When Fun Times Become Horror

Some would consider it late, but Tim had agreed so, here he was. There had been a change of clothing, something far more casual that did not hint to what his normal nightlife was. This place was also not where his normal nightlife led. Well, there might have been a few times, but that was another life at this point.

Jump City had a boardwalk. Not the traditional wooden pier, but one made of concrete that jutted out into the ocean. Tonight, it was well lit and full of people mingling about. Towering over all was the reason why concrete was chosen as a foundation and that was the sprawling roller coaster that lined the edge of it.

Even this late, it was running and you could occasionally hear the delighted screams of the riders. Of course, there was more than just the coaster. There were other rides like the standard Ferris wheel, over there looked like a section for all sorts of carnival-like games, and lining the street in front of the boardwalk itself was a row of buildings, ones that took advantage of the people who frequented this place. It was nothing nefarious, one of them was a diner that Garfield swore had the best pie ever.

How the shapeshifter knew that was anyone's guess.

As Tim stood there, taking it in, he wondered. This was where Cassie wanted to meet? Yes, this was her idea. This is what she had talked him into.

The not currently masked teen puzzled over the why but couldn't come up with anything. Why here? Why tonight? Well, actually there was an event happening tonight which was drawing in the crowd. It was some kind of anniversary, of the boardwalk, of the city, who cared, everyone here was going all out and whoever attended wanted the time of their life.

This…he was not prepared for this. You could say that about a lot in his life, but right now, in this moment, he was feeling really, really uncomfortable. Why should he be, though? This was…this was normal, right? It was suppose to be normal. It was what normal kids his age did, wasn't it?

Maybe he has been in the crimefighting business for too long.

Okay. It was going to be okay. It would be, and all he needed to do was remain calm. Remain calm. Take in a deep breath, Drake, and let it out slowly. Just go with it and see what Cassie really had planned for.

"You look like you're about to be tortured. Lighten up."

To his right he looked and found the speaker. There she was, Cassie in all of her casual glory and looking at him with amusement. Then he started picking up a few details, like even though the blonde-haired girl appeared casual, there was a style to it, one that paired a tight three-colored shirt with a light jacket and skinny jeans. There was both an emphasis to curves while teasing by hiding other parts of her body. The hair, always styled wild, seemed more luscious and rich even with the lighting of the boardwalk.

Had…had Cassie prettied herself up?

Before Tim knew it, the free-spirited blonde was sidling next to him and snaking one of her arms around one of his. "How many times do I need to tell you to lighten up? Don't be like the guy I first ran into. We're just going to have a little fun tonight, you and me."

Now the male teen was frowning slightly. "Is this a…?"

"It'll be whatever we want it to be. Now, are you going to treat me to a good time or am I going to have to force you?" Cassie's voice was teasing, but those blue eyes were sending a message all of their own, one that was implying he had no choice in the matter.

"Uh…"

"Looks like I gotta drag ya, eh glorious leader? Fine, but follow my lead and then do what you gotta do and take charge. Okay? Okay."

He blinked. "Glorious leader?"

"A little in joke with the others. You haven't caught on yet? You still got a long way to go, bird boy, but not tonight. We're going to let you have some fun tonight." Cassie was taking the lead and through their intertwined arms was pulling him along.

The boardwalk stood before the two of them, and Tim had never felt as nervous as he was in this moment.

What had he gotten himself into this time?

The final screams had ended. The rolling credits had come to an end. There was no end credit scene which gave away just how old this movie was.

There was only silence. The lights of the rec room illuminated, casting light on the group of seven teens—sort of—whose eyes only stared at the television, the Wicked Scary menu returning to cast its image over them.

Each face was a variation—kind of—of wide eyes, slightly open mouths, vertically stretched features, and pale skin. Harder to tell with Cyborg, but he had the same face as the rest. No one was speaking. No one had any critical commentary.

One might say it was silent as the grave.

And like in a zombie movie, someone had to break that silence like a hand breaking through six feet of soil.

"So…" Beast Boy began, but could not find any words to say.

"Yeah…" Cyborg agreed, but then no further words came out.

"Uh huh." Kid Flash for the record breaking two words.

"I always thought American movies were suppose to be watered down and tame." Ah, so it was Miguel at bat and destroying Kid Flash's record.

After a few seconds, Cyborg said, "It isn't American."

"Ah." No further comment from Miguel.

"I have seen many horrible things. I did not know I would ever miss them," Starfire said idly.

Terra blinked her eyes. "I think I left my body there for a second. Is it over?"

The group as an almost whole answered, "Yeah."

"Oh good. I don't think I'm sleeping tonight," the thin blond remarked.

Finally, "Well this was a waste of my evening." Here was the exception to end all exception, the only face that did not have wide eyes, an open mouth, or stretched out facial features, though it was hard to tell about the pale skin. With a half-eaten bowl of popcorn keeping her trapped on the couch, Raven continued, "The plot's predictable, the characters were uninteresting, they didn't even attempt a third act twist, but the only praise I'll give is that I didn't fall asleep."

Starfire turned to her couchmate, looking down at the small girl. "You were not frightened of the fictional account of deliberate fear induction?"

"It takes a lot to scare me. Moreover, there are plenty of real world examples far more scary than a fictional movie monster," the cloak and hood wearing girl remarked.

"But! But, but!" Beast Boy was trying to rally and defend their poor choices tonight. "It wasn't a monster! One of those, um, eldritch abominations from another dimension! If they ever would make a sequel, it'd have Cthulhu for sure! It was like some kind of servant of C'thulhu or something! So you know it has to be scary!"

"C'thulhu isn't real. I checked," was all Raven would deign to respond.

"Well, since I'm not sleeping tonight, what do we watch next?" Kid Flash piped up. The speedster looked left then right, waiting to see if anyone could suggest something good.

Since trying to argue with Raven was a lost cause, Beast Boy perked up and raised up a hand, index finger extended, and began to suggest, "How about—"

"Let's not watch another horror movie. How about some generic action film as a palate cleanser," Cyborg interrupted.

"Aw, but action movies are boring! Especially when you live one almost every day!" Kid Flash whined crossing his arms as he pouted.

"Then shall we venture into the genre of romance?" Starfire asked.

"I'm game for action!" Kid Flash was quick to change his mind, such was his nature.

"I think she might be on to something," Miguel shrugged his shoulders. His lips curled to the right in a half-smirk. "I've been hearing a lot of…good things about this one movie. Always wanted to see it but never got the chance to. Has anybody heard of Magic Mike?"

"Ooh! Ooh! Let's watch that one!" Terra seconded as she sat up, blue eyes blazing with excitement even as two of the other males in the room stiffened and the other had no idea what was up.

"I do not believe I have heard of this Mike with the powers of magic. What is this tale of Mike about?" Starfire asked, looking to Miguel for revelation.

Miguel shrugged his shoulders. "I don't really know, but from what I hear it has an appreciation for the male form. Like, the kinds of bodies that you can have good dreams about."

Now a second female's interest was caught. "Good dreams to replace the ones of terror? Then I would also like to view the story of this Mike."

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, I don't want to watch that!" Beast Boy protested.

Ignoring the shapeshifter, Miguel risked his life and elbowed Raven softly in her side. "How about you? Are you interested?"

Raven calmly viewed the panic from Beast Boy, then turned her head to observe the discomfort from Cyborg. Returning her gaze to Miguel, and considering pardoning him this once, Raven began to give her answer.

Cyborg cut her off first. "How about…a ten minute bathroom break first? If everybody hasn't voided their bowels already, let's take care of that business then regroup and come up with a better plan."

"Yeah! Yeah! Ten minute bathroom break everyone!" Beast Boy was quick to seize the lifeline.

"Hm. Might want to check my underwear anyway," Kid Flash unwittingly gave his support. While the debate over Magic Mike had been gaining in strength, the teen from the future had watched with curiosity, but just as his nature, he was quick to turn his attention elsewhere. Standing up, the speedster was already at the closed rec room doors and opening them.

Both Cyborg and Beast Boy were following while Starfire seemed confused and Terra looked like she might have a word with the green shapeshifter. Raven was also watching her pair of captors, eyes calculating as she took their recent actions into consideration. Miguel was taking it all in stride, which suggested that there might be a little more under the surface of this Mexican national.

Then the doors revealed that there was another occupant in the Tower this night.

A padded metal bar was all there was to pin you down to hard, plastic seats while you were pressed back into those seats by g-forces as you rocket through a twisting metal path that looped around until returning you right back to where you started. It was the kind of attraction you went on first so you could either get it out of the way or go on repeatedly to take up the day.

For a guy who glided through the air on a cape that could be hardened with an electric current and a girl whose magical armor granted flight, you'd think a roller coaster would be boring.

But you would be wrong.

The initial climb that either built up the anticipation or made you regret your choices, the short break at the top, and then the descent that built up speed, your path turning left and right, going up and carried forward with momentum, and on and on. Was there a loop ahead? A corkscrew twist? A turn? Up and down again?

For a teenaged body, the speed and the wind in your face was enough to get that adrenaline rush. Even teenaged superheroes of the future were not immune from it. Arms were held up in the air, as if daring to challenge anything to swipe them off. Screams were lost to the g-forces. Some of Cassie's hair whipped against the side of Tim's face and he didn't care.

There was a flash and up the coaster track went. The turn pushed bodies to the side, necks poorly holding up heads. For what might have been a thirty minute wait, it was all over in about two to three minutes.

The slowdown came, hearts continued to pound within chests, and body sprung back from the plastic seats they were once held against. Back to the start point where the coaster came to a stop and the metal safety bars unlocked. From speakers, a distorted voice spoke, requesting for all passengers to get off. They were barely understood, and no one seemed to care as they got off the ride and headed for the exit.

Some would go back to the back of the line. Others would seek another thrill. A select few the nearest trash can. The two Titans in civilian gear were the second group, taking their time as they strolled to the attractions exit. Reentering the park proper, they passed by a booth, one advertising photos which explained the flash of light. Both of them ignored the offered souvenir.

"I really don't understand it. I have flown over rooftops and beaten up so many people, but I can still get a rush from that," Cassie remarked.

"Same," Tim agreed. From the corner of his eye, he observed the blonde and felt his heart pounding harder. She was looking good, better than she normally did which was saying something.

Their pace was a little slow, especially in comparison to the coaster. Neither of them were in a real rush. The night was arguably still young.

Seemingly not interested in another ride so soon, their aimless path was bringing the two of them closer to the game section of the boardwalk. For those not walking through it, many clustered in front of select booths, either playing or watching an assortment of different games.

Cassie turned her head slightly, looking at him with a small smile that Tim thought was hinting at something.

"Let's see how good you are," was all she said as the blonde took the lead, guiding them to the games.

"Haven't played one of these in a while," was all Tim could say.

"I bet you kept in practice through other ways," Cassie replied. "Tell you what, let's see who can get the better prize."

"It's a competition now?" He raised a dark eyebrow up.

"I wouldn't say that." Strong shoulders shrugged. "If you don't even try, I wouldn't even call it a competition." She paused, and blue eye locked with his. "Unless you're afraid you could lose."

Now Tim wasn't the most competitive of people, but that didn't mean he wouldn't accept a challenge here and there. So he answered with, "Don't get mad if you can't keep up."

A grin parted lush lips. "We'll see who gets mad here."

The tail was coiled, a sturdy base for a muscular torso that was tight with straining skin. Multiple mouths tore the body open with orifice-shaped gashes, vicious teeth lining them. An oblong head glared with malformed eyes, at least three visible with one prominently where a nose should be, one lopsided on the left side and another right where a cheek should be on the right side of the head. Small red pupils glowed with a sinister red.

From behind the head, dark hair bushed over broad shoulders, a natural boa that was hiding off by the rest of the body. Then there was the set of tentacles that slithered through the air, attached somewhere where none could currently see. A large mouth parted the font of the "face," a flood of saliva flowing out.

Like in a movie, previously unseen arms lashed out with long, sharp claws lining the fingertips. Had it not been Kid Flash standing in front of the creature, the speedster would have been the first victim to be torn apart. But Kid Flash was the fastest teenager around and had already retreated behind the couch, peeking over the furniture's headrest with wide eyes.

"I don't need to go to the bathroom anymore!" the speedster squeaked.

Multiple mouths hissed and the creature began uncoiling its lower body, snaking its way into the rec room, intent on its prey—oh hey, that was them!

Starbolts streaked through the air as Starfire launched into action, the glowing balls of light exploding on contact. The creature flinched with each hit, and then charged at the Tamaranean. It showed off some incredibly evasive moves by dodging every single Starbolt fired at it. It was closing in, and Starfire stopped her bombardment, knowing that to continue to do so would only waste her energy.

That, and she didn't want to hit the ram that slammed into the creature's side, throwing its serpentine body into the kitchenette where it disappeared behind the bar-like island. You could hear its body crash into cabinets and generally make a ruckus.

Cyborg was getting in-between Beast Boy and the kitchenette, his right arm transformed into a cannon. "I don't know what the hell you are but you made a big mistake!" the cybernetic teen snarled, the end of his arm cannon lighting up.

The island bar exploded as the creature burst through it. Cyborg let out a swear and fired, the energy beam stopping the monster in its tracks and pushing it back into the kitchenette. Starfire added some Starbolts while she was at it, green and whitish blue melding together.

"On your feet! We got trouble!" Cyborg snarled without looking back. That got the rest of the time onto their feet and ready for a fight.

Kid Flash was at Cyborg's side while Beast Boy shifted into gorilla. Terra took position by the couch, searching for a source of earth that didn't require breaking the windows. Raven began levitating into the air, her cape whipping about. This left Miguel to watch with wide eyes, his body trembling.

With a snarl, the creature once more emerged from the kitchenette, dodging Cyborg's second blast. It spun its body, using its tail like a whip and striking the cyborg in his chest, hitting him back. He was caught by Beast Boy, but then the pair slid further back.

Kid Flash raced in, a yellow and red blur that ran about the creature, unleashing a barrage of punches all over the blue-green skinned body. You could hear the rapid thuds, but it seemed none of it was slowing the thing down as it tried to slash at the speedster. The long, clawed hands swiped at the quick-moving teen and when that wasn't succeeding, the tentacles entered the fray.

They had the same luck, but they did create a mess by striking either the nearest wall, the floor, and even the back of the couch, practically propelling the U-shaped piece of furniture forward by several feet, Miguel crying out as he was carried on the cushions.

Starfire flew in and lashed out with a fist, hitting the creature on the side of its head and throwing it towards the far end of the room. While the monster crashed against the wall, Raven entered the fray, her cape whipping behind her while black-colored energy surrounded her body. The energy flowed out and reached for the creature while it was pulling itself back up. It was unable to react as Raven's power wrapped around it, capturing it and holding it in place.

"You got it?" Cyborg called out, his arm cannon pointing at the mass of black energy.

"I do. Do what you need to—" Raven replied.

The creature passed through the black energy showing no signs of being restricted by it.

"—what?" the empath gasped.

Cyborg swore and fired another blast, hitting the creature back into the wall once more. He kept the energy beam on continuous, hoping to pin it down that way. However, the creature ripped itself out of the beams path, snarling and readying for another lunge.

A wall of purple bricks appeared out of thin air and slammed into the creature, pushing it back and through the opened doorway. As Cyborg shut off his arm cannon, Kid Flash raced to the door and accessed the control panel next to it. The doors slid shut, and another button pressed locked them.

The only sounds now were those of heavy breathing. Cyborg found himself doing so from the surge of stress running throughout his body, possibly adrenaline like the rest. Beast Boy came to his side, shifting back to his human form. Faintly, he heard the sound of boots lightly touching down on the floor, Starfire he figured.

Raven continued to remain in the air, eyes still wide and staring at the doors. Her cape no longer whipped about, hanging limply around her shoulders. No one spoke up, everyone just trying to process what had happened.

Then, "I don't think I need to use the bathroom anymore," Beast Boy quipped.

If it involved throwing, Tim found that the years throwing birdarangs did wonders for your aim. Didn't matter if it was small bean bags, baseballs, or darts. Every time he hit something or got it in a hole. Sometimes he'd figured out which games were rigged that way, like how one ball ricocheted off that one stack of bottles or how that one bean bag stuck in the cut out hold and didn't fall.

He was using enough force. A lot of it was in the wrists. Really, this was easy, too easy even. He was starting to feel sorry for any of the game operators who were starting to throw him some looks.

Cassie, of course, was amused.

"Those pitching skills are really coming in handy?" the blonde teased while he gestured randomly towards the offered prize—or perhaps bribe to get away from that particular stall. He didn't really care what he got because…well, carnival prizes weren't really his thing anymore.

Sure, as a kid. Now? As a teen? One who was getting to the big one eight? The appeal wasn't quite there anymore.

Tim found himself being handed one of the larger stuffed animals, one that was white and resembled a chicken of all things. It was a little awkward holding it, however, he thought he spotted a willing volunteer who might be willing to hold it for him.

"Oh? I didn't think we were this far," Cassie commented. Tim wasn't sure if he was seeing things, or if it was all the lighting from the booths, but it looked like the blonde girl's blue eyes were twinkling. If that was what they were doing, he had never seen such a thing before. Then he was jostled from his thoughts as his chicken-based offering was accepted.

Now, he could have said something, anything really. For once, he felt that saying anything would be the wrong thing and that silence was the better part of valor. Plus that was a look that was…nice on blonde teen.

Now why did it feel like his face was burning a little?

"Come on, we're not done pillaging yet," Cassie beckoned while moving away from the current booth and its now relieved operator. "We got more people to make cry. Maybe I should try one. What do you think?"

Now that he thought about it, wasn't there a game where you shot water into some kind of hole and filled up a balloon? Maybe the jet of water could be aimed at him to cool off a bit.

"Okay. What the hell was that?"

The minutes had been ticking by ever so slowly and especially after the doors had been locked. However, there was no feeling of safety. None whatsoever. Whatever that thing was, it could take a hit and it was agile. Who knew how strong it was and if locked metal doors could hold it back?

Alright, first thing was first, and that was to get everybody on the same page.

"Did you see that thing?" BB exclaimed, gesturing towards the door.

"Yeah, Grass Stain. I think everyone here saw it," Cyborg grumbled.

"No, I mean, didn't you recognize it?" the shapeshifter continued to make no sense, his extended arm practically waving.

"I think that was the first time we ever saw anything like that," Kid Flash pointed out, saving Cyborg the time to say it himself.

"No! It looks just like the monster! From the movie!" Now Beast Boy's other arm was gesturing to the TV. Cyborg found himself looking at the large appliance which was thankfully unharmed. Then he thought about his buddy's words and did so hard.

Now that it was pointed out…yeah. Yeah, that thing looked just like the monster from the movie. But…how was that possible?

"I told you guys! I told you it was cursed!" Beast Boy continued, his voice becoming more high pitched.

Abruptly, a black aura wrapped around the shapeshifter and held him still. "And yet here you were, making us watch it. I highly doubt Cyborg downloaded a curse over the internet," Raven stated.

"I don't know," piped up Miguel. "Wasn't there that one movie that was about some…thing that you…I think it involved a ring? But there was a phone, it would ring, you pick up, and a voice said 'Seven days' and then seven days later you were dead."

Now Beast Boy was rapidly shaking his head despite Raven's magical restraint. Somebody was agreeing.

"And isn't that a movie too?" Raven snarked. She seemed a bit more calm, especially since the monster slithered through the same restraint she had on Grass Stain. How had that happened? She had looked just as shocked as he had felt when it had happened. Guess she was recovering from that.

"My friends," Starfire unexpectedly cut in, "this is not the time for conflict amongst ourselves. There is a threat in our tower and we must conclude it before we are hurt or worse, it escapes into our city."

Cyborg gave a quick nod of his head. "Starfire's right. Raven, let Green Bean go. We need to put our heads together and come up with a plan. We are not letting that thing leave here so we settle this here and now."

At his side immediately, Kid Flash agreed, "Great! So what do we do?"

That was a good question. "We know it can take some damage. The kitchen over there is proof of that," the cybernetic teen pointed out. Then to the speedster, "You were the last one to be close to it. Did you see any damage to it?"

Kid Flash considered the question. "I…don't know. I was busy making sure the doors were shut."

"So we don't know if energy-based attacks can harm it. Slow it down, but not enough to put it down," he surmised. "Then I guess it's going to be close quarters. We hit hard with all our strength. Whatever physical things we can do, that's what we do."

"But I punched it a bunch of times!" Now it was Kid Flash's turn to exclaim. "It didn't even flinch and…oh, oh, I'm starting to feel it in my knuckles now. Adrenaline is wearing off and oh…OH, my hands are sore." Red gloved hands were rapidly shaking themselves as if to throw of said soreness.

"No offense, but you don't hit as hard as I can," Cyborg replied. "Maybe you can hit it a hundred times a second, but I can hit with the strength of a semi going 75, and that's me holding back. I won't this time."

"Maybe we should get some rocks in here," Beast Boy suggested, freed from Raven's might. He emphasized his idea by slamming the end of his fist into the palm of his hand. "A boulder can hit pretty hard, right?"

A good idea, but then Cyborg took a look around and grimaced. "But we don't keep boulders in here. Terra would have to get some from outside or under the Tower's foundation. We don't want to weaken that, nor break the windows. That might give that thing an out that we don't want to give it."

"But, then what am I suppose to do?" Terra protested, her arms held out from her body.

Another good question. But…maybe there was something. It was an idea, one that came from nowhere, but damn it, it was better than nothing.

"We track dirt all over the place don't we? Definitely after the World Engine business and all that sand. There's bound to be something we didn't get. See what you can't gather from that and we'll work from there."

It was the best he could come up with at such short notice, and judging by how wide Terra's eyes and jaw were, she seemed to know where he was pulling this idea out of.

Unfortunately, he had to agree that it definitely did come out of his nonexistent ass.

Wanting to continue putting on a strong front, he turned to the newest face in the room. "Those brick things of yours might come in handy. Anything else you can do with them besides walls?"

Miguel looked taken aback that he was even being looked to for help, but then he considered the question. You could tell, he had that thoughtful look that was practically universal. "Walls have been the most I've done."

"You were having luck earlier," Cyborg pressed. "Whatever those things are, they were able to push that B-movie monster out of the room. Can you do something more with them? Wrap it up. Restrain it to the point it can't move?"

The Hispanic male bit his lips, a small frown creasing his brow. "I can try."

Beast Boy was right beside the newcomer, in a serious tone, "There is no try, only do."

Someone had been taking lessons from Kid Flash about appearing out of thin air it seemed, but Cyborg got the reference and had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. It seemed Miguel got it too; he looked at the green shapeshifter sharply, then gave a little smirk.

"Dagobah?"

Grass Stain gave a nod of his head with a replying smirk. "Dagobah."

Raven put a hand to her face. "Don't tell me we have another one sharing the same brain cell."

Okay, time to put the brakes on a budding bromance. "Get your rears into gear, guys. We got a job to do," Cyborg started as he turned back to the locked door. "We got our game plan. Kid Flash, you unlock the doors. As soon as they open and that thing comes in, try to pin it down then hit it with everything we got until it don't get up. Be smart, don't do something stupid, and don't hold back. Everybody ready?"

Always beating everyone to the punch, Kid Flash was at the control panel beside the door, finger hovering over one of the buttons. "Ready!"

Starfire was hovering in the air, hands ready with Starbolts. Terra was hanging back, eyes practically slits though her blonde hair was waving a bit. Raven threw back her shoulders so that her cape was draping down her back while black energy covered her hands. Beast Boy was over the couch and resuming a gorilla form, nostrils flaring with each breath he took. Miguel was making more of those purple bricks appear out of thin air, amassing them for an immediate assault.

Last but not least, Cyborg aimed his right arm at the closed door, the end of the energy cannon lit up and ready to fire. "Soon as you open those doors, get out of the way Kid Flash, got it?"

The speedster gave a quick nod.

The teenaged cyborg exhaled his breath. This was it. "Do it."

The button was pressed, everyone heard the locks unlock, and every body tensed up in anticipation. The door slid open, different colored lights flared while a certain speedster raced out of the way, yet there was no lightshow.

Why was that? The hallway was empty. The lights were out, making it looked like a dark, spooky corridor, but there was nothing there to shoot. Cyborg found himself blinking his remaining human eye while he processed this. Not for a second did he lower his arm, but the surprise of all this was…well, he didn't know what to think of it.

"Perhaps it has relocated elsewhere in the Tower?" Starfire suggested, ending the stunned silence.

"Lying in wait, waiting to ambush and pick us off one by one," Beast Boy said, as if reciting a trope…it was a damn trope.

Trope or not, it was as good an explanation as any why they were all staring into a dark, empty hallway. So now what? Why even ask that, he knew what.

"We gotta go find this thing," Cyborg said grimly. "We are not letting it have the run of the Tower."

"You know where to start?" Raven asked, her tone mild but just one wrong response away from tearing any plan he might come up with to shreds.

It was a good thing he already had some ideas. "I'll access the Tower's security and use all the cameras we got to narrow down where it slithered off. There's only so many places it can hide. Hell, I'll trigger a lockdown on the Tower to make sure we can restrict where it can go."

The lack of scathing response was a good one.

Kid Flash had wandered back to the doors and was peering down the hallway. "Maybe I can find it first? I can check this whole place in like two seconds flat. Three if it wants to put up a fight."

"We stick together," Cyborg interrupted, drawing Kid Flash's attention towards him, along with everyone else's. "This might not be a horror movie, but we shouldn't act stupidly either. We stick close, watch each other's backs, and stay safe. Even if it takes all night, we will get this all under control."

They had heavy firepower. Everything his robotic body could offer, the double threat of Starfire's Starbolts and fighting skills, Beast Boy and the whole animal kingdom, and Terra with a tectonic plate if she wanted to try were some examples. Raven had some abilities, he wasn't entirely sure what they all were, but she had to have something up her sleeves to pull out. Miguel was new here so what all he could do was up for debate. Then there was Kid Flash and his speed. How could they really use that last one outside of scouting?

The thing about speedsters, no matter how fast they were, they could be surprised as anybody if caught off guard.

Case in point, the tentacles that abruptly wrapped around the speedster's body, sneaking from the speedy teen's blind spot, and then followed by the monster dropping down from the hallway's ceiling where it gave a snarl then rushed down the hallway, dragging Kid Flash along with it until the door sliding closed and blocking off all sight could be described as a surprise.

And it all happened so fast.

Now there was another silence as the group of Titans plus one stared at the place where they had just seen their teammate get swiped in front of them and then disappear so quickly was being processed.

"I don't know, I haven't been here long enough, but that can't be a good thing," Miguel said, summing up everything.