AN* see previous chapters for disclaimer.

Alrighty here is the latest chapter, as usual R&R I do enjoy criticism or praise, whatever floats your boat.

Bargaining and Returnings

Shinku returned to the dark dimension and approached the wheel, letting his anger show. Using the magic of the twin gems he brought forth his soul and entered the wheel that was the housing place of the soul that had become the wheel.

"You never cease to annoy me." He growled as he stood before the spirit of the wheel, which was once known as Edorad, the greatest warrior of his age and the creator of Kage To Hi Ryu.

"Why do you say that?" Edorad asked, clearly confused.

"Three times now you have ordered me back when there was no need for me to return. Three times you have cut short my time in the world of life and forced me back here to the realm of darkness before you throw a temper tantrum." He roared. Edorad stood silently waiting for him to calm down.

"I request you back just in case there is trouble in another part of the universe. I know that you wish to stay but we cannot afford for you to grow complacent."

"I don't believe you." Shinku growled "You just want to keep here so that I don't get ideas of my own, to get ideas to move on, away from you." Edorad looked shocked at the accusation but Shinku wasn't finished "I have seen how the others acted. They were basically slaves to your will. I refuse to become what they were!"

"You insolent whelp! I have raised you, turned you away from the corruption that you have upon your hands. I have turned you into the greatest hope for the world! And you think that you can turn your back on it?!" Edorad roared showing his true self.

"You know as well as I do, the marks upon me were not meant to corrupt me, simply to brand me as his! Until he walks the earth I am still a free man!" he shouted "You have raised me like my predecessors, to be your slave! I have never had a choice in my life, ever since I was born these things have been forced upon me! I was forced to be that demons slave, forced to be your warrior slave! I refuse to serve you any longer!" Edorad then felt the magic surging forward and saw the second eyes of the demon appearing on him.

"Calm thyself Shinku. Your adoptive nature is showing." Edorad said gently motioning at the eyes. Taking a deep breath he remembered his training and brought his emotions back into his grasp.

"Now Shinku, allow me to explain. I chose you because I knew that you would be the greatest warrior that has ever been my privilege to teach. I have called you back every time because I fear you becoming corrupted, by interacting with the demoness that seems to have your affection."

"There is nothing to fear from Raven!" he shouted.

"Unfortunately there is. As we know both know she is the portal that he will use to escape. The time for that is drawing near, and I fear for what will happen if he does break free."

"I understand. If he does walk this earth the entire universe will be in danger." Shinku nodded.

"Yes, and I only see one way to overcome this. Either you must find a way to prevent one of the conditions being met or kill the portal." Edorad sighed.

"I will not kill her!" Shinku protested.

"Even if it would save the universe?"

"Yes. I refuse to kill her."

"You are forcing my hand. I will have to kill her myself." He sighed as Shinku's magic began to rage.

"I will not allow it. You are helpless to do anything yourself, Ever since you helped seal away Malchior it was thanks to The Almighty One that you have survived. You have no power to influence the world."

"I can call forth another who will kill her. You cannot stop this." Shinku knew that this was going nowhere and fast so he decided to take the high road and compromise.

"A deal then."

"I'm listening."

"We do not know the exact day that the first sign will appear but if it doesn't then we have another century to wait. So our deal is this. If the signs do not appear before the end of the year then I shall return here and shall not rebel again. However if the signs appear and we stop him I will return but I can rebel again if I deem it necessary. Finally if the signs do appear and he does get released my ties to you shall be broken. However if he is sent back after being free then I shall remain free of you, but may return to aid you or to claim the title of Grand Master of Kage To Hi Ryu." Edorad thought over what would happen in any of these scenarios and finally came to a decision.

"Very well. I agree to your proposal. When shall you leave?"

"On the eve before Ravens birthday, that seems the most likely day that the first sign will appear." Shinku said after a brief moment of thought.

"Very well. That is still a weeks away so I will request that you remain here until then." Edorad said as Shinku withdrew his soul.

The weeks went by slowly until the day finally arrived that he was allowed to return to the other dimension, Making a pit stop on a far off world to get something for Raven's birthday and then returned to earth. He arrived at 11 that night and saw something flashing on an oil rig miles off shore. Grinning he opened another portal with the Magus Sword and arrived at the rig to see a man with a costume that implied he had something to do with light or electricity. As he prepared to engage this idiotic looking foe the Titans arrived to deal with him.

"How did you know I was here?" he roared.

"Next time you are going to steal something make sure that we cannot see it from our living room."Raven said. This caused him to delay for a split second before he attacked with beams of light. Shinku waited a few seconds until he saw Cyborg get thrown off the rig and into the bay. Leaping up and summoning the more advanced powers of his magic he created shurikens and sent them flying at the light based villain. The shurikens struck his gauntlets, halting the deadly light attack. The villain turned to see who had attacked him but Shinku had already moved into the shadows closer to him. Channeling his magic he made himself taller and wrapped in the darkness around him like a cloak and made it have tendrils to flow off the sides, finally he added his own personal touch and added some sort of distinguishable blade to each one. He then emerged from the shadows at the same time that Raven did, so when the villian turned he saw two of them and fainted from the sight.

"What the?" Beast Boy said as he stared at the two figures.

"Who is that?" Starfire asked as her hands still glowed from the starbolts. Raven then turned and kissed his cheek.

"Cut it out Shinku, you're scaring the others." She said.

"Ok." He sighed as he returned to normal.

"DUDE! How'd you do that?" BB shouted.

"Magic." He grinned. Cyborg then climbed back up onto the rig and shouted "It's twelve o'clock. Time for donuts!"

"You guys go on ahead." Raven said as she walked towards the edge of the tanker.

"Raven you do not want the fried circles of dough?" Starfire asked.

"No." she said as she flew for the tower.

"What's her problem?" Beast Boy asked.

"Leave her be." Shinku said as he rapped him on the head with the sheathe of the Magus Sword as he walked towards the T-Ship to go get donuts with the others. Once they were finished eating donuts he walked off, saying he would meet them back at the tower later. Heading straight for the grocery store he used the money in the account that the warriors had set up years ago. Coming back with bags filled with all of the food he needed to prepare the dinner he had in mind. As he walked into the living room BB ran up to him and whispered "Today is Ravens birthday."

"You didn't know that?" he asked as he set the bags down.

"You knew?" Beast Boy asked astonished.

"Why did you think I was here. To deal with that lameo villain on the oil rig?"

"Yes." He said sheepishly.

"I have permission from the wheel to stay with you guys until the New Year at the earliest. So I choose to come back today so that way I can celebrate Ravens birthday." Shinku explained as he started to unload the bags with all of the food.

"What is with all of the food?" Robin asked as he walked over.

"I'm making Ravens birthday dinner. Since I also have to cook for the vegan over there I had to buy a lot more than I originally intended, plus I intend to make a separate plate for each of us." He explained as he put the groceries away.

"Alright. I'm going to be making my 5 layer cake with 7 different frostings." Cyborg shouted as he went into the kitchen.

"Sounds like we are going to be having a feast tonight." Starfire squealed.

The rest of the morning Shinku and Cyborg worked in the kitchen, preparing the cake while BB and Starfire were setting up decorations.

"You know I don't think she wants a party." Robin said.

"I agree, but I'm not preparing a party I'm just making the dinner tonight." Shinku grinned. With that he continued frying whatever it was that he had bought, since he wouldn't even allow Cyborg to look at what he was cooking. That night once everything was set up they shut off the lights and Shinku sent a pulse of energy to get Raven to come to the living room. All of them hiding, Shinku standing on the ceiling with magic, they watched the door waiting for the sorceress to enter. The door opened and turning on the lights they all sprung out shouting "Surprise!"

This had an odd effect because she almost blasted them out of the tower.

"What is going on?" Raven growled as she glared at Shinku grinning like a fox, standing on the ceiling.

"Well since you were acting all mysterious today I hacked your file on the computer and found a file saying that today was your birthday." Beast Boy said.

"And we have been preparing this party ever since." Starfire giggled as she floated over, trying to get Raven to actually enter the room.

"I told you guys we shouldn't throw a party." Robin said as he saw Ravens look.

"Don't look at me this was the elf's idea." Shinku grinned as he dropped from the ceiling. As they tried to sway her Robin and Shinku stood back, expecting the worst reaction, which they were granted when she used her power to destroy most of the decorations and make Cyborg's cake explode.

"I told you she didn't want a party." BB said as he wiped off some of the frosting on his face.

"Be quiet Beast Boy." Robin said as he went out after her, to try and calm her down, while Shinku teleported away and into her room to wait for her to arrive. She walked in seeming a little calmer than she had been, and seeing him she smirked.

"Who said you could be in here?" she asked as she sat on her bed.

"I figured you wouldn't mind." Shinku answered as he walked over "Care to talk about what is bothering you?"

"No. Now get out." She sighed as she looked at the clock.

"You're afraid that it's going to happen today aren't you?" he asked as he turned to leave.

"Yes."

"Well it will either happen or it won't. No sense worrying about something that can't be changed. Besides that is why I am here until further notice. If the sign comes today then I will do all I can to end it before it begins. If it doesn't happen today I go back to the dark dimension." Shinku sighed as he left "If you get hungry let me know. I have dinner ready for all of us."

It was late when the alarm sounded that the city was under attack. Tagging along they arrived at a large factory to see that the attacker was none other than Slade, but he had been given an upgrade since they had last seen him. He had the mark of Scath upon his forehead and now had flame throwing powers. After trading witty banter they struck, Shinku using the Magus Sword to try and smite his head but he was moving quickly and had also some flight abilities. After he had dodged all of his strikes did he fight back, his fighting style more erratic and harder to predict. After being kicked across the width of the building he yelled for Cyborg to shoot at him. Looking confused but doing as he was told Shinku opened a portal with the blade and sent the blast that was aimed at him right into Slade, catching him off guard. Soon he started to destroy the building, forcing the Titans to start retreating until Raven suddenly stopped time. Shinku could feel the magic trying to stop him when suddenly the gems on his hands burned and he found that he was still mobile.

"Raven." Shinku said as he approached to see that Slade was also unaffected.

"Release Robin and get out of here. I'll buy you some time." Shinku ordered as he sheathed the Magus Sword and prepared to fight "Blaze." With Kage To Hi Ryu activated he charged at Slade dodging the fireballs he hurled at him until he decided to try and delay him long enough so that he could catch up with Raven and Robin. Knocking Slade into the air he proceeded to move at incredible speeds, where only his after image was visible and unleashed a flurry of black flame enhanced blows upon Slade, ending with a spinning axe kick that smashed him into the ground making a crater so deep you would of thought it had been tunneled.

"Draconic Emperor." He said as he grabbed his blade and left. Tracking Raven was no easy task but he did finally find her, but Slade soon arrived after him.

"It doesn't matter how far you run, or where you hide. Your destiny will be fulfilled, and there is nothing you can do to stop it." Slade told Raven as Shinku and Robin blocked his path.

"Run Raven. We will deal with him." Robin said as she ran out of the church that they were in.

"Try to keep up Boy Wonder." Shinku grinned as he unsheathed the Magus Sword "Second Strike. Demon Joust." He then charged forward with great speed, and before he even reached Slade he was sent flying into the wall by some unseen force. Taking advantage of the opening Robin hurled several bombs into the hole, hoping to delay Slade for as long as possible. Once the smoke cleared as a massive fireball came flying at them, sending them out the same exit Raven had ran out of.

"I really hate this guy." Shinku gasped as he coughed up smoke.

"Ugh. Agreed." Robin groaned. With that Raven grabbed them and started to flee but Slade was hot on their trail.

"Let me go Raven. Take Robin and get as far away as possible." He gasped. She reluctantly let him go as he muttered blaze and faced the oncoming Slade.

'Only got one shot at this.' He thought as he channeled all of his energy into his hands.

"Dragon Fist." He growled as he struck Slade full in the face with the ultimate attack of Kage Hi To Ryu. Feeling drained he landed on the ground using what little magical energy he could muster to stop himself from going unconscious. Once he could stand he headed for Raven, managing to get some short range teleportation to speed up the journey until he reached the top of the tallest building in Jump City to see Slade had finally caught Raven and had triggered the first sign of his awakening. Raven's body glowed with the ancient symbols as her leotard disintegrated leaving only enough to cover her breasts and lower regions and hair grew to mid-length. She then fainted and fell off the tower. Running forward he leapt off the tower and grabbed Raven, extending his arm as Robin swung by to try and catch her.

"That was reckless." Robin said as they landed on a nearby building.

"Well I knew that you were swinging too high to catch her so I decided to extend the reach." He countered as he noticed that time had begun to move again.

Later that night back at the tower they surprised Raven again with the party but this time she decided to stay and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

"Alright folks, I have five choices for a meal. Except for Beast Boy who has been given the vegetarian meal I have made Steak Tips with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Sweetbread in a sweet and sour sauce with seared asparagus. A veal shank with a brown sauce served with scalloped potatoes and steamed broccoli. Mahi Mahi with spinach noodles and boiled mixed vegetables. Lastly grilled shrimp in a butter sauce with steamed carrots and cauliflower. So take your pick." Shinku said as he presented each plate. They all stared at the food, that was not only cooked to perfection but was garnished with small herbs and bits of vegetables that it looked too much like art too eat.

"I'll take the Steak Tips!" Cyborg shouted as he grabbed the plate.

"Umm what is sweetbread? Is it some sort of dessert?" Starfire asked.

"I'll tell you once you are done eating." Shinku said as she took the plate.

"I'll have the Mahi Mahi." Raven said as she grabbed the plate with the fish on it.

"I guess I'll have Veal." Robin said as he grabbed his plate.

"Well bon appetite." Shinku said as they all began to eat their meals.

"This is amazing." Raven said as she swallowed her first bite of the fish.

"No kidding. Where did you learn to cook like this?" Robin asked as he swallowed his piece of veal.

"Comes with the training. For infiltration missions we sometimes pretend to be personal chefs. So we are taught gourmet cooking, this is the first time that I've gotten to practice." Shinku said as he ate. Once they were finished Shinku whispered to Starfire what sweetbread was and she looked shocked.

"So it is these glands from the little cow?" she asked.

"Yes. But Veal is also made from the little cow. We are just using all of the animal that we can." He explained as put the dishes in the sink to soak. Then Cyborg sliced up his reassembled cake and it was as good as his word.

"If this didn't look so weird I would ask for the recipe." Shinku laughed as he finished the cake.

"It isn't that weird." He protested.

"It looks like something that your giant silk worm would barf up." Shinku laughed. Once they had finished eating they all headed off to their rooms except for Raven and Shinku who had stopped her and said that he had something for her. Once the others had left he took out his present, a plainly wrapped rectangle. She opened it to find an ancient spell book written in the ancient tongue.

"It's a book of white magic. Healing and protective spells." Shinku explained.

"Where did you get something like this?"

"I payed a visit to a former warriors tomb. He wrote this book himself, he believed that we should try to find peaceful solutions to our problems instead of using violence."

"Funny thing for a warrior that serves the Wheel of Fate to say." She giggled.

"He was the first of us to serve the wheel. I never met him but from what I was told he was very wise and never fought unless he saw no other way around it. He was the best of us, helping to create Kage Hi To Ryu with the flames, and finding the Magus Sword."

"This guy found your sword?"

"In a sense. Not many of us warriors can wield the Magus Sword, and out of those I have shown the highest control over it. I have actually mastered all of its forms. The only one who would have better control over it would be the demoness that created it." Shinku explained.

"So how many have used it?"

"Out of the thousands of warriors that we have had, maybe one out of a hundred of us have been able to use it. The last one to use it was one of us back during the barbarian times. He was a mighty warrior; rarely relying on magic he fought his enemies with only the blade."

"Who were the turners of this era?"

"Sorry but there actually wasn't a turner for his age. He was actually sent to aid a village that was about to be destroyed by a witch's summoned monsters. The wheel sent him there to help with the battle and even mentioned something about some strange warrior that appeared during one battle and used some sort of magic to fight the beasts." They continued to talk until late in the night when Raven was finally yawning.

"Alright. I think that it is time for a certain sorceress to go to bed." He smiled.

"Come kiss me goodnight?" she asked as she stood up.

"Of course." He walked her to her room and waited until she said that he could come in. Walking over to her tucked into her large bed he gently kissed her and bid her pleasant dreams while he returned to his temporary room, thoughts swirling in a haze as he thought about the entire day.

AN* Please excuse the food references. I have been focusing on my culinary final and decided to share the knowledge in this fanfic.
For those fo you that don't know, Mahi Mahi is a species of trout but is often called the ugly dolphin.