Chapter Two – Compensating

"How do you know this, Raven?"

The Titans were back in Titans Tower, inside of the training facility. Robin had wanted to get back as quickly as possible so the team could begin working on a strategy. Once they'd entered the room, Robin confronted Raven.

"I'm not sure, " answered Raven, "It was just as if the thought was put into my head."

"Did ya read Zorak's mind, Rave?" Beast Boy asked as he checked out Robin's supply of gadgets.

Shaking her head, dismissing the idea, she sighed, "No, losing our powers meant losing everything. By the time I felt we'd recovered our abilities, Zero and Zorak were long gone."

"Well, whatever the cause, it's good we know this information! But when is he going to attack?" The question came from Cyborg, who was plugging himself in for a much needed recharge.

"I don't know that either," Raven quipped, "But if I remember correctly, wasn't there to be a major prisoner transfer tomorrow evening?"

"Right!" Exclaimed Robin, "Five new convicts are being brought in from Metropolis! If Zorak is looking to free the biggest names in crime, he'll have to wait till then!"

"So we have 24 hours in which to be ready." Stated Star Fire, "But with out our powers, what can we do?"

Robin walked over to Beast Boy and snatched a Birdarang from his eager hands, "It's not enough time, but if I can teach all of you the basics of hand to hand combat, and the use of my weapons.. maybe the five of us can get that weapon away from him."

Raven frowned, "That's asking a lot."

Robin nodded, "I know, but unless anyone has a better idea, I suggest we get started!"

Cue a montage of scenes of the Titans trying to learn martial arts, using Robin's weapons and self defense techniques. Many of the scenes are comical disasters of such attempts. If anyone wants to send me 'specific moments' to fill this montage out, I'd be grateful.

The next morning, the Titans fall into the kitchen one at a time, clear exhaustion evident on their faces as non of them got a wink of sleep. Cyborg is by the wall, trying to plug himself in for a recharge, but he's missing the outlet by a mile. Beast Boy is pouring cereal into his lap, Star Fire is buttering an empty plate, as her toast is still in the toaster. Raven manages to pour her tea correctly, and takes a soothing sip. Robin looks at the kitchen stove, willing food to appear without cooking. The Titans crash into their seats and moan dejectedly.

"My Body feels like I am on the planet Repres. Gravity there is twenty times that of Earth." Begrudged Star Fire, as she tried to lift her arms, only to watch them fall to her side.

"Tell me about it, Star!" Beast Boy yawned, "I'm so sluggish I…"

Without finishing, Beast Boy turns into a slug and whimpers.

"Ewww, man, Not at the breakfast table!" Cyborg cries out. He grabs the salt shaker and aims to pour some on Beast Boy who promptly turns back to himself.

"Guys, enough!" Spoke up Robin, "We need to get something to eat, and get back down to the gym. Things are not coming along as well as I'd hoped, and we're short on time!"

The gang moans at this, but Robin is persistent. Finishing breakfast, or what passes for it, the five trudge back to the gym. Robin begins setting things up, and announces.

"Ok, let's try some target practice!"

Elsewhere, underground, we find Zero in what looks like a bedroom. A small cot, a desk and a keyboard is all we see. Zero, dejected, sits at the desk, tapping the keys and playing a simple melody. Things definitely could not be any worse, he surmises.

"ZERO!"

The shout of Zorak, his father, corrects his previous thought, 'Ok, they can get worse." Standing, he exits his room and we follow him down a carved out tunnel to a larger cave. There, a giant computer system is set up, with levels reaching over three stories up. Zorak stands at the very top, watching a news cast, with the prototype weapon on the table beside him. He spots Zero.

"Get up here, boy!"

Zero steps onto a platform and pushes a button, and the platform rises quickly to the top. He steps off and sighs, "Yes, Father?"

Ignoring the tone of his voice, Zorak points to the TV, "There, that is the prison. The transfer is set for 8 P.M. tonight. I want you ready by 7, so we can get into position."

"Father, " Zero began tentatively, "Why are we doing this? It was one thing to steal for food and to survive, but this?"

"Don't you get it? We free these men, and they will do anything for us! We can take over the world!"

"I don't want the world, Father, I never did!" Zero argues.

"This is no time for feeling weak, Zero…"

"Would you STOP calling me that?" growls Zero.

"Boy, don't you talk back to me like that! I think it fits you perfectly! And you will do as I say, or you know what will happen!"

Shivering, Zero knew very well. Zorak may be his father, but he knows he's evil, and he knows Zorak would do him in if he ever openly defied him. Zero was comfortable only enough to speak his mind to a limit, but any more…

Zero didn't want to think any more of that. Father had made it clear what he was to do. Requesting to return to his room, Zero walked inside and stared at his Spartan quarters. How did he come to be here, and how did he gain these abilities? He knew of course, but he couldn't help questioning himself, or letting his past come back to haunt him.

To Be Continued.