CHAPTER NINE
The force-field did keep Slade inside, but something knocked Raven off. It was a staff, just like Robin's, but longer than its usual length. Knowing that Hunter did it to save him, Slade took the staff when he was released. "Where did Slade go?" Beast Boy asked. "They used a cloaking device, but they're gone," Cyborg said. "Shall we return to our tower?" Starfire asked. "Well, I guess so, seeing that the South Titans proved themselves that they did whatever they can to save us," Robin said.
However, though, the South Titans just grouped up. "Well, now that we got our friend Crow back, let's go," said Protea. Dove saw Robin heading to her team. "You're right. You were fine on your own and you had enough support with the Titans on the East Coast of this city. We South Titans will guard our part of the city, which is far south," she told him. "No, don't go yet," Robin said, just before his counterpart ordered the South Titans to return to the South Tower. "What more do you ask from us?" Dove asked. "For helping the North Titans in any way you can, even though we didn't trust you, we want you to hang around for some time first," Robin replied. "Are you sure?" He nodded. Dove smiled. "South Titans, North direction," she ordered. "Does that mean you're following us back to the tower?" "What else do you think we'd rather do?"
They celebrated in the North tower, although they did not really get Slade this time. "I'm just glad everyone else is alive," Dove said. "And thanks to you guys, we're saved," Robin added. "However, we kind of attracted Slade's attention, but I don't know what he wants with Crow," the girl replied. "Let that thought off for now, Dove. Slade's away. He can't do any harm to us at this time," said Crow. "I'm still wondering about that man Hunter, too. I mean, how did he know us that well? How did he know how to shut me down?" Cyborg asked. "Same here, Cy. I don't know what the heck's with that guy," Android agreed. "But the good news is that even if Cy got shut down, nothing pasted my hair!" Beast Boy shouted happily. "Care to taste my Zorkaberry pudding?" Starfire asked. "We'll see about that," Cyborg replied. "How about Tamaranian folk songs?" the alien girl asked, inhaling deeply. She started singing even before Raven can shut her mouth. Only Moondragon seemed to enjoy it. "That was good!" he said. Crow lowered his shield of darkness that protected Dove and himself earlier. "It was well, Star, but you need to be a bit quieter," Robin said to Starfire (like a critic). "I can't see even anyone enjoying your song, unless he is also from another planet," Raven said. "If you think enjoying Tamaranian folk songs is hard, try Namsilatan folk songs," Protea whispered to her. "Okay, dudes, pick a movie," Beast Boy said to the others, holding a video in each hand. In his left is 'Mortifying Horrors of the Dead: Episode One' and in his right is 'S.T.A.R.S.-The Movie'. "Hmm. They both sound really good," Crow said. "Yeah. It's hard to decide," Android added. "If I were you, I'd pick that horror movie," Raven replied. Starfire curiously peeked at the back cover of the video in Beast Boy's left hand. "There is a romantic genre here," she said. "Sorry I asked," Raven replied. "Hey. It's composed of more horror than romance. C'mon, y'all, let's watch," Cyborg said.
The vigilante ran down the streets beside the criminal whom he rescued. He paused because he got tired. "I can travel no farther. We need to find our ways now," Hunter said. "Wait, Hunter," said Slade. "What more do you ask of me?" the vigilante asked. "I have realised that you seem to make a good..." Slade's voice trailed off. "I know, Slade. I've heard the Teen Titans talking about you having no friends. If we form a partnership, I readily accept," Hunter said. "Will we see each other again?" Slade asked. "There are high hopes for that. If you need to contact me, here's one of the things you can use. I wish you good luck in your other plans," Hunter replied, running down the dock. Slade observed the communicator Hunter gave him. It was black and silver in colour with a 'D' embossed on the cover. When he looked up again, he saw that Hunter had disappeared. "Until we meet again, Hunter Dark," he spoke.
He tried to keep as hidden as possible. Everyone now tries to find out who he really is. His home is uncertain of its own location. He had no choice but to stay underground. The filthy muck of the sewer did not bother him much. He had never been an apprentice, or a master. He looked again at the old photograph he took from the house that broke down to pieces last year, the year when the South Titans appear. At that time, he thought that those South Titans were just some snotty little want to-be heroes who try to copy the ones he always knew. However, when he set his sight on the Darkelm, he saw at once what he was after in life. He knew now who the girl is, who she really is supposed to be. He saved her from the deathly fall. He rescued her when she was younger. It was such a long time. He ran away from just anything to be alone, but the Darkelm is an exception. He hid the fact from his friend because what he said was something true... "We will always meet again, some other time," he muttered.