Author's Note: I hath returned! Woot! I'm so ever sorry about the... err... almost month delay, but I have had very time crunching projects I had to complete. Science Fair, Word Roots, Speeches, Spanish, and Health are but a scratch on the surface. But alas, I finally have no homework and what better way to celebrate then write a chapter to my best friends and reviewers! I'm very sorry CrazyDeafGirl for not replying to any of your chapters, I attempted to review at school but I guess it didn't work, as you obviously didn't get any of it. Nice job on them by the way. ) Hmm... I better stop talking before I lose the plot that I have currently in mind for this story, so until the end of this chapter, adios amigos!

Chapter 8: Not the Brightest Crayon in the Box, Are We?

Robin and Rancid raced down the alleyways, steering to Dr. Light's location. On the way, Johnny had declared a race, and they were now dodging trash cans and brick walls as the other attempted to thrust him into it. Robin gave a small smirk. He hadn't had this much fun in ages, and for once, he actually forgot the troubles that lay deeply embedded into his mind. It surprised him greatly, however, that this fun was issued from Johnny, the street punk guy who usually annoyed the living daylights out of him. But since their last encounter on the streets, everything had changed.

"That the best you got, bird boy?" Johnny laughed, as Robin unsuccessfully swung his bo-staff into Johnny's face. Johnny grabbed it and pocketed it, grinning at the leader's mocking shock. Suddenly the masked wonder broke into a grin, and waved goodbye to Rancid. Johnny turned to look forwards and plunged into a brick wall. The motorcycle took the damage, using the wheels as the cushions. Johnny grimaced, and made a private vow that he would pull a monstrous prank on the kid.

"Sorry, couldn't resist." Robin said, offering a green gloved hand to the crouched biker. Rancid accepted it and handed over the bo-staff. A small beeper went off, and Robin used his other hand to grab the communicator. Dr. Light was in the parallel street to their own. Scheming expressions appeared on both faces.

"Okay, here's the plan..."

Meanwhile...

Raven ducked as another ball of dark red energy was hurled into her hiding spot, on the other side of a boulder. The boulder exploded, debris flung in all directions. Her hood slipped from her face as a windstorm thrashed wildly about the world. Raven gasped, falling to her knees. Her gash in her side had reopened, and blood soaked the bandage keeping it together. As she crouched, red slash marks were revealed all around her frame. She looked at them in deep confusion. Where did they come from? For now, it didn't matter. She had to get out of there somehow, and fast.

"Hatred shall rule!" A bellowing voice yelled, its harshness deafening to the ears.

"You really need a new motto, father. It's getting quite old." Raven replied, levitating onto a nearby rock. The looming figure of Trigon stood before her. He looked down with his sneering face, and Raven just wanted him to disappear. But she knew that wasn't possible. He would always be haunting her dreams, ruining her state of mind until she finally gave in. Her cloak wrapped tightly around her, as if trying to protect her fragile figure. But it wasn't enough, as a blast of air ripped it open.

Trigon just stared at the sight before him. Raven was in a dreadful state. Blood soaked into her bandage, turning it a bright red. Her scars seemed deep, etching all across her body. It wasn't to happen. Not yet. With a sigh, Trigon sat down. Raven raised her eyebrow and did the same, exhaustion finally taking over. Trigon seemed to be muttering something. She strained to hear it.

"The time will come... But not today..." With that, he just evaporated. Raven widened her eyes. He had never just left of his own free will before. It was totally out of character for him to do so. Not that she was complaining. With an exasperated sigh, Raven lay on the ground and closed her eyes, peace finally restoring her will.

In the Infirmary...

Cyborg just stared as Raven muttered words and her facial expressions changed constantly. After 5 minutes of continuous muttering, Raven gave a deep sigh and lay still. Alarmed, Cyborg rushed forward and scanned her, hoping she was okay. The results were good. Her energy spread out of her head like rapid fire, finally deciding to replenish and heal its bruised state. Nearby Starfire began to whimper, and she shook uncontrollably. Cyborg quickly ran to her side, scanning her frame as well. It was chaos. Inflicting emotions ensued a dramatizing situation of the lungs. For some unknown reason, she wasn't getting air. Swiftly he began an operation he had never thought he would have to learn until now.

Out in The City...

"Hey Light Bulb, why you making such a fuss now?" Rancid asked, walking up to his 'partner'. Dr. Light cringed at the nickname, and turned to face Johnny.

"I want some gold, Ransom Rancid, you know the purpose." Light replied, filling up a small bag full with gold bars. Johnny sighed inwardly, and placed a hand on Light's shoulder.

"I think we should talk about this. Don't you have enough already for this cause?" Johnny asked, gazing into the other's black orbs.

"They are demanding extra, Johnny. I need it for the safety." Silence enveloped the pair, both just looking at the ground.

"Maybe you should tell the titans about this. Otherwise they'd just think you're a criminal for no reason." Light was alarmed by the suggestion.

"Are you okay there Rancid? The Titans would never give us a chance to explain." They looked about a bit before their eyes locked.

"I believe they would." Dr. Light just stared with shock, but also with deep worry. What Rancid said was usually correct, Light had found out earlier, but this seemed too bizarre to be possible.

"But shouldn't they be here by now? I mean, their alarm must of sounded off a while ago." Light questioned, thoughts plaguing his mind. Hearing that statement, Robin jumped from a small business roof and landed with a soft plop onto the sidewalk. Dr. Light backed away from him, fear plainly showing through the eyes. Dr. Light turned to Rancid who hadn't moved.

"Where are the others? On the rooftops as well?" Light shakily asked, clutching his arms in a tight embrace to stop shuddering.

"Just who you see standing before you." Robin replied softly. His calmness triggered some confusion within Light, and the doctor thrust a light bolt at the boy wonder. Robin easily rolled out of the way as Rancid pinned Dr. Light to the ground, attempting to stop the man's terrible shaking and squabbling.

"Not the brightest crayon in the box, are we, Light?" Rancid quoted, whispering urgently. Instantly Dr. Light relaxed his muscles, and slowly Johnny got up. Seeing Robin's astonished look, Johnny murmured,

" My motto. It works like a charm on him." Robin nodded in understanding.

"Could you tell what you two were talking about earlier? Why does he need these bars?" Robin asked. Johnny shook his head. Something dramatic could happen and Robin still would want information.

"You see... it all began when..."

To Be Continued...

Author's Note: Sorry if this was shorter than usual, but I just wanted to post something to show I hadn't forgotten my fellow writers. ) I hope this was a good chapter, after rereading it sounded good but an author can't always be too sure about it.

The quote "Not the brightest crayon in the box, are we?" came from my friend Emi, who made a lot of interesting quotes I may write into future chapters. Though this next quote has nothing to do with the story, I still find it interesting. Tell me what you think.

"If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of Progress?"