Ahoy. I'm glad the reviews all of a sudden piled in. HPlover49, thank you for the corrections, I noticed them before. Thought I fixed them too. Oh well. This chapter will finally answer the question about Taen. Is he good or evil? I don't know what most of you think he is, but I promise that you shall see in this chapter. I slightly thought a part of the summary might give that away but what do I know? As for the part about ending like A Nightmare On Elm street, not a chance. I was merely taking Krueger's power description for Sinister. Special mention to other heroes in this. Enjoy, this is a long chapter, or it should be.
I do not own Teen Titans... and that's a good thing.
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Chapter 7: A Skill Demonstration
Beast Boy's View
"Get Pyro, Cy! PYRO!" Beast Boy yelled. The two friends were busy playing the X-men arcade game. They were the best of the best, the elite. "It's not my fault Nightcrawler is sucks so much," Cyborg said. "I bet he could kick your ass in a fight... Ah! You got me killed!" Beast Boy yelled angrily. 'Hunk of metal can't do anything right' He thought and laughed. Cyborg had just been torched on screen. "Bah," Was all Cyborg had to say.
The two walked away from the lost game, joking about. "You'd think you would do good at games, being a machine and all," Beast Boy joked. "Aight, Aight, I screwed up but, hey, I outlasted you!" Cyborg yelled and laughed. Beast Boy responded by turning into a bear and attacking Cyborg. "Hey man! Not in here, c'mon now!" Cyborg laughed as Beast Boy's claw swipe missed him. "Aw fine. If you hadn't saved my ass in Jurassic Park..." Beast Boy said as he turned back into a human. "Then we're even. Lets go get some food," Cyborg suggested. "Yeah... I'm starving," Beast Boy said.
The green changeling led the way to the food court, eying the many counters for food. "I say we eat some Subway!" Beast Boy said. "Naw man, Sbarro's!" Cyborg yelled. "How about we just split up," Beast Boy said. "Fine. See ya in a few," Cyborg said and walked towards the Italian pizza place.
Beast Boy walked over to a short line, but you wouldn't think it was short. He had to wait nearly twenty minutes for the whole three people ahead of him. Finally he got his own. a veggie sub with Italian dressing on it. "My favorite!" He said happily as he sat down across from Cyborg, who was already munching on a slice of pepperoni pizza. "You don't know what you're missing," Cyborg said as he ate the fattening food. 'Well you haven't been any animals that you eat now have you Cy?' Beast Boy though and smiled. "What's with you?" Cyborg asked his friend. "Nothing. Just in a better mood than usual," He answered and continued to eat.
The two sat in silence for a moment, loud chewing, and slurping being the only noises. "Hey Star," Beast Boy said with a mouthful of vegetables. Starfire had plopped down next to Cyborg, a rather large smile on her face. "Robin and I have just eaten some more pretzels, would you like to go shopping with us after you eat?" She asked the two of them. "I don't think so Star, we're gamin after this," Cyborg told her. He took a large sip of soda and burped. BURP! Starfire let out an even louder one. "I give that a ten!" Beast Boy said. "I am sorry," Starfire said in an embarrassed tone. "Cyborg should be the one sorry, he got beaten by a girl!" Beast Boy joked.
As the laughing died down, Robin walked up from behind Cyborg. "Raven went back to the tower so don't bother looking for her," He said. "Why'd she go?" Beast Boy asked. "No idea," Robin answered. Starfire got up and Robin held out his arm, which the alien girl happily took, walking away with Robin. "When do you think those two will hook up?" Beast Boy said to Cyborg. "You mean Bird Boy and Starfire? Never if Robin doesn't make a move," Cyborg answered.
Beast Boy's thoughts trailed over to Raven, whom he had a small crush on. 'If she was just a little nicer she could have as many guys all over her as Starfire does' He thought of the beautiful goth. "Hey Cy, you go ahead to the games, I'm not in the mood," Beast Boy said to the now shocked Cyborg. "Whatever you say BB, whatever you say..." Cyborg muttered as he went off smiling. Beast Boy wanted to rest, he was exhausted.
Robin's View
As far as Robin was concerned, he was having a great night. Despite everything that had happened, he was with Starfire and that was what mattered most. The Titans had been there nearly all day, and the sun was setting at that moment. He decided to go outside and watch it. 'Maybe I should just ask her right now..." Robin thought. 'No no... don't wanna ruin the mood' He decided.
"Robin? Are you listening? Is everything alright?" Starfire asked. Robin looked over at Starfire, who had a concerned look on her face. He smiled at her and said, "Yeah Star. I'm with you, how can anything be wrong?" Starfire looked at him and smiled back. "I am happy to be with you as well," She said in her dreamy voice.
They were sitting outside of the food court, on a bench overlooking a hill. "I am tired Robin, our new friends arrival kept me up later than usual," She said. She yawned and leaned her head on Robin's shoulder. 'Now I have to do something' Robin thought anxiously. He absentmindedly caressed her hair and yawned as well. "I'm actually tired too, maybe we should head back," Robin said and glanced at the time. '9:30! We've been here for almost ten hours!' He thought surprised. "That's what happens when you're with someone you're in love with," Robin said aloud. "What was that Robbie?" Starfire said in an exhausted voice. 'She doesn't even know what she is saying' Robin thought sadly. Still... it felt good to hear it. He leaned over her. 'Here goes nothing' He thought nervously. He went to tell Starfire his feelings when...
"Robin!?!" He jumped at the sound of his communicator. Robin quickly recognized Raven's dry voice. "Yes Raven?" He asked impatiently. "I think you need to get back to the tower," She said. 'If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's excited' Robin thought and grinned. "On our way," He said. Robin looked down at the tired form of Starfire snuggling against him. 'Another time, my love'. Then he went off to get Beast Boy and Cyborg.
All Titans Views
The elevator doors opened and the Titans scanned the room. Raven was standing in the middle of it, looking flustered. "What did you drag us away from the mall for?" Cyborg asked. 'I was ready to leave' Beast Boy thought as he watched Cyborg. "It's about Taen," Raven said. Her hair was messed up and she looked extremely aware, her eyes darting all over the place.
"Did he come back here?" robin asked. "I cam here with him, it's why I left the mall," She answered. Her voice had actual enthusiasm to it. Raven smiled widely. "He let me inside of his mind. I've never been inside one so complicated, it wasn't what I thought it would be," She said. "Is that why you're acting like a crack addict?" Beast Boy asked. Raven chuckled slightly. 'She laughed at a joke?' Every Titans mind seemed to say. She read their thoughts. "I'm in a much more free mood than usual," She said.
"Where is Taen?" Starfire asked. "He made himself a new costume. The old one was worn out from battle's," Raven replied. As if on cue, Taen entered the living room wearing a smile. "What is with you man?" Cyborg asked at Taen's looks. He was much different than before. His costume was now comprised as black leather and cloth. Much like before, he wore a tight leather shirt, though it was now black. His pants were also the same color and still leather. There was a light black cloth wrapped around his forearms and calves. Taen was now sporting leather gloves. His shoes were dark black tennis shoes. He had a dark blue bandanna wrapped around his head. A belt was on. It was black and had a silver center with a black skull portrayed on it. There was a small black pouch tied to his belt. To top the odd appearance off, he had a black sword case on the belt which held... a sword.
"I haven't opened my mind for a while, let's just say I feel good. I think my emotions rubbed off on Raven a bit," Taen said and laughed. Raven glared at him but still gave a weak grin. 'I've never seen her act like this' Beast Boy thought. He spoke too soon. Raven quickly became solemn. "I do have some bad news," She said. Robin already knew. "There is good and bad news. Taen was telling the truth. This is of course good and bad. good because he isn't trying to kill us bad because well... someone is out to get him and probably us," Raven told them.
Taen stepped forward. "Sinister merely has to kill all of the infected people to be freed into our world. It is a detail I passed over and it is the only reason I'm still here," He said. "Slade is also somehow involved, and probably Magmus. Since I'm here, I have no doubt that Sinister has informed Magmus of this and he, in turn, probably told Slade. Both Magmus and Slade will be extremely powerful with Sinister on their side, his ability to siphon power lasting a lifetime. Slade will have all of Sinister's powers until the Dream Master or Magmus sees fit," Taen said.
The Titans looked around at one another. It was not looking good. "Do we have any chance of defeating him?" Starfire asked. "Any of them?" Beast Boy added. Taen perked up. "That's the good news. You are all very powerful, more powerful than my own team ever was. this gives us a larger edge. Sinister won't be used to your powers. However, only intense training will enable us to take him down. But, if you do not wish to join me in battle, I will understand," Taen said.
He stopped and stared at them all. "I've already decided to join him," Raven said. Beast Boy looked up at her and smiled. "I'm in," He said. Cyborg looked surprised at his best friend's quick actions. "Yeah! Let's take this biatch down!" He yelled. "I will join you as well, friends," Starfire said. They all looked at Robin, who had been silent. He felt odd, almost scared for once. He felt Starfire's hand grasp his lightly. "We will watch over you," She said. Robin looked up into her pretty green eyes and felt his fear wash away. "Let's do this," He said determined. Taen put his hand out. Raven grasped it. Beast Boy grabbed hers and Cyborg followed. Starfire guided Robin's and her hand to the top of the pile. "Let's move," Robin said and turned away.
Starfire's View
The Titans were heading for the halls when Taen stopped them. "First things first," He said. "You may want to see these powers," Raven said. "Oh yes! I am sure they will be fantastic!" 'I hope they are terrific' She thought. "Now I have several powers so watch closely," Taen said. "This one shouldn't be new," He said before floating a few feet into the air. "You can fly?" Cyborg said stupidly. "See any wires Cy?" Beast Boy joked. Cyborg blushed. "Good point," He said.
"What else can you do Taen?" Robin asked, anxious to see more. "Well you already know about my ability to feel emotions so... this one I think you'll like," Taen said before disappearing. "Where did he go?" Starfire asked confused. "Back here," A voice behind them said. As soon as they looked at Taen behind the counter, he was back above them. Then he grabbed Beast Boy and moved outside. "Ah!" The green teen yelled before turning into an eagle to stay afloat. Taen grabbed him and went back inside. "Oh wow! You can teleport!" Cyborg said excited. Taen was grinning all the while.
"Can you do more?" Starfire asked eagerly. "You bet he can," Raven said. "I'm naturally faster and stronger than normal people but that's not my best power. you, Starfire, should be familiar with it in a way," Taen said. The Titans stared, confused, until his hands glowed bright blue. "I can manipulate my energy and turn it into blasts and beams. Energy balls, beams, columns of all shapes and sizes. If I gather enough energy, I can decimate cities. Just be glad I'm on your side," Taen said with a wink.
He suddenly looked worried as he lowered himself to the ground. 'That was impressive indeed' Starfire thought. "Even with all of that you couldn't defeat Sinister?" Robin asked, surprised. "He has all of my powers and more. He is the ultimate warrior," Taen answered darkly. "I suggest we begin training, I will draw up schedules. Just don't touch my skin. I don't want any of you infected until we're ready," Taen said to them all.
He moved to his bag and picked it up, stepping into the hall and into his room without a word. "Are we really going through with this?" Starfire asked Robin. "We can't let Sinister get into the world. We have to stop him... and Slade," Robin said. She watched as his fists clenched. "We'll get 'em both Robin, don't worry," Cyborg said. Starfire saw Beast Boy's face fall at the mention of Slade. 'I hope he is ok as well' She thought sympathetically. "Let's get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day," Robin said and stalked off.
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There, you got some answers. Satisfied? Probably not. It's late where I am but I'm trying to keep up two updates a day. I gotta watch the Matrix: Revolutions after this too. Damn I'm tired. Sorry if Raven was a bit out of character. Taen loosened her up a bit. Keep on reviewing, I'm enjoying them.
Next Chapter: The Titans enjoy some hard training with their usual relaxation. Friendships are becoming stronger and the Titans are growing closer. Will something finally develop between Starfire and Robin? And what about Raven? She has a new feeling she definitely isn't used to.
Read me!
-SinFire