Titans Together

...

Chapter Six.

...

After a taxing night, Raven eagerly anticipated the solace her meditation offered. The previous hours had been fraught with internal struggles and looming apprehension about the impending exercise with Bruce. Following a quick and subdued breakfast, she made her way to her usual spot in the garden, seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of nature. The melodic symphony of birdsong in the trees and the gentle cascade of water from the fountain worked in tandem to bring her instant relief.

Seated upon the cool stone surface, Raven gracefully crossed her legs and prepared for the meditative escape that had become a cornerstone of her routine. With the looming prospect of the exercise hung over her, she welcomed the opportunity to immerse herself in the serenity of the present moment. The impending anxiety was momentarily banished as she cleared her mind, focusing on the soothing sounds of her surroundings.

The cool embrace of a summer breeze swept through the garden, causing leaves to rustle in a harmonious cadence. Raven enjoyed the refreshing wind that tousled her hair, the moment serving as a brief respite from the tumult of her thoughts. However, the tranquility was fleeting as the unmistakable aura of the stoic master of the house began to permeate the serene atmosphere.

"Hello, Bruce." Raven greeted in a monotone voice, opening her eyes to acknowledge his arrival.

"Let us begin." Bruce intoned, his voice carrying the weight of authority. A sigh, laden with a sense of dread, escaped Raven as she braced herself for what lay ahead. Bruce, ever confident, issued his instructions with an assurance that bordered on unwavering. "I want you to release your powers with complete faith that nothing bad will happen. Know that I have absolute control over the situation."

"And how will you have control over the situation?" Raven inquired, a subtle crease forming on her forehead as she sought clarity.

"Don't worry yourself with how. Just know that I do." He answered calmly, his tone exuding a sense of unwavering certainty.

Raven closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a moment of internal preparation before delving into the exercise. She focused her psychic energy on her dark power, attuning herself to the subtle nuances of the surrounding emotions, particularly Bruce's. As she sensed his confidence and composure, a reassuring calm settled over her. This newfound assurance allowed her to let go of her fear and misgivings. Keeping herself calm and her breathing steady, she summoned the energy, releasing it in a calm and controlled manner, allowing her psychic prowess to bend the dark energy at her whim.

"This is your power." Bruce told her sternly. "Don't let your self-doubt tell you that you are not in control. Believe that once you release your power, you will be able to take it back."

As Raven absorbed his guidance, Bruce watched with intrigue as the dark energy formed around him, coalescing into a thick black cloud. The sound it made was a symphony of mystifying vibrations as it circled around Raven, responding to her will with fluidity and precision. The energy, once unleashed, danced at her command, expanding and contracting in harmonious choreography. Just as swiftly as it had appeared, Raven demonstrated a newfound ease in pulling it back in.

A heavy breath escaped Raven as she slowly opened her eyes, a genuine expression of surprise etching across her features. The revelation of her newfound control over the darkness left her momentarily stunned. Just yesterday, the struggle to contain the ominous forces within her had been a harrowing ordeal. Yet, this seemingly simple exercise had unveiled a profound transformation.

"Now, do you see your progress?" Bruce inquired, his tone a blend of satisfaction and encouragement. Raven turned to him, a joyful smile gracing her face as she nodded in affirmation. "We will do this every day, and every day, we will test your control further." Bruce informed her before turning and leaving the garden, his steps resonating with purpose.

From the doorway, Richard observed the session, genuinely impressed by the control Raven had over her burgeoning abilities. "Just out of curiosity." He began, stopping Bruce in his tracks. "How did you have control over the situation?"

"I didn't." Bruce answered simply. "But unlike you, I made sure my emotions didn't portray that. Her sensing my confidence in the situation took away her fear and self-doubt."

Richard turned back to Raven, a subtle tinge of dismay coloring his expression. The weight of contemplation hung in the air. Was it really that simple? Could his undying confidence make that much of a difference for her? As he grappled with these introspective thoughts, the truth loomed over him. Was it even possible to provide the unwavering confidence she desperately needed?

...

Deep within the secure walls of one of the imposing Cadmus buildings, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable tension that seemed to cling to the air like an invisible shroud. The woman standing in the well-appointed office exuded an air of strength. Yet, nervousness flickered in the depths of her eyes as she addressed the formidable figure seated behind the grandiose desk.

"Mr. Luther, we have finally tracked down the location of our escapees." She informed him, her voice a study in controlled steadiness. However, even her poised demeanor couldn't mask the unease that permeated the room.

"Took you long enough." Mr. Luther muttered impatiently, his stern countenance casting a foreboding shadow over the otherwise pristine office. The dim light flickered, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. His demand for efficiency echoed in the silence, creating an almost palpable tension that hung in the air. "Where are they?"

The woman approached his desk, her steps measured, and handed Mr. Luther a sleek tablet, its screen displaying a video at the ready. With a stoic expression, he watched as the alien redhead strolled down the sunlit sidewalk next to the green teenager, each enjoying a large ice cream cone.

"What if we trap her in a tall tower, and you climb all the way to the top to rescue her?" The alien optimistically suggested on the video.

Looking sufficiently annoyed, the green boy was quick to dismiss the idea. "Kori, I said no Disney movies." The mundane conversation of the targets clashed with the intensity of the situation, creating an odd dissonance in the room.

Ignoring the banter from the targets, Mr. Luther watched closely as they strolled up to a foreboding building and walked inside. "They reside in a Tower in Jump City, California." The woman continued.

"Well, let's get a move on then." Mr. Luther stated, his impatience cutting through the air like a sharp blade. The urgency in his voice resonated with an unspoken directive, and the room buzzed with the anticipation of swift action.

"If I may, Mr. Luther, Sir." A dark-haired man interrupted, stepping forward with a sense of purpose that demanded attention. As he entered the spotlight, the atmosphere in the room thickened, the collective anticipation escalating to a palpable level. "I would like to take the lead on this one."

Mr. Luther narrowed his eyes, suspicion etched on his face. "Why so quick to volunteer, Mr. Galtry?" He inquired, his discerning gaze fixed on the man who had stepped into the forefront.

"I guess you can say I have a personal vendetta with one of them." Nicholas Galtry replied, his voice carrying unresolved emotions. As he casually tucked his dark bangs behind his face, a prominent scar became visible – a memento from a vicious tiger mauling that spoke volumes about personal vengeances and an unyielding determination.

"...As you wish, Nicholas Galtry. You may take the lead in this assignment." Mr. Luther granted, his approval resonating with a sense of unspoken authority. "Do not disappoint me." The directive hung in the air, a silent warning that underscored the gravity of the mission and the high expectations placed upon Nicholas Galtry's shoulders.

...

Sixteen long weeks had stretched out, each passing day feeling like an eternity. One hundred and twelve days had slipped away, unraveling into two thousand, six hundred eighty-eight hours of Richard's absence. Not that Kori would admit to counting.

Despite knowing her friend's absence was important, Kori struggled with Richard's prolonged absence as it became an emotional weight she struggled to bear. Days slipped by without a call, and soon, even Richard's one worded messages seemed to fade away as the silence between them grew louder, amplifying her anxieties. As time marched on, her worries morphed into irrational fears. What if he never returned? What if Gotham claimed him indefinitely? The uncertainty gnawed at her, fostering a sense of unease.

The looming possibility of stepping into Richard's shoes as the new leader of the Titans added another layer of distress. The thought of assuming a role she felt ill-prepared for haunted her, envisioning a scenario where her lack of leadership skills led the team astray. It all boiled down to one central truth—Richard's absence had become a catalyst for a cascade of fears and doubts.

Kori once again checked her phone for any new messages, her eyes scanning the screen with hopeful anticipation. However, the persistent lack of activity caused a heavy sigh to escape her, and she sorrowfully sank deeper into the cushions of the living room couch. The weight of Richard's absence pressed heavily on her, a tangible force that seemed to permeate every corner of her existence. The isolation in the room echoed with the absence of his messages, and the emptiness stretched out before her, accentuating the distance that had grown between them.

"I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours."

Kori's melancholy eyes remained fixed on the screen, where every romantic line from the television seemed to intensify her sense of loneliness. The characters on the screen, entangled in love stories, only served to magnify the void left by Richard's absence.

Garfield entered the living room, his gaze immediately falling upon Kori slouched on the couch. He, too, missed their friends, realizing that the respite from Richard's relentless monitoring was no longer worth the absence of their companions. However, Kori's lack of motivation and the palpable aura of depression surrounding her signaled that she was taking their leader's absence particularly hard.

Surveying the movie playing on the large television, Garfield sighed and shook his head disapprovingly. "Really, Kori? The Notebook?"

"It's such a sweet movie." She sighed, her voice carrying the weight of her longing.

"And it's making you more miserable." Garfield observed, determined to lift her spirits. "You need a happy, upbeat movie. Something to get your mind off Richard." He said, grabbing the remote and flipping through channels. "There!" He exclaimed, a spark of excitement in his eyes as Dorothy ran alongside her dog Toto on the screen. "The Wizard of Oz. This will help cheer you up."

Kori slowly sat up in her seat, a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she anticipated the mood-lifting effect of the movie. The soft glow of the television screen painted a gentle illumination across her face, creating an atmosphere of quiet comfort in the living room.

"I'm going to go make us some popcorn." Garfield announced.

While still nursing a sense of sadness, Kori found herself becoming engrossed in the black and white film. The enchanting tale of The Wizard of Oz unfolded on the screen, weaving its magic through the quaint and idyllic countryside. The simple yet captivating narrative provided a welcome distraction, momentarily easing the weight of her emotions.

Not long after the microwave beeped, signaling the completion of the popcorn, Garfield returned to the room with a large bowl in his hands. "Is she in Oz yet?" He asked, his mouth already occupied with a handful of popcorn.

But before Kori could answer, red flashing lights lit up the tower as a loud siren, shrill and urgent, blasted through the halls. The sudden intrusion of the blaring alarm startled Garfield, causing him to abruptly drop the popcorn. Simultaneously, Kori jumped up from the couch, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and concern.

As the robotic voice echoed through the tower, repeating the alarming message. Unauthorized access! Unauthorized access! Unauthorized access! The urgency in the announcement hung heavy in the air, heightening the tension and leaving both Kori and Garfield on edge.

"What's happening?!" Kori asked frantically, her gaze darting around the room as if searching for an explanation.

"I think it's the security alarm!" Garfield answered, covering his ears against the persistent wail of the siren. The unexpected disturbance had shifted the atmosphere from one of movie-induced tranquility to a state of heightened alertness.

Before the two could react, the doors to the room barged open, swinging wide to reveal a group of men clad in ominous black uniforms. The air turned tense as the intruders stormed into the room, their presence sending an immediate signal of alarm.

"Targets found." One man announced crisply, setting the stage for the approaching chaos. The SWAT team, armed and determined, locked onto their targets, ready to take them down.

Despite being caught off guard and outnumbered, the Titans weren't about to succumb easily. The countless hours of relentless training and the lack of action had left them more than prepared for a moment like this, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through their veins.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kori unleashed a battle cry and lunged forward with impressive speed. The men, underestimating the furious Titan, found themselves unprepared for her ferocity. In a whirlwind of movement, she delivered a powerful punch to the armed guard in her path, shattering his protective headgear and rendering him unconscious. With a swift motion, she whammed her arm back, striking the man behind her before deftly wrapping her arms around his neck. Using him as a makeshift shield, she lifted herself up and executed a series of precise kicks, incapacitating the other two men who dared to approach her. The room became a battleground, and the Titans were not backing down without a fight.

Perceiving Garfield as less threatening than the alien, a couple of guards cautiously approached him, subtly backing him into the kitchen. The changeling raised his hands slowly in surrender, a gesture that didn't dissuade the guards from pointing their weapons at him. Just as the tension peaked, Kori inadvertently hurled one of the guards, sending him crashing into the kitchen counter.

Seizing the opportune distraction, Garfield swiftly took action. In a coordinated dance of agility, he kicked a weapon out of one guard's grip and snatched it up in a fluid motion. A shot rang out, hitting the other guard's hand and forcing him to relinquish his weapon. Garfield, demonstrating his impressive new combat skills, flipped the gun around and used the butt to strike them in the exposed area of their masked face. With a crouch and a well-timed leg swing, he incapacitated both guards, sending them sprawling to the ground.

Breathing slightly heavily, Garfield straightened up, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. The surprise and pride were evident in his expression as he realized he had managed to take down the adversaries without resorting to his animal-shifting powers.

However, before he could fully revel in his victory, a sharp prick disrupted his triumph. Turning his head, Garfield glanced over his shoulder, discovering three animal tranquilizers protruding from his shoulder blade. The elation of his accomplishment quickly turned to concern as the tranquilizers took effect.

"Now that was just unnecessary." Garfield spoke, his vision becoming a blur. "I mean, one of those could knock out a bear... three could probably kill an..." He fell to his knees. "Ele...phant..." He slurred his words before collapsing onto the ground.

Kori swiftly grabbed the guard in front of her, lifting him effortlessly and hurling him across the room. Using the brief second before another opponent approached her, she turned to check on Garfield, only to find him motionless on the ground. "Garfield!" She cried.

Uncertain of whether he was alive or dead, fear surged through her. Her jaw clenched as she turned back to the approaching men, her glowing eyes glaring angrily at them. The palms of her hands began to emit a bright green glow as heat radiated from them.

Before she could launch an attack, another man entered the room. He walked calmly, his expression relaxed and unthreatened. This man was different from the others in black uniforms. He had no armor to protect himself. No helmet, or weapons. Just an average man with dark hair and a distinguished scar on his face.

"What did you do to him?!" Kori demanded, her anger directed at the scar-faced man.

"Mister Logan is perfectly fine." Mr. Galtry reassured her, his voice carrying an air of calculated calmness. "He is merely unconscious." With a snap of his fingers, the armed men surrounding them shifted their focus, pointing their weapons at the unconscious changeling. "But he won't fare well after that." Galtry added with a chilling certainty.

Kori's widened eyes darted between Galtry and Garfield. The sinister smile on Galtry's face hinted at something darker beneath the surface. "I think you understand what needs to be done." He insinuated, the weight of his words lingering in the air.

Taking a slow, measured breath, Kori closed her eyes and lowered her head, a deep sense of anguish apparent in her posture. She reluctantly dropped her hands, allowing the once-bright light to diminish gradually. The room, once illuminated by her power, now plunged into a harsh, dim reality.

"That's a good girl." Galtry commended, a hint of approval in his tone. He then turned to his personnel, barking orders. "Contain them."

The men in black swiftly surrounded Kori, their weapons poised in case of any resistance. Galtry, holding specialized restraints, approached her. The cold metal clanged ominously as he secured the formidable restraints around her hands, designed specifically to confine her powerful abilities. The weight of defeat hung heavy in the air as the team picked up the unconscious Garfield and escorted Kori out of the building, her strides echoing the somber cadence of captivity.

The room they left behind was a scene of chaos and destruction. Shattered glass adorned the floor like glistening confetti, broken furniture lay scattered, and the tower's alarm system persistently blared, the cacophony of distress weaving through the silence. Despite the chaos, the cracked television screen continued to play The Wizard of Oz. The haunting juxtaposition against the unfolding tragedy.

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby..."

...

With a newfound sense of optimism guiding her, Raven adhered to her daily routine with meticulous precision. Each morning, she rose with determination, engaging in a quick breakfast that often involved a pleasant chat with Alfred, a comforting presence in the otherwise solemn atmosphere of Wynne Manor. The morning ritual served as a grounding force, preparing her for the challenges that lay ahead.

Following breakfast, Raven would make her way to the serene garden, a sacred space where she immersed herself in meditation. The melodic symphony of nature became the backdrop to her introspective journey, and the tranquility of the surroundings provided a canvas for her to navigate the intricate realms of her own mind.

After an hour or two of profound meditation, Bruce would make his entrance, introducing a new challenge for Raven to confront and overcome. Initially met with trepidation, these exercises gradually became a welcomed part of her routine. With each passing day, Raven found herself transitioning from dreading Bruce's assignments to, albeit secretly, looking forward to the growth they facilitated.

This routine persisted consistently for two more months, a dedicated period during which Raven honed her abilities under Bruce's watchful eye. As the weeks unfolded, the dynamic shifted, and Raven's progress became evident. It was only when Bruce, confident in her newfound control over her powers, deemed her self-sufficient that this chapter of her training drew to a close.

In the serene ambiance of Wynne Manor's tranquil garden, Raven found herself in a state of profound meditation. Seated gracefully with her legs crossed, she closed her eyes, immersing herself in the stillness of the surroundings. Her rhythmic breathing resonated with the peaceful atmosphere, creating an aura of calm around her.

As Raven delved deeper into her meditative state, an unseen tension lingered in the air. Abruptly, her piercing eyes shot open, revealing a glint of determination. In an almost imperceptible motion, she manipulated the energy around her, halting the twenty flying discs hurtling towards her from all directions. Each disc hovered precariously just a foot away, frozen in midair.

A subtle smirk played on Raven's lips as she released a satisfied breath, effortlessly dropping the motionless discs to the ground. The clatter of metal meeting the stone pathway went unnoticed by her, for her focus remained unwavering. With swift precision, she raised her hand, harnessing her energy to halt a blunt arrow hurtling toward her face.

On the periphery of the garden, Bruce observed Raven's display with stoic composure. His keen eyes followed her every move, and as the arrow hung suspended in the air before her, he gave a minute nod – an imperceptible signal that prompted the next sequence of events.

In response to Bruce's nod, Richard sprang into action without a single sound. Charging forward with a staff in hand, he unleashed the weapon with expert precision, hurtling it towards Raven. The staff sailed through the air with lethal intent, a silent challenge launched against the backdrop of the calm garden.

Feeling the surge of Richard's relentless assault, Raven gracefully rose from her seated position, a swift and fluid motion that showcased the agility inherent in her every move. Without missing a beat, she extended her arm, fingers splayed, tapping into the depths of her powers. Her gaze locked onto a nearby gardening rake, the mundane tool taking on newfound significance in her capable hands.

A magnetic force seemed to connect Raven to the rake as her powers engulfed the tool, yanking it off the ground and into her waiting hand with a swiftness that defied the laws of physics. The rake became an extension of her will, a weapon molded by the unseen currents of her energy.

Richard, undeterred, continued his relentless assault, hurling his staff at Raven with a fluidity born of years of training. The air crackled with tension as Raven deftly wielded the gardening rake, the iron prongs poised as a formidable countermeasure against Richard's advances. Each swing and parry displayed a newfound confidence in Raven's combat abilities.

However, Richard, ever the seasoned fighter, unexpectedly changed tactics. Instead of meeting Raven's strike head-on, he altered the trajectory of his staff, aiming a calculated blow at her feet. Raven, still acclimating herself to the intricacies of combat, found herself vulnerable to this unexpected move. The staff connected with her legs, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Raven's face contorted in momentary discomfort as the pain of her fall registered. A dissatisfied sigh escaped her lips, acknowledging her defeat. Yet, even in the face of setback, her determined gaze met Richard's. Without hesitation, Richard extended a hand, a silent gesture of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Raven, accepting the unspoken offer, reached up and took his hand, allowing him to effortlessly pull her back to her feet.

As Raven regained her footing with Richard's assistance, Bruce approached the pair with a measured stride, his discerning eyes taking in the aftermath of their sparring session. "Combat is still not your strong suit." He remarked, his tone a mix of assessment and encouragement. His voice cut through the air with a precision that mirrored his keen observation. "But I'm sure more training with Richard will aid in that."

Clearing his throat in a genteel manner, Alfred drew their attention away from the momentary pause in their conversation. "We better get a move on if you two are going to make your flight." He announced, the subtle sense of urgency cutting through the air.

Expressing her gratitude, Raven turned to Bruce with an appreciative smile gracing her features. "Thank you for all of your help." She acknowledged, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation for the guidance she had received.

Bruce, renowned for his wisdom and mentorship, met her gaze with a stern yet reassuring expression. "You are an extremely powerful person, Raven. But don't let that power frighten you. You are capable of controlling it. You just need the confidence in doing so." His words held a weight that transcended the immediate context, carrying a broader message about self-assurance and mastering one's own abilities.

In acknowledgment, Raven nodded her head, absorbing Bruce's words with a commitment to internalize the wisdom he imparted.

"I really appreciate what you have done." Richard spoke up, directing his words toward his former mentor.

Bruce turned to Richard, his demeanor reflecting a humility that belied his own formidable capabilities. "It's nothing you were incapable of doing." He informed Richard, emphasizing the belief he held in the potential of those under his mentorship.

Richard let out a quiet sigh and nodded his head. He understood now what Raven needed from him, and saw firsthand what his unconditional confidence could do for her. Richard had big plans for when they returned to the Tower. He was going to create a whole new training regimen. Suspecting Garfield had strayed away from his routine, Richard was going to make sure the changeling was back on track. He was going to give Raven his full confidence, showing her that he had no doubt in her capability to achieve control. And he was going to take Kori out on a proper romantic date, and make up for lost time.

...

After navigating the labyrinth of airport security, deftly managing their luggage, and settling into the plane, Richard and Raven were relieved to finally be returning home.

They hopped into Richard's familiar car, the engine humming to life. As the car steadily moved through the urban tapestry, the anticipation within Richard intensified. The Tower awaited them, but more than the structure itself, it was the prospect of seeing a familiar face, of reconnecting with the one who held a special place in his heart, that fueled the eager excitement coursing through him.

Driving steadily through the crowded streets, Richard's mind danced with thoughts of Kori. He acknowledged that he hadn't kept in touch with her as frequently as he should have during their time away. The distance, both physical and sequential, had made the task more challenging. Despite technological connections through computer screens, the virtual interactions could not quell the ache of missing her presence. The mere sight of her face on his computer monitor had become a bittersweet reminder of what he yearned for.

As Richard guided the car into the Tower's garage, a wave of excitement surged within him. The prospect of seeing Kori in person after an extended absence fueled his eagerness. While he maintained a facade of calm and collected composure, Raven, perceptive as ever, sensed the bubbling excitement that thrummed beneath the surface.

The anticipation heightened as they stepped into the elevator, the confined space amplifying the shared energy between them. However, amidst their eager ascent to the Tower's main floor, a distant sound intruded upon the anticipation, a subtle disruption that drew their attention and added an unexpected layer of intrigue to their return.

"What is that?" Raven asked, her attention drawn to an unsettling sound reverberating through the Tower. As she turned to Richard for an explanation, his facial expression betrayed a sense of foreboding, signaling that whatever they were about to encounter wasn't anything good.

With a heavy weight settling in the pit of his stomach, Richard couldn't conceal the gravity of the situation. "It's the Tower's security system." He informed her, the seriousness in his tone underscoring the urgency of the moment.

As the elevator doors slid open, Richard and Raven cautiously stepped into the Tower's domain. The relentless wail of the scarcity system persisted, casting an ominous cloud over the once-familiar halls. The haunting echo followed them as they navigated through the Tower, each step taken with a sense of apprehension.

Upon entering the living room, the source of the disconcerting alarms became painfully apparent. Disarray greeted them as broken glass crunched underfoot with each step forward, its sharp fragments punctuating the eerie stillness pervading the air. Chairs and lamps lay strewn across the floor, silent witnesses to the chaos that had unfolded. Among the debris, bullet shells littered the ground, ominous remnants of the disturbance.

The shattered windows allowed a gust of wind to sweep through the room, causing long curtains to billow ominously. The once serene and secure space now bore the scars of a struggle, leaving Richard and Raven to confront the unsettling aftermath of an intrusion into their home.

Surveying the chaos that unfolded in the living room, Richard's gaze scanned the wreckage. Despite the apparent mayhem, the absence of blood offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that gripped him. A silent hope echoed in his mind as he clung to the belief that their friends might still be alive.

In the midst of the disarray, Raven ventured into the kitchen, the crunch of spilled popcorn beneath her shoes serving as a discordant symphony to the unsettling scene. As she moved, her foot collided with a foreign object, a large syringe that rolled forward. The momentary pause in her stride was followed by a swift examination of the unexpected discovery.

"Richard." She called, the urgency evident in her tone. Turning to him, she held up the syringe, her eyes fixed on the label that bore the ominous insignia of Cadmus. The revelation hung in the air like an unspoken accusation, the weight of the moment encapsulated by the animal tranquilizer clutched in Raven's hand.

...