Hey yo, author here! Only a few days off with the update, but not complaining! Hope everyone had a good Christmas! I was travelling a lot, which inadvertently gave me a lot of time to work on this, which I'm pretty happy with, cause finally moving back into the action. For the first the first time, I finally have the clear outline for how I'm planning to wrap this up. Still not soon, but I have the roadmap in place! Anyway, as usual, thank you so much for the favs/reviews/follows and hope you enjoy the next chapter!
As always, much love - Seadavid41
Ch. 25 Ignition
As soon as Cyborg uttered the name of the villain, every occupant of the room couldn't help but slowly move towards the window in apprehension. The temperature of Main Ops seemed to have dropped a few degrees as Nightwing came to stand beside Cyborg and Raven. Nightwing glanced outwards and then at Cyborg.
"Are you sure it's her?"
Cyborg let out a sharp laugh. "From this height, my cybernetic eye could pick you out from the coast of Jump City…it's definitely her."
"What's she doing?"
Nightwing turned towards Raven as she spoke, noticing the strain in her voice. The empath's face had turned impassive, but he could see her eyes scanning outside the tower and he noted the sharp edge her tone had. Nightwing knew that when the Titans had encountered Phobia the first time, only Cyborg had come out of it relatively unscathed. He'd never had a chance to ask Raven if she was okay. In all honesty, he was pretty sure that she wouldn't have spoken to him about it even if she wasn't. While he had the same question as Raven, he knew they couldn't afford to let the past affect their emotional status now.
Cyborg's human eye seemed to squint as well, as his face scrunched up in confusion.
"…nothing."
Nightwing raised an eyebrow behind his mask. "What do you mean nothing?"
Cyborg shrugged. "I mean nothing…she's just standing there…almost feels like she's looking at me…hell, maybe she is…like she can sense us or something."
Ravager folded her arms as she stared at the window, seemingly looking unimpressed. "So what's her gig anyway? I heard she gives people nightmares or something."
Nightwing answered her. "Phobia possess psychic abilities with which she can conjure visions of your greatest fears…she can also induce sleep and…give people nightmares."
Ravager's expression didn't change. "Okay…is she a big deal? Cause I ain't hearing anything that would cause me to stress out."
Raven turned towards her, not with anger or annoyance, but almost curiosity. "Do you have nothing to fear?"
Ravager shrugged and responded without giving it much thought. "I don't know…feel like I've already seen the worst of this world…can't be any worse the second time, right?"
Raven's mind couldn't help but drift to when the Titans had asked Beast Boy about his encounter with Phobia all those months ago. There was a certain similarity between Beast Boy's reasoning and Ravager's. She was going to have to ask him about what he saw later. For now, Raven simply nodded before turning back to the window. The Herald seemed to be contemplating something as he rested his hand against the glass of the window.
"Nightwing…the first time you fought Phobia in Jump…she wasn't under Deathstroke's influence, right? I think I read that in your mission logs somewhere."
Nightwing nodded, secretly slightly happy that at least someone was reading his mission logs. "Yea, she wasn't blessed anyway. Deathstroke sent her ahead as a message. He wanted to instil fear…remind us that he was still around and on the move."
The Herald absorbed this, folding his arms and bringing one hand up to his chin. "Okay…so she escapes during Deathstroke's assault on the tower…we hear nothing from Deathstroke or any of his cronies for days…and then Phobia just…returns to the Tower? No attack in the city…not even hiding… obvious and unarmed outside the tower. That sounds like sone looking to talk."
Jinx couldn't help but laugh. "Sure, that's one way too look at it…also, we hear nothing from Deathstroke for a few days and then Phobia appears outside the tower within an hour of Deathstroke's little cult friends going to set fire to a park…we could also look at it like that."
Bumblebee glanced over at Jinx. "I'm not saying I agree with the Herald, but for arguments sake, it is possible she could be here for that reason…a villain can change their stance…surely you'd get that."
Jinx didn't take any offence to Bee's choice of words. "I know it better than most…but also, I'm the only one here who's been on that side before…you and Cyborg infiltrating HIVE academy doesn't count. I'm just saying it took me a lot to realise certain things about myself and who I was running with…I don't think you can impose that idea on every villain who's first motive isn't known…no matter how much you guys want too."
Nightwing was listening to the discourse silently as his attention was drawn to Cyborg who's human eye had widened considerably. Nightwing was about to ask what he'd seen when Cyborg beat him to it.
"…she's waving at me…or us…at the tower."
That shut down all conversation. Raven's face was a perfect mask as her mind went into overdrive. She so rarely lost control these days…but Phobia had made her lose herself, if only for a moment. She hadn't done it to pursue her own agenda. While Deathstroke had given her the mission, she was more than happy to fulfil his wishes. She had carried out his request because she wanted to. Even in the tower afterwards, when Cyborg was interrogating her, she hadn't lied. Her very nature was as raw as the emotions she preyed on. Raven had sensed nothing but spite and malice…
"I think we should go speak with her."
Every head in the room swiveled towards the empath in surprise, none more so than Cyborg. "What?...you do?"
Raven nodded. "When we first encountered Phobia, Deathstroke had given her the freedom to cause madness…to extract fear from whomever she pleased…as long as we were on her hit list. Phobia desires are simple in nature and she's not confrontational. When Beast Boy encountered her, he was ambushed. When we encountered her, she'd put most of us to sleep before appearing to Cyborg. For her to be outside the tower now and making no effort to hide…something has changed. I don't know what that is but it is too substantial a change in her behavior to ignore."
Nightwing glanced outwards again, roughly where Cyborg was looking. He had been able to identify the outline of a person standing amongst the rubble now that they were waving their hand. Raven's reasoning was logical but unfortunately, Phobia had always seemed to act outside of the realm of logical thought. From behind, the Herald cleared his throat.
"How about I open a portal from here to where she is and someone can go speak with her. She doesn't have to enter the tower and we can see what she wants without sending an entire squadron that could potentially scare her off.. I'll come get whoever goes once they're finished speaking to her and we can go from there."
Nightwing mulled the idea over in his head before turning to Cyborg. "Would you be willing to do that Cy? You were the only person who wasn't affected by her powers last time."
Cyborg grimaced but stood up just a little bit straighter. "I interrogated her last time. She's not exactly pleasant…but I've got this."
"I'm going too."
Cyborg and Nightwing turned to Raven, who was staring impassively back. Nightwing folded his arms. "Raven, I don't think that's a good ide-"
Raven cut Nightwing off. "I may think she's worth talking too, but that doesn't mean I trust her. I'm the only person who can tell if she's lying or not, so unless any of you have a way of confirming her words aren't straight lies, then I'm going."
Raven had Nightwing in a bind and they both knew it. He didn't want Raven near Phobia again, but he also needed to know that any information obtained from her was actually trustworthy. He sighed in defeat before turning to Cyborg. "Okay, you and Raven will be enter one of the Herald's portal's to go speak with her. Take a few minutes to prepare if you need it. We'll be watching from here and at the first sign of something going wrong, we'll be down there to back you up."
The two nodded and stepped away from the window while the other stayed by it, talking in hushed voices. Raven was about to make a quick trip to her room when Cyborg called her back. She turned to face the cybernetic titan who had a concerned look on his face.
"What's wrong Cyborg?"
Cyborg looked like he didn't quite know how to put a sentence together. "Look…the last time we encountered Phobia…things got out of hand…I just want to make sure you're good for this…you know you don't have to, right?"
Raven couldn't help but let the ghost of a smile cross her face at the concern that was very evident in his voice. She nodded at him. "I know I don't have too, but it's better for the team if we can count on the information obtained without any doubts. Also after last time…I have a better control of myself…trust me…there are no monsters here."
Cyborg looked slightly reassured by Raven's words. "Well alright then…let's go have a chat with Phobia."
Despite the reasoning for Beast Boy currently flying through the skies of Jump City, he couldn't help but feel his heart soar just the slightest bit. On his return to Jump, he'd been in a race against the clock, not knowing if he was too late or not already. Now, as he soared through the air, Argent slightly ahead of him and Starfire to his left, with Kid Flash running below them somewhere, everything felt almost normal. After months away, the pure simplicity of, what was essentially, a field mission felt like a breath of fresh air.
He'd expected, or at least anticipated, some form of probation, or training evaluation to see what his current levels were from Nightwing, so he couldn't help but be both surprised and a little proud that he'd given him so much free reign on his first mission back. Although, he could see it for what it was. Beast Boy had been around his team leader for too many years to not recognize when he was issuing an unspoken test, a chance to rise to the occasion. He'd done it before. When the two of them travelled together in search of honorary titans to create a network, he'd felt like he was being scrutinized the entire time. At the time, he'd reasoned he was chosen because he had the best understanding of the brotherhood. Yet, when he felt his leader's eyes on him during every action he made, every decision he took, he became acutely aware that Robin had other motives.
Whether it was Nightwing or Robin, it was still the same person behind the mask.
Nightwing had taken Beast Boy at his word and responded in kind by granting him the trust that he had so desperately wanted. Now, he had to repay that faith and he fully intended too.
Beast Boy was broken from his thoughts as he finally noticed the orange hand waving in front of his face, startling the changeling out of his thoughts and making him lose his flight pattern for a moment before he corrected himself. He turned to look at a sheepish looking Starfire, her hand pulled back in an awkward position, almost as if she didn't quite know what to do with it.
"I am most apologetic Beast Boy, but you were not responding to your name being called."
It was Beast Boy's turn to looked sheepish, or at least as sheepish as an albatross could. He shook his head and tried to give Starfire a nod as some sort of sign that it was okay, which luckily Star seemed to interpret, as her face morphed from sheepish to more relaxed.
"Kid Flash has sent a message on the communicators. He arrived at the site a few minutes ago and after scoping it out, believes it would be best if we were to approach on foot. He has sent us his coordinates for us to land. We can simply follow Argent."
Beast Boy gave a squawk of approval and was about to turn his attention back to flying straight ahead but couldn't help but glance back at Starfire, who's attention had not drifted from the shapeshifter. The green albatross tilted his head at his Tamaranean teammate, a silent question passing between the two.
What's on your mind?
Starfire looked back at Beast Boy and Beast Boy could see the unsureness in her eyes. Beast Boy had never been the most emotionally intelligent person, but even he could tell that Star was struggling with something.
"Bea-…friend Garfield…"
If Starfire didn't have Beast Boy's undivided attention, she did now. It was so rare for him to hear his real name, outside of anyone but Raven, recently. When Rita first mentioned it after the Titans and the Doom Patrol had parted ways, he'd expected it to be a source of comedy for his teammates for the foreseeable future. After all, how could he not think that after he turned to Cyborg's raised eyebrow and a look from Raven that Beast Boy could only describe as the single most sinister expression he had seen on a person in his lifetime. Somehow though, using his first name became something so much more than a way to wind him up. It had become a one-word message that the person speaking to him was looking for something more. Every time he heard it, the nature of a conversation for him became so much more personal. Part of him liked it. Especially in recent times, hearing his name instead of Beast Boy gave conversations the tone he think they deserved. He wasn't feeling much like a young boy anymore…
However, he also couldn't help but feel his own anxiety build whenever he heard it. It was like a reminder that people around him…his teammates…his friends…could see the difference between his exterior and interior. Garfield Logan had always had a well-placed mask. He was the jokester. The titan who put his foot in his mouth. The hyperactive one. In the months since the Brotherhood, he felt like his teammates had almost been able to decide which version of himself they got depending on the name they used…the one they were used too…or the person behind the front. It terrified him.
He panicked for a second, thinking he'd once again got so caught up in his own thoughts that he'd missed what Starfire had to say, but the alien princess was still trying to formulate her thoughts.
"…I know you can't answer me right now and that's okay. It is more that I have something to say that is the point anyway."
Beast Boy swallowed. Starfire didn't stop to let him dwell on this development.
"The last few months have been hard…for all of us. The fact that you were okay and felt you couldn't come home…it is a thought I still do not want to dwell on, even though you are in front of me now. But, we were all affected by your absence. There was a moment in the immediate aftermath where I thought we were going to witness a rekmas of sorts…a lot of us were at the points of breaking."
Beast Boy's head dipped. It seemed so obvious to himself now that he could have gone about the situation better than he did. His goal had been to protect his friends by finding a way to control what lay dormant within him. He didn't think they'd ever be able to trust him without it. While he'd found that self-control, he'd hurt his friends more than he realised he could. He didn't know what was worse…that he'd left them in the dark and hurt them how he did…or that he didn't realise that they cared enough for his disappearance to affect them like that in the first place. He'd never had friends like this…even with the Doom Patrol, while certain members were sad to see him go…no one came after him either. A tiny part of him still couldn't even understand why the Titans cared so much.
Starfire, oblivious to Beast Boy's turmoil, continued on. "During your absence, we all found our ways to cope. Nightwing changed his very identity as a hero…and also his shift in priorities allowed him and I to finally start a relationship. Cyborg threw himself into his machines in the garage, when he wasn't looking for you or with us…but Raven…Raven didn't have such an outlet."
Beast Boy's head raised at her words as he looked at Starfire with a mixture of sadness and slight curiosity.
"Raven spent every minute she could trying to look for you or reach out to you via some kind of connection she made. She stopped coming out to be with us mostly. I've never seen her so determined…but also heartbroken…"
Beast Boy's head dipped again, this time purely in shame.
"…but I know it couldn't have been any easier for you."
Beast Boy didn't raise his head but Starfire's words sere currently the only noise he seemed to be picking up at all.
"I know you chose to stay away from us…but you were angry at yourself…that much Raven picked up. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to stay away from someone I cared for her, if their voice entered my head every night, even if I did think it was for the best. I'll be honest…I once had some doubts about my observations about how you acted around Raven while you were gone…but your return…the fire…you didn't hesitate…"
Beast Boy gave a sideways glance and was surprised to see Starfire almost on the verge of tearing up. Unsure of what to do and unable to speak, Beast Boy altered his flight path ever so slightly to move towards Star and just as he was about to make contact with her shoulder, he shifted, landing on her shoulder as a small robin. With a few delicate steps up her shoulder, he nestled in and rubbed his head against the side of her neck and under her chin. Starfire couldn't help but giggle as she brought a hand to her face to wipe her eyes.
"You know I have never been able to resist your more cute forms. Praise X'Hal we are in the air so I don't have to see the face."
Beast Boy gave a chirp that Starfire interpreted as a laugh. She rubbed her eyes again. "You and Raven…you have been through so much…by yourselves and for each other. Your words last night worried me…I don't understand why you are so full of doubt about yourself still but…there is no need. Despite what you may think…you do deserve to be happy Garfield…and so does Raven."
Beast Boy was now silently thankful that he was out of Starfire's line of sight from his perch on her shoulder because he certainly would have frozen in mid-air if Star had said that while he was flying.
"…the necklace you gave her is most beautiful."
Not only would Beast Boy have frozen, he would have almost happily plummeted to the ground hundreds of feet below them and probably wouldn't have been able to feel the impact. Beast Boy saw Starfire raise her hand to a few inches in front of him and he accepted the silent invitation, hopping into her hand, which she lowered down to in front of her face, her other hand coming to cup the green robin in her hand. She smiled at him.
"The last few weeks have been so full of the unknown and if I am to be honest…I do not know what the future holds for us…but I do know that you and Raven deserve to be happy. So please do not think you aren't worthy…because friend Garfield you are…you just have to embrace it."
Even if Beast Boy could speak right now, he would have had no idea what to say. He stared up into Starfire's large green eyes and could only see honesty. There was not even a hint of anything else. Beast Boy nodded his head in understanding. Suddenly, ahead of them, Beasty Boy and Starfire both turned at the sound of Argent's voice.
"Kid Flash's coordinates are just ahead! We should be good to begin heading down!"
Starfire shouted confirmation as Beast Boy jumped from her hands. Once he was clear, he changed again, this time taking the form of a pterodactyl. The three titans began making their descent towards the outskirts of Jump City National Park. Argent was the first to spot Kid Flash's yellow suit through the foliage and as she altered her course to head towards him, Starfire and Beast Boy followed suit. Argent and Starfire landed first, followed by Beast Boy, who transformed back to himself a few feet off the ground. Kid Flash looked at the group appraisingly before he froze on Beast Boy, his forehead scrunching up in confusion.
"Ya'll right BB? No need to cry, no fires have been started just yet!"
Beast Boy looked up in surprise before raising a hand to his cheek and withdrawing in mild surprise when he felt wetness on his fingers. He looked at his hand and then at Starfire, who was giving him a small smile. For someone who claimed to not understand earthly customs and emotions all the time…Beast Boy was beginning to think she understood them better than most humans. He looked up at Kid Flash with a grin and began walking him past him towards the trees.
"It's nothing…just…it's really good to be back."
Raven had always been partial to travelling via her own portals and under her own power. But, she couldn't help but find entering the Herald's rift just the slightest bit disconcerting. There was something about the alien environment that made Raven feel out of place. It was very rare that a dimension contained creatures that were immune to Raven's powers and she couldn't help but feel vulnerable, despite the short amount of time she was required to be present for. Almost as soon as Cyborg and her had entered the Herald's rift, the trumpet player had opened another one which the empath promptly entered. As the two Titans stepped out into the cool and crisp Winter air, they turned back to face the Herald, who's head stayed poking out of his rift.
"We'll be watching from the tower…if anything goes wrong, we'll be out in a matter of seconds."
Raven merely nodded while Cyborg, seeming, slightly more at ease, gave the Herald a thumbs up an and a confident smile. "Got it, if we feel things going south, we'll link in as well."
The Herald nodded before glancing over the pair of them. "Good luck…hopefully this ain't a waste of time."
With that, the Heralds head disappeared, the rift closing shortly after. Raven glanced around at her and Cyborg's surroundings. They had strategically emerged in a spot just in front of Phobia but out of her line of sight, hidden behind some particularly large debris from the fight a few days ago. They didn't want to appear out of nowhere, lest they set villain, who already had a reputation for being unpredictable, on the defensive.
Cyborg couldn't help but feel like he had before interrogating Phobia the first time. There was simply something about the villain that set him on edge. Victor Stone had always been someone who saw the best in every person he met and that hadn't changed after his accident. During his time in the HIVE, he'd met the people behind the villains, the personalities behind his enemies. What he found was a group of people that in another timeline, he could have been friends with, and one person that he was proud to say he now was friends with.
"I could have been a lot of things."
But there was something about Phobia that simply didn't sit right with Cyborg. Yes, she didn't have the best background, but whether you were a hero or a villain, since when did any of them have good backgrounds? Cyborg simply couldn't accept the concept that she was simply evil with no rhyme or reason. She hadn't been influenced by Deathstroke, but jumped at the opportunity to terrorize a city. She'd told them everything without prompting because she thought it would strike fear into them, not too help. Raven had confirmed she wasn't lying about her reasoning, despite how Cyborg had tried to play it off with her. He knew he couldn't save everyone, but he at least liked to think he had a chance…
"You're nervous."
Raven's dry comment snapped Cyborg out of his thoughts, his gaze moving downwards to lock eyes with the empath. Raven was looking up at the larger Titan, her face still as stoic as it was in the tower, but he could see the faintest trace of underlying concern in her eyes. He tried to shrug it off with a half-smile.
"Ah I'm fine…just wasn't the biggest fan of my last chat with little Miss fear out there…can't say I'm looking forward to it."
Raven seemed hesitant for a moment. "…her appearance here is…abnormal…I know I said the last time that she was telling the truth but…I'm willing to approach her with a somewhat open mind…people can change."
Cyborg gave a small chuckle. "Yea…that kind of faith hasn't really paid us back well before has it."
Cyborg saw the slightest grimace ripple across Raven's face, her thoughts drifting to a certain geomancer, if only for a few seconds. "Yet, we keep trying."
"Do you think were being naïve at times?"
"Probably…but would you rather risk turning a potential moment like that away?"
"…never."
"So there's no need to doubt yourself now, no matter what she was like before."
Cyborg couldn't help but smile down at the smaller Titan. "Since when did you get so optimistic?"
Raven raised an eyebrow. "Not optimistic…realistic…we're never gonna stop trying, so we might as well not doubt ourselves."
"Sure Rae, whatever you say."
Raven glowered at the largest Titan before turning away to walk towards where Phobia had been sighted, Cyborg smiling behind her, but his face changing abruptly as Raven moved away.
"Raven, wait."
Raven turned back around, a questioning expression on her face as Cyborg caught up with her. "I know you said it up in the tower but…are you sure you're okay to be around Phobia again? Like, if she turns out to just be…chaotic...and she tries to pull so-"
Raven raised her hand, her face passive. "I'll be fine Cyborg…I've been dwelling on a something's Ravager and Beast Boy have said…I don't think that Phobia's magic is as effective the second time round."
"How sure are you about that?"
"About as sure as I've been about any plan we've ever come up with."
"…Valid."
With that, Raven and Cyborg walked forwards and moved out from behind the debris they had emerged from the rift behind. Phobia spotted them immediately. She was exactly as Cyborg remembered her to look like. However, there was something about her disposition that seemed…off. The first time they had met, the villain had oozed confidence. Everything about her had screamed that she knew exactly what she was doing at all times. Now, while she may have been trying to hide it, there was a certain unsureness about her. As the two approached her, he felt Raven lean in slightly closer.
"She's nervous…on edge."
Cyborg nodded, silently thankful that Raven had just confirmed his observations. The two Titans stopped when they were about ten feet away from Phobia, who had a plastered a fake smile onto her face.
"Well, well…the robot I expected…the witch not so much. I didn't think you'd be in any rush to stand opposite me again any time soon. Sleeping well?"
Cyborg glanced to right nervously where Raven was clenching her fists at her sides, forcefully enough that she felt her nails potentially breaking skin, but she didn't let her expression shift. Taking a deep breath, Raven felt some tension leave her body.
"Surprisingly…incredibly well recently. However, I can't say that your appearance is what I wanted for Christmas unfortunately, albeit, it is…interesting."
Phobia's face didn't falter. "I aim to please."
Cyborg could feel the tension rising and decided to intervene. "Phobia, why are you here? You escaped and could have been home free our out causing more misery. Instead, you coming knocking on our door? Doesn't line-up. What do you want?"
Phobia raised her hand to her chest in mock offense, her face morphing into one of over-dramatic horror. "Victor, why must you only think the worst of me?"
Cyborg folded his arms. "I tried last time…you seem to have made your choice and I'm not one for pursuing a dead end."
Raven's eyebrow raised. For the first time in Phobia's presence, she felt something other than malice…something different…unexpected…the pang of disappointment from her was brief but like a burning candle in the dark amongst her normal array of emotions. However, just like a candle, the feeling was snuffed out quickly, swallowed up by her typical maelstrom of emotions.
"A shame…I thought you were a firm believer that anyone can change."
"I am…but I ain't a fool either…I need to some signs that I'm not wasting time on someone who doesn't want to be helped. Now, unless you want us to take you in right now, explain why you're here."
Raven felt that pang again from Phobia, once again only for a second, despite their being no change on the face of the psychic. She placed her hands on her hips, her face becoming mildly pensive.
"I'm here on…business…perse."
Raven looked at her, skepticism evident in her eyes. "What business could you possibly have with us…and aren't you already in business with another…a certain blessed one of Trigon who wants me dead?"
Phobia waved Raven's musings off with a flick of her hand. "Deathstroke is an…interesting character…and while I don't disagree with some of his goals…his intentions have strayed from the malicious to the…problematic."
Raven couldn't help but feel her interest peak. "Problematic? For you? The one who scares people…because she can?"
Phobia sneered at the empath. "Raven please…I consider my actions almost therapeutic…people aren't willing to admit there greatest fears to themselves, let alone other people…I show people their deepest insecurities, the nightmare they have that they can't remember when they wake-up. I like to think I know the average person better than they know themselves. All in the name of harmless fun."
Cyborg looked at her in disbelief. "As much as I would like to get into why that is complete garbage…I'm not letting you get a rise out of us. Deathstroke is problematic for you. Why?"
Phobia turned her attention from the empath who was using every ounce of her-self-control to not rise to Phobia's taunts.
"When Deathstroke first freed me from my little frozen prison, his intentions were perfectly aligned with mine. He wanted control and to send a message and I wanted to create chaos. I could act freely and he could prey upon your weakened state. It was a match made in heaven. However, after he didn't get his way a few days ago and I was able to escape and meet with him again…his intentions have changed."
Cyborg cut across Phobia's story. "What changed? Hell, what were his intentions before? We knew he wanted Raven dead so he could raise his army, so how could something like that change in a few days?"
Raven had always been someone who prided herself on being able to read people. Anyone who knew of Raven and the inherent abilities she possessed would possibly put her perception of people down to her empathic abilities or other telepathic skills she may have possessed. But, in Raven's silence, lay a quietly unnoticed skill in observation, an ability to understand how somebody moved…thought…flinched. If she were ever to be so inclined, Raven would most likely be able to make a decent living in the field of professional poker. She saw the way Phobia twitched…the way her head tilted to the right…a nerve had been hit…a poker face broken.
"Pho-…Angela…"
Phobia's hesitance changed to interest once her first name hit the air. She turned to Raven, a smirk plastered across her once faltering façade.
"Oh! Are we on a first name basis Rachel? I didn't realise that we we-"
"Cut the crap."
Even Cyborg couldn't hide the look of surprise on his face as his head swiveled to the left. Raven may as well have just said she'd released Silkie into the wild while Starfire wasn't looking. Phobia, for her part, tried to not look flustered, but the slight pause was enough for Raven to know she had got through to her to at least some degree. Raven took the moment of pause to sort her words out. She had to get this right.
"Look…despite the abilities we both possess and…the skills we both pride ourselves on…we don't actually know each other. I have never cared what someone has thought about me. I have no qualms in not hiding that. But, we both think we know how the other works. Azar, I think you think you have me figured out entirely. Personally, I'd agree that it's more powerful to know someone's worst fears than how they feel in a given moment…but I'd never think that that was all there was to person…"
Raven paused.
"…I don't like you…"
Phobia's eyes narrowed.
"…but I can respect you."
Phobia's eyes widened ever so slightly…enough for the empath to notice.
"You're cold…calculating…Azar, you're smart…which means you breaking your normal pattern by showing up in the open has to be important…not for us, but for you."
Time seemed to pause between the two women opposite each other as a single moment of understanding passed between them. They would never been on the same side. They would never be friends. Even if one of them was to change their entire outlook on life…they would never find solace in the other. But…they could empathize with each other…two people, with powers they never necessarily wanted…which they both dealt with in different ways. Phobia's head tilted to side, like she was staring at an animal in a zoo which she had seen a thousand times before, but it had finally decided to move. She was curious.
"Alright Raven…the change between Deathstroke before and after his little failed assault on your tower has been…for the worse to say the least. As I do with everyone, I probed his mind when we first met. He was a special case. He didn't possess any normal fears…his worst ones were all centered around Trigon returning to reclaim the power he gave him. I had no interest in exploiting him at the time however…he offered me an interesting proposition."
Cyborg scoffed but Phobia ignored it. "After the tower though…his mind has…changed. When I met with him again, his fears had changed. Trigon was an afterthought in his mind. His greatest fear is that he will not succeed. That he was not chosen for the higher purpose he believes he was and more interestingly, for the first time, he harbored concerns for something tangible…the beast, I believe it is known as."
Cyborg breathed. "Beast Boy…"
Phobia raised an eyebrow. "Beast Boy? The changeling is the beast? I suppose it makes sense…the only time I encountered him in the past…his fears…while delicious, were very much related to a certain aspect of himself. I had never been able to put a name to the monster I saw."
Raven involuntarily found herself leaning in. "What do you mean…delicious?"
Phobia grinned and Raven found herself genuinely unnerved by the villain opposite her. "Well…when you see everyone's deepest fears, you see a lot of overlap. So when someone presents with something slightly more unique, I revel in it a bit more…and autophobia is an absolute delight. Although, I must give him credit…not many have been able to resist my powers in the way he did…he didn't even seem surprised."
Cyborg's face scrunched up. "Autophobia? What's th-"
"The fear of yourself…or of being alone."
Raven's deadpan cut through the air, leaving a thick silence in its wake that even Phobia seemed to be slightly uncomfortable in. Raven made a mental note to speak to Beast Boy about his encounter with Phobia when he got back from his mission, very much aware that this wasn't the first time she'd thought this. But, for now, they couldn't afford to dwell on it
"Regardless…Deathstroke fears the beast?"
Phobia looked pensive for a moment. "It's not that he fears the Beast…he fears failure, but in his mind, he sees the beast as a threat to his success or ascension. The man figures himself worthy of being a god, and while his intentions were none of my concern the first time we met, his direction has shifted. Taking over the world with the fire army he so desperately craves is no longer enough. He wants to eliminate dissension…threats to his success. He plans to raze the world in the same way Trigon apparently did once before."
Raven and Cyborg felt their hearts drop, flashbacks to Jump City in ruins, under the light of a blood red sky, the entire world reduced to smoke and fire, living creatures ceasing to exist in a matter of moments. Phobia observed their reactions with interest.
"While I have never cared for morality or doing what is right, for me to carry out my own idea of fun….well that requires a living population. Also…I have seen the army he seeks…I have no interest in being pursued by such a legion."
Raven looked at Phobia carefully. She had been probing her surface emotions during her last speech and sensed no word of a lie, just like the first time.
"…so what do you expect from us then?"
Phobia folded her arms, her face hardening. "I am not someone who likes to attack directly…it is not my style. You Titans however…you do. As well as this, whether you know it or not, your existence concerns Deathstroke. I can give you his current base of operations, as well as some other information you may find valuable…"
Cyborg raised his eyebrow. "And in return?"
"Deathstroke will eventually figure out that I have turned on him. I plan to leave Jump City. Firstly, stop him…I have no interest in death by immolation. Secondly…you will leave me to my own devices. You may never hear of me again. But I won't return to Jump."
Raven raised an eyebrow. "So if you wreak havoc in another city, you want us to just stand by?"
Phobia's eyes narrowed. "There are plenty of other hero's out there and you can't vouch for all of them…contact them if you want to about my presence if you cross my name again…I simply wish to be done with the Titans."
"Why?"
Phobia turned to Cyborg, who was looking at her with an expression she hadn't seen before that fell somewhere between confusion and sympathy. Raven felt her eyes widen ever so slightly as she felt the slightest pang of sadness from the villain.
"…Ideally for everyone…you will never hear from me again…I wish to close this chapter of my life…and that involves ensuring I am not followed."
Raven looked up at Cyborg, who had turned to glance at the empath and the silent message between the two was clear.
She isn't lying.
Cyborg turned to back to Phobia. "Alright then Phobia…tell us what you know…and then we can go our separate ways."
Phobia stood up straighter, clearly satisfied with the deal that had been reached. "Deathstroke's base of operations is beneath the library in the old city. As far as I am aware, you are familiar with the labyrinth of tunnels that exist beneath the building."
Raven grimaced, her mind drifting to her last time in those halls…becoming the portal…her friends having to watch as she..
Raven closed her eyes tight. She felt a large in her shoulder which helped snap her back to reality. She took a deep breath and assumed her more stoic façade. "Makes sense…set up shop where he needs me to be…if we all go to stop him and he gets to me…he wins."
Phobia nodded. "I'll leave it to you to decide what you want to do with that knowledge, but for now I have more to let you know of."
Cyborg nodded. "I'm recording everything you say here, so go ahead."
Phobia continued on without hesitation. "Deathstroke has taken another boy capable of shifting into the beast…Adonis?"
Raven groaned. "I thought we were done with him."
Phobia acknowledged Raven's complaints with foreboding look. "Your problems with the boy are only just beginning…Deathstroke conducted savage experiments on him in an effort to release the beast within. He may have been able to turn into a beast before…but now that boy is gone…in his place, stands a monster…and it's already in the wild."
Beast Boy led his team through the undisturbed foliage towards where Kid Flash had last seen members of the Cult of Trigon, who had all been moving further in. While there were no fires as of yet, Beast Boy couldn't help but feel the order of the day for scoping out whatever was going on was stealth. While Deathstroke had certainly been busy the last few months, this was the first time any of his new congregation had been seen in Jump. It made Beast Boy feel sick to his stomach that these followers of Trigon were infesting his city…like a disease. But, as much as he wanted to round them all up and get on with it, information was just as important and if they could stop them all and pick up some intel…all the better to prepare for the next clash with Deathstroke.
Beast Boy felt a tap on his shoulder as Kid Flash made his way forwards in the group. "There were a few of them gathering just up around this bend in the trees."
Beast Boy nodded and quietly called the group to a halt. "Give me two minutes. Just going to scope ahead."
Starfire and Argent nodded and without delay, Beast Boy morphed into a falcon and took to the sky. Flying high above the tree line, Beast Boy looked down and couldn't help but feel his eyes widen in horror. It was like a scene out of the Wicker Man. However many cultists had been reported on Jump City new, Beast Boy couldn't imagine that had a true grasp of the scale. Hundreds of people, all dressed the same, the Mark of Skath adorning their robes, lined the clearing, lit torches in the hands of many. Together, they formed a path towards a natural platform.
Atop it, stood a man that Beast Boy had never seen before, but his appearance was enough to send chills down the changeling's spine. His enhanced sight revealed leathery skin pulled taught against a bony and sunken face, large red gems embedded above his eyes. His arms, bare, were covered in a mixture of tattoos and what Beast Boy thought were possibly brands, all relating to Trigon. While Beast Boy had visited one site of the Cult, he had never expected them to be capable of a gathering such as this. He didn't know their intentions, but he wasn't eager to let them play out.
Beast Boy circled back down to the group with him, Starfire, Argent and Kid Flash looking at him expectantly as he landed. "Okay…so there's a lot of them and what looks like some kind of head honcho. We round them up, we keep it quick and clean. As intimidating as they can look, they're just people. I've dealt with them before. Kid Flash, round up as many as you can. Argent help Kid Flash coral them. We keep them contained. Jump City Police already know about the threat so we make their job easy when they show up. Starfire, you're on anyway who tries to make a break for it. You're gonna have the advantage in the air, especially with the trees around us. Don't let a single one get away."
The three of them gave affirmations of the plan before Starfire cleared her throat. "Beast Boy, what will you do?"
Beast Boy glanced backwards at the clearing, as the sound of chanting became slightly louder. "The leader guy…I haven't seen him before. I'm going take him in separately. No doubt he'd have some info that could help us against Deathstroke."
Starfire gave him a thumbs up as her eyes narrowed in determination on the challenge ahead. Beast Boy addressed the group. "All right…Titans together."
Kid Flash was gone in an instant with Argent flying off after him around the corner. Starfire gave Beast Boy one last reassuring look before she took off into the sky. Beast Boy, taking the form of a wolf, bounded out from the cover they were using and into the clearing. Argent had already taken to creating a large net out of her powers as Kid Flash corralled the disrupted cultists into captivity. Beast Boy could see bursts of green in the trees, as Starfire weaved in and out, he could only assume in pursuit of deserters.
Beast Boy turned his attention to the platform he had seen, only to immediately spot the same man who had been leading the congregation, a sickeningly broad smile on his face. He raised his hands into the air, as a sign of welcome.
"Garfield Logan of the Teen Titans, it is an honor and a pleasure."
Beast Boy bounded a few more paces forward before assuming his human form, eyeing up the man before him. He had been expecting a fight…resistance…a struggle…not a warm welcome.
"Ehm…you do realise that I'm here with the Titans to break up your little shindig, right?"
The man's smile did not falter. "But of course! For that is what you are known for, is it not? Saving the day? Being the hero? It is in your very nature my child. As leader of the cult of Trigon, it is my duty to know all those who have opposed his will. You…permitted to survive his invasion of Earth through the sacrifice of the Portal…few mortals could dream of such a privilege."
Beast Boy didn't like anything about the person before him. The way he spoke, how knowledgeable he was about him and the other Titans, his grin that almost screamed his nefarious intentions. However, his assumption had been correct. He had to bring him in.
"Leader of the Cult of Trigon…can't say I've ever heard of you."
The man dropped into a deep bow. "Abaddon, at your service. I am not surprised you have not heard my name…I prefer to remain out of the spotlight…the shadows provide so much more…comfort, don't you think?"
Beast Boy started walking closer, bypassing the occasional cultist sprinting by, trying to avoid Kid Flash's attempt to herd them together.
"For someone who doesn't like the spotlight…you sure are putting on quite the show."
Abaddon looked around with a smile. "Ah yes…it has been some time since I've been somewhere of such beauty. Alas, I dedicate my life to my work. But, it just so happens my work has finally permitted me to…travel shall we say."
Beast Boy had arrived at the platform at this stage. He heaved himself up, standing only a few feet away from the leader of the Cult of Trigon, who's features did not improve upon being able to see them up close. "What has allowed for that so?"
Abaddon grinned, his yellow teeth poking out of the corners of his mouth. "Mr. Logan…when you think of Trigon, tell me…do you think of him, the world ending conqueror…the lord of madness…or do you think of the pain he caused you and the ones you loved…do you think of Ms. Roth becoming the portal before your eyes…the city you loved bathed in fire and brimstone…the fact that while you survived, for a moment in time, almost everyone you ever knew or loved had been consumed by his power without ever even knowing how or why?"
Beast Boy clenched his fists at his side. "I'd have to say I think of the latter."
Abaddon's smile grew. "I would be surprised if you didn't…for that is what Trigon represents…his presence may have been fleeting…but the pain he caused…the devastation created in the hearts of those who remember…now that is a treasured commodity. Trigon may be gone, but we…his followers…we still revel in his aftermath. We must all be our own devil…to make this world a hell for all. Mr. Wilson is currently excelling at this task. If our support grants him the power he seeks…well, we are more than happy to be of service…should he fall…don't worry…another will step forward one day."
Beast Boy had had just about enough of Abaddon's rantings on the good and evil. "That's great. When Nightwing asks you about your intentions again in one of our holding cells, be sure to repeat everything you just said."
Beast Boy went to step forward when Abaddon began to laugh, a high-pitched cackle that sent chills down his spine. "Ah Garfield…while it has been a pleasure, I cannot go with you at this time…my work is needed elsewhere. Deathstroke's revised plans are nearing their conclusion, and I still have a role to play. As for you…well…Deathstroke has some slight concerns about the devil that resides within you…so much so that he could not be dissuaded from attempting to eliminate you as a problem before his plans reach their finale. I fear you may not leave this beautiful place alive."
Beast Boy moved into a defensive stance, unsure of Abaddon's strength or powers. "Try me, I goddamn dare you."
Abaddon laughed again. "Oh no…like I have told others before…I have no interest in power…let alone an interest in combat…Deathstroke had an inclination that fires in Jump City National Park would lure you out of your tower…as such he's prepared a new opponent for you."
Beast Boy felt it immediately. He could only imagine it was how the wildlife of Alaska felt whenever he had shifted into the Beast. His eyes instinctively swerved to the trees, scanning for what he had detected, also noting that the other titans with him had been drawn into the forest in pursuit of their individual missions. The scent was unlike anything he had ever encountered and yet unmistakable…an apex predator had entered the fray, hidden amongst the trees. Beast Boy's pupils dilated as he tried to hone in on whatever he was detecting. Abaddon began slinking away, a smile still on his face. "I'm afraid I must leave you now Beast Boy…I do wish you the best of luck. I'm aware you recently learned to control your inner demon…but now you will see what it would have been like if you gave into the monster."
Beast Boy, snapped back to reality by Abaddon's words, went to make a lunge for the cult leader when he was cut off by a howl from the forest behind him. Beast Boy turned towards it, slowly and purposefully. It had sounded unnatural…tainted…raw beyond belief. Beast Boy flexed his knuckles and moved off the platform, almost as if he was compelled by some unseen force. Slowly, he withdrew his communicator from his pocket and raised it to his mouth.
"Starfire…listen carefully…leave the cultists…gather the others…there's something in these woods…something dangerous. Meet in the clearing..."
"Beast Boy? What do you mea-"
Beast Boy lost focus on Starfire's response as his communicator fell from his hand. An otherworldly breeze rustled the leaves, as an ominous silhouette emerged from the undergrowth, its fur ablaze with an ethereal fire that danced with malevolence. The creature's eyes burned with hellfire and sinewy muscles rippled beneath the charred coat, razor-sharp claws extending from its massive paws. Smoke tendrils twirled around its monstrous form, leaving an acrid scent in the air. Fangs glinted in its slightly ajar maw that glistened with an unholy intensity. It walked forward almost as if it was being controlled like a puppet, it's movements jerky and unnatural. Beast Boy felt like he had fallen into a nightmare. The creature before him, for all of its fire and smoke…was just like his beast. It was as if he was staring at the manifestation of the very nightmares that haunted his subconscious…how he thought others perceived him…how he could have been if he lost control. Even more painfully…he recognized the creature…or the person it used to be.
"…Adonis? …Man, I don't know what Deathstroke did to you…but we do-"
"Stop...talking."
Beast Boy's jaw dropped as words left the creature's mouth. Each word sounded as if it was painful to speak, like his vocal cords were being dragged across sandpaper as he spoke.
"I don't need fixing…I've been given power…more than you could ever handle…power you were too scared to handle."
"Dude, this can't be worth it. Stop for a second, please. I know you ha-"
The creature before him slammed a massive clawed fist on the ground. "No…I will not stop…and you will never stop me again…bring out your beast…gutting you is too easy…I want the satisfaction of killing you at your best…and then I'll move onto the witch next."
Beast Boy was only vaguely aware of the Starfire calling his name as he felt his hair stand on end. He could feel the beast, pulsing beneath his skin, itching to be allowed to join the fray…and boy did he want to let it out.
"You won't touch her."
"Try and stop me then."
In a second, Beast Boy was gone, replaced by the hulking form of the Beast. Yet, despite his apex form being released, he still gave both weight and size to his opponent, who stood a solid four feet taller, his form looking even more imposing by the flames encasing his body. The Beast felt a presence beside him and looked down to find Starfire had assumed a fighting stance beside him. She looked up at Beast, her green eyes meeting Beast Boy's human ones. "I trust you Garfield…let us take this hideous creature down."
The Beast grunted in approval before turning back to Adonis' nightmarish form, who's gaze had shifted to Starfire.
"Not the female titan I had envisaged…but taking the life of another titan…and maybe something more…I can't resist."
The Beast gave a blood-curdling roar at Adonis' final sentiments before closing the gap between them in seconds, launching himself at Adonis, ignoring the watering of his eyes as he peered through smoke to dig his claws deep into the creatures monstrous frame. Adonis gave a grunt of pain and made multiple attempts to rip the beast off before he was finally able to grab it by the scruff of its neck. However, before he could deliver a blow to the beast, he was forced to drop it as a flurry of star bolts collided with his chest. He didn't have a moment to breath as Starfire collided with his chest, blasting them both backwards through several trees. But, as they were moving Adonis managed to grab onto Starfire's ankle, and using their own momentum, twisted his body in midair and sent the Tamaranean flying, her body colliding with several trees as she sailed through the forest environment.
The Beast, who had been slow getting back to its feet, had raced through the clearing in an attempt to catch up the two of them, only to see Starfire get launched. It gave a primal cry of rage, before jumping onto Adonis' back and sinking his teeth into his nape. Adonis howled in pain as he tried to pry the rabid Beast of his back. Starfire got too her feet slowly before seeing the Beast clinging to Adonis's back. With a crack of her knuckles and a quick spit of blood, she took a few steps to break into a sprint before leaping into the air and propelling herself forward, landing a savage hook shot across Adonis's face, sending both him and the Beast backwards, towards the clearing they had come from.
Beast Boy released his clamp on Adonis, allowing himself to sail onwards in the air, changing into a falcon as he did so. He turned in a wide-arc, expecting to be able to survey the scene below him. So when he turned to see Adonis jumping towards him, a solid twenty feet off the ground, he was caught completely off-guard. Without time to change, Adonis swiped a clawed hand, almost bigger than the bird itself and sent it careening out of the sky. Beast Boy slammed into the base of a tree, reverting to human form upon impact with a cry of pain, as he felt a sharp pain shoot from his shoulder. Recognizing the pain, he knew his shoulder had just popped out of its socket. He whipped his head up, only to see Adonis closing in.
"You were never worthy of that creature inside you…never appreciated it's potential…it is not a curse…it is not a friend…it is a force of nature that could have been yours to wield…but you lacked the conviction."
Beast Boy staggered to his feet. "Look at what it's doing to you Adonis! What Deathstroke has done to you! This ain't some kind of suit, you'll lose yours-"
"I'VE MADE MY CHOICE!...Deathstroke may have granted me this whether I wanted it or not…but now…now I am nothing but grateful."
Adonis was about to lunge at Beast Boy, when a flash of yellow zipped by him. Adonis was sent reeling as a lightning fast fist clipped him in the jaw. Before he even had a chance to recover from the first shot, a well-placed knee cracked him in his hind leg, causing the hell beast to growl in frustration as he fell to one knee. He swiped wildly behind himself, only to be met with thin air. Turning back around, he didn't even have time to register the pair of raging, green eyes mere centimeters from his face before two fists lodged themselves into his cheeks. Starfire ignored the pain in her knuckles as the flames grazed her skin, instead choosing to focus on the satisfaction of watching Adonis be sent flying backwards, landing in a heap on the other side of the clearing. Starfire's satisfaction turned to concern once her scanning eyes met Beast Boy's, who was still favoring his right arm. Kid Flash came to a stop at her side, panting heavily. "Argent is tied up with the cult. Go check on Beast Boy. I'll keep our fiery friend occupied."
Starfire gave a grunt of approval before Kid Flash disappeared in a blur of yellow. Starfire quickly flew over to Beast Boy, the concern evident in her eyes. "Beast Boy, are you okay? Your arm looks…wrong."
Beast Boy put on a brave face, although the grimace on his features didn't escape Starfire's notice. "I'm okay Star…I just need you to do me a favour."
Beast Boy took a breath and positioned himself against the tree he landed against, holding his injured shoulder outwards. "Count to three in your head and then pull my arm straight downwards. Don't be afraid to yank it."
Starfire looked a little ill. "Beast Boy, if the shoulder is out of the socket, surely it wou-"
Beast Boy cut her off. "I have genetics for healing, I've had this happen before and we aren't leaving Kid Flash to deal with Adonis by himself…just do it Star…please."
Starfire grimaced but approached him, gingerly taking his injured arm. She looked at him unsure.
"Okay…3…2…"
"Star, I said count in your he-"
Beast Boy couldn't help but scream in pain as he felt his shoulder pop back into place. Starfire gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry friend, but I thought if I counted and performed the movement early, you would be distracted."
Beast Boy rolled his shoulder in the socket. That was going to hurt in the morning. He gave Star a comforting smile. "You were right…although, I'm not gonna lie, I prefer Raven's healing if I'm honest."
The two were interrupted by a furious roar and a burst of laughter. "What's wrong big boy? Too fast for ya?"
Beast Boy and Starfire turned their heads to the sight of Kid Flash running literal circles around Adonis, never staying in one place for more than few seconds, giving the creature just enough to see him and attempt a swipe before bolting off again, much to his outrage. When Kid Flash noticed the two of them staring, he gave them a tired wave before reappearing in another spot. It was only now did Beast Boy note the gash under his right eye and slashes in his uniform. Apparently, Adonis was quick enough to catch him with odd shot.
"C'mon Star, let's put Adonis down."
Starfire eyes narrowed at the scene before her. "It would be my genuine pleasure to assist in this matter."
The two of them rushed forward, Starfire taking to the air, righteous fury in her eyes, while Beast Boy approached on the ground, transforming into the beast mid-stride. Kid Flash, noticing the incoming calvary, gave Adonis a wink and a salute before sprinting away. Starfire reached him first, avoiding his massive, swinging fist and landing a solid uppercut under his smoldering chin. Adonis reeled back but still had time to recover as Beast Boy approached. He roared in anger and swiped in anticipation of the Beast's lunge, only for Beast Boy to morph into a squirrel at the last second. Landing on Adonis's arm, he ignored the burning sensation on his skin as he scampered up his arm, before launching himself at his face, digging a small, clawed hand into his eye, eliciting a howl of pain from the creature.
Beast Boy jumped off Adonis, only to be caught by a low-flying Starfire, whisking him out of harm's way. Finally, as Adonis reeled away, and scanned the clearing blurrily through one eye, he could do nothing to prevent the blur of yellow moving him towards him like a missile as Kid Flash barreled into his chest at full speed, sending him flying backwards where he crumpled as he connected with the raised platform Abaddon had been conducting his sermon from earlier.
The three titans came to stand together, Beast Boy jumping of Starfire's grasp, assuming his human form beside Kid Flash. He took a step forward to address Adonis.
"Adonis…it's over…don't make this go any further than it has to…"
Adonis chose to stand on all fours instead of own his hind legs, his face one of pure rage, his maw leaking blood from Starfire's punches. The fires on his body seemed to intensify as he looked at the three titans before him in disgust.
"I was given a mission by Deathstroke…I intend to fulfil it…what's your next move Logan?...You don't have it in you to kill…even if it was to protect the ones you love…you are as pathetic now as you were when we first met…"
Beast Boy's eyes narrowed. If he had to render Adonis unconscious, especially in this form, he wouldn't hesitate. "Suit yourself."
Beast Boy rushed forward, followed by Starfire and Kid Flash. There was no intentions from any of the titans to let this beast of Trigon escape from the scene. However, Adonis had one ace up his sleeve, that he had been biding his time to produce. All he had needed was a single moment, where all of his enemies were grouped together. Beast Boy watched as Adonis' entire body seemed to undulate, from the base of his spine, towards his mouth and his blood ran cold. He saw the flames burning at the back of his throat before they even left his mouth.
"EVERYBODY MOVE!"
But it was too late. Adonis' fire wasn't like that of other villains that had been powered by Deathstroke. The fire left his maw in an-all-encompassing plume, washing out over the clearing like a tidal wave. There was no way for any of the titans to dodge, as all three were blasted backwards by the flames. Beast Boy came rolling to a halt, his head spinning from the force of the blast and from the amount of smoke in the air. He was vaguely aware of the smell of burning flesh as he slowly rolled onto his front and placed his hands beneath himself. Looking around, he couldn't see where Kid Flash had landed but he felt his heart drop as his eyes locked onto Starfire's form on the forest floor, Adonis approaching her slowly and methodically. She was struggling to her feet when Adonis placed a massive clawed hand on her back, causing the Tamaranean to yelp. Adonis' face split with sickening grin.
"Not the female titan I wanted…but still…not bad…"
As Beast Boy rose to his feet, he saw Adonis' hand drift from Starfire's back down her spine. Beast Boy's eyes widened, his pupils dilating to mere points. His state of mind shifted into something more feral. How dare he touch a member of his pack. He'd thought he'd had control. That he had found the perfect balance with the Beast. But now, as he watched the scene before him, he felt that control slip…he felt the beast within ask for permission to be unleashed fully…and he didn't hesitate...he welcomed it.
Adonis was relishing in his supposed victory when a blood-curling howl echoed through the clearing. He only had a second to look up before the Beast had unleashed itself upon him, his claws slicing through his flesh like paper. Adonis screamed in agony, releasing the pressure on Starfire as he and the beast tumbled across the clearing. Starfire weakly pushed her arms beneath herself, her vision blurry from smoke inhalation. She watched through obscured vision as the Beast and Adonis engaged in combat. There was no distinct fighting style from either combatant. This was as simple a fight as there could be. Two apex predators, fully intent on tearing the other too shreds.
However, Adonis had one key advantage. For all the Beast's power, it was still a living creature, while Adonis had the blessing of Trigon. As more smoke gathered in the clearing from the surrounding trees which had caught fire in Adonis' blast, the more smoke the Beast inhaled. Even monsters had to breath. A single lapse of concentration, brought on by smoke inhalation was all Adonis needed. The Beast faltered for single second between strikes and Adonis lunged inwards, clamping his jaws down on the scruff of the Beasts neck. The Beast howled as Adonis, swung upwards, his neck muscles bulging, pulling the Beast off the ground and over his head and slamming him into the floor. Starfire could only look on in horror as the Beast rolled onto his front, but Adonis did not hesitate.
Starfire screamed.
Adonis plunged his clawed hand directly into the Beast's abdomen and it felt the breath leave his body. Without even glancing down at the wound, the Beast slowly started to shrink away, leaving the much smaller frame of Beast Boy impaled on Adonis' claws like meat on a skewer. Beast Boy looked down at his chest in horror, gasping for breath as he did. Adonis grinned into his face, saliva dripping out of his mouth.
"We had the same opportunities…you chose wrong…"
With that, Adonis flung Beast Boy off his claws where he proceeded to roll into a crumpled heap on the floor, his body shaking. Adonis cackled as he advanced on him slowly. However, his gaze was broken from the changeling as another wandered into his view. Starfire, covered in burns and limping, stumbled in front of Beast Boy's body. She raised her fists as her eyes glowed green.
"YOU WILL NOT HARM HIM ANY FURTHER!"
Just over the Adonis' shoulder, Starfire noted Kid Flash desperately talking into a communicator, he himself leaning heavily against a tree, one leg lifted entirely off the ground. Reinforcements. She glanced down at Beast Boy. He was still shaking, so she could confirm that he was at least still alive. She had been aware of Adonis' hand on her back and where it had been going. She knew that Beast Boy had been trying to protect her. Now, she had to buy him time for help to arrive.
Adonis laughed at Starfire's declaration.
"I do enjoy it…when there's some fight in my prey…keeps it interesting."
Starfire grit her teeth as she put pressure on her wounded leg.
"Well you are going to be most fond of me then."
Adonis sneered before lunging, canines bared, eyes wild. Starfire rushed forward, intent on keeping the fighting away from Beast Boy. She flew into the air, where Adonis managed to latch his jaws around her arm. Starfire grit her teeth as she flew higher, bringing the still clamped down Adonis with her, before bringing her free arm around and planting an elbow into Adonis' snout, which promptly caved under the pressure in a burst of blood. Adonis cried in pain and released his grip, falling to the floor with a thud. Starfire, not wasting a second, focused her emotions. Her rage at Adonis for hurting her friends, her worry for Beast Boy, her boundless confidence as she flew. Above her head, she summoned a concentration of her star bolts, a green sphere of rippling energy, derived from her very being that she had only summoned once before when Slade attempted to take Raven from the tower to become the portal.
With a war cry, Starfire spiraled downwards, driving the star-bomb directly into the prone form of Adonis. The surrounding trees rippled under the shockwave that emanated from the epicenter of the blast. Starfire blinked as her eyes opened, scanning the surroundings for Adonis. As the dust began to clear, she realised she was on her knees in the middle of a crater that she had no doubt created. On the other side of it, Adonis was very slowly rising to his feet, although he was swaying as he righted himself. Noticing Starfire across the way, he bared his teeth before his expression changed, as he seemed to focus on something behind her. He glanced back at Starfire.
"I have completed my mission…and Deathstroke has further use for me…you shall meet your fate another day…"
With that Adonis leapt to his feet and jumped out of the crater, making a break for the trees. Starfire was about to follow when she heard a cry from behind her, promptly followed by a burst of blue light above her head.
"Oh no you don't you overgrown mutt, get back here!"
Starfire watched as Cyborg ran around the edge of the crater, his photon cannon primed, in pursuit of the retreating Adonis. Turning around, she spotted one of the Herald's rifts in space being held open by the trumpet player himself. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and she inherently flinched, turning around and scrambling backwards where she locked eyes with a concerned Nightwing.
"Star! It's me! We came as soon as Kid Flash called! What happened? Where is everyone?"
Starfire's eyes widened before she threw her arms around Nightwing, who embraced her without question. She felt tears welling up in her eyes when she suddenly pulled back in horror.
"BEAST BOY!? WHERE IS BEAST BOY!?"
The world was a mass of blurry shapes and colours. He had been fighting Adonis…things had been going well…Adonis had done something to Starfire…and then everything got a bit hazy after that. He remembered being in pain and Starfire shouting at someone. Then, he'd been blasted away by something to where he was now. Beast Boy was on his side at the edge of the clearing, his breathing shallow, his skin pale. He had thought about calling for help but the idea of talking made him feel sick.
He thought he could hear the muffled sounds of conversation, but it might of just been his imagination or a hallucination from having inhaled to much smoke. He chose to ignore it. If he was needed, someone could always come get him, right?
"GARFIELD!"
Beast Boy's head twitched, an action his body was not happy at him taking and he let out an involuntary shudder. Suddenly, he felt hands on his body and he was turned over where everything became too bright too quickly and he had to shut his eyes. He heard some muffled gasps around him and he had to resist the temptation to smirk. His throat felt raw and scratchy, but he couldn't resist.
"It's that bad, huh?"
Nightwing's voice cut through his muddled thoughts. When did Nightwing get there? He didn't come with us.
"We need to get him back…back to the tower. NOW!"
He tried to make out the shape of his leader but everything was just getting blurrier by the second. He felt a pair of solid arms slide underneath him. The limbs were cold and the sensation against his skin was bliss to the changeling.
"Hey B…just hang in there…we-…we're gonna get you patched up, I promise."
Beast Boy started trying to talk again. "You should see…see…the other…"
He trailed off and he felt his head lolling to one side, causing the arms he was in to shake him, his head rising again ever so slightly in response.
"C'mon man, I just need you to stay awake…just for a little longer, okay?"
Beast Boy nodded, not even entirely sure of what he had been asked, but Cyborg seemed pretty upset so he agreed with him just to keep him happy. He suddenly became aware of a change of lighting. Red splotches adorned the sky, before the scene changed again. This time, harsh beams of white light caused him to scrunch his eyes closed. He was placed on something soft before he heard a panicked cry.
"RAVEN! WE NEED YOU! NOW!"
Even in his half-conscious state he felt the sense of dread. He had promised her would come home safe…somehow, he felt that he had only managed half of that promise at best. He detected her immediately. Even amongst the myriad of sensations assaulting his senses, her presence cut through the madness. Amongst the smells of smoke and ash, the unmistakable traces of vanilla and lilac cut through. Above him, the harsh light was blocked out by a blue shape, with flecks of purple, hovering over him. He felt a cool hand touch his face, his eyes tilting ever so slightly to observe the grey appendage providing the relief. Her voice cut through the ringing in his ears.
"Garfield, I need you to stay awake for me okay?"
There was a tremble in her words. Hell, he must have been hurt really bad. He tried his best to give her a grin. He had no idea if he succeeded. Against better judgement, he tried talking again.
"Sorry Rae…you know I ain't…good with promises."
Beast Boy swore he heard her breath hitch, but suddenly everything started to become a bit too much for him. He felt his eyes drifting closed as voices around him started growing louder before growing fainter. The last thing he felt as he lost consciousness was a warm feeling spreading throughout his body. He leaned into it. Whatever it was, it made him feel safe…it made him feel like he was coming home.
I know I said in an earlier on of these that I don't like posting replies to reviewers here, but not that I've been writing this for a fair few months at this stage, just wanted to give some shout outs/responses:
Searching4Somewhere/PSI-Triforce - Dropped the most reviews and honestly means the world and been hear since Day 1, so thank you!
Fritterrr/Britisstressed/Levitress - Reviews like that are honestly the best feeling, so thank you!
Annatheavidreader - can 100% say that is the most in-depth feedback I've ever got with something like this! Can only thank you for taking the time to write it. I feel like I'll be hitting on some of the points raised in coming chapters (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
Azarathian666 - After reading "Violet Tide" this means the world so thank you!
To anyone who has reviewed and I didn't mention, I'm sorry, but I promise I read every single one that comes in. Always looking for thoughts/ideas so would love it if people stuck something down! Anyway, won't be doing an end section like this again for a while, but will still try and respond to reviews in DM's.
As always, much love - Seadavid41