Hey yo, author here! Know it's been a while, but I was on holiday and over the last two weeks have been pretty much all across Europe. Hell of a trip, but only time I could write was pretty much when I was on a plane or train. Anyway, we back! My goal is to get this done within one year of when I first started. Feel like that would be a good "come full circle" vibe. As always, much love for all the favorites/follows/reviews and without further ado, hope ya'll enjoy!

As always, much love - Seadavid41

Ch. 35 Unbound

"For someone as who likes to plan everything out down to the finest details, to now be willing to leave his own fate down to prophecy…even when he's seen that prophecy fail before…seems a little careless for a man of your usual diligence."

Raven glared at Deathstroke from across the room, her stance offensive, her powers sparking at the tips of her fingers, arms raised, as if she was poised to strike at any moment. Deathstroke merely smiled at the empath, his two blessed henchmen standing by his side, unmoving and unemotive.

"My dear Raven…you think you know me so well, but yet, you still associate me with the image of the man who planted nanobots in your blood all those years ago. There is no doubt, I am still as meticulous as ever in my preparations. However, one must come to appreciate the role of so-called destiny, especially in the cases of individuals such as you and I."

Deathstroke gestured down at himself. "For it is my destiny to rule this world…to make use of the gifts granted to me and be the ruler of this planet that Trigon never could be-."

He then lazily flicked his hand outwards towards Raven. "-and it is your destiny to die so that I may take my rightful place. In that way, it is…ahem…nothing personal…it is simply the ways things are…you must die, so that I may rise."

Raven's glare intensified, her eyes beginning to glow a brilliant white, her feet gently lifting off the ground as winds started to whip up around her. "You say it's nothing personal…you kidnapped a titian...never mind a titan, a kid…one of my kids. You attempted to trick us into killing Beast Boy, for reasoning only just slightly more than because you wanted too. You invaded my dreams for the sole reason of gloating over the fact you thought you had killed someone I cared about…whether you needed to me for this or not...what aspect of this do you think is not personal?"

Deathstroke didn't flinch at Raven's apparent rage or the powers she was displaying, his demeanor calm in the face of her building wrath. "Your vision or view of our little conflict is far too narrow…it lacks nuance. The situation being personal…that implies that I catered it to you specifically. In truth, I don't put that much though into you. I care for what you can bring me, of course, but as for Raven, the person or the Teen Titans, as people…inconsequential. Road kill on the highway that I would rather I didn't have to take a second glance at, but…what's that old phrase? All is fair in love and war?"

Deathstroke let out a low and creaky chuckle. "Although, I will say…seeing you and Beast Boy at your limits in particular because of me…I cannot say that didn't bring me joy on occasion."

Raven, not backing down in the slightest, smirked at Deathstroke. "That doesn't surprise me…you may have discovered Phobia turned her back on you, but that doesn't take away from what she said. You may have convinced all these low-time villains who are desperate for power and the low-life humans who have worshipped Trigon from the start that you are their savior, but even now…deep down…you're still not sure that your words are true. What if you're not the chosen one you proclaim to be? What if you join the long-list of Abaddon's would-be Gods? Just another name to eventually be forgotten…"

Raven saw Deathstroke's face tighten a considerable amount and her smirk grew.

"That's not even getting into the fact you're still scared about the Beast beating you…again."

Deathstroke's hand twitched, almost as if it was making a movement for the axe on his back, but he calmed himself, taking a deep breath.

"Garfield Logan no longer concerns me…none of your teammates do. Adonis embraced the power I offered him. It was enough to nearly end your precious little changeling the first time…this time, there won't even be enough of him left to bury."

Raven's nostrils flared, but before she should float any higher into the air, she felt a hand grip her wrist. Wheeling around on the one who dared to touch her, her expression softened ever so slightly when she locked eyes with Ravager, who's expression was strict, her eyes stern. When she spoke, she spoke quietly, with conviction. This was a message between the two of them only.

"Control yourself. We play this smart. Whether we have to go to plan B or not, we don't play his game."

Raven hesitated only a moment before nodding at her. From the other side of the room, Deathstroke let out a tired sigh. "I will say…if there is one thing I didn't account for or expect from all of this…it would be my own daughter standing opposite me in this moment. Even when I am on the cusp of my greatest triumph, you still somehow found a way to disappoint me Rose."

Ravager turned her attention from Raven to Deathstroke in an instant, her face impassive and for the first time, with the two of them in the same room, Raven couldn't help but see some similarities between the two of them. It wasn't necessarily in how they looked, but within their mannerisms, expressions and body language…Raven couldn't help but see the resemblance. Ravager, one katana still in her hand, but being held casually, as if she was going to use at as walking stick, stared back at Deathstroke with apathy.

"You didn't account for a lot of things throughout your little crusade. You definitely didn't account for the beast smacking you from pillar to post at Titans Tower…I saw some of that from a distance and that was a hell of a lot of fun to watch. You had so many failed attempts at getting Raven that you resorted to kidnapping a child…that doesn't sound like someone who's accounted for everything…but it does sound like the spineless weasel I know you are."

Deathstroke growled to himself. "You would be nothing without me. I gave you everything you could possibly need. Training. Shelter. Resources. Yet, you have done nothing but show a lack of gratitude…and now, you actively stand against me."

Raven, her feet having landed back on the ground, tried to hide her curiosity at Deathstroke's latest outburst. It was distinctly unlike him, both in tone and in nature. With all the subtlety she could muster, Raven gently leaned into Deathstroke's emotions, trying to garner any information from Trigon's chosen one. She kept her face neutral as she gently got a read of his emotional state. For all of her encounters with Deathstroke, he had never once shown true emotion. He was callous…cold…calculating…but here, with Ravager in the room, it was obvious to her as reading any one of her teammates…while there was anger and disappointment in his emotions, the feeling of betrayal was like a beacon to the empath. He was emotionally invested and he couldn't deny it.

Ravager, who knew nothing of Raven's exploits, laughed at her father's claims. "Oh amazing, you taught me how to wield swords while you secretly laced my food. You left psychosis off that little list of things you gave me, but I guess that doesn't suit your narrative."

Deathstroke took a step forward, his voice raising to a new volume. "I was turning you into the perfect solider! I knew what was best for you! After everything I did you, for you to simply walk aw-"

Ravager cut across Deathstroke, her voice, unlike her father's, steady and assured. "You're lucky that all I did was walk away. At the time, call me sentimental, but I couldn't bring myself to do anything to you…and I was wrong, given the opportunity to go back, I'd have killed you where you stood."

Deathstroke stepped back, closing his eyes tightly for a few seconds. When he reopened them, his face had resumed its stony exterior and Raven could practically feel his emotions get locked up behind firm walls.

"If that is how you see it…so be it. I will extend the same courtesy to you. You are no daughter of mine. You are a Titan. An enemy who is in my way. You will watch as I ascend and be a prisoner in my new world…or you will die with the rest of the Titans. I do not care what your choice is."

Deathstroke's eyes flickered from Ravager to a spot over her shoulder, one corner of his mouth twitching upwards when he spotted the room's newest occupant.

"Abaddon, what news of the other infiltrators?"

Raven and Ravager both turned around to spot Abaddon walking in from the only entrance to the room, the same sickly grin on his face that he had been wearing before.

"The Titans known as Beast Boy, Starfire and Nightwing are sealed in with Adonis and the demon. Adonis has been issued his orders…none will be left alive."

Raven felt her heart sink as Abaddon's word echoed around her head. Adonis was even more powerful than the last the Titans had encountered him and in that fight, Beast Boy and Starfire were at least in a natural environment, with good cover and room for a retreat. Now, they were sealed in a cave, miles below the surface, and although Nightwing was there, Beast Boy's inner demon more than made up for that. She was almost about to try and reach out to Beast Boy with their bond, but Deathstroke's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Now Raven, I think Beast Boy is going to be occupied right now…unlike your dreams the other night…you won't be able to call on him this time."

With a snap of his fingers, Psimon walked forward, Melvin in his arms, who was still unconscious. Without a word, Psimon placed Melvin in front of Deathstroke on the floor. Deathstroke looked at Psimon commandingly.

"Wake her up."

Without a moment's hesitation, Psimon placed both his hands on his temples and looked down at the girl. His face screwed up in concertation for a moment as small beam of his powers radiated from his forehead to Melvin, where upon the beam making contact with her. Melvin sat upright almost instantly, taking a gasp of air as if she had been startled. Her eyes flashed wildly around the room until they locked on Raven, who stared back at her, a look of heartbreak on her face at the situation that was playing out before her. Melvin rubbed her eyes, looking tired and frightened in the process.

"Raven? What's going on? Where are we?"

Raven did her best to sound reassuring, not quite sure whether it was for Melvin or her own benefit.

"Everything's going to be okay Melvin…I've told you before, I'm always here for you, whenever you need me. I just need you to stay calm…and trust me."

Melvin, wide-eyed and terrified, nodded her head slowly, but didn't get a chance to reply as Deathstroke had chosen that moment to step forward and plant the hilt of his axe in front of Melvin, essentially barring her away from Raven.

"Oh yes Melvin, I would listen to Raven if I were you. She only has your best interests at heart. It would be an awful shame if someone were to lose their head."

Deathstroke didn't even look down at Melvin to see the effects of his words, instead choosing to look at Raven, who was glaring at him as if she wanted to kill him where he stood. He smiled in return before tapping what appeared to be a button on the inside of his wrist. Raven's glare turned to confusion before he attention was drawn to the shadows that Deathstroke had emerged from in the first place, where slowly but steadily, hundreds of red lights began to light up, followed by Deathstroke's, now activated bots floating out of the shadows. Deathstroke's deep chuckle brought her attention back.

"I know you don't want poor, sweet Melvin to hear this Raven, but like I said before, I know you wouldn't put her ahead of the world you love so dearly, so a little insurance policy seemed to be in order. My creations to keep you busy if you resist…Psimon and Kid Wykkd to stop you from disappearing via one of your portals. I did at one stage consider negotiating with you, as a token of good faith…at least you would have known that you saved the child to die another day…but since after today, the world will be putting it's faith in me…I'm not too concerned with keeping the scales balanced."

For all of her empty threats to kill Beast Boy, Raven could only remember one time in her life where she had truly wanted to end someone's life and she wasn't proud of it. Terra's betrayal had hurt everyone and at the time, drowned in emotion…she'd let her rage get the best of her. However, as she stood opposite Deathstroke, watching him stand behind Melvin, like a guardian angel from hell, his axe embedded in the ground in front of her, Melvin's wide eyes staring up the hilt, disorientated and afraid, her rage was in check. She was in control. She knew what she was doing.

This was the second time she wanted to kill someone…and she had no qualms about it.

Raven's eyes flicked from Deathstroke to Melvin for a second before she her head towards Ravager. Still with her one katana at the ready, the two locked eyes and a silent message passed between them. Raven turned back to the ensemble of villains in front of her, carefully noting their positioning's, as well as that of the slowly closing in bots and Abaddon, who still stood in the background, watching the entire interaction with barely subdued glee. Finally, she locked eyes with Deathstroke once again, her lips in a tight line, her eyes narrowed. Deathstroke looked bemused at her defiance.

"Raven, there is no need to be difficult…although, I would not be pressed to admit, it might make things more fun for me."

Raven brought her hands up, palms facing the floor, fingers outstretched, taking a deep breath as she did so. "That's where you're wrong Dea-…no…this entire time, I've shown you and your newfound beliefs of godhood too much respect, because in moments like this, I don't see a chosen one or savior…I see Slade. Cold. Calculating. Cruel….but undeniably human…you were never chosen to be a God…Trigon saw an opportunity in you…a means to an end…a messenger boy. Sure, you took out one of his gatekeepers and took your soul back, no small feat, but ultimately…you're entire life's ambition is now to kill me and take my power. You've never been blessed or chosen…just another human looking for someone else's hand me downs."

Deathstroke banged the hilt of his axe on the floor, a small circle of fire bursting out from where it made contact with the ground, obvious rage etched across his visible features.

"I think you should watch your mouth spawn of Trig-"

Raven's fingers crackled with dark magic. "Or what!? You're going to kill me!? Reap my soul from my body!? For someone who was so meticulous in planning the day of his oh so great ascension, it seems you overlooked one major detail…you seem to think that today ends with you killing me and that my only way out is killing you…well there is a third option and I intend to take it."

Deathstroke had heard enough spoke with authority to the villains at his sides, as well as his bots, alongside a wave of his hands. "Detain her. She cannot be killed until she is brought to where she became the portal."

As Psimon and Kid Wykkd stepped forward, Raven took one more second to glance at Melvin, who was staring back at her. She spoke quickly and directly to her. "Melvin…I'm always here for you…you just have to trust me."

Raven took a second longer to see Melvin nod her head slowly again before looking at the various enemies slowly closing in on her, Deathstroke standing patiently and regally as bots slowly came to move past him. At her side, Ravager stood ready, her eyes scanning the room at the incoming onslaught.

Raven looked past the bots and locked eyes with Deathstroke for a final time. "You also forgot one more thing…there's more to my power than a few fire demons…and while you may have been blessed by my father, I'm the one who took him down…and I think you need a reminder about the power that required."

Raven lifted her hands above her head, her corporeal Raven forming around her, the figure of the bird coming to shape under the pale light of the platform of the portal, a horrific beauty to it's appearance, it's shadowy outline almost ghost-like in appearance. Deathstroke brought his axe into both hands, the blade lighting up in flames as he did so. Kid Wykkd and Psimon couldn't help but take a step back at the sight before them. Raven rose a few feet off the grand, her eyes glowing a blinding white.

"What's the matter? Afraid of the dark?"

Then, all at once, the corporeal Raven exploded outwards, sending shadows in every direction, seemingly plunging the entire room into complete darkness.

Compared to the loud proclamations and rhythmic chanting that had taken place only a few minutes ago, the cavern containing Nightwing, Starfire, Beast Boy and their two foes now stood essentially in silence, the only noise coming from Adonis's consistent and thick, heavy breathing. It was almost reminiscent of a Mexican stand-off with the way the two groups stood across from each other, the tension climbing every second no one made a move. It was Beast Boy's demon that finally broke the silence that had settled between the groups. Taking off his gloves, he gave a huff of laughter as he analyzed his clawed fingers. He didn't look upwards as he addressed the Titans.

"How do you Titans keep ending up in places like this, hmm? Any thoughts Beast Boy? Cause it always seems to be your fault…last time you ended up tombed up underground was because of your little soft spot for the Geomancer, wasn't it?"

The demon cupped his hands together in the shape of a heart and aimed his eyes towards the sky, as if her were reciting poetry. "No Robin, none of you know Terra like I do. She's not evil I promise."

It dropped the act and looked back at Beast Boy with malice in its eyes. "Then again…that's who you've always been…so desperate for anyone's approval, any sign that you've done something right for once, like a puppy on a leash begging for a treat. Can't blame you I guess though…your parents didn't exactly drown you in attention, did they? Mento couldn't stand the sight of you. Your dear leader, stood right beside you, thought so little of you that he once tried to send you to jail without even a trial. In the end, I suppose that's all you'll ever be though…in everyone's eyes, you always come up just short…never the guy to make the big play…a passenger along for the ride until everyone around you realises they don't need you anymore…go on, tell me I'm wrong. Speak quick though…Adonis is hungry."

Starfire's eyes were burning with rage, to the point that the heat radiating off of them was visible in the orange glow of the room and was about to step forward when Beast Boy placed his arm in front of her. She looked down at the changeling in confusion. Beast Boy didn't meet her eyes, instead choosing to stare at the ground between himself and his inner demon and Adonis.

"It's okay Star…I got this."

Starfire's eyes crinkled at the edges with worry. "Friend Beast Boy…you need not listen to this foul creatures words. He speaks nothing bu-"

"No Star…he's right."

Starfire looked at Beast Boy in horror, as the changeling turned to glance at Nightwing, who was also staring at him, his expression less aghast, but concern still obviously present. He shot him a half-smile before he took a few steps away from the pair of them out into the middle of the room. While Adonis looked at him, entirely void of emotion, the occasional sliver of drool dripping to the floor from his massive canines, his inner demon looked at him with total satisfaction, as if Beast Boy had just validated everything he just said. Beast Boy still looking at the ground, seemed to speak as if he were addressing everyone in the room.

"You're right…everything you just said is true. When Terra came, she used me and I hung off her every word. I ignored my own team because she made me feel special. I couldn't save my parents…I thought I had let Mento down…I thought the Titans could never trust me…"

Beast Boy let his last sentence hang in the air for a few seconds, before he finally cast his eyes upwards, locking straight onto his inner demon. There was no lack of expression on his face this time. Beast Boy was showing murderous intent, his eyes burning a hole through his demon, his claws digging so tightly into his hands that thin rivulets of blood had started to drip down his palms. His inner demon, instinctively, took a step back, the smile dropping off its face. Adonis, who had been waiting for any sign of a fight starting, dropped lower to the ground, his eyes narrowing. Beast Boy didn't stop.

"You were right about another thing. It is who I've always been. However, unfortunately, for you, your information is out of date. See, you're not new. You weren't created by Deathstroke. You're the same demon who taunted me that was made by Trigon. Everything you know about me is from me then…not me now."

Beast Boy took another step forward and this time Adonis bared his teeth.

"But I've changed since then. I've made mistakes…so many goddamn mistakes. I've had the absolute highest of high's and I've dropped lower than I ever thought I could. It took some pretty dumb decisions, friends screaming in my face and lot of lessons learnt, but for everything, I know one thing for sure. I know exactly who I am and there's nothing you can say to me that can phase me…not anymore. To you, I may as well be bulletproof."

Beast Boy turned around to look at Starfire and Nightwing. Starfire was looking at him with joy, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, while Nightwing was looking at him with what appeared to be genuine pride. Beast Boy smiled at Star, before shooting Nightwing a wink and turning back around.

"I'm Garfield Mark Logan. I'm Beast Boy of the Teen Titans. You, Deathstroke and all of his other little bots and cronies have come into MY CITY, messed with MY FRIENDS and now, you two are the only things stopping me from going into the next room over and making sure Raven doesn't die at Deathstroke's hands. So I'll tell you something…you may know who I was, but you don't have a clue about who I am now."

Beast Boy dropped low to the ground in an offensive stance, claws extended, teeth bared, pupils dilated, a wild look in his eyes.

"And right now….I'm the guy that's about to rip your goddamn heads off."

Beast Boy's inner demon stood still for a moment, completely shocked by his other half's outburst. Still, all it took was a shake of the head and it's smile returned in full force, it's eyes cast downwards towards the ground as it started to chuckle to itself.

"A rousing speech Garfield, but I'm not quite su-"

It never got to finish it's sentence. All the demon heard was Adonis roar in surprise, prompting it to glance upwards where the first sight it was greeted with was a green fist aimed straight at his face. With speed that would rival Kid Flash, Beast Boy had closed the gap between the two, feeling the power of being at one with the Beast flow through him. Even though they had settled their differences and could work together, it was still at times like this when their understanding of each other was borderline flawless. They both had the same goal, the same desires…the same rage and hunger. The two villains positioned opposite him were the only things blocking him from Raven…they were obstacles to be disposed of…barriers that were blocking him from getting to his Raven.

Garfield Logan and the Beast were in perfect sync.

Beast Boy's fist collided with his inner demons cheek with such force that it sent the creature flying backwards across the room, where it collided with the stone wall that had risen to block the exit. Beast Boy shook his fist for a second and had just started to think about how good that had felt when a sudden increase in temperature in his proximity reminded him that he still had company. Beast Boy turned around in an instant, shifting into the Beast as he did so and caught the downward swinging claw of Adonis above his head, nearly caving under the weight of the strike. Beast Boy knew he was standing on solid rock and yet, he swore he could feel his feet sink into the ground as he struggled under the strength of Adonis. Luckily for him, he wasn't alone in this fight.

The Beast saw the star bolts collide with Adonis' back from over his shoulder, the green bursts of energy sending shockwaves throughout the warped villains body. Adonis growled in anger and in a movement as quick as lightning, brought his other fist around in the form of a savage backhand, slamming into the Beast and sending him skidding across the stone floor. Adonis then turned his attention towards the direction of the star bolts, only to be greeted by three birdarangs embedding themselves into his skin. With a cry, Nightwing rushed Adonis, sword in one hand, a set of miniature bombs in the other. When he got within range, Nightwing launched the bombs at Adonis' head, which proceeded to explode around him, causing Adonis to howl in outrage and wildly swing in every direction. Nightwing took the opportunity to close the distance between them, sliding on his knees to avoid on strike, before he popped up inside Adonis's guard. Bringing his birdarang sword around in a sideways arc, he swung his weapon with all his might into Adonis' mid-section, breaking through his enhanced skin and leaving a large gash which immediately started to seep blood, eliciting a genuine cry of pain from the creature. The blood that dripped out of the wound smoked and sizzled as it made contact with the cold, stone floor.

Adonis reached down in an effort to grab the Titan leader, but Nightwing once again proved too fast, stepping out of the way of his attempt to grapple him and using his enormous forearm to vault upwards, where he was caught by a low-flying Starfire, who caught him underneath the arms. Adonis eyed the two in the air as they flew away, preparing to send a plume of fire in their direction when he heard the sound of animal charging. Beast Boy, who had recovered from the knock he took, sprinted into Adonis in the form of a Rhino and while Adonis was able to react in time to block the horn from digging into his skin, he was unable to brace himself to halt the creature in its track. Adonis reached out with enormous arms, flames dripping off his skin, and wrapped them around the inbound creatures neck, as if he were trying to wrestle it to the ground. However, Beast Boy's momentum was too much and Adonis' grip in the floor gave way first in the inadvertent game of strength. Starfire, seeing an opportunity, looked down at Nightwing in her arms before glancing at Beast Boy's demon, who was just starting to pull himself out of the rock.

"Boyfriend Richard, I believe this may be as good a place as any for me to drop you off."

Nightwing, following Starfire's gaze towards the other demon in the room, nodded in agreement, a slight smile on his face.

"Anywhere around here is fine dear."

Starfire smiled for only a moment, before her eyes narrowed in determination. In an instant, she flew down towards Beast Boy's demon and when she was still twenty feet in the air, she released her grip on Nightwing, launching him towards the demon like a human missile. Nightwing, with all the grace and elegance of the trapeze artist he knew once was, soared through the air, readying his sword as he did so. The demon Beast Boy only had a second to look up and brace itself, before Nightwing collided with him. It had been able to catch Nightwing's swing of his sword, but it wasn't prepared to take the full weight of the Titan leader and the two of them went sprawling to the ground.

Once Starfire had released Nightwing, her attention switched entirely to Adonis, who was still trying to wrestle the rampaging rhino that was Beast Boy to the ground. Starfire's eyes glowed green, righteous fury emanating off her in waves, every fibre of her being honing in on her sole desire to take the monster in front of her down once and for all. Adonis would not harm another titan…not ever again. With an extra burst, Starfire extended her fists in front of her and, like a bullet, sped towards Adonis's exposed mid-section. The creature, so absorbed in trying to stop Beast Boy, never saw the Tamaranean coming. With an impact that would have scythed most enemies in half and a cry of rage that nearly shook the cavern, Starfire crashed into the side of Adonis with enough force that he lost his grip on Beast Boy. However, Starfire didn't stop, continuing to fly forwards, with Adonis seemingly stuck on the ends of her fists, like a bug caught on a windshield. As she approached one of the walls of the cavern and with a final scream of fury, Starfire sent two star bolts out of her fists, ejecting Adonis off of her, where he went careening into the cavern wall, hitting the rock with a sickening thud, causing dozens of the torches that lined the walls to fall to the ground.

Starfire finally floated to the ground, placing her hands on her knees as she tried to get her breath back, torches of fire and embers falling around her as if stars were falling from the stone sky. She didn't look over when she felt a presence approach from behind her. She could hear the sounds of Nightwing engaging Beast Boy's demon from the other side of the room…she knew who it was…and she knew what was about to happen. Beast Boy came to stand beside Starfire and together, they both watched Adonis rise from the ground and roll his shoulders, a few loud cracks sounding from the creature's spine.

Beast Boy glanced up at Starfire with uncertainty before he looked back over at Adonis, his mouth opening and closing a few times, as if he was struggling to find the right words.

"Adonis…this isn't you...you don't need this. Just stand aside…the Titans, we can help you. We can reverse this, but please, you have to let us go…we don't have to do this."

Adonis glanced up at Beast Boy with curiosity, but it wasn't the curiosity of a conscious human. Sadly, Beast Boy recognised the look in Adonis's eyes. It was the same curiosity and interest a dog gave its owner when they spoke a command they didn't understand…the same look a predator gave a prey item that it had never encountered before. There was no understanding in Adonis's gaze. In that moment, Beast Boy realised that what Raven had said was true. Adonis, the man, was gone…and whatever stood before them now…that was all that was left.

Adonis's curiosity slowly dissipated as he lost interest in Beast Boy's new approach. Instead, he rose up on his hind legs, making himself as large as possible, towering over to the two Titans that stood before him. Beside him, Starfire actually reached out and grabbed Beast Boy's hand. Beast Boy didn't flinch. When Starfire spoke, she spoke calmly and assuredly.

"Garfield…Raven foresaw this moment…I fear there is no reasoning with this creature…"

Beast Boy swallowed. "Yea Star…Adonis is gone…"

Adonis looked down at the two Titans that stood before him, reared his head back and let out a thunderous roar that shook the cavern, more torches and embers falling from the alcoves in the ceiling as a result.

Starfire's eyes hardened and she withdrew her hand, bring both her arms up in front of her, her fists lighting up with a green ura, her eyes beginning to glow. "Well then…if this is way it must be…then I am done holding back."

Beast Boy crouched down low, rolling his neck a few times. "If we have to go through Adonis to get to Raven…so be it…by any means necessary."

The silent message had passed between them. The creature that stood before them wasn't a human…not anymore. Lost to Deathstroke's empty promises, the nightmare before them was a demon, a creature not of this world…a creature that didn't belong on Earth…maybe they would be doing right by Adonis by taking him down. Regardless, as Starfire fired her first star bolts and Beast Boy jumped towards him, shifting into the Beast in mid-air, his claws fully extended, their sharp edges glinting in the fire's light, both of them knew that this wasn't a normal fight. Adonis had been given orders to kill. Beast Boy and Starfire were going to save Raven no matter what. Something was going to have to give…

Deathstroke could hear the sudden chaos around him as his bots began to aimlessly attack in the newly formed shadows and his two lackeys at his side began wheeling around in search of any incoming threat. He could hear all of it. Sense all of it…but it did not phase him. Slowly and with care, he raised his axe from the ground to hold it in two hands. With a rough grasp of the dregs of Melvin's collar, he yanked the girl behind him, drawing a yelp from the poor girl, who once again was sent tumbling to the floor. Without looking back, Deathstroke issued an order to Psimon and Kid Wyykd.

"Watch the girl. Put her under again if you must."

With that, and with a tensing of his knuckles, Deathstroke felt his axe burst into flames under his power, the tendrils of fire seemingly lashing out at the darkness as if they were actively trying to fight it off. He took a few steps forward, ignoring the cacophony of sound around him. In the distance, he could even discern the sounds of his daughter's katana, slicing through his creations. However, he no longer had any time for her…not when he was so close. When he spoke again, he projected his voice into the darkness, knowing that the person he was speaking too was certainly paying attention, just as he was now.

"Would you like to hear an interesting story about ravens? In Greek mythology, the raven was considered to be the messenger of Apollo. According to legend, it was a white raven that delivered the message to the God of the Sun that his lover had been unfaithful…"

Deathstroke's eye twitched beneath his mask as he picked up on the slightest movement to his right, barely a whisper in the dark, only illuminated for a second by the light of his axe. He smiled.

"…and when Apollo heard this news, in his fury at the news he had been betrayed, he scorched the messenger raven, turning it's feathers black. So while you may have your shadows and magic to tilt the odds in your favour, once again, it seems I have the favour of the Gods. The fire is on my side and you-"

Deathstroke jumped to the side in the blink of an eye. Where he had been standing only a second ago, a stalactite that had been growing from the roof embedded itself in the ground, an aura of dark energy around the rock. Without hesitation, Deathstroke quickly turned again, bringing his axe up in front of him, just in time to block a blow from Raven, her hands surrounded with her magic but her white eyes returning to normality when she realised that Deathstroke had anticipated her move. He gave a low chuckle that Raven was close enough to hear.

"-well…you have a history of getting burnt."

With that, Deathstroke brought the hilt of his axe upwards, with the intent of driving the base of it directly into Raven's chin and while the empath was able to bring her hands up to block the blow, she hadn't anticipated the accompanying bolt of fire that came with, which broke through her magic defences, sending her flying backwards. However, before the empath could hit the ground, she regained her senses and caught herself in midair, coming to a halt and floating in the middle of her own shadows. She turned around wildly but any trace of Deathstroke had vanished. She was tempted to take down the darkness she had cast, but until she could get to Melvin, she had to pick her spots. Suddenly, through the darkness, Deathstroke's voice echoed out amongst the other noise around her.

"In the mythology of certain native American tribes…the Sioux for instance…a white raven was often believed to warn buffalo of approaching hunters…"

Raven stopped looking around and instead attempted to find her centre. Deathstroke was playing mind games once again and she had taken the bait initially. But, that didn't change the fact that she the one with the advantage in the shadows and secondly, almost more importantly, Deathstroke pursuing her like this meant Melvin had been left with another. Raven closed her eyes, assuming the lotus position in midair, using the shadows she had created in the same a spider would detect a fly caught in its web. As she focused, Deathstroke's silky voice dripped into her head again.

"…and one day, an angry hunter was able to capture the white raven…the creature that had been giving it's fellow wild animals hope…and he threw it into the fire…turning it black…"

Raven's eyes shot open and she plummeted downwards, just as a bolt of fire blasted mere inches over her head. Dropping far closer to the ground, she spun around in anticipation, her eyes narrowing as she caught the faintest glimpse of flames in the darkness. She ignored Deathstroke as he began to speak again, summoning her powers in silence, unbeknownst to her current attacker.

"It's almost like…a Raven can't stop the world from burning…like you ca-"

Raven took her chance and with a shove of her hands downwards, she sent the shadows she had created downwards through the floor, bringing the room back into the light. Deathstroke, realizing his cover was gone, turned to Raven, only to find a beam of her powers already moving towards him. With no time to move, her powers wrapped around his legs like a vice grip and as Raven closed her fits, she took some satisfaction in watching Deathstroke wince.

"Azerath Metrion Zinthos!"

With a wide swing of her arms, Deathstroke was launched by his feet across the room, slamming into the stone wall, a cloud of dust and debris forming around him as peeled off the wall. However, Raven had no time to revel in her success. Glancing around the room, Raven spotted Ravager holding her own against dozen of bots, carving through them with the skill of a master. Without much hesitation, her attention drifted until her eyes locked onto the forms of Psimon and Kid Wyykd, both of which had barely moved from their original positions. Melvin, who was seemingly unconscious again, hung limply from Psimon's arms.

Raven almost saw red. She could feel her anger bubbling just beneath the surface, like a weight beneath her skin. She took a breath and tried to calm herself…and then stopped. It wasn't quite like she had had an epiphany…more like everything had just become slightly clearer. Starfire had urged her to find the joy in being alive…in being human. Rage had said that she wanted to play her part but Raven kept turning her away and Beast Boy could help her…

"You know what it's like to achieve balance with the monster."

…and it was all tied together in a neat, little bow by none other than herself when she been reprimanding Beast Boy for nearly getting himself killed.

"There is a line between instinct and reckless."

Raven looked down at Psimon and Kid Wyykd, who had at this stage, noticed her presence, with Kid Wyykd already preparing to take to the air. Raven glanced one more time at the unconscious body of Melvin in Psimon's arms. Her knuckles turned white.

Raven didn't know if this was balance or not but damn it felt good.

Raven pulled her legs and arms in and began to move towards Kid Wyykd with as much speed as she could muster, just as Kid Wyykd took to the sky, launching a beam of fire at her as he did so. Raven, anticipating the ranged attack, moved upwards in a circle, feeling the heat of the fire against her back and singe her hair as he rotated around it. As she moved, she used her powers to wrapped around the slashed remains of, what was at this stage, at least forty bots from Ravager's rampage below, raising the broken pieces of metal into a wall of projectiles flanking her either side before launching them towards Kid Wyykd.

The villains eyes widened and he quickly brought up a wall of fire in front of himself as a shield. However, Raven had never intended for the metal to connect. Once the projectiles were inbound, Raven brought her fists in front of herself, forming a shield of her powers in front of her. In essence, she had just given herself a protective covering for the human bullet she had become. She could see the metal hitting the wall of fire ahead of her but she didn't care. She could see the outline of Kid Wyykd through the flames. She was going through. Raven lined up her target and closed her eyes.

Kid Wyykd never stood a chance. Raven tore through his shield of fire like it wasn't even there, tackling him in midair, driving her fists deep into his stomach and together they shot towards the ground, Raven driving her opponent into the rock with a sickening impact, an impact crater forming where they collided. As the dust cleared, Raven was on one knee, Kid Wyykd beneath her. The villain let out a groan of pain and Raven didn't hesitate to double-tap, grabbing the villain off the floor by the scruff of his outfit and delivering a savage, power-driven punch straight into his jaw. Kid Wyykd promptly slumped in her grasp and when she let go, collapsed to the floor, out cold. Raven look down in disgust, before her eyes, glowing white, shot up too Psimon, who had witnessed the entire event, his normally passive face showing something almost slightly akin to concern. The two stared each other down for a few seconds. Psimon flinched first, taking to the air, Melvin in his hands, and flying away from the raging empath. Raven grit her teeth.

"No one…touches…my…kids."

Raven took to the sky in pursuit of Psimon just as Deathstroke finally emerged from his collision with the wall, practically unscathed, more enraged than ever. He scanned the room, quickly spotting the decimated Kid Wyykd and Raven in pursuit of Psimon. He picked his axe up from the floor, sending a quick message to one of his blessed individuals as he did so that reinforcements were needed in the catacombs, before slamming the hilt of the axe against the floor, the blade alighting with a vicious intensity, and addressing his bots that were still fighting Ravager as he took to the air, a jet of fire propelling him upwards.

"All of you! Do not let the gem escape! Kill my daughter and the girl, but leave Raven to me!"

Immediately, some of the bots that were engaging Ravager turned towards the sky and took to the air after the empath. Ravager, having seen where Deathstroke was pointing, spotted Raven flying through the air in pursuit of Melvin. It only took a few more seconds, but Ravager realised Raven's pursuit of Psimon was leading them towards the platform where she had become the portal, the only spot of high ground in an otherwise flat environment. The only place with a tactical advantage. Ravager huffed, not being able to help but think it was a fitting place to stage a last stand as she began carving her way through Deathstroke's remaining bots, her eyes set on the staircase that would lead her up to Raven.

Raven wasn't aware of any of this going on around her as her entire focus was on the cargo in Psimon's arms. Pursuing him through the open space of the cavern, she quickly realised that he was aiming for the top of the platform and with a clench of her fists, ignoring the pain in her arm from Adonis's bite, she pushed herself to go even faster in an attempt to catch up with Psimon. With a final burst, she pushed herself forward and managed to grab hold of Psimon's waist, much to the surprise of the telekinetic, causing the two to tumble out of the air. Raven swung her fist over the villain's shoulder into his jaw, eliciting a cry of pain and causing Psimon to lose his grip on the girl in his arms. Melvin began to plummet towards the platform causing Raven's eyes to widen in terror.

Using Psimon as a springboard, Raven kicked off his back, sending Psimon tumbling through the air and propelling her towards Melvin. Raven sped towards Melvin, arms extended to catch her, managed to tuck her into her chest and summon a shield of her powers only a second before they collided with the ground. The two of them skidded across the floor of the platform, Raven taking the brunt of the impact on her shoulder, through her shield, before coming to a halt only a few feet from the platform's edge. Without any hesitation, Raven pulled Melvin across her lap and held her hand to the girls forehead, allowing her healing magic to seep into her. After a few seconds, Melvin's eyes opened and she sat up with a start, a look of panic across her face. Raven quickly grabbed her gently by both sides of her head and brought her erratic movements too a halt as Melvin locked eyes with Raven's amethyst ones. Raven smiled at her in relief.

"I told you, whenever you need me."

Melvin's eyes widened before she launched herself at the empath, wrapping her arms around her neck in an instant, Raven not hesitating to return the hug. Unfortunately for the pair of them, the moment was short-lived, as Raven opened her eyes and could already see the form of Psimon racing towards her, his hands a light with magenta magic. Raven whispered in Melvin's ear and Melvin released her grip on her, turning her attention to the telekinetic villain that was racing towards them. Melvin looked back at Raven with a smile, an expression which looked out of place on her still slightly bruised and bleeding face.

"Don't worry Raven, he's had enough time to recover at this stage."

Psimon had his sights set on the pair that had settled on the platform having recovered from his midair fight with Raven. He was ready to kill the girl and secure the gem for his leader. He would be sufficiently rewarded in Deathstroke's new world. Unfortunately, he had only accounted for the two figures he could see. As such, when an enormous teddy bear formed right in front of him, he was caught unaware and unprepared.

"BOBBY GET HIM!"

Bobby, who now stood on the edge of the platform, plucked Psimon out of midair by the ankle, despite the villain's best attempts to halt his momentum. In comical fashion, Bobby proceeded to swing him by the ankle over his head, slamming into the ground on the far side, before repeating the action in reverse. Psimon was imbedded into the ground of the platform, with a human-sized impact crater, his eyes staring at the ceiling, a choked moan escaping his mouth. Bobby looked down at his handywork in pride. Raven, who had also been watching in slight awe, shook her head, realizing where they were and began scanning the environment for threats. Looking over the edge, she saw Deathstroke approaching rapidly, with trails of flames being left in his wake. Raven brought her fists up, her power forming at her fingertips in anticipation of the fight ahead. But then, she heard the scream.

"RAVEN, LOOK OUT!"

Ravager had battled her way to the top of the stairs, leaving a trail of broken robots in her wake. Melvin had been so transfixed on Bobby fighting Psimon and Raven had been scouting for Deathstroke. No one had seen Abaddon approaching the empath unseen and unheard behind the empath. Raven registered the cry of her name but, turning around in a second, just about dodging out of the way as Abaddon thrust a ceremonial knife towards where she had been standing only a second earlier. Raven was about to attack Abaddon in retaliation when her mind caught up with what she had been looking at before. Turning back towards the edge of the platform, she didn't have time to react as Deathstroke barreled into her, scorching the front of her uniform and sending her flying backwards towards Ravager and Melvin. She rolled across the floor before stopping in a heap, Melvin immediately running over to her.

"Raven!"

Deathstroke looked at the scene before him, a smile spreading across his face as more of his bots began to make it up the stairs, surrounding Melvin, Bobby, Ravager and Raven. This was it. Everything was in place. He took a step forward towards Abaddon, who was holding the knife he had attempted to use on Raven out towards him.

"Everything is in place…your ascension is assured Deathstroke, Slade Wilson, Son of Ulysses."

Deathstroke took the knife from his hand and gripped the hilt. The blade itself was blood red, with a wavy, serrated edge. He clenched his fist and the blade burst into flames. He smiled at his reflection in the flaming metal before turning towards Raven. "A valiant effort Ms. Roth…but unfortunately, it seems history has caught up with you…and the stories of legend have come for me."

Deathstroke took another step forward, but this time was stopped in his tracks as an enormous teddy bear moved to stand in his way. Bobby glared at Deathstroke and Abaddon, letting out a ground-shaking roar. Ravager was about to step forwards to stand alongside Bobby when Raven's voice called to her.

"Ravager…you promised me. I have Melvin. We can end this."

Ravager's heart sank as she turned towards Raven, who had risen to one knee, now sporting a nasty burn on her neck and a gash that look like it had already been cauterized over her eye. She looked up at Ravager with defiant eyes. "This is why I asked you."

Ravager hesitated. "Raven, we can win this. We don't ha-"

Raven cut her off. "No, you swore to me. I can make the barrier but it needs to be now….please."

Ravager looked back at Deathstroke who was evaluating the new opponent in front of him before turning back to Raven, a look of defeat on her face.

"…okay….let's do this."

Ravager moved beside Raven, all the while Melvin was looking between them in confusion. "Raven? What is Ravager going to do? What did she promise?"

Raven ignored her for a second and cast her hands upwards. "Azerath Metrion Zinthos!"

Immediately, a swirling dome of black magic began to form around the trio. Any bots that were caught within the half-sphere were promptly ejected. Seeing what Raven was doing, Deathstroke's eyes widened and he tried to negotiate his way past Bobby only to be promptly shoved back by the teddy bear. The dome finished forming, now taking up over half the platform, with only Melvin, Ravager and Raven inside. Raven let her hands fall as her eyes turned towards Melvin, tears in her eyes.

"Melvin…I'm so sorry…but to protect this world…to protect you…this is something I have to do."

Melvin, renewed panic in her eyes, also began to tear up. "What do you have to do? What's wrong...wait, Raven, no!"

Raven gently wrapped Melvin in a hug and tucked the girl into her shoulder, stroking her hair as she did so. Melvin began shaking in her grasp. After a few seconds Raven pulled away and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"You, Timmy, Teether, I need you to know, no matter what happens…I love you all."

"Raven, please! You ca-"

But Raven pulled away, standing up and facing Ravager, who was wearing a look of devastation, but a certain steel to her eyes that made Raven know she wouldn't back down from this. Ravager withdrew her katana.

"What do I have to do?"

Raven took a breath. "It will look like I'm entering one of my states of meditation. After about ten minutes, you'll be able to notice the beginnings of additional eyes on my head. When you see that…that's when you strike."

Ravager nodded before slowly holding out a hand to the empath. "Raven…it was an honor."

Raven shook her hand. "The honor was all mine."

From inside the sphere, there was no sound from the outside world. Raven could see bots banging against the magic shield and Bobby engaging Deathstroke. It was an oddly peaceful environment. Raven assumed the lotus position. Just before she closed her eyes, she spoke to Ravager who was stood behind her.

"Ravager?"

"Yes?"

"…tell the other titans I'm sorry…tell Starfire, Nightwing and Cyborg...that I wish there had been another way…and tell Beast Boy…I wouldn't have changed a thing…and that he taught me how to feel alive like no one else could."

Ravager nodded solemnly as Raven rustled through her cloak pocket, withdrawing a small, damaged penny from within its depths. With a heavy heart, she titled her hand to the side and let the coin slide from her palm, where it hit the floor with a barely audible clink. With that, Raven closed her eyes and with the peaceful silence around her, and Melvin and Ravager looking on at her in confusion and sadness, respectively. Raven felt her mind slip away as she began to give into the monster.

Beast Boy felt his animal senses kick into overdrive as Adonis broke the stare down by making the first move, lunging forward, flaming claws poised to slice Starfire or Beast Boy in half. Whichever he hit, he didn't seem to care. In a split second, Beast Boy shifted into the form of an eagle, taking to the sky alongside Starfire, who had also jumped into the air and remained airborne to avoid the blow. Without hesitation, he looped around in midair, shifting into an ankylosaurus at the point of inflection, with the intent of using his armored body to crush the demon beneath him. Starfire, seeing what Beast Boy had in mind, flew up behind him, and with an almighty shove, propelled Beast Boy like a cannon ball towards Adonis. With any normal enemy that wasn't able to get out of the way in time, this would have been fatal. No living creature could survive the impact.

But Adonis was far past the line of being a living creature now.

Seeing the attack coming, Adonis reared up on his hind legs, digging his heels into the ground, bracing himself against the rock floor. With his arms outstretched, Adonis caught the incoming prehistoric missile, nearly buckling under the weight, but holding firm. Starfire could only watch in horror, as before Beast Boy could react, Adonis launched him across the cavern, his massive body flying through the air until it collided with the wall, crashing into it with a sickening thud. Beast Boy reverted to his human form after a few seconds, before lamely siding down the wall, falling to a slump at the base. Adonis opened his mouth, his depraved mind set on launching a wave of fire that would finish the jaw, when a sharp right hand to the jaw brought his attention to the other Titan who was still standing. Starfire stood before Adonis, eyes glowing with rage, her fists emanating a green glow, practically steaming with the heat coming off of them.

"I told you before…YOU WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER TITAN!"

Adonis stared at her in anger for a moment before his expression shifted. Starfire's eyes narrowed as she saw his face scrunch up and for the first time, he showed an emotion that wasn't completely animalistic. His eyes widened for a moment before a sick grin, twisted by Deathstroke and Professor Chang's influence, appeared. A deep, primal sound emanated from his throat, almost like he was trying to laugh. Starfire didn't know if Adonis was still in there or whether the demon before her was simply experiencing the echo of a memory, but there was no doubt, that as she followed his eyes, which travelled down from her own, he had clearly remembered their first encounter. The fury in Starfire's eyes increased tenfold.

"Well if you remember that then you surely remember when I put you deep into the ground a few seconds later. Still Adonis at heart I see…always having to overcompensate."

The expression on Adonis's face disappeared in an instant, replaced by blinding rage and without hesitation he lunged forward, his massive jaws snapping closed on thin air where Starfire had been standing only a second earlier. Starfire, having anticipated the immediate retaliation to her words, had managed to move first, ducking beneath his wild attempt at getting a hold of her. With her back to the ground, Starfire flew upwards with all the speed she could muster, delivering a massive uppercut to Adonis, launching hid head up towards the roof. Starfire pushed her advantage, flying up to his head, inside his guard and delivering a series of strikes before moving backwards and blasting him with a charged starbolt from each hand, sending the nightmare creature backwards. However, he didn't lose his balance and eventually came to a halt as his claws dug into the ground. He looked up at Starfire with rage as a trail of molten blood leaked from his mouth.

Adonis began to bound forward but as Starfire braced for his next move, a flaming portal opened up in front of him, with the behemoth jumping through it, disappearing from her line of sight. Starfire wheeled around wildly, only vaguely aware of the sounds of Nightwing and the demon Beast Boy still fighting somewhere off to the side. She felt the heat before she heard Adonis and instinctively moved to the side, as Adonis emerged from a portal above her head, escaping his grasp by mere inches. However, instead of landing on the ground, another portal formed and Adonis continued his dive straight through it, disappearing again in an instant. Starfire's eyes scanned the room, looking for any signs of the incoming creature.

Unfortunately for Starfire, while Adonis may have been essentially mindless, he certainly wasn't stupid…and was more than capable of adapting his strategy. Starfire had been so focused on where Adonis might appear from that she hadn't considered where he had just gone. Before Starfire could register any movement, the portal on the ground reformed and Adonis jumped upwards and while Starfire had enough time to move, she couldn't escape his clutches this time and let out a cry of a pain as she felt his jaws wrap around her arm. Adonis massive frame fell to the ground, where he tightened his hold on Starfire, eliciting another cry from Starfire, before she corrected her body and began mercilessly pounding on the side of Adonis's mouth. Adonis growled at her attempts to free herself and with a ferocious and sudden jerk of his head to the right, he whipped Starfire across the room, letting go of her when he felt a pop ripple out from her shoulder. Starfire tumbled through the air, crashing to the floor in a heap, her should, dislocated, hanging loosely at her side. She tried to bring herself to her feet, but having never experienced a dislocation before, screamed in pain when she attempted to put weight on her arm. Adonis advanced on her, slowly and methodically, savoring his apparent victory.

His victory was not long-lasting.

Starfire saw it coming but Adonis was not so lucky. The Beast collided into Adonis's side, forcibly tackling him off his course with enough force to dent a tank. Adonis gave a yelp of surprise before wheeling his head around and breathing a plume of fire at his attacker. However, whether the Beast noticed the flames or not, he did not stop, continuing to drive his opponent backwards. With an almighty roar, the Beast shoved Adonis away to create some separation, before going on the offensive, slashing with it's claws and Adonis's abdominal section, leaving deep gashes that cut all the way through his hide. Adonis howled in pain before wildly swinging back at the Beast, connecting with the side of it's face, leaving three large gashes of his own across it's cheek, which began oozing blood immediately. The Beast grimaced but did not let up. With one final effort, the Beast pulled himself upwards using one of Adonis wild swipes and used his own momentum to drive a two footed kick into his chest, sending him flying backwards. In an instant, the Beast turned away from Adonis and ran on all fours back to Starfire, the form of Beast Boy returning once he was beside her.

"Star, your arm. I can fix it, but it ain't gonna be nice."

Starfire looked down at her arm, which was hanging limply from her shoulder, a grimace etched onto her face. "Beast Boy, I assume this is what you would call the dislocation?"

Beast Boy nodded before grabbing her forearm with both hands. "Yep, which means you know what I need to do to get it back into place…"

Starfire swallowed before standing up, Beast Boy gently following her movements. She closed her eyes. "Okay, but like I did for you, don't tell me when you are going to carry out the act. Just si-"

Starfire gave a cry of pain as Beast Boy pulled downwards, feeling the bone pop back into place under the force. Starfire abruptly pulled her arm back, cradling her shoulder. Beast Boy looked at her sadly. "Sorry Star…trust me, I know it's horrible."

Starfire gave a small smile of reassurance. "It is most okay…I did the same for you after all."

Beast Boy was about to respond when he heard a snort from behind him. Beast Boy instinctively took a step in front of Starfire, who was still attempting to shake out her arm. Adonis was moving forward slowly, with undeniable purpose, saliva dripping from his maw, blood trailing down his body from the multiple slashes, courtesy of the Beast. Beast Boy wiped the blood from his own face as he rolled his shoulders. Starfire wasn't ready to jump back in yet. This was the rematch he so desperately wanted.

"I know I chose right…time to prove it."

Starfire could only watch as Beast Boy shifted into the Beast and rushed forward. Adonis, seeing the incoming attack, almost seemed to smile, before he too broke into a sprint. Beast and demon and collided in the centre of the room, with all semblance of tact or methodology lost to the flames around them. Adonis and the Beast tore into each other like two feral animals fighting over a carcass. Claws dug into flesh, teeth buried themselves into muscle, but neither combatant batted an eye or flinched. After a few moments, a decisive backhand from Adonis finally knocked the Beast backwards, creating some separation between the two. Deep gashes ran down the Beast's abdomen and arms and a long narrow cut had forced one of it's eyes closed. It swayed on it's feet, as if it were about to go down, causing Adonis's eyes to narrow in anticipation. Lunging forward, it opened it's jaws, its target being the Beast's neck. The kill shot was just too tempting. However, while Adonis had allowed himself to be taken by the monster and despite the unadulterated carnage that had just taken place…the Beast retained its consciousness…Beast Boy was still in there…and he wasn't afraid to play possum.

When Adonis was only a few feet away, the Beast broke out of his apparent stupor, and dropped to it's haunches, allowing Adonis to sail over him, much to the surprise of the flaming creature. Then, with one arm bracing it's wrist, the Beast plunged his claws upwards, embedding them deep into Adonis's underbelly, his own momentum causing the Beast's claws to shred through his skin, like a hot knife going through butter. Adonis howled in pain, losing his footing as he hit the ground, and falling in a heap. He didn't have too long to recover as Starfire, now ready to go again, levelled him with a savage right hand, before taking to the air and blasting him with two concentrated star bolts. Sending him tumbling backwards again. When he rolled to a stop, whether in an effort to attack or whether it was because he was in survival mode, he reared his head back and let out of a wave fire, almost engulfing half the room. Starfire, eyes widening flew away from the flames as fast as she could. The Beast, having been slightly further away, launched himself into the air and grabbed onto one of the ledges that was holding a torch. As Starfire, flew over to him, Beast Boy returned to him human form, his body looking just as bad as the Beast's. Still his eyes were steadfast and determined.

"Star, I have an idea. You ever see the King Kong remake?"

Starfire's worry for Beast Boy's wellbeing turned to confusion. "The film about the oversized monkey? I believe I watched it with Nightwing once, yes, but how is this of concern now?"

Beast Boy pointed down at Adonis, who was now struggling to his feet, his fire subsiding. "I'm gonna do to Adonis what Kong did to the T-Rex's and when I get you that opening, you hit him with everything you got, got it?"

Starfire wracked her brain for a moment before her eyes widened in recognition. "I understand Beast Boy…he won't get away this time."

Beast Boy nodded firmly before releasing his grip on the wall, allowing himself to fall through the air for a second before shifting into a falcon. He soared towards Adonis and when he was within a few feet, he shifted into the Beast, crashing into the demon, sending them both tumbling to the floor once again. Adonis was the first to get to his feet as Starfire watched from above, summoning a concentration of her starbolts to her hands, nursing the ball of energy she was growing into a lethal weapon. Adonis reached down to pick up the Beast, but the Beast slid through it's hind legs, before rising up on the other side and jumping onto Adonis's back. Adonis immediately reached behind him with his massive flaming forearms to try and get the creature off, but the Beast pulled himself up Adonis's body by his shoulders before wrapping an enormous green bicep around Adonis's neck.

Adonis swung wildly over his head, landing a few solid shouts to the Beast's face and jaw, but the Beast held firm. The Beast pulled back with all it's might, bringing Adonis's head upwards so that he was looking at the sky. Then, with a roar, the Beast plunged his free hand into Adonis's mouth, gripping his upper jaw as tightly as he could. Then, with his other arm still around Adonis's neck, he brought his other hand up to grab his lower jaw. With an effort so monumental, that veins began pulsing in it's forearms, the Beast slowly began to pry Adonis's mouth apart, feeling the jaw bones start to creak under his force. Adonis, desperate to free himself of the Beast, began expelling fire from his mouth. The Beast was able to keep it's head out of the flames, but it kept its arms locked in place, ignoring the pain. This was their only shot.

Starfire, seeing the opening Beast Boy had described, raised her hands above her head, her starbomb primed and ready for detonation. Rotating in the air, she began to spiral downwards, her righteous fury pulsing from her hands. As she met the inferno that was pouring from Adonis's mouth, the energy she had summoned separated it down the middle, a beam of green amidst an ocean of fire. Just as the Beast felt the snap of Adonis's jaw beneath his finger tips, Starfire collided with Adonis, sending the majority of the starbomb down his exposed and raw throat, before her momentum carried her onwards and all three of them went barreling into the ground, a mushroom cloud of dust and fire forming at the impact zone.

Nightwing, who had been desperately trying to deal with Beast Boy's demon and help Beast Boy and Starfire, saw the explosion from the other side of the room, his eyes widening in horror. The demon Beast Boy had seen it too, an annoyed look crossing his face. Before Nightwing could react, the demon disappeared from in front of him and despite his best efforts to track the form the demon had taken, he wasn't able to spot the fly that disappeared into a crack in the wall, headed towards where Abaddon had raised the rock wall. Nightwing, seemingly acceptant that his enemy had disappeared, sprinted over to the smoke cloud, panic in his voice and eyes.

"STARFIRE! GAR!"

Nightwing felt his stomach sink as no responses answered his calls for his friends. As the dust began to settle, he took a few steps forward, his eyes squinting in an effort to obtain clarity. A few feet in front of him, a crater had formed in the ground. When he realised what he was looking at, his eyes widened and he sprinted to the edge before looking down inside, where he promptly stopped dead in his tracks. At the bottom of the crater, Beast Boy, back in human form, was on his knees, with Starfire on one knee beside him, her arm underneath his. Nightwing couldn't even tell who was supporting who. In front of the pair of them, was the mangled form of Adonis, who's very form was in the middle of fading away. His body was seemingly melting away into embers and smoke as if his shape simply couldn't be sustained anymore. After about a minute, the last dregs of Adonis's shape vanished, a puff of ash and smoke popping into the air where the last solid part of his being had been. Nightwing slowly slid down the side of the crater and approached the duo slowly. When he was within a few feet of them, he could hear Beast Boy speaking softly to Starfire.

"Raven said that Adonis...the man was gone…what we did…may have been the nicest thing we could have done…"

Starfire seemingly nodded slowly before the duo rose up to their feet. Starfire was the first to turn around and when her eyes locked on Nightwing's, they widened for a moment before she rushed forward, slamming into him with enough force to take his breath away. Nightwing, didn't hesitate, wrapping his arms around her.

"It's okay Star…Beast Boy's right…he was gone…and now he isn't suffering."

Starfire took a breath against Nightwing's shoulder before she pulled back, her gaze cast downwards. "I know…but it is still a lot."

Beast Boy, who had crawled out of the crater during their exchange, looked back with hard eyes. "I know it's a lot Star…but we can't stop now. Raven could still be alive and I don't intend to see another life disappear today."

Starfire, hearing Beast Boy's words, tensed immediately, her eyes hardening. "You are right Beast Boy. We must push forward. We will save Raven and Deathstroke. Will. Pay."

Nightwing pulled himself out of the crater before offering a hand to Starfire, who took it gratefully. Once they joined Beast Boy, they approached the stone wall that had risen before their fight. Beast Boy looked at it in frustration. "Anyone have any way of getting through this?"

"Yea, I should have enough juice to blast that thing to bits!"

All three Titans wheeled around wide-eyed, recognizing the voice in an instant. Despite everything, they all couldn't help but smile at the sight of Cyborg jogging across the room, coming from the entrance way they had used to infiltrate Deathstroke's hideout in the first place. When he reached the others, Nightwing spoke first.

"How are you here? You're supposed to be leading the ground assault?"

Cyborg shrugged as he coked his sonic cannon. "With the other team compromised, we had good numbers up top. Once Kid Flash, the Herald and I absolutely SMOKED Ternion, we started pushing them back. The other Titans may have already broken through the main entrance at this stage. The Herald told me to go support you guys and I was able to detect your entrance way through the sewers by going through the schematics."

Beast Boy nodded, but his attention was still fixed firmly on the stone wall in front of them. "Well we can really use you right now. Deathstroke has Raven and Ravager in the next room and we are definitely running out of time."

Cyborg's eyes widened. "Well why didn't you open with that!? Stand back everyone!"

The other three Titans took a step back as Cyborg aimed his sonic cannon at the wall before blasting it promptly to pieces, creating a clean entrance way. Cyborg peered inside, into what seemed to be complete darkness. Beast Boy, not paying any heed to the sight before him, strode into the opening, determination in his eyes.

"We're coming Raven…just hold on."

With that, Beast Boy shifted into a hawk and flew straight into the darkness with Starfire, Cyborg and Nightwing in close pursuit.

See you all in Ch. 36 Libra.