I'm back with the next chapter. Sorry about the long wait but when you're juggling things from school work, Spanish, karate, and helping out in the house, it's gets pretty frustrating. But now this chapter is ready and I'm sure y'all going to enjoy it. But first, a little updating for you. I got one review from Rahkshi500, saying he was surprised at the different method I did on the last chapter. Well I tell you Rah, that is just the beginning. There are more surprises in store for the rest of the story. Also, I got 46 hits on my last chapter, which makes my story count up to over 3,000 hits. So keep up with the reading and give my some props cause I like how all this is going. Now let's get on with this shindig. This is the next chapter of Doomed Titans and its going to be a hair raising, stand out your seat, impactful chapter. Truths are told, enemies are revealed, and a new monster so vicious, it won't stop until it kills its target.

Chapter Notes

The Archvile will make its first appearance on this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Doom 3

Chapter Twenty-four: Desperate Measures

Recycling Sector 2, Pump Station 1B: November 15, 2145, 8:24 P.M.

Somewhere in another recycling facility on the other side of the installation, things are looking and sounding pretty quiet. Of course, that was until the airlock door opened and a Marine came in moving his shotgun left to right to sweep the area. After inspecting the area, he lowered his weapon and sighed.

Main Marine: "Looks like the place is clean, for now."

He then entered the pump station to look around again. He then noticed a set of steps that lead up to a catwalk and into another part of the plant. But unfortunately, the steps were ripped in half, making it impossible for anyone to go up.

Main Marine: "Well so much for taking the steps. There's got to be another way to reach up there."

He continued searching until he spotted a small pump on the left side of the station. It was then that he founded his alternate route. Now the other problem, finding power to activate the pump. He then turned right and spotted a workstation.

Main Marine: "Maybe there's a console that can operate the pump."

Quickly he entered the workstation and looked for a terminal. It was then that he spotted a monitor with a big red icon that reads, "Reactivate Primary Pump Systems".

Main Marine: "Bingo."

He then approached the terminal and clicked on the icon with the mouse pointer. But when he did that, all the monitors went completely static for a second and then a mysterious face appeared on them.

Main Marin: "What the…"

The face looked at the Marine and chuckled. That face belonged to Dr. Betruger.

Dr. Betruger: "Making progress are we?"

EFI Ward and Shipment, Elevator Access: November 15, 2145, 8:26 P.M.

Back at EFI, the Titans and Alex walked down a narrow a hallway heading to the elevator. After surviving in that cage silo battling the Fool, they were able to get out of there and find a way out of the recycling plant. When they approached the elevator, Alex pressed the "Call" icon to request the lift to head to them. While they were waiting for the elevator to come, Robin looked at Alex and had something in his mind.

Robin: "Hey Alex."

Alex: "Yeah Rob."

Robin: "There's something I've been wondering about after we attacked the Fool."

Alex: "And that is?"

Robin: "Well… You told us before that Betruger had that beast locked up in the cage, and this is the same guy that kept the Vagary a secret, not to mention he's in charge of the main portal."

Alex: "True. Exactly where are you going with this?"

Robin: "Well, this might be at the top of my head but… I do believe Betruger had something to do with this mess."

Within' a flash, Alex turned his head to see Robin and had a questionable look.

Alex: "Excuse me?"

Robin: "Just think of it like this. Betruger, though he created the teleporters, hid the creatures in top secret locations and no one never heard of it nor seen them before. But now after the invasion, they seem to have escaped from their prisons and started running a muck killing people for no reason. From what I can tell based on my experience, I could only assume that Betruger was behind all this."

Alex: "But I already told you before Robin, that Betruger would never do something this extreme. Even if he were a mad man, he wouldn't do this let alone create such chaos. Besides, I believe that the doctor kept the two creatures for observation and testing, to see how they work and get adapted to their environments. And let's not forget that I or we haven't seen him in this installation. He could be dead for all I care. So lets not say it's him until we are certain he's the one. Got it?"

Robin just sighed and answered.

Robin: "Got it."

When they were finished with their conversation, the elevator doors opened apart and the team went in. When they got in, Alex observed the touch panel that shows three different floors. The one in the middle was named, "Refinery Silo", that's the one they were on, the bottom said, "Shipment", and the one of the top was called, "Recycling Comm." Knowing that the top floor was the communication floor, he clicked on the icon and the shaft went up.

Robin: "So where are we going now?"

Alex: "First we're heading towards Recycling's communication center, to see if we can pick up my dad and tell him we're all right and maybe get some news on the situation. When we're done there, we'll head back down to Shipment, a garage floor, and see if there's a vehicle for us to get to Gamma."

Beast Boy: "Let's hope that we don't get any more uninvited guests when we get there."

Cyborg: "Yeah, let us hope."

After thirty more seconds, the elevator made it to the top floor and the door opened sideways. They all then entered the long hallway with windows showing the view of Mars on the right and a few benches on the left for waiting. On the father end of the hall is a door that goes straight into the command center so the team walk to the door. While they were walking, they spotted a couple of dead marines and broken down sentry bots on the floor left and right.

Raven: "Looks like we missed the party."

Alex: "Yeah. By the way this place looks, some of the Marines were holding position here and made their final stand. I got a funny feeling that this battle must've went inside the command center."

Robin: "Well, it there's anything inhuman, we'll take them down."

As they approached the doorway, the team immediately stopped as Alex positioned his plasma rifle up and get ready to see what's on the other side. Once he took a step forward, the doors opened, revealing the inside of the communication center of Recycling. In the back was the communication station that looks all beaten up with sparks flying on a few terminals and screens completely blank and chipped. To the left is a lounge area with a kitchen, a snack dispenser, and soda machine, and a long table with a couple of chairs. And on the right is an observation deck where people look through the windows to observe the view of the UAC. There were also dozens of dead bodies mangled on the floor with pools of blood surrounding them and weapons and ammo scattered. Alex slowly enter the comm. and look at both sides, including the ceiling incase there are creatures hanging on them. While he was doing that, the team entered quietly and they too were looking. After inspecting, Alex lowered the rifle and sighed.

Alex: "No sign of any hostiles. But this place is quiet, too quiet."

Beast Boy: "Maybe they got up and left. I mean everyone's dead so where else can they go."

Alex: "That might be true, but we can't take that chance."

He turned around to look at the Titans and gave them an order.

Alex: "Beast Boy and Raven, check the observation deck. Robin and Starfire, check the kitchen. Make sure no monster or zombie is hiding, leave no stone unturned. Cyborg and I will go the comm. station to get some contact with my dad. If you see anything suspicious, warn me."

Everyone nodded at Robin gave out the order.

Robin: "Titans, split up."

Quickly the team split up and checked different parts of the comm. center. While they were doing that, Alex and Cyborg headed to the communication station to see if they can gain some kind of access. When they went up a small set of steps, they were distraught at the fact that everything is trashed.

Alex: "Great… Looks to me that the battle must've been so intense that they nearly destroy the station. This is going to take us weeks to get all this back online."

Cyborg approached one of the shattered terminals and scanned it to see what is the extent of the damage. After a few more seconds, he figured out what the problem is.

Cyborg: "Actually, I don't think it would take us that long."

Alex: "Huh?"

Cyborg: "I think I know what the situation is. We got ourselves a malfunctioning bifurcating dialator."

Alex looked at him very confused with question marks on top of his head.

Alex: "Um, yeah… That was my first guess. Can you fix it?"

Cyborg: "No problem."

The hybrid cracked his knuckles and within a flash, multiple power tools, cutters, and what nots came out of his hands. Quickly, zipped through the comm. station fixing everything left to right.

Cyborg: "All I've gotta do is cross the conjoining wires with the transistor couplers, connect the oscillator to the main data port, and we're good to go."

Again, Alex was more confused at what he was saying. So he asked him nicely without insulting him.

Alex: "Do you come in subtitles?"

Cyborg stopped and looked at Alex to answer.

Cyborg: "I'm going to get the system back online and make sure that everything's operational."

Alex: "There. Now wasn't that easier to say then all that mumbo jumbo you talked about?"

Cyborg: "No, no it wasn't."

After a few more clicks, snips, and connections, all the screens went up, the terminals are operating at full power and the communication station is online. Cyborg patted one of the terminals and smiled at his successful work.

Cyborg: "Baby's purring like a kitten."

Alex: "Wow, nice work Cyborg. And in record time too. I never seen anyone in the UAC repair something as fast as you."

Cyborg: "Hey, at least my way is a lot better then your way of fixing computers."

Alex had an anime vein pumping at the side of his head, remembering when he was fixing up a terminal back at Central Command at the Military Complex. Deciding to ignore that, he approached the terminal where there's two Vid Comm. monitors next to each other and started typing away.

Alex: "Well, since all Vid Comm. terminals are back on, I better start contacting dad and discuss to him the situation we're in now."

Cyborg: "And where are you going to find your father?"

Alex: "He could still be holding up a base of operation in Delta. I need to establish a connection to the lab and get contact with him. I hope."

UAC Power Plant, Security Station A1: November 15, 2145, 8:29 P.M.

Meanwhile, in a security station at the UAC Power Plant, Campbell was trying to gain access to all routes leading to the main power core, while Swan was waiting for him to finish up. He was sitting on one of the security chairs with two duffle bags loaded with charges between him.

Counselor Swan: "Any luck getting us in?"

Jack Campbell: "Nothing yet. Normally, I would've had all access throughout the entire plant. But with half of the systems jammed, it's going to take me a while to get access through the maintenance area."

Counselor Swan: "Well you better hurry up. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can get to Delta and clean this mess up."

Jack Campbell: "Yes sir."

As Swan was waiting for Campbell to again entrée, there were a couple of beeps in one of the terminals. Swan looked to the left and spotted a Vid Comm. terminal station with a red blinking light on the console. He got up and headed to the terminal, finding out who would be calling. Once he pressed a few key sequences on the console, the screen in front of him shows the call is coming from one of the recycling facilities in the Communication Center. On the receiving end was Delta Labs on all channels, but there was a "Stand By…" signing blinking on the section. Swan rubbed his chin and started piecing together what's happening now.

Counselor Swan: "That's odd… Who would be calling Delta in a place as dangerous as one of the recycling plants?"

He then thought of anyone who wants to talk to someone in Delta. He knew that all the marines and survivors couldn't be there because they all could be dead, and the only people he ever seen alive last time was Alex and the Teen Titans. Then something made his head flash in an instant. What if the Titans and Alex survived the attack back at the Main Communication Room? And what if that they are trying to reach a connection to contact Alex's father, Sergeant Thomas Kelly. After putting the two pieces together, he decided if he could talk to them.

Counselor Swan: "Hmm… I wonder…"

Recycling Plant, Central Command: November 15, 2145, 8:31 P.M.

Back at Recycling's Central Command, Alex was waiting for a response from his father. But the signal was still busy on the Vid Comm. station for the past two minutes. He was tapping his fingers on the console, hoping to get a contact with his dad.

Alex: "C'mon, c'mon, pick up. What's taking so long?"

While he was waiting, the rest of the Titans headed to the Comm. station after searching the area for any surprises. Cyborg turned his head to see the team coming in.

Cyborg: "Well guys, anything?"

Robin: "We check everywhere in this place, but there was no sign of anything out of the ordinary. So far this place looks completely clean, for now."

Robin then paid attention to the guardian of the Titans that was waiting patiently at one of the stations.

Robin: "What about him?"

Cy then looked at Alex too.

Cyborg: "He trying to get in contact with his father but he had no luck. Let's hope he didn't get killed in Delta while we were busy."

Robin: "For our sake, let's pray that didn't happen."

After another few minutes, there was a small but quick beep and an announcement that said through the speaker, "Connection establish." After that, the screen went static of a moment and Sergeant Kelly was on the screen.

Sergeant Kelly: "This is Sergeant Kelly. Who is calling?"

After a brief pause, Kelly noticed that the person that was at the Vid Comm. terminal is his son.

Sergeant Kelly: "Alex?"

Alex was pleased to hear from his father again, so he answered.

Alex: "Hey dad. Good to see you again."

Sergeant Kelly: "Oh god I thought I lost you. After what I heard when there was an assault at the Main Communications Facility, I had the notion you were done for. What happened, and how did you get to one of the recycling plant?"

His son sighed, remembering all the dangers he and the team faced in the plant.

Alex: "It's a long and very ugly story."

Sergeant Kelly: "What about the Titans? Are they with you? Are they safe?"

Robin then came in and approached the Comm. station next to Alex.

Robin: "We're fine, for the moment."

Sergeant Kelly: "Excellent, good to see all of you in one piece. Now then, while I lost contact with all of you I've got some news that might be of interest to you all."

Alex: "Hit us."

Sergeant Kelly: "Well first of all, not too long ago, one of my marines was able to send the distress signal to Earth. We'll be getting reinforcements to help us in need but it's going to take a while for them to get the message."

Alex: "Uh dad? We already know about it. We found a survivor, a marine, hiding in the locker room area at recycling and he told us everything."

Sergeant Kelly: "Oh… Well I just want to let you know about it. Another thing. Do you remember when I told you that those creatures came from the main portal in Delta Level 4?"

Alex: "Yeah."

Sergeant Kelly: "Well, I figured out what caused them to escaped to wherever they came from and enter our world. I found footage from a security camera in Delta 4 and it showed whole thing before the invasion started."

Alex: "Show us."

Kelly pushed a button on the terminal he was in front of and now the screen showed a recorded feed of a group of scientists and marine soldiers gathering around the main portal, ready try out one more test.

Scientist 8: "O.K. First phase is complete, now on to the second. Let's move the Soulcube into the portal, slowly."

Just then, a cart that was moving on its own by remote control was slowly approaching the portal. On top of the cart was a strange looking object with yellow pincers odd-looking designs. The team looked at this artifact and was a little interested in it.

Robin: "What is that?"

Alex took a closer look at the object his eyes widen at what it really was.

Alex: "Oh son of a bitch. It can't be!"

Everyone just looked at Alex.

Robin: "Um… Alex, is there something you might want to say to us?"

Alex turned his head to Robin for a nod, then looked at the others to ask a question.

Alex: "Raven, do you remember what I told you about the story of the brave warrior that came down from the heavens and save the Mars civilization by using the special weapon used to kill the ruler?"

Raven: "Yeah."

Alex: "Well turns out, that object in the screen is the weapon. The scientists at the UAC call it the Soulcube and it was discovered at the Main Excavation site where the legendary warrior was laid to rest.

There's no information about how it works, but what they do know is that artifact is active and possibly connected to what happened to the civilization that was destroyed."

Cyborg: "And how do you know about it?"

He remained quiet for a moment until he answered.

Alex: "Let's just say that I've encountered it before and it changed my life."

Suddenly, he heard explosion sounds coming from the screen behind him. Alex turned around to find out what it was and discovered that the main teleporter was malfunctioning in a big way. It was then that a huge skull came out of the portal and shriek while the marines tried to take it out with their machine guns and chain guns.

Marine Soldier 10: "Command HQ we have a situation in Delta Level 4. Something just came through the portal and looks really pissed. We need backup here at once, all equipped with BFG's. We don't know how long we're going to- HOLY FUCK!"

Without warning, the skull exploded and the camera feed short circuited until the screen went completely static. The team was a little bewildered at what they saw at the screen and also a little silent.

Beast Boy: "Man, that didn't look good."

Quickly Kelly face appeared on the screen.

Sergeant Kelly: "Just as we expected, those monsters came out of the main teleporter at Delta 4. And I got a funny feeling more of them would be coming out of it."

Raven: "Actually, we've seen more of them in the base. Turns out that those creatures have an ability to teleport through some type of black magic. The strangest thing is that they always appear whenever we're around. It almost sounds like they're being summoned."

Sergeant Kelly: "Hmm… That sounds pretty interesting. But still, we have to shut down the portal immediately before more can come in. I'm ordering all remaining units to head to Delta Level 4 ASAP to see if we can work together to take it out. You and the Titans should come here too, we could use all the help we can get."

Alex: "And how are we suppose to stop this teleporter."

Sergeant Kelly: "I have no idea yet. But we have to take it down by any means necessary. And failure team is not an option."

Suddenly, another Vid Comm. screen next to Kelly's blinked followed by an announcement saying, "Video Linkup Requested." Alex turned his head to see the other screen and was a little curious. 'Who would be calling at a time like this?' was all he thought about until he decided to accept the call.

Sergeant Kelly: "Is there something wrong Alex?"

Alex looked back at his father's screen and answered.

Alex: "No, nothing's wrong. Someone is calling from another station. Can you please hold while I answer it?"

Sergeant Kelly: "Of course son. I don't see why not."

Alex typed down a few keys to gain access to the other Vid Comm. and when the announcement said, "Connection Established" the screen went static then another face appeared on the second screen. But when he looked up at the screen, it turned out that the person who was communicating was actually Counselor Swan.

Alex: "Swan?"

Counselor Swan: "Alex? Well, I'm quite surprised that you and the Titans managed to survive back at the Communications Facility. However, I never would've thought that a blast like that could've killed you all in an instant. I guess that's the reason why you Titans are risk takers."

Sergeant Kelly: "What do you want Counselor?"

Counselor Swan: "Sergeant Kelly? Humph… Never expect you surviving this holocaust."

Sergeant Kelly: "Believe me when I say this to you Swan. We're all surviving whenever we can. Now, what are you doing?"

Counselor Swan: "Isn't it obvious Kelly? Trying to stop these monsters from getting to Earth."

Sergeant Kelly: "Then mind telling me why did you destroy the Main Communication Room? One of my marines said that you and Campbell blew it up, not to mention that you almost killed my son and the Teen Titans."

There was a short silence until Alex intervenes.

Alex: "I'll explain that dad. Basically Swan was there to shut down the Orbital Communication terminal to send the distress signal to Earth. He said that sending that signal would bring the Marines down here and would bring the full time invasion on Earth. I was trying my best to stop him from doing that, but before I could do that, we were under attack by a swarm of Lost Souls, a bunch of flying hybrid skulls on fire. The team and I were able to take them out and trying not to destroy the comm. terminals, but Campbell took the ugly way out and decided to fire a BFG blast to destroy everything and nearly killed us. If it wasn't for me telling Raven to use her shields to protect us, we would've been long gone."

Kelly listened in on his son's story the whole time then decided to hear Swan's part of the story.

Sergeant Kelly: "An explanation Swan?"

Swan just stared through the screen sternly and answered.

Counselor Swan: "Well what Alex said was true. I was going to shut down the orbital terminal stop the transmission from reaching Earth, but I have my reasons. Those ships that would be coming here will probably be taken over by those things and when that happens, Earth won't stand a chance. It was my duty to make sure that they won't get here. Now I know Campbell used his BFG to obliterate the Main Comm. and nearly annihilate the team, but he had no choice in the matter. If you were in my shoes and these things outnumbered you what would you do? Would you alert the Earth fleet about the situation and send them here, or would you defend for yourself and make sure no one knows what's happening?"

Kelly gave that some thought and explained him about this choice.

Sergeant Kelly: "I understand your concern Counselor, but I'm afraid we didn't have much of a choice. We're losing more lives as it is and there's not enough Marine support to help us."

Counselor Swan: "So what? If we would've isolated ourselves from Earth, we would've save countless lives. But since your marine managed to send the transmission, we're screwed!"

Alex: "Well be glad that we now have the help we need. It's not like that we would stand a chance against these creatures."

Counselor Swan: "Still, all the marines from Earth will be overrun by them. There's no telling how many monsters there are around here."

Sergeant Kelly: "My son has a point there Swan. If we are able to get out of this mess, we need all the help we can muster. Surely there would be casualties, but those sacrifices will be for the greater good."

While Alex was listening in, he noticed something odd at the bottom right hand corner of Swan's Comm. screen where they would say the name of the area he was communicating at. According to the readout, it says that the Counselor was at a security station in the UAC's power plant. Now what would he be doing there? While he was trying to figure that out, both Kelly and Swan were bickering about this situation through the screens.

Counselor Swan: "Then tell me Sarge. How many sacrifices will it take to save this installation, and better yet, to save Earth itself?"

Sergeant Kelly: "Just enough to stop those beasts. You see, the reinforcements that are coming here are special opps and crack commando teams that face heavy hostiles like this before. And when they come here with their high tech weaponry, those freaks wouldn't stand a chance."

Dr. Betruger: "Oh really…"

Everyone jumped when they all heard the strange voice. After they heard that, all the screens were beginning to snow in, then static started to take over. Alex looked at the two Vid Comm. screens and they too were static as the faces and voices of Swan and Kelly were getting disoriented.

Counselor Swan: "What in the" … "going on? I'm get" … "terference from where" … "What's going on"…

Alex was having a hard time trying to figure out what happening. He then looked at the first monitor where his father's face is on but was getting disrupted by more static.

Alex: "Dad? What's happening?"

Sergeant Kelly: "I don't" … "son. We've seem to" … "ruption from where you" … "I'm losing you on"…

But it was too late; static covered the entire screen as Alex's father vanished from it.

Alex: "Dad!"

Alex was surprised at this unexpected event and didn't came prepared for anything like this. He then turned to Cyborg to try to figure this out.

Alex: "Cyborg?"

Cyborg: "It's not me Al! Someone or something is taking over the entire station!"

And Cy was right, for every screen in the station got nothing but static and the entire team could see a little redness appearing on them. Finally, after trying to find out what the problem is, the screens went back to normal, but they were all showing another's person's face.

Dr. Betruger: "Good evening Alex. I see you and your team's making a lot of progress."

Alex stepped right in to get a closer look at the mysterious person's face. What he found out completely shocked him. The person was wearing a scientist uniform, has a bold head, dark circles around his eyes, and a bad right eye. It is without a shadow of a doubt that the person on the screen was none other then…

Alex: "Dr. Betruger?"

The Titans looked on and couldn't believe that the person on the screen was Betruger. Even Beast Boy couldn't help but to cut in with a lame joke.

Beast Boy: "That's Betruger? Man he looks butt ugly!"

The doctor on the screen couldn't help but to chuckle on.

Dr. Betruger: "So this is the legendary Teen Titans. I've heard so much about all of you. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Malcom Betruger. Forgive me not meeting you in person but as you can see, I have my hands full."

Quickly, Alex stepped right in and demanded answers.

Alex: "Enough of this Betruger. You mind telling me just what the hell are you doing?"

Betruger looked at Alex with a stern icy expression.

Dr. Betruger: "How very rude of you to interrupt me Alex. But still, I was quite surprised that you and the Titans made it this far. I never expected you to destroy the Vagary, let alone taking out the Fool. I am shocked, almost too shock for words."

Alex: "Whoa whoa… Wait a minute. You mean you were watching us the whole time?"

Dr. Betruger: "You don't need to be amazed at that Alex. For you see, I am everywhere and everything you see here is mine. Though I am a little perplexed at the fact that you and your friends attacked my children. You should understand how hard it was for me to plan everything and pull every stop to destroy you. Yet, no matter how big the obstacle, or how tough my children are. You all managed to escape in one piece. How interesting."

Robin heard the doctor's words and started piecing everything together.

Robin: "His children? Planning the whole time?"

After giving much thought, he came to the conclusion and directed his attention to one of the screens Betruger was on.

Robin: "Of course! It was you wasn't it? You were the one that started this massacre by sending all those creatures to this world through the portal! It was you the whole time!"

Alex couldn't believe what he heard when he looked at Robin and had a confused expression on his face. Betruger, on the other hand, simply laughed and evil laugh and looked at the Boy Wonder.

Dr. Betruger: "Well played Robin. You're detective skills are very impressive. Too bad you were too late figure this out all day."

Al then look back at the screen, realizing that the doctor was telling the truth. He then looked back at the Vid Comm. station and hope that his father listened in.

Alex: "Hey dad, you're getting all this?"

He waited for a response but there was none what so ever.

Alex: "Dad?"

Dr. Betruger: "Don't bother talking to your father Alex. I've already disrupted communication with him and Swan, so we can have our little private talk."

Alex turned his head back to Betruger after hearing that and got a little angry.

Alex: "Why are you doing this doctor?"

The doctor smirked and answered.

Dr. Betruger: "I thought you might ask that. You see, the world that we live in is a cruel and heartless place that is riddled with wars and pollution. Man proved it by toxifying Earth and creating and ice age that froze the northern half of the planet. And not only Earth, but also the rest of the universe that's going through so much suffering and destruction. It is an eternal dance that drives men to their fatal existence. Well tonight that dance will end."

The whole team was confused at what Betruger mean as question marks appeared over their heads.

Alex: "What the hell are you talking about Betruger?"

Dr. Betruger: "I'm talking about man's existence boy! An existence that they strive for yet they kill and obliterate to get to that. An existence of peace. But what is that you humans and aliens care about peace. Despite your best efforts, you all rage wars, pollute your planets, and come up with ever-imaginative needs of self-destruction. Your kind cannot be in charge of your self-keeping. Well starting right now, that will all start to change."

Alex: "Then what's that had to do with this invasion you started?"

Dr. Betruger: "To make sure there is a balance in this chaos. With the help of the main teleporter in Delta, my children will bring justice to this galaxy, to bring peace."

Alex: "And exactly what do you mean by children? You not talking about those creatures that are trying to kill us?"

Dr. Betruger: "Indeed. You see, in order to bring peace through out the universe, I must have the portal active for the legion to enter. And now, thanks to the Soulcube, all my children can pass through it and stop this insanity."

Alex: "How could you call this peace when these monsters are killing people, innocent people, for no god damn reason?!"

Starfire: "Agreed. We all have our problems in the universe, so we can handle it ourselves. You're idea of peace is inhuman and vile!"

Dr. Betruger: "Perhaps that is all true. But you have to have sacrificial lambs to make this dream possible. As you can see, the Union Aerospace Corporation is just the beginning. When the Earth's fleet gets here, we will overwhelm them and we'll use their ships to bring this Hell to Earth."

Alex: "Dr, Malcom Betruger, you have officially lost your mind! I always knew you were crazy, but this is beyond it! When the board gets word at what you've been doing, they will send you to a high security asylum post haste!"

Dr. Betruger: "And who's going to call them and stop me? Kelly, Swan, you? Heh, heh, heh… That's not going to be possible. You won't live long enough to stop me, and you'll die long before you have the chance to do that."

When he said the last words, the team heard the gears and mechanics from the right, they all turn to see the shutters on the windows of the observation deck close and sealed up tight and then all the lights were turned off, leaving the place in total darkness except the screen lights the illuminate the Communication Station.

Alex: "This doesn't look good."

Dr. Betruger: "Alexander Kelly and the Teen Titans, welcome to HELL!!!"

Betruger's maniacal laugh echoed all over the area as strange symbols appear on the walls, floor, and ceiling, all glowing bright blood red and fills the room with absolute evil. Suddenly, high voltage orange and yellow lightning bolts came out through the ceiling and straight down to the floor. When the storm cleared, a creature appeared in front of the team, and it's a creature they never seen before. Standing before them was a humanoid being with a large cranium and a but ugly face, a lean yet muscular body with ribs showing in the front, and pulsing red hands with claws and they were engulfed by flames. The monster looked up at the team and shrieked in a high-pitched tone. All the Titans and Alex can do is to watch in awe at this new beast.

Alex: "Definitely not good."

The humanoid then put its hands together and a line of fire came charging straight towards them.

Alex: "Ah shit! Everyone get out of the fire's way!"

Quickly, everyone jumped away in two directions while the line of fire missed them and hit the Comm. Station, destroying all the terminals and causing the screens to blow up in a trail of sparks. Alex, Starfire and Robin went right, entering the kitchen area, while Beast Boy, Raven, and Cyborg leaped left to the observation deck. When they reached the deck, Cy then turned on his sonic cannon and fired it at the being, but the blast had very little effect. It then turned left to see the three Titans and attacked with another line of fire. Raven then activated a black wall to deflect the flames and protected the two Titan boys from sudden death. While the humanoid was trying its best in killing the three, two exploding disks came out from behind it and hit it in the back. It turned around to see Robin, Starfire, and Alex battle ready. The creature then shrieked and launched another wave of flames. The three made a sudden retreat and headed to the table. They then knocked the table over and hid behind it while the flames hit the table. Lucky for them it was a stainless steel table, because it can protect them from 300-degree heat. While they were hiding behind the table, Alex took his PDA out and check to see what is this new entity their facing.

Robin: "Damn it! I should've known this was a trap just like the other ones."

Starfire: "This creature is more violent then the ones we faced."

After observing the monster files in the PDA Alex looks at the two Titans.

Alex: "And there's a reason for it too."

Robin and Starfire looked at Alex as he begins giving them the details.

Alex: "My PDA tells me that this freak is called the Archvile, a very dangerous and nasty entity. It attacks by using waves of fire at anyone it gets in its way, or can kill in close contact with its razor sharp claws. This thing isn't easy to mess with."

Robin: "It doesn't matter. We have to kill it quick before we become roast beef."

Alex: "Well whatever you do, you better do it fast. Cause not only that it can burn us alive, it can also-"

Suddenly, before Alex would finish, the Archvile raised its burning hands up and shrieked. As soon as it did that, fifteen Imps were summoned around it and the team. The Titans and Alex saw the whole thing take fold as the Imps shrieked.

Robin: "Uh… Don't say it, I think we already know. Titans, Go!"

Robin took out the R-Sword and started cutting the arms and head off one Imp then went to the next one. Starfire then flew up to the ceiling, and started shooting star bolts at the third Imp. Alex took out his Series 3 plasma rifle and he too was clipping off two more Imps. Back at the observation deck, the rest of the team was doing the same thing. Cyborg turned on his other cannon and used both of them to eliminate four Imps with one blow. Another Imp threw a fireball at the three but Beast Boy got a hold of the flaming projectile with his Grabber and launched it back at the creature, killing it with one direct hit. Raven levitated in the air and lifted two metal benches with her dark energy. She threw the first bench at the two Imps and sliced them in half, then used the second one to launch it at the Archvile. But instead of it being killed, the humanoid creature used its razor sharp claws to rip the metallic bench in half as it passed the Arch in between. Raven couldn't believe what she just saw and didn't hesitate when she saw the monster put its flaming hands together and created a line of fire that was heading straight towards her, BB, and Cy. Rae quickly opened her cape that started to turn black, covered both her teammates when they were done with the other hostiles, and phased straight through the floor while the flames hit one of the observation windows and shatter it on impact. Luckily, the steel shutters were sealed right so that no air wouldn't escape to the outside. Right after the three disappeared through the floor, the Archville got shot in the back by a couple of star bolts. It turned around and look up to see Star and screamed. It then created another line of fire that flew straight to the Tamaranean. Star was able to avoid the fiery blast while Robin charged in from the left with his sword ready to attack. He made a swift swing at it but the humanoid avoided the swing and swung its claws at him. The Boy Wonder was able to avoid the attack, only to get his uniform ripped on the left below his 'R' logo. Alex then took the opening he needed and fired his rifle at the humanoid. But only after a couple of shots, an Imp came up from behind and was about to slice him with its claws. Alex felt that coming as he turned around and popped shots at the creature. Once it died, the Titan's guardian then reloaded his rifle with a fresh cell and went back on the assault. But when he turned around, the Archvile took care of Starfire and Robin by sending then straight to the metal wall and they hit hard on it, leaving them unconscious temporarily. It then looked at him then launched another line of flames. After seeing the flames coming at him, Alex quickly jumped out of the way as the line of fire passed him and hit another wall, close to the kitchen. He rolled back to the metal table as the humanoid fired again, hitting the steel surface. While the Archvile was busy with him, Raven materialized from behind it and opened her cape. That's when Cyborg came out of it and was about to punch the creature out. But the humanoid turned around and slashed Cy's metal chest with it's burning claws. Cyborg backed up when Raven phased back through the floor and he looked down at the diagonal scratch right below his breastplate. Lucky for him that the cut didn't penetrate deep enough to damage his circuitry or else he would've been screwed. He then looked up to see the monster shriek and was about to fry the hybrid. Suddenly, Raven came out of the floor to the right of the Archvile and opened her cloak again. The creature turned around to see the telepath, but before it can do anything, Beast Boy came out of the cloak in his tiger form and pounced on it. He slashed and sliced it in the chest hoping to kill it, but the creature had other intentions. It lengthened one of its claws to make a swift move, but BB turned into an armadillo rolled himself up in a ball. The claws did hit him and got him off the humanoid, but it didn't penetrate the hard shell of the changeling. It quickly got up and sent a wave of fire at Beast Boy. Although the shell protected Beast Boy from the heat, there was smoke seeping on the shell. He morphed back to his human self and waved his arms and ran around, feeling the heat.

Beast Boy: "Ow! Ow! OW! Oh GOD that hurts!"

He was able to fan away what little heat was left on his body, but just as he was about to finish, two more Imps were behind him, ready to kill him. BB turned around to see the two and thought he was finished, but a few shots of plasma just took out the first Imp, while a blue laser blasted the other Imp. Beast Boy turned around to see who shot down the Imps. Turns out, it was Cyborg with his sonic cannon, and Alex with his plasma rifle. The changeling sighed and looked at Alex with a sly expression.

Beast Boy: "You know I could've took them out myself."

Alex just smirked at BB's remarks.

Alex: "Hey, couldn't let you have all the fun."

Suddenly, two more Imps came up from behind Alex and pounced on him. But just when they were going to rip him apart, four exploding disks and four star bolts attacked and killed them. When Alex heard the shrieks and the explosions from behind, he turned around to see what happened. What he saw was Starfire floating up in the air with her hands covered in green balls of energy and Robin next to her with his arms folded.

Robin: "And we can't let you have all the fun either."

Upon saying that, the Archvile appeared behind Rob and Star and brought forth a line of fire at them. The two turned around and saw the flames, but when they were about to get out of the way, Raven came up from between them and created a protected barrier and deflects the flames.

Raven: "Everyone get back! This is going to get ugly."

Everyone nodded and raced back to the already damaged communication station. They all just stood by and watched their friend trying to hold back the flames from the humanoid monster. But the flames were getting too hot that there were cracks appearing on the black shield and is on the verge of breaking. The Archvile thought it was going to get the better hand, but Raven, being the dark telepath that she is, had her eyes glowing brighter as she says her incantations.

Raven: "Azarath, Metrion, ZINTHOS!!!"

When she said those words, the shield grew stronger, making it difficult for the flames to penetrate. She then pushed the black wall straight to the humanoid and it pushed it away and sent it straight to the other side of the wall where the doorway leading back to the access hallway is. The shield slammed the creature flat on the already locked door and got knocked out for a second right after the shield dissolved. Raven, after successfully taking out the Archvile, flew back to the comm. station and rejoined with her teammates. All of them watched the creature to see if it disintegrates and be gone. Unfortunate for them, the Archvile began to stir and saw the Titans with a vicious look. It immediately got up, raised its fiery hands up, and gave out a blood curdling scream. Unexpectedly, six Imps materialized between the humanoid and shrieked with it. The team just watched in bewilderment at what they saw as they positioning themselves again for a second attack.

Cyborg: "Man, that thing is tough!"

Robin: "Yeah, almost too tough. We have to destroy it and get out of here quick!"

Beast Boy looked at Robin and gave him the worst-case scenario.

Beast Boy: "Uh Robin. I hate to be a drag but that creep is blocking our only exit! How are we going to get out?"

Alex looked around to find something that can work, then looked down to see two grenades lying between a dead marine. He bent over to pick them up and looked at them, then looked back at the Archvile and Imps. Looking back at the grenades, he has an idea.

Alex: "We go through it."

Everyone just looked at their guardian and was a little perplexed.

Teen Titans: "WHAT!?!"

Alex: "Look, I know this sounds crazy, but it's the only way for us getting out of here alive. I'm going to throw a couple of grenades at the Imps and when they're all dead, we'll go head on, take out the Archvile in one shot, and make it through the door. Trust me it will work, I hope."

The Archvile and Imps, being impatient long enough, decided to kill them all with one blow. The Imps threw their fireballs at the team while the Archvile fired its wave of flames at them. Alex and the Titans saw it, but came prepared for something like this. Alex then looked at Raven and gave her the order.

Alex: "Raven…"

Raven: "On it."

Raven's eyes immediately glow white as her hands glowed dark black. She then placed her hands in front of her and a shield came out of her hands and covered the entire entryway of the comm. station. Upon doing that, the flames and the fireballs hit the shield, but not the team that's behind it. Once all the smoke cleared, she let down her shield as Alex armed the grenades and threw them where the Imps were. Once the grenades were close to them, they exploded, killing the creatures and leaving behind nothing but ashes. Quickly, Alex armed his plasma rifle while the others prepared for an assault.

Alex: "CHARGE!!!"

And just in a second, the team charged straight towards the Archvile and shoots it down with exploding disks, star bolts, aurora blasts, plasma blasts, and blue lasers. Then Beast Boy gave off one final blow by turning into a rhino and ramming it straight to the wall and destroying the doorway in the process. Once he done that, the humanoid started to disintegrate and turn into ash itself. The changeling, returning to his human form, rubbed his head and felt a little woozy.

Beast Boy: "Oh man… Does anybody have a bottle of Advil around?"

The team then passed Beast Boy as Cyborg picked him up and carried him over his shoulder. Everyone ran as fast as they could to make to the elevator. Once they made it, Alex pushed the "Call" icon to open the doors, but for some strange reason, the doors won't respond. So he kept on pushing the icon multiple times to get it going.

Alex: "What's taking so long? C'mon, c'mon, open up already!"

While he kept pushing, Beast Boy heard some strange voices and used his head that was behind Cyborg's back to look up and see where it was coming from. What he saw was a red cloud hovering above the floor at the other side of the hallway. Suddenly, a red lightning bolt hit the ground and a Pinky appeared and roared hard. The changeling's eyes grew wide in fear as Cyborg turned around and had the same expression as BB. The huge beast then charged in and headed straight for the team.

Cyborg: "Alex, I think you should hurry up, like right now."

Alex: "I'm trying, but these stupid doors won't open!"

Beast Boy: "Well, you better do this quick or we'll be dog food in seconds!"

Alex and the rest of the Titans looked back and saw the Pinky charging in at full speed. He then took out his machine gun and cocked it.

Alex: "Cyborg, can you open the doors for us while I slow the Pinky down?"

Cy looked at Alex and nodded.

Cyborg: "Got it."

He let BB down and hurried to the elevator doors as Alex walked ahead of the team and aimed his weapon at the monster's tree stomp legs. He pulled the trigger and started firing. He did pop some shots at the Pinky's legs just to slow it down for a bit, but it still kept on going. Meanwhile, Cyborg slid his metal fingers through the edges of the doors and used his strength to open the doors. So far he pushed them halfway, and almost got it opened all the way.

Robin: "Come on Cyborg, you can do it."

As the hybrid was trying to open the doors, Alex kept shooting off the legs of the Pinky, who was still stomping towards the team. He kept on shooting and shooting until his gun ran on empty. He looked at the gun and looked back at the bull creature that was still heading towards them and roaring in pain.

Alex: "Uh Cyborg, have you got those doors opened yet?

Cyborg: "Almost…. There…."

He said, as he was just about to open them fully. After one last push, the doors opened up and the elevator is ready for service. Cyborg took a deep breath and looked at the team.

Cyborg: "All right, everybody in!"

Quickly, everyone entered the shaft as Alex pushed the "Shipment" icon. When he looked back, he saw the Pinky almost reaching the elevator, ready eat the team already trap in the elevator. But just before it had the chance, the elevator doors automatically closes and the shaft moved downward to the bottom floor. While they were heading down, Alex sighed and sat on the floor.

Alex: "That was too close."

There was a moment of silence until Robin broke it.

Robin: "I should've seen this coming. That Betruger is responsible for this mess. He was the one that released those beasts through the teleporter. Not to mention keeping the Vagary and the Fool in those secret labs."

Alex: "Yeah, I always knew that the doctor was crazy, but this is beyond it. Never expected it happening."

Raven: "None of us have. We must know that we now have an enemy in this base. And we must be extra careful when we face someone like him."

Alex: "That sounds like a good plan Rae. But there's more to this then we think."

Everyone immediately looked at Alex and wondered what he meant.

Robin: "What are you saying?"

Alex looked at Robin and answered.

Alex: "Back at the communication center, right before Betruger ambushed us, I discovered something on the Counselor's screen. At the bottom of it, there was a message that said that he was communicating through the main power plant of the installation."

Robin: "And why are you worried about that?"

Alex: "Because that area has a main reactor core that powers up the entire Corporation. And if Swan and Campbell are there, that means they got something up their sleeves that can literally shake the foundation of the UAC itself."

Robin: "And you think that's a problem."

Alex: "Don't know. But all I know is that whatever they're doing could be trouble. Which is more of a reason why I have to get you guys back to the past as soon as possible."

Suddenly, without warning, the elevator made an abrupt stop as the lights started to flicker and the screen went static. Alex got up and checked the screen to see what's the problem. Robin approached to see the problem as well.

Robin: "What happened?"

Al turned around to see the Boy Wonder and answered.

Alex: "Looks like there's a power outage or something. We have to give it a moment for the power to come back on. It's nothing to be worry about."

Raven: "Actually, there is something to worry about."

Alex looked a Raven a little confused.

Alex: "What do ya mean?"

Raven: "I'm sensing something very very bad. I do believe we're being watch."

Dr. Betruger: "You are correct my dear girl."

Everyone got startled when they heard Betruger's voice, but they all calmed down and looked around to figure out where the voice is coming from.

Robin: "Dr. Betruger, where are you?"

There was a soft chuckle of the doctor's voice.

Dr. Betruger: "Still trying to look for me when you know where I am huh? I've already told you that there is no escaping me. For I am everywhere and I control everything in this complex. You should know that by now being you are a legendary team."

Alex: "We don't have time for your trickery doctor. We got stuff to do."

Dr. Betruger: "Oh, like getting the Titans back to their past to prevent something?"

There was a cold hush silence when the team heard what the doctor said.

Dr. Betruger: "Yes Alex, I know all about your little plan in going to Gamma Labs and using the Ark to get the Titans back home. You see these eyes see all and these ears hear all. You should understand that so well Alex. Too bad it was too late for you know that."

That was when Alex exploded.

Alex: "Damn it Betruger, you coward! Stop this nonsense, come out here, and fight!"

Dr. Betruger: "Oh I will fight you, in due time. I until then, I will remind you that no matter where you go, no matter how you hide, no matter where you turn, I will be one step ahead of you. So enjoy your little ride, for it will be your last!"

Then without warning, the elevator made a deep plunge into the bottom of the shaft as the lights turned blood red, the elevator doors opened and closed periodically, and Betruger's maniacal laughter echoed. The team got caught off guard for the moment and held on for their lives.

Alex: "Son of a bitch! He tricked us again!"

The shaft continued to go further and further down until it almost reach the ground floor.

Alex: "I don't think this elevator would stop anytime soon. BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!!!!"

Quickly the elevator reach the bottom as the team hoped that they get out of this safely. Just seconds before they reach the ground floor, Raven's eyes lit up and her whole body glowed black. And just like that, the elevator crash, sending metal debris piling on top of each other and bursting in flames.

Now there's another cliffy for you. So did the Titans and Alex made it out of there alive? Only one way to find out and that's by reading the next chapter. Also on the next chapter, I'm going to do something different that I've never done before. Please Review.