Chapter 3
[Titans Tower]
Edward had relented and made a phone call to Chicago to talk to David.
Both ends had video capability, so, both were able to see one another, luckily.
"Hi, son," Edward said, "Long time, no see."
"Hi, Pop," David said, "What's going on?"
"Not too much," Edward said, "Just hanging out with my new friends."
"Those Titans?" David said, "I've heard a few things about them and a few adventures you've been involved in."
"The gang's pretty cool, I think," Edward said, "They are the reason I'm calling, actually."
"Oh?" David said.
"I'm getting married, son," Edward said. David's face drained of color and his jaw dropped for a second.
He recovered and said, "The rumors are true, then?"
"They are, David," Edward said, motioning to the others. They came into view and Edward continued, "This is Robin, the team leader, followed by his girlfriend Starfire. Then we have Beast Boy and Terra, followed by Cyborg, Jericho, Arella and finally, my fiancée Raven. Guys, this is my son, David J. Barnes."
"Nice to meet you folks," David said politely.
"Same here," Robin said, speaking for the others, "We'd like to invite you to visit the Tower when you have a chance."
David smiled and said, "I'd like that. Hey, dad?"
"Yes, my son?" Edward asked.
"What's it like being with these kids?" David asked.
"That's a loaded question," Edward said, "You have to remember that to you and I…everyone is a kid. However, for the most part, it's fun. There's been a few tough spots, though."
"I've heard," David said, "Some stories actually make it to Chicago, you know. I do keep up with you. Pop, some of what I've heard has me concerned. You could have gotten into serious trouble killing that other Dragon. Technically, we're an endangered species."
"Son," Edward said, his voice turning icy, "You have no idea what that bastard was doing to Raven's mind. He was bent on destroying her from the inside out. Do you remember when you were still a boy how Uncle Dave, the Child, and Aunt Angie were attacked by evil forces? Do you remember hearing of the battles we were forced to fight back then? I risked being hung as a damned sorcerer. So did your mother. I was not about to let Malchior kill Raven or leave her a vegetable!"
[Easy, dear,] Raven said telepathically, [David doesn't know what happened.]
David was deep in thought and replied, "I remember, Pop. Those were some nasty fights. I know how protective you are towards your friends. Raven must be a special gal to win your heart. I'm happy for you, Dad. I'll come over soon as my schedule allows."
"How about just dinner, then?" Cyborg said, "Your dad is a mean cook!"
David laughed, "That he is. All right, you talked me into it. I don't have anything planned tonight. I can be there shortly."
Edward smiled, "See you then, David. Get a picture of the Titan Tower for your teleport and land on the roof, please."
"Will do, Pop," he replied before signing off.
"You were kind of stern with him for a moment," Beast Boy said. At Edward's glare, Beast Boy said, "Not that I blame you, though. We've all been in Raven's mind."
"He's my son, Garfield," Edward said slowly, "I'll thank you to NOT QUESTION ME again!"
"Whoa!" Robin said gently, "No sense biting BB's head off, right? David didn't even flinch at the rebuke."
Edward sighed, "My apologies, guys."
"It's all right, man," Beast Boy said, "Hey, I got a joke for you. Why did the aardvark cross the road?"
"To beat up the idiot telling jokes about him," Raven deadpanned, and still got a laugh out of everyone, even Terra!
"Rae, sweetie, you could be BB's straight gal," Edward said with a chuckle.
"Not in a million years," Raven said, "I'd kill him first."
"Please," Starfire said, "What is a straight gal? Raven doesn't look very str…" She didn't finish as a ebon black bubble appeared for a second.
Raven released her a second later.
Edward chuckled, "Well, to answer the first part, in human comedy shows, one person tells the joke or otherwise does the comedy routine and a second guy is more serious, or, sometimes will take part in the overall routine.
"As for the second part…no comment, Raven's curved just right."
Raven glowered, [Don't push your luck, dear.]
[Who, me?] Edward replied.
"No fair!" Cyborg said, "Y'alls doing that telepathy thing!"
Edward sighed. He needed to learn to maintain a poker face when using telepathy with Raven.
"Some thoughts are best left private, man," Edward said.
"What's his favorite food," Robin asked.
"He likes pretty much anything," Edward said, "Growing up over the last 200+ years, he's seen a lot of different things, like I have. He tends to lean more towards the vegetarian side, though, but he does eat meat as well. Paula and I taught him that there's no shame in eating meat."
"She must have been a special gal," Jericho signed.
"She was, Jericho," Edward sighed, "Very special."
Raven said, "Don't get Edward started. I'm being slammed by his emotions."
"Don't you block those?" Terra asked.
"Not these," Raven said, "They're too strong to totally block."
She went over and put her arms around her fiancée and said, "It's OK. We're here."
Edward returned the gesture, of course. He was struggling internally, but, he drew strength from Raven and got his emotions in control.
He didn't realize it, but, the physical contact was intentional on Raven's part. She was drawing out some of his inner pain and releasing it. In that respect, she was like one of Edward's friends, a Shaolin priest named Caine. The man had passed on a few years ago, but, the wisdom imparted was invaluable and not easily forgotten. He was full of life lessons and a top notch Kung Fu master who taught Edward a few things. One was to embrace his emotions in order to accept them and, then, let them go.
Raven, as an empath, did that on an instinctual level. If she didn't, the flood of emotions she dealt with could hurt her, even kill her. That was something that, had Edward known about, would no longer allow her to do on his behalf.
He smiled at her a few moments later and kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Let's start dinner, shall we?" he said.
Just then, though, there was a shadow across the sun and a thud on the roof.
"Intruder alert!" the Tower AI said, "Arming weapons."
"Abort!" Cyborg ordered, "Authorization Cyborg 1-1-A!"
"Aborted," the AI said and fell silent.
The team went to the roof and as they emerged, there was a small dragon there carefully walking over. He morphed back to his human form as Edward reached him.
They hugged each other tightly for a moment as Robin said, "Welcome to Titan Tower!"
"Thank you," David said with a grin.
"It's good to see you, son," Edward said, "You look well."
David said, "You too, Pop."
They walked over to the others and was roundly greeted. He shook hands with almost everyone, but, was treated to a Starfire bone crushing hug.
"Damn!" David said, "She's almost as strong as you!"
"Star's definitely a powerful gal," Edward said, "She knows that I can tolerate her stronger hugs, but, as Terra can attest…Starfire tends to leave bruises accidentally."
"Tell me about it," the geomancer said, "The first time she welcomed me, I was sore for a week."
David looked at Arella and then Raven and asked, "Your mom?"
"She is," Raven said.
David said, "I've never had a future mother-in-law before. Regardless, it's an honor to meet you, ma'am."
"Please, call me Arella," she said as David gently kissed her hand. Edward smiled to himself. He and Paula had taught David how to be a gentlemen.
David did the same with Terra, who giggled at the attention. Raven was given the same treatment and quipped, "Should I call you Mom?"
"No chance," Raven replied, "You're way older than almost all of us, save your father. You may call me Raven or Rachel."
"Your real name?" David asked.
"Yes," she replied, "Rachel is my real name, but, I prefer Raven."
"Raven it is, then," David said with a smile.
"I assume you all have other identities?" David asked.
"Most of the team does have other identities, son," Edward replied, "It's their choice to trust you with that information or not. Only one here needs to keep his true identity a secret."
"I understand," David replied. He should, as he knew the pains his father went through for centuries to avoid the noose or worse, the stake. He's heal from being hung rather quickly. Being turned into a BBQ was something else as Edward did not know how he'd heal from the attempt. He was lucky that he never found out.
When Edward introduced Jericho he said, "This is Jericho. He's a mute, so, he will be talking in sign language, but, he hears just fine."
"Nice to meet you," David said.
"I'm honored," Jericho said.
"The honor is mine," David replied. Jericho smiled, "You know sign language."
"Of course," David said, "One of the traits I inherited was languages. I learned to read and speak in sign language a long time ago."
"Arella, Jericho and I are teaching the rest of the team to read sign language," Edward said, "They are good students."
"I bet," David said with a laugh, "You always were a good teacher, Pop."
"Shall we give you the 50 cent tour, son?" Edward said.
"Nah," Cyborg said, "He gets the whole place!"
But, before that could happen, everyone's alert indicators went off! They raced downstairs, David confused, but, following as they went into the common room.
"Titans, trouble," Robin said needlessly, "It's Cinderblock again. Edward, Beast Boy and Raven go. If you wanna tag along with them, David, you can."
The selected ones went to the roof and Edward said, "Raven, you and BB teleport on ahead. David and I will be right behind you."
A moment later, Raven used her method of teleportation to get herself and BB to the location. Terra came running up and said, "Robin added me to the list."
Edward nodded, "Good call.
He morphed and said, "Terra and David, hop on. I know where this is at."
They complied and Edward spread his wings. He leapt off the edge of the roof and after a couple of wing beats, teleported as well.
A moment later, he emerged to see Beast Boy as a T-rex charging Cinderblock as Raven was using her powers to levitate a lamp post to try to wrap around him.
Edward landed and said, "We meet again, Cinderblock."
Cinderblock turned towards the threat as David and Terra got off. David took a second to morph into his dragon form. Terra responded by lifting up several large chunks of pavement.
Beast Boy slammed into Cinderblock, knocking both down. Beast Boy morphed back to human and Edward could almost see the stars orbiting his head.
Raven wrapped Cinderblock up in the lamp post, only to see it shredded a moment later.
"Titans, GO!" Edward said and morphed into an elephant. He trumpeted a challenge and charged as Cinderblock did the same. A gout of flame met Cinderblock as David opened fire. Several large chunks of pavement and stone slammed into him as well. A few seconds later, Edward slammed into Cinderblock as well, knocking the creature down again. Edward resumed his Dragon form and asked, "Give up?"
The response was immediate and painful for Edward as Cinderblock used his massive fists to clobber him on both sides of his head.
Edward collapsed, stunned for several long moments. He didn't hear the sudden growl from Raven or his own son…or Beast Boy for that matter.
Raven's cloak elongated to a good 15 feet tall as she growled, "No one hurts my fiancée!"
David looked at the enraged Raven and raised an eyebrow. Beast Boy had morphed again, copying Edward's form.
"Hope your health insurance is paid up," Terra snarled and unleashed a yell as her hands started glowing a bright yellow and her hair started flying.
"I bet you're made of rocks," Terra said. She started to unleash her powers and Rage snarled, "HE'S MINE!"
"Ladies," David said, "You might want to work together. I'll check on Dad."
Cinderblock was starting to realize that he made a big mistake as Beast Boy, Terra and the temporarily enraged Raven let loose with their attacks.
He tried to fight back, but the combined force against him was almost too much. The tide was turned when one other Titan arrived and her powers were also emotion enhanced.
Cinderblock was hit with a massive barrage of Starbolts and eye beams from Starfire who looked fit to kill.
"You hurt dear friend Edward," she snarled, "So I will hurt you!"
[Ugh!] Edward said telepathically, [What happened?]
[Gonna kill Cinderblock!] Rage replied.
[Rage,] Edward said, [Where is Raven?]
[She's out of action,] Knowledge replied, [Rage took over after you were hit.]
[Calm down, Rage,] Edward urged, [I'm all right. He stunned me, that's all.]
Edward opened his eyes and after blinking things back into focus he was stunned again. By then, Cinderblock was trying to give up and the other Titans weren't paying attention.
Edward loosed a roar to get their attention.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" he roared, eyes glowing a dangerous yellow, "He's surrendering. Rage, if you do not let Rae out, I'll knock you out. You know Rae's already given me permission to do that. Everyone else stand the hell down, NOW!"
The others knew better than to argue when Edward was annoyed, and the glow from his eyes slowly faded as they complied. Raven regained control and ran to Edward.
He morphed back and embraced her tightly, but, not as tight as Starfire usually would.
"It's OK, dear one," Edward said gently, "I'm all right." Raven shook hard as she was fighting her other emotions.
[Calm down, everyone] Edward added telepathically, [I'm not mad at you girls. It's OK, honest.]
Raven's breathing, which was ragged at first, started to smooth out in the arms of her loved one.
"Dad?" David asked, "Do the others know of your telepathy?"
"They do, son," Edward replied, "Long story, though. Let's get Cinderblock back behind bars first.
"Terra, dear? Would you do the honors?"
"Gladly," she said. Her hands glowed again and a mass of earth rose and covered Cinderblock then, compressed tightly. Cinderblock was restrained, finally.
"I wouldn't try to escape, if I were you," Edward said, "As you can see, Terra can control the very earth itself, and, that means you as well. Nod if you understand."
Cinderblock nodded and grunted.
"Stay in jail," Edward advised him, "Consider yourself lucky I'm not pressing assault charges…this time. Anger Raven like that again and we'll bury you, plain and simple."
He was still holding her somewhat protectively, but, it was more to send calming vibes.
The police showed up a few minutes later and Edward and David moved Cinderblock onto a large flatbed tow truck brought in.
"Thanks, Titans," the police sergeant said.
"You're welcome," Edward replied.
"Who is the new guy?" the cop asked.
"This is my son, David," Edward said proudly.
"Biological?"
"Yes, he's my flesh and blood," Edward replied patiently.
"Can we go now?" Raven asked, "I have to meditate."
"You folks go ahead," the police said, "We'll get Cinderblock down."
"Just hose him down," Terra said after a moment, "I've loosened the soil enough to allow water into it. It will take a while, though, as I know you guys don't want a walking pile of rocks breaking loose. Then again, if he does, I'll have to break his legs."
"I don't think he'll go anywhere, miss?"
"Terra," she said, "Glad to meet you guys."
"We're glad to have you back, Terra," the sarge said, "You make a better Titan than an apprentice for Slade."
Terra's face darkened as Beast Boy laughed nervously, "I wouldn't bring up Slade to her."
"He's right, Sarge," Edward said, "That was a bad time in my friend's life. She's trying to move on, sir."
"My apologies, Terra," he said.
"It's all right," she said after a moment, "I'll take that as a compliment." She smiled softly then.
{Thought for a second she was going to explode,] Edward said to Raven.
[I did too,] she replied, [Her anger rose for a moment, but, then, contentment as she realized the cop was complimenting her.]
David merely raised an eyebrow. He had heard the conversation, but, had been taught by his namesake and his wife not to pay attention if he overheard a conversation done via telepathy…or at least not to comment about it much.
[David can hear us, hon,] Edward said, [He'll be fine with it, though.]
[You sure?] Raven asked.
David leaned over and whispered, "He's sure, Raven. My namesake and his family were telepathic. I know to keep whatever I could overhear in strict confidence."
Raven looked at him and said, "Good. I wouldn't want to have to ship you to another dimension."
"She wouldn't, would she?" David asked.
"Yup," Edward said.
David walked away at that. He wasn't sure what to think, but, decided to stay out of the conversation.
"We might as well head back, guys," Edward said.
"Yes," Starfire said, "Boyfriend Robin was most concerned."
Edward and David morphed back to their respective dragon forms and Edward said, "Bus is leaving, whoever wants a ride back, pick their Dragon."
Raven, of course, levitated to Edward's back, Starfire landed gently behind Raven while Beast Boy and Terra opted for David. Edward raised an eyebrow and said, "We're off. Might as well fly straight back."
They took to the air as Edward assumed the lead and headed in the direction of the Tower. It would remind those who might consider wrongdoing that the Titans were still around.
[30 minutes later]
The team arrived back at the tower and landed on the roof. This time, the AI didn't react, meaning that Cyborg had made an adjustment to the security settings.
They went down to the ops center/common area and met Robin there.
"First off," he said, "You guys OK?"
"We're fine," Edward said.
"You took a nasty hit," Robin objected.
"Robin," Edward said, "I'm fine. He merely stunned me for a few moments. No damage done."
"Maybe to your pride?" Cyborg quipped.
"A little," Edward replied. "I was far more concerned with the rest of the team. They were ready to turn Cinderblock into a pile of gravel."
"That's the other thing I need to discuss, with all of you. David, you're welcome to stay, but, what is said here stays here, please," Robin said.
"Agreed," David said. Edward said, "He's like me there. He gives his word, it's kept."
Robin nodded and sighed, "Might as well sit down, Titans. We're stood down until noon tomorrow. Part of this is to get to know our guest better, the other is I have some concerns.
"Since Edward joined the team, I've noticed that not only has he gotten over-protective of Raven, but, that the team is over-protective of Edward in turn. I know that Edward has been stepping back more as he's realized this problem. I need the others to do the same. Watch each other's backs as we always do, but, we all hold our own in a fight and always have.
"The public has noticed this, believe me. I've been monitoring local blogs and there is a growing concern with the citizens that the team is changing and not for the better.
"Part of this is my fault, though. As you have noticed, we're no longer all going out to handle missions together, I've been assigning missions to those I felt can handle it. The public has been commenting on that and wondering if we're going soft. From here on out, we will all be going out on missions when one of the more powerful villains are causing trouble. If it's a routine thing like a bank robbery, then, I'll be continuing the practice of sending only a couple out.
"Edward, you're like a brother to all of us. Sometimes, more like a dad when you need to be. Believe me, we all love that about you as it's one of your best qualities.
"However, I am concerned about your emotional control. Not as much as before, though. I think you and Raven have worked on that very well. The public officials are happy as well as it means less Dragon caused damage to repair.
"Raven, thanks for helping your fiancée with his anger issues. It's a big help, believe me."
Robin paused to give his words time to sink in.
He continued, "Today was, I hope, the last time I will have to remind you all of the main rule: We do not kill. That's been relaxed at times. Do not expect that to continue. Edward had a point earlier and that is you wanted to reduce Cinderblock to rubble cause Edward was knocked on his ass. What message does that send if we start to eliminate the villains? We'd be no better than they are…no better than Slade.
"When I was with Batman, the rule was: No Guns, ever. Non-lethal force was drilled into my head. That's why my utility belt doesn't have lethal weapons in it."
"Friends," Edward said, "I do not enjoy being forceful with any of you unless I have to. I certainly do not like having my eyes showing my emotions towards you. Today, I was not proud to be a Titan. Not when several members were ready to destroy Cinderblock. Not when I am forced to openly threaten my own fiancée with physical harm…permission or not. I am going to come out and tell you this: Unless I am beheaded, I will survive. Getting knocked on my ass does happen! Cinderblock took advantage of a mistake and I will give him credit for doing that.
"Haven't you noticed that I only use the amount of force necessary to cope with a problem? Haven't you noticed that even my lightning breath, 99% of the time is set to non-lethal force? I've had 3000 long years to learn how to be human while still being a Dragon. I've passed as much of that as possible to David, as did his mother.
"I've intentionally pulled back. I know Rae enjoys the protective streak I've got. But, I had to remember that she could also be smothered with that and grow tired. I still have her back, as I have all of your backs. On that, y'all have my word."
"You're still willing to kill," Terra said.
"Tara," Edward said, "That's a given. I do not enjoy killing or being forced to kill. I'm snuffing out a LIFE. I'd snuffing out someone's loved one. A mother's child, someone's brother or sister, a father. No, I hate doing that. But, guess what? If there is no other choice and it's kill or be killed…or watch one of you die…especially Raven, I will use lethal force and if that means one day Robin asks me to turn in my communicator, so be it. But, let's pray that day never comes, shall we?"
Everyone nodded their heads.
"Dad?" David asked.
"Yes?" Edward replied.
"I've noticed that you're quicker to anger as well, and, as your son, that worries me," David said, "I've instances when you lose it, obviously, but, you're dealing with a major life change. You've told me about your past issues, the centuries of being alone and being forced to hide. I recall my namesake telling me about the times you, he and his alter-ego fought side by side. But, unless there was a threat to Mom, you were still pretty much in control. I know we were both hurt when Mom passed on when she did.
"I always felt that when she died, a piece of you died as well."
"I know," Edward said sadly, "Being around the guys and especially Rae have caused a personality shift. Don't ask me why, though. I couldn't tell you."
"I might have an idea," David said and walked to Terra, "With respect, Terra, your rescue might have shifted Dad's personality a bit."
"Raven," David continued, "Forgive me if this is too personal. You said that you were involved in Terra's rescue, correct?"
"I was," the empath replied, "Your dad sensed Terra's life force. It took all of us to transfer some of our life force into Terra to help her. I was told that since your dad's life force was stronger, to use more of his if necessary."
David nodded, "You needed more of dad's chi then. I think that he's still recovering that. I'm no expert on that, but, dad has a friend who is more into that."
"You refer to Kwai Chang Caine?" Edward asked.
"Yes," David said.
"Wish I could ask him…He passed on a couple years ago," Edward said sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," David said honestly.
"I am too," Edward said, "A group of people bested him in a fight. They are sitting on death row."
"What about his master, Lo Ci?" David asked.
"Passed on in his sleep," Edward replied, "I made sure he was buried in his ancestral plot along with his wife."
The conversation lasted another hour and was actually lighter in tone. Robin had said his peace calmly and as time passed, it was getting time for dinner.
Raven and Edward teamed up, as they usually did and whipped up a good short order meal. In fact, Edward allowed Raven to do most of the meal. She had come a long way since that pancake disaster and the team was no longer wondering if they would end up sickened.
After dinner, the team settled in to watch some movies for a while. However, David indicated that he was getting sleepy around 10 PM and Robin showed him to the last of the guest quarters before Edward piped up and said, "Let my son use my office, if he'd like."
"You sure, dad?" David said.
"It still has a bedroom and a stocked fridge, sure!" Edward said.
"Lead on," David said with a chuckle.
Couple of quickie notes here:
First is that while I mention several characters from "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues", obviously they will not be appearing.
Next chapter will be more Blackfire focused, though. That I will be working on this coming week, so, stay tuned.
Upcoming story idea might focus more on Terra and give her some background. ArizonaHawk711 gave me that idea and it seemed pretty good. Now, the question is do I stick with the canon background story, make up a totally different background or a combination of canon/non-canon. Canon here refers to the comics as the series barely touched her back story except to show that Terra was not only having trouble with her powers, but, self-esteem issues and some other mental instability, which I did carry over to how I portray Terra.
I'm also toying with a sequel to Trouble in Tokyo. Both Star and Edward speak Japanese, so, that's not a huge problem.
So many directions to choose from!