I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU I DON'T OWN THE TITANS!

(that counts as a disclaimer, right?)

Chapter 2: Place Your Bids

"Will ya quiet down guys? I'm tryin' ta get some sleep!" Cyborg growled. He felt like hell this morning, and those idiots arguing weren't helping. Then he noticed he wasn't in his usual room. And those voices didn't sound like his teammates. They did sound familiar, though…

If I've told you once I've told you a million times. I'M NOT GOING TO BREAK UP THE SET. That goes for both of you."

Cyborg opened his eyes and took a good look at his surroundings. "Nope, definitely not in the Tower." He wasn't. Cyborgs, and the rest of the team, were in what looked like a jail cell. Raven was meditating in the corner, meditating, and the others just seemed to be waiting. Outside of the cell was an absurdly large communications array, a large collection of medieval weapons, and more dragon paraphernalia than Cy had known existed. "What's going on here?" he said, turning to Robin.

"I dunno, But he's been arguing with Slade and Blackfire for an hour now."

"Why haven't we busted out yet then? We could take him if we all go at once!" Said Cyborg, readying the Sonic Cannon.

"We can't. Raven says he warded the cell. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out."

Things were only getting louder over at the videoconference. "Get the goddam hair out of your ears, girl. This is the last time I'm telling you, they are not going to be sold piecemeal. All for one, or none for all. Got it?" The killer solemnly punched the keyboard, and Blackfire's image vanished from the screen. "stupid bitch. Now where were we? Willing to buy 'em all now, Wilson?"

"Yes. Do you think that should cover it?" Came Slade's voice over the speaker.

"Any other bids, gentlemen? No? Sold to the man in the iron mask then. And Wilson? I'll be expecting cash." The screen flickered out, and the madman slowly rose from his seat. "Mr. Wilson will be arriving shortly. Now I expect you to be on your best behavior."

"You won't get away with this!" yelled Robin, turning red with fury.

"Oh, sure. Did a great job stopping me last time, Grayson. I'm lucky to be alive after that! I'm Borac, and this is my home. You can call me Billy Acid if you need me for a job, though."

"Acid? I thought you was actin' funny" quipped Beastboy.

Borac looked like he was about to respond when a knock came from the door. "Wilson's here!" yelled Borac, an evil grin coming over his face.

"Please, what was for sale?" asked Starfire, walking to the edge of the cell.

"Elementary, dear Watson. You were. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to." Borac walked over to the door, and Raven's chanting stopped. One of the axes displayed in the chamber turned black and began to hover towards the warding marks. With a thunderous noise the blade smashed into the runes-

And shattered. "What the hell…" A large sai-shaped sword lifted from its perch, glowing orange even through the black energy holding it.

"No, not FireEater."

The sword cut into the concrete like butter.

"Oh fuck no."

Then came the explosion. The glass and metal that filled the room shattered like sugar glass in a low-budget action movie. When Borac found his way to the cell, the Titans were lying about, motionless. He shook his head, and was about to call for Slade when something landed at his feet. He reached down and picked up the metal disc.

Robin hit the detonator.

While he was still in the air, Borac was bombarded by a volley of starbolts, Sonic Cannon blasts and telekinetically-thrown debris The instant he hit the ground a green rhino launched him across the room. Borac landed at Slade's feet.

"Wilson? Check back later."

As Slade fled the scene, the sound of approaching sirens could be heard not far off. The Titans were beginning to advance when a wall of fire erupted between them and Borac. "Damn kids." Then a searing metal fist hit him in the head. Borac went careening across the parking lot, coming to a stop on the sidewalk. Slowly, he got up, pursed his lips, leaned back…

And spit a glob of black liquid at Cyborg. The Titan instinctively blocked it, then screamed as his arms began to dissolve.

"And THAT'S why they call me Billy Acid!" screamed Borac, not noticing that Raven had launched it back at him. The deadly fluid splashed harmlessly off his face. "And they say you're the best in town? Sad, truly sad…"

A half-dozen squad cars screeched to a halt behind him. "Freeze! We have you surrounded!" Borac turned slowly, ignoring their threats.

"I SAID FREEZE!"

Borac's skin turned glaringly white, and his eyes and mouth became gaping hollows. A blinding light was rising up around the killer, and an almost hurricane-force wind was being sucked into him as if he were a black hole. Raven began to black out.

Then it happened. A dome of blinding light erupted from Borac's form, enveloping the squad cars and the police surrounding them. When the light faded, the only sign of their presence was a blood-smeared street. Borac had vanished.