Chapter 3 — Titans Tower

The T-Car pulled into an underground garage near the island, which brought Rurouni to the large holding area, which included a large five-compartment ship. "Whoa," said, Rurouni, awestruck.

"Yup," responded Cyborg. "This is the Tower garage."

Robin's motorcycle sat nearby. "Welcome to Titans Tower," he said. "Let's go upstairs. Who's going to give the grand tour?"

Rurouni piped up. "I'd like Raven to do it, thank you."

Raven blushed slightly at the words. Me? Are you serious?

Yes. I figured that since I know you more than I do the others, I'd feel more comfortable with you. Plus, along the way, you can tell me more about yourself.

Oh, I don't know…

It'll keep me away from Starfire…

Raven chuckled mentally. Oh, all right. Come on, and hold tight. She projected her soul-self around herself and Rurouni, and the two disappeared through the ceiling.

"Is it me, or is Raven totally crushing on this Rurouni dude?" asked Beast Boy.

Raven's head appeared through the ceiling. "I am not crushing on him," she retorted threateningly, and disappeared.

"I knew ya shouldn'a said that," quipped Cyborg. "Ah well. Who's up for some Hypergrand Prix 3001?

"All right! Now you're talking," said Beast Boy.


Rurouni and Raven materialized in the living room. "This is the living room," she told him. This is where we usually hang out when we're in the Tower." Suddenly a rush of footsteps filled the hallway. "Dibs on first controller!" shouted a voice, easily identifiable as belonging to Cyborg. Raven sighed heavily. Starfire queried nervously, "Raven, could you tell me what a 'dib' is?" Raven groaned. "It means he gets the first controller." She turned to Rurouni and said, "This is pointless. Let's get out of here."

They walked off, leaving the others to their video game.

About twenty minutes later, Raven stopped at a door with her name on it. "I suppose this is your room?" inquired Rurouni.

"Yes." She pushed the large metal panel aside, and Rurouni got a good look inside. "But let me tell you now, because I won't say it again. Don't ever come into my room. Ever. Got it?"

"I understand. But there is one thing that I'd like you to know. If there is anything that troubles you, anything at all, I'll be around to help. Even I don't like to be alone. I know what it's like—" Raven's eyes became teary at this moment, and he broke off. "You're crying. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Rurouni," she lied, revealing a weak smile.

Rurouni ran a finger through her violet hair. "Your expression betrays your feelings. Tell me."

"I'll tell you when I'm good and ready, Rurouni," Raven told him. Just not now, okay?

All right, said Rurouni, and walked off towards the living room.

On the way, Rurouni passed the gym and saw Robin striking a pair of sparring trees. "Hey, Robin," he called. "Practicing?"

"Yeah, sure, Rurouni," he replied, and asked, "What kind of sword is that?"

"This is my katana, and this is a wakizashi. Their blades are crafted from adamantine by the finest craftsmen in Japan. It's as strong as steel, and harder than diamonds." He wore a look of pride, which soon gave way to mild concern.

"What is it?" asked Robin. Then, before Rurouni could say a word, he said, "It's about Raven, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is."

"If there's any advice I can give you about her, it's to give her some time," he offered. Then he changed the subject. "Want to spar?"

"Do I ever," he responded.

About ten minutes later, Rurouni gathered his gear and left the gym, a small towel draped across his shoulders. "Thanks, Robin," said Rurouni. "I feel much better."

"It's no problem. You've got some good hand-to-hand skills," replied Robin, rubbing the back of his neck. "As for Raven, she'll open up when she's ready." He checked his comm unit. "Looks like it's Friday, and that means pizza night!" Robin rushed off to the living room, where he found the others. Raven was in a corner, reading a book. Starfire was writing in a diary, pen in hand, and Beast Boy and Cyborg were playing the Gamestation, evidently still at it.

"Time for pizza, guys," called Robin.

"Glorious!"

"Boo-yah!"

"Whatever."

"I get tofu on mine!"

"WE ARE NOT HAVING TOFU!" Rurouni rolled his eyes. Such is the price for Beast Boy's power, he mused.


Meanwhile, somewhere under Jump City, a gloved fist pounded a tabletop, and a cup of hot tea flung to the ground. "Damn it! Who is this boy, and how was he able to defeat Plasmus so easily? But never mind that. I think it's time to pay the Titans' new friend a visit."