Since two very special guests entered their home, the Titans quickly got themselves cleaned up from all the mess they caused and tidied up the place. After getting the kitchen and themselves fixed up, all seven of the superheroes entered the war room.

"So what's this threat that's heading our way? Maybe his bark is meaner than his bite," Beast Boy said. The seven took their seats at the round table.

"Believe me. You'll change that tone of voice when you confront… him… "

Flash's fist trembled to whom Green Lantern was referring to. The Titans looked at each other with unease.

"He came to this world one time. This is a monster that only has a heart for the scream of the weak and the dying. To him, all that would be music to his ears. His armies have the bloodlust their master does, but not even they could measure up to his powers."

"Darkseid."

A major chill crawled up their skin when the Flash mentioned that very name. Some of the Titans clenched their fists and gritted their teeth, knowing that facing the dark one would be inevitable. None of the Titans ever faced him before, but learning that Darkseid gave Superman a run for his money worried them enough.

"His armies have already wiped out seven planets in a matter of 3 weeks. After noticing what planets he destroyed, we found out that Earth is on his path for destruction. We've just learned of this from the Gamma Quadrant an hour ago," Green Lantern said.

"That's why we came for you guys. The Justice League has decided to lend a hand to all who are trying to bring Darkseid's warpath to a halt, or at least slow him down," Flash said. Robin let out a breath and got up from his seat.

"You can count on us! Whenever you need help, the Teen Titans are ready to lend a hand!" Robin announced.

"I admire your sense of duty, Robin. The Dark Knight was right about you," Green Lantern said.

"Just teleport us right to your station and we'll-"

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, cowboy! You see, we can't take all five of you with us."

Flash's words caught the Titans off guard completely.

"Flash is right. Only three of you can come. It was Batman's idea to only take at least half of those willing to help while the other half must stay and defend the Earth if necessary," Green Lantern announced.

"I see. Since you put it that way, Starfire and I will stay in the Tower while Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven will join you and the rest of the Justice Leaguers and-"

"Wait a second, Robin. I think I'm better off staying with you on Earth than Starfire," Raven interrupted. Robin raised a brow at her.

"How come, Raven?"

"Because you and I know the Titans Tower better than anyone. If the threat comes to Earth, we can use the Tower and fight off any of the invaders to its maximum level! Trust me, Robin. It's the only way," Raven replied.

Robin pondered for a moment on Raven's words, thinking whether or not Raven is a better candidate in aiding Earth's defense than Starfire. Robin made his decision.

"It's agreed. Cyborg, Beast Boy and Starfire will join the Justice Leaguers while Raven and I will remain on Earth in case the invasion comes," Robin said.

"But Robin-"

"Sorry, Starfire, but she's right. She knows the Tower far better than you do. Besides, when it comes to the offensive, you really deliver," Robin said.

"… Okay, Robin," Starfire said reluctantly.

"Did you bring everything you need?" Cyborg asked.

"Yup! A sleeping bag, my teddy bear, a Game Boy Advance, Playboy-"

"Dude, we're not going on vacation. We're about to take on the most powerful threat yet! We got to take this seriously."

"I know, Cyborg. Believe me: when we take on the horde of Darkseid, they're gonna see a side of me they wish they never did!" Beast Boy replied.

Cyborg, Starfire and Beast Boy carried their backpacks and joined Green Lantern and the Flash in the main lounge. Robin and Raven stood by their friends, greeting them good luck.

"Promise me that you three will come back in one piece. And give Darkseid pure hell!" Robin said.

"You can count on us, man. Titans forever?" Cyborg asked.

"Titans forever." Robin and Cyborg knocked knuckles. While the boys are saying their goodbyes, Starfire and Raven were exchanging words as well.

"Just remember. Robin is allergic to cats. Always make sure he takes his vitamins twice a day and make sure he-"

"Whoa, Starfire. I'm his comrade-in-arms, not his babysitter. Take it easy. I'll take good care of him," Raven said.

"You're such a good friend, Raven!" Starfire gave Raven a real big hug, so tight that Raven's eyes were bulging out. When Starfire let go of Raven, she then gave Robin a big hug as well. Raven could feel what Robin went through, since she needed some time to get her breath back.

"Okay, kids. It's time to go. Good luck to you all." After Green Lantern's last words, the five teleported out of the Titans Tower. Robin and Raven were all alone in the main lounge. Robin took a seat on the sofa.

"I hope I made the right choice, Raven. I don't even know if sending them out there like that was such a good idea."

"Have faith in our friends, Robin. Everything's going to be all right."

"… You're right, Raven. Look at me. It's been ten seconds, and already I'm worried."

Raven sat next to Robin and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Listen. I don't want you to stress yourself out, okay? I know it's a very difficult situation to be the leader of the Titans and sending half your team into the lion's den. But don't worry about it. The others will be with them: Superman, the Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Booster Gold, and the others. They'll be fine…" Robin felt a sense of relief from Raven's words. Smiling to himself, he placed his hand on Raven's, which was still on Robin's shoulder.

"Thanks, Raven. I'm really glad you're here with me."

(Not even half as glad as I am with you…) Raven thought to herself.

Robin got up from the sofa.

"You know, Raven? Let's work on some flaws that need some serious tune-ups."

"Why, Robin? We already did our monthly maintenance check on the entire tower, and everything's fine."

"I wasn't talking about the tower. I'm talking about… you."

Raven fixed a serious stare at Robin and got up from her seat.

"… What do you mean by that?"

"Out of all the Titans, you depend on your powers more than any of us. It just seems you depend on your powers way too often. Depending too much on your greatest strength can be your greatest weakness."

Raven's eyes glowed white as she lets her powers flow through her hands.

"Why don't you try to prove that theory to me, Boy Wonder?"

Robin removed his gloves and cracked his knuckles.

"It'll be a pleasure."

"AZARATH METRION ZINTHOS!!"

Raven used her powers to move the sofa and had it thrown right at Robin. Robin leapt into the air and somersaulted right over the sofa. Seeing Raven open, Robin headed right for her. Raven moved three more sections of the couch and used them as a barricade to block Robin's path. When Robin came to a halt, he noticed that something was falling right down for his head.

It was a microwave! Robin leapt out of its way right before it crashed into the floor. After a few rolls, Robin took out a bomb and threw it at Raven. Hitting the ground, the little bomb exploded into a huge smokescreen. Raven covered her eyes and coughed, losing her concentration on her surroundings.

When the smoke cleared, Robin came from behind and wrapped his left arm around her waist. Without giving her any time to react, he then placed his right hand on the left side of her neck. Raven froze where she stood.

"You see, Raven? You really depend too much on your powers and take your other abilities for granted. I could have snapped your neck in this very situation you're in. I could have used a combat knife and slit your veins. I…"

Robin didn't realize until now how incredibly soft her skin really was. He began stroking the side of her neck, feeling his pulse pound harder.

"… I…"

Raven was completely at his mercy. Jaw trembling and cheeks blushing, Raven dared not move an inch. Raven could feel Robin's breath brush against her neck. She bent her head further to her right, wanting him to kiss her neck. As she felt Robin's arm wrap more around her waist, she slowly snaked her hand on Robin's.

Robin felt her silky hair rub into his nose. He took in her scent, making him crave for more. Robin closed his eyes and let his lips descend closer to her neck, and closer… and closer….

Robin quickly took his arms off of Raven and walked off to the doorway out of the main lounge.

"Just forget what I just said, Raven. You did great. There-there's something I need to do." By the time Robin left, Raven fell to her knees.

"… All this power… and I had none to push him away…" Ravenwhispered toherself.

Meanwhile, Robin was still walking down the hallway, heading to the main security system. Robin slowly came to a stop and rested his back on the wall. Rubbing his arm, he felt his cheeks heating up.

"What the hell was I thinking? I was going to…" The very image of Raven came to his eyes. The image of her smiling at him, combing her purple hair with her hand, gazing at him with her beautiful purple eyes…

Robin blushed even harder as he tried to get that image out of his head.

"… What's happening to me?"

… to be continued.