Teen Titans
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The Chronicles of Exile and Pyro

Chapter one: A Meeting

"You... I owe you one, Pyro!" Robin almost yelled as Pyro shut the door. Another flawlessly executed practical joke. Sometimes, Beast Boy could be quite helpful with things of that nature. Pyro walked to the edge of the island and blasted himself off into the night sky. Soon, the sounds of a jet aircraft permeated the chilly air. No one could see it, though, as Pyro had no navigational lights, and he was forcing himself through the air the same way as any jet would, but his fires were invisible. The heat didn't bother him, and it was easy to make the flames invisible, all thanks to his unique power, which few had. His father had the same kind of ability, and also happened to be the leader of a Multiverse-wide organization known as The Order of The Flame. There are other organizations out there covering the rest of the elmental ability, such as The Order of Earth or The Order of The Hurricane. The rest of the Titans didn't know of their exsistence, as they seemed like organized crime rings, even though they weren't.

Pyro was scanning the tops of buildings in search of a certain criminal who was causing havoc with the banks of the city. Stealing as little as two dollars and seventy five cents from some banks, or stealing as much as thirty-six thousand dollars from others, this criminal kept them on their toes. No one knew when he would strike, but Pyro seemed to have come upon a pattern that no one else saw. As he flew, he noticed someone on a nearby building, and dropped out of the sky to investigate. The jet sound abruptly stopped as he fell down to a building across the block. Pyro pulled out a blurry picture from his pocket and compared the sillouette to the picture. The resemblance was remarkable enough, and he determined that this was his target. He hid himself behind a vent box, and prepared for his move. Unfortunately, a call from his communications device almost gave him away.

"Try not to be a hero this time, okay? If you find him, call us!" Robin's voice warned.

"It was just a flesh wound! I could've taken him out!" Pyro hissed back, referring to a time when he was impaled on a spike thanks to a low-life named Needlefreak. He had pulled the spike out and tried to fight, but Starfire dragged him kicking and screaming to a hospital. She refused to believe that he could live long enough to 'get more blood later.'

"Besides, I think I see him."

"Where are you now?" Robin asked impaitently

"Right outside the door." Pyro replied before slamming the communicator closed.
He pulled out his silver custom longbarrel revolver and opened the breach, catching the bullets before they hit the ground. He put them in his left pocket, and pulled out two bullets from his right pocket and put them in, and quietly closed the breach. He then attached a silencer to the end of the gun. Pyro raised himself so that he could just see over the vent box, and brought up his revolver to bear. He aimed carfully, then pulled the trigger twice, quickly, the action clicking almost as if it were firing one bullet. Somehow, his target saw them coming, and promptly dissappeared. Pyro smiled.

"Looks like this might be fun..." He said, breaking the silencer off and pocketing it, then putting the gun back into a holster under his duster.

I can see you.
Pyro thought, just before reaching over his shoulder and whipping around a giant sword and held it in a certain spot. His target appeared out of thin air, delivering a flying kick, intended for Pyro, right into his sword. Then, he dissappeared again. What the...? Where'd he go? Damn, he's fast. Pyro added mentally. He put his blade back over his shoulder, and braced himself, looking around. There! He quickly started spinning around, bringing a foot up to deflect a punch. Pyro returned with a backhanded fist, blocked by a forearm. The fight continued on, like a scene from a Matrix movie, the swinging of fists and feet whistling in the air. Pyro was having a hard time keeping up, but he was managing, until he decided to change his plan of action. He jumped high into the air, pulled out his giant blade, and swung it around a moment to gain momentum, and as he fell, he brought down the blade. The man moved out of the way, but didn't anticipate what was coming next. The shockwave from the sword caught him off guard, and nearly knocked him down. The wake sent him tumbling, but he kept himself from hitting the ground by planting a hand as he tumbled and brought himself upright when his feet hit the ground.

Pyro pulled his blade from the top of the building and held it in a stance. They both watched each other for a moment, buthe made the first move. He brought his blade back and charged at the man, and swung with everything he had, trying for an angle cut, a sharp crack as the blade broke the sound barrier when he commanded it by thought to open. The man jumped up and out of the way, and then sent a vicious spin kick to Pyro's head, knocking the blade off the building, sticking itself into the cement, and Pyro rolling across the rooftop. He stopped in a sitting position, but threw himself back up after a moment.

"Good kick... Good kick..." Pyro said, knocking his jaw back into position.

Seeing Pyro's stunned state, the warrior in black came charging, preparing to finish off his opponent. Just as the tip of his blade came within millimeters of Pyro's throat, he stopped. He found Pyro's pistol digging its barrel into his chest. Impasse. Standoff. Pyro could shoot him, but the swordsman's weight would force his weapon through Pyro's neck. Pyro noted two eyes that seemed to penetrate his very soul. The two fighters regared each other for some time, neither backing down. Suddenly, the swordsman's masked eyes widened. Something in the mysterious warrior's mind stopped him. He pulled back, swinging his sword to the side, flinging some raindrops off the weapon, and sheathing it in one swift motion. The warrior finally spoke, in a dark voice. "You're not the enemy. You do not deserve to be destroyed...". Pyro quickly rose to his feet. "Really? So who is the enemy anyway? And you sure talk odd for someone who robs banks..."

"I am not your bank robber. You have been chasing the wrong target. I am a warrior of the shadow. I have no need for riches and fortune." The swordsman looked at a hidden object in his hand. "Look again at your reference."
Pyro felt into his pocket, but found it empty. The swordsman held out the photograph. "Hey! How the hell did you-" He stopped, taking the photo. Pyro gave it a quick inspection. "Yeah, you don't really look like him. Sorry about... y'know, the bullets, and the fighting. You're pretty damn fast. Where'd you learn to move like that? Moreover, who ARE you? I haven't seen you around here before."

The swordsman stepped into some nearby light. "My name, is Exile. I was trained in the art of the shadow by master Hattori."

"No way! the Hattori family... as in-"

"The great Hanzo Hattori of feudal Japan. The same."

Pyro was impressed. "Wow, no wonder you can move like that." He extended his hand towards Exile. "Name's Pyro."
Exile accepted the outreached hand. "I've heard of you, Pyro. It's an honor to meet a warrior of your reknown."

"Well all right! I'm finally gaining some clout around here!" Pyro chuckled, then cleared his throat and composed himself. "So, do you live around here? I've never seen you, but with your speed, I doubt many have."

Exile paused for a brief moment. "I am... a wanderer. I go where I choose. I sleep when I need to sleep, and eat when I need to eat."

Pyro raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Anywhere you feel sleepy, you just lie down? Even if it's in some wide open field during a storm?" Exile looked out over the city. "I would attempt to seek shelter, but if none is available, then yes."
Pyro put his hands on his hips, thinking to himself: Oooookay. This guy's a little bit odd. But we could use help from a guy like him. This son of a gun's got some serious moves. Maybe we should give him a shot. See what he can do. He cleared his throat, "Hey, listen Exile. Looks like some bad weather is setting in. Why not come back to my place? I can get you some good grub and shelter. Whaddya say?"

Exile looked up at the sky. Clouds were showing flashes of light amongst themselves, and it had been a long time since he had eaten. Bowing his head to Pyro, Exile said, "I would be honored. Thank you".

"Let's go then, before the weather gets bad. Follow me!" The area behind his feet began to hiss as he took off, as he felt no need to leave Exile behind with afterburner. He turned off to the West, and Exile followed, dashing along the rooftops. They approached the coast, and Pyro pointed out the T-shaped tower. "We're almost there!" They both stopped a few feet short of the water, as Pyro hovered a couple feet off the ground. "Well, I can carry you over. Doesn't seem you're gifted with flight."

Exile looked up at the hovering Pyro. "That won't be necessary." He looked out over the water, aiming himself at the island. Closing his eyes, he brought his right hand near his face, thumb facing his nose. He quickly dropped every finger but his index and middle. Exile's masked eyes shot open. "HA!" Suddenly, he became no more than a blur, as he streaked across the water, waves flying up on either side of him. In less than a second, he had crossed the lake, and was on the island.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" Said a chuckling Pyro as he landed next to Exile. "Let's head inside, so you can meet the others!"

The two went into the tower, and just as Pyro shut the door, the bottom fell out of the sky. Oh, good, everyone's here, he thought. "Everyone, this is Exile. Exile, The boy teen wonder there is Robin. That's our local ironman, Cyborg. That's the only reason tofu exists, Beast Boy. Ms. Positivity 2004, Starfire, and the girl in the back sucking the fun out of the room is Raven." Pyro said, gesturing appropriately at each Titan. Then the Titans greeted Exile each in their own way, all except for Raven, who looked at him for a moment, then returned to her book.

"There is a mini fridge over there by some cabinets. Everything in there is good unless there is some blue fuzz on it, then it's best to leave it alone. That stuff has a mind of it's own." Pyro said, holding up a finger. There was a blob of blue fuzz gnawing at his finger. He flicked it away, then continued, "Robin can show you to an unoccupied room, and he can tell you where all the restrooms are. There is a garage on the bottom floor, if you have a car or something, feel free to park it there. One other thing, Raven's room is off limits if you value your life." Exile took all of this in without showing it.
Exile caught Robin looking warily at him. Exile slowly approached the Boy Wonder. "You... do not trust me, I take it." Robin nervously coughed, not wanting to offend the new guy. Exile continued in his calm tone. "It is OK, and quite understandable. I am new to your world, and you must be careful. Please, allow me to prove myself." He turned to Pyro. "I noticed you used some sort of communication device to talk to Robin, who I assume is your leader. May I borrow it?"

Pyro's jaw dropped. "You SAW and HEARD that? How the hell did-" He put his hands on his hips and laughed. "Like I said, you're full of surprises, Exile. Here ya go." He tossed the puck-sized communicator to Exile. "What do you want it for?"
Exile clipped it to his pants. "I must repay you and your team for your hospitality. You have provided me with food and shelter. I am indebted to all of you. Please allow me to work to repay that debt." Exile turned towards the door. "I only ask two things: that you do not call me until I have called you, and that you do not follow me." He opened the large front door, and blowing rain began to soak the carpet.

Starfire perked up. "Mysterious swordsman in black! The weather outside is quite awful! You should not risk your health! Wait until tomorrow, when it might be more favorable outside!"
Exile regarded the floating Tameranian. Starfire pulled back slightly as she felt as if something was looking deep inside her.

"You are pure of heart, Starfire. Please work to stay that way. But you needn't worry about me. Besides, I... work... better at night." Exile turned to face Robin. "I've noticed that you have placed sensors and cameras all about town. Perhaps you will want to follow me through those."

Jeez,
thought Pyro. This guy notices everything...

Exile walked out the door, and into the stormy night, the doors closing slowly behind him. Pyro walked over to a control console and pulled up camera views of the city. "Hey, Titans, you'll wanna watch this guy. He's good."

Everyone, even Raven, decided to see what the big deal was. They knew it took a lot to impress Pyro. Cyborg leaned over at the keyboard, and typed a few things in. "We can track the communicator he took, see where he heads. This guy seems kinda nice, but we should keep a sharp eye on him. We haven't exactly had a great track record of new team members. No offense, Pyro."

"None taken." Pyro had heard the whole Terra saga. "But I think you'll find this guy has quite a bit he can bring to the team. Just watch." The Titans watched a map of the city, with a blinking red dot marking the location of Exile's borrowed communicator. It suddenly stopped on top of a skyscraper. Robin finally spoke up, to Cyborg, who was now sitting at the controls. "Cyborg, put him on the screen. What's he doing?" Cyborg typed furiously away, and up came the image from a camera on a neighboring roof. Cyborg moved a trackball to center Exile in the picture. The falling rain blurred the picture, but it was assuredly him. Exile stood at the edge of a building, standing tall, with his arms folded across his chest. The only thing moving was his cape, blowing in the wind.

"What's he doing?" asked Beast Boy.

"Ssshh" replied Pyro. "Watch. He's waiting..."

"Yeah," said Raven. "But what's he waiting for?"

Suddenly, another red light began flashing on the other side of town, along with the sound of an alarm. Cyborg spoke up.

"That's Jump City National Bank!"

Robin began his famous battle cry "TITANS! G-"

"WAIT!" Pyro commanded. "Just watch..."

Every pair of eyes remained fixed on Exile's image. They suddenly saw him whip his head to the side, facing the direction of the bank. "No! No freaking way!" yelled Beast Boy. "Did he just HEAR that alarm?"
Pyro said "I think he just sensed it. There's something deep about this guy..."
Back out on the skyscraper roof, Exile narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, his image blurred, and he was gone. At the tower, everyone gasped. The red dot marking the communicator reappeared at another rooftop a block away. "HOLY CRAP!" exclaimed Cyborg. "How'd he DO that?"

Pyro softly chuckled to himself. "Like i said, juuuuuussst watch." Suddenly, the dot jumped again, down onto the street.
Exile found himself on an empty street, 10 blocks from the bank. Robin commanded Cyborg "Get his picture up! We gotta see this!" Cyborg pulled up the view from a nearby lamp post. There stood Exile, with his right hand in front of his face again.

Pyro chucked again "Oh man, you guys are gonna love this..."

Back on the street, Exile's eyes shot open. "HA!"

Exile's image blurred out again, and streaked across the camera's view in the blink of an eye. Everyone focused again on the map, as the red dot marking Exile's position rocketed towards the bank. "Unbelievable!" Said Starfire. The other Titans were rendered speechless. Before they knew it, The two dots were on top of one another. Robin regained his composure.

"Cyborg! Get every camera up that's near or in that bank!" Cyborg obeyed, and soon, 10 images were pulled up. The vault camera showed a hole blown in the floor, and a shadowed figure loading up stacks of money into a large bag. "Gunsmith!" yelled Robin, "Oh man, is he actually going to try and stop him ALONE?" The other Titans couldn't help but watch.
In the vault, an evil cackle emerged. "Ha ha! I'm just too damn good! It's still a good 10 minutes before those useless cops arrive, and I've already beaten back those lame Teen Titans and outgunned that hothead Pyro!" Having packed up the last of his desired money, he slung the bag over his shoulder and headed out the front door. Just as he emerged, a black blur flashed in front of his eyes, which were suddenly met with a pair of angry, masked ones. "GAH! Who the hell are YOU?" Lightning struck nearby, illuminating the warrior.

Exile's dark voice answered him "Who I am is not of your concern. Put the money back. NOW!" Thunder boomed along with his voice.

Back at the Tower, Pyro began to get concerned. "Exile... watch yourself..."

Gunsmith turned his back, and returned inside. "Fine, I'll put the money back..."

Robin yelled out "HEY! He's gonna do it agai-"

Gunsmith whipped back around, discarding the bag, and withdrawing two Uzis from his black overcoat. "Find something to answer to THESE!" Exile raised an eyebrow, but held his position.

"Exile! Get the hell out of there!" Yelled Beast Boy. The others could only watch.

Exile pushed his cape back, and quickly unsheathed his weapon. "You're going to have to do a lot better than that! Eat hot lead!" Gunsmith squeezed both triggers, emptying the clips.

Exile's eyes narrowed, and the only two sounds heard were the uzis, and the clashing of 9 millimeter rounds with Exile's weapon. The Titans and Pyro stared with eyes the size of dishes as Exile's ridiculous speed deflected every bullet away.

Gunsmith couldn't believe what he was seeing. He dropped the two empty weapons. "N... no! How the hell did you do that!"

He reached into his coat for two more guns, but was stopped by Exile's dark voice.

"You have been given your chance. You will not have another."

Gunsmith gasped in horror, as his adversary blurred out. Before he knew what hit him, 10 flashes of light seemed to appear at once. Stunned, Gunsmith could do little more than freeze as his coat fell to shreds around his feet. Even his other weapons had been cut clean through, and fell in several pieces. Exile reappeared in front of Gunsmith, who uttered the exact same line as those back in Titans Tower.

"HOLY CRAP!"

Suddenly, Gunsmith's vision went blank, as a slug from Exile knocked him clean out. Exile swung his sword to the side, and resheathed it in one swift, smooth motion. He took the communicator and called back to the tower. "Robin? Are you there?"

Robin had to compose himself for a second, then responded. "Yeah..."

"You can find your adversary at the Jump City-"

"National Bank. We're sending the cops right now. You can... come back now..."

"Very well." Exile returned the communicator to his belt, and walked back outside into the driving rain. "HA!" and he tore off back towards the tower. In a matter of minutes, the swordsman was at the door, knocking lightly. Beast Boy opened it, and beheld a soaked Exile. "Oooh MAN! You were soooo friggin' cool! How did you learn to do all that stuff?"

Exile wrung out some excess water from his cape. "It's a long story. I will tell you sometime. For now, may I rest?"

"Dude...!" Beast Boy started.

"Yeah, let me show you to your room." Robin said, gesturing up the stairs. Pyro walked over to the big black couch, pulled out his big sword, sat down and began shining it with a rag he pulled out of his pocket.

"I told ya'll... If the weather clears up tomorrow, we'll let him run the course, see what he can do. Right Robin?" Pyro said, adding the last part when Robin appeared from the stairway. Robin muttured something under his breath, walking into the kitchen.

"Hey man, What's up?" Pyro asked. Robin motioned for Pyro to come over. He stood up, whipping the big sword over his shoulder and stuffing the rag into his pocket, and walked over to Robin in the kitchen.

"Pyro, I don't quite trust him yet. So he did one good thing. We souldn't be so fast to allow him in." Robin said, quiet enough for just the two of them.

"So you want him to solve another Son of Sam case?" Pyro replied, a hint of sarcasm.

"No, and it was beginner's luck for you."

"Whatever you say... So you're still a non-believer. Suit yourself. If he turns on us, I will personally give you my head on a silver platter."

"I'll pass. Just how are you so sure of him, anyway?"

"I have my reasons, There is still some stuff I can do that no one else knows yet."

"Like what?" Robin asked, a bit expectantly.

"This sword? Only people whom I mentally let use it can." He said, pulling it out. He stood it on th point, and gestured Robin to hold it.

"See? You're holding it up now, feels light, doesn't it?" Pyro asked.

"Yeah!" Robin replied, sounding suprised. Then, it suddenlycame him down, the blade sitting on top of him.

"Pyro...!" Robin mouthed.He knelt down, and picked up the sword, flinging it over his shoulder into its invisible sheath. Robin got up and dusted himself off.

"How did you...? If felt like my bike fell on me!" he said.

"My sword runs off of thought, somewhat. I mentally decided to not let you use it, so it fell over on you. I don't know how it gains weight like that though. My mother made it, so she would know more than any one else about it, but unfortunately, she's... not around anymore." Pyro said.

An uncomfortable silence settled over the two, then Pyro cleared his throat, and yawned. "Well, I need some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

Pyro and Robin retired to their respective chambers. In the spare room, Exile removed his shoes and cloak. He took his sheathed weapon in his hand, sat cross-legged on the bed, placed his hands in his lap, and closed his eyes, wondering if he had made a good first impression on his hosts. It had been years since he had anywhere to call "home". He wondered if they would they accept him. Convincing himself he would do well on the trainer tomorrow, Exile soon fell into a state of deep thought and relaxation. His thoughts were soon troubled, as flashbacks from his past flooded into his mind. A small sweat broke out on his forehead as his eyes closed tighter.

Robin tossed and turned in his bed. Something was really bothering him. Was I too hard on Exile? He thought. He's been really polite and respectful, and brought down one of our toughest criminals just to get a place to sleep here. Maybe I should go talk to him...

Robin emerged from his chambers, and headed off towards the guest room. He kept his metal-soled shoes off, so as not to disturb anyone with his footsteps. Back in the guest room, Exile's thoughts were becoming worse and worse. His forehead and mask were starting to soak in his sweat. Robin approached the door, and silently slid it open. "Hey, Exile, you awake?" Whispered a tired Robin. Exile immediatly sensed the presence, and for a brief second, Robin saw what he first thought were two white lights eminating from very angry eyes. Robin gasped and stepped back. He rubbed his eyes and woke up a bit more. This time, he was met with the same calm, cool face Exile had earlier held. "Good evening, Robin. What can I do for you?" Exile rose to his feet, keeping the sheathed Alpha Blade cradled in his hand and arm. Robin frowned and looked down at his feet. "Another target? I am ready." Exile moved to get his cloak, but Robin spoke up and stopped him.

"No. I just need to discuss some things with you. Can we go out to the living room?" Exile nodded. "Yes, let's go." Robin led the black-clad warrior out into the common areas of the tower. Robin dropped on the couch, and motioned Exile to a nearby chair. Exile sat, still holding the Alpha Blade in his arm. He looked at the Titan leader, and knew something was wrong.

"Something is amiss with you. What is the problem?"

Robin heaved a sigh. "I owe you an apology. I didn't trust you earlier, and I was wrong to do so." Exile's eyebrow raised.

"You see, a long time back, we had a problem with-"

Exile butted in. "The girl with command of the earth and ground around her. I have heard of such a fighter. I believe her name was..."

"Terra. It's a pretty sordid story. How much of it have you heard?"

Exile adjusted himself in his seat a bit. "She was a powerful girl who was in search of control. She came to your team, but stabbed you in the back by joining the man you call 'Slade'. In the end, she sacrificed herself to save your team. No doubt she was overwhelmed by inner turmoil."

Robin nodded. "Yeah, that's about it. Still, I used it to prejudge you, and I shouldn't have. I'm really sorry about all that."
Exile sat in thought for a moment. He looked down at his chest, then returned his attention to Robin. "It's understandable. You are obviously quite protective of your team. It stands to reason you'd be wary of anyone new. You are looking out for their well-being. It is the quality of a great leader." Exile cracked an easy smile, returned by a relaxed one from Robin.

"Thanks. Anyways, you ready to tackle our training course tomorrow? I bet you could set some records on it..." Exile nodded.

Pyro overheard Exile and Robin's conversation just barely from the kitchen. He quickly downed the rest of the pilfered herbal tea, washed the cup out in the sink, and made his way to the living room. The sound of the water and movement of the cup startled Robin, and he quickly turned around to see who the intruder was. He relaxed after recognizing Pyro.
"Robin," Pyro started quietly, "I might be able to bring her back. The question of the night, do you want her back? It would be much better if we discussed this with the other members, because I think this might not be fair to a few ofthem if we bring her back without asking them. Also, if it fails, destruction of the monument is garunteed. It would be much better if everyone else understood that."

"Sounds like it." Robin said.

"How did you gain their trust?" Exile asked. Pyro laughed slightly.

"I never did tell my end, did I?" he asked. Robin nodded.

"We'd like to hear it." Robin said.


Flashback

Pyro's car was sitting at a redlight for the past twenty minutes. He cut it off to save gas, and to cool it off as well. The 1965 Shelby GT-500 had not seen a good life, and it showed it. The only new parts on it were a few things to keep the motor running, and a new sterio system. Currently, the sterio was playing a Rob Zombie CD, specifically, Dragula. Pyro was leaning on the driver's side door, waiting for the light. He wasn't paying enough attention to hear the strange sounds coming from ahead of the redlight, until someone slammed into the concrete and rolled into the car, knocking the bumper off. This startled him, so he quickly reached inside the car and cut off the music, and went to check on the person. He was taken aback from the startling beauty of the girl who knocked the bumper off his car.

"Who are you? Are you okay...?" Pyro asked.

"My name is... Starfire. Please! Help my friends..!" the girl said before losing consciousness. She was rather battered, and there was some serious bruising on her. Pyro carefully picked her up and put her int the passenger seat of the car, and got into the driver's side. He started the car, and drove ahead for a while, untill he saw what was a shot from Cyborg at their enemy. He parked the car off to the side, and reached into the back seat, pulling out a set of holsters, and a huge sword. He quickly put the holsters on, and looked as far ahead as he could. The slight moonlight helped him find what he was looking for. He drew back with his sword, and he threw it hard. The hissing of sheilding and the crackle of electricity told him he hit his target. At this point, Starfire regained consciousness, and started watching Pyro. He saw what looked liked some kind of robots turning to him, and they started firing at him. With his right hand he pulled out his silver revolver, flicked it open, and pulled a set of bullets out of his pocket and quickly jammed them in there, put an object back into his pocket, flicked the gun shut, and said two words.

"Lets dance."

He began dodging the blasts, his movements graceful and fluid. He carefully watched one of the robots move into the light as it fired. Keeping an eye on it as he fired and dodged, he began noticing something about them. He dodged several more shots, and found an opening.

He fired twice, just as one of the robits fired, and he hit his marks. He hit the two cannons through the sheild, jamming them. The robot tried to fire, but instead, energy backup caused it to explode. The remaining robots looked at their fallen comrade, then turned their attention back to Pyro. He switched hands with his gun, then brought his right hand into the air, then pulled it back, bringing it into a fist. The big sword shot out from the robot it was jammed into straight at Pyro. He caught it with his free hand and sheathed it somehow over his shoulder. At that moment, the robots resumed their attack. Pyro dodged and fired, and soon, there was only one robot remaining. It signaled for something, then rooled up into a ball and dissappeared into the darkness.

"Starfire, I'm going to look for your friends." Pyro started. He flicked open his revolver, letting the empty shell casings hit the ground, and reloaded it. "If that robot comes for you, use this. I put some special bullets into it, so blast away if it attacks." He said, handing the gun to Starfire, who was now fully awake. Pyro didn't give her time to answer, as he ran on ahead. He found the others, and they talked for a moment, until another wave of robots came. They seemed to be built for speed and physical strength, and there were many of them. They all had their work cut out for them. Pyro had twice his share, taking on twice as many as the others. Pyro used his own form of martial arts, and these robots couldn't seem to counter it. He soon had the robots designed for Starfire taken out, as Pyro had to eliminate those first, seeing as they had lasers of their own as well as normal attacks. Soon, he had all of the robots he was fighting taken out, but then discovered that the other robots were about to destroy their own targets. Pyro took advantage of their single-mindedness, and put his sawed off shotgun to work. He emptied both barrels into his target, slung the breach open, releasing the used cartriges, then slung it closed, and fired again. After taking out two of the robots, the remaing ones decided to change their targets and they all jumped Pyro. In the ensuing chaos, Pyro's shotgun dissappeared. He then began fighting with his big sword, but somehow, it too was ripped from his hands. After that happened, they all at once jumped on top of him. In a scene straight out of The Matrix, Pyro summoned some of his power, and the pile of robots exploded, sending parts and shrapnel everywhere. Small fires burning from the robot parts were everywhere, as well. With the streetlights now out, he summoned several pillars of fire to light the area, and he looked around. He picked up his shotgun and holstered it, the got his sword and sheathed it over his shoulder again.

"Do any of you know a girl named Starfire?" Pyro asked the others.

"Yes, Who are you and what do you know about her?" one of the guys asked. He was wearing a colorful outfit, and his spikey black hair glistened in the light from the pillars of fire.

"Good, My name's Pyro, and she's hurt. I'll go get her." Pyro said. He turned to the direction of where his car was, but he didn't have to go far. The car was parked next to two of the pillars, just sitting there. Starfire had lost consciousness again.

End Flashback


"And after that, we talked for a while, and I was offered a slot here on the team. I'm not sure why, but even Raven seems to
trust me now, and I didn't join too long ago." Pyro finished.

"She has a reason to trust you now, Pyro," Robin said. "After all, you did take a couple of bullets for her in our last fight with Gunsmith." He added.

"I would have done that for anyone else for that matter. Although, it is too bad he was on the dark side, I could really use his skills. My revolver is off two feet at seventy-five yards." Pyro said, regret entering into his voice.

"By the way, Pyro, are you going to try this time? I know for a fact you could loose several seconds on your time." Robin spoke up, changing the subject.

"All right, then, I will," Pyro replied. "Also, make it as hard as you can for me, would you?"

"Are you sure about this?" Robin asked.

"Yes, give me hell, if you want." Pyro replied, sounding a little less than confident.

"Is it me, or are you sounding less than confident about this?" Robin asked, a smirk on his face.

How did he know?
Pyro thought to himself.

(Author's Note: Finally got around to posting it. It's been a year in the making, and it's almost done. This is the first of ten chapters. Please R/R and enjoy! -RageTH)
(Edit: I'm so sorry about this, the format screwed up, so I had to fix it. I hope this looks much better now! -RageTH)