanted to warn you that such destruction could happen again. So, do you still want me on your team."
"Yes," said Robin, "What you've done in the past does not change who you are now. Also, after what you've told us, I'd rather have you here, where we can keep an eye on you in case you transform again."
"About that transformation; the demon can only take control in a complete transformation. If I only transform partially, to what I call my Semi-Demon form, I still have complete control," said Kagutsuchi.
"Well, I guess that's good," said Robin, "Anyway, welcome to the team."
"Thanks," said Kagutsuchi. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Zack was starting to drink a coke while he was in the kitchen. Robin was sitting at the table reading, and Cyborg was walking in.
"Hey, Zack," said Cyborg, "if you're gonna be fighting with us, you should probably get a costume to fight in."
"Maybe something like mine," said Robin.
Zack almost choked on his drink and managed to say in between coughs, "Sorry Robin, but I avoid tight clothing like I did the plague."
"What plague?"
"The bubonic plague, but I don't use the same methods." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- [flashback]
A dirty boy in dark ages clothing is seen chasing a cat with an axe down a dirt road with bodies lying next to buildings shouting, "DIE, BASTARD TOOL OF SATAN, YOU CONDEMNED MY VILLAGE TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- [end flashback]
"I'm not particularly proud of that part of my first life," said Zack.
"Okaaaay... You still need something to fight in," said Robin.
"Oh, I have something," said Zack.
"Good," said Robin.
"Can we see it?" asked Cyborg.
"Sure," Zack said, putting down his drink. "Stand back." He made his hands into fists, pointed his palms up, and bent his elbows. He then began to yell as his body was engulfed in flame (similar to how the fighters in DBZ are surrounded by energy). When the flame dissipated, Zack's clothes had been replaced by a black gi (like what Son Gokou wears on DBZ) with a gray flame emblem over his heart. His flame necklace was still around his neck and he was still wearing his sunglasses. He had his katana strapped to his waste and his wakazashis were strapped to his back. "How's this?"
"That'll work," said Robin in an astonished tone.
Raven, Beast Boy, and Starfire walked in to investigate who was yelling.
"Yo, what's with the yelling?" said Beast Boy.
"Kagutsuchi was showing us his costume," said Cyborg.
"It's not really a costume," said Kagutsuchi, "it's actually a battle garment that is a part of my body that I can switch with my real clothing."
"That doesn't explain the yelling," said Raven. Apparently she had been meditating when it had happened and was now beginning to become agitated, but she repressed it.
"Here, this will," said Kagutsuchi. He again made his hands into fists, turned his palms face up, bent his elbows, and began to yell as his body was engulfed in flame. When the flame dispersed, he was wearing the clothes he had been wearing that morning. "I don't actually have to do that thing with my arms, it just lets people know that I'm about to do something."
"That reminds me, I wanted to ask you, what else can you do that you haven't shown us?" asked Robin.
"Well, if you would all meet me on the roof in few minutes I'll show you," he said.
"All right," said Robin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- [on the roof]
"I wonder why Zachery wanted us to meet him up here?" asked Starfire.
"So that I would have room to work and not burn anything," said Kagutsuchi as he flew up to the roof. He was wearing his gi and his swords.
"Okay, so you can fly," said Robin, "what else?"
"A lot," said Zack as he landed. "First, I can teleport using any flame. All I have to do is expand it to fit my body." At that moment a flame appeared below him and expanded to a little more than the width of his body and he sunk into it at a moderate speed. Another flame appeared on the other side of the roof, expanded to the width of his body and he rose out of it at a moderate speed. "Over here," he said and the others turned around.
"Interesting, what else."
"I have a lot of attacks using fire. You've all seen flamethrower and fireball. I can do something I call 'fireball barrage,' which I use to overwhelm enemies," he said. He then walked over to the edge of the tower and said, "Watch." He held up his hands and made them into fists; his fists were engulfed in flame and he began punching very rapidly (like how fast they throw energy attacks on DBZ); every time he punched a fireball was released. At the angle he was punching, all the fireballs hit the water and were put out. He turned around and said "I can also do an attack that I call 'supernova.'" He turned toward the sea and held his hands above his head so that his palms were facing each other; between them, an orb of fire appeared. He moved his hands apart and the orb grew immensely; it was about twice the size of his body. He then threw the giant orb into the sea, causing a lot of steam. "And here's one of my favorites. This technique allows me to do battle with someone without the risk of them running away. Just stay where you are." He walked to the center of the roof and held up his fist. His fist was engulfed in flame and he thrust it into the air above him. A fireball shot from it and stopped about ten feet above him. The ball then opened up and formed a dome that covered the area around Kagutsuchi and the other Titans. "I call it the Arena of Fire. One of the reasons I like it so much is that I can use it with my teleportation technique to confuse my enemies by quickly jumping into the wall and jumping out of any spot within the arena," he said before he held up his hands and the arena retracted back into a fireball and dissipated. "The rest of my flame attacks require my sword and/or my demon or angel forms, either partial or full."
"Why do you have to be in one of your other forms?" asked Raven.
"Those particular attacks require either the demonic flame or the angelic flame."
"Can you show them to us?" asked Robin.
"All right, but I can only show you the demonic techniques," he said.
"Stand back please, this will be very hot." After the others took a few steps back, Kagutsuchi drew his katana and shouted, "I CALL FORTH THE DEMONIC FLAME!!!" His body and sword were engulfed in black flame as he yelled. When it dissipated, his body had gone through several frightening changes. Curved, blade-like spikes were coming out of his knees, elbows, outer parts of his wrists, and his shoulders. The spikes on his knees were about 5 inches (13 cm) long and curved up. The spikes on his elbows were about 13 inches (33 cm) long and if he were pointing his arm forward, the spike would be pointing behind him. The spikes on his wrists were only about 4½ inches (11.5 cm) long and if he were pointing his arm forward, the spike would be pointing forward. The spikes on his shoulders were about 6 inches (15 cm) long and curved away from his head. He also had small horns (like what the devil had in the movie Little Nikki) and vampire-like fangs. His spikes, horns, and skin were the same color, which had become a fairly light shade of brown. His gi was now tattered, scorched, and torn due to the extreme heat and spikes. "The fire was merely a visual affect, it makes the transformation look better," he said in a voice that sounded like a cross between his own and that of a deep demonic one that seemed to eat at their souls.
"Cool," said Cyborg. "Those spikes do anything?"
"They assist in combat and the ones on my wrists extend to replace my wakazashis," he said, "watch." He crossed his arms in front of his face and thrust them down at an angle to his sides and the spikes extended to the length of his wakazashis.
"That form is very frightening," said Starfire.
"It's supposed to be, but I don't really like to use it. It gives off too much negative energy," he said as he retracted his wrist blades and crossed his arms in front of his face. "Return to mortal," he said as he was once again engulfed in black flame and when it dissipated he was back to normal and so was his gi. "That better?"
Before anything else could be said, the alarm went off. "Titans, there's some madman sacking the plaza. Let's get going," said Robin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- [the downtown plaza]
It was a chaotic scene beneath the rain cloud filled skies. A man dressed in all black, medieval warrior style clothing complete with a broadsword was running through the plaza, attacking random people. His face was covered with a shroud so that only his eyes were visible. He was about to kill a woman trying to save a child when his sword was encased in black energy.
"I can give you five reasons why you DON'T want to do that," said Robin.
"Please," he said in a deep, scratchy voice, "skip the numbering and get on with your meaningless attacks."
"Okay, but remember, you asked for it," said Cyborg said before he fired his sonic cannon.
The figure quickly opened a portal of darkness and slipped through to avoid the blast. It reopened behind Cyborg and a sword slashed out of it; the sword penetrated Cyborg's back and cut some wires; Cyborg shut down. Another portal opened up near Robin. The figure shot out of it and attacked him from behind. Robin was down, he was unconscious before he realized what had happened.
"ROBIN!!!!" Starfire shouted. Her eyes glowed green as she flew at the figure as fast as she could. She tried to punch, but he dodged it and she flew into the wall of a building.
Raven telekinetically lifted a streetlight. She swung it at him, but he ducked into another portal. It reopened behind her and he shot out of it and knocked her out. Beast Boy then swooped down in his pterodactyl form; the figure ducked and Beast Boy missed. He then landed and changed into a lion. He pounced toward the figure with his claws aiming at the shroud. The figure quickly did an uppercut and knocked Beast Boy into a building.
"And she said, 'Certainly the Teen Titans will be a match for Dub,'" he quoted sarcastically as he viewed the Titans' motionless bodies. "This is the best they could do." Then a flame appeared about six feet in front of him and Kagutsuchi came out, wearing his gi and all his swords. "Who are you?"
"I'm reason number six, Kagutsuchi."
"Hmm, a swordsman," said the figure, eyeing Kagutsuchi's blades. "Draw your weapon!"
"Very well," said Kagutsuchi as he slowly drew his katana, "but I am more experienced then I appear."
"Perhaps, but no one has faced Dub without falling victim to his blade, and you will be no exception." With that, Dub ran at Kagutsuchi and made a broad swing with his blade that was meant to take the boy's head, but Kagutsuchi managed to duck backwards and avoid the strike. After missing, Dub attempted to slash down and cut his opponent in half, but Kagutsuchi caught the attack with his katana. Now it was Kagutsuchi's turn; he stood up straight, forcing Dub back and then leaped into the air and threw a fireball at his opponent. Dub ducked into a dark portal and reappeared above Kagutsuchi. As Dub slashed with his sword, Kagutsuchi flew into his own portal to avoid him and reappeared on the ground; Dub did the same so that they were facing each other.
"We could probably go on like this for hours," said Kagutsuchi, lowering his sword slightly and leaving himself open.
"We could, OR YOU COULD DIE!!!" Dub ran at Kagutsuchi with great speed, aiming his sword at his opponents open spot, only to hit the back of Kagutsuchi's sword and to feel the edge of a wakazashi at his throat.
"I told you I was more experienced then I appeared to be, but you didn't listen Dub, son of CARMAN," said Kagutsuchi before he jumped back, sheathed his wakazashi, and took a defensive stance.
"How do you know of my mother?"
"That's the least of your worries," said Kagutsuchi. "How should I put this... I know, sunlight always penetrates the darkness."
"What sun? The sky is filled wi.... AAAHHHHH," he screamed as he was hit in the back by several starbolts. Starfire, being one of the strongest Titans, was the first to reawaken and assist Kagutsuchi.
"Keep em' comin' Starfire, he's vulnerable to light energy!" said Kagutsuchi.
"Not this time swordsman, I will return with my brothers, and you will not survive," said Dub as he opened another dark portal and escaped.
"Good work, Starfire, your starbolts seem to be the perfect weapon against him," said Kagutsuchi as he sheathed his katana and walked over to her.
"You were fighting excellently as well, Zachery. How did you know my starbolts would be so effective?" she asked.
"Lets revive the others, then I'll explain it to everyone at once," he said.
A few minutes later the others were awake and Robin had made temporary repairs to Cyborg. They were all wondering what had happened.
"Who was that guy?" asked Robin.
"His name is Dub, son of the evil witch Carman. He and his brothers, Dother and Dian, were supposedly defeated long ago, but it appears they have resurfaced. Also, his powers come from the fact that he is a creature of darkness, his brother Dother is a creature of evil, and Dian is a creature of violence. So the destruction seen here is but a sample of what they can do together," said Kagutsuchi.
"How do you know all this?" asked Robin.
"Their story is found in Celtic mythology, and I recognized him because his energy is similar to that of his mother, who I faced in a past life. I proved this assumption when I mentioned Carman and confessed to being one of her children."
"Ookaaay," said Beast Boy, thoroughly confused.
Then, something worse than even the great evil that the immortals fought arrived.... network reporters. They all turned to look at them.
"Here come the vultures," said Robin, "so Kagutsuchi, do you want to introduce yourself?... Kagutsuchi," when he turned around, Kagutsuchi was gone.
"Guess he hates reporters more than I do." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
When the others got back that evening, Zack was on the roof meditating. Most of the Titans went about there own business, but Raven went up to speak with him. She wanted to know just how he 'found a way around' having his demon take control when he was angered, as well as why he left so suddenly after the battle. When she walked onto the roof he was just coming out of his trance.
"Hello, Raven," he said as he lowered himself to the floor and stood up.
"Hi," she said. "I was wondering, why did you leave when those media people showed up?"
"There are certain people I'm trying to avoid at the moment; there was a possibility that they would have seen the news reports."
"Really," she said in a sarcastic tone.
"Okay, they've been trying to get to me for centuries. Whenever they find me, they attack, which wouldn't be so bad, since we're pretty evenly matched, except other people end up getting hurt," he said as they sat down on the ledge.
"Who are they?"
"Two of the other immortals, Atla and Voltan. They blame me for Kaze's death, which is partially true."
"But, you and those two have obviously been reincarnated repeatedly, wasn't she?"
"No. She died by my hand, and by the demon Kagutsuchi's will. Because the demon form of one of the immortals killed her, she was not reincarnated. I still don't know what happened to her."
"What do you mean 'the demon Kagutsuchi's will?'"
"In my first life I was reckless with my demon form; I thought I could control him. I became enraged during a battle and he took over and began attacking villages. Atla and Voltan were too far away, so it was up to Kaze to stop him in her angel form; she simply wasn't strong enough. I saw the whole thing from within my mind," his eyes were now starting to tear up. In a quivering voice he said, "I saw him strike her down using my own hands, and I was powerless to stop him," After that, there was silence. He recovered for a few moments and said, "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have told you all that. Once I get started on that subject, I can't stop talking."
"It's all right, I know what that's like to lose control of a demon," then there was silence for a while. She almost said something sympathetic but that could have caused something very horrible to happen.
"I eventually regained control, and vowed to never use my demon form again; and I never have."
"How did you stop from transforming into a demon without controlling your emotions?"
"For a while I had to control my emotions; but, after a lot of meditation and guidance from my master, I found a way to separate my powers from my emotions for as long as I wanted. In fact, one of the reasons I came here was to possibly teach you what I learned."
"Why would I want to learn?" she asked. In the deepest part of her mind, she feared what his answer would be.
"It would make your powers less dangerous. I know you've accidentally expressed emotions, and that things have blown up because of it." He also knew that she would not go along with the idea that she wanted to express emotions for certain reasons.
"How did you do it?"
"That's pretty difficult to explain," he said and then thought for a moment. "I got it! Do you know astral projection?"
"Yes."
"Good. If I put myself into a certain type of meditation, you'll be able to project yourself into my mind."
"Right now?"
"No, my mind is still active from the battle, and I don't want you to be trapped in there. I don't know how long even you could last in it; there's some pretty scary stuff in there."
"Like what?"
"You don' wanna know," he said and then there was a long silence as they sat there in front of the setting sun. "I'm gonna go back downstairs; see what the others are up to, wanna come."
"No, I'm gonna stay here for a while."
"All right. I'll talk to ya later."
As he walked away, Raven thought to herself, 'I have a feeling he's hiding something. Oh well, I'll find out later.'
Okay, that's chapter two, tell me what you think. Oh, and the curse of flatulence still stands for anyone who flames me.