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Ch. 26: Two Ways to End a Night

It eventually was Starfire who introduced everyone to SoulBurn, everyone that is except Blackfire for she had simply left, claiming this was boring her. SoulBurn was introduced as a dear friend who had helped defeat the bad man Slade forever which surprised everyone quite a bit that this was the guy who had finally put down Slade. SoulBurn shook everyone's hand and noticed the weird looks everyone gave them when they noticed his right hand only had 3 fingers. He would have preferred to shake with his left but everyone had put out their right hand's first.

After the brief introduction everyone seemed to scatter around to do there own thing. SoulBurn simply sat and took in all the new people he had just met. First there was Bumble Bee, a fit woman of African heritage who seemed to have plenty attitude with her. Her most noticeable feature were the two insect wings sprouting from her back. SoulBurn gathered that she was somehow involved with Cyborg as there playful fighting would give way to serious arguing only to return to playful fighting.

Next was the red-headed Speedy who honestly could have almost passed for Robin's twin, even wearing an identical black mask. He seemed rather goofy and light-hearted which was a far cry from Robin.

Next was the long, black-haired Aqualad who was nearly as just as tall as SoulBurn but not quite as broad. He mentioned he was Atlatean which would explain his affinity for water. He seemed to be a little quieter than the others he had met though he radiated a strong confidence from himself.

The last two were the two miniature twins Mas and Menos, clearly the most hyperactive of the group as they flew around the room, causing all types of mischief. They were happy to meet SoulBurn as he could speak Spanish with them and oddly enough almost no one in their little group spoke that language. SoulBurn couldn't help but wonder how things worked out with that little fact. It was an interesting group of people that he learned made up Titan's East.

SoulBurn also noticed that the original Titan's had changed as well. It was still hard for him to believe it had really been six months but the Titans were the proof. Cyborg had changed the least but his face did look more mature. Of all the Titans both Robin and Beast Boy had changed the most. Both had finally hit their late growth spurts and were at least 4-5 inches taller and had developed more muscle mass. While Beast Boy still had a childish look to his face, Robin definitely looked like an adult. Starfire, Terra, and Raven all had changed in similar ways, gaining more womanly curves as they matured, though none more than Terra. Each had gained a more mature look making each more attractive in their own right. Raven and Starfire had grown their hair longer though Star's only slightly. SoulBurn was disrupted by his thoughts when Terra came over and sat next to him.

"Hey SoulBurn. I just thought I'd come over and say hi. I really haven't had the chance yet." SoulBurn smiled at the young woman next to him.

"Hello Terra. I'm glad to see you again. It seems like everything turned out well for you." Terra seemed to pep up.

"Oh yeah. Its been great being back with the Titans and crime has been so low that I've just been able to enjoy having a real family for the first time in my life. Its been the best time of my life. How have you been?" Terra quickly placed her hand over her mouth as she watched SoulBurn's face drop slightly.

"I'm sorry, stupid question." SoulBurn smiled at her slightly.

"Its okay Terra. It's all over now and I have a chance to finally just live. That's really all that matters. Terra smiled and hugged SoulBurn. He gently returned the embrace.

"I'll always be there for you SoulBurn. My life right now wouldn't exist if it wasn't for you and I will find a way to pay you back somehow even if you don't want it." The two pulled apart and it was SoulBurn to speak next.

"So how has Beast Boy been doing?" As if he heard his name, Beast Boy suddenly vaulted over the couch and landed on his back with his head landing on Terra's lap. He looked up at her with a smile.

"Hey there good-looking. How about a kiss?" Terra giggled and bent down and gave him a deep kiss.

"Does this answer your question on how he's doing." SoulBurn looked down at Beast Boy who still had his head on Terra's lap. He had a goofy smile on his face and looked like he was in heaven.

"I'd say that answers my question. Good for you two. Young love is such a wonderful thing." Beast Boy managed to sit up.

"Don't I know it and I have you to thank for it all. I owe you a lot man and I will pay you back." Starfire's voice cheery voice came out of nowhere.

"We all owe you much friend SoulBurn. You did a great deal for us all." SoulBurn looked around at the three smiling Titans.

"Well if you all want to pay me back so badly, how about a car?" Everyone started laughing.

"Hell no man. I'm still saving up for my moped. You can get your own wheels." Suddenly Starfire started jumping up and down clapping her hands together like some excited kid, the sudden action catching everyone's attention.

"Oh I have a splendid idea. We should all go to a club of dancing in honor of having our friend's from Titan's East here as well as friend SoulBurn's. It would be most glorious." Beast Boy replied.

"That would be awesome Star but I think we have to run it by Boy Blunder first." As if planned, which could be true considering Robin's love of dramatic entrances, Robin and Raven took that exact moment to walk in the room.

"Sounds like a great idea Star, in fact Raven had actually just suggested that to me when we were talking." The whole room let out a collective gasp as they stared at Raven who was now back in her cloak.

"Why is everyone looking at me? Is it strange that I would want to go out and celebrate?" Beast Boy replied with a nervous laugh.

"Would you kill me if I said yes." Raven eyes him.

"No, but I think Robin is already going to kill you for the Boy Blunder comment." Beast Boy's eyes widened as he sank into the couch.

"Oh yeah, he probably heard that."

"Yes I did Beast Boy. Combat practice tomorrow morning at 6, just you and me." Beast Boy's eyes bugged out of his head.

"You have to be kidding me? You can't do this?" Robin grinned.

"Beast Boy, I am kidding." Again everyone let out a collective gasp as they stared at Robin. Cyborg spoke first.

"What the heck is going on here. Raven wants to go party, Robin's making jokes. Next thing you know Bumble Bee will admit she's wrong about something." Cyborg quickly realized what he said and ducked a flying pan. "Um sorry about that babe, I didn't mean that." Bumble Bee could be seen walking out of the room but yelled back.

"Well I guess I know who will be dancing alone tonight." Cyborg immediately went chasing after her, everyone laughing at the antics of the two.

"Alright everyone, listen up. We'll head out at about 10 so that gives us about five hours to do whatever we want. Any ideas?" Every male in the room responded with the same thing.

"Video Games!" and rushed toward the controllers. All the females simply let out a collective sigh while SoulBurn watched on in amusement. Raven turned toward SoulBurn.

"What not going to join them?"

"I'm not all that big of a fan of video games." Raven looked at him strangely.

"A boy who doesn't like video games. Now there's a real sign of the Apocalypse." The four of them started laughing, getting the joke on far more levels than anybody else could understand.

Eventually the time passed and everyone went and showered and changed to go out. SoulBurn found that his guest room was still unoccupied despite all the current guests though there was really not a change of clothes. There was a pair of jeans in there from before which he pulled on. Suddenly a knock occurred at his door and he opened it to reveal Starfire. She was clad in a long white skirt and pink top. Her hair was done slightly different, in a more mature style. She had a smile on her face. It was hard not to realize how beautiful she really was.

"Hello friend SoulBurn, I have brought you something." She handed him a very nice long sleeved black shirt. "I borrowed this from friend Aqualad. It believe it should fit you."

"Thank you Starfire. I really do appreciate this." SoulBurn gave Star a quick hug. "Let me finish changing and I'll be down to the main room in a few." However Star did not leave the doorway which SoulBurn noticed. "Is there something else you want Star?" Star shifted nervously.

"Yes friend though I feel guilty asking you a favor after everything you've already done."

"Go ahead Star. I'll help you out if I can."

"I have come to ask if you will keep an eye on my sister Blackfire tonight. Despite her joining us and asking for forgiveness something still bothers her greatly and it causes her to get overly festive when she goes out. I was hoping you could keep an eye on her and make sure nothing happens to her."

"Why me Starfire? I've never met her before."

"It is because I trust in you that you will not take advantage of her like so many other Terran males and also, I believe you are the only one with the power to not get hurt if she becomes angry. Others have tried but it usually ends badly." SoulBurn smiled at the alien in front of him. He really could never not smile when he looked at her when she held such concern for others on her face.

"I promise to keep an eye on her Starfire and I'll take her home if she gets out of control." Starfire charged forward and gave another bone crunching hug to SoulBurn.

"Thank you friend. Tomorrow I shall make you some special food from my home planet as a thank you." The bubbly alien princess flew down the hall toward the main room. SoulBurn let out a sigh.

"Sometimes I guess the reward is worse than the task." The door shut behind him.

Eventually everyone gathered in the main room and Robin started setting up the driving arrangements.

"Alright. Raven is going to ride with me on my bike." He turned at looked at his beautiful girlfriend. She was wearing a long black skirt with tight, long sleeved purple top. It was funny that she showed more skin with her leotard but at this moment he found her more desirable than ever. Robin managed to pull his eyes away from her.

"That should make it possible for the Titan's East to go in there car together and the four remaining Titans with Blackfire and SoulBurn can fit in the T-car. Sound like a plan?" Everyone nodded in agreement except Starfire.

"My sister is not here yet. Does anyone know where she is?" Terra gave a sarcastic response.

"She's just probably waiting to make a grand entrance." It wasn't that Terra didn't like Blackfire, it was just that she got the feeling she always looking down at everyone. Sure enough, Blackfire walked into the room confidently a few seconds later. She was clad in a very short, tight black skirt with a tight black top that revealed her stomach.

"Alright kids, lets hit the town." The males tried not to stare knowing that there would be numerous slaps by the other girls if they were caught. Robin said his last words and everyone was off.

On the way to the club, SoulBurn found himself sitting between Blackfire and Starfire in the T-car while Cyborg drove and Terra sat comfortably on Beast Boy's lap in the passenger seat. SoulBurn felt very uncomfortable next to Blackfire who kept shifting making her skirt slide up even more. It wasn't that he didn't recognize the fact that she was just as attractive as her younger sister, it just felt rude to stare and she kept ensuring that he did.

Eventually they arrived at the club and everyone quickly piled out of the car. Blackfire gave a dismissive wave to everyone telling them "Laterz", before disappearing into the club. SoulBurn knew keeping an eye on her wouldn't be easy, but a promise was a promise. He figured it was too early for her to get in trouble so he would just go chat with the other Titans for awhile.

The night went on with everyone having plenty of fun. The club had a good atmosphere that fit just about everyone. SoulBurn found himself dancing with Terra, Starfire, and Raven at some point in the evening and in fact had been approached by a few other random girls though he had graciously turned them down. He never really realized it until Terra said something but apparently he was attractive. He really had never thought about it because during the short time he could even remember, he had been fighting for his life. This was really the first time he had ever been out in a public place with lots of people. He couldn't say he felt comfortable but he really didn't feel out of place. At this moment he was simply happy to be.

After turning down another girl to dance, SoulBurn found himself sitting at the bar drinking a cold glass of water observing the crowd. He took a long sip of water and let out a refreshing 'ahhhh'. Not many people could appreciate water until they were deprived it for so very long. As SoulBurn looked out at the crowd, he couldn't help but smile. Robin and Raven sat comfortable in a booth in a corner, away from prying eyes. Robin sat with his back to the wall while Raven sat against him with Robin's arms around her. He could see Raven drawing small patterns on Robin's hands with her finger as he whispered something in her ear.

Terra and Beast Boy and Starfire and Speedy were currently together dancing to a slow song, both equally cute couples. Aqualad did not seem the least bit bothered by Starfire dancing with Speedy as he was currently surrounded by numerous women chatting with each of them with a cocky grin on his face. Mas and Menos were actually laying next to each other asleep on a table not that far from where Cyborg and Bumble Bee were quietly talking. Cyborg and Bumble Bee had been arguing all night but one only had to look at each others eyes and see they had forgotten all of that nonsense and were now simply enjoying each others company. That left only one person unaccounted for...Blackfire.

SoulBurn had spotted her every so often during the course of the night dancing, drinking, or flirting with some guy to get more drinks. SoulBurn finally spotted her surrounded by a group of about four guys laughing with a drink in her hand. She had actually been just a few feet in front of him but he hadn't noticed because some of the guys were in the way. SoulBurn didn't like the guys look and defiantly got a bad feeling from them but he also got a bad feeling from Blackfire so he wasn't really sure if he should trust his feelings. He watched as a noticeably drunk Blackfire dropped her empty glass and told one of the guys to get her another drink. The guy gave a strange smile and walked over to the bar to get her one. He barely took notice of the white-haired young man sitting there, despite the strangeness of his appearance. Of course, there were lots of strange looking people at this club tongiht.

SoulBurn watched as the man got the drink and discreetly dropped a white pill into it and mixed it up. He stared to walk back toward Blackfire when he felt himself stop because of a very strong grip on his wrist. He turned around and met two very pissed off eyes, one of them completely black.

"Is there something I can help you with buddy?" The guy's voice was cocky, not even close to understanding the situation he had walked into.

"I suggest that you put that drink down and take you and your buddies and leave." The guy made an effort to pull his arm way but found it didn't even budge.

"Hey man. We found her first. No need to ruin our fun just because you didn't get lucky." The guy felt unnerved by the growl that came from the guy holding his arm and even more unnerved by the flash of blue he could have sworn enter his eyes.

"I will give you one last chance. I promised to watch out for her and I take that very seriously considering who I made the promise too but with scum like you who would try to drug a girl, I will take this even more seriously if you do not walk away right now." The guy gave SoulBurn an arrogant smirk.

"And I'll give you one last chance to let me go before I…." The man never noticed that SoulBurn's hand started glowing blue and his words were cut off by the sound of his wrist bones cracking and his own scream. The scream was barely noticeable because of the loud music that had just started playing but loud enough for Blackfire and the other guys to take notice. They walked over when they saw the other guy clutching is arm with tears in his eyes. Blackfire walked right up to SoulBurn slurring her words.

"What do you think your doing? You shouldn't be trying to ruin my fun. The other Titans always try to but your not a Titan so leave me alone." SoulBurn stood up and met her gaze and noticed that Blackfire was only slightly shorter than him. He could smell the alcohol on her breath.

"If you must know Blackfire, I saw this man over hear trying to drug you so I made sure he couldn't. That is all." Blackfire's eyes narrowed as she looked over at the man still clutching is arm. Her eyes started glowing purple as she grabbed him by the throat and threw him across the room. He slammed into the wall with a thud. His friend's eyes were wide open with shock and quickly ran away. SoulBurn was sure one of them had just wet himself. Blackfire seemed to calm down quickly and turned to SoulBurn with a sultry smile.

"Well I guess I owed you an apology for knocking you out before and now I owe you a thank you for making sure those bastards didn't touch me. Stupid males thinking that can try and take whatever they want. It's the other way around, I take what I want."

As she talked she stepped closer to SoulBurn who in turn took a step back. Eventually he felt his back hit the bar and realized he was out of room. Blackfire grinned wider and pressed her body against SoulBurn. He could feel her chest pushing hard into him. She grabbed his hands and before he could realize what she was doing, placed his hands on her backside. They were as close as too people could get right now. SoulBurn could feel the warmth coming off her body.

"You are quite the cute one SoulBurn and I do owe you. I can think of plenty of things I can do to make it up to you." SoulBurn's brain seemed to finally kick in again and pulled his hands off Blackfire and pushed her away slightly. The shock caused her to stumble back slightly but she quickly regained her posture.

"Fine then SB, I guess I'll have to go find someone else to have some fun with." SoulBurn remembered his promise to Starfire and knew that it would be best to take her home now before things really got bad. He placed his hand on her shoulder and in a flash they were gone.

Almost instantly SoulBurn and Blackfire found themselves in the Training room back at the tower. Once again, SoulBurn was confused as to why his powers seemed to be slightly off. He also found it had taken more concentration than usual to transport Blackfire as he had trouble finding her essence to lock on to and instead had to lock on to the source of her powers which was far different than that found in her sister.. Blackfire stumbled upon reappearing and took a few seconds to look around the room to figure out exactly where she was.

"How did we end up here? I thought we were at the club. Oh well, I guess you wanted to spar with me a little before things got going." Blackfire got into a stumbly fighter's stance and started circling SoulBurn. SoulBurn was the next to speak.

"I do not think it would be appropriate to spar with you in those clothes Blackfire."

"I see no problem with them. It covers just as much as Starfire's uniform."

"That would be true but I believe Starfire wears underwear." Blackfire gave SoulBurn a grin.

"So you noticed that when you touched me. I just think that fact would make this more interesting…and fun."

"Please stop Blackfire. We only ended up hear on accident. I meant to take you to the main room and then to bed." Blackfire grinned even wider and SoulBurn cringed slightly at his choice of words.

"That's not what I meant. What I meant was to put you asleep."

"Why did we even end up back here together at all if you were just going to deny me. Explain that."

"I made a promise to your sister that I would keep an eye on you tonight and make sure nothing happened to you. I also promised that if you got out of control I would take you back home to sleep it off so that's what I did." SoulBurn again instantly regretted his words as he watched anger start building up in Blackfire's face. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. Her voice came out low filled with venom.

"So my little sister made you do this. I bet you would do anything for my little sister wouldn't you. You would do anything she says wouldn't you."

"I care about her as a sister the same way she cares about you. I probably would do anything for her if I thought it would help her and taking care of her older sister's well being didn't seem like too much to ask."

"Oh nice excuse there SoulBurn. You're just like everyone else I've ever met. Oh Starfire, she's the pretty one. She's so sweet and lovable. Everyone one wants her. Oh but wait, there's Blackfire. She's the outcast, the black sheep of the family. Wasn't it funny how her parent never loved her. Wasn't it funny when she was passed over for next in line to the throne. You're just like all the other guys of this planet. You all are hoping the beautiful princess Starfire will look your way and you'll get the chance to brag about being her first.

"Shut up Blackfire, you don't know what you're talking about." Somehow Blackfire had gotten next to SoulBurn and was now whispering in his ear though with no less malice.

"Or maybe you're helping her out because she already gave it up to you and this is how your paying her back. I always new she would be nothing but a little wh…." Blackfire never got a chance to finish. She suddenly found the strong grip of SoulBurn around her throat as he effortlessly lifted her off the ground. Blackfire stared into two cold glowing blue eyes and almost thought she saw them flash red for a second. SoulBurn squeezed a little tighter causing Blackfire to cough. She could feel his eyes boring into her, going right threw her. This was no longer the person who everyone had reacted so fondly to when he arrived, this was someone different. SoulBurn let out a dark chuckle that didn't fit his voice and spoke in perfect Tamaranian.

"You obviously know nothing of who your sister truly is, but what can I really expect from a soulless monster who has spent her life trying to hurt her." SoulBurn dropped Blackfire to the ground who fell in a heap. Her eyes were wide and lined with tears as if someone had just revealed her worst secret which SoulBurn had somehow known. She managed to stand up, now completely sober.

"Shut up. You have no right to judge me. You have no idea what hell I've been threw and what I had to do to survive, so just shut up." A dark chuckle erupted from SoulBurn, one that sent a shiver down Blackfire's spine. She was afraid right now, truly afraid.

"You think you've been threw hell foolish mortal." SoulBurn pulled off his shirt revealing his body. Blackfire let out a gasp. "I have been to Hell Blackfire, so don't think to try and make excuses to me. Now get out of my sight you soulless bitch." Blackfire quickly turned around and ran, not flew, out of the room. She didn't want to hear anymore. As soon as she left SoulBurn seemed to come to and collapsed to the ground.

"What the hell was that?" He couldn't figure out what had come over him but he did know one thing. He had figured out the reason he could never feel Blackfire's presence. It wasn't because something was wrong with his powers, it because she had no presence. She was empty, soulless. What the hell happened to her?

Meanwhile in another part of the tower, a much happier scene was playing out. Raven had teleported her and Robin back to the tower as they just wanted to be alone. Robin simply put his bike on autodrive to get home by itself. He was currently carrying Raven bridal style down the hallway toward his room. She had claimed she was tired and needed to be carried but in reality she was fine and simply wanted to be closer to him. She nuzzled her face lovingly into his chest.

Ever since she had talked to her Mother, she had felt absolutely perfect. The guilt she had carried with her for so long was now gone and she finally felt like she had complete control of her emotions and thoughts. She had told Robin about exactly what had happened. He was shocked but more than happy to know that she was safe and gotten the chance to see my mother. She told him about what she had learned regarding SoulBurn and he had agreed that there was no way they would kill him. He reluctantly agreed that they would simply wait and see

"Enough bad stuff had already happened to us, what more could happen." That was exactly what Raven had said, very optimistic for his dark beauty, and he really at that moment couldn't argue with her.. Raven realized they had arrived at Robin's door when suddenly a crying Blackfire zoomed by past them paying no notice to their presence. Robin looked like he was about to investigate when Raven spoke

"Lets not ruin the moment Robin. Let's just go inside." Robin gave her a small smile and somehow managed to punch in his code while holding Raven. They entered into his dark room and he gently laid her on the bed. He kneeled on the ground next to her and loved down at her beautiful face and removed his mask. Raven reached up and pulled Robin's mouth to hers. Robin took the initiative and climbed into bed with her really never breaking the kiss. Raven could feel Robin's hands slide up the sides of her body as he kissed her. She was in heaven again. After a little while of making out, Raven pulled away and looked into Robin's green eyes.

"I want to be with you tonight Robin." Robin applied slightly out of breath.

"I'm not going anywhere Raven, I promise." Raven gave a slight blush.

"No Robin, I want to be with you tonight. I want to be with you completely." Robin seemed to contemplate the words for a second before he realized what she was talking about.

"Are you sure your ready Raven. You know I'll wait as long as you need too."

"I always wanted to make sure that the first time we were together I knew it was truly what I wanted. I wanted to make sure I had control over my emotions completely so that it was truly me you'd be with and not some emotional whim. After meeting my mother, I know that I am finally completely who I was meant to be. I love you Robin with everything I am and I want to be with you." Robin looked into her eyes and could see the love and the passion she had for him. He gently caressed her face as he simply stared into her eyes feeling the strength of their connection. He could feel her and she could feel him. He bent down to claim her mouth once more and for the rest of the night, they would give themselves to each other, fully and completely.