Gato: I'm not even going to apologize, because the amount of time that I allowed to elapse between updates sickens me.

Irie: Okay then.

Gato: Disclaimer please.

Irie: Only owns the plot, and Tempest.

…………………………

The Titans exited their tower, only to see a fiery, orange glow on the horizon. Robin cursed softly. Cyborg nodded in the direction of the fire. "Well, at least we know where to start."

BeastBoy laughed darkly, "Yeah, so nice of Slade to give us a hint like that."

"Let's move, Titans!" Robin called, and led the team towards the mainland.

The Titans slowly moved along the path of destruction created by Slade's lizard. Houses, apartments and stores collapsed on themselves. Torched flora added to the dismal atmosphere. Raven observed the devastation and murmured, "I wonder if Slade finds this amusing."

"He does," Tempest replied. "He certainly has a sadistic sense of humour."

"How could any person find the pain of others amusing?" Starfire asked.

"Oh, it takes a very special type of person for that," Tempest replied, the bitterness in her tone practically tangible.

"We're getting closer," Robin called over his shoulder.

"How do you know?" BeatBoy demanded.

"Well, BB, I would think seeing the giant lizard would be a dead giveaway." BeastBoy glared at Cyborg for his comment while the other Titans stared at the lizard in awe. Its amber eyes enthralled them as it turned to destroy another building. The vibrant green and black scales rippled in the flickering light of the burning city. A loud shriek broke the lizard's strange hold over the heroes. Starfire and Raven took to the air. Starfire bombarded the creature with her Starbolts while Raven used her powers to drive a bus into the lizard's legs. They only succeeded in annoying the lizard. It shot several columns of fire into the air, knocking Starfire to the ground. She was replaced by BeastBoy in the form of a Pterodactyl.

"Starfire!" Robin called as the purple clad girl fell to the ground.

"I am not damaged, Robin. Do not take time worrying about me," she assured as she slowly stood.

"Guys!" Cyborg shouted over the din of his cannon and the lizard's roar. "We need help here!"

"Tempest, see if you can weaken it with water!" Robin commanded as Raven fell from the air, her cape smoldering.

Tempest nodded and took to the air. She stopped in front of the lizard's face; her eyes turned their vibrant purple. The creature snorted and released a jet of fire. "Water!" Tempest called in defense. The two elements met, Tempest's attack slowly overpowering the lizard's fire. Finally, the stream of water collided with the being, forcing it to stagger back. Starfire and Cyborg barraged the lizard with their respective blasts while Robin threw several of his bombs at the beast's knees. Raven and BeastBoy attacked from the back.

"Tempest!" Robin called. "Hit it with water again!"

"Will do!" She replied and focused her attention on her enemy. "Water," she commanded once more. For a moment, the lizard shuddered under the assault, then opened its mouth to retaliate. Tempest braced herself for the heat of fire, but the lizard shot forth a stream of ice. Tempest's water froze quickly and she was forced to back down. The ice shot past her connected with a building. "What in the world? How does it know to do that?" She asked herself softly.

"Tempest, move!" Raven called. Tempest swooped to the ground as Raven dislodged the ice from the building and smashed it against the lizard's head.

"How did it know to use ice?" Robin asked.

"I have no idea," Tempest replied honestly. "I'm going to try fire next."

"Okay, just make sure you…"

"Look out!" Tempest interrupted, shoving Robin out of the way and jumping back. The lizard's tail destroyed the ground where the two stood seconds earlier.

"Thanks!" Robin called.

"Anytime," Tempest replied, returning to the air. She took her place beside Raven and muttered, "I suggest you move, things are going to get a bit hot around here."

"Sure. Just be careful. Don't hurt anyone else. Or yourself." Raven flew to aid Starfire and BeastBoy.

Tempest forced herself to concentrate. Finally, she aimed her hands towards the lizard and shouted, "Fire!" The flames connected with the side of the creature's head and caught its attention. She did not stop her attack until the lizard retaliated with what she had anticipated: water. She quelled the fire and moved aside, freezing the long stream of water as it passed. "Raven!" she shouted once the water froze entirely.

Raven understood the plan immediately. "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!" she commanded, catching the ice before it hit the ground. She forcefully drove it into the lizard. The large chunk of ice shattered on impact; slivers of ice impaled the lizard. It staggered back and observed its injuries.

"Excellent work, both of you," Robin commended.

"Way to go Tempest!" BeastBoy called.

"Hurrah, friends! You are successful," Starfire gushed, throwing her arms around Raven.

"Don't touch me," Raven responded.

"Guys, I hate to break up the celebration, but ugly and scaly isn't down yet!" Cyborg called. The lizard ignored its bleeding stomach, and turned its gaze on Tempest.

"Take it down!" Robin commanded forcefully. BeastBoy transformed into a Tyrannosaurus Rex and collided with the lizard's back. Raven levitated several chunks of rubble and smashed them into its head. Starfire and Cyborg blasted it repeatedly while Robin bombed the injured stomach. Despite these distractions, the lizard's focus remained with Tempest. She shuddered at its enthralling, unblinking, amber eyes. The lizard began to open its mouth.

"Water," she said instinctively, and prayed her attack would help. The creature retaliated with lightning which quickly carried along Tempest's water. Unable to end her attack in time, the dangerous electricity reached and surrounded her. She held out against the burning pain for several minutes, but her strength eventually failed. She shrieked in pain in fell to the ground.

"Tempest!" BeastBoy returned to his originally form and ran over to his fallen friend. She slowly stood, her gaze fixed upon the lizard.

"I can't beat it."

"You don't have to do it alone," BeastBoy implored.

"Don't you understand?" She asked softly. BeastBoy noticed the pain in her eyes. "This creature was sent for me. It learns from battle and knows how to beat all of my attacks. I won't let you guys get hurt because of…"

The lizard's roar interrupted Tempest. Its tail connected with Robin's stomach and sent him sliding across the pavement. Tempest left her sentence unfinished and flew towards the lizard, her eyes a vivid purple. She placed herself on its head and summoned lightning. This time, the forked bolts emanated from her palms. She used their ferocity to blind the creature. It reeled in pain, and Tempest lightly jumped off its head. Her muscles still ached from the lizard's strong electrical attack. Stafire's Starbolts and Raven's dark powers forced the disoriented monster to its knees.

"Nice job girls!" Robin called. Cyborg kept his cannon aimed at the struggling creature. Raven maintained her hold while Starfire periodically shot another bolt. Finally, the creature laid still, its head pointed upwards. Tempest watched it warily as the scarred amber eyes closed. "Keep you hold on it, Raven," Robin cautioned.

"No way it's still alive," Cyborg commented, poking the lizard with his toe. To contradict Cyborg's words, the amber eyes re-opened, healed and clear. The lizards shot several columns of fire into the air. Both girls fell from the sky; the hold on the creature disappeared.

"You were saying?" BeastBoy asked snidely.

"It's not like this ends well for you either!" Cyborg shouted as he retreated quickly.

"Titans, regroup!" Robin called. Tempest and BeastBoy ran to Robin's side and waited for instructions. Robin licked his lips and stared at their foe. He had no idea how to fight the creature. "Okay, Raven and Cyborg, you two…"

"That's enough, Robin," a voice interrupted. Tempest stiffened and her eyes turned a shocking shade of violet. She stared intently at the ground under the lizard.

"Slade," Robin spat icily. "Where are you? What are you doing here?"

Slade stepped out from a side alley. "I am right here, Robin. I merely came to watch the fight. I like to know all about my enemies. And, the things I seek." His gaze shifted to Tempest, but she merely stared at the ground.

"Explain yourself!" Robin shouted, his anger almost as fierce as Tempest's glare. A loud crack echoed through the destroyed street.

"I think you know exactly what I am talking about, Robin."

"Stop making assumptions," Raven stated dryly.

"Of all people, you should understand what is happening, Raven." Slade's gaze shifted to the cloaked girl. Her face revealed no emotion. Another crack sounded down the road.

"Once again, don't assume things. You are often unpleasantly surprised."

"Enough of this, Slade!" Robin shouted.

BeastBoy finally realized what caused the two earlier sounds. He followed Tempest's gaze and noticed two large cracks under the lizard's feet. From the intensity of her glare, he realized she needed more time. "Why don't you just tell us what you know?" BeastBoy demanded in an attempt to stall.

"Why would I share my private life with you? I'm sure your new friend could tell you everything if you asked me nicely." Two more cracks ricocheted about them.

"What are you saying? Why would we have to ask you? You're not our friend!" Cyborg demanded.

"Yes! Refrain from using riddles in your sentences," Starfire added. The light in Tempest's eyes dulled noticeably.

"As I said, your new friend could explain everything to you, if she had the chance. Unfortunately for you, Titans, I'm taking back what is rightfully mine. You've all seen the devastation that my creature can cause, so if you don't hand her over…"

A final, thunderous crack interrupted Slade. Tempest's eyes returned to their usual colour and she sagged, as if in exhaustion. Slade glanced down and finally noticed the cracks. He jumped aside as the ground caved in, forming a perfect trap for the lizard. The creature flailed and roared which provided the Titans with enough time to run.

"Titans, retreat, now!" Robin called and sprinted away from Slade. Tempest turned and ran, followed by BeastBoy and the others.

They had nearly reached an alley when Slade called out, "Samantha!" Tempest stopped abruptly. BeastBoy collided with her and fell to the ground.

"Owww." He stood up quickly and shook Tempest by the shoulders. "Tempest? Tempest, let's move!"

She blinked and muttered absently, "Right, right of course."

BeastBoy glanced at her and pulled her into the alley. Slade watched the teens disappear then turned his attention to the fallen creature. "It needs to be improved," he spat, and stalked away.

…

When the Titans arrived back at their tower, Robin threw himself onto the couch in frustration and exhaustion. BeastBoy sprawled in an armchair, fatigue clear on his face. Cyborg wearily sank onto the sofa while Raven boiled water for her tea. Tempest curled up separately from the other Titans, worry and concern in her eyes. Only Starfire moved about, ensuring that each of her friends received minimal damage during the battle. Only when Raven settled on the couch with her tea did Robin speak. "You owe us an explanation, Tempest."

Tempest did not face the others nor did she speak for several minutes. When she responded, her voice held a mix of several emotions. "I want to tell you everything, I really do. It's just too complicated. I have no idea where to begin, nor do I remember everything that would be necessary for an explanation. I'm sorry, but I need more time. I'll leave if my presence here makes you uncomfortable or you're worried about safety. I've spent a lot of time on the streets, so it wouldn't be a big deal. I'm so sorry."

Silence followed her words. Raven sipped her tea while the others contemplated. Even Starfire realized that this was not a time to speak. Finally Robin sighed and replied, "We don't want you out. You have a story, but so does everyone. I think we're all willing to give you more time if you need it."

"I know I don't want you running out of Titan's Tower," Cyborg commented.

"Neither do I!" BeastBoy added.

"You will stay, won't you?" Starfire asked. Raven waited for the elemental girl's response.

Tempest sniffled slightly and replied, "I'll stay as long as I am wanted."

"Hurrah!" Starfire cried and pulled Tempest into a firm hug. The curly haired girl winced in pain.

"If you want her to stay, you may not want to kill her, Starfire," Raven muttered. Starfire released Tempest who smiled and quickly retreated to her room. The Titans knew that the girl's tears were not caused by Starfire's painful embrace.

…

BeastBoy did not mention Tempest's sudden halt during their retreat. Nor did he mention the name Slade had shouted. He wanted Tempest to stay, and refused to jeopardize her position. Yet, when he went to his room several minutes after Tempest had left in tears, he replayed the moment in his mind. Samantha, he mused, what does it mean?

……………………………

Gato: There we are. I think I may be getting a cold. Or, it could be something else. No one knows. All I know is that I am excessively tired.

Irie: Woo-hoo. You talk like people care. You know what people really care about? My farm in Lint Land.

Gato: Yes, I'm sure that's the predominant thing in everyone's mind.

TO Box-Personna: Aww, I'm so glad that you love it. I aim to please, haha. Thanks for the review!

Gato: That's all for now doll-faces. I have a test to study for. Ciao.

Irie: REVIEW!!