The New Beginning

Cyborg awoke in the medical ward and explained to the team that he had convinced Hunter to fight the poison and that once the poison left his body, he should wake up.

Days passed and Hunter was still in his comatose-like state. Worried, Cyborg decided to run his tests again to determine if his mind was still infected. All tests came back negative as he stared at Hunter, confused. Unsure of what to do, he sat, and waited.

"So, what did you see in there?" Raven asked from the doorway. "You cared about him before you went in there, but now you're on a whole other leveled of worried."

"You would be too if you knew who he was." Cyborg replied, tired.

"So tell me."

"It's not my secret to tell, Rave."

"We're a team, friends, what if he's dangerous like Robin says?"

"I can tell you for a fact that he isn't a threat to us. Slade on the other hand..." Cyborg chuckled as he cocked his head to the side.

"Whatever you say tin-man." Raven smirked as she walked away. Moments later, Starfire appeared.

"Friend Cyborg. I wish to inquire about the well being of our new friend. Is his condition worsening?" Starfire asked.

"No Star, but it's not getting much better either." Cyborg replied, still confused.

"Most unfortunate. I hope friend Hunter gets better. He's a good person." She added as she too, left.

Night fell as the Titans retired for the night. Three of them worried about Hunter, one worried about Slade. Suddenly, an explosion rocked the tower. Dozens of Slade Bots stormed into the tower from every opening. Startled, the Titans jumped into action. Cyborg blasted bot after bot as fast as he could. Robin slashed and smashed along side him. Raven and Starfire guarded the medical ward, not wanting the bots to kill the weakened Hunter.

"Titans. Where oh where is your silver bullet? Oh, that's right. I incapacitated him. Give him up and I'll order my bots to retreat. Continue to fight and I'll blow your precious tower sky high. You have five minutes to decide." Slade cackled over their hacked intercom. Unwilling to give up their new friend, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire guarded the infirmary as best as they could.

"Give him to Slade!" Robin yelled over the sound of bots being obliterated. "It's our only chance to fight another day. I don't like the idea of handing Slade a defenseless person either, but it's no use protecting him if we die in the process."

"No!" They all yelled in unison as the timer counted down and they continued to smash Slade Bots.

"One minute Titans." Slade laughed sadistically.

"Guys? Now or never." Robin announced.

"I'd die before I let him have Hunter." Cyborg replied, defiant.

"Same" Raven chimed in.

"I too wish to protect friend Hunter." Starfire added.

"I'd also prefer to live." Hunter grunted in pain as he appeared in the doorway.

"You're alive!" Cyborg exclaimed clapping him on the shoulder before blasting another bot.

"For now." Hunter replied as he threw an ethereal dagger into the neck of a nearby bot. "But we need to get out of here. I smell explosives."

"No shit, this place is rigged to blow in 30 seconds!" Robin yelled.

"Oh damn. Raven, shield and I'll remove?" Hunter asked, wearily.

"Can you do it while weakened like that?" Raven replied concerned.

"I should be able to handle it. Ready?"

"Yes." Raven replied as everyone was engulfed in shadow energy and Hunter vanished. Moments later, they heard loud explosions above them. Confused, everyone but Raven looked around to see no destruction whatsoever. Hunter reappeared and smiled as he leaned against a wall, exhausted.

"See, told you I could handle it." He added as he sunk to the floor, half conscious.

"Uhh, not that I'm not thankful, but what just happened? Why is the tower not blown up?" Cyborg asked.

"Raven shielded you guys while I teleported all the bombs onto Slade's ship." Hunter replied slyly. "Two birds with one stone. I doubt he's dead, but that'll slow him down for the next few days for sure."

"Nice work." Robin said, clearly impressed.

"You know, that might just be the nicest thing you've said to me bossman." Hunter chuckled. "Well, I have to sincerely thank you guys for everything. From finding me to saving me to clearing my mind of the poison at great risk to yourselves. You guys are truly amazing." He added, smiling at Cyborg.

"Wait, where are you going? I thought you were going to stick around awhile." Cyborg said, alarmed.

"I will. Just not here in the tower. I'm not ready to join you guys and I'm not even sure if you guys want me on your team."

"Of course we want you around idiot." Raven slightly smirked, punching his shoulder. But feeling slightly saddened nonetheless.

"Friend Hunter, I would gladly welcome you to the team anytime." Starfire added.

"Yea man, you deserve a spot here for the amount of times you've saved our asses." Cyborg chuckled.

"Ehh, you're alright." Robin shrugged.

"I really appreciate it guys, but I'm not exactly good at the whole 'teamwork' thing. I will think about it though." Hunter smiled as he vanished. After he left the Titans glanced at each other and smiled.

"He's definitely joining the team." Cyborg said slyly.

"Ohhhh yea." Raven replied still smirking.