The rain hammered on the rattling window and Skyton sat upon his bed, gathering the courage he needed to perform his painful ceremony. An act of blood. He lit the many candles by his bed side and inhaled, his chest expanding, the skin stretching around his muscles. The dagger was on his lamp table. The lights were out, the atmosphere was set and the titans were gone for the evening. Only Raven remained here and he assumed she already knew about his problem. The acid blood that coursed through his veins would surge every month or so and he would have to use the basic technique or bleeding. One quick gash would send his blood cascading into the silver bucket at his feet.

Steeling himself for the rather gruesome gesture of self-preservation, he emptied his mind. He stared straight ahead as his hand with the blade moved as if of its own accord, going to the major veins first in one arm and then the other. The quick kiss of cold metal against fevered skin, and a hiss as the flesh parted and disgorged the volatile liquids within. The bucket at his feet began to steam as the deadly fluid began to pool. The deed done, he savored the painful ache of the tainted lifeblood leaving him, clenching and unclenching his fists to keep the flow moving.

Skyton knew that his predicament was indeed a curse. He hid himself well while practicing his basic instinct of survival. He couldn't let anyone see. It was this alone that was his only secret from his friends. He regretted letting Raven see him many months ago. There was a knock on the door and Skyton parted he jaws to let word flow to that which he imagined to be Raven, However a quick moment passed and a small high voice pierced the door.

"Friend Skyton, are you well? I feared for your health, you have been much, how shall I say this, reclusive as of late."

Skyton shut his mouth and made quietly for the closet, taking with him his knife, bucked and whatever he had bloodied. As he lifted the pail, the bottom fell out, weakened by the acid and the carpet sizzled. Worried, Starfire opened the door and laid her innocent eyes upon what would spell her doom.
Skyton froze where he stood, eyes wide with the shock of discovery. Starfire's eyes bulged with a different emotion, that of confused horror. A hand flew to her gaping mouth, to stifle the scream she knew was coming. So much blood! "Friend... please, tell me... what is it you are doing here all alone"
Skyton placed his things gently on the floor, a menacing gaze in his eyes. He looked her over, sizing her up. Another moment passed and Starfire began to back away frightened. Skyton flew for her, he massive frame moving with incredible agility. Starfire, surprised and horrified, threw her fist forward catching Skyton in the stomach. He stopped and a dust cloud passed underfoot in a circle, the energy released causing a reflex in the air. Skyton stood tense, his stomach burning. In another moment he leaped forward and tripped Starfire. She fell to the floor and Skyton grasped her around the shoulders from on top. She struggled, Tamarainian strength power at her disposal, but it was utterly futile and Skyton whispered in her ear, "As long as you're going to die, here and now, I think you should know, you're not a bad looker"
"Friend Skyton, I do not know what I have trespassed upon... but you are not yourself, and thusly, I must bring you back to your senses! With force, if I must!" Starfire replied the fear and adrenaline from the battle marshalling her strength. With a sudden movement, she jerked herself up and forward, smashing the crown of her head against Skyton's face. He recoiled, snarling in pain and surprise, giving her enough leverage and space to jab a foot into his chest with all the strength she could muster. He was thrown back against the wall, where he left an imprint in the wall. Slowly, he slumped down into a sitting position on the floor, his eyes bugging from his head as he labored to breathe. Starfire collected herself, standing a safe distance from her stricken ally.
Skyton began to laugh, the devil inside him having emerged. "Starfire, there is nothing that you can do to me," Skyton said standing, "You are as powerless on the grad scheme of things as anyone. You should feel fear. I am you're worst nightmare, you're dark corners, you're killer." Skyton again sped towards the infuriated Starfire whose eyes glowed green with rage. A starbolt hit Skyton square in the chest. Despite the pain though, he only continued, his skin burned. Another bolt him his dagger which bounced and buried itself into the wall. By this time Starfire was in melee with Skyton who willing accepted his disadvantages. Starfire screamed as Skyton beat her back to the window. The door swung open and Raven flew in, her cape billowing behind her. She stopped appalled at the scene. Skyton, sensing that this was the end of his battle, thrust Starfire out the window and followed her as she fell under him. Skyton held her down and she hit the ground with a smack, blood leaking from behind her head. Raven looked out and Skyton growled with anger.