This is a work of fanfiction. I do not own Teen Titans or any DC comics alluded to in this story. Kenkaku and his swords are mine, however, as well as the basic 'Prophecies Universe' and characters.

Rolling the Dice:

The Second Prophecy

A 'Prophecies Universe' fanfiction.

"text": spoken English

"text": spoken Japanese (translated or flavor text)

"text": war cry, English

"text": war cry, Japanese.

text: thoughts

-text-: stressed word

text: printed or typed English

text: printed or typed Japanese

'text': sound effect

Japanese flavor text will be in a glossary at the end of the chapter.

Kenkaku gave a sad little smile as Raven's deft hands kneaded away a few knots in his back. "I don't know how I'm going to manage without being with you." It was a pretty valid concern. Ever since Kenkaku had killed Trigon, the two had pretty much never been apart for more than half an hour at the most. They generally slept cuddled in the same bed, though they had not -slept- together.

Being together felt natural, not smothering. It was almost like a drug, and a very addictive one at that. "The same way I'm going to manage without being with you." She turned him around and placed two fingers on his pineal eye, the same place where she had a chakra stone in her forehead. She chanted a few words that the other half-demon did not quite catch, and her fingers glowed. She pulled them away, then touched them to her chakra, tracing a faintly glowing blue path in the air, anchored by glowing blue areas on each of their foreheads. The glow and hue faded quickly

"What was that?"

Raven smiled. "A spell that gives us a telepathic connection. You have to initiate the contact while meditating or some such, but it's two-way from there."

Kenkaku gave a broad grin. "Perfect!" He wrapped his arms around her, whirled her around, and kissed her deeply. "Have I told you I love you lately?"

"Yes, but I like to hear it."

"Well then, I love you."

Raven stood in front of Cyborg and Kenkaku as they slipped into their villainous roles in a half-completed building on the other side of town from the Tower. "Now, I'll be your contact. Call me when you can to update us on the mission. Kenkaku has an untraceable special line. I'll be expecting frequent calls on that." She smirked. Ittou gave a toothy grin, and nodded. "Have fun at school, boys." She shadow-warped out.

Stone, in his non-golem form, shuddered. "You know, Kaku, she's right. We are going to school."

"Ah, you need some education."

"I built the bike you ride!"

"For which I am grateful…motorhead. But we'll be learning villain tactics and strategies. That could help."

"True enough. So, no good-bye kiss?"

"We didn't figure you would have the patience to wait."

Stone raised an eyebrow. "That long? So…you took care of that before?"

Ittou nodded his head slightly. "What I'm worried about is being away from Raven for so long."

"That what the special line is for? Some kind of telepathic connection?"

"Got it in one, my statue-like friend. Do -not- snap me out of meditation."

"Unless I want to test my armor against a pair of demonblades?"

"Against Kanesada and Muramasa. You already lost one arm…"

"Happy meditation, Bladeheir. You know, other than your classes for us, this is the most English I've ever heard out of you."

"I'm already unhappy about being away from Raven, you don't have to remind me that I'm not speaking Japanese. At least I can lapse into Nihongou without breaking character. Demons of the Wind are oni."

"Huh." Stone tapped his foot. "Where are they? The H.A.E.Y.P. people are supposed to be here by now."

"They'll come. Being late is probably a calculated gesture to show that even if we got such nice acceptance letters, we're just two students to them. Ittou will -not- be happy with this."

"Oh?"

"He's demon aristocracy from under Trigon. Do the math."

"Makes sense. So how does Stone fit into his worldview?"

"A good accomplice, and for some reason, entertaining. For some reason or another he respects the guy. Ittou is actually rather conflicted. He's from my bloodline, which isn't particularly evil, so to speak, but he wanted to become as powerful as possible, so he became Trigon's Bladeheir. He's mellowing because of his time on Earth, but he absolutely -hates- Kenkaku."

"Why?"

"One reason is that he is sworn to kill Kenkaku for killing Trigon, even if he is grateful for getting the blades. But the real reason is that that classless, tainted blood, half-demon ronin stole his betrothed."

Stone laughed his head off. "Oh that's good dawg! So has that classless, tainted blood, half-demon ronin taken Ittou's betrothed's virginity? "

"I really don't see how that's your business."

Stone walked over and threw his heavy arm around Ittou's shoulder. "Because I'm one of your male friends, and we're supposed to talk about such things."

"I suppose I should be changing the honorifics I use."

"Eh?"

"Never mind. Well, I suppose I'll answer your question. No, no I haven't."

"Really!? But you two are soul mates and all…"

"Love doesn't require sex, you know. We both know it's only a matter of time, but we don't want to rush it."

"What if one of you dies? That is a risk associated with our field."

"I fought the most powerful Demon Lord of all time, and -won-. I figure if I can live through that, old age is my most likely killer. Getting killed is a risk that is very avoidable if one works to keep themselves alive. I guess the bottom line is, we want it to be special, not just some romp in the sack for no reason at all."

"But you two love each other, and that's never going to change. Seems like a reason to me."

"There is that, isn't there?" He shrugged. "It's a little weird. You can compare notes with me when you find your soul mate?"

"What do you mean, dawg?"

"My bet is that Raven's half-sister, whoever she is, is your soul mate. And with a prophecy unfolding, my bet is that we find her soon." A van pulled up outside. "Showtime."

The two undercover Titans stood up from the old chairs they were sitting on, brushed themselves off, and strode out to the start of there mission.

"And these are your dorm rooms. As advanced students, you get separate rooms that are connected to a common room shared by you and a few other students," said a HIVE teacher.

"Who else?" asked Stone.

"I believe that three other students share this room," answered the teacher, "Team Hydra. Their names are Gizmo, Jinx, and Mammoth, if I'm correct. You shouldn't have any trouble figuring out which is which is which. I teach martial arts, an elective, here. Would I be seeing either of you in my class?"

"Very possible," said Ittou.

"I shall look forward to having such an illustrious Demon of the Wind in my class. Team Hydra got in a fight with the Teen Titans, and lost to only three of those so-called heroes. I understand the new headmaster is adding you two to Hydra to strengthen them. They were retrieved from the MCU yesterday, and quite easily. As soon as the medics are done with them, they should be here. Until then, you have the run of the common room. Please fill out your course applications. The first semester starts in two days. You will be directed to your next activity by an announcement in your earbud." He handed them two. "We were informed that your powers and transformation would not interfere with these. If we were misinformed, please inform us of the tolerances necessary for a device that could be used in place of these, and one will be issued to you."

"Thank you, sir."

"Thanks. Don't be too hard on Ittou, okay? He can be a little frail."

Ittou's eyes and tattoos flared. "Watch it, golem-boy."

"Intimidating," commented the teacher. "I think you will go far in my class, Ittou-san. Both of you have bright futures in the HIVE. Now get to applying to your classes. I must prepare."

The two new students nodded and slipped the earbuds into their ears, walking into their respective dorm rooms. Both tossed their bags on the beds and scooped up the course application sheets, walking into the common room.

Ittou plopped down in a comfortable chair and dragged the table over with his foot. "Let's see." He checked off Martial Arts, as well as the normal class load. Vehicular Combat would provide some good practice, so he went for that too. Demonic Magic could help round out his abilities, and would let him help Raven with her studies.

Stone walked over and looked over Ittou's courses. "Huh. That's a pretty full load, Makil." Indeed, Ittou only had one open slot for extra study time

"Whatever, golem-boy. What do you have?" He took the offered sheet. "Vehicular Combat and Hero Psychology?" He handed the sheet back. "I'm surprised you're not taking Cybernetics. You've got a knack for it."

Stone checked that one off. "You're right. I guess I'll take that one." They fed their papers into a scanner on the wall. "So what now?"

Ittou shrugged before a beeping in his ear interrupted him. "Report to the cafeteria for dinner," said the voice in their ears.

"Never mind. I guess we see how bad the food around here is."

Ittou stared at the bowl of ramen on his tray along with a cup of Mr. Pibb. Stone sat down heavily across from him with a plate full of sloppy joes. More accurately, a heaping tray full. "MMMM! Sloppy joes!"

Literally the entire cafeteria, excepting Ittou, stared at him. Stone looked back nervously. "Um, just like the mad scientist that made me used to make?" Amazing that such a flimsy explanation would hold up but it did. Everyone else went back to what they were doing before Stone's outburst. "Heh."

"It's nice of them to recognize my heritage," muttered Ittou as he poked at the ramen with his fork. "But there had better be some variety in this menu, or I'm moving over to human flesh. And could they not have Dr. Pepper instead of this cheap imitation?"

"That bad?" asked Stone, through a mouthful of meat, bread, and sauce.

"They don't even have sencha."

"What'd you say, dawg?"

"Green tea. They don't have green tea."

"Should I be running for my genetically-engineered life?"

"Not yet. Give me time." He pulled some of the noodles out of the ramen and started eating. "Not bad, but very good either."

Stone tossed another sloppy joe into his gaping mouth. "So long as you don't flip out and kill me like a ninja, I suppose I'm okay."

"Hey! What are you crud-munchers doing at -our- table!?" Gizmo's annoying voice came from behind Ittou.

Ittou went accelerated and pulled one of his blades out its sheath on his back, pointing it directly at the two bandaged male members of Team Hydra. "Sit down and shut up if you don't want me adding your flesh to my food."

Mammoth clamped his hands over the tip of the demonblade. "Who are you?" he growled.

"There's another blade on my back," Ittou informed Mammoth. "If you want to keep you hands, you will stop defiling my blade. And don't try attacking me. I'm much faster than you will ever be." Mammoth promptly dropped the blade at the demon's threat. "As for my name, I am registered to this school as Ittou." He sheathed the blade and took another forkful of ramen, his pointed teeth shredding the flavored noodles. "I assume you are two of the members of Team Hydra that were defeated by the same number of Titans." He gestured across the table with his fork. "My friend's name is Stone."

Stone stood up and pounded his fists together, triggering the transformation. He glared at the Hydras. "And if you have a problem with us being around, I'll be happy to kick your asses."

"Hold." Ittou held out his hand, palm down towards Stone. "There is, after all, no need for us to be fighting. We are supposed to be working with them." Stone sat down

"So you are the two new students we are adding to our team," said Jinx as she limped up to the table with a tray. "Hope you measure up. The Titans have got much better lately." She sat down next to Stone, who canceled his transformation and started eating again. The two other Hydras reluctantly sat down and started eating. "So, you two are?"

"Genetically-engineered soldier," said Stone.

"Demon of the Wind, Bladeheir to Lord Trigon the Terrible," answered Ittou. "You?"

"Probability-changing sorceress." She hexed Mammoth under the table.

The long-haired strongman looked up. "Huh? Oh. Genetically-engineered soldier."

Gizmo grumbled. "Genius inventor."

Jinx nodded happily. "So that puts us with two tanks, two support, and…pray tell what kind of a demon is a Demon of the Wind? I can't remember exactly."

Stone smiled. "My man Ittou moves fast. Really fast."

"Are you good with your blades?" inquired Jinx

"Good enough to be named Bladeheir to he who was quite possibly the most powerful Demon Lord in history," answered Ittou. "And before you ask, I would be quite happy to kill the newest Titan." He finished off his food. "Are we allowed to go back to the dorms once we're done, or are such things frowned upon?"

"You can leave," snickered Gizmo.

"No, you can't," said Jinx.

Ittou gave vent a few choice Japanese curses. "Fine. I'll just wait." He crossed his arms, and looked malevolent, something which he was exceedingly good at.

Jinx looked over at Stone. "Your friend is downright stand-offish."

Stone stopped gobbling sloppy joes for a second. "You're brave for saying that in front of his face." Ittou snorted. Stone continued. "But honestly, he's mellowing. He nearly took my head off when I met him. He just doesn't like people challenging his skills or worth. And he's demon aristocracy."

"Ichidokini," grunted Ittou.

"What did he say?" asked Jinx.

"Don't know. I don't speak Japanese. Hey, Ittou, what'd you say?"

"I -was- aristocracy. Up until that half-blood killed Lord Trigon. Now if I want to be back on the register, I must kill him."

"Oh. So that's why you want to kill him?"

"I could care less about my title. I have the power I want."

"So what's your reason?" asked Mammoth, who had just finished his food, which had rivaled Stone's pile.

"It's personal. I might tell you later."

Mammoth looked like he might try to press him for more information, but just then, a tone sounded in their ears, and they were called to the auditorium.

"It is good to see so many students in these seats," said the gray-haired man at the lectern. "I am your new headmaster, though I would prefer for you to call me Brother Blood."

Jinx leaned over to whisper to Stone. "There are all kinds of rumors about him and the reorganization. Supposedly he's got all kinds of new plans for the school."

"Huh."

"No one else will admit it, but it's probably a good idea," said Jinx.

"New blood is generally a good thing," affirmed Stone. "A fresh perspective can really help."

"Sure you should be talking about blood in front of your buddy?" taunted Gizmo.

Ittou glanced over to where Gizmo was sitting, looking across Stone and Jinx. He let out a short growl. "Shut up. I don't get affected the same as most."

"Then you're from the disgraced line?" asked Mammoth. "How'd you become Bladeheir?"

"Ittou's just that good," answered Stone.

Ittou hissed. "Shut it. Sounds like he's done with pleasantries."

Brother Blood raised his voice a bit. "…do away with the meaningless and competitive team projects. We shall be doing a class project that will rock the foundations of this city and will be used to destroy the group of do-gooders, the TEEN TITANS!"

The auditorium erupted into cheering. During the commotion, Brother Blood's eyes flashed red. Ittou's silver eyes narrowed as all around the auditorium, eyes went red, then went back to normal. There was only one exception, a person with what looked like demonic magic crackling around their body. What the hell was that?

Japanese Flavor Text:

Nihogou: "Japanese"

Oni: "Japanese devil."

Ichidokini: "At one time."

A/N: Well, they're in the HIVE. Also, thanks to bloodstar, the C2 community is now open. It's still an open project, so long as you consult with me at either rei(underscore)ronin on Yahoo IM or at my e-mail address, which you should be able to find in my bio. bloodstar is doing an interesting little side story to Rolling the Dice starring Beast Boy and Soothsayer. It's not up yet, but it should be very good. Thanks to all of you who read, and even more thanks to those who also review. Until next time.

Ja na.

--Kai Reased, The Rei Ronin