Darkness covered the streets of Jump City. Darkness filled the darkshield dome, filled the hearts and minds of all those who lived within. Despair, fear, hatred, anger. These are more washed over it's fair citizens like a tidal wave. None could stem the tide of destruction that had arisen in their fair city. It was the invasion of Slade and his apprentice all over again. No, it was worse. People had been able to flee then, been able to run, been able to seek help. But now, there was no way out and no help coming.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the darkness and near-silence of the city, heard by one and all. It was a voice well-recognized by the downtrodden inhabitants of the city. It was the voice of the Ravager. Their new lady and mistress.
"Two hours past midnight," she intoned, her voice projected throughout the city from a series of loudspeakers, "Tartarus will begin it's destruction of this city. Any and all who oppose us will be destroyed. No mercy will be granted, no quarter given. No man, woman, or child will be spared... save those who join us. I offer you, inhabitants of Jump City, the chance to save yourselves. A chance to be a part of the winning side."
A pause came after that. Who could honestly say they would not consider such an offer, however briefly?
"Town Center," the voice continued then. "Two hours past midnight. I will state my demands of those who serve Tartarus. Any who chose not to come with us... will die. That is all."
Then, rather sarcastically, in a sweet voice she added...
"... have a nice day."
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Two hours past midnight came, and it was little surprise so many had turned out in the center of Jump City, milling about like frightened cows, awaiting their fate. The Ravager, as of yet still concealed in the shadows of a nearby rooftop, gave a snort of disgust. Filthy things, these people. Why the Titans had bothered to protect them she would never know. They were weak and meaningless, easily swayed to one ideal or another, easily corrupted. Pathetic.
Just like daddy had taught her.
She rejoined her companions, and their hovercraft allowed them to descend down among the pitiful inhabitants of the city like Gods descending from the heavens. Even if they were dark gods indeed, she thought with a smirk. Some of the citizens were hesitating, questioning the wisdom of coming here. She could see it. She could sense it. Some of them were here for a slice of pie, those greedy and unscrupulous. Some were here to protect their families and loved ones. Pitiful. And she sensed some had come simply to listen, hoping she would offer reasonable demands and terms for their surrender and service.
But she would not. She had no intention of making any such demands, in fact.
She simply wanted a large number of the imbeciles in one place.
Ravager grinned, turning her gaze briefly over to Malchior, and nodded once. His smirk was hidden behind his veil as he lifted his hands up and intoned in a strong voice the words of magic that he knew by heart. The spell he'd been researching for the last week or so. The final magical incantation that would seal the victory of Tartarus.
"Uoy nmad weiver weiver weiver!" chanted the dragon-turned-sorcerer, raising his hands high above his head. Raven's magic fueled the spell, and a thick reddish mist coalesced in between his upraised hands. Fearful, the citizens of Jump City started to back away, unsure of what was to come.
If they only knew, thought the Ravager with a smirk.
"Fof eht evol fo dog yhw t'nod uoy weiver!" shouted Malchior, and by now even the most dim-witted of citizens could see the spell was not in the best benefits, and were turning to run.
But it was far, far too late.
The reddish mist burst outwards from Malchior's hands as he thrust them forward, spraying over the helpless citizens as they ran for their lives, no longer believing that Tartarus would keep their word about sparing them. But there was no where to run, no where to hide, no way to avoid the crimson vapors that washed over them. And then, they began to change. Most doubled over in pain as the great wings of a bat sprouted from their shoulder-blades, or clutched at their heads in agony as horns shot from their temples. Soft and pale skin turned black and tough as leather, tiny white eyes turned big and crimson. Mouths filled with fangs as the humans of Jump City were transformed, painfully, violently, into monsters of the worst possible sort by Malchior's spell. Demons.
Now Tartarus had an army.
But Malchior's spell was not yet completed, and the Ravager knew this was a critical moment, so did not speak. Transforming the humans into demonic creatures was easy enough, though the spell had required a true sorcerer to cast it, forcing them to recruit Malchior instead of permitting Blood to do it. However, the denizens would be reduced to mindless monsters capable only of destruction... unless the second part went as planned.
And fortunately, there was no further mess ups, as Malchior focused his power and conjured into being an amulet on a golden chain, carrying a red gemstone of the same hue as the mist that had transformed the citizens. The sigil of a black, very vague 'S' shape marred it's surface.
"Whoever holds this talisman," intoned Malchior, holding it up in his outstretched hand. "Rules these beasts, who will fight without fear, without mercy, without knowing pain."
Idly he twirled the golden chain between his fingertips as he surveyed his comrades in Tartarus. Again, silence reigned, save for the howls and roars of the denizens below, some of whom were starting to rise on their wings into the air. Another critical moment, Ravager realized. Whether or not Malchior needed them enough not to simply wipe them all out.
Her left hand slipped discreetly behind her back, to a hidden compartment of her belt. She wasn't a complete fool, after all. She had prepared for every sort of scenario. In the end, however, her resources were of more use to Malchior and his plans to return to dragon form than an army of demons, and he graciously (or so it seemed) handed the amulet to the Ravager. She slipped her hand from the back of her belt to accept the trinket.
The Ravager grinned, lifting up the pulsating amulet into her clenched fist, holding it high up in her hand. In eerie unison all those around followed it's gaze. Her fellows in Tartarus watched it for it's power, and the denizens followed it by the spell laid upon it. She grinned wickedly, nodding in approval to Malchior.
"Well done," she said, holding the amulet outstretched, letting it dangle from it's golden chain in her outstretched hand. Then, her soft voice rising in volume, she gave the order. "March!"
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By her command, the platform began to move, heading down the main street of Jump City, Deathfang expertly steering as Ravager stood by the front, holding up the amulet and letting it lead her army on. The denizens followed behind with the sound of crashing feet and roaring and snapping of teeth, those who had not yet taken flight. Those who had gave the beat of enormous bat wings as they hovered overhead. An army of monsters, all at her command. Tartarus was victorious.
"Destroy all opposition! This city will be emptied of those who defy Tartarus!" she cried gloriously as her army made it's way down the streets. Before them, citizens who had not yet been touched by Malchior's magic (limited as it was by a certain range) fled in terror. Denizens growled, giving chase. "Today Jump City is ours! Tomorrow, all the world will tremble before Tartarus!" Father, she thought, her eyes moist with unshed tears. Angrily she blinked them away. I hope I've made you proud.
Suddenly the platform shuddered and came to an abrupt stop.
The Ravager gasped in shock, thrusting out a leg in a sudden effort to stop herself from falling over. Deathfang, Brother Blood and Malchior were not so fortunate. The entire platform shuddered to a stop. Ravager bit back a curse, vaulting over the secondary level down to where Adonis was. The idiot was shaking his head, clutching a hand to his forehead where he'd struck the panel.
"What happened?"
"I don't know! Power just cut out!"
Frowning, the Ravager glanced down at the side of the unwieldy hover platform a few feet off the ground, spotting at once a disk stuck to the side. It looked very familiar but... instead of the 'R' she'd half been expecting to see in the side, a stylized 'N' was engraved. Angrily she tore it off, and power was restored. It was a hacking device.
"Impossible," she hissed. The Titans were all dead, the Justice League were sealed off by the darkshield! Who stood against them? Who would dare to challenge Tartarus!
The platform shook again and this time the entire thing crashed down on it's side as a bright blue sonic blast emerged from no where and slammed right into their side. The members of Tartarus went flying, only Ravager managed to keep her feet with her superior reflexes. But even that was not enough to keep a hold of the amulet as an ebon glow surrounded it. It shot out of her hand, the chain snapping neatly in her iron grip as it vanished into the shadows of a nearby alley.
What was going on!
Then they saw. They all did. All members of Tartarus turned simultaneously to behold, down the city, a lone figure standing in the middle of the street. Little more than a shadowy outline. Standing. No. Walking. The lone figure was walking towards them. And as he came closer, the dim light from the city lamps still intact revealed who it was.
It was... Beastboy?
As they watched, the figure became more defined. It was Beastboy. The figure was unmistakable. The skin, the hair, the eyes. All shades of green that was unmistakable. But his uniform had completely changed. The black and violet was the same, but the colors were now reversed, the purple a shade darker. A violet wolves' paw mark rested over his chest. The entire uniform clung to his body, emphasizing his strong if slender physique. The metallic belt strapped to his waist bore a similar image on the buckle. His spiky green haired waved lightly in the breeze as he took step, after step, after slow step towards Tartarus. All sense of playfulness had faded from his eyes and his mouth. Now he was utterly serious, utterly focused, utterly confident.
Tartarus gave forth a laugh, one and all. This? The least of the Titans, their clown and jokester, this was all that stood against them?
But their laughter was cut short. A shadow from a nearby alleyway... had moved. It broke away from it's brethren and, despite the light, flitted over to join Beastboy's shadow. From the ground arose a new figure, walking alongside Beastboy. Raven. The lavender-haired sorceress had changed much as well. Her hair now flowed down to mid-back and around her neck like a second cowl, the first of course was left around her neck, thrown back. She had no need of it anymore, no need to hide her expression. And despite the equally serious and confident look on her face, Raven's pale lips were also touched by a small smile as she walked alongside Beastboy. Her blue cloak had been exchanged for one of an ivory white, the color of untouched snow, and her black skin-tight uniform bore a similar coloration, stylized to allow her neck and arms freedom of movement, with some fingerless gloves adorning with her arms. A pale choker rested around her neck, bearing a ruby gemstone.
Tartarus' laughter died down a little but they were still unimpressed. They had defeated all of the Titans, and two alone hoped to battle them?
But they were not alone, and a third figure joined their silent march towards Tartarus, drawing ever closer. From the opposite side of the street a golden chrome became visible as Cyborg rejoined his friends and teammates, his single mechanized eye glinting in the light. His entire body looked like it had been through an overhaul, every part updated and improved upon, giving a newer, sleeker and stronger-looking design. He shined in the light, his body glinting like a gold coin. The only thing out of place on his state-of-the-art, near futuristic technology, was a great broadsword that lay sheathed and slung over his back, far too large to wear at his side. Each step made a light metallic clang as it hit the cracked pavement as Cyborg made his steps alongside Beastboy and Raven.
Now Tartarus was perhaps concerned. As one, they began to ready themselves for battle. But their nightmare was not yet over.
From high up in the sky a great emerald bolt dropped down beside the gathered Titan's on Cyborg's opposite side. It was Starfire, but she looked nothing like the lost girl they'd left a short few weeks ago. She looked changed and re-vitalized. Her hair flowed much longer than before, uncut but now freshly washed and glowing like the element from which she drew part of her name. Now she truly looked like the Princess of a warrior race, her body adorned and armored in the manner of the Tamaranians. Her purple top was now strapless, a silver choker securing an emerald to her throat, and her gauntlets were covered in Tamaranian runes of courage, love, and friendship. She dropped to the ground, and walked alongside her friends.
Now only the Ravager was unafraid, for she knew the true strength of the Titans was not here. Without Robin, they were still nothing.
And then a figure swung down from the rooftops, retracting a fired birdarang grapple into his sleeve as a shadow landed before the Titans and added to their slow, determined march towards Tartarus. A figure with long ebon hair and a black mask securely in place over his eyes. A figure armed with a metallic utility belt around his waist and a retractable bo staff strapped to his back. A figure with a bright blue bird stretched across his chest. A figure that had finally, at long last, stepped out of the shadow of his mentor and become his own man.
"Nightwing," breathed Starfire, glancing at him in surprise. She recognized his new costume. She'd been the first to see it, after all. Before the Robin she knew and loved had ever put it on. "I..."
"I'm sorry, Starfire," he replied, not yet facing her, still facing the Ravager and Tartarus as they continued their slow walk towards them. "But when this is over, I promise, I'll make this up to you... somehow." She looked skeptical. She wanted to believe, but... she'd been through such heartache already. "Iihsoik," he added tenderly, though his voice did stumble a bit over the unfamiliar Tamaranian word.
Starfire nearly had a misstep. Very nearly flew into the air with joy. He'd called her 'beloved.' He'd finally said it. He'd opened his heart. But then, just as quickly, it closed. So did hers. Now was not the time for a sappy reunion. They still had a battle to win. An enemy to face. But for now, it gave her a renewed sense of hope.
Raven cast a sidelong glance at Beastboy.
"Interesting outfit," she remarked.
He smirked at that. "How do you feel about calling me Beastman now?" he asked.
And to that, she just laughed quietly. But it wasn't a mocking laughter. It was a happy one.
As one, the Titans came to a stop, not a few dozen yards away from Tartarus, who stood there in battle stances, watching the re-gathered Titans with looks of hatred, anger, and more than a little fear. The Ravager, in particular, seemed rather flabbergasted by the return of her defeated foes.
"D... destroy them!" she cried, thrusting out her finger, pointing straight at Nightwing. The denizens would handle them. No need to be afraid. They had an army to...
... but her eyes grew wide behind her mask as Raven calmly pushed aside one shoulder of her cloak, lifting up a hand previously concealed. In her hand, she held the amulet. And with it, Malchior's spell and control over the denizens.
"No Ravager," said Nightwing, stepping forward. "We won't allow this to continue."
"Brave words," said Brother Blood, taking a step forward to cover for the confused and frightened Ravager. "But changing your costumes doesn't make you any more powerful, Teen Titans. You are still weak. And we can... and will... crush you." Behind him, the members of Tartarus nodded their heads, bracing themselves. Readying themselves. Preparing themselves for battle. Blackfire's hands filled with violet energy, Malchior's eyes narrowed darkly, Deathfang quickly drew his powerful serum and shot himself in both arms with a double dose, assuming his powerful werebeast form in mere seconds. He gave a low roar.
"Not this time," replied Nightwing.
The Titans took up similar stances, bracing themselves. Readying themselves for combat. For a moment, nothing happened. Not a word was spoken, not an eye so much as blinked. All was silent. Both sides waited as if searching for a cue for battle to begin. Both sides eyed their respective counterparts and readied themselves to tear the other apart. As Nightwing and the Ravager locked gazes, the scared little girl inside of Rose felt her heart flutter fearfully, and despite all her training...
... blinked...
... and at once, both sides charged forward, roaring out their battle cries. Titans vs. Tartarus. All the trials and tribulations, all the training they'd undergone, all the preparations. It all came down to this, this one final battle to decide the fate of the world. Nightwing, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, Beastboy charged forward for the cause of truth and justice. And on their opposite side, the Ravager, Blackfire, Brother Blood, Malchior and Deathfang charged against them for hatred, vengeance, and power.
And then battle was joined.
Five voices rang out simultaneously in a battle cry that seemed to echo throughout the entire city.
"Titan's... Together... Go!"
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Author's Notes:
As before, read Malchior's magic words backwards to find a silly message. The 'S' shape on the amulet is supposed to resemble the one seen in 'Birthmark,' implying a connection to Trigon and Raven. Most of the Titan's new looks were comic inspired, of course, though Starfire's I think was mostly guesswork on my part. Deviantartist Turin-the-Forsaken inspired some of the new looks, and Katergator and Comet-hime were both kind enough to draw some of the new Titans and Tartarus, and you can find their artwork on deviantart. Katergators under the name ChocolateOverlander. The Titans and Tartarus charging one another was primarily drawn from a similar scene involving the Justice League and the Secret Society, in the JL episode of the same name. Next time: Clash of the Titans truly earns it name.
TDG3RD: That will be revealed shortly. Well you can see above, a massive upgrade, clearly. That too, will be revealed in time. But perhaps the cryptic statement that Raven left the chakram for Raven will give you a clue.
Whimsical Impulse: Coming up shortly. Plenty of good fighting to come, which is where I excel, or so I am told. And yes, more Blackfire.
Finn Mac Cool: It could be. Unless I'm mistaken you just tried to type fanfictionDOTnet into your review and it also was blinked. I blame the system, I do try to avoid such things. As for that, whoever said BB was going back to tofu?
Elrohirthewriter: Ah, the parenthesis no doubt implying they're still Titans, yes? Heh. Well seems you know exactly where I'm going. Darn, I should toss in more surprises. .
Anwen: Oh the usual. Compact explosives and martial arts gear. I'll check out your story earliest convenience I have, promise, but I'm swamped in finals right now.
Piccolo999: Nothing like some good old sibling rivalry to spice things up, eh?
Blackbird: 'fraid not, but fear not, for the T-Car will show up later in the story where least expected. Great minds do indeed think alike. That or crazy ones. Which are you, I wonder? Ehehehehe.
DarkKnight92: No Justice League, not for a long while I don't think. It's become far too complex with the Unlimited name. I could never do it justice, pun intended. And XME is long over for me. Although I was toying with a Neo X-Men future gen fic.
LoCaD: Glad you're enjoying the story and have come to see how it ends. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. And your English is fairly good for someone who's not a native, don't feel bad about it at all.
BolenPUCR: Yup. That's it in a nutshell.
ViciousAssassin: Raven is indeed not as powerful as she was at the time of season four, closer to her powers were when she first appeared. However, she is still experienced and skilled, so don't count her out yet. Something the Ravager mentioned, won't give out too many details. Just read and wait. Massive upgrade. Not just emotional weapons... symbols on her armor, which will also be explained shortly. Your review is much appreciated.