The morning sun cast a golden hue over Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital. It was 9:30 AM, and the city was already alive with the hum of traffic and the chatter of people heading to work. Among the throng of locals and tourists, Raven moved with purpose. Dressed in skinny jeans, black high-heeled boots, and a long black tank top adorned with a unicorn logo, she blended in seamlessly, appearing as just another visitor exploring the vibrant streets.
Despite her mission, Raven couldn't help but appreciate her surroundings. The city's energy was infectious, and she found herself wishing she had time to sightsee. But she had a job to do. Her path led her to the city's slums, where she navigated through narrow alleys until she stood before an abandoned warehouse. From the outside, it looked like any other derelict building, but Raven knew better.
She scanned her surroundings, ensuring the coast was clear before taking to the air. Landing silently on the rooftop, she opened a small portal to peer inside. The room below appeared empty, so she descended, her senses on high alert. She detected no emotions, allowing her to move freely without concern.
The interior of the warehouse was like a scene from a horror movie. Torture devices and dried blood littered the floor, and debris suggested a fierce battle had taken place. Raven ventured deeper into the building, descending into the basement. She flipped a switch, but the power was out. With a snap of her fingers, she conjured a trail of purple fire to light her way.
As she walked, she passed broken cages and cells, their doors either smashed or sliced open. More dried blood stained the floor, confirming her suspicions of a recent battle, likely a breakout orchestrated by the Church of Blood. She entered what appeared to be the main office, finding empty files, open drawers, and a destroyed computer.
Frustration gnawed at her. She wished she had been informed of this location sooner. Detective work was not her forte, and she regretted not bringing Robin or Nightwing along. They were far more experienced in such matters. Before leaving, she examined a bookshelf near the desk, levitating each book and flipping through them before letting them fall to the floor.
"I'm too late," she sighed.
A sudden noise from downstairs snapped her to attention. She rushed to the source, stopping in the middle of the warehouse. She could sense multiple presences hiding in the shadows.
"I know you're here," she called out. "Come out, and I may leave your bodies intact. Your souls, however, I cannot guarantee."
A voice responded from the darkness, "Not very heroic-like, but a fitting line for someone like you."
A figure emerged from the shadows, a ninja-like man in an orange and black suit, armed with various weapons. It was Deathstroke.
"Deathstroke," Raven said, her tone serious.
"Hello, Raven. Long time," he replied.
"I knew you'd find this place eventually, but I was expecting to see the other Titans as well."
"Today's a rare occasion," Raven admitted. "Though truth be told, I regret not bringing Nightwing along with me."
Deathstroke nodded in agreement. "Oh, absolutely. I never tire of trying to kill that boy. The current Robin's clever, but he's far less of a challenge."
"Anywho," he continued, "I'm only here for one thing, so lucky for you, we don't have to fight."
Raven scoffed. "Speak for yourself. But if you wish to avoid fighting me, you'll give me the answers I seek and reveal your little team attempting to get the jump on me."
Raven's eyes glowed a deep, ominous purple, a magical aura enveloping her as she sensed something was amiss. Her thoughts raced, but her body refused to respond.
What's going on? I can't move, she thought, panic creeping in.
Surrounding her were four ninjas clad in black and orange, their attire reminiscent of Deathstroke. One ninja, in particular, caught her attention. His hands formed a familiar sign, and Raven's eyes widened in recognition as she noticed their shadows were connected.
"Shikamaru?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The ninja's shadow technique had immobilized her, and her realization elicited a reaction. As she struggled, Deathstroke descended the stairs, his presence commanding attention.
"So, you know something as well," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "Let's make a deal. I'll share my secrets if you share yours."
He drew an HK P30L pistol, aiming it at Raven. Despite the threat, she remained unfazed, her expression stoic.
Meanwhile, back in Jump City, chaos reigned. Demons roamed the streets, spreading destruction. Robin arrived on his motorcycle, expertly navigating the chaos and hurling batarang bombs at the demons in his path.
Cyborg's voice crackled through Robin's helmet communicator. "Robin, BB and Wonder Girl made it. They're currently on 11th Avenue with Naruto. Brother Blood's there too, but he hasn't made a move yet. It's like he's taunting them."
"I'm on my way. How's Star?" Robin asked, concern evident in his voice.
In the partially repaired infirmary of Titans Tower, Starfire lay on a medical bed, receiving treatment from Cyborg.
"She took a heavy hit, but she'll be alright," Cyborg reassured. "And before you bring it up again, still no word from Raven."
Robin's frustration was palpable. "She left at the worst time possible!"
Kid Flash joined the conversation, his tone light despite the tension. "Hey, on the bright side, I called in a leaguer who can help. He should be here in a flash."
Robin's relief was evident. "Sounds perfect. Meet me on the 11th—"
Suddenly, a massive dog, nearly the size of a bear, tackled Robin, sending him tumbling off his motorcycle and rolling down the street.
"Robin? ROBIN!?" Kid Flash's voice was frantic.
Robin slowly rose to one knee, his eyes locking onto the enormous black dog standing a few feet away. The dog was soon joined by a spiky-haired teenager with fangs, dressed in similar armor. It was Kiba Inuzuka.
"Nice ride. I think I'll take it," Kiba taunted.
Robin, undeterred, pulled out two batarangs, ready to face the ninja and his dog.
Wonder Girl had cleared half the street of demons, their defeated forms littering the ground. Naruto watched in amazement while Beast Boy guarded an injured ninja.
"Whoa…she's good," Naruto remarked.
Beast Boy grinned. "Yep, one of the greats. Myself included, not to brag…I can be trash sometimes though…MOSTLY."
Naruto looked confused. "Eh?"
Wonder Girl rejoined them after a brief communication. "Robin's in trouble in Fairchester. I'll look after Mr. Whiskers until backup arrives."
Beast Boy chuckled. "On it. You're in good hands, bud."
Before Beast Boy could move, a voice interrupted. "And WHERE the FUCK you think you're going, Kermit!?"
The sexy Sebastian Blood floated down, landing a few feet away from the trio, his expression smug.
"Whoa…Gilgamesh, is that you?" Beast Boy asked, bewildered.
Wonder Girl and Sebastian exchanged confused looks. "WHO?" they both asked.
"Fate Stay Night?" Beast Boy clarified.
Sebastian and Wonder Girl shared another look, and Wonder Girl shrugged. "It's a really good anime," Beast Boy insisted.
Sebastian scoffed. "Oh…BOY, I don't have the time nor care for stupid foreign cartoons. They never did anything for me."
Wonder Girl sighed. "Oh gods, BB, you're making me agree with the villain. I might go to hell for that!"
"Wait, you don't watch anime either?" Beast Boy asked, surprised.
Wonder Girl hesitated. "No…well...Does RWBY count?"
"No."
"Miraculous Ladybug?"
"That's from France."
"Wakfu?"
"Also from France."
"Amazing World of Gumball?"
"FRANCE."
"Totally Spies?"
"FUCKING FRANCE!"
"Damn, France has good the shit" Wonder Girl concluded.
Sebastian's patience was wearing thin. "I'm being polite, I'm being VERY polite in letting this conversation continue…"
Beast Boy nodded. "I know, right? Like, if you're an early to mid-2000s kid, at least 7 times out of 10 the cartoons you grew up with originated in either France or Canada."
"LOOK OUT!" Naruto shouted.
Sebastian, having heard enough, fired red Star bolts at the trio. Wonder Girl dodged and quickly tied her lasso around his arm, but Sebastian easily pulled her in and clotheslined her to the ground.
Beast Boy charged in as a hummingbird, making Sebastian chuckle as he easily grabbed him. But it was just as Beast Boy planned; he morphed into a porcupine, causing Sebastian to yell in pain and drop him as blood started running down his hand.
With fight still left in the ninja, Naruto leaped into the air, attempting to hit Sebastian with a rasengan. Sebastian countered with a red ball of blood and energy, similar to the rasengan, and the two clashed.
Naruto struggled, but his bionic arm failed at the worst moment, breaking apart and leaving him vulnerable. Sebastian's energy ball struck him, knocking him to the ground and shredding his clothes.
Exhausted, Sebastian walked over and checked the bloodied Naruto for a pulse, relieved to find one. "Lucky me…Well, it's been fun, Naruto, but it's time to go home."
Sebastian opened a red portal and tried to pick up Naruto, but Beast Boy, now a boa constrictor, leaped onto his back and began to squeeze. Sebastian dropped to one knee, struggling to maintain his stolen powers.
Just as Sebastian seemed to reach his limit, he attempts to bite the green snake to take his powers next. Suddenly, Beast Boy's body glowed purple and he is unwrapped from Sebastian, safely levitating for a brief moment before landing behind Raven's neck and shoulders, who had finally arrived. Her eyes blazed with vengeance as she glared at Sebastian.
"Took ya' long enough," Sebastian smirked.
To Be Continued...
