Hey yo, author here! Not too much too say, just a big thanks to anyone who has favorited, followed or reviewed this story! This ain't anywhere near the end yet, so expect plenty more! Updates gonna be a little slower cause, the chapters from here take a lot more time, work + sport is busy and I'm also completely obsessed with Baldur's Gate 3 so... :). But they will still be coming 100%!

Much love, Seadavid41

I don't own Teen Titans or any DC properties mentioned, otherwise I would have made season 5 longer.

Ch. 18 Homecoming (Part 1)

Starfire had never seen the Main Ops of her beloved home in such a state of pandemonium. She had separated from Red Star during their descent from the roof, as he was assigned with a team that would be based on the ground, consisting of other powerhouses like Pantha and Wildebeest. Star was to base her attacks out of the air with the other flying titans she had been planning with earlier. She had entered Main Ops to warn of what she had seen on the roof, but clearly the message had already been received. Titans were milling about, desperately trying to get their teams together and get in position. Weapons were being slung over shoulders and she spotted a few Titans engaging in some heartfelt goodbyes before disappearing from the room. One such couple was the Herald and Argent, who had just separated from each other's embrace, the Herald whispering something in her ear, eliciting a somber smile before he disappeared into a rift in space.

Starfire was about to make her way over to Argent, who along with Bumblebee, were the two Titans she would be fighting alongside, when she spotted Nightwing at the front of the room, conducting the scrambling Titans like he was at the front of an orchestra. He was standing tall, a voice of reason amongst a group of people where their combined panic could be felt in the room. Starfire had never been prouder. She weaved her way through the crowd, eventually making her way to the leader of the Titans. Nightwing caught her movement out of the corner of his eye, the smallest hint of a smile flickering across his face for a millisecond before he returned to the task at hand.

Starfire approached him, with a clear goal in mind. "Nightwing, how long have we had to prepare? I only noticed Deathstroke's approach moments ago?"

Nightwing looked at her, a certain grimness to his demeanour. "We've had a few minutes notice. Kid Flash was the first to notice any activity on one of his scouting operations. The bots seem to have come from somewhere in the city, but Deathstroke's other recruits…it's like he summoned them here. We've been caught off guard…we thought we had more time."

Starfire took in Nightwings words, noting the worried tone of his voice. He was putting on a brave face and she could tell. "Nightwing…Richard…we both know our roles in this and we may not see each other on the field of battle. I just wanted to say-"

Starfire never got to finish her sentence, as Aqualad's voice rang out through the room.

"INCOMING! PROJECTILES HEADING FOR THE TOWER!"

Nightwing only had a split second to turn around to face the massive window of Main Ops and take in the flaming boulder that was currently on a collision course for the room before Starfire tackled him into the air, flying them both half away across the kitchen, landing behind the dining table. Another second later and a crash like thunder exploded throughout the room, the sound of shattering glass and screams filling Nightwing's ears. He turned to Starfire, giving her a grateful nod, before peering out from behind their impromptu cover, his heart sinking as he did so.

If there was something to take from his initial assessment it was that no Titans seems to have taken a direct hit from the flaming boulder that was no firmly lodged in the centre of Main Ops. However, the positives ended there. The boulder had completely taken out the main window, sending broken glass and embers in all directions, with plenty of small blazes already starting to take hold. Aqualad, who seemed to have avoided the worst of it, but who was covered in soot and grime, had already started drawing water from the kitchen pipes, attempting to put out the fires, with Tramm frantically waving his arms at different flaming spots on the ground. Argent and Bee, who had been near the entrance, had been blasted backwards into the wall by the impact, and the pair of them were now sat slumped against the sliding door. Thunder and Lightning also seemed to have been caught up in it in some way, with Thunder, who had a thin rivulet of blood trickling down his face, already attempting to remove some impaled glass from Lightning's arm. Hot Spot had also been in the room, but seemed to have dealt with the fire better than others.

Nightwing emerged from behind the kitchen counter, and immediately made his way over to the broken window, as Starfire headed for Argent and Bumblebee. Taking no care to avoid the broken glass or fires that remained, Nightwing strode up to the sheer drop that was now present on the side of Main Ops and peered down at the ground below. He immediately spotted the source of the boulder, as he watched both Cinderblock and Atlas rip chunks of rock out of the ground, the boulders becoming engulfed with flames once they had them in two hands. Two powerhouses that now had a taste of Trigon's powers and Nightwing knew there were plenty more to come.

Nightwing called over his shoulder. "Hot Spot! Are you good to go?"

The aforementioned Titan jogged over to Nightwings side. "You bet…you tell me where you need, and I'll bring the heat."

Nightwing motioned to the two behemoth's below, who had already created a large arsenal of projectiles that could be inbound at any moment, with dozens of bots advancing on the tower around them. "We can't have the Tower getting annihilated, otherwise we have nowhere to fall back too, and we'll be overrun. If those boulder gets airborne, take them out of the sky. If you can take out some of those bots while you're at it well…bring the heat."

Hot Spot smiled. "It'll be my genuine pleasure." Without another word, Hot Spots human appearance disappeared, replaced with a being of pure fire, and the flaming Titan took to the sky, straight out of the ruined window, his eyes set on a barrage of flaming boulders that were already being sent his way.

Nightwing looked on for a moment, before turning away, confident that Hot Spot would be able to buy them all some time. He turned to look for Starfire, only to come face to face with her, as well as Argent and Bumblebee. Argent and Bee both looked a little banged up, but otherwise okay, looks of determination adorning both their faces. Nightwing didn't even pause at their appearance. If this was the worst condition he saw Titans in tonight…well that would be truly something.

"Okay, we don't know what enemies we're going to be facing out there yet. For the moment, Hot Spot is gonna be playing defence, but he's only one person. The three of you have to take out there long-ranged threats. We can't have them showering us with boulders the whole fight. Target Cinderblock and Atlas. If you get them immobilised, report back to me…if you can't, make a judgement call on what to do next…I have absolute faith in all three of you."

The three titans nodded, before Bumblebee stepper forward. "Where are you gonna be in all this Nightwing?"

"Ground assault, we have our own powerhouses, but plenty of nimble ground fighters as well. I'll be with Bushido, Speedy, Jericho…and Ravager." Starfire looked at Nightwing confused, not remembering ever hearing of an honorary titan called Ravager, but Nightwing had moved on before she could ask the question, his head turning to the other side of the room."

"Aqualad, fires are okay here for now. We need you in the water. Bots are still flying in from over the Bay and we can't have them overrunning us. You and Tramm haver the advantage in the Bay. Get out there and drown those things, keep the numbers down."

"You got it Nightwing, those bots can't be infinite, but I've got the whole ocean to play with. Tramm, let's move!" The amphibious Titan gave two thumbs up before Aqualad summoned a surge of water from the kitchen sink, carrying him and his loyal companion out the window, down to the freezing waters of the Bay below. With the fires out and the freezing December air allowed to flow freely in Main Ops, a firm chill had overtaken the room. Thunder and Lightning had gathered themselves and left to join the other Titans, leaving Nightwing and three girls in the room. Nightwing turned to them, a heavy expression on his face. "We probably won't see each other again for a while…good luck to each of you…fight for each other, have each other's backs."

The three of them nodded before Starfire stepped forward. "Nightwing, would you like a lift down to the ground. It would surely be quicker than taking the lift?"

Nightwing paused for a second, before giving Star a smile. "You know what, I could really use a hand."

A few seconds later, the three female Titans took off from the ruined window, descending towards the ground. Bee and Argent hovered in the air whilst Starfire brought Nightwing down to the ground to a spot nearby the ground crew he would be operating with, with Bushido and the new arrival, Ravager already engaging Slade bots by the dozen.

Nightwing didn't want Starfire to go. He wanted her to stay, or for him to go with her, or for them to simply be fighting by each other's side. There was no one in the world he trusted more than her and they were about to separate on the most dangerous night of their lives. But such was the need during a time of war. They both had different skills sets and they needed to be put to use in the best way for the team…but selfishly…it still made him feel sick.

He turned to the Tamaranean…his girlfriend…his best friend…his everything, grasping one of her hands, between both of his. "Kori…just in case something happens tonight…I want you to know that every moment I've had with you has been better than the last…out of all the planets and galaxies out there, I found you on this planet, in this moment and I'm the luckiest man in the world for it…I love you Kori."

At any other time, Starfire would've exploded with joy and cried tears of happiness at such a statement from Nightwing, but she came from a culture built on battle. She knew when someone was saying something because they thought it might be their last chance. It didn't make the words less valid, but it did shine them in a different light. Starfire pulled her hand away from his. She was done with words. Starfire gripped him by the shoulders and pulled him into a massive hug, slamming her lips into his at the same time. It was several seconds before she pulled away, and when she did, Nightwing was left in a slight daze, causing Starfire to giggle softly.

"I love you too Richard Grayson…but this is not goodbye…you don't think I wouldn't be here with you for Christmas Day now would you? I am most excited to give you your present."

Nightwing went from dazed to being as pale as a sheet, before realising what she was doing. "You're right…why would it be any other way."

"Exactly…now go, your team needs you…and my team needs me."

"Stay safe Kori, I love you."

"Stay safe Richard, I love you too."

"Raven, are you sure this is where you think they should be? I'm going to be out in the open and not useful at short range. Kilowatt is gonna be preoccupied wi-"

"Which is exactly why it's where they should be. Not on the front lines, and acting as a line of defence for two Titans that will genuinely need it…it's not like there's going to be anywhere particularly safe for them."

Cyborg had been gearing up for battle with Kilowatt when Raven had stormed into the garage, with Melvin, Timmy and Teether in tow. Ever since the last time Trigon had come to Earth, Cyborg had been improving his tower cannons. Instead of mounting from the outside, Cyborg could now make all the adjustments needed from within the garage. Then, a new exit chute he had built would allow him to ascend to the front of the tower via a raising platform. He could fit himself in safety and emerge ready for combat…and also, he thought emerging out of the floor looked pretty cool.

With Kilowatt's powers, the two had hypothesized a potential way to harness Kilowatt's powers and funnel them directly through Cyborg and the Tower's electrical systems. In theory, Cyborg would be able to use the cannons without draining his battery and in a much more targeted and precise manner…in theory. Time had been of the essence and with only a day to make the project work, the duo would only know if they were successful once Cyborg tried out the cannons for the first time. While it was slightly unnerving not knowing if they had got this right, he had to admit, it would be a hell of a test run. If the plan worked, then him and Kilowatt would be confined to the platform, with Cyborg locked in place and Kilowatt maintaining power. This would potentially leave them open to attacks from anyone who did manage to get close enough, but Raven seemed to have thought of that on their behalf and her brilliant idea was three kids whose powers Cyborg wasn't entirely sure of. Needless to say he had his doubts.

"Raven, I won't be able to babysit during this and neither will Kilowatt. I know that you look after this lot during the brotherhood, but –"

"Their names are Melvin, Timmy and Teether and they won't need babysitting, I assure you."

Raven turned from Cyborg and Kilowatt, who had wisely chosen to stay silent during this exchange, to Melvin. Bending her knees and placing her hands on them, she gave Melvin a small smile. "Melvin, I know that Bobby can be quite shy, but I think Cyborg here would feel a bit more comfortable with your presence if he could make an appearance for him. Could you ask him if that's okay?"

"Sure Raven, give me one second!"

Cyborg watched in sheer disbelief as Melvin walked about ten feet away and proceeded to look upwards at the ceiling, talking to herself the entire time. He turned back to Raven, who was staring at the young girl fondly. "Raven…I don't know what's going on here…but I really don't have time for what this game is. You know…Deathstroke is outside…right now, and I need to-"

Raven ignored Cyborg entirely as her face lit up. "Thank you for being so accommodating Bobby, I know it usually takes you time to warm up to people."

Cyborg was about to snap at Raven at the seriousness of the situation when he felt a shadow loom over him, causing him to turn towards it and look upwards into the face of the scariest teddy bear he had ever seen, a wide smile adorning it's face, while it rubbed it's…paws?

"….Bobby."

Raven nodded. "Bobby."

Melvin chose this opportunity to rush back over, grabbing onto the metal titans hand. "Bobby is my best friend! It usually takes him a while for him to trust someone enough to show himself, but I explained that we're gonna be defending you and Kilowatt and he agreed to show himself to prove that we can help!"

Cyborg numbly shook his head, still holding eye contact with the teddy bear that was towering over him. "…Bobby."

Raven shook her head. "Yes, yes, Bobby. Do you get it now? Melvin and Bobby are a team, and Timmy and Teether both have powers that can give you the cover you need. Now, do you trust me that this is a good place for them?"

Raven's question caused Cyborg to snap back to reality. "Okay, point taken. Right kids, listen up." Cyborg brought the three of them together and into a huddle, Raven observing the team talk fondly from the sidelines.

"We're dealing with a big bad like you've never seen before, but uncle Cy has a weapon that'll cut him and anything he throws at us down to size and it's powered by our good friend Kilowatt here."

Cyborg motioned to the electrical Titan, who gave a shy wave, before going back to attending to his set-up that he and Cyborg had created for this moment.

"Now, the only thing with this weapon, is that it's built for distance attacks, so if anybody does get in close, the two of us might not be able to deal with it. So that's where you come in. You guys are gonna stay on this platform with me and you guys get to go to town on anybody we don't like who gets close. Does that sound good?"

The three kids looked at Cyborg excitedly. "Yes sir!"

"Come on, I said does that sound good!"

"SIR YES SIR!"

"That's what I like to hear! Now, take a minute to get yourselves ready while I have a quick chat with Raven here."

The three kids rushed to the side, with Bobby lumbering behind them. Raven watched them as they moved and couldn't help but smile as Melvin began adjusting Timmy's cape behind his neck.

"They're really great kids Rae."

Raven turned back to Cyborg, who was also looking after the group with a warm smile on his face.

"Yea…yea I know."

"You know…after all this, we should if we can get them brought to the tower. If they've got the makings of Titans now, they're gonna need guidance."

Raven shook her head. "I don't know Cy. We're pretty busy and I don't think Nightwing is going to be interested in training heroes this yo-".

"I meant that you should teach them Raven."

Raven looked at him as if he had grown a second head. "I don't think so. I'm not exactly the teaching type and –"

"Raven…have you seen the way they look at you? I'm gonna level with you, I've got a lot of memories of my mom and…well I recognise the look…I had it on my face when she was telling me something, teaching me something, giving out to me about something…I'm not saying that that's what you are to them but…you've got a bond with them that no one else has…they need you Rae."

Raven looked at Cyborg, too stunned to speak based on what he had implied. It was not a topic that Raven had ever considered once in her life. After all, why would she have when she was supposed to die at the age of sixteen. Cyborg sensed her shock and realised that they didn't have time to dwell on this topic now.

"Just something to think about. For now, you're giving aerial cover, right?"

The talk of battle snapped Raven back to her thoughts and she was silently happy that Cyborg had chosen to move on. The sentiment he had posed to her would need a lot of time to process.

"Yes, but I'm not flying with Star and the others. Just like last time, Deathstroke needs me, so there's too much risk in me being near the front lines. I'll be taking a higher stationary position, providing assists from a distance, and taking out enemies from afar."

"Perfect, I'll be able to see you at all times so."

"You should be, so if you see someone sneaking up on me, you better blast them out of the sky."

"Do you even need to ask?"

Just then, the two Titans, as well as all the other occupants of the room heard a resounding crash from several floors up, with shockwaves reverberating down, causing the tools on Cyborg's work bench to rattle in their boxes. Cyborg's communicator began buzzing in his pocket, causing him to pull it out, a grim look falling onto his face at the message on the screen,

"Main Ops has been breached…it's time Kilowatt. We're going up in two minutes. Kids, over to me!"

The three children and Bobby all moved over to stand in front of Cyborg, who looked at them all with a serious face. "Now…when we go up there, I have one rule. You have to listen to everything I say, without question. If I tell you to focus somewhere, you focus there. If I tell you to fall back, you fall back. If I tell you to run and leave me and Kilowatt…you run. Understand?"

Melvin, Timmy and Teether exchanged looks with each other, before turning to face Cyborg.

"Sir yes sir."

Cyborg nodded at them, before flipping open a panel on his arm and hitting a red button. Immediately, the floor everyone was standing on began to buzz and vibrate beneath their feet as cogs and gears came to life, signalling their platform would soon be lifting off. Cyborg hit another button and Raven turned to see the roof above them part in the centre in eight separate pieces, which all promptly disappeared, tucking into the surrounding wall, leaving her with a clear view of the Winter night sky at the end of the newly formed tunnel directly to the surface.

Raven turned around, and got down on one knee in front of the kids…her kids. "You guys better behave for Cyborg…I've fought alongside him many times, and I can't think of anyone I would trust more."

The three of them nodded, before Timmy couldn't hold it in any longer and rushed forward, slamming himself into Raven, her arms opening before he arrived, wrapping around the young boy, Teether followed shortly after and Raven opened her left arm again to include the youngest Titan. After a few seconds they parted, and Raven held them both at arm's length.

"I know you boys can do this…and of course, you have your communicators…if you need me, whenever you need me I'm there."

Timmy sniffled and smiled at Raven. "We know…you're always there for us."

Raven pulled the two boys in again, the two of them burying their heads into the crook of her neck, rubbing their heads affectionately.

"Stay safe you two…please."

With that, the two boys retreated and Melvin stepped forward into their place. Raven looked at her with pride. She held her arms out Melvin didn't hesitate in stepping into the hug, squeezing the empath as tightly as she could. Raven heard Melvin take a shaky breath. "I heard what Cyborg said…the boys don't have many memories of mom so I get it…but I do…and I'd be happy with calling you that."

Raven was not ready for this conversation right now, having never considered this possibility before today. She gently pried Melvin off of her and grasped her shoulders.

"You three…mean more to me than you know. After all this, maybe we can talk about a change in your living arrangements…or at least an increase in how much I visit or you visit, sound good?"

Melvin nodded excitedly. "Are you promising that after this, we're all gonna do that?"

Raven gave her a warm smile. "On the other side of this…I promise."

Melvin smiled happily, before leaning again for another hug. Raven didn't hesitate and pulled the girl in, gently stroking her hair and planting the most subtle of kisses on her forehead. "Keep them safe Melvin…for me."

"I will…I promise."

The two separated and Melvin went to stand beside her brothers and Bobby. Raven got up from one knee, whilst trying to be as subtle as possible at wiping her eyes. Kilowatt was still furiously working on the new tech that had been created and hadn't seen any of the last interactions. The same could not be said for Cyborg, who was staring at Raven like he was seeing her in a new way.

"Get what I mean now Raven?"

Raven stared at him defiantly. "Yes…but still…a conversation for another time."

Cyborg sighed. "I suppose you're right."

Cyborg pushed on final button on his arm, causing a large conductor to eject from his arm, a large plus sign adorning the top. Pushing that down would engage his cannons and send the platform skyward. He hesitated for second, before turning to Raven, a look of confusion coming onto his face when he saw Raven staring at him with her hands on her hips.

"What, you didn't think I was going to say goodbye to you?"

Cyborg smiled as Raven stepped forward, wrapping her arms around the larger titans mid-section. He gently put his arms over her back.

"Cyborg…if you get hurt during this…just so you know…I'll kill you, understand?"

"Loud and clear Raven…loud and clear…you stay safe too…I mean it."

The two parted and Raven titled her head to look at the night sky above her, visible through the tunnel from the garage to the ground above. She took a few steps backwards, before looking back at the rag tag group. "If any of you need me during this, I'll be there. We all know our roles…good luck…and fight for each other."

Raven watched each of the kids and Cyborg give her a firm nod, before she looked upwards again and began flying upwards towards the night sky. She increased her speed until she shot out of the ground like she had been ejected and soared high into the air, ready to observe her surroundings and pick her spots.

Cyborg watched her from below until Raven disappeared out of sight before turning back to the Titans left with him. He looked at three kids and motioned to the conductor on his arm.

"Alright Titans…showtime."

Cyborg slammed his hand down onto his arm, and felt the ground beneath them lurch as the platform began moving upwards. As the platform moved into the tunnel connected to the surface, openings began appearing in the curved walls. Mechanical arms began extending from the holes in the wall, connecting Cyborg's back with heavy duty cables, as well as adding mechanical enhancements to his cannons. By the time Cyborg reached the surface, he'd be a force like no other. Deathstroke wasn't ready.

Raven flew into the crisp, December night, pulling her cloak slightly tighter around herself as she did so, eventually coming to a stop, where she created a platform out of her magic to stand on and survey the scene below. She was just about level with Main Ops in the Tower, but a fair distance away from the windows. She noticed the large crater where Main Ops should have been and could only hope that no one had been caught by the onslaught.

Raven turned her attention back to the ground below her. The Titans had come up with a series of units that they would operate in. Heavy hitters including Red Star, Pantha, Wildebeest, Thunder and Lightning had been sent to engage the enemy on the frontlines. Meanwhile, nimble fighters such as Nightwing, Speedy, Bushido and co. were tasked with enemies that broke the initial line. Lastly, aerial titans were assigned to deal with the most immediate threats. Raven could make out Pantha amongst a horde of Deathstroke's bots, punching through them and tossing them around like they were nothing, Wildebeest not too far behind them, stampeding through them like a freight train. In the distance, Raven could make out bots being dragged back into the water, presumably the work of Aqualad.

Raven was about to go looking for Nightwing's squad when a call grabbed her attention.

"RAVEN, INCOMING!"

Raven turned only to be faced with a flaming boulder flying at her at speed. She desperately tried to make a shield with her powers, but she didn't know if she had enough time. Just before the boulder made contact with her half-ready shield, a blaze of red shot up from underneath her and came to stop in front of her. Raven recognised Hot Spot and watched in slight awe as he ejected fire from his hands, changing the course of the boulder so that it flew past both Titans and the tower behind them, off to land in the sea behind the Tower. Hot Spot turned to Raven. "You okay? We didn't account for long-range attacks like these, so Nightwing called an audible and I'm on defence."

Raven nodded. "I'm fine, thanks for the save. What's it been like out here so far?"

Hot Spot looked at her with a gloomy expression. "Not bad…but not great either. The bots are fine for now, but there seems to be no end to them at the minute. As for other surprises well…Atlas and Cinderblock have been the source of these boulders, Red Star had a brief encounter with Mammoth who seems as delightful as anyone who's taken on Deathstroke's little blessing…we can only assume there's more to come."

"Okay, you know I'm playing the assist here. Keep me posted and I'll go where I'm needed."

"Will do Raven."

With that, Hot Spot left in a rush of flames, jetting off into the sky, his targets already set on Atlas, who had another projectile in hand, despite what appeared to be Bumblebee desperately trying to draw his attention.

Raven turned her attention back to the battle ground, spying Kole and Gnarrk surrounded by bots. Raven was about to fly down to help them when she stopped, whipping her head around. She felt something, gnawing at the back of her mind. There was a presence near her, someone she had felt before, but not for a long time. Suddenly, Raven's eyes widened as she turned to her left, crossing her arms across her body, bringing up a shield of her powers just in time as a massive blast of psychic energy collided with her powers, the sheer force of it catching Raven off-guard. She looked past her shield to see the form of Psimon floating across from her, the Mark of Skath glowing ominously on his head. Raven pushed outwards with her powers, repelling Psimon's attack. She still had a grudge to settle with him for taking her out when the Brotherhood attacked.

"What, no back-up today? Kid Wyykd too busy to try and end the world?"

Psimon only smiled at her, and drawing Raven's attention as a portal opened up behind her. Raven didn't have any time to react as something collided with the back of her head, making her pitch forwards. She turned to come face to face with the villain she had juxtaposed was too busy, noting the glowing symbol of Trigon that was now present on his forehead as well.

"Right…cause you two work together now."

Psimon floated forwards, a sickening expression of glee on his face. "Deathstroke needs you alive…we intend to bring you to him…but the condition, this does not matter."

Raven floated backwards, desperately trying to keep her two enemies in her line of sight. Johnny Rancid had been a challenge by himself. Two Trigon-charged enemies…well…no time like the present. Raven grit her teeth an got into a fighting stance on her platform, allowing her hands to glow with her powers.

"I'll send you both back to him…your condition…it doesn't matter."

The two villains rushed forward in the air, as Raven's eyes went white, her corporeal raven forming behind her, descending onto the villains like a black tidal wave.

Down below, just outside the tower, Cyborg emerged from the ground, fully merged with the Tower's systems alongside Kilowatt, the three kids and Bobby. The grinding of the platform drew the attention of the nearest bots which had broken the main lines, which immediately began to descend upon the group. Melvin, Timmy and Teeth went to step forward, but Cyborg put an arm out first.

"Remember, listen to everything I say, now get behind me."

The three kids nodded, stepping behind Cyborg, who had turned his attention to bots rapidly approaching.

"KILOWATT, YOU READY!?"

"IT'S NOW OR NEVER CYBORG!"

With that, Cyborg raised his enhanced tower cannons and aimed forwards. He planted his feet into the ground and steadied himself as he felt the power draw up through his entire body and into his arms, before he let out a massive concentrated blast of pure energy. While far shorter than the last time he used it, the effect was just as dazzling, temporarily causing the kids and Kilowatt to look away. Bobby simply stared with a large smile on his face. Once the beam died down, not a single bot was left standing. Cyborg looked at the scene with pride before looking at the battery meter on his arm.

100%

Cyborg grinned and held a thumbs up in the air, which earned a cackle of delight from Kilowatt.

"Booyah!"

Nightwing knew that Deathstroke was trying to bring about the end of days, but he couldn't help but feel like he was already living through them. Despite it being the middle of December, the heat on the ground outside the tower was unbearable. Deathstroke's bots seemed to have as much a penchant for playing with fire as Johnny Rancid, resulting in bundles of flames burning consistently across the entirety of the Titans Tower island. Behind him, he was acutely aware of the beating their beloved home had taken. While Hot Spot was doing his best, many projectiles had found their marks and the Tower was now smoking from several different holes on the exterior.

On the ground, Nightwing was on auto-pilot in terms of combat. He had left Titans Tower to lead a selection of honorary Titans into battle, but as the fighting carried on, the group had eventually been split up. Nightwing now found himself fighting alongside Speedy and Bushido only. All the Titans were still on their communicators and no calls for help had gone out yet, but still, Nightwing couldn't help but be worried for the safety of those he'd lost contact with in the heat of battle. Nightwing bludgeoned the head off of another bot and whipped around to face another, only for an arrow to suddenly appear protruding from the side of his head. Nightwing shot Speedy a grateful nod and was about to dive back in, when Bushido's voice rang out through the night.

"EVERYBODY DUCK!"

Nightwing looked to the skies, as a massive ball of pure fire descended on the trio. Reacting on pure instinct, Nightwing dived behind cover to the right, whilst Bushido and Speedy jumped to the left. The impact of the fireball was enough to dislodge Nightwing's cover, sending him flying backwards amongst rocks and flaming debris. He eventually rolled to a stop, his ears ringing from the sound of the blast. He rose to his feet, his vision blurring in and out of focus, but still managing to spot a figure watching him from a distance, obscured by the smoke and ash. He picked up his escrima sticks and moved towards the individual before stopping about thirty feet away. The figure tilted his head when he realised that he'd been recognised.

Nightwing had been around Slade enough times to know when he was looking at one of his bots or at the man himself. However, the fact that he was only wearing half a mask gave the game away immediately. Deathstroke stood tall, his flaming axe in his right hand, his left hand ablaze, tossing a ball of fire up and down like a baseball. He took a step forward and Nightwing immediately dropped into a defensive stance. Deathstroke held up his hands.

"You know Robin…it never had to be this way…you could have been so much…more."

"I don't go by that name anymore…and I am more…I just didn't need you to do that."

Deathstroke laughed. "Yes, yes, I've heard about your little change of character…I prefer Robin though…it makes you sound like the boy you still are…not the man you think you've become."

"That seems a little hypocritical…cause Slade or Deathstroke, you're the same arrogant piece of filth that tormented us all those years ago."

Nightwing looked at the axe in Deathstroke's hands and then down at his own escrima sticks, before dropping tucking them behind his back. Reaching into his utility belt, he withdrew two birdarangs, before combining them at the centre, allowing them elongate into the sword that he only used on enemies where he could use it and know it wouldn't be lethal. In this case, he wasn't as concerned.

Deathstroke's visible eyebrow raised. "Well now, that is most certainly an interesting development…are you going to break your one rule Robin? My my…the bat would certainly be disappointed."

Nightwing stared at the sword in his hand, responding to Deathstroke without even looking up. "I've played by other people's rules for long enough…you killed a Titan…we're playing a different game now…let's find the rules…together, like it's always been."

Deathstroke grinned a half smile, heaving his axe up into his other hand.

"You never disappoint Robin."

"You haven't changed Slade."

Nightwing made the first move, rushing forward, dragging his sword behind him with one hand, while he withdrew a sets of stun bombs from his utility belt. Looking away, he threw them forwards, catching Deathstroke off-guard and temporarily blinding the self-declared heir of Trigon. He leapt into the air, bringing his sword down over his head in an arc. Deathstroke recovered quickly, shaking his head and heaving his axe over his head in two hands, the handle of the axe stopping Nightwings blow in it's tracks. Nightwing followed his own momentum, letting go of the sword so he could drop to the ground, so he could swipe Deathstroke's feet out from under with a low leg sweep. He grinned with satisfaction when he made contact, but could only watch in disbelief as Deathstroke levitated in mid-air, kept afloat by fire propelling from his hands and feet. In the brief moment of distraction, Deathstroke let out a burst of fire, catching Nightwing in the chest and sending him back first into one of the large boulders that had been hurled at the tower.

Deathstroke didn't wait to press his advantage, propelling himself forward. Nightwing ducked at the last second, noting that Deathstroke's fist had connected with the rock where his head had been moments before, and the rock had chipped where the punch connected. With his sword on the floor, Nightwing withdrew his escrima sticks and pressed forward, Deathstroke dodging and weaving between his strikes with a certain amount of grace. Nightwing eventually found a pattern in his movement. Feinting inside, Nightwing brought his right hand up, the stick he was holding connecting with the underside of Deathstroke's chin with a sickening crunch, causing the villain to step-back reeling.

In his moment of respite, Nightwing sprinted past Deathstroke, and slid to the ground where his sword was, firmly gripping it in his right hand. He turned back to face his attacker, but paused as he observed the scourge of the Titans. Deathstroke had just removed his hand from the underside of his chin and was staring at his hand, which had been covered by a layer of blood. He stared at it with interest, like he was observing his own blood for the first time. He turned to Nightwing and waved his bloodied hand in the air.

"A nice shot…but all that effort…only for this…Beast Boy proved more of a challenge."

Nightwing didn't have time to respond, as Deathstroke advanced with inhuman speed, his axe twirling around his body, it's orbit being conducted by fire that he was generating around himself. Nightwing brought his sword up, but suddenly found himself under a new kind of pressure. It was as if the axe had a mind of it's own. Deathstroke was fighting using his fists, while the axe moved around him, giving him an extra cause for concern that he simply couldn't keep up with. He felt himself getting pushed back, as Deathstroke advanced, with purpose, with poise…Nightwing felt like he was being toyed with.

It was only a matter of time before Deathstroke found his breakthrough. Nightwing brought his sword up to block the axe, which was coming down over his head, losing sight of Deathstroke's fist for just a second, but that was all that was needed. Nightwing didn't even have time to register the punch that connected with his jaw, as he was sent flying back through the air, his body rolling to a stop almost fifteen feet away. Dazed and confused, Nightwing was only vaguely aware of the smell of burning flesh, which he guessed was coming from his cheek.

Before he could attempt to rise to his feet, he was hoisted up by the collar. He eyes, unfocused, desperately tried to make out the person in front of him through the haze. Just as things were starting to become less blurry, his world was rocked by another punch, sending him crashing back to the ground. He was hoisted up again and promptly beaten back down, over and over. Nightwing didn't know which way was up, until eventually it came to a stop. His ears were ringing and he could barely register his surroundings.

He felt himself get lifted into the air by the collar again. He hung limply from his attackers grasp, no weapons in reach and no way out. He picked up the sound of a mans gentle laughter.

"After all this time…who knew our fight would be so one sided…I'd say I'm disappointed Robin but…you've always disappointed me."

Nightwing could only listen to the words, still not able to collect himself to know where he was. He heard the sound of metal scraping of the floor and slowly became aware of an incredible source of heat placed right beside his throat.

"I'd offer you last words…but I think we're done with talking….don't you?"

Nightwing finally gathered the where with all to grasp at the hand holding him in the air, but it was too late for that. He prepared himself for whatever was to come, closing his eyes tightly.

"I wasn't enough…I'm sorry…"

Suddenly, Deathstroke whipped around, Nightwing swinging his arms as he did so. He sensed something…something familiar…something dangerous. His eyes narrowed as he dropped Nightwing to the floor. Deathstroke brought his axe up, lighting the metal aflame. He heard the noise first…a faint whistle on the wind, progressively getting louder and louder. It was only when the noise was near deafening did he realize what it was…a projectile…and it was inbound. He had been looking all around him…but had never looked upwards. Deathstroke turned and looked towards the sky, but he was too late. He only caught the slightest glimpse of the green peregrine falcon that had targeted him, before the animal shifted into a very familiar figure, his fist connecting with Deathstroke's jaw with a force he didn't know the boy was capable of. Deathstroke flew through the air, back slamming into and through the boulder that Nightwing had been slammed against only a few minutes ago.

Nightwing pushed his hands beneath himself and painfully dragged himself into an upright position, only to be confronted with his savior's back. The figure wore a white and red jumpsuit, the top half and back of there head hidden by a large white hoodie. He didn't recognize them as any of the honorary Titans and was about to call out to them, when his attention was dragged to Deathstroke, who was emerging from the wreckage he just created. Nightwing had seen Deathstroke under plenty of different circumstances, but never had he seen him as full of rage as he was now. Deathstroke's stare burned a hole through the person separating himself from Nightwing.

"You just won't die…will you…like a cockroach."

"C'mon now Deathstroke…you didn't think it would be that easy…did you? And anyway…who are you to give out to someone for cheating death?"

Nightwing froze completely. The voice was different, harsher, deeper…but unmistakeably recognisable. Nightwing followed the sleeves of the hoodie down to the end's and his eyes widened at the sight of green hands. Nightwing desperately tried to push himself up to his feet, wincing under the strain. Deathstroke noticed Nightwing stirring.

"What…not going to say hello to your old friend, Beast Boy? I'm pretty Robin here and the other Titans have missed you very much."

Nightwing, who had just managed to get to his feet, stared at the back of Beast Boy, who hadn't turned around to acknowledge him at all. Whether that was because he didn't want to look at Nightwing, or because he didn't want to take his eyes off of Deathstroke, he didn't know.

"Things change…you threaten the whole world…so my priority is you."

"Am I now? Well, unfortunately for you, I'm done wasting my time dealing with you…once was more than enough."

With that, Deathstroke's eye glowed red and his hand reached out, as if he was beckoning something to come to him. It took a few seconds, but the unmistakeable stomping of Cinderblock began to reverberate around the clearing until the behemoth emerged behind Deathstroke. An imposing figure already, the addition of the Mark of Skath on his forehead and flaming limbs only made him more striking to the eyes. Nightwing looked on in apprehension. He had no idea how Beast Boy was reacting to the goliath before as his figure hadn't moved the entire time.

Deathstroke turned to Cinderblock, his eye still glowing.

"Dispose of the these two, then continue your assault on the tower in my name."

Cinderblock's eyes showed recognition before turning towards the two Titans, stepping past Deathstroke before slowly picking up speed, his fist pulled back, flame's flying off his hand as it waved in the air. Nightwing took a step back, but Beast Boy held his ground, reaching up and pulling down his hood, exposing his green hair and ears to the world. Nightwing watched as Beast Boy dug his heels into the ground, standing firm in the face of the oncoming monster.

Nightwing felt like the scene was moving in slow motion. He watched as Cinderblock's fist began to move forward, aiming straight for Beast Boy, Deathstroke watching in the background with amusement. There was nothing he could do to stop it. Suddenly, Beast Boy's head tilted up, and Nightwing could've sworn he saw Beast Boy's ears perk up, as if he was grinning. Then, he changed.

Nightwing had seen the transformation into the Beast only once before and it had been enough to send shivers down his spine. This was nothing like that. It was swift, seamless…Beast Boy simply seemed to morph into the creature in a split second, it's massive fist swinging forward to meet Cinderblock's head on before he had even finished transforming, The two fists collided in the air and the collision sent a minor shockwave across the clearing, forcing Nightwing and Deathstroke to both take a step back.

A deep and guttural roar field the air, which was already filled with the sounds of battle. Nightwing looked on in shock, as cracks started to appear in Cinderblock's arm, racing their way from his first up to his shoulder, until eventually, the entire arm cracked and fell away, leaving the stone giant gaping at where his arm used to be. He fell back onto his backside, not obviously in pain, but seemingly in shock that his arm was now gone.

Nightwing watched the scene in complete awe, and his shock only increased when the Beast disappeared as quick as it had arrived, replaced once again by the Titan he hadn't seen for months, one that he had been told was most likely dead. He looked past Beast Boy to Deathstroke, who's face was showing a rare expression of shock. Beast Boy's voice brought Nightwings attention back to the changeling.

"We're done, when I saw we're done Deathstroke…you wanted to show me control…let me show you just how much control I have."