The demon princess paced silently in her tent, feet faltering every few steps only to regain their steady rhythm a second later. Deep behind the enchantment Raven fought decidedly to reclaim her body, and was slowly being overwhelmed. Sweat poured down her neck, and shimmered softly on the her brow. Her face was contorted in distraction beneath the golden mask seared into her skin, but superficially her countenance was calm and collected. Ironic, considering that that face was the one she'd strived to perfect after years of living in the service of her father. And now it was a curse.

Raven's 'self' strained against her bonds again but felt then once more snap rigid and hold, unyielding to both her fighting and silent pleading. Oh gods. What have I done. She floated mutely in a sea of self-pity, mentally berating herself for waiting so long to regain control. Now it's too late. She felt the pain the mask was wreaking with her body, felt the souls drain out of countless bodies.

She lamented soundlessly for the slaughter that she could not stop, grief magnified because she couldn't even shed a tear for them.

0 0 0

In the murky skyline of Gotham one figure raced above the rooftops, steps quick and assured. A complete contrast to the pandemonium below. The entire city was one screaming mass of panic, flooding down the streets in an attempt to escape the demonic army that snapped at their heels. Every few seconds one shriek would rise above all the rest, only to be cut off moments later. The monsters weren't just killing, they were like giant house cats, playing with their prey.

A snarl behind him made the figure leap backwards off the building and twist in the air, a small disk flew from his hand and imbedded itself in the wolf-like creature crouched on the rooftop. It howled in rage and then exploded in a shower of gore just as its would be prey landed skillfully on the sidewalk below. The masked teen didn't even take a moment to get his bearings, but launched into a savage attack on the nearest thing that wasn't human.

In mere minutes he had built up a staggering wall of bodies around him. The few demons that had survived the encounter darted away in hopes of finding an easier meal. He panted heavily and leaned against a blood streaked wall, eyes scanning the street around him. It was completely devoid of life and littered with corpses.

Not all of them demons.

Richard Grayson knew that he had no chance of winning this battle alone. But he was the only one left. Everyone else had been shipped off to fight along side the Mechin army. Even the ruler of Gotham, Bruce Wayne, had gone to the war. And Richard knew, without any doubt, that he had been killed.

"I'm sorry Dick." Alfred put a hand on his shoulder, trying to offer some kind of comfort as their world dissolved around them. But the butlers hand was shaking, and a moment later he lifted it to his mouth and coughed raggedly. He'd been sick for almost two months now, and was showing no sign of improving. "One of the Mechin cameras saw… it. You know how those people are. Even in the face of death they want records of everything. But I am not going to tell you who did it Dick. The last thing we need now is to be seeking revenge." He looked his charge in the eye and fixed him with an unwavering gaze. "He wouldn't want you to get yourself killed over nothing. He would want you to be careful."

"Well, he isn't here anymore." Richard said out loud. No, not Richard. Richard Grayson is dead. This war killed him.

Robin stood up straight and took a deep breath, readying himself for another fight. The city was still teeming with demons in need of slaying, and people in need of saving.

"You know," A rough, slightly female voice said from behind him. "talking to yourself is a sign of insanity."

The teen spun around, birdarang in both hands, and stared at the red cloaked figure that had snuck up on him. Four glowing red eyes gazed at him from under its, no, definitely her, hood. "Well well." He responded icily. "if it isn't her Majesty, the Princess of Darkness. I was wondering when you'd show up." He bent his knees slightly, prepared to attack the moment she moved.

She didn't appear to be surprised that he knew her identity. "So you're crazy and smart. A rare combination. You'll do just fine in Azarath. That is, of course, if you aren't eaten." She tugged her hood down, baring her golden face to the world. The she lifted her hands above her head, and began gathering a ball of dark energy.

But Robin was already ahead of her. The second her arms began to move skyward he was moving toward her, throwing birdarangs at her shining face and back-flipping out of the way of energy bolts she was hurling at him. But as his projectiles were inches from their mark she seized then with her power and flung them back at him. He dodged effortlessly, and turned to make another assault only to see his own weapons change direction and make a b-line for his face. He darted away again and they followed. Brilliant Robin. He chastised himself. Throw the heat seekers. She's probably cold blooded anyway. Then he felt his feet bind together and he slammed face first into the ground. He turned on his back and looked wide eyed at the missiles as they prepared to bury themselves in his skull.

A moment later there was a blinding light followed by the merciful embrace of unconsciousness.

0 0 0

Raven inspected the boy at her feet, and was both surprised and pleased to discover that he was alive. His pretty face was a bit battered but he'd likely heal without any scars. It was lucky that she'd decided to slow down the attack before it hit or he would probably have perished. Lucky because she would have had to explain to her father how she'd let him die.

She lifted him into the air behind her and frowned to herself. Her mission was finally over. Both kingdoms had fallen, and she would have to go home. Of course some of the army would stay behind to keep control over the cities, but her part was complete.

The demon felt the blood rage draining out of her limbs and gritted her teeth in frustration. This whole attack had been entirely to easy, and now there was no one left to kill. So with a sigh of regret she transformed into her spirit bird and flew over the defeated city towards Azarath. Stopping only long enough to gather a sleeping Cyborg King.

0 0 0

Authoresses Note: There you go. That was a pathetically long time. I won't even comment on it because it was so sad.

Authoresses Note II: As for me using a name, the only one I got was from Dark Dragon34, but evilsangel is the one who answered my question. - I'm open to suggestions on this thing. If I get evilsangel's name I'll put it in somewhere.

PEACE OUT YA'LL!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

--Queen of the Gnomes,

NumbuhZero