Titans Together.
...
Chapter Two.
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In the early morning light, Richard lay in bed, savoring the comfort of the moment. Although he was wide awake, the allure of his cozy cocoon made it challenging to muster the will to rise. Nestled beside his partner, he relished the warmth they shared. As his mind meandered through the events of the previous day, he remained acutely aware that, despite his constant reassurance, the others weren't feeling particularly confident in how the day had ended.
A contented sigh escaped his lips as he casually crossed his arms behind his head. Glancing down at the girl beside him, a gentle smile graced his features. Her body pressed against his, creating an intimate connection that brought him solace. However, the tranquility of the moment was disrupted by an unspoken unease that lingered in the air.
Noticing the subtle distress in Kori's expression, Richard couldn't ignore the underlying tension. Concerned, he broke the comfortable silence. "What's wrong?"
Kori circled her finger around Richard's chest, a small sigh escaping her lips. "While I'm happy that yesterday's mission ended successfully, I still feel that I could have handled the situation better." Her initial excitement, fueled by the prospect of new uniforms and a real mission, had gradually given way to self-doubt despite the victorious outcome.
"Oh, come on now. You did great." Richard said in an attempt to reassure her. "No one even knew you were struggling with what to say." His words were meant to provide comfort, but Kori's lingering insecurity persisted.
"I appreciate your unwavering support." Kori acknowledged, her voice still carrying traces of uncertainty as she slowly pulled away to sit up. "But I fear that if another situation like that arises, the outcome might not end as victorious."
Richard sat up, mirroring Kori's seated position, and his hands found their place on her shoulders, a comforting weight that conveyed reassurance. "Don't lose confidence in yourself." He urged, his touch gentle as he began to rub her arms in a rhythmic motion. The tenderness in his voice matched the sincerity of his words. "You were great yesterday, and you will be great again."
Despite absorbing his words, Kori turned away, the conflict within her apparent. "I might be sufficient at fighting." She admitted, her voice exhibiting the weight of vulnerability. "But when it comes to a situation where I need to use my words, I'm not as experienced."
Richard lifted her chin, steering her to meet his gaze. "Kori, you're not just sufficient. You're amazing." He affirmed, looking at her directly. "You have good instincts, and as long as you follow them, then I know you will make the best decision you can make." A small smile broke through on her face, accompanied by a light blush in response to the compliment. "If you think you need more guidance, I'm sure I can make some time for us to have some private sessions." Richard suggested with a playful smile.
Kori's face immediately lit up at the prospect. "How about later today?" She asked eagerly.
Richard, however, had different plans. "Actually, I have a very specific day planned." He explained, slowly moving off the bed to get dressed. Kori tried not to show her disappointment as she watched him. "I have a special guest coming to help with training today." He continued, slipping on his pants. "Someone I am really looking forward for you to meet."
...
Raven sat at the kitchen table, bathed in the soft glow of morning light and enjoying a late breakfast. Before her was an open book, pages turned by fingers adept in the delicate dance of reading, and beside it was a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, a comforting accompaniment to the tranquility of the moment. Her caffeine consumption, once a crutch for navigating the day, had evolved into a moderate enjoyment on occasion rather than relied upon.
Amidst the serene atmosphere, the kitchen's silence was disrupted by a loud yawn and a stretch, heralding Garfield's arrival. "Morning." He greeted, a nonchalant acknowledgment of the day.
"It's almost noon." Raven countered without looking up from her book.
"But it isn't yet, so I stand by my statement." Garfield retorted, his playful banter laced with a hint of mischief. He strolled over to the fridge, opening it casually. "Any idea why Richard didn't make us start the day early, you know, like he usually does?"
Raven, pausing in her reading, pondered the question. "Considering what happened yesterday, he might be giving us a break." She speculated, a subtle undertone of hope coloring her words.
Garfield closed the fridge with a deliberate slowness, turning his attention to Raven. "About yesterday," he began, his tone taking on a sympathetic quality as he broached the delicate subject. "Are you okay?"
Surprised by the sudden concern in his voice, Raven closed her book and directed her attention towards him. "I appreciate your concern, but Richard already talked to me last night."
"He did?" Garfield inquired, his attempt to conceal the flicker of jealousy was betrayed by a subtle tightening of his expression.
"Yeah, he gave me the whole reassurance speech, saying I'm too hard on myself." Raven responded, her tone carrying a hint of indifference.
Garfield, now wearing a more serious expression, met Raven's gaze. "You are." He affirmed the sincerity in his words, holding a depth that went beyond the surface. In response, Raven offered him a silent expression of gratitude, a modest smile that acknowledged the sincerity of his concern. "And, you know, when something is bothering you, you can come to me, right?" Garfield added, his voice full of gentle encouragement. "You don't always have to go to Dick."
Raven couldn't help but roll her eyes as she got up from the table. "Yes, I know I can always go to my friends for my mental health counseling." She remarked nonchalantly, her words indicating a touch of humor as she moved to put her dishes in the sink.
Garfield opened his mouth, ready to further insist on his point, when the arrival of Kori brought a shift in the atmosphere. The conversion was momentarily set aside as Kori entered the room with a skip in her step, injecting a new energy into the kitchen.
The alien tended to be very cheerful in the morning, and seeing Kori joyfully skipping into the kitchen was a familiar sight. However, what was also familiar to the group was her penchant for wearing next to nothing at breakfast, a habit that never failed to elicit a mix of reactions from the others.
Wearing pajamas to breakfast was a common occurrence among them, and no one ever expressed discomfort with the informal attire outside of the bedroom. Well, no one except when it came to what Kori wore. Her natural inclination was to be minimally covered, often donning an oversized shirt or silky nightie that left little to the imagination.
"Morning, friends." Kori greeted with her usual cheerfulness as she made her way to the fridge.
"Morning." Was the pair's collective response as they turned their attention to her.
Kori proceeded to open the fridge, but as she bent down to retrieve the carton of milk, both Garfield and Raven averted their eyes. Raven subtly turned her head, while Garfield took a more dramatic approach, spinning around completely. "Kori, we've discussed this." He awkwardly reminded her.
Kori turned to them, confusion etching her features. "I thought it was okay that I didn't wear pants?"
"As long as you have underwear on." Raven reminded her harshly.
"Apologies." Kori said with a bashful smile. "Richard usually prefers it when I don't wear them."
"Didn't need to know that." Garfield muttered awkwardly, his face contorting with mild discomfort at the unexpected revelation.
"I promise to put some on when I get dressed," Kori reassured, turning towards the counter to prepare herself a bowl of cereal. The sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the scene as she engaged in the morning routine. "And Richard has requested that I tell you to hurry up with breakfast and meet him in the combat room for a surprise."
"A surprise? What kind of surprise?" Garfield inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you." Kori replied playfully, taking a bite of her Fruit Loops.
"And she doesn't know." Raven chimed in.
Garfield, deep in thought, slowly touched his chin. Considering that the pleasant surprise from the previous day had been new uniforms, anticipation buzzed in the air. "I wonder what it could be?" He pondered, his excitement palpable as he envisioned the possibilities of the upcoming revelation.
...
After they finished their breakfast and took the time to get dressed, the trio made their way down to the combat room. Excitement and nerves intermingled within the group, each member carrying their own expectations for the surprise that awaited them.
Raven, never one to relish surprises, found herself feeling a sense of apprehension as they approached the combat room doors. Even seemingly enjoyable surprises, such as new uniforms or finally patrolling, didn't sit well with her. As the doors swung open, a subtle tension gripped her, uncertain about what awaited them beyond.
As the trio entered the combat room, their attention was drawn to a woman standing confidently on the center mat. Clad in a striking red uniform with thick black hair, she exuded an air of self-assuredness. "You must be the new Titans I heard so much about." The woman declared with an assertive smile, her presence adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the day's proceedings.
Revealing himself, Richard stepped forward and gestured towards the woman on the mat. "Guys, I would like you to meet D–"
"Wonder Girl!" Garfield eagerly interrupted, his enthusiasm breaking through as he ran forward. "I can't believe I am actually meeting you! This is such an honor! Can I have your autograph?"
Richard shot Garfield a disapproving glare. "Really, Gar?"
"It's fine, Richard." Donna reassured him, facing Garfield with an adoring smile. "I think it's adorable."
"Not exactly the word I would use to describe myself, but sure." Garfield responded nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders with a playful grin.
"I invited Donna here to help with today's training session. Hopefully, she can add some new insight." Richard informed them. The introduction of Wonder Girl promised a dynamic shift in their training routine.
In the blink of an eye, Donna gracefully crouched down, executing a swift leg sweep that sent Garfield sprawling to the ground. "I guess you didn't teach them to always be on guard." Donna observed with a confident smile as she effortlessly stood up straight.
"Garfield is still struggling with the concept." Richard informed her with an amused glint in his eyes.
From his position on the ground, Garfield groaned, the unexpected maneuver catching him off guard. Donna extended her hand, offering assistance, and helped him to his feet. "Who's up first?" Donna asked, scanning the group.
Kori hesitantly raised her hand. "I wouldn't mind some new insight." She admitted, a mix of curiosity and determination in her eyes.
Donna acknowledged Kori with a slight head nod and a warm smile, gracefully moving aside on the mat to invite her to join. Kori walked onto the platform, her anticipation palpable, and positioned herself across from Donna. Meanwhile, Richard made his way to the weapons rack, retrieving the swords they had used the day before. With a skillful toss, he sent a sword to each of them, and both girls caught the weapons mid-air, seamlessly transitioning into defensive stances.
A hushed tension settled over the room as the two opponents locked eyes. Then, with a subtle yet synchronized agreement, they lunged into action. The clash of their swords reverberated through the combat room, a metallic symphony echoing the intensity of their engagement. Pressing their individual strengths against the blades, Donna and Kori became a flurry of movement, showcasing their agility and prowess.
Kori swiftly launched herself into a backward jump, then dashed forward, crouching down to sweep her leg under Donna's feet. However, Donna, displaying remarkable agility, leaped, evading the attack. In retaliation, she swung her sword, prompting Kori to skillfully block the oncoming strike.
Their feet moved with a rapid rhythm on the mat as they continued the intricate choreography of swordplay. The powerful strength in Kori's arms was unmistakable as she launched a swift attack, only for Donna to elegantly bend backward, narrowly avoiding the sharp blade. Kori persisted, swinging again, but Donna adeptly sidestepped each strike.
The match unfolded in a display of remarkable skill and agility. The Amazon and the Tamaranean were evenly matched. They were both fast, strong, and skilled at sword fighting. This became evident the harder they fought. The onlookers could barely track the swift movements of their feet, and the clash of their blades echoed with each interaction. Kori swung her blade forcefully, and Donna, though struggling, managed to block the attack before countering with a high kick to Kori's stomach, sending her staggering backward.
The shock on the faces of the onlookers was clear. Richard, grappling with his protective instincts, resisted the urge to intervene. The intensity of the fight raised internal questions, and he found himself wondering if things were escalating beyond what they had anticipated.
"Richard." Raven spoke, her voice carrying a note of concern.
"It's fine." He quickly reassured her, his confidence masking any hint of unease. Despite the apprehension that lingered within him, Richard understood the nuances of training. Sometimes, a hard hit was necessary to learn and grow. He held firm in the knowledge that Donna would never intentionally harm Kori, and beneath the surface, he knew that things were still under control.
The harsh blow to Kori's stomach sent her sliding across the mat. Digging the tips of her feet into the ground, she employed every ounce of strength in her legs to bring herself to a complete stop. Lowering herself, she harnessed the force within her legs to propel herself forward. With a burst of energy, she jumped in front of Donna, executing a powerful swing of her weapon. Donna swiftly swung her sword to block, but the collision of the two blades resulted in a resounding shatter upon impact.
The room fell into a surprised hush as the girls stood there, staring at the shattered fragments of their weapons scattered on the ground. Slowly lifting their heads to face each other, a moment of silence ensued before they erupted into uncontrollable laughter. The unexpected turn of events had broken the tension in the room, and the shared laughter served as a testament to the camaraderie that bound them together. Now the combat room, once a space of intensity, now echoed with the joyful echoes of shared amusement, a respite from the rigorous training that had unfolded moments ago.
"I've got to say, you put up a good fight, Koriand'r." Donna complimented, shaking Kori's hand as a gesture of sportsmanship.
"As well as you, Donna Troy." Kori agreed with a smile.
The two girls walked off the mat, leaving Richard standing there with a stunned expression. Donna, passing by him, offered a friendly pat on the shoulder. "You gotta get better equipment, Dick." She advised, the camaraderie clear in her tone.
"Those swords were made of 1045 carbon steel, but sure." He responded, the banter reflecting the easy rapport between them.
Garfield, still in a state of pure amazement, stood with his mouth agape. Seeking a shared moment of awe, he turned to Raven, who remained less starstruck. "That was amazing."
"At least we won't have to use swords for a while." Raven commented with a pleased smile.
"Interesting that you think those were the only two we have." Richard informed her, sweeping the shattered sword fragments up with a broom.
Donna took a quick sip of water, refreshing herself before turning back to the others with a confident demeanor. "Who's next?" She asked, and Garfield eagerly raised his hand, his enthusiasm palpable.
"I've never seen you so excited to get your ass kicked." Raven remarked with a comical edge.
"It would be an honor to get my ass kicked by Wonder Girl." Garfield responded with mock seriousness, his eyes alight with anticipation.
"Hey, Tiger Boy. Get a move on." Donna called out from the mat, her playful tone adding a touch of camaraderie to the moment.
Excitedly, Garfield rushed forward, leaping onto the mat and standing opposite to Donna. Before engaging, he pressed his hands together and bowed his head. "I am eager to learn your ways, Sensei." he declared with a touch of theatrics.
Donna raised an eyebrow at the display, a hint of amusement playing on her features. "Maybe you will actually pay attention to what Donna sensei has to say." Richard remarked, grabbing a couple of wooden staffs before tossing them to the fighters.
Donna caught the staff in mid-air, immediately assuming a defensive stance. "Show me what you got, Grasshopper." She challenged playfully.
Garfield's initial excitement shifted to seriousness as he gripped his staff. Initiating the fight, he charged forward, swinging his weapon abruptly. However, Donna effortlessly blocked his attacks with a grace that reflected her seasoned skills. He swung again and again, but each time, she skillfully parried his blows.
In an unexpected twist, Donna counterattacked, using the other end of the staff to swing back at Garfield's face. To everyone's surprise, including Garfield himself, he managed to bend backward, dodging the hit with a reflexive move. Straightening himself, he turned around, expecting acknowledgment from his friends, only for each of them to point back at the opponent he was still facing.
Garfield quickly refocused, ducking away from a staff that swung near his head. Donna continued to press the attack, and they engaged in a dynamic dance on the mat. Back and forth, they moved, blocking and countering each other's hits, the wooden staffs creating a rhythmic symphony of clashing sounds in the combat room. The energy of the fight heightened, and the room echoed with the intensity of the friendly yet challenging sparring match.
"You're doing quite well holding your own, Grasshopper." Donna praised, skillfully blocking Garfield's strikes.
Garfield's face immediately lit up at the compliment. "Really?" He exclaimed excitedly.
However, Donna swiftly swung her staff, nearly catching him off guard while he was basking in the praise. "Though you get distracted very easily." She observed, seamlessly transitioning into another attack.
Garfield, quick on his feet, blocked her incoming strike. "So, they tell me." He huffed, a touch of self-awareness in his response.
"It's good to know what your weaknesses are." Donna praised, offering constructive feedback. "Now you know how to improve yourself."
Garfield, accustomed to being informed of his weaknesses, was taken aback by the positive spin Donna put on it. The unexpected perspective momentarily sidetracked him, and when she swung her staff at his feet, he neglected to jump, resulting in him being knocked down on his back.
Closing his eyes, Garfield winced as the impact resonated through his body. When he opened them again, he found Donna standing over him with a warm smile and an extended hand.
"I would work on that a bit." She suggested, assisting him to his feet. "But on the plus side, you were able to hold your own longer than expected."
Garfield chuckled at that. "Thanks." He said, rubbing the tender spot on his head as he walked off the mat. Stepping over to Richard, he received a sympathetic pat on the back before being handed an icepack.
Ready for her next opponent, Donna confidently took her place at the center of the mat. Her gaze shifted down to the last person she had yet to face.
Raven stood on the sidelines, visibly apprehensive and holding herself with a measure of reluctance. Richard gave her a light nudge toward the mat in a silent encouragement. Raven knew well by now that attempting to talk her way out of these sessions was futile. No matter how many accidents her powers caused her friends, the unwavering support of her teammates insisted on pushing her back into the ring.
Taking a deep breath, Raven summoned her courage and walked forward, each step echoing with a mix of determination and apprehension as she stepped onto the mat to face Donna. The visible tension in her expression hinted at the internal struggle she faced.
"Raven, I know you're hesitant about this, but I am confident that you will do just fine." Donna reassured her with genuine warmth, offering a caring smile that carried both encouragement and understanding. Donna extended the wooden staff toward Raven, symbolizing not just a weapon for the upcoming bout, but also a token of camaraderie and support.
Raven accepted the staff, her fingers slowly closing around it. "My ability to fight, or lack thereof, isn't where my concern lies." She admitted. "It's when I exceed expectations by using a power that I can't fully master."
"Mastering one's powers can be difficult, but don't let that diminish your confidence. Be resilient." Donna advised, taking a defensive stance. "And don't be afraid to show me what you've got. Trust me, I've dealt with way worse."
"I doubt that." Raven responded under her breath, her skepticism apparent as she assumed her own defensive stance.
Donna seized the initiative, her swift movements setting the pace as she swung her staff towards Raven. In response, Raven reacted promptly, raising her own staff to block the incoming strike. The combatants circled around the mat, a dance of calculated strikes and expert blocks unfolding.
Donna continued her assault, swinging her weapon with practiced skill. Raven mirrored her actions, each defensive move reminiscent of the training from the day before. As Raven held up her staff in defense, the echo of Richard's voice resonated in her mind, a persistent reminder: "You can't win a battle with blocking alone." She shook away the voice, focusing on the rhythmic clash of staffs.
Despite the silence, Raven sensed the unspoken expectation to counterattack building around her. Each defensive maneuver heightened the pressure, and though Richard didn't utter a word, his guidance echoed in her thoughts: "You have to counter to have any chance at victory."
Feeling the weight of the unspoken challenge, Raven made her move. With one last defensive strike, blocking Donna's attack, she took the risk and initiated an unexpected counter, swinging the staff at Donna.
Donna, recognizing Raven's boldness, smiled approvingly as she swiftly blocked the counterattack. Before she could formulate a counter of her own, Raven unleashed another strike with determination.
On the sidelines, Richard observed the unfolding exchange with genuine admiration. Donna had succeeded in convincing Raven to take a chance, and he acknowledged the growth in his teammate's approach.
Donna, skilled and composed, once again blocked Raven's strike. However, this time, she seamlessly spun her staff around, letting the other end connect with Raven's stomach. The impact of the strike forced Raven to bend over, the harsh collision leaving her on her knees. Quickly dropping her staff, Raven clutched her stomach, enduring the aftermath of the blow.
Donna approached Raven, extending her hand in a gesture to help her opponent to her feet. Raven, caught in the throes of an internal struggle, hesitated for a moment. Despite Donna's genuine offer of help, a determined resolve overcame Raven, and she chose to rise on her own. Slowly lifting her head to face Donna, Raven's glowing red eyes held an intensity that left Donna momentarily stunned.
A palpable silence enveloped the room as Raven, in a sudden burst of power, seized her staff from beside her. The energy emanating from her began to intertwine with the wood, transforming it into an otherworldly conduit of dark energy. A wicked grin crept across her face as she stood straight, holding up the weapon bathed in dark energy.
"Ah, oh." Garfield voiced, his concern clear in the tense atmosphere.
"Raven!" Richard called out quickly, a note of urgency in his voice. However, before he and the others could intervene, Donna raised her hand in protest.
"I want to see how this plays out." She declared sternly, her gaze unwavering as she faced her now-corrupted opponent.
"Donna, this isn't a good idea." Richard advised, apprehension evident in his voice.
"I want to see what happens when Raven doesn't hold back." Donna responded firmly, her conviction unwavering. Richard, torn between caution and trust in Donna's judgment, opened his mouth to protest further but closed it, recognizing that if anyone could face Raven in this state, it was Donna.
Donna held her ground with a defensive stance, gripping her staff tightly as she maintained unwavering eye contact with Raven. The eerie glow of Raven's red eyes sent a shiver down Donna's spine, but she remained resolute.
Raven moved with inhuman speed, a blur of motion as she soared through the air. Exhilaration painted her face as she swung her black staff, aiming for Donna. Swiftly responding, Donna blocked the attack with her own staff, only for it to snap in half from the force. Reacting quickly, Donna crossed both pieces, successfully blocking Raven's second blow.
"Richard, the titanium!" Donna urgently yelled, prompting Richard to snatch the titanium staff from the rack and toss it to her.
Donna used the broken staff to thrust Raven back before deftly catching the titanium mid-air. Raven, undeterred, lunged forward again, swinging her weapon. Donna, with gritted teeth, managed to block the strikes, but Raven's relentless assault left her with no opportunity to counterattack. The intensity of the fight escalated, with Donna forced to continuously block the powerful hits or risk injury.
Despite holding her own, Donna struggled. Raven's speed, strength, and ruthless attacks made the battle challenging. The haunting glow in Raven's eyes and the unrelenting nature of her strikes conveyed a clear message – she was out for blood.
"Richard..." Kori spoke nervously, with obvious concern.
Richard shared her unease, aware of the precarious situation unfolding. "Donna?" Richard began, but she quickly interrupted.
"I'm fine, Richard!" Donna declared with determination. Blocking another hit, she fought to maintain her composure.
"Are you Donna?" Raven's deep voice echoed as she effortlessly swung her staff. "Because I can sense your confidence diminishing." Donna, straining under the demonic weight of the staff, blocked the hit but struggled to resist Raven's force. "You question just how strong I am. And you wonder how far I will go to prove that I am superior."
"How far will you go?" Donna asked, her voice steady even as the pressure forced her to her knees.
The corner of Raven's mouth curved into a malevolent smile as she leaned forward. "Death."
The weight of Raven's ominous declaration lingered in the air, and with that, Richard reached his breaking point. Determined to prevent further escalation, he swiftly approached the battling duo. Snatching one of the broken pieces of the staff, he swung it with precision, connecting with the back of Raven's head and rendering her unconscious.
Raven crumpled to the ground, and in an instant, Kori hurried to Donna's side, ensuring her well-being. "I'm fine, I'm fine." Donna reassured, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Donna rose to her feet, straightening herself and regaining her bearings before turning to Richard. They locked eyes for a prolonged moment, the intensity of the confrontation still palpable. "That was intense." She admitted, struggling to find words to encapsulate the gravity of what had just transpired.
Richard bent down to Raven's level, gently cradling her unconscious form in his arms. "You have no idea, Donna." He replied, the weight of the recent events evident in his voice.
...