Just a note for this chapter; all dragon language is going to be translated into english, and this will be marked with Italics. So, basically…

English: What is this?

Dragon Language: How dare you!

XxXxX

It had been a week since the incident with warp. And Solor was very troubled by what his future self had told him.

Darkness extinguish light.

Those were the only words that he had been told, and it could mean a whole variety of things. But what stood out most could be an attack from a renegade group. Known only as the Darkness, these outcast members of his society made that greeting a long time ago, to communicate with each other, or to instill fear into the hearts of his people. It was very rarely uttered, only in history lessons, and was forbidden to be said without care.

What happened in this future that made those three words mean so much to his future self? Why would he utter them so easily to Starfire? He would never be able to say such words to any of his friends, not once. And he was wondering what he should do about this. There was only one of his kind that he could speak to about this… and he wouldn't be happy should these words be found carelessly spoken.

But he needed to take that risk.

Taking his communicator, the dragon left a note on his bed, simply stating that he would be gone for the day, and he would return before the sun set. He then opened his window, taking in the pre-dawn air, and taking flight. It would be hours before he could reach his destination, but that was to be expected. After all, there were only so many ways to reach his homeland.

XxXxX

By the time that he could see that island, it was already midday, and he could feel his wings straining from the constant flapping. He had taken off and flown as fast as he could, without ever stopping to rest. Not that he could, mind you; beneath him was ocean, and it would take a lot of effort to take off from the water. But now, he was well into the pacific ocean, halfway to Japan, where no doubt his people were waiting for him. Or at least, a guard was. Not that anyone could see, mind you; the only thing on the island was a large cave, which led to a steep dive into the water.

Solor stood at the mouth of the cave, finally allowing his wings to fold to his sides. Normally, he would have been excited to be here; it would mean that he was going home at last. But because he had not been summoned, he was not allowed to actually enter inside. All he could do was sit and wait.

Then again, he also knew who to speak to.

"Father, I must speak with you", he said into the cave, his human-like tongue twisting into his own, natural language. It had been a while since he had spoken like this. "Something is troubling me, and I need your guidance."

At first, nothing seemed to happen. The ocean sprayed across the mouth of the cave, soaking Solor in foam, but he paid the water no mind. Instead, he focused on the cave. Again, nothing seemed to happen. Sighing, he spoke up again. "I know I am not allowed home as of yet. I am not here for that. I am here to speak my concerns… I believe the Darkness is plotting something."

A few moments passed, nothing but silence coming from the cave. Then came the rumble, and dust dispersed from the stalactites at the maw before a pair of green eyes began shining. Out lurched a dragon, one much larger than Solor had ever become. In fact, all he could see was the gigantic head, which was shaped to resemble a tyrannosaurus rex, because it was the only thing poking out.

"Well, well. If it isn't the infamous Starborn", came the deep, slow voice. "What is it you want, little drake? The Circle is still watching your actions, and you are wasting time by coming here."

"Hello, Ahzidgolz", said Solor, sighing. "I should have known my father would be too busy to speak to me face to face. Since when does a dragon of the Earth answer to one of the Light?

"I serve the Circle, and no one else", came the calm response. "Now, speak up. What is it that causes the great Starborn such distress?"

"I have… received troubling words as a message. I believe that something is going to happen if the Circle does not act accordingly."

"Oh? And what words would these be?"

"… Darkness Extinguish Light."

There was silence, before a low growl filled the air. "You know better than to utter those words without reason", said Ahzidgolz, smoke pluming out of his large nostrils. "This had better not be a joke, Starborn. I shall fetch your father."

With that, the giant snout pulled back, opening the way to the cave. Solo waited only for a couple moments, and suddenly a new figure walked forward. He looked much like the teen, but instead of short and lanky, he was tall and muscular. And it was obvious that he looked much older, with .

"Hello, Father", Solor said, bowing in respect. He knew better than to look this man in the eyes without permission; such a thing could end with him in more trouble than he already is.

"Solor", the man said, as if tasting the name. "It seems that you've decided on a… unique name. Similar to that of the light of the sun, but at the same time, different."

"Now is not the time to speak of my name", Solor said, shifting uncomfortably. "It was… last second. And besides, I must speak with you about more important matters."

"Yes, the matter of the phrase you uttered", the leader of the dragons said, nodding. "It is troubling that you would say those words… what prompted this visit?"

Solor in turn told his father about everything that had happened over the past few months. How he met and helped found the Teen Titans, his experiences with the team, and his learning to trust them. Of course, he assured his elder that his lineage was a secret, as was the location of this meeting. Then came the part that had him worried.

"I do not understand, Father. Why would my future self tell Starfire, an outsider, to tell me this? Is something going on with the Darkness?" Solor asked.

Solor's father rubbed his chin, considering everything that his son had told him. "Well, they have been quiet as of late… but remember, they are always deceiving, so make sure to keep up your guard. I will bring your concerns to the Circle, but do not expect them to take your word for it."

"I understand", Solor said, bowing. He then turned, stretching his wings out once more.

"And my child?" his father called, stopping him for just a moment. "… keep up the good work." With that, the two dragons went their separate ways, with a small smile starting to grace Solor's lips.

XxXxX

It was night by the time that the dragon returned, and Solor was cursing himself. "Damn… if only I had managed to fly faster, I would have been here much earlier." He growled a bit. "Now I am irritated, tired, and I just want to go to bed."

A loud splash filled his ears, and just like that, he was alert, and looking for the source. Down on the rocks surrounding Titans' Tower was Beast Boy… and a girl that Solor had never met before. The changeling was soaking wet, and the girl looked panicked.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm so stupid!" she said in a hurry. "Don't tell! Please don't tell!"

"Terra, it's okay", Beast Boy said, shrugging the water off like a duck. "You can't totally control your powers. So what?"

"Promise me you won't tell anybody. Ever", Terra said, as Solor took the opportunity to silently land behind the blonde.

"Sure", Beast Boy started, and before Terra could say more, he pointed. "I can't make any promises for him, though." At that, the blonde turned, and almost screamed the minute she saw the dragon… if not for the fact that Solor quickly covered her mouth.

"I will not harm you", he said, looking the terrified girl in the eye. "Nor will I tell anyone about your… problem with your powers. I can, however…" Solor cringed a bit, not believing he was going to say this, "… offer to help."

Both Beast Boy and Terra looked at the dragon, surprised. He never offered to help anyone. Ever. "You're joking, right?" Beast Boy said, looking very confused. "What would you know about not being able to control your powers?"

"A lot, actually", Solor said, sounding offended. "I could not control my powers naturally. It took a lot of rigorous physical and mental training. And while I may not know much about controlling the earth, I do know what it takes to keep constant control over my fire breath or my skin changing abilities."

Terra looked at the dragon, hopeful for her future. "You really mean it? You'll help me with my powers?"

"I shall", confirmed the dragon. "But for now, it is time for bed. Good night, you two." At that, Solor flapped his mighty wings again, wincing at the strain he was putting on them. I really need to get used to long flights again… this cramped up space is no place for a dragon.

XxXxX

Today was very interesting, to say the least. Terra went through her first bit of training with the Teen Titans, and while ending with an impressive time, she had ultimately destroyed the obstacle course due to her lack of… finesse.

That was when Slade had attacked.

Apparently, included in Jump City's budget in the past was a diamond mine that was still running today. However, it hadn't taken long for Slade's minions to take complete control. The ensuing fight was quite loud. Especially when Starfire was almost overwhelmed by Slade's robotic henchmen. Probably unexpected (or expected, if you knew him) was Solor's complete and total rage at the sight of Slade's picture on the screen. When Starfire was getting dog-piled on, the dragon spotted her, and while Cyborg did attempt to help, it was eventually the dragon who broke through the reinforcements and freed the Tamaranean. "Hold still", he said, quickly moving in front of her. For the first time in a long time, emerald flames left his mouth, catching onto the metal of his enemies and melting them into nothing. Starfire could only stare in awe at how powerful he had become since overcoming his own mental weakness.

Then the rockslide happened.

Terra and Beast Boy were both side by side when her powers fluxed and reached beyond her own control. Upon seeing the rocks fall, Terra let out a screech that caught everyone's attention. Upon digging the shapeshifter out, they realized two things. One, Terra was missing.

Two… so was Solor.

XxXxX

"Right now, you are… rough around the edges.", Slade said to the blonde, picking up a rough rock. "You need more than obstacle courses to overcome your problem." He began squeezing the rock, causing cracks to form and pieces to fall away, with incredible strength that was undisplayed before. "You need a teacher… a mentor. Come with me, Terra, and I can teach you to shine."

The blonde could only stare at the diamond that was now sitting in the palm of Slade's hand, before looking into his masked visage. "But… my friends told me you're-"

"You don't really believe that they are your friends, do you?"

"They took me in… gave me a home…"

"That's right. We did."

Both Slade and Terra turned in surprise and were shocked to see that the rocks that had been blocking the little section of tunnel they were in had been moved. Now, standing at the entrance, was the dragon, glaring immensely at Slade. "Back away from my student, Slade. I have claimed her as my pupil."

"Your pupil?" Slade said, getting into a battle stance. "Please. As if you would know anything about a lack of control, monster."

That word made Solor flinch, and he glared even more at the masked villain. He looked back at Terra, and a confident smirk grew onto his face, confusing both Slade and the geomancer. "You want to know what it truly means to lose control? Then watch me." With that, he closed his eyes, giving Slade an opportunity to run toward the dragon, intending to stop whatever he had planned.

But it was too late.

The minute Slade's punch connected, it was with another hand that caught it easily. But instead of bronze, this hand was pure white, and radiating with energy, as was the rest of Solor's body. Terra gasped as the dragon's body radiated with pure light, and when he opened his eyes, they were glowing green, much like Starfire's own eyes whenever she used her power. Slade managed to pull away, but could only stare in awe as Solor glowed with power. Slowly he inhaled, bringing his arms close to his body, crossing them above his head. That was the moment that Slade decided to run, as fast as he could, out of the tunnel.

That decision ultimately saved his life.

As soon as Solor was done taking breath in, he unleashed it, a thin stream of light shooting after the villain and narrowly missing his shoulder as it fired past him. A tiny hole was dug right into the wall, and for a good ten seconds, the beam of light continued to fire into the hole. As it did, the light faded from Solor's body, draining from his feet and continuing until it left his mouth, ending the trail. The dragon closed his eyes again, falling to his knees as he panted heavily, a smirk on his face.

"That, Terra, is the kind of power I have… the kind that I could not control."

It was then a green changeling made himself known, his eyes wide and his mouth agape in pure awe. "Dude… since when could you do that?" Beast Boy asked, almost sounding terrified.

Solor smirked, but could not answer. At that very moment, the energy left his body, and he passed out.

XxXxX

"Well, guys, it's been real", Terra said, hoisting her belongings onto her back. By the time they had gotten back, Solor had awoken, and shook off the fatigue as if it was water on a duck's back. He didn't explain what happened; just that he would be more careful in the future. And now, it was night, and everyone was in the living room with the geomancer as she prepared to leave. "Seriously, thank's for everything. but I should-"

"Do. Not. Move." Solor was standing at the door preventing her from even opening it. She looked up at him, with those blue eyes, and could only tilt her head. "They figured it out, Terra. They know."

The geomancer gasped, and looked at everyone, who only nodded in affirmation. She looked so downcast at that, and closed her eyes, waiting for the words of hatred, of disgust.

"They know that I have offered to help you."

At that, Terra looked up startled. "Huh?" she asked, looking at everyone again, and finally noticing the smiles. "Wait… you guys know I can't control my powers? And you want me to stay?"

Robin nodded, walking up and handing a communicator to the blonde. "Solor explained everything. And we've decided rather than throw you out and leave you to your own devices, it would be a lot better if you took up Solor on his offer and let him teach you self-control."

"Yes, and we have each decided we will help as much as we can as well!" Starfire said, clapping her hands excitedly.

Beast Boy looked over at the blonde, a shy smile on his face. "So… what do you say? Wanna be a Titan?"

Terra looked at all of them. Then she looked at the dragon, who smiled down at her. It wasn't one of his vicious, 'you are so dead', smiles, but a genuine one that showed that he cared. She was so elated, so happy that this was happening… but one question broke through it all.

"Why?" she asked, looking at the dragon. "Even after everything… why would you still want to help me?"

"Because I know what it is like to not be accepted for who you are or what you can do", Solor said. "I know what it is like to be an outcast… and I know how tempting it is to fall for tricks like the one Slade has offered you. I will do what I can to help you, Terra… but you must understand, it will not be easy, and it will be some time before you are okayed to go on simple missions."

"I understand", Terra said, smiling. She suddenly wrapped her arms around the dragon's neck, pulling him into a tight hug, unaware of the looks she was getting from both Starfire and Beast Boy. "Thank you… no one's ever been this kind to me."

The dragon couldn't help but chuckle, and pulled away from the hug. "Don't thank me yet… you still have to go through the training first, and I guarantee, you will hate me for it." He turned, beginning to head for his own room when he was stopped by Beast Boy's words.

"Solor, about what happened earlier… with Slade…"

Solor turned again, his smile gone as he looked at Beast Boy seriously. "That is what happens when I lose control, Beast Boy. Now do you understand? My powers aren't just limited to flight, strength, and fire. But what you saw today… and no doubt what you will tell the others, is a strict 'no other option' choice." He turned again. "Now, I must recover and prepare for tomorrow. Good night, my friends."

With that, Solor headed for bed, unaware of the meeting that was being held about him.

XxXxX

"Your son indeed said some troubling words yesterday… should we look further into this?"

"This may be an attempt to gain our favor more than a warning about the Darkness. He may be grasping at straws in an attempt for us to lessen our punishment on him."

"Starborn would never stoop that low. We must take this seriously, Fire. And we've already lessened it enough, according to you. You wanted him killed the minute you heard the news, and Death isn't even your friend."

"Enough of this. My heir has brought the warning to us, and has made no other attempt to contact us. We will continue as planned, but keep an eye for the Darkness. No doubt ill will is on its way to us. We must be ready for anything."

Lightning flashed, and six silhouetted creatures nodded in agreement before vanishing into the darkness again with low growls.