Haha, I know you guys are mad at me for leaving that awful cliffy…
But now here's the moment you've all been waiting for! (This is gonna be a loooooooong battle, so I hope you don't mind that I split this baby into different chappies so it won't kill ya xD)
And yes, I was kind enough to do a quick update! Look at me, being considerate to you guys!
This chapter is dedicated to FabulousRoss.!
Enjoy!
Slade's face appeared on every screen downtown, including the biggest screen of them all.
"Jump City, it's so nice to see you again," he said. "This broadcast is coming to you live from here all the way to Gotham City."
Starfire froze, automatically thinking of Robin...
Who was standing on the rooftop with his Bat Family, all nine of them staring at the biggest screen that was located downtown. They were all dressed formally, and had just returned from a family dinner. Richard's eyes narrowed.
"You thought you've seen the last of me. You thought the Teen Titans defeated me. Well you are wrong. This time, not one of you will get in the way of my plans to rule before you all. I did once, and I'll do it again.
"Now here's a message for the Teen Titans...
"I'm not surprised if you come and try to defeat me. I will tell you right now that you won't. You can try, but you will not succeed. You can try to defeat my army, but many of you along with these citizens will die. We won't hesitate to kill you. You can come looking for me. But you'll never find me.
"On second thought...I'll make it easy for you. It's only more fun..." Slade chuckled darkly.
"I'll see you all soon...Especially you, Robin."
The transmission was cut off, and the entire city blacked out. There were more screams this time, and then the lights flickered back on, some still going on and off.
Back in Gotham City...
"What does this mean?" Stephanie asked with worry.
"You have to go, don't you?" Damian asked Richard quietly.
Richard nodded, getting to his feet. For the first time in a while, he pulled out his communicator.
"Calling all Titans," he said into it. "I repeat, calling all Titans. This is Code Red. It's time. You all know what to do. Battle stations."
He then turned around, staring into each pair of eyes, saving Bruce's for last.
"Let us come with you!" Barbara insisted.
"No. We don't," Katherine told her.
"This is Richard's fight. Let him and the Titans handle it. I know they can," Bruce said, giving Richard a curt nod, which he returned.
"You'll come back, right?" Damian demanded, crossing his arms.
Richard looked down at him. "Damian, I don't know-"
"You have to! You have to come back, okay?!" Damian was fighting back tears now. "Because...Because if I loose you...then I'll have to punch you for it!'
Richard smiled wryly, hugging Damian to his side. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna die. None of us are." His eyes met Tim's, and they both knew that what he said was a possible lie. They knew how dangerous Slade was, almost as bad as the Joker. This was Richard's enemy, not there's. There was no reason for them to be involved.
"If some of his army comes into Gotham, we'll fight from here," Tim said as he approached Richard, and the two bro-hugged each other.
He then faced the girls.
Katherine kissed his forehead. Stephanie and Barbara were slightly tearful as they hugged him tight, and Cassy hugged him fiercely without saying a word.
"Be careful out there," Stephanie said.
"I will," Richard promised.
Bruce was last. All that was shared between them was a knowing, yet fierce look.
Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire suited up and ran towards the outskirts of the city.
Richard jumped off the roof headfirst, soaring down towards the ground. He gripped window sills to slow down the impact and landed smoothly on his feet.
The three ran up the hill and found the T-Car skidding to an abrupt stop at the bottom of it. They headed down.
As Richard ran through the alley he started to take off his clothes, unbottoning his shirt, ripping off his pants and shoes. His suit was underneath.
Cyborg, Terra, Aqualad, Bumblebee, Speedy, and Mas y Menos jumped out of the car, just as the rest of the Titans made their appearance.
After throwing his weapon belt on and put on his mask, Richard hopped on his motorcycle and sped off.
Herald, Jericho, and Kole appeared through a portal. Red Star, Argent, and Gnarrk emerged from the sides. Pantha, Wildebeest, and Hot Spot hopped down from the trees. Kid Flash appeared with Jinx in his arms. Thunder and Lightning dropped from the skies, landing in their fighting stance. Tramm appeared next to Aqualad, who gave him a high five.
All were in costume, and Terra's was new. It was a bodysuit like Raven's but long-sleeved, brown with yellow on the insides of her arms as well as the sleeves; she had a matching weapon belt, brown ankle boots, and her brown mask was made like Kid Flash's.
"Let's get this show on the rooooooooad!" Kid Flash said excitedly. "So what's happenin'?"
"Well, we'll know when Robin get's here and-" Cyborg fell silent when one of Slade's robots appeared, zooming straight for-"STAR, LOOK OUT!"
"Oomf!" Starfire exclaimed as something hard and made of metal slammed into her, sending her body flying back towards the city.
"Starfire!" Kole screamed, and the Titans rushed back down towards the city, chasing after her and the flying robot.
"RRRRRGH!" Starfire's eyes glowed a bright green as she tried to pry its hands from around her throat. "Release me now please!"
The Slade-bot growled, tightening its grip. Then Starfire's back smashed against a cement wall, causing a dent, and she gasped at the impact. She felt her windpipe close up, her feet dangling off the ground. By then the Titans came into view, getting in their fighting stances, ready to help their friend.
Then a blue birdarang soared over their heads, slamming into the side of the Slade-bot's head; its body shook and got electricuted then fell to the ground. Starfire gasped as her feet met the ground, clutching her throat.
Her head snapped up, and the Titans whipped their heads around, staring at the dark figure standing on the hill.
"Is that...Robin?" Beast Boy said.
"No..." Raven murmured.
"It's Nightwing," Starfire breathed.
Nightwing jumped down, landing smoothly on his feet with a smirk on his face as the Titans greeted him. His team had the warmest welcome of them all. Cyborg and Beast Boy bro-hugged him tight, Terra fist-bumped him and then glomped him, and even Raven hugged him, grateful that he came just in time.
"Duuuude!" Beast Boy said. "Where the hell-?"
Nightwing held his finger up without looking at the changeling. "Hold that thought."
Then he made his way over to Starfire, who was frozen in place. Without breaking stride, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips against hers passionately.
Audible gasps were heard all around, including Starfire, whose eyes were wide open with surprise. Her mind went blank completely, her heart hammering inside her chest. Her eyes fluttered closed, her lips yielding up against his in an automatic response. Her hand traveled up his chest, getting a good grip on him.
She moaned twice-one in surprise, and the other more forcibly and confused with realization-before pushing him back and off of her.
"What are you doing?" She demanded.
The awkward young boy with whom she had fell in love with came back, etching in embarrassment and confusion across Nightwing's face. He took a step back.
"W-What?" He stammered.
"You think you can come back after being gone for so long and then kiss me as if it would make things better? As if nothing happened between us before you left?!"
"Uh…"
Starfire scoffed, pushing him once more with both hands this time, and he was almost scared now.
"You are such the idiot, you know that?" she crossed her arms, looking up at him.
Nightwing braced himself, just in case she was going to hit him, which she probably was.
Instead, she started smiling, and he felt a relief wash through him as he returned it; she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him, returning the passion that he had given her. Nightwing wrapped his arms around her, kissing her back. Oh yes, they had both missed this. His lips were like adrenaline, coursing through her veins. He was finally back. He was really here, and not just a dream anymore. And it was worth the wait. Their hands traveled, gripping arms, cupping cheeks, running up and down backsides…
As she ran her fingers through his hair, he lifted her off the ground, and they both heard Beast Boy and Kid Flash whistle suggestively. The two pulled apart, arms still around each other and looked over at their friends, whom erupted in applause and cheers.
Starfire giggled, and Nightwing looked back down at her. Her smile fell, and they both simultaneously cupped each other's neck and shared one more kiss before embracing; Starfire's arms wrapped around his strong and firm torso, and his around her smaller, curvier one.
"Don't you ever leave again," Starfire murmured into his shoulder.
"I won't," Nightwing promised.
The two released each other, knowing that they had more important things to do in hand. Starfire joined the others, standing between Terra and Raven. Raven was trying very hard not to smirk.
Nightwing stepped front and center.
"Alright, Titans. This is it," he said. "Tonight's the night where we finally defeat Slade. I honestly thought this day would never come."
Jericho shifted uncomfortably.
"As we discussed, my team and Titans East will cover Slade's secret underground base-it's huge and has a ton of tunnels and tricks. The Honorary Titans will spread out around the perimeter, trying to keep the fighting here. Titans North and South will take on downtown, and I'm guessing that's where his robots will definately be. Are we all clear on the plan?"
The Titans said their yeses at different speeds.
"Wait a minute!" Herald called out, and Nightwing looked at him. "Jericho has something to say!" He nodded at the blonde, who nodded back. Feeling a little self-conscious, he gripped Kole's hand and made his way to the front. The two had a closer friendship now, even though both were oblivious about the other person's feelings, and he felt better when she was by his side. She learned the basics of sign language, like Herald did, and was going to translate for everybody.
Jericho stood on the other side of Nightwing, with Kole next to him, releasing her hand. Jericho gestured towards the Titans, looking at Nightwing for permission. Nightwing nodded, and Jericho faced them.
There's something important I need to tell you all, he signed.
"He has something important to tell you," Kole explained.
I don't know how you're going to take it, so please don't judge me on this.
"He doesn't know how you all will take it, so don't judge him for it."
Instead of Titans West taking care of Slade all by themselves, we all need to chase him down and corner him...
"Instead of Titans West going after Slade, he says that we all need to chase him down and corner him..."
...And I will be the one to defeat him. Not anyone else.
"He wants to defeat him. Not anyone else."
Because...
"Because..."
Jericho gulped, his frightened eyes traveling around each and every friend and Titan. The only people who gave him strength to continue was Herald and Kole.
Slade...is my father.
As soon as the words fell from Kole's mouth, there was a small uproar of protests and disbelief.
"Hear him out!" Kole yelled, and everyone quieted back down to murmuring.
Please! Jericho signed. If anything, I am nothing like my father! He is the reason why I am a mute! He is the reason why I can never speak again!
Kole repeated his statement, pulling back Jericho's collar to reveal the faint scar on his throat.
"Nightwing," Kole said to him, "I think we should go with Jericho's plan. He's grown up with Slade, so he must know more than any of us do. When you find Slade, just call all of us, and we'll come running."
Nightwing was silent for a moment, exchanging glances with his teammates. Cyborg was nodding, Beast Boy's eyes held understanding, Raven was neutral-but he saw her nod her approval, and Starfire's eyes held the same understanding look that Beast Boy's did.
"Alright," Nightwing said, looking back at the two. "We'll go with Jericho's plan."
And then, as if in an unspoken agreement, HotSpot went into flames, Argent's hands glowed a bright red, Thunder and Lightning lit up the sky, Jinx's fingertips started to turn bright pink, Speedy drew his bow and arrow, Bumblebee charged her stingers, Cyborg readied his Sonic Cannon, Terra's eyes and hands glowed yellow, Beast Boy's tiger teeth came through his mouth, Raven's eyes burned white and her dark energy surrounded her hands, and Starfire's eyes and hands glowed green.
Nightwing smiled, drawing his two metal Escrima staffs.
"TITANS, GO!"
TT
"Raven, mind helping me out?" Terra asked, approaching the right spot. Raven smirked, hands extended as she walked up beside her.
"With pleasure," she said, and black and yellow beams of light shot forward and broke into the earth. Getting an idea, she turned her head. "Star, could you use your starbeams?"
"I can only use them through my eyes," Starfire said, confused as she came up on the other side of Raven.
"Just convert-that energy-to-your hands," Raven managed through gritted teeth, pushing the earth farther away. Debris flew everywhere, and the Titans behind them had to dodge out of the way.
"Um...alright. I shall try!" Starfire said, closing her eyes. Inhale...exhale...inhale...exhale...inhale...exhale and...-She opened her now bright green eyes, and starbeams shot out of her hands, joining the other two colors. As the girls finally started walking forward, still in full focus, Nightwing, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Bumblebee, Aqualad, Speedy, and Mas y Menos followed behind.
"You gotta admit that they're badass," Beast Boy muttered to Nightwing and Aqualad.
"I know, right?" Aqualad muttered back, smiling at the back of Terra's head.
"You two together?" Nightwing asked that time.
"Nope," Aqualad said.
"If we live through this-and which we will-I'm soooo setting you two up," Beast Boy said, and Cyborg chuckled from beside him.
As they walked deeper, there was a slope, and the earth turned into metal. Soon, fire erupted from their containers on the walls every time they passed a few inches. Raven, Starfire, and Terra stopped using their powers, stopping when they could fully see. The entire area was a little opening before there were several different slopes and tunnels and walk-ways and doors, all covered in dull bronze metal.
"Looks like we're gonna have to split up," Nightwing noted.
"Greeeat," Beast Boy muttered, subconsciously moving closer to Raven.
"Don't worry," Nightwing said, observing their surroundings and summing everybody up. "Hmm...alright. Looks like we're covering this stuff up in thirds. Slade's hideout could be anywhere...
"Cyborg, you go with Bumblebee, Aqualad, and Terra towards the West. Beast Boy, Raven, Starfire, and I will check out the East side. And Speedy-"
"Aww, man!" Speedy whined as the others sighed in relief. "You're leaving me with them?" He pointed at the younger twins, whom gasped and cursed in Spanish.
"Mas y Menos are better than what you give them credit for," Aqualad pointed out.
"Just go with them, dammit!" Bumblebee said with a roll of her eyes, and Speedy sighed in defeat.
"Alright, where do we go?" he mumbled.
"Nice grouping choices, dude," Beast Boy said as the four of them continued to walk together. Only a few random Slade-bots showed up, and they had defeated them easily. "Everyone's happy!"
"Except Speedy," Raven pointed out.
"I wonder how he and Argent are doing..." Starfire thought out loud.
"Why are you constantly trying to put people together?" Beast Boy asked her.
Starfire shrugged with a smile on her face. "Because I can, can I not?"
"Snap," said Raven with a poker face, snapping her fingers, and Nightwing chuckled from beside her.
Beast Boy snickered too. "You know what?" He slid himself between the two, wrapping his arms around all of them as much as he could. "Either way, we still get to fight together-RobStar and BBRae!"
"What?" Raven and Nightwing said in unison.
"Obviously, they don't read the fan mail," Beast Boy said to Starfire with a roll of his eyes.
"I know, right?" said Starfire knowingly.
Their significant others still looked confused.
"It's this thing fans do, putting our names together," Starfire explained.
"DUH," she and Beast Boy said together.
Eventually, they came into another opening, this time revealing four passageways.
"Aww, man! They're splitting us up again!" Beast Boy whined, and Starfire mirrored his worry. She didn't want to go on without Nightwing.
"Easy, easy, we'll just split up and see what's on the other side. Who knows? We might be reunited again. Be sure to have your communicators out and ready if you see anything, alright?" said Nightwing. Raven and Starfire nodded, Starfire more sad in the face.
Beast Boy automatically pulled Raven into his arms for a tight hug.
"Be careful," he murmured to her. "If you see Malchior..." His claws almost extended at the thought of the white-haired faggot. Just wait till he got his claws on him...
Raven nodded without saying a word.
Beast Boy pulled back, meeting her gaze before pecking her on the lips. They embraced once more before pulling back. The two knew that there wasn't much to be said; they knew how much they loved each other. Weren't really ones who made a big dramatic scene about it.
Starfire was looking at the ground when Nightwing tucked his forefingers underneath her chin and lifted her face up to his for a kiss. As soon as it ended, Starfire gripped his wrist and pulled him close for another.
"Star-"
"I know," Starfire interjected, turning on her heels and made her way towards one, not after kissing Beast Boy's cheek and hugging Raven tight.
"Catch ya on the flipside, dudes," Beast Boy said, heading towards the opposite side. His eyes lingered on Raven's before he turned around, disappearing in the darkness.
Nightwing and Raven exchanged glances.
"Good luck," Raven offered.
Nightwing managed a chuckle. "You too, Raven."
The two went their separate ways, heading into their passageways.
Beast Boy had quite the surprise when he found 10 Slade-bots blocking his way after a few minutes of walking. He turned into a tiger-taking one in his teeth and flung it into two more. Then he smashed four more after turning into a gorilla, and finished the last one with a drop kick.
Aww, yeah, he thought as more appeared, swinging for him. He got through all but one, disappearing in the shadows as it looked around for him, beams shooting at the ceiling. What it didn't know was that Beast Boy was sticking to the wall, channeling his inner spider abilities.
"CROOOOTCH!" Beast Boy yelled, colliding with the Slade-bot, his legs constricting around its shoulders. Before the Slade-bot knew what was happening, Beast Boy flipped down on it, ripping its head off in the progress. He bounced it up and down as if it was a basketball and ran off.
20 more Slade-bots appeared next.
"Defeat ten, get twenty..." Beast Boy thought. "Oh, boy..." He got into a karate stance, waving his arms. "YOU WANT SUMMA ME? I'M GONNA GIVE YOU A J.C.P.D. ASS KICKIN'!"
Nightwing had encountered the same, using his staffs to fight his way through. His building rage mixed with his own adrenaline, and he defeated them all within ten seconds and broke off into a run. And there were more, getting bigger and more complicated the farther he went. He must be getting close...
"Uh-uh-uh..." a male voice taunted from behind him, and Nightwing turned around slowly. "Where do you think you're goin', birdie boy?"
Nightwing's teeth gritted. "Johnny..."
"Let's play," Johnny Rancid growled with a smile, pulling out his two guns, and Nightwing pulled out his staffs.
"Bring it, asswhipe," Nightwing said back, one foot sliding back.
"Oooh, shiny," Johnny said in approval. "I wonder how they'll look after I break them?"
The two lunged for each other after that.
Raven hadn't encountered anything yet. She just kept walking, using her senses for any sign of something that shouldn't be there other than herself. She knew that this wasn't going to be easy whatsoever.
A faint glow came from a room down the tunnel, and Raven arched an eyebrow. With her fists balling up with dark energy, she headed in that direction, her back against the wall as she walked.
The empath flung herself in the room, ready to attack when she saw...nothing.
Then she had looked around herself. The only light provided in the room was the blue fire flickering in their cages on the wall. The room was in some oval shape, except for the wall behind her. And standing with her back to her from across the room was...
"Hello, Raven..." he turned around, hands behind his back, and a sinister smile on his face. His attire was the same from when they had last met, except there was gauze wrapped around his eyes, old blood stains lingered at the edges and crosses. "It's been a while, my dear."
"Malchoir..." Raven's teeth gritted, her hand raised, and her eyes glowed white.
"Now hold up a minute-don't let this fool you," Malchior continued softly, gesturing towards the gauze. "Just because I can't see, that doesn't give you the benefit. Most dragons don't even need eyes to hunt and kill."
His smile grew wider, and Raven took a little step back.
Starfire's hand stayed lit up as she looked around. The path she took made several twists and turns, and she had the feeling of loneliness and wanted to be with her friends again.
There was a soft sound of electricity buzzing, and she looked around.
"Hello?" she said. "Is anyone there?"
No answer, but the buzzing got gradually louder.
"If you are no friend of mine, I will not hesitate to shoot!"
Still no answer. Her body lifted off the ground as she started to fly. The buzzing turned to footsteps that started to grow in numbers the farther and faster she flew. She looked behind her, but there was nothing there!
Finding luck, she took a turn to the right and kept flying. Doors appeared, and she debated which one to bust open first.
Eenie, meenie, minie...-!
Starfire gasped, skidding to a stop as Cheshire jumped down in front of her.
"Where do you think you're going, princess?" Cheshire asked, and 30 Slade-bots appeared behind her.
A yellow, burning whip constricted around Starfire's throat, choaking her from behind, then flung her towards the wall; her head smacked against the hard, cold metal with a sickening crunch before she fell to the ground. Still half-conscious, she blinked and looked up as a blonde came into view with her merciless giggle. She and Cheshire bent down close to her face as the Slade-bots surrounded her from all sides.
"Lights out..." Kitten grinned, and everything went black.
Blackness had smothered Nightwing. He couldn't remember much, except for an extreme amount of pain stabbed through his forehead and Johnny's smug smile. How could he have been so clueless? He had Johnny right where he wanted him! And he turned his back for one split second, thinking that the bastard was unconscious. But no, it was the other way around.
Then there was the strange thing. After about what seemed like hours, he had the weird sensation like he was being dragged.
What was going on? Where was he? Was he dead? Was the battle over?
He felt a burn sizzling on the side of his head.
No, I can't be dead...Death shouldn't be this damn painful.
Cool night air blew on his cheeks, and very faint screams from the city could be heard.
Okay. Definately not dead. But...what was up with all the dragging?
He managed to find control of his limbs and opened his eyes, staring up into the night sky. He was laying on top of the secret base, which had apparently been fully revealed during his unconsciousness.
"Took you long enough to wake up."
Nightwing bolted upright, hearing that familiar voice. Red X was sitting casually beside him, arms rested on his erected knees.
"You," Nightwing hissed.
"Oooh, nice suit," X replied, a smile easily etched into his voice. "Mind if I borrow it sometime?"
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Nightwing spat.
"Aww, I just wanted to see an old friend..." Red X said innocently as Nightwing got to his feet. "Especially your pretty lady friend. What was her name again? Starfire?" He taunted. "Oh, if only you knew where she was now..." He chuckled. He was gonna have fun with this.
"WHAT? WHERE'S STARFIRE?" Nightwing demanded hotly, fists balled up.
Red X took a few steps back. "Shit if I know."
"YOU DO KNOW!"
And he got him.
"RRRGH!" Nightwing tore after Red X, who started running away laughing. "THIS ISN'T FUNNY, ASSHOLE! YOU TELL ME WHERE SHE IS NOW OR I SWEAR TO GOD-"
"Oooh, such harsh words for someone who saved your life!" Red X called over his shoulder. "Na-na-na-na-na, you can't catch meeeeee!"
During their chase, Nightwing threw the birdarang, and, during one of Red X's playful taunting, nailed X right in the cheek, making him curse.
"Agh! Shit!"
That slowed him down, and just enough for Nightwing to catch him.
Nightwing jumped high, slamming into Red X and they tumbled onto the ground. They wrestled for a bit until Nightwing straddled him, one staff raised to Red X's face, breathing heavilly.
"Okay, so you can catch me," Red X laughed. "Took you long enough, dammit. Haha..."
Nightwing made a frustrated, angry sound and ripped off the mask.
And he froze entirely, dropping his staff when he saw who it was.
TT
Starfire groaned, her eyelids fighting to stay open once more, her body aching with scars exhaustion. It was hot in this cell, sweat dewing on the back of her neck. She was still in a sitting position on the cell floor, her arms up and cuffed to the bars. Even her Tamaranian strength couldn't get her out of there. She had tried so hard that her wrists were bleeding, and the harsh way the handcuffs squeezed her wasn't helping either. The best she could do for the moments being was to curse in Tamaranian, and loved Kitten's rude and annoyed reactions.
Apparently, each of Slade's apprentices had taken turns guarding her. First Kitten, and she had been the cause of her bleeding wrists. She couldn't wait until the Titans came to save her. Then she'll be able to face the blonde, one on one…Starfire's teeth gritted in a weak attempt. How long had she been in there? An hour? Two? Felt like days.
Currently, Cheshire was guarding and looking after her, doing the occasional pacing and taunting. But she wasn't as bad as Kitten, and that was surprising. It was quiet, and Starfire's eyes started to droop, her head sliding to the side. With a sigh, she let her eyes close completely and…
Red lights flashed, and there was a buzzing sound. Cheshire swore, checking her communicator.
"Security breech," she hissed under her breath, drawing her weapons at the ready just as there was a bang at the door.
Two. Three. Four. Each causing a dent.
And then the door gave in, falling to the floor, but there was no one standing in the threshold.
"Who's there?!" Cheshire demanded. Seeing a shadow flicker across the wall and ceiling, she whirled around back and forth.
Then a dark figure jumped down behind her, and Cheshire turned around again. Standing before her was a young woman like herself, shaped like Starfire with the same skin color. She was wearing a ninja mask, with her long ponytail poking out and her purple eyes being the only skin exposed on her face; also, a black bodysuit. It was sleeveless and had leather arm warmers with thumbholes and leather straps that had metal buckles, eyelets, and a metal o-ring. There was a v-shaped cut around the bust area, a weapon belt, and boots.
Cheshire didn't know who the hell it was.
"Nice mask," Blackfire said, aiming for a punch at Cheshire's face. Cheshire was faster, flipping backwards on the top of Starfire's cell and got in her fighting stance.
"Who the hell are you?" Cheshire demanded.
"Don't you see the family resemblance?" Blackfire cooed mockingly, then she did a beckoning motion. "Now why don't you hand over my little sis, nice and easy?"
Cheshire growled. "No."
Blackfire shrugged. "Have it your way, then." She held up her arms evenly, side by side, palms up and faced towards Cheshire. Instead of sending blackbolts, purple X's shot out from her grip, and managed to wrap around Cheshire; the villainess was shocked with blackbot energy, falling over the cell and onto the floor. It continued to electrocute her until she was unconscious.
Blackfire walked over to Cheshire's still form, bending down.
"No one, and I mean no one," Blackfire said calmly, yet dangerously, "gives hell to Kori. That's my job."
And then she got to her feet, looking around for a switch, button, or something. The room was practically empty…
…Except that pretty switch over there by the cell.
Blackfire flicked it, and there was an unlocking sound. She then bent down, breaking the lock, and shoved the bars aside with her strength and made a huge space with it.
"Black…fire?" Starfire said in disbelief, her voice coming in a croak as Blackfire ripped the cuffs apart.
"It's okay, baby sister," Blackfire said, helping her out of the cell and get to her feet.
"Thanks…" Starfire said, rubbing her wrists gingerly. "But how-?" She watched as Blackfire pulled out a vile with a green liquid.
"Be still," Blackfire said quietly, pouring the liquid on Starfire's wrists; it sizzled, making Starfire wince and give out a little cry of pain, but she also watched in amazement as her wrists healed. The blood disappeared, the scars sealing shut to where there were tiny scars left that were unnoticeable for the most part. Blackfire put the vile away in her weapon belt.
"You saved me…" Starfire said, meeting her older sibling's gaze. Blackfire didn't say anything. "Thank you, Kom."
And then she wrapped her arms around Blackfire in a tight hug. It took a while for Blackfire to comprehend what was happening. She couldn't remember the last time she hugged Kori. Did she ever…? Hesitantly, Blackfire's arms wrapped around Starfire, returning the embrace just as tightly. Starfire was close to tears, her eyes closing.
Suddenly, Red X bounded in the room, shortly followed by Nightwing, who was looking out of breath. Starfire looked up, gasping and pulling out of the embrace when she saw that Red X wasn't wearing a mask-for it was hanging in Nightwing's hand. She was startled by his appearance; there was a scar across his cheek, most likely from a birdarang, shaggy black hair with a single white streak coming down to the opposite cheek.
X chuckled, doing a somersault as he hopped in the air, landing on top of the cell on all fours. Nightwing leaned against the threshold, out of breath.
"You bastard…" Nightwing panted. "Just wait…until…I catch…my breath…!"
"Have it your way, brother," Red X said casually. "I'll just wait here."
"Nightwing!" Starfire exclaimed, running to him.
"Starfire!" Nightwing suddenly got his breath back, standing up straighter-up until she knocked the wind out of him when she embraced him. He wrapped his arms around her protectively as he returned it, then pulled back and cupped her face in his hands. "Are you okay? Did she hurt you?" He glared in Blackfire's direction.
"Blackfire saved me," Starfire told him, much to his shock.
"Blackfire?" Nightwing watched as Blackfire lifted her mask, letting it rest on the top of her head.
"Yeah, Sherlock. Anything else?" Blackfire said, crossing her arms as Red X hopped down next to her. "You should at least be thanking the both of us."
"Why the hell would I-"
"Jason led you back here on purpose, so we can all get out of here and find the others," Blackfire cut him off.
"I figured it would be fun if I let you unmask me, cuz I'd knew you'd chase me down," Red X said with a chuckle.
"How'd you know where she was?" Nightwing asked Red X, arching an eyebrow.
"Same way I knew where you were," Red X said simply. "Sibling's intuition." He sniffed dramatically.
"You two are brothers?" Starfire wondered, looking over at Nightwing.
"Step brothers," Nightwing corrected, still glaring in Red X's direction. "In this scenario, one of them was supposed to be dead."
"Step brother, shmep brothers." X waved his hand dismissively. "Who cares?'
Another bloodcurdling scream was heard, echoing out of the vent above them and down the halls, followed by a deafening roar. The sounds made the four cringe.
"Look, I'd love to share sappy stories and eat s'mores but-" Red X began.
"I think Malchior found Beast Boy and Raven," Nightwing finished and looked at Starfire, who gazed back at him worriedly.
"Let's go, people!" Blackfire said impatiently, already running out of the room with the rest behind her. "If we can find this fucker then we can maybe get closer to finding Dipshit!"
How's that for a longer chapter? #LIKE A BOSS.
But there are some good and bad news...
The bad news is that this story is coming to an end...V.V Only a few more chapters to go...The good news is that a sequel is on the horizon! Whoo! Not saying much about it, cuz that would only spoil it!
Review for more action.!