A.N. Hey everybody! OCMixmaster27 here with a little break from my regularly scheduled postings!
So, I was originally going to post updates for my Anime Cinematic Universe, but then the wonderful author known as King Devil Bringer posted a plot bunny that needed a new home. The idea was for Raven of the Teen Titans to be in a toxic, abusive relationship with Malchior, and that Naruto – who would be a villain in this reality – would help her get out of it and get together with her. Since I already had a 'What If' story in my mind of Naruto being a student of Orochimaru, I decided that this would be a wonderful combination.
So, King Devil Bringer, consider this me picking up your gauntlet!
Disclaimer: OCMixmaster27 does not own any of the franchises represented in this story. This work is made for nonprofit entertainment purposes only.
"Hello there!": Speech.
'This is gonna be fun': Thoughts.
{My English can use some work.}: Foreign Language
[All systems are go!]: Mechanical/TV/Phone Speech
"How Dare You!": Monster/Demon Speech, Technique
Let'sgetiton!
Lonely Together
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
Location: Raven's Room, Titans Tower
A pale teenage girl with short violet hair and violet eyes sits in her room with a depressing expression on her face. This is the sorceress Raven of the Teen Titans, wearing her traditional indigo cloak and leotard. In her arms, she clutches a white tome containing the story of Malchior of Nol, a wizard who did battle in the Middle Ages against the Dread Dragon Rorek.
She's been trying to finish the story all day, but there've been multiple interruptions. First, it was the cybernetic heart known as Kardiak attacking children at a park, which she dismembered quickly. After that, it was her teammates trying to interact with her, which she quickly dismissed.
The green shapeshifter named Beast Boy was especially upset by her rejection.
"Why can't you have fun like normal people?! Why are you always locked in your dark room reading your nasty old books?! Why do you have to be so creepy?!"
"I'm not creepy. I'm just different," Raven mutters to herself. "I wish there was someone around here that understood that. Someone I could talk to. Someone…more like me."
"There is."
Raven gasps as she flings away the book that just spoke to her, which lands roughly in the floor.
"Ow," the book says.
Raven eyes the book warily. "Uh, did you just–"
"Speak?" the book finishes.
"Uh huh."
"I did, and then you dropped me on my spine," the book quips.
"Oh. Sorry," Raven apologizes. "Books aren't supposed to talk."
"True, fair maiden, but I am no book," the tome clarifies as it opens itself up, revealing a half-torn page with an illustration of the top-half of an attractive, long-haired male. "I am a man. Malchior of Nol, at your service!"
"The wizard who faced the Dread Dragon Rorek?" Raven asks in shock.
"The wizard who defeated Rorek," Malchior confirms, "and who is trapped between these pages by the dragon's final curse."
"Trapped?" Raven questions. "But that battle was almost…"
"One thousand years ago," Malchior finishes, "and I've been waiting for someone to find me ever since."
The pages flip again, revealing an elaborate illustration of a smiling Raven surrounded by magic.
"Raven," Malchior says in a happy tone, "I've been waiting for you."
Raven blushes at the wizard's words before using her magic on the book itself, only for that magic to be blasted away by bright light.
"The curse is strong. I'm sorry," Raven apologizes. "I don't think my power can break it."
"I know," Malchior says comfortingly, "but perhaps we can just…talk?"
Raven smiles, finally happy that her wish is being fulfilled.
Location: Desert Outskirts of Jump City
Three haggard-looking teens trudge through the desert under the moonlit sky. The first is a girl named Jinx, with pink hair styled like horns, pink cat eyes, and pale skin, wearing a black and purple dress with a supernatural theme, along with a jeweled necklace. The second teenager is a very short bald boy named Gizmo, wearing a green full-body jumpsuit and a pair of green goggles on his head. The third teenager is a savage-looking redheaded male named Mammoth, who towers over both of his teammates and wears a black jumpsuit with no sleeves and a yellow harness, along with yellow boots and bracelets.
All three of them have just endured a hellish survival trip in the desert of the Jump Bay Area, and are now walking back to their headquarters, the Hive Academy for Villains.
"Ugh…remind me how spending three days in the desert is supposed to help us be better criminals?" Mammoth asks as he, the team's muscle, carries everyone's survival gear.
"It's not, pit-sniffer! The headmaster's just punishing us like he has for months now!" Gizmo complains.
"Well, maybe if somebody didn't sneak off campus and get himself captured…" Jinx argues, glaring at the short tech-themed villain.
"Hey! I'm the one who stole Cyborg's car! If anything, I should have gotten rewarded!" Gizmo contends.
Jinx sighs. "Let's just get this over with so that we can get a proper shower and some proper beds again."
Mammoth looks downcast. "Man, this whole thing stinks. We're wasting our time with this so-called 'training'? Does he really expect us to find the secret to beating the Teen Titans here in this desert?"
FSHWOOOM!
All three of them are taken aback as a dome of bright light suddenly materializes right in front of them, whipping up wind and blowing sand across the desert floor. After a few moments, the dome dissipates, leaving a large cloud of dust.
Gizmo calls out, "What the crud was that?"
"Let's find out," Jinx answers as the Hive Trio rush towards the quickly dispersing cloud.
The villains reach the epicenter of where the white dome was and are surprised to find a person kneeling on the desert floor. He's a pale teenage boy with spikey white hair and whisker-like markings on his face. He's wearing a long fur-rimmed blue coat, black baggy pants, and red leather straps wrapped around his forearms and lower legs. On his forehead, he wears a black bandana with a metal plate at the front that has a musical note symbol and a long slash going through it.
The stranger stands up straight and turns to regard the Hive Trio, his golden snake-like eyes gazing right at them.
{Are you our enemies?} the stranger asks in a strange tongue, confusing the villains.
"Uh, did anyone catch that?" Mammoth asks his comrades in confusion.
"Sounds like Japanese," Gizmo notes before addressing the newcomer. {Hey! Are you Japanese or something?}
The stranger tilts his head curiously. {Japanese? What is that?}
"You know Japanese?" Jinx asks her teammate.
"Yeah, from anime," Gizmo answers, getting a snort from the girl. "What? I like anime."
{Where are we?} the stranger asks.
Gizmo notes the use of 'we' before answering, {We're in Jump City, California.}
The stranger's eyebrow raises in confusion.
{…It's in the United States of America,} Gizmo continues.
The stranger is still confused.
Gizmo's eye twitches. {…It's on the planet Earth!}
The stranger looks surprised before a smile forms on his face. {So, the technique worked.}
Gizmo blinks in surprise. "This could be more complicated than I thought."
"What's going on?" Mammoth asks, unable to track the conversation.
Gizmo groans in annoyance as he starts digging through his belt. Everyone else watches as he pulls out a metal collar with a glowing red light. He curses under his breath as he fiddles with the collar before presenting it to the stranger.
{Here,} Gizmo offers. {Put this around your neck.}
The stranger narrows his eyes at the small genius before an oppressive feeling of dread is felt by all three of the Hive students.
{You're not trying to control us, are you?} the stranger demands.
{H-Hey! Take it easy!} Gizmo pleads. {It's a translator! It's just so everyone can understand you!}
After a few moments of the Hive Trio watching their lives flash before their eyes, the oppressive feeling lifts, and the stranger gives a friendly smile.
{Well, why didn't you just say so, y'know?} the stranger asks before he lazily lifts up his arm.
Suddenly, a snake flies out of the stranger's sleeve and snatches the collar right out of Gizmo's hand. As the three villains register the sudden action, the snake presents the collar to the stranger, who takes it out of the serpent's jaws. The snake sets itself on the stranger's shoulders as the stranger inspects the collar for a moment before clasping it around his own neck, making the red light shift to green.
"Is this working?" the stranger asks in English.
Gizmo sighs in relief before answering, "Yep! Working like a charm!"
"Well, now that that's settled," Jinx says, giving the stranger an appraising look, "what's your name, cutie?"
The stranger gives Jinx a charming smile. "I believe it's common courtesy to give your name before asking for someone else's."
Jinx smirks. "The name's Jinx. The big guy's Mammoth, and the other one's named Gizmo. We're from the Hive Academy for Villains."
The stranger chuckles at the intro. "An academy for villains? How amusing." He then gives a slight bow. "We are Naruto, the Second Snake Sage, and Bane of the Great Shadows. We are from a world known as Shinobu."
"You're an alien?" Mammoth asks.
"To you, we are," Naruto answers.
"What's with all the 'we'?" Jinx asks in confusion.
"A story for another time," Naruto answers cryptically. "For now, could you point me towards the nearest civilization?"
The three Hive students look at each other before smiling and turning back towards the new arrival.
"We'll do you one better, cutie. How'd you like to meet our headmaster?" Jinx offers.
Naruto's smile grows. "We'd be honored."
Timeskip: One Hour Later
Naruto absently pets his snake as the Hive Trio lead him to what appears to be a random cliffside. Jinx pulls out a hexagonal device with a yellow H on it and points it to the cliff. The H glows red, and a portion of the rock opens up and slides not the earth, revealing a metal hallway.
Naruto hums. "Impressive."
"You ain't seen nothing yet," Mammoth says with a smirk as he and the other villains escort Naruto into the hallway, which seals up behind them.
Naruto takes note of the yellow hexagonal patterns strewn across the walls and ceiling.
Jinx looks at Naruto's companion. "So, cutie, who's your friend?"
"His name's Midoriya," Naruto answers. "He's one of our summons."
"You said you're the Second Snake Sage," Mammoth notes. "Who's the First?"
"Orochimaru," Naruto answers with a strain in his smile. "He was our teacher. A very effective and respected teacher."
"Sounds like a pretty nice guy," Jinx says.
Naruto's chuckle has little humor. "Well…"
"Pipe down, idiots!" Gizmo interjects with a hushed voice. "He's already here!"
Down the hall, the four teenagers take note of an older man approaching from down the hallway. The man has short grey hair in a widow's peak, with a small tuft at the front and two small 'horns' at the sides of his head. He wears white robes with a black and gold shawl depicting a skull with horns. Flanking him are four people wearing dark-blue robes.
"Well, if it isn't my 'top pupils'," the man says with a small smile. "I see you've returned from your survival training."
The three Hive students quickly bow. "Yes, Headmaster."
The headmaster takes note of the fourth arrival. "And who is this individual?"
Naruto bows. "Naruto, Sage of Snakes and Bane of the Great Shadows. We are a former resident of the planet Shinobu."
"Are you now?" the headmaster asks with skepticism in his voice before his eyes glow red.
The headmaster only has a moment to connect his mind to the newcomer's before a sudden overwhelming force of vitriol barrages all of his senses. A fleeting image of a snarling nine-tailed fox is seen as the headmaster is forced out with a yell and a massive migraine.
The priests and students watch in shock as the headmaster staggers on his feet and clutches his head in pain.
Naruto smiles disarmingly. "You'll have to forgive us. We highly value our privacy and autonomy, y'know."
The headmaster glares at the white-haired boy. "No one has ever resisted my power so strongly! You…" the headmaster's scowl morphs into a smile. "…have such wonderful potential, Naruto!"
Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo look confused at the headmaster's sudden jovial attitude.
The headmaster composes himself before bowing himself. "I am Brother Blood, Headmaster of Hive Academy, at your service."
"Well met, Headmaster," Naruto says courteously.
Brother Blood gives Naruto a once-over. "So, you're from the planet Shinobu? What brings you to Earth, if I may ask?"
"The powers that ruled Shinobu wanted to use us as a weapon," Naruto explains. "Naturally, we were opposed to such a fate, which made us the enemy of…everybody, really. After us defending ourselves resulted in mass casualties, we decided that a change in scenery was in order. So, we used one of our old master's experimental Jutsu to transport ourselves to another world, which just so happens to be yours. Now, we're looking for a fresh start."
"I completely understand your situation," Brother Blood says as he approaches Naruto, only for Midoriya to give a warning hiss. Naruto calms the snake down, allowing Blood to put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Hive Academy is full of young people such as yourself who wish to escape the shackles of society's morals. Here, we take those considered 'outcasts' and teach them how to use their extraordinary powers to shape their own destinies."
Naruto grins. "Sounds like it'd be perfect for an outcast like us, y'know."
"Indeed," Brother Blood says with a smirk. "I'd love to have you stay as an honored guest."
Naruto looks surprised by the invitation. "A stranger like us? We'd hate to inconvenience you."
"It won't be an inconvenience at all," Brother Blood insists. "How about this: stay for the night at least, then you can show off some of your abilities. After that, we can have a nice chat about your future."
Naruto appears to ponder the offer for a moment before answering, "We accept your offer, Brother Blood."
"Excellent! Let me show you to your room!" Brother Blood says happily as he leads Naruto down the hall. The headmaster stops to regard his students. "As for you three, I believe you've earned extra portions for dinner and some well-needed extra credit."
The Hive Trio smile at this declaration.
"Mr. Naruto, I believe there's a bright future in store for you," Brother Blood proclaims as he guides the Shinobian into Hive Academy.
Location: Raven's Room, Titans Tower
Timeskip: The Next Morning
Raven has had a wonderful time since meeting Malchior. The past evening, she spent hours upon hours expressing her grievances and fascinations to the trapped wizard, who appeared to listen to it all with patience and understanding. He even assured the girl that she wasn't creepy like Beast Boy said, stating that dark magic is not evil but simply misunderstood. Eventually, Raven went to bed, but not before asking Malchior if he'd be there once she awakened. The wizard delighted her by promising he would, even offering a paper rose.
When morning came, Malchior fulfilled his promise by continuing to chat with Raven, showering her with praise and affection. The only hiccup came from Beast Boy, who came to check up on and apologize to Raven, only to overhear parts of conversation in Raven's room. Raven was able to shoo the green teen away, though Beast Boy was still curious about who "Malchior" was.
Currently, Raven is sitting in the middle of her room surrounded by multiple lit candles and jars containing various ingredients. She drops some rose petals onto a cup filled with dust, causing smoke to billow, before mixing different powders together into another cup.
"I've never even heard of this spell before," Raven comments as she pours some glowing-blue dust, making more smoke. "Where did you learn it?"
"It's in the Galyan Scrolls," Malchior answers as his book sits on a pedestal.
"You've read the Galyan Scrolls?" Raven asks, fascinated by her new friend's knowledge.
"And the Mortal Archives. And the Stones of Sur," Malchior lists. "I've been trapped in a book. Not much to do but read."
"I think it's almost ready," Raven says as she puts down the last of the ingredients Malchior listed so far.
"Good. There's just one more ingredient," Malchior informs before using a page to slice off some of Raven's hair, which falls into the mixture. "A lock of hair from a beautiful girl."
Raven looks stunned by Malchior's words. "Beautiful?" she asks as her heart skips a beat.
"I truly appreciate all that you're doing for me, Raven," Malchior says softly.
"I might not know how to break the curse, but at least I can get you out of that book," Raven declares, now more determined than ever.
Raven pours the mixture of dust into her hand before blowing it towards the book. The dust swirls around the tome, which releases its pages out of the book's bindings. The pages swirl around Raven before coalescing in front of her and sticking together into a new form.
Raven is stunned to see a man made of paper standing before her, with Malchior's illustrated eyes gazing at her.
"Thank you," Malchior says gratefully.
Raven smiles affectionally. "You're welcome."
Malchior walks towards the sorceress, away from the book, and offers her his hand. Raven reaches out to touch the offered hand, only for it to crumble into paper.
"Of course. Silly me. I remain bound to the book," Malchior says as he walks back to the book, his hand reforming.
"Because the curse is still in effect," Raven states.
"Indeed," Malchior confirms. "If I am ever to be truly free…well, it would require magics of much greater power."
"Then teach me the spells," Raven insists as she approaches the paper man. "I want to help you. I want to learn!"
"To break this curse, I must teach you more than just a few simple spells," Malchior says as he wraps his arm around Raven's shoulders. "I must teach you everything I know."
Malchior's free hand lights up with white magical power, blinding Raven for a second. When her vision clears, she sees piles of magical books stacked in her room.
"Let's begin, my dear student," Malchior says, gaining an affectionate smile from Raven.
Location: Combat Simulation Room, Hive Academy
The trio of Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo enter the room, where most of the other students have already taken their seats in the stands and are chatting amongst themselves. They quickly spot a male villain wearing a monocular helmet waving them over while sitting next to a helmeted girl with small wings on her back and a pale boy wearing a dark bat-like costume. The Hive Trio make their way over to meet with their comrades.
"Hey, See-More. Angel. Kyd Wykkyd," Jinx greets as she and the other two take their seats.
"So, I heard that we're getting a new student," See-More says excitedly.
"He's not a student, yet," Jinx clarifies, "but the headmaster sure wants him to join."
See-More's sole eye blinks in confusion. "Wait. You know who he is?"
"Who do you think brought him here, pink-eye?" Gizmo asks.
"What's he like?" Angel asks curiously.
"Apparently, he's an alien and he likes snakes. That's about it," Mammoth answers bluntly. "Honestly, he gives me the creeps."
Kyd Wykkyd simply hums in thought.
All chatter stops as the students spot Naruto walk into the room and head towards the yellow hexagon-filled field. The white-haired young man smiles calmly and pays no mind to the whispers around him as he steps onto the field.
Naruto's only reaction to the floor rising from under him and making a hexagonal pillar is a curious hum. Across the field, he sees several more pillars rise from the floor, with two of them having metal poles on top a distance from each other.
[So glad you can join us this morning, Mr. Naruto,] Brother Blood's voice echoes across the room. [Your objective is simple; reach the finish line as swiftly as possible. Your time will start once the buzzer sounds. Are you ready?]
Naruto bites his right thumb with his extremely sharp canines, drawing blood. He then wipes that blood on some markings on his inner left arm.
"Seal: Release."
A puff of smoke billows from his arm. When the smoke clears, Naruto is holding a sword with an ornate guard in his right hand.
"Ready!" Naruto calls out.
The buzzer sounds, and Naruto appears to teleport to the floor in the audience's eyes. It's not long before Naruto encounters his first obstacle in the form of several large robots with clamps for hands.
Naruto simply smirks. "Wind Style: Vacuum Blade."
The blade is quickly coated with wind-like energy just as Naruto approaches the robots. The first of the robots reaches out to grab him.
Shing!
Only for the robot's arms to fall uselessly to the ground, sliced clean off by Naruto, who's already moving on to the others.
Everyone in the audience mutters in surprise.
"Uh, did anyone else see him move?" Mammoth asks confusedly.
"Hold on!" See-More calls out as he adjusts his eye.
Down below, Naruto quickly ducks between the legs of another robot before slicing both of them off. As the second robot crashes to the ground, Naruto has already made a long slash into a third, making it spark and fall backwards. The fourth robot tries to sneak behind the Shinobian, but Naruto simply points the tip of the blade at the robot. The blade then extends itself several yards longer, piercing the fourth robot right in its head, making it explode.
"I want one of those," Kyd Wykkyd mutters.
Naruto speeds past the fallen bots and continues down the course. Several turrets pop out of the walls and shoot at the Shinobian, who effortlessly maneuvers around the blasts. He then pulls out six shuriken and launches them at the turrets before blowing through handsigns.
"Ninja Art: Shadow Shuriken Jutsu!"
Six shuriken turn into sixty, which embed themselves deep into the turrets, making them explode.
As Naruto continues running, his instincts tell him to jump. Doing so, he soars high into the air and avoids the spike aiming to impale him from below. Looking forward, he sees spikes popping up in mass for several yards.
Thinking quickly, he blows through handsigns again. "Wind Style: Breakthrough!"
Naruto expels a huge gust of wind from his lungs, sending him flying across the field and completely past the spikes. The Shinobian lands safely on the ground before advancing towards several metal tendrils.
Up in the control room, Brother Blood watches with a smile as Naruto dices the tentacles with little effort.
"Magnificent," he mutters before turning to a priest sitting at the controls. "Let's give him a real challenge, shall we?"
Following the command, the priest inputs some commands.
Down below, Naruto nears the finish line when twenty more robots suddenly emerge from the ground and advance on him. Smirking, Naruto bites his thumb again, smears blood on a tattoo on the back of his left hand, and slams his right hand onto the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
This time, a massive burst of smoke obscures Naruto's form. When the smoke clears, the entire audience is slack-jawed at seeing a massive blue snake towering over the field.
Even Brother Blood is shocked, yet delighted. "Absolutely brilliant!"
Naruto crouches for a run, sword in hand. {Let's do this, Aoda!"}
{With pleasure, Naruto-sama!} the snake responds, shocking the audience further, before charging with Naruto towards the robots.
The Hive students watch in fascination as the Shinobi and his massive snake ruthlessly tear the robots apart.
Gizmo gulps. "I think we should cancel his initiation test."
Jinx nods. "Agreed."
After several moments, the last of the robots are destroyed, with Naruto slicing one in half and Aoda chomping on another and tossing it away.
Naruto gives the blue snake a grateful smile. {Thanks for the assistance!}
{My pleasure, Naruto-sama!} Aoda replies before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
With the last of the obstacles removed, Naruto effortlessly crosses the finish line, making the buzzer sound off. Naruto looks towards the stands and sees all of the students silently staring at him.
"You! Naruto!"
Naruto turns and sees Brother Blood levitating down to him with a serious expression.
"Look at this!" Brother Blood yells as he storms towards the Shinobi. "All this damage you've done to my training field! And that stunt with that giant serpent! You think you're so clever, but you're not clever!"
Naruto raises an eyebrow at the headmaster's outburst.
Brother Blood's glare then relaxes as he smiles. "You're spectacular! Well done, Naruto! Well done indeed!"
Naruto smiles at the praise. "Thank you very much, Headmaster."
"You have the makings of a true villain!" Brother Blood says as he offers his hand. "I would be honored to have you join my prestigious academy!"
Naruto takes a moment to look at the offered hand before looking back up at Blood.
"No, Brother Blood," Naruto says, surprising the headmaster. "The honor is all ours."
The Shinobi accepts the offered hand, putting a smile back on Blood's face.
"Welcome to The Hive, Naruto," Brother Blood proclaims before patting Naruto on the shoulder. "Now then, for your first lesson; Making your Villain Identity."
Location: Common Room, Titans Tower
Timeskip: One Week Later
On a typical sunny day in Jump City, Beast Boy and the cybernetic hero Cyborg compete with each other via video games while Robin, the brightly dressed Boy Wonder, enjoys a friendly conversation with Starfire, the redheaded alien girl from Tamaran. Raven is notably absent from this, having locked herself in her room and separated herself from the team all week. The only information about her wellbeing was provided by a spying Beast Boy, who already informed the team about the mysterious "Malchior".
Just then, the doors to the common room open, revealing to the team a shocking surprise; a happily smiling Raven wearing a while cloak.
The other Titans watch as Raven floats over to the kitchen, humming to herself as she rummages the fridge for food. She picks up an apple and starts eating with a smile, while the other Titans walk over to her.
"Um, hey Raven," Robin greets. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"Yeah, because she hasn't left her room for a week," Beast Boy points out, earning a smack from Cyborg.
"So, uh, like your new look," Cyborg compliments.
"Thanks," Raven replies.
"So, when do we meet this new friend of yours?" Robin asks.
"Soon," Raven answers with a smile.
Starfire suddenly flies right in front of Raven. "I am unable to wait!" Starfire exclaims as she shakes the sorceress excitedly. "Beast Boy has told us much about the Malchior and how he remains trapped in a book!"
"Now, how would Beast Boy know about that?" Raven questions, sending a knowing look at a nervous Beast Boy.
Beast Boy chuckles guiltily as Cyborg looks on smugly.
"I, uh, may have kinda been a fly on the wall in your room," Beast Boy admits before shifting into a fly.
Raven smirks. "Funny. You look more like a rat to me."
Beast Boy suddenly finds himself turned into a rat against his will, making him crash down to the ground.
Beast Boy shifts back to human. "You morphed me! How did you do that?!"
An emergency signal goes off on a nearby computer, getting everyone's attention. Robin rushes to the computer to investigate and narrows his eyes at what he sees.
"Kardiak's returned," Robin reports. "Titans! Go!"
With that, the Teen Titans rush off to battle.
Except for Raven, who keeps humming to herself.
Beast Boy rushes back. "Uh, Raven! We got to go!"
Raven sighs before following after.
Location: Workout Room, Hive Academy
Brother Blood watches as some of his students exercise in the workout room, occasionally increasing their pacing from time-to-time. A priest walks up to him and whispers into his ear, making him smile.
"Summon Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo at once," Blood commands. "Also, fetch our newest student."
After a few minutes, the Hive Trio approach the headmaster.
"We're ready for your instructions, Brother," Jinx proclaims.
"The Titans will be busy fighting the abomination known as Kardiak," Blood reports. "This is the perfect opportunity for our new student to take his first true steps as a villain. You three will monitor him during his heist and support him should he need it."
Gizmo scoffs. "As if he would."
Brother Blood's eyes glow red as he glares at Gizmo, who cowers at the look. "Your cheek is unappreciated, boy. Know this; if he falls, you all will be punished beyond your worst imaginations. Do I make myself clear?"
The eyes of all three students glow red for a moment as they respond, "Yes, Brother."
Blood's eyes stop glowing. "Good."
The sound of footsteps grabs everyone's attention. The headmaster and his students turn to see the new arrival.
Brother Blood smiles proudly. "Ready for your debut?"
The figure chuckles. "We were born ready."
Location: Outside Raven's Room, Titans Tower
Raven struggles to keep herself under control as she paces in front of her room. She had just gotten back from fighting Kardiak, which had gone wrong in the worst possible way. It was bad enough when the cybernetic heart took a little girl hostage, but when Raven tried using one of her new spells, it went out of control and nearly destroyed both Kardiak and the girl. Fortunately, Beast Boy knocked Raven away while Robin rescued the girl. Beast Boy only had a moment to berate the sorceress before she teleported back to the tower.
Now, she's steeling herself to confront the one who taught her the spell. The one who's been by her side for an entire week. The one she's connected to more than anyone else.
Eventually, Raven enters the room, where she spies Malchior calmly reading a spell book.
Raven pauses as she drinks in the sight of her mentor. "Malchior," she whispers.
Malchior turns to regard his student. "Ah, Raven. You've returned," he says happily, only to notice her conflicted expression. "What's the matter?"
Raven composes herself and approaches the paper man. "It's dark magic. Why have you been teaching me dark magic?"
Malchior is unfazed by the questioning. "Is it dark? Or is it just misunderstood, like you?" he counters, clutching Raven's hand affectionately.
Raven feels all of her previous anger and anxiety melt away. She remembers what he said long ago about dark magic being misunderstood and not truly evil.
Suddenly feeling guilty about questioning her beloved mentor, Raven mutters, "I-I'm sorry."
"It's true, the spells I've taught you are very powerful," Malchior explains. "There are those who fear that power, so they call it dark. For people like us, however, such distinctions do not exist."
The paper wizard leads the sorceress over to the tome that holds him prisoner.
"Without these spells, we can never be truly together," Malchior continues. "Enchanted pages or no, I am still trapped within this book, and you're still alone." Malchior gives Raven a piercing look. "Is that what you want, Raven? To be alone?"
Raven tears up as the thought of being alone fills her with dread. Even after all the time spent with the Teen Titans, she's never truly found someone who understood her. Someone who truly accepted her for who she was. Until him.
"…I don't want to be alone," Raven mutters quietly.
Malchior rubs the tears out of Raven's eyes and cups her cheek.
"My sweet Raven," he says softly, "it is time."
Timeskip: Thirty Minutes Later
Raven stands in front of the tome and gazes over at Malchior, who stands in the middle of a circle of books.
"The incantation. Just as I taught you," Malchior urges.
Raven nods before beginning the spell.
"Hezbarek Et Morane…Gost Wenthen Verbis Nex," Raven chants while making handsigns, making the books around Malchior glow. "In Obrium Bispendrule…Paran Sic Cortus Rex!"
With the final word and a waving of her arms, Raven's black magic pours out of her. She watches as Malchior is consumed in a pillar of light, his papery body dispersing.
A sudden shout of agony from within the pillar strikes fear into Raven's heart.
"Malchior!" she shouts in concern, only for a burst of magic to send her flying backwards, knocking her unconscious.
'This is wrong! Something went wrong!'
These are the thoughts running through Malchior's head as he fully registers his situation. The good news is that his body isn't paper anymore. The bad news, this isn't his own body.
He rushes over to a nearby mirror, noting the weakness coursing through him and completely disregarding Raven's passed out form. Stopping at the mirror, he pales as he sees a very familiar male human wearing armor.
"No…" Malchior mutters in shock as he stares at the blue eyes of his most hated enemy.
This is not the body of Malchior the Dread Dragon. This is the body of Rorek of Nol.
"NO!" Malchior shouts in rage as he shatters the mirror with his fist, his anger increasing at the effort it took.
'How could this have happened?!' Malchior shouts internally. 'I'm trapped in the body of my most hated adversary! I can't change into a dragon! I don't have the power to perform the most basic of spells!'
The former dragon looks down at the unconscious body of Raven. The one who he spent so much time and energy manipulating.
'This is all her fault!' Malchior declares as he approaches Raven with murder in his eyes.
Every fiber of his being is screaming to kill the girl. Butcher her. Tear her limb from limb! His hands slowly reach for her throat, ready to strangle the life out of her.
A sudden thought makes him pause. 'Wait. If I kill her now, her friends will tear me apart as I am. She's still a powerful sorceress. I could use her to help me regain my power. In time, I can even return to my dragon form. Of course, I'll have to keep up the insidious act of caring for her. Oh well. I've waited a thousand years. What's a little while longer?'
And so, with no small amount of stomach-turning, Malchior sits down, takes Raven's head, and rests it on his lap.
After some time, Raven stirs into consciousness. It takes a moment for her to register someone's fingers running through her hair, which immediately snaps her back to reality. Looking up, she's stunned to see a face she's only seen in illustrations.
"M-Malchior?" she mutters in disbelief.
The man above her appears to smile with his eyes. "My sweet Raven. Thank you for releasing me. It's been so long since I felt free."
The two magic-wielders stand to their feet and gaze into each other's eyes, their hands clasping. Raven pulls down Malchior's scarf, revealing a charming smile. Slowly, the two of them lean into each other and kiss.
Raven relishes in the sensation. She never believed she would ever have a romance with anyone, let alone someone as caring and understanding as Malchior. To her, this is the greatest moment of her young life.
To Malchior…
'Oh Tiamat, kill me!'
Breaking the kiss, Raven smiles and quickly wraps her arms around the man. "I love you," she says quietly, still in disbelief of her fortune.
She doesn't notice how Malchior doesn't say 'I love you' back, nor how he doesn't return the hug.
EEEEERP! EEEEERP! EEEEERP!
The blaring of alarms ends the moment. Raven groans as she ends the hug and pulls out her communicator.
[Raven!] Robin shouts through the communicator. [The Hive's robbing the Great Republic Bank! Meet us there as soon as you can!]
Raven puts away the communicator and gives Malchior an apologetic look. "Sorry, Malchior. I-I have to go."
Malchior smiles disarmingly and cups her cheek. "Do not worry, Raven. I'll be here when you get back. I promise."
Raven smiles again at the promise. She gives one last chaste kiss before heading out to fight crime once again.
Once she leaves, Malchior drops his fake smile and wipes his mouth. 'I can't believe humans actually enjoy that.'
Location: Great Republic Bank
Four of the Teen Titans arrive at the scene, with Robin on his motor cycle, Starfire flying in, and Cyborg giving Beast Boy a lift in his T-Car. As they prepare themselves for battle, they see the trio of Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo simply standing outside of the bank. This sets off alarms in the minds of the heroes.
It's this situation that Raven arrives to.
Robin gives Raven a look. "You alright, Raven."
Raven smiles. "Better than ever."
Beast Boy looks anxious. "So, uh, Raven, about before–"
"What are they doing?" Raven interjects, ignoring the shapeshifter.
"They are just standing there," Starfire reports, "menacingly."
"Yo! Hive! You guys get cold feet?!" Cyborg loudly taunts.
"Shut it, rust bucket!" Gizmo fires back. "We're not the ones doing the robbing!"
"Yeah! We're just watching over the new guy!" Mammoth adds.
Beast Boy looks confused. "New guy?"
KABOOM!
The Titans recoil at the sudden explosion from the front of the bank. A massive shape bursts out from the dust, startling the heroes.
Cyborg pales. "Oh, man."
All of the Titans stare in shock at the gigantic blue snake looking down on them with bags of money nestled in its jaws.
"I did not know that Earth serpents could grow to that size," Starfire says in disbelief.
"They can't," Raven informs.
"You must be the Teen Titans."
The heroes turn to see a figure calmly walk out of the building. It's a teenage boy with spikey white hair, yellow serpent eyes, and whiskers on his pale face. He's wearing a long black leather trench coat, black pants, thick black boots, and black leather gloves. On his head is a black officer's hat and around his waist is a black belt. The buckle of his belt has the symbol of a skull with writhing snakes emerging out of it. That same symbol is in yellow on his shoulders and on his cap.
The figure stands in front of the giant snake and smiles at the heroes. "It's our pleasure to meet you all."
"Who are you?!" Robin demands.
"And who's your big friend?" Beast Boy adds.
The figure turns to the snake. "This is Aoda. He's a childhood friend of ours." He turns back to the heroes. "As for our identity…"
The figure puts his fingers together into a cross.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu."
POP! X5
The Titans watch as five identical copies of the figure emerge out of smoke.
The villain spreads his arms wide. "We are Hydra!"
"What you are is finished!" Robin declares. "Titans! Go!"
The Teen Titans charge into battle, with Hydra's clones rushing in to meet them.
Robin pulls out his bo-staff and swings it at one of the clones, who easily maneuvers away from the attack.
"Slow," the clone comments.
Robin swings again and misses.
"Sloppy."
Another swing and miss!
"Sad!"
Robin growls and goes for an overhead strike, but the clone blocks the hit with just two of his fingers. The clone chuckles as he effortlessly pushes the staff and Robin away. Robin growls and throws smoke bombs onto the ground, obscuring the Hydra clone's vision.
The Hydra clone is unfazed by this as small openings appear under his nose. His head tilts to the side, registering a significant heat signature behind him. Robin leaps out of the smoke to blindside the clone, but the clone simply extends his arm out and grabs the hero tightly by the throat.
The clone pulls the choking hero close and whispers, "You're not living up to the legend, Boy Wonder."
With that, the Hydra clone slams Robin into the ground, cracking the concrete and Robin, before tossing the battered hero aside.
Nearby, another Hydra clone stares down a large green wolf. The green wolf growls at the villain before charging right at him.
The clone simply smiles and flashes through handsigns. "Sound Wave Jutsu!"
The wolf is suddenly buffeted by a piercing screeching wave, making the poor beast's ears bleed, and sending him backwards.
Beast Boy shifts back to human and clutches his ears. "GAAAH! MAWP! MAWP!"
Meanwhile, Starfire is flying towards another clone while throwing starbolts. The clone effortlessly dodges the blasts before finding himself in the grips of the alien girl.
"I must insist that you surrender immediately," Starfire implores. "I do not wish to harm you if I do not have to."
"Well, aren't you a polite one," the Hydra clone says as he flashes through handsigns. "Crystal Style: Sapphire Prison!"
Starfire only has a moment to register the ground glowing beneath her before she's suddenly encased in a thick pillar of orange sapphire crystal.
The clone smiles at his handiwork. "Very polite, indeed."
Nearby, the fourth Hydra clone stands face-to-face with Cyborg, who's cracking his metal knuckles, eager for a brawl.
"Hydra! Catch!"
Hearing the shout, the clone holds up his hand and easily catches the sword thrown to him.
The clone looks back at the original. "Thank you, Hydra!"
"You're welcome, Hydra!"
Cyborg smirks. "Aw! You've got a sword. How cute."
The cybernetic hero charges right at the sword-wielding clone, who makes no move to avoid any attacks. As Cyborg throws a punch, he pays no mind to the blade that's suddenly swirling with wind-like energy.
Shing!
He does take note of the fact that his right arm has just been severed at the elbow.
Cyborg stumbles back in shock as his new stump sparks with electricity. He looks down at his twitching arm, then up towards the smiling Hydra clone holding the glowing swirling blade.
"You were saying?" the clone quips before charging at the hero.
Meanwhile, the Hive Trio safely watch the one-sided battle.
"…So, I'm guessing we don't need to help?" Mammoth asks.
"Help who?" Gizmo questions. "The Titans?"
The third member, Jinx, ignores the conversation as she focuses on the original Hydra, who's calmly watching the fighting with Aoda.
'He does have that certain something,' Jinx notes as a certain feeling starts swelling inside of her.
A distance away, the fifth and final Hydra clone faces off against Raven.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven shouts as she fires black bolts of magic at the villain.
The clone flashes through handsigns before clapping his hands. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!"
A compressed blast of air shoots from the clone's hand and neutralizes the black bolts.
The clone makes more handsigns. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"
The clone spits out a cluster of fireballs that move wildly in the air before crashing down towards Raven. The sorceress flies to avoid the flames, which explode around her.
Raven blasts a concentrated black bolt at the clone, who leaps away from the attack. Raven then cuts out a large slab of pavement and hurls it at the villain.
"Wind Style: Air Bullet!"
A compressed blast of air impacts the slab and destroys it, the rubble falling harmlessly.
Seeing another blast of black magic incoming, the clone flashes through more handsigns. "Earth Style: Mud Wall!"
An earthen wall with snake head decorations emerges in front of the Hydra clone and protects him from the black magic.
Suddenly, a black claw emerges from underneath the clone and grabs him, bringing him closer to the sorceress.
The clone takes a moment to observe the black energy and makes a startling discovery. "Incredible! We never thought there'd be another chakra-wielder in this world."
Raven is taken aback by the clone's words. "What did you just say?"
Using the opportunity, the clone makes a handsign. "Paralysis Jutsu."
Raven grunts as her body suddenly seizes up. She crashes to the ground, releasing her restraints on the clone, who safely lands beside her.
Raven struggles to look up at the clone. "W-What are you?"
The clone smirks. "We're complicated."
Raven looks over the rest of the battlefield. She sees Robin battered and bruised, struggling to get back on his feet. She sees Beast Boy wobbling and holding his bleeding ears. She sees Starfire trapped in a crystal prison, and Cyborg lying on the ground limbless with a sword pointed at his face.
Further back, Raven sees the original Hydra standing without a single scratch or scuff on him, watching the brutal battle with a smile on his face.
Anger begins welling inside of Raven. 'This can't be happening! Malchior didn't teach me all of those spells just for me to fail against some new Hive lackey!'
Everyone watches as black magic begins pouring out of Raven's body, until…
"RAAAAGH!"
Raven bursts out of her invisible restraints and rises high above the ground, immersing herself in a massive pillar of black magic and towering over the battlefield. Four red eyes glow on her head as black tendrils fling wildly around her.
Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy all recognize what's happening.
"She's out of control!" Robin shouts.
"Not again!" Beast Boy shouts loudly.
Raven eyes the original Hydra and charges right towards him, black magic swirling behind her. In response, Hydra steps forward and sticks his hand out towards the sorceress. In a flash, four glowing orange chains erupt out his hand and quickly wrap around Raven. Almost instantly, all of the black magic erupting out of Raven ceases, and she once again crashes down to the ground.
The Titans are stunned to see the most powerful member of their team neutralized in a single moment.
"That's enough of that," Hydra says as he approaches Raven, who struggles to free herself from the chains.
"What…what have you done to me?!" Raven demands as her four red eyes shift back to her two indigo ones.
"Adamantine chains," Hydra explains. "They're extremely durable, and capable of sealing off the chakra abilities of anyone. Even demons fear them."
Terror replaces Raven's anger as Hydra stands right in front of her. She swears that she can see a colossal nine-tailed fox growling at her from behind him.
"N-No…please…stay away!" Raven pleads with teary eyes. 'Malchior! Help me!'
The sorceress clenches her eyes shut as Hydra kneels down to her level, reaches out with his free hand…
…and ruffles her hair.
Startled by the surprisingly soothing touch, Raven opens her eyes and sees the Hive villain giving her a gentle smile.
"We really scared you, didn't we?" Hydra asks softly. "We're sorry."
Raven is surprised by the sudden tenderness being displayed by the villain who just decimated her team like nothing. Giving Hydra a once-over, she notes that he's actually quite handsome, especially when he smiles. Maybe not as gorgeous as Malchior, but–
Raven snaps out of her musings and turns away with a pout. "I don't need your pity," she defends, looking unconvincing with the pink on her cheeks.
The sight strikes something in Hydra's chest. Something largely unfamiliar to the white-haired youth. The only word he can find to describe what he's seeing before him is…
"Cute."
Raven gives Hydra a wide-eyed look as her entire face goes red.
A distance away, the Hive Trio watches in confusion as the two chakra-wielders interact with each other.
"Uh, what's happening right now?" Gizmo asks Mammoth, who simply shrugs.
Jinx quickly recognizes what's going on, and she doesn't like it one bit.
"Hey! Hydra!" Jinx shouts, getting the boy's attention. "Let's finish this already!"
Hydra rubs his head sheepishly. "Our apologies, y'know!" He stands up and turns to the giant blue snake. {Go on ahead, Aoda!}
{Yes, Naruto-sama!} Aoda answers before burrowing down into the earth, making the ground rumble as he disappears from view, leaving a massive hole behind.
Hydra turns back to Raven. "You're Raven, right? It's been a pleasure meeting you. Until next time!"
Hydra throws some smoke bombs onto the ground, obscuring the battlefield. Raven feels the chains holding her disappear, allowing her power to return. She uses her magic to clear the smoke, but Hydra and the Hive Trio are already gone.
Robin and Beast Boy both stumble their way over to the sorceress, who's still staring at the space Hydra once stood.
"Raven! Are you alright!" Robin asks in concern.
Raven turns to her teammates and remembers their damaged states.
"I-I'm okay," Raven says as she gets back on her feet. "Let me heal you guys."
"WHAT?!" Beast Boy yells while cupping his ears, gaining sweat drops from Robin and Raven.
Location: Brother Blood's Office, Hive Academy
"INCREDIBLE!" Brother Blood exclaims as he gazes excitedly at the mountain of money piled up inside his office. "Just think of all I can accomplish with this! Repairing the combat room, buying new teaching equipment, funding the dance, and definitely our class project!"
Hydra, Jinx, Mammoth, and Gizmo watch as their headmaster figuratively drools over the massive amount of cash in the room.
"So, did we pass our little test?" Hydra asks.
"Well, of course, you did!" Brother Blood confirms. "After all, it looks like the Titans didn't give you any trouble."
"You kidding?! He creamed those weaklings easily!" Mammoth declares. "Those guys are probably scarred for life!"
Brother Blood gives Hydra a surprised look. "You let them live?"
Hydra shrugs. "We didn't know it was a requirement for them to die. Besides, it was fun playing with the heroes. I look forward to our next meeting."
Jinx frowns at Hydra's words.
"It wasn't a requirement," Blood assures his student. "I just assumed that with your abilities and…past history…"
Hydra nods in understanding. "Headmaster, we left Shinobu because we were sick and tired of fighting the world to protect our freedom. If we just slaughtered people indiscriminately, it would defeat the purpose of a fresh start."
Brother Blood pats Hydra's shoulder. "A wise way of thinking, Mr. Hydra. It's that kind of cognizance that separates henchmen from true villains. I hope you keep that awareness as you continue your studies."
"Of course, Headmaster," Hydra says.
Brother Blood addresses all of his students. "In the meantime, I suggest you all get your rest. You have a big day of studies tomorrow."
"Yes, Brother Blood," all four students respond before exiting the office, leaving the headmaster alone with his newest school funds.
"Brother Blood, you've found a magnificent diamond in the rough," the headmaster muses to himself, smiling at his newfound fortune.
Outside the office, the Hive Trio turns to face the Hive's newest student.
Jinx pulls out a hexagonal device and presents it to Hydra. "Congratulations. You're one of us."
Hydra accepts the device to Jinx's delight and Gizmo's annoyance.
"Don't think this means we're going easy on you!" Gizmo declares. "We're gonna put you through the ringer, snake lover, so you better watch yourself!"
Hydra chuckles darkly, sending chills down Gizmo's spine. "We're trembling."
Gizmo shudders before quickly turning away. "Whatever!" he yells before flying away.
Mammoth offers his fist to Hydra. "Nice job out there, new guy. Here's to our next heist."
Hydra meets the fist with his own. "Looking forward to it."
Mammoth heads off to his own room, leaving Jinx and Hydra.
Jinx leans in close to her crush with a smile. "For the record, I'm real happy that you've joined us."
Hydra smiles back. "So are we! We never imagined we'd find so many friends on our first week on Earth!"
Hydra hums to himself as he walks away, leaving Jinx alone in the hallway.
"…Yeah…friends…sure," Jinx mutters sadly.
After walking for some time, Hydra gains a far-off look. 'So, what do you think, Kurama?'
"I think this is a fine cluster you've gotten us into, kit," a deep monstrous voice responds. "We escaped the Hidden Villages and the Akatsuki, only to find ourselves playing dress-up in a school full of brats under a megalomaniac."
'At least we weren't attacked or experimented on when we first arrived,' Hydra offers. 'Besides, this place seems like actual fun.'
"Yeah, for now. Don't think I forgot how that Blood guy tried to get into our heads when we first met. I know for a fact that he'll try and worm his way into controlling us," Kurama points out.
'Let him try. We'll learn all we can about this planet Earth, then we'll split and make our own way,' Hydra says easily.
After some moments of silence, Kurama speaks up again, "So, about that sorceress…Raven…"
'What about her?' Hydra asks in confusion. 'She is quite powerful, but nothing we can't handle.'
"That's not what I mean. You didn't thrash or humiliate her like you did the others," Kurama states. "In fact, you were rather kind to her. I haven't seen that from you since Guren, Tayuya, and Karin."
Hydra hums in thought as he reflects on Kurama's words. 'I…can't quite explain it Kurama. I only met her today, yet I felt so happy being around her. It was like being around my sisters, yet so much stronger. What do you think, Kurama?'
Kurama chuckles. "I think you're as dense as your mother was."
'What does that mean?' Hydra asks in an offended tone.
"Nothing, kit. You'll figure it out eventually," Kurama answers cryptically.
Hydra huffs before ending the conversation and continuing to his room, all while his thoughts dwell on the cute girl in the white cloak.
Location: Raven's Room, Titans Tower
Malchior is once again perusing through a tome, finding a way to regain magical power, when Raven enters the room once again. He turns around and is surprised to find the sorceress stumbling on her feet, apparently drained of energy.
Malchior disguises his surprise with concern as he approaches the girl and holds her up. "My goodness, Raven! Are you alright?"
"I'm okay," Raven groans. "I just used up too much power tonight…especially when I had to heal everybody."
"Heal?" Malchior questions as he guides her to the bed. "What happened out there?"
Raven sits down on the bed and answers, "We were in a fight with a villain named Hydra. It didn't go well."
"Hydra? It wasn't the Lernaean beast from Ancient Greece was it?" Malchior asks. "The hero Hercules slew that creature centuries before my time."
Raven chuckles humorlessly. "I wish. He's a thief from the Hive, but much stronger than the ones we fought before. He had so many powers: duplication, elemental magic, super strength, super reflexes, sound attacks, paralyzing magic…"
Malchior's eyes widen as Raven lists off Hydra's powers. "Th-That many?"
"Oh, and that's leaving out the talking snake the size of a building that was with him," Raven adds.
"A colossal familiar?!" Malchior exclaims. "Was he a warlock?!"
"Well, it certainly felt like he had the power of an archdemon," Raven answers. "Honestly, we were lucky that he let us live when he left."
Malchior gives Raven a wide-eyed look. "…He what?"
Raven doesn't notice her lover's look. "It was strange, too. Right at the end, he–"
Malchior suddenly grabs Raven's arms tightly. "He defeated you?!" he shouts in rage.
Raven winces from the pain of Malchior's grip. "Y-You're hurting me!"
Malchior pays no mind to Raven's pleas. "You've spent an entire week learning my spells, using my wisdom to wield my power, and he defeated you?!"
Raven tears up seeing the fury in the eyes of the man she loves. "I-I'm so sorry! I fought the best I could!"
"That's no excuse!" Malchior yells angrily.
"It's true! He kept matching my spells with his own, and then he used these chains to seal off my magic, and…and…" Raven pleads as her tears flow freely, "…I'm so sorry!"
Raven weeps in front of Malchior, who's lost in his own thoughts.
'This just keeps getting worse! Now there's a dangerous warlock out there with incredible powers. It sounds like his magic could easily eclipse Rorek's, especially those chains of his,' Malchior muses. 'I'll have to regain my own power as fast as possible, and find some way to deal with this "Hydra". For now…'
Raven is busy sobbing her eyes out when she's suddenly pulled into a hug.
"Oh, my sweet Raven, forgive me," Malchior 'pleads'. "I'm not angry with you. It's just…the thought of you getting killed by that dreadful villain is unbearable."
Raven sniffles. "Y-You're not angry with me?"
Malchior pulls away and wipes tears out of Raven's eyes. "Of course not. You're so important to me, Raven."
Raven gives the man a timid smile.
"Now then, we'll need to step up your training in order for you to defeat Hydra," Malchior informs the girl.
"You think I'll be able to beat him?" Raven asks unsurely.
"Absolutely!" Malchior assures her. "There's so much magic out there, and so many artifacts. I'm sure we'll find something that will give you the advantage you need."
Raven finds some of her confidence renewed by her mentor-lover's words.
Malchior lays her down on the bed. "For now, though, you get some rest. You've certainly had a rough day today."
"Aren't you joining me?" Raven asks as she gets comfortable.
Malchior hides a shiver. "Oh, I have a bit of reading left to take care of tonight. Don't worry, my sweet Raven. I'll be here when you wake up. I promise."
As Raven falls asleep, she mutters, "Thank you, Malchior…for everything."
"No, Raven. I'm the one who is thankful to you," Malchior replies with a smile.
The former dragon watches as Raven enters Dreamland before exhaling in frustration.
'Great Tiamat, this is so frustrating,' Malchior complains internally as he takes some calming breaths. 'Be at ease, Malchior. You've brought kingdoms to ruin and slain scores of heroes. You can handle an annoying little girl and a random warlock.'
Chapter End
AN: And cut! God, I hate writing toxic relationships!
So, a few differences in this universe. Naruto being Orochimaru's student is definitely a big one. Some of his enhancements have been displayed already. Many more will be shown in the near future.
By the way, Naruto's 'Hydra' outfit is inspired by Marvel's Red Skull.
Also, Cyborg's infiltration doesn't happen, so Hive Academy is still up and running. This gives us more opportunities to expand on the academy as a whole.
Then, of course, there's Malchior being trapped in Rorek's body, which establishes his 'relationship' with Raven. As a Raven fan, this will be especially painful for me to write. Once this 'relationship' reaches its end, however, it'll be smooth sailing afterwards.
Next time, the Titans begin training for their next battle with Hydra, who's continuing his studies at Hive Academy.
Thanks for reading!
Dropareviewifyoucanflamerswillbeignored.