"Y-You sure that creep didn't give you some phony coverup story about the boat n'stuff?" Beast Boy gestures from where he's perched atop a wooden dock post in the hot sun. A confuzzled Terra and Starfire flank him while Cyborg and Static wait around anxiously and a furious Robin paces back and forth. "I mean—how do we know he was giving us the truth in the slightest? That wasn't exactly your longest marathon interrogation, Robby."

Robin pauses. He glares at the changeling through the very edge of his mask. "What are you saying… …?"

"I don't think Beast Boy m-means you're l-losing your edge or anything, R-Robin," Terra nervously speaks aloud. "But.. …We dropped the guy into Bard's and Noir's lap pretty quick, didn't we? I think that's just what the bad guy wanted. And here we are getting lost among all these buoyed ships. And for what reason?"

"Yo.. …," Static bites his lip and rubs his far shoulder while casting a jittery glance at the waves. "Is this a bad time to tell y'all that I ain't so kosher when it comes to lots of water?"

"Let's all risk ourselves one limb at a time, Static," Robin gestures. "In the meantime, let's pull our heads together…" Robin turns about and rubs his chin, staring at the various old, rusting derelicts bobbing up and down in the early morning tide. "If I were a conspicuous, wayward ship large enough to house a nefarious laboratory befitting Professor Chang—which one would I be?"

Silence.. ….

Lapping water…

Distant seagulls.. ….

"… … …."

"… .. …."

"… … …dude, if this is the extent of your detective skills, then Batman had to have been high on smoked guano or something when he showed you the ropes."

"Quiet, Beast Boy! Now's not the time for—"

"Skkkt-HEHEHEHEHEHEEE!" Terra clutches her stomach and all but collapses over.

Static Shock smirks, arms folded.

"Nnnngh…," Robin snarls. "Do I always have to put you two in line?"

"I dunno, Robin," Static points. "The elf-dawg's got a point there. Thanks for educating us with your 'Eeney-Meeney-Miney-Moe' Technique."

"Don't be ridiculous, I am merely—"

"Sooooo cuuuuuute," Starfire coos with both hands together. "Your strategy is humorously endearing, dearest Robin! Hehehehe!"

"Hah hah hah!" Beast Boy manages above Terra's persistent giggles.

Robin sighs, running a hand over his masked face. "Am I the only one who realizes that we're going nowhere with this search--?"

"I wouldn't be so sullen yet, Robbie," Cyborg speaks up. He's 'typing' away at his wrist console. He strolls up and gestures at an LCD display while explaining: "While you were all cackling at each other like a bunch of first graders, I took it upon myself to cross reference a previous scan with a sudden hunch of mine."

"In less Nerdlish, please?" Beast Boy chirps.

Cyborg ignores him and says to Robin: "Remember how Bard, Noir and I found the thug last night? He was sealed away in the crystalline structure for hours on end, and by following a specific resonance frequency I was able to locate him and—"

"Is there a point to this or a blunt edge of redundancy?"

Cyborg merely smirks: "I amplified the sensor response to the frequency—and sure enough, I've located a higher concentration of Chang's tech somewhere nearby—and YES…it IS in this very shipyard."

"Well, never mind for MY awful theories," Beast Boy moans.

Terra pats his shoulder, still chuckling a little. "We still love you, elf-load."

"Spppkkkt--!" Static spits on a canteen-full and grins wide: "'Elf-Load'?.?.?"

"AHEM," Robin frowns at the rest and then squints at Cyborg. "What's your diagnosis, Cy?"

"Only one substance can produce this much of a resonance of energy—At least where Chang's concerned." A knowing smirk. "Xenothium."

"Wonderful…," Robin grits his teeth. Crkkk! He produces a bo-staff and twirls about in full-fisted action. "Titans, we have to move. NOW."

Everyone seriouses up, standing at full attention. Including Beast Boy.

"A Xenothium reading of that frequency means one of two things," Robin grumbles. "Either Chang's starting a dangerous experimental reaction that could level this entire waterfront. Or you know who is presently paying us a visit."

A partial chill is collectively felt from that.

Starfire gulps. "Or perhaps both occasions simultaneously?"

An even greater chill. Only Terra and Static Shock seem clueless…

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Static gestures. "That's Raven's job—" He blinks. He glances around. "Say, just where is the blueberry-headed sorceress anyways?"

"Right here. Being myself."

"Oh…heheh. Right, girl. Sorry for existing within the fringes of your estrogen."

"Robin, can we go now?" Raven moans.

"Going, Raven, Going." Robin leads the charge, but manages a last-second glance at Cyborg. "Cy? Where---?"

The android Titan is way ahead of him. Klak-Klak-Klakka-Klak! "Two docks down and to the left. The big red frigate." He waves a sonic cannon. "Let's lock and load people!"

"Make this quick. Silent. And—most of all—professional."

"Right on."

"You got it, dude."

"Starfire, lead the charge. Raven and Terra, give us cover. Static and Beast Boy, keep by my side. Cyborg, take up the rear."

"Dammit, man! I'm always the rear!"

"Yeah.. …if we live through this, maybe we'll have a conversation about it."

"Y'all can fight and stuff, just don't be knockin' me into the water. On second thought, don't be knockin' me pyriod."

"Virgil, shut up and keep up the pace."

"For the LAST…TIME…. …."

And as the Titans flock away….

…. …. ….

… … …. ….

… ….a petite figure with amber skin and fiery braids levitates from around the lofty sail of a run-down yacht a few meters away. At the same time, a sapphire-blue lump of frost rises up like a magical iceberg and reveals a shivering figure watching from below the docks. Finally, a green-haired figure sleekly snakes her way around a series of crates and watches from a stealthy position.

Three seconds pass….

Five… … .. …

And the three fiends close in on the Titan's footsteps in coordinated coldness… ….

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

I am staring at the sidewalk panels.

At the street corner curves.

The gutters.. …the manholes.. ….

"… .. … …"

Bard and I are walking across downtown Jump City, and I cannot for the life of me see 'downtown'.

Because my head is constantly pointed down.

"Hey Noir.. …."

"… … …."

"Psst—Noir! Hey!"

I tilt my head up. I squint blackly at him.

Bard glances at me with slight concern as we stand at the corner of a busy, vehicle'd intersection. "You okay? You look down—In that you're looking down. Everything okay, partner?"

I look at him. I glance beyond at the faint hints of the citizens of this City crowding the sidewalks and doorsteps of our surroundings. And well over two-thirds of them are staring this way.

I immediately look down and shade a hand over my bulbous black 'eyes'. "… .. …"

"What? Is the sun too much for them peepers of yours?"

"…. … …" I bite my lip.

"… ….," he leans his head to the side. "It ain't the sun, I bet."

I shrug. I pivot my wrist from side to side and slump across the street as the cars stop for us to walk.

Bard paces alongside me. "Look, man. You're a famous kid now. You're a Titan! Heck, we both are! And you know what being a Titan means?---… ….Well," he sighs momentarily. ".. …besides being forced to do menial tasks across Downtown when we could be kicking butt or polishing up my wheels… …" He smiles again at me: "It means we get to hang loose, partner! People look up to us! Everyone doin' the whole staring thing? Heh—I reckon they ain't afraid or spiteful of us none. They're just fixing to get a sight of the two baddest dudes to mosey in on this territory! Believe it or not, the Town's big enough for the both of us, Noirry-boy. And it's about time we shone like the tin stars we are!"

I can't help it. I smirk. I shake my head.

Momma, don't let your son grow up to be this guy…

Just one is enough for the world. Enough for me.

But I know better than to somehow show my 'thanks'. Especially in public. Even psuedo-brothers know the limits of utter, tragic sappiness. But so what if I'm a sap? At least Starfire and Terra don't seem to mind—Aw crap, I got distracted. Where was I--?

"Look, man, if it's so IMPORTANT for you to hide your eyes to feel more comfortable in the daytime or whatcrud, I can ask Robin to up your allowance so you can get a nice pair of shades at the Sunglass Hut. Heh… …Not like you need to be any more stylish—what with that fancy 'do' of yours."

In response to that, I actually look at him straight on with an incredulous expression.

"I mean it! What have you got to be ashamed of anyhow? Heh…I've always wanted to say—You've got the whole…. …the whole 'Joe Nichols' thing goin'. Like, if the fella blow-dried his hair in an open biplane every morning and said 'screw the conditioner'!"

I chuckle breathily as we walk past a series of flagpoles in the smack-dab center of Downtown.

"Heh heh heh… …'Herbal Essence by Noir'. Now girls have a reason to scream when they're strokin' your hair!"

I blush at that. I shake my head, force a 'necessary' sigh, and lead us back home.

"Well…dayum!" Bard groans. "We sure did what we came all the way here to do! Now what?"

I shrug.

"What's so flippin' dangerous about the Titans' search that keeps us from being allowed to join in on the righteous fun?"

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

Inside the rusted cabin of the nefarious frigate, the red light pulses and pulses and pulses. Through the cracks in the portholes and doorways, the seven Titans can be seen creeping up in swift fashion. Robin walks in mid-crouch. Starfire perches on a railing and motions them on while Raven slowly drifts down and Terra descends on a burning rock. Static and Cyborg take up the rear while a green pelican floats down between them and solidifies in the form of a cautious Beast Boy.

All of this can be seen through the ominous cracks of the old, rotting hull. That is.. …until the figure looking through all this time lets out a psychotic chuckle, twirls about, and teleports away in a bright puff of white mist.

Fwissssh!

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

"… .. …," Raven glares at the yellow-painted letters on the hull of the red, rusted frigate. "… …the 'Soggy Bottom'?" she drones with no interest whatsoever.

"Way to go, dudes," Beast Boy whispers. "We just found Bard's private yacht from a past life."

"SHHHH!" Robin hisses. "Titans, we must be quiet."

Static, Terra, Starfire and the rest tighten their joints and march forward at ready. Starbolts charging. Electrical bolts bouncing. And glowing rocks orbiting in a heated display…

"There.. …," Robin points a gloved hand towards the door leading into the main cabin. A red, pulsing light emanates from within. "Just as we suspected. Titans, it's now or never."

"Finally.. …," Beast Boy cracks his knuckles. "Something worth eating my morning muffin for."

"Starfire, blow open the door. Terra, ready a pile of earthen debris. Static—this whole frigate is a huge conductor. Use your electrical powers carefully, but don't forget that you can use this entire ship against whatever hired thugs Chang may have waiting for us."

"Right-o-rooney."

"Cyborg, you ready?"

"… … …."

"… .. …Cyborg?.?.?"

"….uhm….b-bad news, y'all. I'm kinda useless right now."

"Wh-What?" Beast Boy blinks wildly.

"Cyborg, why?" Terra squeaks.

Cyborg sweatdrops.. ….and suddenly levitates up into the air against his own choosing. "B-Because I can't move a single one of my LIMMMMMMMMMBSSSSSSS—" WOOOOOOOOOSH! The titanium Titan is suddenly, violently propelled up into the air and out over the waters.

"Cyborg!.!.!" Starfire gasps.

"Whoahhhhhhh-daaaaaaaaaaaaaamnnnnn!" The second-in-command goes plunging several meters away into the tide. SPLOOSH! Suddenly—levitating in the foreground is a fiendish young woman in a grey jumpsuit and a flowing, glittering robe. One hand is stretched towards the plunging Cyborg. Another is pointed towards a rusted metal fisherman's boat.. … …that is presently floating twenty feet above the waves at her command. At notice of the Titans' gasping forms, Polaar looks calmly their way. Her metal-flecked eyes blink, and she flings a titanium-wristed hand straight at them.

FWOOOO-OOOO-OOOOSSSSH! The rusted boat soars straight at the six, clustered heroes.

They all gasp and jerk—

"TITANS!" Robin shouts. "MOVE--!"

Too late. The boat slams into them.

"Azarath Metrion ZINTHOS!.!.!.!" Raven shrieks at the last second with an impromptu shield of black telekinesis—

SMASSSSSSH!.!.! The boat explodes into shrapnel against her sudden barrier. The resulting disruption of energy sends Raven slamming back hard against the hull of the frigate. WHANG! "UNNNGH!" She slumps down in a deflated blue petal of unconsciousness.

At the same time, Static Shock and Beast Boy are plunging one way. Robin and Terra are plunging another.

"Nnnngh!" Robin grits his teeth and balances himself with his bo-staff. "Everyone! Regroup and attack—"

"Another attacker at four o'clock!" Static shouts. Then squints his goggled eyes. "Hell, is that little dude flying---?"

SWOOOOOOSH! A screaming, war-frenzied Flaar plunges full-force into Static Shock and with surprisingly gargantuan strength the redheaded fighter plows the Dakota hero straight through the rusted hull and into a deep cabin recess inside. SMASH-SMASH-SMASH!

The shaking rocks the entire ship. A helpless Terra gasps and stumbles back, plunging over the side of the vessel.

"T-Terra!" A collapsed Beast Boy struggles to his feet several meters away.

Breathless, Terra jabs a hand up and—clank!—clutches ahold of the dilapidated railing. She dangles…clinging. She grits her teeth. She pulls tightly on her muscles that have been building on her once-'gangly' limbs over the last few months. But just as she's starting to raise herself back onto the deck—

Cl-Clank! A green haired girl drops down from a smokestack atop the frigate and stands directly over the hapless blonde. She stretches a single hand out towards the railing, and a globule of green, burning acid spits out. "Here's water up your nose, bimbo." SSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssss! The compound burns through the rail and—

"Nnnngh!—Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Sends Terra plunging, shrieking into the waves below. SPLOOSH!

"TERRA! HANG ON!" Beast Boy leaps up to his feet and prepares to dive down in dolphin mode when---

CRKKKK-KKKK!

Beast Boy jerks in place. "Nnngh—Wh-What?.?.?" He suddenly shivers and his breath shows up in the air as a wispy cloud. He dashes a look down at his feet. His ankles are covered in chunks of ice, anchoring him to the rusted deck. He looks up—

--in time to gaze into a pair of sad, blue eyes. The shivering blonde in blue stares at him, a snowy hand stretched out.

Beast Boy's lip stammers: "Wh-Who are you, and wh-why are you doing this?"

The girl bites her lip. "Th-They call me 'Fraust'.. … …and I-I'm sorry…" She launches a beam of pure Cold into the changeling's face. FLASSSSH!

Robin sees all this. And he snarls. He runs at full force with a fan of explosive discs at the ready. "Whoever you strangers are, you just picked the worst fight of your live—"

TH-THWUMP! A bruised, shaken Starfire suddenly lands in front of Robin. "Nnnngh.. …."

Robin gasps. "St-Star!"

"It b-burns… …," she winces, rubbing a reddened shoulder.

Robin is about to kneel beside her. "Who did this to y---?"

FWISSSSSH! A burning column of white steam billows down and solidifies in a pair of kicking feet into the Boy Wonder's chest. "YAAAAUGH!"

WHAM!

"OOF!" Robin slides back on two grinding feet. He winces. His eyemask narrows at the sight of two 'shoe'-shaped burn spots in the center of his tunic, melting away at his 'R' symbol. "… …Okay, pal, you just touched the two loves of my life…." Th-Th-Thwpp! He twirls his bo-staff and frowns at the teleporting attacker. "You'll be lucky to see twilight tonight—" He pauses. "… … ..you've got to be kidding me."

Miist stands, fuming all over in hot steam as he performs a 'crane' position in faux martial arts. He tilts his tattooed head back, two pale eyes flaring with an accompanied grin of insane bloodlust. "So this is the famous 'Robin, Boy Wonder'…."

"… …. …pleased to do battle with you, Mister Tea Kettle."

FWISSSSH! Miist skids forward and solidifies just an inch from Robin's face. Lapping fumes burning at the Titan leader's face. "After my fellow students and I are done smoking the meat off your pathetic, hollow friendssss-snkkkt-heheheheh… …you'll think twice about cracking jokes once you're in Hell. Hehehehehsnkkkkt…"

"Yeah. Uh huh. You're dead."

CLANG! The bo-staff flies across Miist's face.

"NNNNGH! MMMMMFMMFFFFF! AAAAAUGH!" Miist screams above the sounds of spontaneous battle all around. He clutches his steaming nose with both hands. "NNNNGHHH-AAAAUGH! WHATFFFF-HAVE-YOU-DONNNEEEEFFFFNNNSKKT!"

"…. .. …," Robin stares. He waits for it—

"HA HA HA HA HA!" Miist uncovers his face, unscathed. He grins so much he drools saliva that burns back into the air as hissing steam. "Come now, bird boy! YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO DO BETTER THAN THAT!"

FLASH! POW! A starbolt ricochets off Miist's ragdoll head from behind. ("M'beraat clorfarker!")

Robin grins. Robin readies a birdarang. "And into the frying pan with you…." Robin tosses it. FWOOOSH-Fwp-Fwp-Fwp-Fwp-CLANK!