Chapter 2: Occurrences of monsters
Robin took a rest, outside the Titan Tower in Jump City, California. He begins his research, flourished by the laughter and cheering of two children, Jinora and Ikki. Robin has many thoughts about his past. He has been the leader of the Teen Titans, but not too recent battle with Slade, a battle to determine the future of California.
He now ponders his meeting 9 years ago with the old man named Radagast and the tale he told Robin about the One Ring of Power. Now he waits and researches on what Radagast said about him and his friends experiencing this tale for themselves as they will live it. And somehow, Robin now feels that the time is drawing near for them.
The children went up to the busy Robin, "hey Robin, do you wish to play with us now?" Asked the children.
Robin closed his computer and looked at his little visitors. "Are you playing ball again, Jinora and Ikki?"
"Yes, Cousin Robin," said Ikki.
Robin smiled and went with them. "Okay, then we shall play together, that we will," said Robin.
Inside the Titan tower, a 21 year old light gray skinned girl with purple long hair is wearing a plain black simple dress with white sneakers. She was reading a book, a 21 year old Italian Descent girl with Short light brown straight hair. She was wearing a light green turtleneck shirt with green overall dress, black converse shoes, brown watch, and she was wearing glasses and she was on her computer. A 21 year old green skinned boy with green short hair. He has a chain silver necklace around his neck and a Green Bandana Headband wrapped around his head. He was wearing a black sweatshirt with red logo letters along with gray sweat shorts and white sneakers. He was playing video games along with a 21 year old Cuban boy with brown short hair. He was wearing a black jacket with a plain gray T-Shirt along with ripped blue jeans and Black Boots. and a 21 year old Samoan with black short hair. He was wearing collar neck Yellow Shirt Medium Sleeve Length along with a Green Vest Jacket, Beige Solid Pocket Side Cargo Pants, Brown Lace Boots, he has a Orange Head Bandana on his head and also Wearing Grey Fingerless Gloves. The door of the hall opened with short and spike black hair revealing a very tall 22 year old Chinese boy wearing a black leather jacket, a plain gray t-shirt, black pants, and Red High Tops Sneakers, a very beautiful 21 year old Filipino girl with a sly expression over her face, she has a brown ponytail hair and wears a light blue plain shirt along with denim shorts, with white sneakers, and she also has a denim jacket around her waist. An 22 year old African American half cybernetic half man with a red cap on his head, he is wearing a Blue bomber jacket with light blue plain sporty T-shirt inside along with black sweatpants, an 19 year old African American girl with long black hair and wears a beautiful yellow shirt along with black jeans along with heels. The two girls carried five letters with them.
"Raven, Pidge, Beast Boy, Lance, Hunk, we've just got this letter for you guys," said the Filipino girl.
"Hello Korra, Mako, Bumblebee, Cyborg," said the light gray skinned girl with long purple hair named Raven.
"Hey, Raven, how've you been, heh," said the Chinese boy named Mako.
"Yo Bee. What's with these letters." Said Cyborg asked Bumblebee.
The 21 year old Samoan boy, Hunk spoke, "I don't know."
The 21 year old Cuban boy, Lance McClain asked, "Well it might be from one of the girls at school.
The 21 year old light gray skinned girl with purple hair, Raven spoke, "Really."
The 21 year old green skinned boy, Beast Boy spoke, "Yeah, We've been doing well as can be expected, Mako and Cyborg. So, you've five brought five letters, huh, Korra and Bumblebee? Lance, Hunk, and I go and get Robin."
The 21 year old African American half cybernetic half man, Cyborg speaks, "Hey Pidge, any updates."
The 21 year old Italian girl, Pidge/Katie Holt spoke: Uh, not really. Police cars everyday and people walking on the streets."
The 21 year old Filipino girl, Korra began to speak, "How's Robin, these days, Raven?"
"He seems to be okay Korra," said Raven, "especially after defeating Slade. It's been a long time since we defeated the brotherhood of evil. And four weeks after we came back to San Francisco."
"Well, be happy, Raven," said Bumblebee. "Robin can finally call this place his home." Raven had a moment of silence to think about what Bumblebee and Korra said.
"…Yes, Bumblebee and Korra, you two are right!" Raven sighed with a cheery smile.
" There's something else, isn't that right Raven?" asked Korra. "You still haven't admitted your feelings for him, have you?"
"Well, Korra," started Raven. "Robin hasn't admitted his feelings for me either, if he really has them of course. We can also relax that Rex's no longer after Robin for the title of the strongest. I wonder how he and Circe are doing in San Francisco these days?"
"That's a funny thing, Missie," started Mako. "Because this letter's from San Francisco. I've been thinking about Circe, Rex, Nanami, Keith, Megan, Conner, Zatanna, Haru, Starfire, Aqualad, Bolin, Asami and the others at the place myself." Raven was enlightened to hear where the letter came from.
Beast Boy, Lance, and Hunk came back with Robin and the young children. "Robin is wearing a V Neck Red Sweater top along with a Black Bomber Jacket with a "R" Logo and Zip Pockets, Dark Green Cargo Ivy Pants, and Black Leather Lace Up Boots. "Korra, Mako, Bumblebee, Cyborg," said Robin, "You four came with a letter now, have you?"
"Yeah, Robin," said Cyborg. "It's from our buddies at the Cafe in San Francisco."
"Hey guys, does anyone notice where these letters came from." Hunk asked and wondered about the letter."
"Oh yeah." Said Pidge, wondering about that letter." It says.
"Raven gasped, as she looked at the letter that it was an invitation letter from their other friends."
"Raven, what is it?" said Pidge as she was asking Raven.
"Guys! These are invited letters. It's from Circe and our other friends. Raven said with a smile on her face.
"Really? By whom," Lance asked."
"Really let's read it. Hunk asked with a smile on his face
"Yeah, come on come on." Pidge said with a smile on her face."
"Oh, is it now?" Robin said as Bumblebee handed him the letter. Robin opened the letter and read it aloud.
Dear Robin, Raven and the others at the Titan Tower,
Me, Rex, Keith, Megan, Conner, Zatanna, Haru, Starfire, Aqualad, Bolin, Asami, and the others of the Group are doing fine. We hope you are doing well also.
Tenzin is still as silly as ever, even after being severely injured by Rex. Beverly and Annie still dream about Robin's father Bruce Wayne. Garth is still his kind old self. Shiro and Allura are doing fine as well and Allura is seven months of Pregnancy. And Rex Salazar is always playing basketball with Noah.
Your victory over Rex must really have affected him so much Robin. He tells me he has no regrets about fighting with his best strength. Perhaps, in his heart, he still beats himself over what he did to Tenzin and all. He tries so hard to find inner peace within his soul every day.
Well, anyway, Tenzin's birthday is coming up and we're all trying to keep it a surprise for him as best as we can. So, I'm inviting all of you guys to come to the party. I hope Rex, Nanami, Keith, Megan, Conner, Zatanna, Haru, Starfire, Aqualad, Bolin, Asami will be there as well. It's on September 1. So I'm expecting to see you, Robin, you hear? You too, Raven, Pidge, Beast Boy, Hunk, Lance, and of course, Mako and Cyborg.
With best wishes,
Circe and everyone at the Cafe…
"This is truly wonderful, that it is," said Robin.
"Wow!" spoke Beast boy, "the old man's having a surprise party."
"BEAST BOY! DON'T CALL TENZIN AN OLD MAN! THAT WAS RUDE!" Pidge yelled at Beast Boy.
Beast Boy whimpering, "I'm sorry about that."
"PIDGE! DUDE! Just chill out okay." Said Lance, calming Pidge down."
"The surprise Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, and Starfire has for Tenzin must really be explosive indeed," Robin said sheepishly.
"Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, and Starfire must think Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, and Aqualad to be real special to their indeed," spoke Korra.
"Yes they are is, Korra," explained Robin, "she told me so, from the first night we met, that she did. Hey, Jinora, Ikki, do you fancy a trip to San Francisco? There's going to be a birthday party on September 1."
"Yeah, Robin, sure we will!" the children cheered together.
"I think Korra and I are coming along with you also," said Bumblebee. "I think Speedy can handle everything while We're away. Besides, I've done so once while we met Herald." Korra and Bumblebee laughed mischievously at herself for that remark. But then the residents at the tower knew Bumblebee and Korra has a knack for being sneaky.
"Still your old scheming self, aren't you Korra?" said Raven with a sheepish grin.
"Well, you know me, Raven," said Korra.
"Yeah," interjected Mako. "We know, you're a scheming water lady."
"Yeah, well look who's talking to you big dope." The two got into an argument…
"Water!"
"Fire!"
"Water!"
"Fire boy!"
"Water lady!"
"Well, we certainly know how Mako and Korra are two each other, that we do," said Robin, with a grin on his face.
"…GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT!" Mako and Korra fumed at Robin.
Days later, the group left for Jump City. Korra and Bumblebee guided the children through the city by holding their hands. The streets teemed with people. Robin once feared coming back to Jump City because of his past as the leader. Perhaps… even now, he may fear coming to the city, even though… he's here for Tenzin's birthday…
The children, Jinora and Ikki, laughed as they went through the city. The company decided to stay at the Ben's, the Cafe restaurant that nearly shares the namesake of the Gotham in their hometown , to throw off suspicion towards Tenzin, the old man at the Diner restaurant. Robin sent Nanami, Circe, Megan, Zatanna, Akira, and Starfire a letter to meet them at the Ben's diner when they arrive. They arrived at the meeting place in question, and saw Nanami, Circe, Megan, Zatanna, Starfire, and Asami waving at them…
"Robin, Raven, Pidge, over here you guys," said Circe. Circe was 19 years old. She has long black straight hair, and she is wearing a Light Pink Top with a Collar along with a Black Skirt and Black Heel Boots.
Asami is 21 years old. She has black hair loose curls, and she is wearing a black dress along with black leather boots and a black leather jacket and she also a black choker around her neck.
Starfire is 20 years old, she has red hair down and She is wearing Boho Sleeveless Summer Swing Vest Tank Top Shirt, along with a White, Blue, Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Pink, and Green Long Versace Scarf around her neck, she is wearing Long Boho Sleeveless Vintage Floral Shawl Cardigan Jacket, white Tiered Ruffle Hem Skirt, Brown Sandals, she had a leaf pendant necklace and a heart necklace what Aqualad gives her, and she has a two bracelets, a round rainbow jewelry bracelet and a white bracelet on her wrist
Nanami was 19 year olds, she had long length brown straight hair and she was wearing a plain white top with short sleeves along with a black Checkered Plaid Skirt and black flats and she was also wearing a red cardigan.
Megan is 19 years old. She has green skin, she has red orange long straight hair. She is wearing a red dress with shirt sleeves along with red flat shoes with bow, she has a red headband bow on her hair, and she's wearing gold earrings, a gold bracelet with hearts around her wrist, and a gold bow pearl necklace around her neck.
Zatanna is 18 years old. She has long length black hair like 22 inches. is wearing a Cardigan jacket, a light blue dress, and Peep Toe Flats, she is wearing light blue Earrings and light blue Teardrop Pendant with Diamond Necklace, and.
"It's nice to meet you again, Nanami, Circe, Megan, Zatanna, Akira, Starfire, and Asami," greeted Robin.
"Same here, Robin. Hey, who are the kids?" asked Circe.
"Oh, this is Jinora and Ikki, "said Robin, "they're not my kids, of course. They're the children of a master back in Air temple island."
"Oh, I see. Hello kids, my name's Circe."
"I'm Starfire," said Starfire."
"I'm Nanami," said Nanami."
"I'm Zatanna," said Zatanna."
"and I'm Megan," said The Green skinned girl with red orange long straight hair.
"Hello, Circe, Nanami, Starfire, Zatanna, Asami, and Megan," greeted the children. Circe, Nanami, Starfire, Zatanna, Asami, and Megan grinned, "ah, hello there, Korra and Bumblebee. It's nice to see you two again."
"Nice to see you too," said Korra, "I take it, Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Yamamoto, Aqualad still at that temple again, aren't they?"
"Yeah," Circe answered sadly, "I don't see how he and the boys can still have many regrets about their past. I say they should just be happy."
"Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, Akira, Starfire," interjected Robin, "you six really mustn't be so hard on Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Yamamoto, and Aqualad, that you shouldn't." Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, Akira, and Starfire wished they could believe Robin.
Robin continued, "you six must have patience. Give him all the time in the world. Someday, I believe he will certainly come to terms with himself, that I do." Robin smiled his usual smile to Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, Asami, and Starfire.
"Anyway," said Raven, "let's all catch up on old times, Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, Asami, Starfire. That's what we're here to do, isn't it?"
Circe finally regained her wits, "yeah, you're right, Raven. After all, I want to have some fun, don't I?" The group went inside the restaurant. Nanami, Circe, Megan, Zatanna, Starfire, Asami, Beast Boy, Lance, and Hunk played with the children.
Robin went to get a present for Tenzin, since he helped Robin at his own free will with the battle with Slade. Unexpectedly, during his window shopping, he senses a presence. It was someone, whom Robin least expected to see.
"It's been a while, Kevin Levin," Robin said with displeasure.
It was a 23 year old Caucasian tall and muscular boy. His eyes now lack the black marks (as his body fully recovered from and stopped absorbing energy). He has a sweatshirt with A plain Black T-shirt underneath it, he wear blue pants, and black combat shoes. His hair, although still long, is styled into a choppy mullet, Kevin Levin.
The boy called Kevin spoke to Robin, "yes. My, how fate always seems to bring us together doesn't it? I spotted you and your friends since this afternoon, Robin."
"I knew somehow that you survived the explosion at Slade's hideout, that I did. If you've come to settle the score with me, I'm afraid I don't have the time. I'm shopping for Tenzin's birthday, tomorrow," stated Robin.
"Don't be hasty, Robin. Feel free to shop for the old man's birthday if that's what you want to do. I'm here on police business, as usual," assured Kevin.
"I have noticed the increasing police patrols, that I have. No doubt, you can tell me about it," said Robin.
Kevin gave a humph to Robin and began informing his long time adversary, "just so you know, there have been reports of strange monsters in this area." This caught Robin's attention…
Back at the Ben's, the Children played outside while Circe, Starfire, Nanami, Megan, and Zatanna talked with Robin and the others. "Monsters, Girls? When did this all happen?"
"Two days ago," Nanami said and continued, "we've been informed by messenger pigeons from all over Jump City. Strange occurrences of troll-like demon monsters have so far, been outside Jump City, thank goodness. They've been prowling out in the woods. These occurrences have been happening at night basically, never in the daytime. They were also seen on what seems to be giant, dog-like creatures."
Everyone was speechless and surprised at the information girls spoke of…
Kevin continued, "these occurrences never take place when its light out apparently, only at night. It's enough to make you think they're vampires or something."
"And whatever it is," another person spoke out of nowhere, "I wish to see that it doesn't happen here in Jumpy." It was a 21 year old half-Argentinian and half-Mexican boy. He is normally seen with lightly spiked, slicked back dark hair. also wears a pair of orange goggles on top of his head, with a red hoodie jacket with a zip. His Green and black flannel shirt on the bottom-half, with two orange rectangles on the right chest. Rex wears black chino pants with blue geometrical patterns which glow whitish blue whenever he uses his powers. He also wears blue gloves with orange cuffs and black sneakers.
The second is an 22 year old Half Caucasian Half Japanese. He has pale skin, black hair, fairly thick eyebrows, and purple eyes. His hair is black mullet. He has uneven-cut bangs that tend to sweep to the left of his face, length averaging just under his eyes, but framing his face slightly longer and curling at his cheekbones. He wears a red Polo collar shirt. He wears blue denim jeans; his shoes are Converse Brand white and black. He has a black belt around his waist. His black gloves are fingerless and expose part of his hand before strapping together over the wrist.
The third is a 21 years old Caucasian boy with short black hair and blue eyes. He used to wear a round neck black A jersey number T-shirt, as well as blue jeans when in civilian attire. He also donned blue denim pants tucked into black boots combat boots with black socks on and with a large brown buckled-belt.
The fourth is a 21 years old Japanese muscular boy with blue eyes and short, straight black hair with bangs. he wears a short sleeved white Polo collar shirt, denim jacket one with sleeves folded, his shoes are gray converse brand.
The fifth is a 21 year old African American Atlantean with light blond hair cut at the bottom, deep brown skin, pale green eyes, high cheekbones, and a lean build. He possesses black, eel-like tattoos that run across his back and along his arms and glow a bright blue. He's in his is a skin-tight, he is wearing a blue denim jacket along jacket with a hoodie with a shirt underneath it, and he is wearing black denim pants and white brand converse shoes.
And the sixth is an 21 year old Chinese boy with black short hair and Regular black glasses. who happen to be Mako's brother. He is wearing a gray beanie on his head, he is wearing a green hoodie zip jacket with a gray Plain and round neck shirt short sleeves, and he is wearing brand converse green shoes,
"Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Aqualad, Bolin," said Robin. "So, you seven been investigating these occurrences as well?" Robin asked him.
The 21 year old half-Argentinian and half-Mexican boy named Rex Salazar spoke to Robin, "indeed, Robin."
The 21 years old Caucasian boy named Conner Kent spoke, "Yeah."
The 22 year old Half Caucasian Half Japanese named Keith Kogane, "Besides, Tenzin's birthday and so."
The 21 year old Chinese boy named Bolin spoke, "So we need to come up with a plan before Robin and the others come with Tenzin."
The 21 year old African American Atlantean named Aqualad spoke. "Like how are we Going to do something like that.
The 21 years old Japanese muscular boy named Haru spoke, "Well, Bolin right. Plus, Tenzin needs something special. And he wants it to be perfect.
"Well," smirked Kevin, "isn't this one big get together we're all having."
Rex continued, "Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, Aqualad and I are able to track the appearances of these monsters. We followed the tracks up to the woods, the former hideout of Slade."
Robin frowned, "I hope it's not Slade behind these monsters."
"Robin don't worry, I understand how you feel." Conner interject.
"Conner and I feel the same." interjected Aqualad, And hoped it's not Slade.
"So what do you say guys? Let's get to work.." said Haru.
"Hey, Haru. Keith asked Haru," When are we going to find the girls.
"I don't know, why?," said Haru
I just hope Nanami and the other friends are okay." said Keith." I really missed Nanami.
"Don't worry," said Haru.
"We'll try to figure it out," said Bolin.
"Let's hope it isn't, Robin," said Kevin.
"By the way," interjected Keith, "We found…"
Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad were able to find a piece of cloth at where the occurrences originate," said Circe. She got out a picture of what Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad found. It was a cloth with a hand printed on top of it.
"A white hand?" asked Beast Boy.
"The What Now?" asked Hunk.
"Whaaaat?" asked Lance.
"Wait a second. Where and how did you six find it." asked Hunk.
"Hey guys, what's a white hand?" asked Lance.
"I'm not sure, it might be a black piece of cloth," said Pidge
"Pidge, you're absolutely right, yes," answered Nanami, "it was a black piece of cloth with nothing but this hand on it. Sounds a bit creepy, if you ask me…"
"Creepy?" said Megan.
Nanami, what do you mean that." asked Zatanna.
"Girls, what does it mean?" asked Circe.
"I don't know," said Korra.
Me neither." said Starfire.
Here, let's check it." said Asami.
"A white hand. This is a mystery to all of us Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Yamamoto, Bolin, and Aqualad, that it is," said Robin as Rex gave the cloth with the hand to Kevin.
"Indeed," said Kevin, "you six found this in the woods, you seven say?"
"Yes, Kevin," said Rex, "it sounds as if it's another plot to take over this state, like Slade's."
"Wait Slade," said Aqualad."
"Bro, what's wrong." Keith asked Aqualad."
"Nothing." said Aqualad."
"Is this about Slade?" Haru asked."
"Yeah." said Conner
"What happened," said Bolin."
"Back in the past, the titans used to fight with him in each battle and now he's gone after Terra defeated him. Conner said and continued. He came back in till we found out that he was working with Trigon. So he can get Raven to become his portal. It's a long story."
"He's gone for now. If he really appears and we see his face again. We must be ready to fight. said Aqualad."
"I never met that Slade before. Don't worry we will help you fight him too." said Keith."
Robin started to walk away from Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Aqualad, Bolin, and Kevin. "Listen, you eight can check it out. I'm still shopping for Tenzin's birthday. Circe, Nanami, Megan, Zatanna, and Starfire hope you guys can be there . I'll tell them I ran into you, okay?"
"We still don't know if me, Keith, Conner, Haru, Aqualad, Bolin, and Kevin make it, Robin. But We'll try to be there if we can. I still want to drink some tea with you, though," said Rex as Robin parted.
"Sure." said Keith.
"Okay, great." said Aqualad
"Um, sure." said Haru
"Yeah, Duh." said Bolin.
"It's worth a try," said Conner.
Robin returned to the Ben's with a package in his hands. "Hello, I'm back," said Robin. "So, caught up on old times?"
"That and more, Robin," said Mako and continued, "The Girls, Circe, Nanami, Zatanna, Asami, and Starfire told us about strange occurrences of monsters that have been happening for two days."
"Yeah, man" said Cyborg and he continued, "The glove that Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Aqualad, and Bolin show you that glove
"Oh yeah." said Cyborg and he continued, "Well these ladies might have some issues. What I'm just saying.
"I know Mako and Cyborg," said Robin. "I bumped into Kevin, Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad while I was shopping." Mako and Cyborg were surprised and somehow annoyed that Kevin was still alive…
Robin went on, "thanks to them, I have the whole gist of the situation. They're going to search the area where the occurrences Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad believe originated." Robin's remark left determined faces upon his friends, even Circe, Nanami, Conner, Zatanna, Asami, and Starfire.
"Do you still plan to have the party tomorrow, Girls?" Robin asked, "Rex, Keith, Megan, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad said they would be there if they can."
"Of course Robin, I'm not about to let a few fears of monsters disturb our plans. And besides, I know that Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad can take care of themselves," said Circe as she winked.
"Wait Robin, are you sure you saw some monsters?" Zatanna asked Robin."
"Guys, focus and Hello Megan. We have to keep planning this birthday party perfectly." said Megan."
"Yeah, well she's right anyway." said Akira."
Okay." Don't worry, we have a job to do." said Starfire.
"Yes, but just relax and rest for a little bit. Okay." said Nanami
As Nanami puts her left hand on Robin's shoulder
"You're right." Thanks." said Robin with a smile on his face."
"Well, it's been fine guys, see you tomorrow."
"Bye, Circe, Bye Nanami, Bye Megan, Bye Zatanna, Bye Starfire, "everyone said.
It was night. Robin decided to take watch outside the back, in case there's such an attack that is bound to happen. In the woods, Kevin, Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad approached cautiously through the area.
"This is where Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, Aqualad, and I found the tracks were leading to," said Rex.
"Are you sure?" asked Kevin."
"Kevin, we did." said Conner."
"This is where we found it ." said Keith
"This is look some kind of animal or person tracks," said Conner.
"Or something else." said Haru.
"These tracks kind of look like a dog or something," said Aqualad."
"I don't think it's a dog, guys." said Kevin"
"Are you sure," said Bolin."
"I'm not sure we'll found out about this." said Rex
"It looks like you guys are right. I'm starting to feel a presence here. A very evil presence," noted Kevin.
Suddenly, the seven heard distinct growls. They were trying to find out where it was coming from. The growling got louder and louder each moment that passed. They drew their swords in defense, as a form in a large, horse-like dog appeared from the darkness. Kevin, Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad gasped at the sight of it…
The creature that mounted it was a small, demon-like creature with a club. The creature charged at them. Kevin, Rex, Keith, Conner, Haru, Bolin, and Aqualad, with sticks at the ready, posed in their fighting stances.
More of these dog creatures came out of the darkness, and then…
…From far away…
Robin senses the battle-taking place, a battle that may end in disaster. Robin may yet realize that the future events told to him by Radagast the Brown are starting to come to pass…
