Chapter 9: Attack on Titans Tower

Everything was quiet. There was no movement in Titans Tower, although Cyborg was normally awake from hunger at this time. At the entrance to the Jump City Harbor, several small ships were moving towards Titans Tower.

"Quiet." An orc commander ordered.

The ships were orc-made landing craft carrying 50 orcs each. They were rowing towards Titans Tower.

The orc commander made another order. "Faster."

The orcs were sent to deal with the Titans and send a message to them.

As they drew near the orc commander said, "Draw swords. Grab the battering ram."

The orcs drew their swords and awaited the landing. The landing craft reached the rocky shore of the island and the doors dropped. The orcs made their way to the Tower in silence. The battering ram was brought up to the door. A team of orcs took it and began to hammer away at the door.

Maximus awoke with a start. He heard a banging noise coming from downstairs. He counted the number of times and the space of time between each bang.

"No, I'd know that sound from anywhere." Maximus jumped out of bed and put on his armor. He grabbed his sword and shield, put on his helmet and went downstairs to the front door.

The door was in bad shape by the time he got to it. Another bang occurred. Maximus got into a defensive position behind his shield. Another bang and the door fell down. Orcs began to run in and attacked Maximus.

Maximus cleaved an orc in two and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Titans, the tower is under attack! Defend the tower!

Terra was the first to reach him. "Maximus!" She lifted a chunk of rock and threw it at a group of orcs attacking Maximus.

Maximus retreated to the stairs. "Here!" He threw a short sword to Terra. "Hold them!"

The rest of the Titans came to their aid. "Azerath, Metrion, Zynthos!" Raven lifted the doors while Starfire used her eyebeams (or whatever they're called) to seal them.

"We're trapped!" Some orcs tried to get the doors open again but were unable to. They turned to defend themselves. Maximus and Terra charged into them, cutting many down where they stood.

The Titans killed many orcs and by morning, the lobby was filled with dead and dying orcs.

Maximus grabbed a survivor by the neck. "Tell me why you are here and I shall ease your passing."

The orc coughed. "We were sent to deliver a message to the swordsman. To you."

"What is it?"

"Our lord wants to speak to you at 3:00 PM today outside the forest boundary. Come alone. That is all."

Maximus put the orc down and dealt him a fatal blow.

At 2:00 PM that afternoon, Maximus borrowed a horse from a local stable (don't ask, just play along) and galloped to the forest. When he got there at 3:00, there was a masked figure standing there, waiting. Starfire warned Maximus that it might be a trap. He didn't see any orcs but he approached with caution.

"You must be Slade. I have heard so many good things about you." Maximus said sarcastically. "So, you are the one who leads this rabble you call an army."

"Maximus." Slade looked up at him atop the horse. "Wherever I go near this wretched city, I hear your name. Always half whispered, as if you were a god." Slade chuckled. "All I see is flesh, blood. No more god than the very creature you're sitting on."

Maximus backed up. "Speak your terms, Slade."

"This isn't your own time. Who are you fighting for?"

"I fight for a cause beyond your or their understanding."

Slade nodded. "You've come to beg a truce. You should be on your knees."

Maximus drew his sword and pointed at Slade's face. "I have come to see your face, so that I, alone, may find you on the battlefield. You hurt Robin. You hurt Terra. You hurt Raven! I am here to make sure you hurt no one else.

Slade laughed. "I see you care about that girl. Raven."

Maximus continued. "It would be a good idea for you to mark my face, too, for the next time you see it, it will be the last thing you see on this earth." Maximus turned and galloped away.

Slade watched him as he entered the city. "Ah, finally. A man worth killing."