Chapter 8:

Dead and Bloated

"I run through the world, thinkin' 'bout tomorrow…" Beast Boy sang softly. "I am smelling like a rose that somebody gave me…"

I chose to keep my mouth shut. No need to ruin what a quiet chuckle we had recently experienced. We took the expressway to Gotham, weaving in and out of giant mortar holes and abandoned vehicles. Slade's checkpoint at the beginning of the giant suspension bridge was no match for the giant Hummer and Cyborg's sonic cannon.

Time passed. We continued on.

By about late afternoon we arrived in Gotham City. Thankfully, it hadn't been overrun with Slade's goons or monsters. Suffice to say, though, that it could change in an instant. During our ride, I didn't hear a peep out of Aeris. I kept my mind open, listening, but I heard nothing. I was a little worried, but I reassured myself she said all that she could say. The towering skyscrapers reflected brightly as the sun pounded their windows fiercely. I looked behind us into the far distance: it looked like a storm was coming, but I knew it was the smoke from Metropolis and Jump City shifting south.

"So," Beast Boy said. "Where're we going?"

"Wayne Manor," Robin said flatly.

Starfire leaned over next to him, asking, "Robin, what is the matter?"

Robin looked away, "I just have a bad feeling, okay? It's nothing."

Starfire lowered her gaze, "I see. I shall leave you alone."

She scooted back in the opposite direction. We drove through the city. Police, armed forces, and civilian militias were abundant. It didn't matter: nobody could adequately prepare for Slade's invasion. On the outside of town, looking over the ocean, an extremely large estate came into view.

All was quiet.

The entrance gate was open.

We quietly rode up the long driveway to the front entrance. The team and I exited the Hummer.

"Thanks for the lift!" Cyborg shouted at the Army driver.

He waved back before pulling away and circling around the fountain. Robin took the lead as we walked up to the towering mansion that was Wayne Manor. I could feel nervous vibes coming from Robin; his whole body was shaking as he pushed open the heavy polished oak front door. We crept inside the manor.

The place was a wreck.

"Alfred!" Robin called, his quivering voice echoing through the hallways.

Robin turned back to us, "Split up! Search the mansion for anything that's alive!"

That being said, the Boy Wonder took off deeper into the house. We all separated as we began to search. There was no doubt who paid Mr. Wayne and company a visit. Sword in hand, I crept through the hallway and into the library. Books had been torn from the shelves and thrown fervently, like someone was searching for something. The priceless furniture was broken in half and tossed aside. In the corner, under a giant wooden globe, an old, gray-haired English butler lied. I used my power to lift the smashed rendition of the Earth off of him and came to his side.

He looked up at me wearily, "Who… might you be…?"

I looked down as I began to cast a healing spell, "A friend of Robin's."

I focused all my strength into the Restore materia. Bright, sparkling droplets began to fall onto Alfred, healing his wounds. After he regained his senses, he began to pull himself up. I helped him to his feet and set up one of the fallen chairs. Alfred took a seat, "Thank you, dear child. Did you say you were a friend of Master Dick?"

I nodded, "That's correct. Let me get him."

I pulled out my communicator, "Robin: library, now. I found Alfred – he's going to be all right."

"I'm on my way," Robin replied.

I turned to Alfred, putting away my two-way radio, "What happened here?"

Alfred rubbed his head, and said, "Master Bruce and I were ambushed by some strange chaps in gas masks. There was another fellow: had an iron mask and a cunning voice. I believe he was followed by two other blokes."

Alfred took notice of my sword, "My word, is that a Masamune?"

I held it up, "Yeah… how'd you know?"

"When I was but a lad, I studied ancient mythologies about feudal kingdoms, such as that of England and Asia. I've only seen one of those in my time; they are quite rare."

I exposed the hilt, "This one has some strange writing on it."

"Let me see," the old man said. He became perplexed, "Do you know what this means?"

"Alfred!" Robin called. "Are you all right?"

Alfred waved for Robin to come closer, saying, "Master Dick! Indeed, I am just fine thanks to your young friend here."

Robin came over and hugged the old butler.

"Where's Bruce?" he asked anxiously.

Alfred thought for a minute, "To be quite frank, Master Dick, I haven't a clue."

Starfire's yell for assistance filled the mansion.

"I believe they found him," I said. "Let's go."

Robin tore in front of us as he raced towards the source. In a small living area, behind an old grandfather clock, a stairwell led downwards into the dark unknown. Robin was racing down the steps; Alfred and I briskly jogged down them. Cyborg and Beast Boy guarded the mansion back on the main floor. When we finally reached the bottom, I knew immediately the alter ego of Bruce Wayne.

The Bat Cave was torn to shreds. The Batmobile suffered heavy damage from gunfire and sword slashing; Batman's computer flickered and emitted a low hum. In Batman's chemistry area, on his examination table, Bruce Wayne was being hoisted up by Starfire. His brown business suit was torn and blood-stained.

Robin screamed with anger.

A flurry of bats made their hasty escape, fluttering and chirping on their way out.

Starfire laid Mr. Wayne down onto the floor. A large stab wound was in the left of his chest. Blood began to form a puddle under him. His black hair was sweaty; his blue eyes were trying desperately to bring the world into focus. Robin ran to his side and began to lose control of his emotions. Starfire remained calm and began to use the Restore materia.

Bruce let out a weak whisper, "Robin…"

Robin grabbed Mr. Wayne's hand.

Starfire called out, "Cure!"

Like the spell that worked on Alfred, it worked its magic again on Mr. Wayne. While his body began to heal, I decided to look around a little bit. The cape, cowl, and uniform were thrown across the chair to the supercomputer. I grabbed it by both sides and held it up against the light. Slade had carved out his insignia over Batman's logo on the chest.

One thing was for sure: he had balls.

Robin and Starfire helped Mr. Wayne up to his feet. He held his head for a minute as his senses regained him.

"Master Bruce!" Alfred said. "Thank Heavens you're all right."

Mr. Wayne looked up at the butler, "Alfred… did they get you, too?"

"I'm afraid they did sir. They ravaged the house; whatever they came searching for, they probably have it."

Mr. Wayne turned to his sidekick, "Thank you, Robin; thank God for you and your friends. I don't know how long it's been since 'they' were here."

Robin slammed his fist on the table, "We'll get that S.O.B. I'll make him pay for what he did."

Starfire walked over to Mr. Wayne, "You are okay now, yes?"

He nodded, "Yes, thank you. I'm Bruce Wayne."

She smiled, "Yes, I have seen you on the television. You are the extremely rich businessman of Gotham!"

"And he's also Batman," I murmured. Much to my dismay, the acoustics of the cave amplified it.

Mr. Wayne nodded, "That is correct. I am the Dark Night. However, I was no match for Slade."

"I know," I said. "Neither are we."

"These are my friends," Robin said. He pointed, "That's Starfire, that's Raven, upstairs are Beast Boy and Cyborg."

"I've read all about you in the paper," Mr. Wayne said. "The Teen Titans: quite a formidable team."

Starfire beamed after hearing such praise. I kept my mind focused.

I asked Mr. Wayne, "Slade was after the Black Materia. Since he came here, I take it that it wasn't in one of your facilities?"

He shook his head, "Actually, it's here, he just didn't know where."

Mr. Wayne walked over to where I was standing, holding his outfit. He lifted up the bright utility belt and opened one of its compartments. Out popped the Black Materia.

I smiled, "How do you hide a stolen elephant?"

Mr. Wayne smiled back, "Exactly."

"Where is he heading now?" Robin asked.

"He should be on his way to Wayne Enterprises headquarters in Gotham. He said that he'd be expecting you all to follow."

"Then it will end there," Starfire said. "Quickly, we must make haste to Wayne Enterprises!"

"Hold on, Star," I said. I turned to Mr. Wayne, "Where exactly in the building would you keep something like that?"

"On the top floor in my office suite; Robin can show you how to access the vault," he said. "Here, take this."

Mr. Wayne handed me one the Black Materia.

"I think it'll be safer if it's guarded," he said.

I turned to Robin who nodded. He took the Black Materia and put it inside his utility belt.

"Is there anything I can do for you all before you leave?" Alfred asked.

My stomach growled.

"…Hungry," I said.

Alfred drove us to the vicinity of the Wayne Enterprises building. I was the last one to get out of the limousine. Alfred grabbed my wrist as I tried to exit.

"Take this," he said, handing me a stainless steel Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver.

Confused, I asked him, "What's this for?"

"Just in case. Good luck."

With that, I simply nodded and shut the door to the black stretch limo. Ahead, the towering Wayne Enterprises building waited. The sun wasn't shining anymore; heavy thunderstorm clouds took to the sky and began to pound the city. I slipped the revolver into the small of my back, my belt holding it in place. I pulled my hood over my head as we began to run through the rain. The mixture of Gotham citizens and Armed Forces personnel stepped aside as we pressed onward. People couldn't help but affix their gaze onto the Masamune. Like it did to me, they were drawn to it.

"Slade must've sneaked in. The city's not been evacuated yet," Cyborg said.

I looked up at the building, "Maybe because they don't have anywhere to go."

We came up to the entrance of the Wayne Enterprises building. I peered inside the windows: nobody was around.

"Titans, go," I said quietly, motioning for the front door.

Everyone prepared themselves.

We slipped inside the building.

"I'm not picking up anything living," Cyborg said.

Beast Boy morphed into a bloodhound and began sniffing around the front lobby. He stopped behind the receptionist desk and changed back.

He waved for everyone to come over, saying, "Dude… no…"

We peered over the marble and wood counter. Starfire gasped and covered her mouth. The rest of us remained silent. A pretty, young red-headed secretary was toppled over in her chair. A stack of pencils had been shoved into her neck.

I pulled back, yelling, "We've got to hurry! GO!"

We began to run towards the elevator. A loud whirring sound – like that of a dozen propellers – immediately came up upon us coupled with scrambling foot steps. Slade had left a bunch of artillery gunners and grunts to keep us busy.

"Great," Robin said.

"We'll take care of these!" Cyborg called, fighting off one of the panthers unleashed by the sentries. "Raven! You and Robin get moving!"

Robin asked, "Are you sure?"

Cyborg screamed back as he began to thin the crowd with his sonic cannon, "GODDAMMIT GO!"

I grabbed Robin's arm as we ran for the elevator. The bottom floor began to sound more like a war zone as the rest of the team took on Slade's minions. The heavy polished doors slid shut as the elevator ascended.

We rode in near-silence.

Finally, I said, "Are you ready for this?"

Robin shook his head, "I don't think I'll ever be. How about you?"

"Me neither."

"Wonder if Ariel's up here," he said, gazing at the floor indicator above the doors.

I sighed, "Hope she's all right. We could use her help since everyone else is downstairs."

"Yeah."

Moments passed.

Suddenly, the flash of light appeared in my eyes again. My ears heard nothing but screaming. I dropped my sword and fell to the floor. In the background, I could hear Robin calling my name, and then he started screaming in pain also. Slade's voice haunted me, "Do you intend to stop me?"

"I… WILL…" I said.

"You would be terribly mistaken. You see, I have something your little friend wants, something he's wanted for a long time. I knew Wayne had the Black Materia all along. But, being the gentleman that I am, I am not going to take it. Robin is going to give it to me."

"No…"

"Yes, Raven… as for you, you shall prove to be quite worthy for my first test subject in the new Jenova project."

"NO…!"

"My Ascension is coming in a mere matter of minutes. Just you wait…"

In an instant, the roof of the elevator car came into view. I was sprawled onto my back in the corner. Robin was on all fours as he tried to regain himself.

"What… happened…?" he asked.

The elevator dinged. The doors slid open to the executive suite. I crawled out of the elevator with Robin. Slade was standing behind Mr. Wayne's executive desk, staring out into the city of Gotham. I got back on my feet with Robin. He turned to us, "Patience is a virtue."

"Where's Ariel?" I demanded. "What have you done with her…?"

Slade reached down and lifted up Ariel off of the floor by the collar of her uniform. She was covered in blood, badly bruised, and hung loosely in Slade's grasp. Ariel's groan was soft and weak as Slade gently placed her across Mr. Wayne's desk. Her right arm fell carelessly off the side and hung there. Slade turned back to the window. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

"It ends here, Slade," Robin said.

Slade laughed, "Think what you want, Robin, but before you jump to any conclusions, I have a proposition to make."

"I'm not making any deals with you!"

"Not even if it was your heart's desire?"

Robin was confused, "What're you talking about…?"

Slade turned to the side, and yelled, "Bring him in!"

On the other side of Mr. Wayne's office, a set of articulate wooden double-doors opened up. Sephiroth and Cloud dragged in a bound and gagged black haired gentleman in a dapper gray business suit. He struggled against his restraints and his captors, but once he saw Robin, a bolt of fear went through him as did the lighting in the distance. Robin gasped and dropped his steel staff. He immediately clenched his fist and gritted his teeth as I could see the emotion building up in him.

"You remember Mr. Zucco, don't you? How could you forget? All those years ago at the Haley Circus… And here he is, all nice and packaged for you. He's moved on up the career ladder now in the underworld. It would've been hard to find him. I'd be willing to give him to you so you can fill your appetite for vengeance… for a particular item in your inventory."

"Robin, don't!" I said, grabbing his arm.

Robin couldn't speak.

Zucco started sweating profusely.

Slade crossed his arms, "Tick-tock Robin; I get what I want, you get what you want, it's that simple."

Again, I pleaded with my friend, "Robin, please!"

The tears began to run below his mask.

He began to speak, his voice cracking, "I'm… sorry… I'm so sorry Raven… I've let you down…"

I tightened the grasp on his arm as he tried to pull away, reaching into his utility belt to retrieve the Black Materia. Ariel looked up from the table and tried to reach out to him, mouthing "No" to the best of her abilities. Robin freed his arm from my grasp and marched to Slade. He placed the polished black orb into its new owner's hand and stood back.

"You'll need this," Slade said. He extended his hand to Robin's staff lying next to me. Black energy formed around it as it lifted off the floor and went straight to Robin. Robin took his weapon and approached his prize. I clenched the Masamune in my hands. Sephiroth and Cloud stood back as Robin faced Zucco.

"You took my parents," Robin said, pure anger and strife filling his voice. "Now I'm going to TAKE YOU!"

With that he began to pummel the defenseless captive. Slade turned back to the window and pocketed the Black Materia.

"There's one more order of business that needs to be conducted," Slade said. "Bring in the President."

Sephiroth and Cloud walked back through the doors in which they had come in. They returned with the President of the United States, bound and bruised. The President was, like most before him, an older man with silver hair and an aging face. His dark navy-blue Armani suit was ripped and stained. Slade's apprentices brought him before the desk.

"Wilson, why are you doing this?" President Wall asked.

Slade kept his focus beyond the window, saying, "I should've asked you the same thing years ago, Preston, before all of 'this' happened."

"We needed someone with your expertise, Wilson; no-one else could do it!"

Slade turned and slammed his fist on the table, "LIAR! There were others who could've operated it, but they wanted me to pay for their stupidity. Now I have the means, Preston; it's time to send them a message."

He looked at his apprentices, "Toss him. I want to see if he's redeemed his frequent flyer miles."

Slade immediately turned to me and grabbed his Masamune.

"And to make sure you don't interfere with the President's flight," he said.

I took my position and hoped to God that Starfire would be flying upward outside. Sephiroth and Cloud dragged President Wall to one of the towering glass windows as Slade and I fought. Out of the glimpse of my eye I saw the old man fly through the thick pane. The glass showered down like a waterfall; President Wall's voice echoed throughout the city as gravity took effect. Slade and I continued our contact, our swords making light clings and clangs that filled the whole room. Even Robin's continued assault on Zucco couldn't drown out my battle.

"This is a battle you cannot win, Raven," Slade said in between attacks.

I waved my hand and hurled a ball of fire at him. In return, a multicolored shield appeared in front of Slade. The flames that consumed him did nothing. He walked up and jump kicked me into the middle of next week. I crashed into a glass display on the nearby wall. I hopped back up and launched an all out attack on Slade. I forced him backwards towards the desk where Ariel was, now sitting upright. She held her sword, ready to sneak up on Slade. I managed to get him right up next to the desk. Slade ducked as Ariel tried to get him in a headlock; my sword and hers made contact. Slade leapt into the air and kicked both of us in the jaw. Ariel fell off the table and I fell back onto floor, rolling backwards before crashing flat on my face. I looked up as Slade turned to face the window again.

Starfire blasted him back over me with her star-bolts. Slade landed on his collarbone and rolled. Star came into the office and ran to me first.

She lifted me up, "Raven! You are not harmed, yes?"

I looked into her fiery emerald eyes and said, "I'm fine…"

I was immediately cut off by a rock-hard punch from Sephiroth. I sailed back and whacked Mr. Wayne's desk. Cloud grabbed Starfire by her hair and threw her into the wall. Robin turned to see the new commotion. He threw Zucco towards the night sky. Zucco crashed through another towering window pane. Nobody heard his painful agonizing scream, much less cared. Robin planted his staff in the ground and swung around on it, kicking Sephiroth and Cloud back. Slade got back up and joined in the mix. He punched Robin one good time in the jaw before choke-tossing him into a bookshelf. I leg-swept Slade and reached for my Masamune. As Slade was in mid-air, Sephiroth reached down and picked me up over his head. He took a running go and threw me as hard as he could. I went through one of the last remaining windows in Mr. Wayne's office. I heard Starfire scream my name as the air began to sweep by my ears. I looked downward as I began to freefall. Beast Boy and Cyborg were outside looking upward. Immediately, BB changed into a pterodactyl and flew upward to meet me halfway. He caught me gently in his talons as we ascended back to the executive suite at the top of the Wayne Enterprises building.

We flew into the room. Beast Boy released his grasp and turned back into his normal form.

"Thanks," I said to him.

He blushed, "No problem."

"Thanks for your efforts, Raven," Slade said. "I will be seeing you again soon. Until then, I'm leaving you something to remember me by."

A pool of black energy appeared under Slade, Sephiroth, and Cloud. They sunk deep into the void and then disappeared. The double-doors that they had originally entered were kicked down by two of Slade's robotic clones.

Beast Boy uttered, "Oh, shit…"