239. Amass

December 1, 2004.

Metropolis.

4:32 pm

Lexcorp HQ.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

SLAM!

Luthor's fist slammed atop his desk.

He snarled and jerked forward to glare into the viewfinder. "Dammit, Dagger! I'm not blind! I see what is happening!"

Dagger's image sat calmly on the tiny screen before Luthor. The dark-haired young man had his fingers held together. Killer Croc and Metallo stood in the shadows behind his calm shoulders.

"If you weren't blind, you wouldn't be here……"

"Don't give me that!" Luthor barked. "How can you dare say that when you hold so much power? You are nothing but a deceiving, power mongering rat!"

"I tend to disagree. I am simply more efficient than you, Luthor. One would imagine a person of your nefarious reputation more than capable of stabbing me first. It just so happens that—yes—I have far more knives up my sleeve than you'll ever see."

Luthor fumed and counted off verbally: "You dominated the operations in Vegas. You used my technology to take out Area 51 once the weaponry was retrieved. You marked the shipment with traces of my productivity. You tricked Two-Face into a suicidal mission against the Bat Troupe. You sacrificed tons of resources on my side and Harvey Dent's with red herrings meant to attract Slade the Parasite to eliminate all forces but your own. And in the end….all of Two-Face's resources in Gotham City have been annihilated, along with most of the major criminal organizations that oppose you in that crime pin City…..and now the law is breathing down my neck because of what was discovered at Wayne Corp of all places! I and my entire personnel are chomping at the bit just to stay alive in breathing with all our funds depleted and the Justice League under our very noses starting to regroup! And while all of your 'business partners' drown in the mud Matt Hagan donated you—on Dent's part I may add—you're taking all of the glory of the thermalkinetic products from Area 51 for yourselves! Do you seriously expect me to let you walk away just like that?"

"Mr. Dent was gracious enough to let me be. You would do well to follow the same course of action."

"Nnnngh…..Two-Face is nothing now but a blathering, incoherent vegetable! Somehow Batman's dark troupe…..m-must have ripped his mind apart! But I'm not about to go easily into the falling curtain, Dagger! I've spent FAR TOO MUCH to let you get the best end of Triangular!"

"Mr. Luthor……Triangular was an illusion……," Dagger gestured on the screen. He twirled a knife and calmly spoke: "There was never anything mutual or democratic about the organization. The team was my own fabrication from the start. I needed two added 'limbs' to stand on after Slade was reborn as Red Aviary and threatened my…………'assets'. Turns out, you and Mr. Dent were the most sensitive of all. I used you. And then as now, your sole purpose has been to benefit me. I am Triangular, Mr. Luthor. And the plans I put into motion long, long ago shall go into effect shortly. Red Aviary's fiery Destruction will spin around to consume himself. And in the deathly wake, I shall pick my treasures from the ashes. The Titan's City……this entire Seaboard will be mine."

Luthor—glaring—tilted his face aside so as to 'focus' more on one of the tall brutes standing behind Dagger's shadowed form. "Corbin? All of this time you were in league with Dagger and only Dagger without telling me?"

"Then….now….as always…," the metal skeleton placed a hand over his titanium breast and bowed. "….I am in a league of my own. I thought I made it clear long ago that I was never working for you, Luthor. We just happened to be in the same boat because of what you hired the good Dr. Jace to do…."

"And I bet Helga was whoring herself to Dagger all along as well!"

"Ah, you and your figurative finesse, Luthor. God be praised! I've seen more eloquence at the rectal end of an elephant. But nevertheless, you did provide almost as much amusement as Two-Face's crumbling debacle did. Heh heh heh………oh, how I love looking at this pathetically funny world from outside the flesh!"

"It behooves you to not concern yourself with this eventuality, Luthor," Dagger pointed with a knife. "Things—as they have transpired—were always meant to be. I had every intention of using you resources to my advantage. Metallo and Dr. Jace were instrumental in giving me an edge. But I could have done without them if I needed to. Your empire is but a stack of cards marinating in dust, Luthor. One blow……one little gust of wind…………and everything is all ashes and paper into oblivion. Do not cross me, Luthor. You cannot afford to."

"Is that so…..," Luthor gritted his teeth. He popped open his drawer, whipped out a miniature suitcase, opened the lock, and brandished a lavish set of red buttons. "I'm guessing you forgot my all-powerful Eye in the Sky, Dagger! I don't like traitors. I never have. So help me….the same thing that obliterated Area 51 will now fry that hellhole of a hideout you have in Gotham City!"

"And when you say 'Eye in the Sky'….," Dagger calmly twirled his knife and spoke. "Do you mean the satellite ion cannon that is now running on half frequency and stealthily repositioning itself to focus on the heart of Metropolis as we speak?"

Luthor's finger lingered over the red buttons. His lips parted and he squinted his eyes at the man on the monitor. "Huh?"

Dagger snapped a finger. Behind him, Killer Croc walked off screen. "Orbital weapons are getting cheaper and cheaper these days. Before the Javelin was used in the Destruction of the Thanagarian technology on Earth during the invasion, even that space station was a sad excuse for galactic instrumentation. A word of wisdom: everything that floats can be sunk………or in this case, brought back down into a burning cremation."

"I'm afraid I don't unders--," Luthor gasped in the middle of his words. He frowned at a boiling point. "Do you mean to say that….?"

Dagger nodded. Killer Croc walked back into the frame of the monitor's image. The reptilian mutant had a nervously smiling, sweating William B. Anderson in his scaly grasp.

"It took less than an hour and a half of my most recent 'employee' digging into your network to find the access codes to the ion cannon. I will admit, I've had weapons of mass destruction at my disposal before—and many even more efficient than this toy you so eagerly built in the skies. The essences of Terra might wipe out a City, but more than two blasts from this easily collapsible cannon and the entire world will discover it and shirt the bird of prey down by its third swoop. Still……while I am using the thermalkinetic energy vials to get my job done……I…………could illustrate to you how serious I am about the recent turn of events One shot of the ion cannon is enough to obliterate your beloved HQ building. Two shots could take both you and S.T.A.R. Labs out. Or then again……why destroy you with fire when I can with guilt? A well-timed shot on—say—a global hotspot would make an interesting impact. Perhaps Kasnia could see its last day of geo-political strife? And who cares about the existence of Jerusalem anymore—besides over two thirds of the worldwide population, of course……"

Luthor was breathless. "You wouldn't….."

"Concerned, Luthor?"

"I may be."

"You certainly look concerned," Dagger said, twirling the knife. "Though, I doubt it's for the millions of people whose lives are now at stake. I have many gradual, more practical plans for taking over the world. But blasting mass populations into dust for the absolute Hell of it would get you off my back if need be. After all……that is a Lexcorp Satellite in the sky with its fiery eye. One pull of the trigger, and everyone will come rushing to you faster than they did over a bunch of vials at Wayne Corp—which was merely a red herring in and of itself, I might add……"

Luthor's teeth showed. He clenched his fists. "What is all of this worth, Dagger? Do you want me to come begging on my knees to you? Me and my whole company?"

"Not today, Luthor. Tomorrow, perhaps. The thing to keep in mind is…………only I have the power to dictate when exactly such an occasion might take place. Not you."

"……………."

"Keep……silent……Luthor……," Dagger icily hissed. Thin, frowning eyes. "Or else. The convergence of the fires of Rhea and the lightning of Zeus is not a good place to dance. I suggest you keep your legs planted where they are……for your own sake."

Blip!

Dagger's, Metallo's, Killer Croc's, and Fox's image flashed to black as the transmission was cut off.

"Nnngh….," Luthor stood up. "Thanks for the concern, you glory-hogging piece of filth." He took a heavy, heated breath. He calmed some….

Luthor held his arms behind his back.

He walked to the long, curved window of his office and stared out upon the wintry-gray City.

"……………….."

He sighed long and hard.

He closed his eyes.

Silence.

"…………………………………………"

His eyes opened.

Deadpan, he stared thoughtfully towards the horizon.

The horizon that led south…..

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

Gotham City

4:37 pm

Former Two-Face Hideout.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

Dagger stood up from the desk and paced across the shadowed room.

He was twirling his dagger—not anxiously, but concentratedly.

As if submerged in a sea of thought…..

William B. Fox shook, shivered, and gulped before uttering with a nervous smile: "So….you ditched the skinhead! I must thank you p-personally for that."

"Hressh…," Croc slapped the back of Fox's head. Th-Thwap!

"Owie!"

"No talkin' when yer stupid!"

Fox pouted. "Not like I volunteered for this after Dent bit the proverbial genitals of Death."

Thwap!

"Dah!"

Metallo shook his metal head. With arms folded, he glanced coolly over in Dagger's direction. "Now that we are finally free of those deadweights….what remains of Triangular?"

Dagger twice as coolly stared out the cracks of a boarded window. He paused the twirling of his blade and spoke over his shoulder without looking at the nefarious android. "It depends on what I decide to do with this bloodied, ransacked land once all is said and done."

"You sound pretty sure of yourself…," Metallo's jaw clenched in a naked 'smile'. "What of the Parasite?"

"Slade is no longer in this Town….," Dagger turned about. Deadpan. Knife raised. "He's taken a southerly route. Just as I predicted, he's following the heated friction of this whole development."

Metallo took a deep breath. "Robin, the Boy Wanker."

"Poetic…..but yes."

"Jeez…," Fox blinked. "You mean to tell me that the little shrimp's still alive?"

"Alive?" Croc hissed. "The twirp's family gave me a bruisin'! Nnnngh….I'm fixin' to have his skull on a plate!"

"Face it, Crocodile…," Metallo pointed a metal finger. "You're just here to be a meat wall when the crunchtime comes to pass. If it weren't for me, you'd be a purse by now. Or better yet…an S&M diaper in some Miami club! Ah hahahahahaha!"

"NNnnghhhrsssh!" Croc tossed Fox aside ("Waaah!" THUMP!). "You and me, Corbin! Any day of the devil-blazin' week!"

"The humorous thought is most relishing…," Metallo raised his fists.

SWISSSSSSH-CHTUNGGG A dagger flew and landed in Metallo's metal crotch, stuck there.

"………….hmm…," the unaffected android rubbed his chin. "Are you trying to tell me something, Dagger? Or depress me with forsaken woes of yesteryear?"

"If you men intend to kill each other…," Dagger pointed. "Do it after I am through with you. As much as we have resources at our efficient disposal, I still need a perfect coordination for this plan to fall through. Hagan has done a lot on his own in the City. Everyone here can take an example from him. As disbanded as the Titans are, they still exist. Deathstroke may indeed finish them all off….but not as quickly as I would like it. Robin's survival has proven that. The extra-dimensional visitor has invaded my plans far too much. I have plans to deal with him. In the meantime…." He looked over at Fox. "Be ready to trigger off the Initiation Charge. I'll also need your expertise in maintaining radio contact with the awaiting units outside of the City."

"D-Do I get a raise?"

"…………"

"Any sort of pay whatsoever?"

"Your contract with Two-Face remains as such with me," Dagger gestured. "Only…add a clause in which your refusal equates with death by innumeral lacerations to your abdomen."

"Ah. Right. When does my shift begin?" Fox sweatingly 'smiled'.

Dagger ignored him and faced Metallo. "The Titan Raven is nearly disposed of. That leaves two Titans at ground zero. I want them separated. Go to the City and choose the most powerful of the two to distract them. The further apart the Titans are from each other, the more susceptible they shall be to the plan at hand."

Cht-Tink! Metallo pulled the knife from his 'crotch'. He toyed with it in two skeletal hands. "And what of Robin? He and two other Titans are together. Unless Red Aviary catches up with them first, they're going to be a force to reckon with."

"I am quite aware of that," Dagger nodded. "The Experiment is with them."

"Oh, you mean that Squirrely boy?" Metallo smirked. "How I long to see his bloody pulp hanging off my fingers. Tell me, Dagger-chum, perhaps you will be in the mood of employing Jace in recovering the rest of my forgotten memory in the event that I make this 'vengeful conquering' of your City a reality?"

"You won't be the only one servicing me, Corbin," Dagger said. "Don't let your titanium head get too big."

"Heh….charming," Metallo flicked the blade back at him. "And don't underestimate your 'servants'." Thwish!

Snatch! Dagger caught the blade between two fingers and twirled it back into his grip. "Believe me, that is the least of my concerns." He walked across the room to a communicator array. "If you'll excuse me, I need to drop a line with the…'Titan leader'" He freed a mic, flipped a switch, and spoke into it. "Hagan. This is Dagger. Report."

"Snkkkkkkkttt…snkkkt……"

"Hagan, are you there? A response would very appropriate."

"Snnkkkt—sorry, Dagger. It's easy to get caught up with things here."

"I imagine you would warn us before you adopted a 'family'."

"Heh. Believe you me. I'm sick and tired of hanging around with these brats."

T-T-T-T-T-T-

Titan's City.

4:42 pm

Outside of Titan's Tower.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

The T-Car II was sleeker and wider than the previous model. It looked like someone had taken a Hummer and given it sleek curves towards the front and a sharp slope to the rear. The vehicle was made to sit eight people and/or equipment. Two seats in the front. Four in the middle. Two in the rear. It was more like a van than anything. And perhaps—even—a would be tank.

'Cyborg' stood beside it on the drive in front of the Tower's large garage. He against it with one hand while cupping another palm over his ear where a tiny communicator resided. His right human eye was glazed over with solid, amber brownness. The voice that hushedly, grumblingly escaped his throat was that of a deeper and darker man. Something carnivorous, yet spiteful…

"The first moment you ask me to squash them, the better. I'll get the job done faster than you can skewer a throat with those knives of yours, boss-man."

"No. You wouldn't."

'Cyborg' looked hurt. "I-I…"

"Remember the plan. You have every advantage at your disposal to help separate the Titans for easy elimination. Red Aviary is heading south, Hagan. He will be in that City soon. Very……soon."

"I know what the 'plan' is…," the automaton grumbled. "It's just not so pleasant on this side."

"That is irrelevant."

"Is it now? How would you feel if you had to kiss up to some damn psycho-bitch with empathic powers?"

"You've performed well, Hagan."

"Yeah, well it ain't easy, Dagger. This Raven girl….," he shifted nervously. "She's catching up with me. And I think she's reverting too."

"Reverting?"

"You wouldn't understand it unless you had to be 'Cyborg' like me. She's closing in again. She's turning out to be less and less like the emotionally explorative Titan that Simon Stone's journals described her as. I think I might be dealing with unknown material anytime soon. And when that happens, I'll be as transparent as a wet paper napkin."

"You're starting to let fear get ahold of you. The key is to let fear get ahold of them."

'Cyborg' sighed. "I wish I could just do that and get it over with!"

"All in good time, Hagan. Yes, Raven is catching up with you. And now she has agreed to ride with you to Gotham City. But she does not know the truth. When she does, it will be too late. I will need you then more than I've ever needed you before."

"Metallo's getting his end of the bargain, right?" 'Cyborg' frowned, leaning back against the T-Car II. "What about me?"

"You would desire the wretched permanence of human flesh again?"

"Like you wouldn't believe, Dagger…."

"If that is your wish, I am not one to refuse it. Do your duty like you so graciously have in assisting Triangular and I shall see your wish granted once I am again in power of the principalities stolen from me……"

"Gotcha. Time for the next Act…," 'Cyborg' smirked.

"Whatever it takes to maintain your enthusiasm. I assure you, my methods of 'lifting spirits' are less pleasant."

"I left the pleasantries in Arkham. Anyways, I'm glad that this is all nearly over with. Red Aviary can rot to pieces for all I care. Hagan out."

T-T-T-T-T-T-

Gotham City

4:48 pm

Former Two-Face Hideout.

T-T-T-T-T-T-T-

Dagger put away the mic.

He switched the communicator off.

Turning around, he twirled his blade and stared at the other three.

"…………," Metallo's arms were folded. "You're not…..really going to pay him back…..are you?"

Croc's eyes narrowed.

"Gentlemen….," Dagger simply throated, "….Clayface is about to be in the extensive company of that blue-haired sorceress. I am surprised if any of him survives long enough between her and Red Aviary for me to repay him."

"………….," Killer Croc grinned.

"Now that's mud in your eye!" William B. Fox uttered. "Ah ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha…heh heh……eheh……..phweeeee……"

He hid from the circling glares.

Metallo leaned his metal head aside and spoke to Dagger: "At least the actor's keeping the Titans occupied, eh?"

"Indeed," Dagger nodded. "And speaking of which…..don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Ah….naturally…," Metallo waved a graceful arm and sauntered out of the room with metal feet. "Always the activist."

Killer Croc hissed and stared at Dagger. "And what would you have me do?"

"The one thing your late boss failed to do."

"……….?"

Dagger glared. "Be ready for anything…."

T-T-T-T-T-T-

Countryside.

5:02 pm.

Wildebeest lair.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

"I was b-born a long time ago…nngh….f-from an experiment that predates your livessss. The people who m-made me were nefariousss in creed, and all my lifffe I have-nnrgh…l-lived with the shame of what I was built for. I spent yearrrrs studying the devices that conceived me and disssscovered how to cleanly clone my own DNA. Thusly, my firssst child was born. And then a second was made usingggg the same methods. Then—with combined—nngh—st-strength….we produced more members of our society. We became the Wildebeests, home to the underground….but punishers of the evil that pollutessss it. We arrrre not afraid to takkkke any and all—nngh—lethal measures necessary to ensure the safety of the greater good. In that sense—young Titansss—we are not of the same ilk as you. We are not afraid to sacrifice…..or to endanger lives. A long time ago---nngh…when b-beasts like us were natural, the world ran by the code of the strong and the brutish. There arrrre still issues in this world of ours…..this world of yours as well….that r-require a strongerrr hand instead of a sharperrr mind. For such emergencies, the Wildebeest Society exissssts. As the Elder, I oversee the missions that my children partake in. And as the protectors of the greater good…..the Wildebeests of the Field have sworrrrn an oath of silence. All Wildebeest's are one, as far as the upperrrr world is concerned. It is our most sacred secret. I trust….dear Titan leader—nnrghh—that our secret will be safe with you, as your existence has been safe with us."

I looked over at Robin.

The Boy Wonder took a deep breath, nodded, and said: "I shall respect your wishes, Elder. Forgive me if I seem taken back. This is……a shock."

"Indeed it must be. Nrhghh….or as least…it should be," he shook his head. Beads rattled. Gray hair rustled. A half-cough, an exhale, an inhale. His bovine nostrils flared as he said: "You have greatly befriended our littttle one. You more than earn our respect."

"Little one?" Robin remarked.

I smiled. I pointed at Jericho.

The small blonde simpered, as if cornered. The hand of one of the Wildebeests patted him on the shoulder.

"When his father abandoned him and after his mother died….we found him near death," the Elder spoke. He pointed his scepter. "Soon afterrrr…nngh…we discoverrred his powers. We did not and do not know how—nnrhgh—he got his gifts, but they have been invaluable to us. He's assisted the Wildebeesssts on his own choosing, and in returrrrrn we educated and nurtured him. When it came time to trrrack down his father—Deathssstroke—we were more than willing to put our lives on the line. We aided the counter-terrorist teammm. Jericho and the two women werrrre not alone. For all of our agents werrrrre there to help them at one time or anotherrrr. I do believe they have had to confront Mr. Noir quite physically in—nnrghh—the past. We regret that things had to resorrrrrt to such measures. Alas, we both had the same goal in minddd….just not the same tacticssss…."

"Nnnnrghhh….," a general exhaled escaped the muscular crowd. A ring of silver-laced, horned heads bowed in a nod towards me.

I nervously shifted and scratched my neck.

What does one 'say' to that?

"We were on our way back to my City," Robin said. "And if you excuse my urgency, we were—and still are—in a hurry."

"Nnnghhh…mmm….yessss…..Yes….Red Aviary speeds towards the Titans' Domain…."

Robin took a deep breath. His gloved fists clenched. "You know this…..?"

"Our scouttttss have sighted the Parasite along the Easterrrrn Seaboard. Nnnnrhgh…..he is making speed…."

"Then I must apologize…," Robin bowed his head slightly. "My friends and I must be going, Elder. There is no time to—"

"Time? Time is an illusion, young Titan. Nnnngh….how else would I have cheated the dynamicsss to reproduce mysssself so abundantly?"

"………"

With aching bones, the Elder stood up. He leaned on his scepter while Jericho and two other Wildebeests supported him. He shuffled over Robin's way, leaned forward, and throated: "Nnngh…..the son of Slade has brought you here for a reason. This is morrrre dire a situation for the young heroes of the upperrr world than ever has been—nnghh—faced before, is it not?"

Robin firmly nodded. "We're talking about the murder of all things good in this world."

"Yessss….that happens infrequently downnn the wheels of change, and every time it is ever the necessity of intercession…."

Robin raised and eyebrow. "I'm sorry, Elder, but what are you meaning to say?"

"Nnnngh….," the Elder patted Jericho's shoulder and looked at Robin and I. "You will be needing assistance….the Wildebeest Society shall pledge its strength….it's very security…..to keep this evil at bay…."

"………," Robin looked around.

Faces of able-bodied Wildebeests stared back in silence. Their posture straight. Their limbs and faces at attention.

I bit my lip. I looked at Jericho.

He was hiding a proud, helpful smile.

I couldn't help but shake my head.

Silly little brat.

Robin woke me as he said: "Slade is no longer a mere criminal tyrant. He is something deathly…destructive….and far more dangerous than even I can summarize. If you try to go against him, it will be damaging. A lot of us will be hurt. A lot of us may lose our lives. I don't want the Wildebeests joining us if all we're granted is a rampage. Especially if Dagger has a hand in it as well. I don't want a catastrophe."

"A catastrophe? Nnngh……A catastrophe—young Titan—would be a failure to accept help when it is so freely given to you……"

"……………….."

"We will need to employ—nnghh—ourselves in gathering the total of our collective across this continent……," the Elder gestured. He walked across the cavernous domain with his scepter as a cane. "For that, we will need the boy's help." He pointed at Jericho. "He proves to be a far—nnngh—better communicator than the rest of us combined." He turned and glanced at Robin. "But rest assured….you have our pledge."

"…….," Robin took a deep breath. "And what have we ever done for the Wildebeest Society?"

"Nnnngh…what have you done?" The Elder leaned his gray crown aside. His snout attempted to curve in some attempt at a 'smile'. "You have done your job…."

"……," Robin smiled.

Beep! "Snnnkt……Yoo-hoo. Christopher-Robin!"

Robin winced. "Ahem…excuse me…."

"Nnngh?"

I watched at Robin whipped out his communicator and opened it with a Star Trek sound. "Robin here. What is it, Messenger?"

"The tests are done. Cyborg and I have some news to share with you."

"……," Robin's eyemask narrowed. "What kind of news?"

"Erhm……the type you have to sit down for."

"……….."

"I'm being serious here, Robin."

"I-I know, Messenger. No need to clarify."

"Good. See you soon."

"Robin out."

As Robin turned, excused himself, and marched out of the cavern, I looked Jericho's way.

He hand-signed at me: 'Surprised?'

I replied with a flurry of hands: 'Not really. What do you do for fun at night? Person-tipping?'

He giggled all over.

The Wildebeest's scratched their heads.

'Wow, Noir! You are like the Messenger!'

'No. I am not. Be right back, Joey. Get to know your 'family' again.'

'Will do.'

T-T-T-T-T-T-

"What?" Robin exclaimed. "It was a decoy?"

"All of it," Cyborg gestured at the computer findings on the dashboard. "Mud. Extensions of Clayface made to mimic the glowing composition of Terra's essences. When you told us to search for sulfur traces and we found some, it hammered the nail in the coffin."

The Messenger stood outside of the Batmobile, leaning. "You knew that Clayface contained high contents of sulfur in his chemical compound…didn't you?"

Robin nodded numbly, seemingly staring through the hood of the Batmobile. "It has to be Triangular employing him."

"Even though Two-Face used Clayface's compounds to make the henchmen at Wayne Corp….," the Messenger spoke, "….I seriously doubt he was the head hauncho of the mudheap."

Robin folded his arms. "It all ends in Dagger's hands, of course. He's been orchestrating everything from the get go."

"Where were the pieces of Terra going to, man?" Cyborg gestured.

Robin took a deep breath. "The Tower, Cyborg."

"What? How in the Hell could he fish them through there?"

"Through William B. Fox's manhandling of Wayne Corp."

"Why Wayne Corp?"

I bit my lip.

Robin shifted nervously.

The Messenger smirked. "We're still a little mask-shy………"

"Bruce Wayne….s-supplies the Tower on most occasions, Vic."

Cyborg did a double-take. "Bruce Wayne?"

"Batman."

"What about Batman? I thought we were talking about Bruce Wayne!"

I whistled.

Cyborg looked my way.

I hand-signed at him, smiling nervously.

He read. His human eye exploded. "BATMAN IS BRUCE WAY—?"

CLAMP! Robin's gloved hand planted itself over the android Titan's mouth. He bit his lip and uttered: "If this is how he reacts, I hope Beast Boy doesn't raise the roof."

I chuckled breathily.

"Mmmmfmm-mmmmfff!"

"I think Robby the Robot needs some air."

Robin stepped back. "It would take a long time to explain, Vic, I'm sure, but—"

"Screw me in the battery canister! You're the heir of a billionaire?"

"Yeah…it kinda works like that."

"And that's how you get all your gadgets and stuff? Man, that's SO cool!" Cyborg gasped happily. "That's like…James Bond Jr. or something, dawg!"

Robin scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I think we have….b-better things to talk about for the t-time being….."

"Those golden energy capsules could very well be inside the Tower as we speak…," the Messenger said in all seriousness. "I'm surprised Dagger or Clayface hasn't pulled the trigger already, all things considered." He smiled crookedly. "Not to freak you all out or anything."

I hand-signed: 'At ease'. I sighed.

Robin ran a nervous, gloved hand through his hair.

Cyborg leaned back, his left hand in his lap. "Raven………what's keeping you from rooting that bastard of clay out?"

"Dagger must be waiting for something…," Robin said. "And I don't think it's us. He must know that we know that his power is concentrated and on the move." He clenched his fists. He looked up, eyemask thin. "It's Red Aviary….isn't it?"

"Educate us, Timmy boy."

"Dagger wants a showdown with his former colleague…the one Parasite robbing him of power….," Robin murmured. His voice rose and rose with fervent concentration. "November Fourth proves that—in spite of the bloodshed we suffered—the Titans combined are too strong for Dagger to fight off. However, now with Terra's 'powers' and Red Aviary breathing coldly on our necks….he has an edge. He intends to end us and Slade all in one fatal swoop."

"Now THERE'S a war on three fronts!"

I hand-signed: 'Who should we fear then? The Hand………or the Dagger?'

"………," the Messenger was silent.

Robin took a deep breath. "We need to contact the Tower now. Even if it means making our positions vulnerable to Dagger, it's absolutely necessary. A radio frequency would do the trick. The Batmobile is rigged with—"

"We tried it," the Messenger said. "Every receiver at the Tower is jammed."

'Undoubtedly the work of everyone's favorite metamorph of mud.'

"Clayface certainly has had his time to ruin things for us. I'm telling you…..Dagger has the winning cards."

"Then we can spring another deck!" the Messenger said. He gestured with his hands outstretched. "With Noir's speed and with my stealth and with Jericho's underground buddies, we can run the gauntlet and rip apart Dagger's plan from the inside out! Starting with a punch straight into the heart of the matter!"

I gazed at the Messenger.

It's kinda haunting having you be on the same page as the rest of us………

Robin spoke: "What are you proposing exactly, Messenger?"

"I'll go to the Tower and do what I do best," he winked. "I'll give the Titans a message ahead of the duck droppings hitting the fan. In the meantime, Noir can speed his lovely way to the Town and provide an extra hand—or sword—in the inevitable butt kicking to follow. Then you and Cyborg and come up the rear with the Batmobile while Jericho supplies the ultimate Wildebeest stampede of Armageddon! Heh…move over, Lion King!"

I smiled.

"You sound like you're expecting a war, Messenger," Robin said.

"Would you expect any less at this point?"

"……….."

"We're at the finishing line, Robin. I don't know anymore than you," the asian teen pointed. "Honest. Life has returned to frog-leaping in the dark. If any of us are to do anything meaningful against Dagger's and Slade's combined force…speculation is the way to go."

"Then it's best to over-speculate."

The Messenger blinked. "Come again, Captain?"

Robin strolled over towards the side of the Batmobile, talking: "What Jericho is offering is beyond imagination. We should be thankful that the Elder's 'children' are so willing to lay their lives on the line to protect what's at stake. But….to be honest, that isn't enough. November Fourth was a war to end all wars in and of itself…and right now—with all of Terra's powers at his disposal—Dagger is set to dwarf last month's tragedy into a 'minor skirmish'. No army of brute hermits is going to hold that back. Especially with Slade—the Red Reaper—looming in the rafters to swoop down and consume deathily at will."

'Do you have a spare idea in your utility belt, Robin?'

The Boy Wonder took a deep breath. "Tempest is still in Metropolis. If we contact him….we might be able to get help. Very…..special help."

The Messenger smirked: "Finally…some optimism not coming from my nerdy mouth."

"Oh, it'll be a shot in the dark as it is," Robin sighed. "Everyone thinks I'm dead. Superman too, most likely…."

I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck with a melancholy exhale….

"But there's no time to waste," Robin palmed a gloved fist. "Your idea is good, Messenger. But I want to go about it differently."

"I'm all ears and hair gel."

"Yes, you should go and warn the Titans. And—yes—Noir should head on north. But I don't want him going alone."

I raised an eyebrow.

"I've got an idea….and I think Jericho's friends can help me," Robin turned towards the Batmobile. you see if we can still patch a call through to Metropolis?"

"…………"

"Cyborg?"

"……….," the android Titan stiffly slumped over and collapsed across the driver's seat of the vehicle. SLUMP!

Robin gasped. "Cyborg!"

"!" I blurred over.

Robin hopped into the vehicle and checked Cyborg's vital signs.

I held the cold body of the collapsed Titan so Robin could have access. I panted fearfully and gazed at the Boy Wonder for an answer.

The Messenger calmly leaned over, his face blank. Patient….

Robin gulped. He looked up at me. "It's his battery. It's got a leak to it after all. He's drained to barely two percent power reserves."

I bit my lip.

"Don't worry….it isn't f-fatal….," Robin murmured. "But it does put Cyborg out of the picture." He clenched his teeth and hissed towards the surrounding trees. "Dammit! Why does it feel like everything is working Dagger's way?"

"Face it. The guy's a joy-luck-bureaucrat."

"Messenger, help me out here. Grab ahold of Cyborg's left arm."

"Sure thing, Timster."

"Noir, you too. Get that side of him."

I nodded.

Robin joined and all three of us hoisted him out of the Batmobile and dragged him towards the forest under Robin's guidance.

The Messenger uttered amidst his strain: "Nnngh….don't tell me w-we're gonna bury him w-without some rose petals to spread across th-the grave!"

"We're taking him underground. The Wildebeest Society had some electrical equipment, from what I saw. Maybe we can power him back up some for repairs!"

"Ah…and here I was thinking I'd finally discover what happened to Jimmy Hoffa…."

I whistled.

Robin looked at me across Cyborg's dragged body.

I motioned with my head back towards the unguarded Batmobile.

"Don't sweat it…," Robin said. "We'll be right back out to take care of something….I think…."

I raised an eyebrow.

Robin glanced at Cyborg, then up at me again. "Trust me."

I nodded.

I always do………

And we took our android pal down the nearest tunnel entrance and into the welcoming darkness.

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

Gotham City.

5:42 pm

Skyscraper.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

"………………………………………………………………."

Batman stood on the edge of the building's summit. Perched. Flanked by stone gargoyles. Well over forty-stories up. A large, mechanical clock rested behind him. His black cape billowed in the wintry wind.

Spare flakes of white drifted down in a diagonal direction towards the city streets looming below.

An amber sunset descended over the urban landscape. Fiery in its descent into the horizon. And yet, the bloodiness of the sky seemed lacking that evening. It was like an appointed time for a massacre had come and gone. But the air was colder and more foreboding than ever before. The horizon towards the South seemingly glowed with a distant fluctuation.

Batman didn't look at it. His eyeslits were locked on the mean streets below. His arms were folded. But try as he might to spot a single crime or person in need, nothing could make him leave his post. It was like the aftermath of something. The passing of a ragged breath. The dull drone of a dying heart monitor.

There was a rustle of wind, then a gray shadow behind him. Batman didn't look, though he knew she was there….

"You know….I used to think you were a very rude person…," Catwoman prowled along the building ledge, a hand on her hip. She smirked at the back of Batman's cape. "But now I realize that the people you work with are ruder."

"………….you refer to Noir."

"Yes. Yessss….Noir….," Catwoman examined the sharp fingers of one of her gloves. "A boy of that age….of that handsome quality….of that ferocity……..you'd think the last thing he'd ever do was put a fine, voluptuous woman like me asleep on some buildingtop in the middle of Gotham City. You'd think he was missing something special…."

"………………………….."

"You know….this is a record," Catwoman moved in closer, almost shoulder to shoulder with Batman. "I've been talking to you for about thirty seconds, and still you haven't yet made any attempts to scold me, arrest me, or simply fire your grappling hook and swing away from me. Heheheh….sometimes I wonder if you're missing something special too……"

"I want to be alone."

"You always want to be alone," Catwoman shrugged. "And I respect that. A little too much for my own good, to tell the truth. Otherwise….I might possibly have figured out who you really are under that mask by now…."

"I thought you were no longer obsessed, Miss Kyle."

"Obsessed? Hahahahaha….ohhhh, that's a good one…," Catwoman 'curtsied'. "When a lady dotes on a man, it's nature's way. Hardly some societal stigma that people love to call an 'obsession'. You, however, are a man obsessed. May I ask what bangs around in your belfry tonight?"

"You're not one to care," Batman spoke. "And I'm not one to care to share. The only things you and I are good for is thieving and vigilantism, in exact respects." He turned and icily glared at the gray-clad woman. "We're as incompatible as night and day, Catwoman."

"I'd be bawling like a little schoolgirl if you hadn't given me this exact same lecture about twenty-eight times over the last ten years," Catwoman pointed. "Think realistically, Batman. The difference between you and me is that I know when there's a time to change who I am. The only thing is, I love coming back to the same old schtick because it reminds me of where I've been. But you….you always stay in one place, don't you?"

"………………."

"I think it's punishment. Heh…I know it's punishment. And for whatever reason right now….you're punishing yourself all over again."

"It's a slow night. I'm merely on patrol."

"Could have fooled me….," she winked. "What say you and I patrrrrrol together?"

"……………"

"Pffft. Fine. Or not….," she leaned against a gargoyle and toyed with its granite fangs. "I suppose I am out of the picture. I came back in Town because there was murder and mayhem about, and no word had been spread about the whereabouts of you or your team members. Forgive a girl for being worried sometimes. Especially when it's your dark, brooding troupe and that Titan swordsman pushing the game afoot in the shadows."

Batman took a deep breath. A cold gust of wind kicked at his cape. He stared off against the random, white flakes and spoke: "Noir is a very secretive person. For a month, I've been doing my best to study up on him with all the resources gathered on me. I know his first name is Jordan. I know that he was born in Seattle, Washington and that he left his family at age twelve or thirteen to join a special, private martial arts school where he was taught a metaphysical creed known as the 'Spectrum'. Approximately two and a half years later, something indescribably terrible happened to the school he attended. After a month or two, all members of the school vanished permanently…but Jordan-Noir would bubble to the surface later as a Titan. His body shows the tell-tale signs of torture and brutal experimentation. He's been mutilated, abused, and scarred in ways I've only touched the crust of. Now his life is embodied in proving his heroic benevolence while at the same time battling defense mechanisms of social anxiety and low-self esteem. There is a lot of guilt in his life—some of it imagined, though a lot warranted—I suspect. And now he is so focused on his present life that he can and will do everything possible to protect his Titan cohorts."

Silence.

Catwoman patiently craned her head to listen to Batman.

The Dark Knight took a deep breath, clenched his gloved fists, and gazed down at the furthest city streets of Gotham. "I know so little about a literal ghost walking among us….and yet with all of my resources, with all of my abilities, with all of the equipment and arsenals and tools at my disposal…….why could I not save the Commissioner's innocent daughter?"

Catwoman inhaled. "Ah……that's right. James Gordon's girl. This 'Red Aviary' has proven to be as sadistic as he is mysterious."

"But he is still human," Batman bitterly uttered. "Like Noir is human. Like the Joker. Like all of us who have ever limped through this bleeding City….."

"……….I think where Red Aviary is different, Batman, is that he doesn't believe that he's human."

"………….."

"He's doing all he can to be something else. An idea. An essence. And I must say, he's doing a pretty damn good job of it too….all morbidity aside."

"………..," Batman took a deep breath. He grumbled: "I am used to dealing with psychotic freaks. Not people who embody the 'freak' part and toss the psychosis aside." He turned and narrowed his gaze on Catwoman. "For once…there is a fiend in this world who will forego everything—his own survival even—to achieve the misery of others. I have done all I can to stay his crimson hand…..and it is not enough. I have…..lost dearly for it."

Catwoman nodded. "I wouldn't know what that's like…….but I know one thing, I think….."

"……….?"

Catwoman smiled under her mask. "The rumors are amounting. Layers upon layers of them. People think they saw Robin battling someone atop an L-Train just last night in Gotham." She leaned her head to the side. "Batman….is your little sidekick alive?"

"………….," Batman gazed off towards the horizon again. "Maybe."

"Hahahahaha….," Catwoman doubled back. "Ohhhhh….rich, as always."

"Nnnrgh…."

"Robin is alive, isn't he?" Catwoman's eyes lit up. "That's a miracle in and of itself. Isn't it?"

"…………."

"Who says that miracles are only subject to the number one?" she gestured. "I think you've gotten as good a go ahead as any to….to believe in something for once, Batman. Instead of having to prove yourself. If the most injured and most hurt of us can survive…….I'm certain the most nefarious of adversaries can perish."

Batman took a deep breath. Firmly he said: "I don't believe in miracles."

"I know that," Catwoman winked. "That's what I'm here for."

"………………you're a distraction."

"Hahahaha….proud of it too, handsome."

-T-T-T-T-T-T-

Countryside.

5:59 pm

Wildebeest lair.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

"………………………………………………," Cyborg's eye gently opened. Blinking. "…………….." He gazed aside.

I sat beside him on a wooden table in the dark cavern. I smiled gently and waved. I mouthed: 'Welcome back.'

"……………..well……th-this certainly has some déjà vu, doesn't it?"

I smirked.

"Nnngh…," he stirred. "Bring on the undead hippies of Mortuana….mmmf….ugh….I feel like I swallowed rock! Hell…had sex with one even!"

I chuckled breathily.

Of course, he tried sitting up.

Of course, I forced him to lie back down.

"Nnnnnnghhhh…..," he groaned long and hard. "What part of me is crapping out now?"

I hand-signed: 'Your battery is out of juice. The Wildebeests have you wired to their central computer hub. It has you at a quarter power.'

"Wildebeest tech, huh?" Cyborg turned his head to the side. "I hope they don't get manure in my USB ports."

Th-Thwack!

"Ow! Allright! Allright! Bad joke! Sheesh……"

I smiled crookedly.

"So…….," Cyborg gazed tiredly at me. "What's the news?"

I took a deep breath and hand-signed: 'Robin is talking to the Messenger and the Wildebeest Elder about his new plan.'

"A new one, huh?"

I nodded. 'We need you, Cyborg. We cannot go into this situation without your backup.'

"Well….I should be flattered, shouldn't I?"

'You need repairs bad. Your battery pack is leaking. The Wildebeest Society does not have the tools necessary for getting you back to maximum efficiency. Even with Joey's expertise.'

"And……what's the idea?"

I bit my lip.

'We are sending you to Metropolis.'

"Metropolis? How?"

'The Batmobile.'

"What?"

'We will plug you into the Batmobile. Robin has a security code to override the automatic pilot. The vehicle will drive you to S.T.A.R. Labs where you will be under the charge of the League.'

"No way, man….."

'Tempest will be there. Robin and I think that he will get you in top shape sooner than you can imagine.'

"That could take forever, man! What about B.B., Starfire, and Rae?"

'Robin and I are going to the Tower. The Messenger will be ahead of us with a word of warning. If we all work together, this can go like clockwork. Dagger will not know what hit him, and Deathstroke will be given the run for the money until we can aptly deal with him on an overwhelming basis.'

"But I want to be with you and Robin kicking butt!" Cyborg shook and growled. "Dammit….my Uncle's behind half of this shit! He's holed up in Phaser Labs with god-knows-what at his disposal, and only I know how to deactivate Simon's program!"

'Robin and I will deal with him somehow.'

"Without me? But how?"

'I do not know, Cyborg. But we will.'

Cyborg's teeth clenched: "You can't make me go to Metropolis, Noir. Dammit….not when…..n-not while….."

"………….," I stared at him.

He shut his human eye. A sigh. He uttered: "Raven was….v-very vulnerable when Dagger attacked the City. And for all I know—with Clayface posing as me—a lot of…..bad stuff could have happened, Noir. A lot of terrible stuff that Raven doesn't even deserve. Th-That……" He froze. His eye reopened. He looked at me nervously, lip shaking. "Noir…..you were at the Tower for a while after November Fourth. Clayface and Raven….did….d-did they……..?" He didn't finish.

So—after swallowing—I hand-signed to complete the gruesome thought in nasty affirmation: 'Raven and the pretend Cyborg………have been very close.'

Cyborg's face washed over with horror.

I nervously added: 'But not THAT close.'

"Still…..," he exhaled. "Cl-Close enough……"

"………"

He again clenched his human eye shut. Through his teeth he hissed: "Hagan….that bastard…..that god damn….rotten bastard…….."

"…………," I gazed aside. Silent.

Cyborg writhed gently on the table…but gave up with an exhale. He gazed at the ceiling of the cavern. He said: "Always….again and again…..I am too broken myself to save Raven's scattered spirit……"

'Do not say that.'

"Then what is the truth, Noir? Raven—for the first time in her life—is reaching out to someone. And that someone is actually a villain in disguise. USING her! And it's all my fault. I set her up for it! I set her up for it all because…..because I was s-so selfish. So damn selfish. I-I….I loved her…." He gazed aside. A gentle exhale. He murmured: "I love her, Jordan. I l-love her so much. And because of that….she's going to suffer." His fist clenched. He gazed over at me. Fiery. "She's going to suffer…..unless one of us gets our butt down to the Tower and start tearing ass in the name of all that is holy!"

I gave him a crooked smile and gently nodded.

He sighed. Limp. "Jordan….p-please……I want you to make me a promise…."

I leaned over him and mouthed: 'Anything, Vic.'

"Save Raven…….," he said. "Just…..save Raven. Not for me…..but for her." He looked at me firmly. "Do you……understand me, Jordan?"

"………."

"Not….for me……"

I shuddered, but took a deep breath. I clenched my black and flesh hands around his one metal palm and squeezed tightly. I looked into his face through my shades and firmly said: "I will."

Cyborg exhaled: "L-Let's just hope it's not too late yet….."

T-T-T-T-T-T-

Titan's City.

6:05 pm

Police Department.

T-T-T-T-T-T-

The office was fresh.

Shiny even.

The upper levels that had once been charred and shattered by rocket propelled grenade fire had been completely replaced, rebuilt, and reformatted.

A sturdier, leaner set of floors had been erected in its place. The construction job was just being finished, and various officers and workers were filing about….furnishing the place. Setting up filing cabinets. Putting the new offices in order.

Lieutenant Smith stood in the center of the twirling madness. He gave orders and pointed people around and about their duties as temporary chief of police. He wore half of his uniform—his apparel for the last three nights in a row. He barely got any sleep, but it hardly showed on his features save for a slight shadow about his chin and sideburns. He had made it a challenge to himself to repair the Police Department Building as quickly and as maddeningly efficient as possible. And so far, things had lived up to his expectations—in thanks to the monumental surge of volunteers from outside the City including the Titans themselves.

At one point, a breathless Lieutenant leaned back against a pillar in the center of the cubicle arrangements and took a deep breath. He straightened his hair, folded his arms, and smiled with an exhale. The department was being rebuilt….the police corps. was becoming whole again. He had immeasurable pride, and it spilled out of his eyes.

A secretary walked over to him eventually with a portable phone in her grasp: "Lieutenant, sir! Someone on the phone to speak with you!"

"Ah, thank you Miss Wilson. Why don't you take the evening off?"

"Ugh….my shift just started. But thanks for the thought."

"Heheheh….my bad."

She hurried off.

Smith held the phone to his ear. "Hello, Lieutenant Smith speaking."

"………………"

"………hello?"

"………………Lieutenant Smith?" It was a deep, resonating voice. The sound of an adult. Almost emotionless, but with a trace of condescending amusement. A….rich sounding voice.

The officer raised an eyebrow. "Yes……….with whom am I speaking, sir?"

"…………………"

"Sir?"

"I am giving you a warning."

Smith's lips parted. "Huh? What is this--?"

"Your City is in grave danger for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours."

"…………….what makes you say that?"

"I know. No questions asked……no answers given."

"Listen, pal, has anyone told you that this is not the time nor the place for a prank—"

"This is no jest, Lieutenant. I emphatically desire you to take heed. Your City……and the Titans……are in danger."

"……….from what?"

"Dagger."

A chill ran down the Lieutenant's spine. He murmured: "Who is this?"

"Someone merely balancing the triangle back out."

"…………"

"I'll be calling you again. Soon. Have the representative of the national guard with you."

"Uhhhh—"

"Goodbye."

Click.

"…………..," Smith took a deep breath. He looked up….gazing out the freshly planted windows of the new building front.

Past the busy-bodied, contented workers passing before and behind him, the Lieutenant stared out and saw a wintry City growing dark.

And the night sky…..

The night sky was a deepening….deepening red color…..