The library at Mount Justice is quiet, the warm glow of the table lamps casting long shadows across rows of ancient tomes, data pads, and scrolls. Raven sits curled in a corner, her hood up, her hands absently tracing the edges of an old book. The room feels heavy, filled with the weight of her thoughts.

Miss Martian enters, still wearing her civilian attire from her dinner with Superboy. Her expression is bright, but it softens when she sees Raven sitting alone. She approaches cautiously.

"Hey, Raven. Mind if I join you?" Miss Martian said calmly.

Raven glances up briefly, her eyes tired but not hostile.

"If you wish to."

Miss Martian takes a seat across from her, her cheerful demeanor tempered by concern.

"You've been quiet lately. I mean, more than usual. I saw the train incident and I think you did pretty well…Everything okay?"

Raven hesitates, looking down at her hands. She debates internally, the words almost sticking in her throat. Finally, she speaks, her voice low and controlled.

"I don't… I don't like to…to talk about myself much. There's a reason for that."

Miss Martian leans in slightly, her tone gentle.

"You don't have to tell me everything, but sometimes talking helps. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

Raven exhales slowly, pulling the hood tighter around her face.

"I'm not afraid of being alone…I'm afraid of trusting people. Of letting them in."

Miss Martian tilts her head, her expression encouraging but patient. "Why? You've been amazing on the train mission from what I saw in the body cam footage, and you did pretty good when Thomas had his little rampage... We all trust you."

Raven's voice drops further, her tone almost a whisper.

"Because I'm afraid I'll hurt them. The closer I get to people, the more dangerous it becomes…for them."

Miss Martian takes a moment to process this, her empathetic nature picking up on the depth of Raven's fear.

"I don't believe that. You're one of the strongest people I've met, Raven. You care about this team. About us. That's why you're afraid, isn't it? Because you don't want to hurt the people you care about."

Raven looks up at her, her usually stoic expression softening just slightly.

"Yes." She said quietly

Miss Martian smiles, her warmth filling the room.

"You know…I used to feel that way too. When I first came here, I was so afraid of my powers. Of what I could do if I lost control. But you learn to trust yourself, and the people around you. We all make mistakes, Raven, but that doesn't mean you're destined to hurt people. It just means you're human…or… close enough."

Raven's lips twitch into the faintest hint of a smile at Miss Martian's words.

"You're not human either."

Miss Martian nodded "Exactly! So if I can figure it out, you definitely can."

There's a beat of silence between them, a quiet understanding settling in. Miss Martian reaches out, placing a hand gently on Raven's.

"You don't have to tell me everything, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here. We all are."

Raven doesn't pull away from the touch, though she doesn't look entirely comfortable. Still, she nods, her voice soft.

"Thanks. I'll… think about it…I am sorry for being a bit of a broken record…Thanks…"

Miss Martian gives her a warm smile, sensing she's said enough.

"Take your time. I'll leave you to your reading."

As she stands to leave, Raven calls out to her quietly.

"Megan?"

Miss Martian turns, her smile still bright.

"Thanks… for not pushing."

"Anytime."

Miss Martian leaves the room, leaving Raven alone in the library to herself.

The lounge is buzzing with energy as Wonder Girl and Artemis set up a karaoke machine. The screen displays colorful graphics, and the microphone sits on a stand, waiting for its turn in the spotlight. Starfire sits on the edge of the couch, her green eyes wide with curiosity as she watches them eagerly.

"Alright, Starfire! Time for your first Earth karaoke experience." Wonder Girl said with a goofy smile.

Starfire beamed excitedly "I am most honored to partake in this ritual of joyful noises!"

Artemis smirked "It's not exactly a ritual, Star. It's just singing for fun. You pick a song, grab the mic, and let loose."

Starfire tilts her head, her excitement undiminished.

"Ah, I see! This is how humans celebrate with their voices. Truly fascinating!" She said with a wide grin

Wonder Girl nodded "Exactly! Okay, let's start with something simple. Artemis, you want to go first?"

Artemis shook her head "Nah, I'm good. Let's throw Starfire into the deep end."

Starfire jumps to her feet, clapping her hands.

"Yes! I am ready to sing the Earth songs!"

Wonder Girl hands her the microphone, pointing to the screen.

"Alright, just hold this and follow the words on the screen. Easy, right?" Wonder Girl said

Starfire looks at the microphone with intense curiosity, turning it over in her hands as if examining an alien artifact.

"This is the object that amplifies my voice?"

Wonder Girl laughed "Yeah, but you don't need to yell. Just hold it close and talk like normal."

Starfire suddenly leans forward and bites the microphone, her teeth making a loud CLUNK against the metal.

"Hmm, it does not taste as I expected." She said as the room erupts into a high-pitched feedback loop, causing Artemis and Wonder Girl to cover their ears.

"Starfire! Let go of the mic!" Wonder Girl screamed

Starfire immediately pulls the microphone away, her face a mix of confusion and concern.

"Have I displeased the sacred object? I meant no offense!"

Artemis laughed hysterically "It's not sacred, Star. It's just a microphone, not food!"

Wonder Girl, still grinning, adjusts the settings on the karaoke machine to stop the feedback. "Alright, let's try that again. This time, don't eat it. Just hold it like this."

She demonstrates, holding the microphone close to her mouth. Starfire mimics her, looking determined.

Starfire made a face "Ah, I understand now. It is a tool, not a snack!"

Artemis shakes her head, laughing under her breath trying her best not to roll on the floor. "Let's hope that sticks."

Wonder Girl starts the song, a peppy pop track, and the lyrics begin scrolling across the screen.

"I COME HOME IN THE MORNING LIGHT MY MOTHER SAYS WHEN YOU GONNA LIVE YOUR LIFE RIGHT!" Starfire sang as her eyes lit up, though her voice was so loud it caused the speakers to crackle slightly.

"I am making the joyful noises of Earth! This is most glorious!"

Artemis and Wonder Girl exchange amused glances as Starfire sways dramatically to the music, clearly loving every second.

"Well, she's got enthusiasm. I'll give her that." Artimus saids

Wonder Girl shook her head "Yeah, but next time, we're keeping her away from the volume controls."

As the song ends, Starfire beams with pride, holding the microphone aloft like a trophy.

"I have completed my first karaoke! Was it not magnificent?"

Artemis and Wonder Girl burst into applause, grinning from ear to ear.

"You nailed it, Star. Welcome to Earth culture!"

Starfire beamed "I look forward to consuming more of your delightful customs…though perhaps not the microphones."

The three burst into laughter as Starfire sets the microphone back on the stand with reverence.

The library is quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of a few reading lamps. The shelves tower over the room, casting long shadows, and the faint rustle of pages can be heard from nearby. Raven sits at a table, a book open in front of her, but her eyes aren't focused on the words. She seems lost in thought Miss Martains words still echoed in her head hours after she left.

She came crashing down to Earth as Beast Boy enters, holding a stack of board games, a hopeful grin on his face.

"Hey, Rae... Thought you could use a break. Wanna play a game?"

Raven looks up from her book, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't think so. I'm not really in the mood for… whatever that is."

Beast Boy holds up the box at the top of the stack, Monopoly, with a hopeful smile.

"Come on, Monopoly's a classic! Everyone loves buying fake real estate and bankrupting their friends!"

Raven sighs, her lips twitching in a faint smirk at his enthusiasm.

"Or we could play something that doesn't take four hours and destroy friendships. Like chess."

Beast Boy visibly deflates but quickly bounces back.

"Chess? Really? I mean, sure, I'm totally not terrible at that game or anything."

He sets down the stack of games, finds the chess set, and sets it up on the table. Raven watches him fumble with the pieces, clearly amused despite herself.

"You know how the pieces move, right?" She said dryly

Beast Boy made a sheepish grin "Of course! The king is the big one but move 1, the queen does… everything, and the horsey jumps around in an L, right?"

Raven shakes her head, a faint chuckle escaping her lips.

"This is going to be easier than I thought."

The chessboard is mid-game, and Raven is firmly in control. Beast Boy is visibly struggling, scratching his head as he stares at the board.

"Okay, so… if I move this castle…here…wait, no, that's bad. Maybe the knight? Ugh, why is this so complicated?"

Raven leans back in her chair, arms crossed, clearly enjoying his struggle.

"It's a game of strategy, Beast Boy. You have to think more than one move ahead."

He sighed "Yeah, well, my brain's more of a 'one move at a time' kind of deal."

As the game continues, Beast Boy glances at Raven, his tone softening.

"You know, you've been… quieter than usual lately. Is everything okay?"

Raven hesitates, her eyes flickering to the chessboard.

"Why do you ask?"

"I dunno. You just seem… like you've got a lot on your mind. Figured maybe talking would help."

Raven moves her queen, capturing one of Beast Boy's rooks. She stares at the board for a moment before speaking, her voice low.

"I've been thinking about my mother. And… my home."

Beast Boy perks up, clearly curious.

"Your mom? What's she like?"

Raven pauses, her expression softening as memories flood back.

"She was kind." She said quietly "...Patient. She did everything she could to protect me, even when… it wasn't easy."

"She sounds awesome. And your home—where's that?" Beast Boy said

Raven's fingers brush one of the chess pieces, her voice growing more cryptic.

"A place called Azarath. It was… peaceful. Far from here. A sanctuary, surrounded by… serenity."

Beast Boy leans forward, intrigued.

"Why'd you leave?"

Raven's hand stills, her face closing off slightly.

"I didn't have a choice."

Beast Boy frowned, sensing he shouldn't push further. His face was grim

"I'm sorry. You probably miss it, huh?"

Raven nods, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Every day."

There's a long pause, the quiet of the library settling between them.

"Well… for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. Even if you totally kicked my butt at chess."

Raven's lips twitch into a faint smile as she moves her queen.

"Checkmate."

Beast Boy groans, slumping back in his chair.

"Man, you're ruthless."

Raven allows herself a small, genuine smile, the faintest glimmer of relief in her expression.

"Maybe. But… thanks."

Beast Boy grins, brushing off his defeat.

"Anytime. Just, uh, don't expect me to win the rematch."

Raven smirks, her mood visibly lighter as the two begin packing up the chess set.

The training room is dimly lit, with soft orange hues spilling in from the setting sun through the high windows. Thomas, muttering the Silver Lantern corps oath, stood in the center, his brow furrowed in concentration. Surrounding him are holographic projections of goons wielding golden weapons, clubs, swords, and even a glowing whip, as wel as rows and rows of wooden crates, a discarded broken car door, and piles of junk, all part of the training simulation.

Nightwing stands on an elevated platform overlooking the room, arms crossed, his expression calm but focused.

"Alright, Thomas. You know the drill. Golden weapons nullify your ring's power, so you can't directly block or destroy them. So you will need to think outside the box."

Thomas glances up, already looking annoyed.

"Yeah, yeah. Think creative. I have a ring that can make anything I can think of." He said sarcastically "Got it. Just remind me why every bad guy in this sim looks like they raided a jewelry store?"

Nightwing smirked "Because that's the challenge. You'll thank me later."

The holographic goons begin to advance, their golden weapons gleaming.

Thomas raises his ring, summoning a silver construct of a sword that looked like out of a JRPG, but the nearest goon's golden club strikes the construct, causing it to shimmer and dissolve.

"Right. No direct combat. Awesome." Thomas said through his teeth

The goons close in, forcing Thomas to backpedal. His eyes dart around the room, noticing the scattered crates nearby. With a flash of silver energy, he uses his ring to lift a wooden crate into the air and hurl it at one of the goons.

"Let's see how you like splinters!"

The crate slams into the goon, knocking them out. Another charges forward, swinging a glowing golden whip. Thomas ducks, spotting the broken car door on the floor.

With a quick gesture, he lifts the door with his ring, holding it in front of him like a makeshift shield.

"Bet you didn't think you'd lose to a car part." Thomas said laughing

The whip crackles against the door, but Thomas uses the momentum to shove the goon back.

From above, Nightwing nods approvingly.

"Good! That's what I'm talking about. Now think bigger. Use the space around you."

Thomas glances at the remaining crates stacked against the wall, an idea forming in his head. He smirks, his confidence growing.

"Alright, let's get creative."

The next wave of goons approaches, but this time, Thomas takes the offensive.

He uses his ring to lift multiple crates into the air, spinning them around like a cyclone before launching them at the goons.

"How about this!?" Thomas cried as he threw crate after crate at the goons.

He spots a stack of steel pipes and uses his ring to lift them, spinning them like a makeshift barrier before launching them at the advancing goons.

A goon with a golden whip charges in, cracking it dangerously close to his arm. Thomas reacts quickly, grabbing a nearby construction barrel and slamming it into the goon.

Another group of goons barrels towards him from the left screaming bloody murder. Thomas notices a wrecking ball suspended from a crane. With a grin, he uses his ring to swing the wrecking ball into the group, scattering them like bowling pins.

Nightwing watches, nodding approvingly as Thomas becomes more inventive.

"Not bad, but you're still relying on brute force. Try thinking defensively. What happens if you're outnumbered?"

Thomas groans but complies, focusing on defense as the simulation ramps up, throwing more goons at him.

"Don't just attack—control the battlefield!" Nightwing cried

Thomas focuses, lifting scaffolding beams with his ring to create a makeshift barrier. He funnels the goons into a narrow path, forcing them to come at him one by one.

He lifts a stack of cement blocks as makeshift shields, deflecting blows from the golden weapons. As he gritted his teeth a goon with a golden spear charges him, but Thomas uses the ring to lift a pallet of bricks, dropping it right in their path to block the attack

The simulation throws in a holographic boss goon, wielding a massive golden hammer that's head was as big as an anvil. Thomas hesitates, his constructs flickering slightly as the strain of the fight catches up with him.

"Don't overthink it, Thomas. Focus on what you can do, not what you can't." Nightwing said encouragingly.

Taking a deep breath, Thomas creates a giant construct of a crane, using it to lift a massive crate and drop it on the boss goon. The hammer-wielding enemy disappears into shimmering pixels as the simulation ends.

Thomas collapses onto the ground, panting heavily, as the training room lights brighten. Nightwing hops down from his platform, walking over with a small smile.

"Not bad eh Lantern? A little rough at the start, but you adapted."

Thomas sits up, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Oh yeah, because nothing screams 'relaxing evening' like fighting an army of jewelry-wielding holograms." Thomas said with a laugh

Nightwing smirks, extending a hand to help him up.

"Welcome to the job, rookie. You're improving. You just need to trust your instincts more. That creativity? It'll save your life one day."

Thomas takes the hand and gets to his feet, nodding reluctantly.

"Alright, but next time, maybe ease up on the gold. I'm gonna start dreaming about it."

Nightwing chuckles as they head toward the exit.

"Trust me, you'll be thanking me when the real thing comes along."

Thomas doesn't respond but glances at his ring, his resolve strengthening as they leave the training room.

The dining area in mount justice buzzed with energy as Thomas, Wonder Girl, Bart, and Beast Boy sat around the table, plates of food in front of them. Beast Boy was mid-story, waving his arms dramatically while Bart snickered, and Thomas half-rolled his eyes, smirking as he ate and fiddled with his power ring.

"So then I turned into a penguin, slid across the ice, and bam! Right into the fish market! You should've seen their faces!" Beast Boy said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Riveting," Thomas said dryly. "Truly groundbreaking stuff."

Wonder Girl's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, looks like Cheetah escaped her cell on Themyscira," she said nonchalantly.

Beast Boy froze mid-bite, his face shifting from surprise to dread.

"Cheetah? As in Cheetah Cheetah? She's out?"

Wonder Girl nodded, and Bart immediately perked up with a mischievous grin.

"Oh no, Beast Boy! Your girlfriend is on the loose again!"

Beast Boy nearly choked on his pizza, spitting half of it onto his plate as his face turned beet red. He waved his hands defensively.

"Girlfriend?! WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! Are you kidding me?! She's like twice my age! And she's a total psycho! I'm not in love with her!"

Bart snorted, leaning forward on his elbows. "Sure, sure. Love knows no age, man. So, has she sent you a love letter yet?"

Beast Boy groaned, burying his face in his hands. "No! Why would she? We've only met like… ten times, and nine of them were punches, claws, and insults, except for that one time, but that was strictly hero business! Nothing romantic!"

Wonder Girl smirked, setting her phone down. "Didn't she save your life that one time?"

Beast Boy threw his hands in the air. "Come on, don't help him, Wonder Girl!"

"She did, though," Wonder Girl teased. "And if it wasn't for you and Cheetah, the whole world would be drinking blood and talking in terrible accents right now."

"That was one time! And it's not like we planned it!" Beast Boy grumbled, staring intently at his plate. "Can we please not talk about this anymore?"

Bart leaned forward, his grin widening. "What about the clothes? Does she still have them?"

Beast Boy snapped his head up, his face practically glowing red. "For the last time, she does not have my clothes! That was—look, there was a fire, and it was all taken out of context, okay?"

Thomas tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Wait, what's this about your clothes?"

"Nothing!" Beast Boy blurted, turning red. "Absolutely nothing!"

Bart couldn't hold back his laughter. "Oh, it's something, alright. Dude, you were blushing so hard that day! Sounds like the start of a cheesy rom-com: 'Beast Boy and Cheetah, saving the world from Count Dracula's father, falling onto a beach together...'"

"We fell from 40,000 feet out of a burning flying castle that was going full speed to the sun! That's not romantic!" Beast Boy shouted

Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Hold on. Hold the phone. Flying castle? Fire? Dracula's dad? 40,000 feet? The sun? What were you doing there?"

"It's… complicated," Beast Boy muttered, sinking lower in his chair.

Bart took a deep breath, a wide smile on his face, clearly ready to spill. "Oh, you're gonna love this."

Beast Boy waved his arms frantically. "NOPE! Nope! We're done here! This story dies at this table!"

Thomas ignored him, leaning closer. "Wonder Girl, Bart, what happened?"

Wonder Girl grinned slyly. "Well, let's just say he and Cheetah saved the world, landed on a beach naked in a way that made us all cringe, and maybe she called him cute."

"Maybe?" Bart cackled. "She called him 'adorable.'"

Thomas's eyes widened. "Adorable?! That's not something you just call your enemy."

Beast Boy groaned loudly, slumping back in his chair and hiding his face in his hands.

Bart leaned over, smirking. "You know what? I think she still has your jacket or was it your pants? Definitely your jacket. Am I wrong?"

"Okay, enough!" Beast Boy shot up, pointing a finger at Bart. "Say one more word about the jacket, and I'll make sure you never find your favorite sneakers again!"

Thomas crossed his arms, intrigued. "So… she saved your life, you saved hers, and somehow your jacket got involved. Were you on a date and forgot to mention it?"

Beast Boy glared at him. "No! No dates! No romance! She's a cheetah-woman for crying out loud! We have nothing in common!"

Bart leaned back, still grinning. "Except for the fact that she calls you adorable, saved your life, and might still have your jacket. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me."

Beast Boy groaned, burying his face in his hands again. "Why do I even sit with you guys?"

The table erupted into laughter, while Beast Boy sulked, muttering about how much he hated all of them under his breath.

"You know I don't think I want to know." Thomas said smiling "Cause whatever it is that happened it would be I would be disappointed cause my imagination is going to overdrive."

"Keep it that way." Beast Boy said coldly.

The observation room lay cloaked in a tranquil stillness, the only sound the faint hum of the air conditioner systems. Beyond the massive windows, a sea of stars shimmered in the clear dark sky, distant and unreachable. The soft glow of their light spilled into the room, casting Raven in a ghostly silhouette as she sat motionless in a deep, cushioned chair. Her hood was pulled up, shadowing her face, but her sharp, contemplative gaze never wavered from the outside world.

The gentle swoosh of the door opening broke the silence, and Starfire entered with her characteristic grace, her steps as light as her radiant energy. Her fiery hair framed her face, catching the starlight as if it carried its own glow. The moment her eyes landed on Raven, her buoyant expression dimmed slightly, concern creasing her brow.

"Raven," she began, her voice warm and melodic, though tinged with curiosity. "Why do you sit here alone? The stars are beautiful, but they seem to bring you no joy tonight."

Raven glanced at her from beneath the shadow of her hood, her amethyst eyes briefly meeting Starfire's before sliding back to the endless expanse. Her voice, when it came, was barely above a whisper, carrying a weight that matched the darkness outside.

"I just needed some space."

Starfire tilted her head, her lips curving into a small, understanding smile. Without waiting for an invitation, she lowered herself into the chair beside Raven, her posture open and inviting.

"Space can indeed bring clarity," she said gently. "Though I have learned that sharing burdens with friends often brings the most comfort."

Raven's fingers fidgeted with the hem of her cloak, her touch restless despite the stillness of her form. She hesitated, the words forming and dissolving in her mind like mist. At last, she spoke, her tone carefully neutral but betraying a deep vulnerability.

"Do you ever feel like... no matter what you do, no matter how much you change or grow, your family defines you? Like you can never escape their shadow?"

Starfire's expression softened, and her gaze drifted to the stars as if seeking answers in their distant light. Her voice, when she replied, was tinged with bittersweet recollection.

"Yes, I know that feeling well," she admitted. "My sister, Blackfire, and I have always been... different. She resented me for the love our people gave me, while she felt forgotten. It hurts deeply, and I wish to mend what is broken, but her heart holds much anger. I fear she will not let me."

Raven's shoulders stiffened, her hand tightening on her cloak. Her voice grew quieter, almost lost amid the quiet hum of the ship.

"I know what it's like... to have someone in your family make you feel powerless. To shape your life in ways you wish they wouldn't."

Starfire turned to her, concern deepening the furrow in her brow. "You speak of a sister?"

Raven shook her head, a bitter edge creeping into her voice.

"No. Not a sister. Someone else. Someone who cast a shadow so long and dark it still lingers, no matter how far I run."

Starfire's emerald eyes widened slightly, her expression now heavy with compassion. Leaning closer, she spoke softly, her words as gentle as a hand outstretched in the dark.

"That sounds most painful. I am sorry, Raven. Does this person still hold sway over your life?"

Raven flinched, her body going rigid. She realized, with a pang of regret, that she had said too much. Her voice grew distant, walls rising to shield her once again.

"Not in the way he used to," she murmured. "But his influence... it's always there. It always will be."

A moment of silence hung between them before Starfire reached out, her hand resting lightly on Raven's shoulder. The gesture was simple but brimming with warmth.

"I understand," Starfire said, her tone steady yet kind. "Blackfire's shadow looms over me as well. Even when she is far away, her actions shape my life. But I hold onto hope that one day, we may find peace—with them and with ourselves."

Raven turned to meet Starfire's gaze, her guarded expression softening just enough to reveal a flicker of something fragile and unspoken.

"Maybe," she said after a pause, her voice quieter than before. "I don't know if that's possible for me, though."

Starfire's smile brightened, her optimism shining through like the first light of dawn.

"Then let us face these struggles together," she said with conviction. "If there is one thing I have learned on this planet, it is that friends make all burdens lighter."

For the first time, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Raven's lips. It was fleeting, a wisp of vulnerability quickly hidden, but it was there.

"Thanks, Starfire," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "That... actually helps."

Starfire beamed, her hand giving Raven's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before she turned back to the stars.

"We will face our shadows, friend Raven," she said firmly. "And we will emerge stronger for it."

Raven nodded, the weight of her struggles still present but eased by the warmth of Starfire's unwavering support.

The room was dim, bathed in the soft, flickering glow of a TV screen. Shadows danced across the walls, shifting with the faintly pixelated movements on the screen. Thomas sat slouched on a worn leather couch, his fingers methodically working the buttons on his controller as the iconic battle theme of Final Fantasy VII hummed faintly in the background. His brows were furrowed, his face lit with the intensity of someone wholly immersed in the battle unfolding before him.

Across the room, Beast Boy perched cross-legged on the top bunk, his Switch balanced on his knees. The screen reflected off his green skin, and every few moments, he let out a dramatic groan or triumphant cheer, his reactions loud and theatrical.

"Yo, Thomas," Beast Boy called out, glancing at the TV and waving his Switch for emphasis. "How can you even play that old-school blocky stuff? Look at this—smooth, crisp graphics. This is what gaming's supposed to be."

Thomas didn't look away from his screen, his tone as dry as sandpaper. "It's called nostalgia, Beast Boy. You wouldn't get it."

Beast Boy huffed, tossing his Switch aside to lean over the edge of the bunk. "Nostalgia? That game's older than like both of us combined! You've got all these PS1, PS2, and PS3 games, and barely anything for your PS4 and PS5. And you have more OG Xbox and 360 games than anything after that. Dude, you even have games for systems older than the NES. THE NES!"

"And that's a problem?" Thomas replied calmly, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Games back then were better 6.5 times out of 10."

"Debatable figure," Beast Boy grumbled. "But if you're so into oversized swords and magic, why don't you whip up something cool with your ring? Show me some real action."

Thomas sighed heavily, pausing his game and leaning back on the couch. "I'm trying to grind here, man. Can't you just... use your imagination?"

Beast Boy grinned mischievously, his persistence unrelenting. "Imagination's overrated. I need visuals for my campaign, dude. Come on, one little demo. Pleeeease?"

With a groan of resignation, Thomas stood, brushing his hands on his jeans. The Silver Lantern ring on his finger glimmered faintly in the room's soft light as he raised his hand.

"Fine," he muttered, his voice tinged with defeat. "But don't get used to this."

The ring emitted a silvery glow, forming into the iconic Master Sword. The blade shimmered as if forged from pure light, its hilt glinting in the dim room.

"Yo! The Master Sword! Straight out of Legend of Zelda!" Beast Boy exclaimed, practically bouncing off the bunk. "That's sick!"

Thomas smirked, giving the sword a lazy spin before planting it upright, the hilt gleaming in the dim room. "Classic weapon," he said.

Beast Boy leaned forward, his green eyes wide. "Okay, but real talk—what's the best Zelda game?"

Thomas didn't hesitate. "Twilight Princess."

Beast Boy froze mid-bounce, staring at Thomas as if he'd just revealed a long-lost secret. "Wait. Really? No Breath of the Wild, no Ocarina of Time? You're a Twilight Princess guy?"

Thomas shrugged, his smirk turning into a genuine smile. "It's got everything—a darker tone, epic story, and Midna. You can't beat Midna."

Beast Boy grinned, hopping down from the bunk and pointing at him. "Okay, okay, I'll give you that. Midna's awesome. And don't get me started on wolf Link. That whole wolf mechanic? So good."

"Exactly," Thomas said, gesturing with the sword. "The atmosphere, the music, the dungeons, it's probably the most complete Zelda experience. Sure, Breath of the Wild is amazing, but it's more of an open-world adventure than a classic Zelda."

Beast Boy nodded enthusiastically. "Right? And the story in Twilight Princess actually hits hard. Like, Zant? Creepy and tragic. Plus, that Ganondorf fight at the end? Legendary."

Thomas grinned. "Finally, something we agree on."

Beast Boy laughed, clapping his hands together. "Man, this is why we're roomies. Twilight Princess supremacy!"

Thomas chuckled, letting the Master Sword dissolve into shimmering silver particles. "Alright, enough of the nostalgia trip. What's next?"

Beast Boy's grin turned devilish. "The BFG 9000. Do it!"

Thomas rolled his eyes but obliged, the particles reforming into the ludicrously oversized BFG 9000. The massive weapon hummed with power, its exaggerated bulk taking up a good chunk of the room.

"Here," Thomas said flatly, struggling to hold the comically large weapon steady. "The Big Freaking Gun. Happy?"

Beast Boy's laughter was immediate and infectious. "Dude, it's glorious! The BFG in all its ridiculous glory!"

"Why am I not surprised you're a Doom guy?" Thomas quipped, setting the weapon down with exaggerated effort.

"Of course I'm a Doom guy!" Beast Boy declared, throwing his arms up. "Ripping and tearing demons apart? That's peak gaming! Nothing gets the blood pumping like taking a chainsaw to Hell's minions."

Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Fair, but I'm more of a Wolfenstein person. Blasting Nazis in alternate-history sci-fi? Hard to beat."

Beast Boy crossed his arms, mock-offended. "Oh, come on. Nazis are evil, sure, but Doom has DEMONS. From HELL. That's like next-level evil! Plus, the Doom Slayer? Dude's a force of nature. No speeches, no nonsense, just pure carnage."

Thomas smirked. "Yeah, but Wolfenstein has B.J. Blazkowicz. A guy who punches Nazis, survives getting his head removed and gets the job done while cracking sarcastic one-liners. That's top-tier protagonist energy. Plus it is canon that he is like Doom guys grandpa."

"Okay, okay," Beast Boy admitted, grinning. "Blazkowicz is cool, I'll give you that. But the Doom soundtrack? Come on. You can't tell me Wolfenstein has anything as badass as Rip and Tear."

Thomas paused, conceding with a slight nod. "Alright, you've got me there. Doom does have better music."

Beast Boy pumped his fist in victory. "Knew it!"

Thomas rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Fine, you win this round. But don't ask me to fire this thing. It's heavy enough just holding it."

Beast Boy laughed, stepping back to admire the ridiculous weapon. "Man, you're missing out. The BFG isn't just a gun—it's a lifestyle."

The BFG disappeared, replaced by a glowing, elegant sword with a hilt shaped like a dragon's wings. Beast Boy tilted his head, clearly puzzled.

"What's that from?"

Thomas's smirk turned into a grin. "This is Caliburn, from Sonic and the Black Knight. One of the best Sonic stories, period. In my top 10."

Beast Boy blinked. "Wait, Sonic has a sword? Is this like a weird fan game?"

Thomas shook his head, his grin widening. "Nope, legit Sonic game. It's got knights, chivalry, King Arthur, and one of the best lessons Sonic ever learns."

"Which is?" Beast Boy prompted, curious.

Thomas hesitated, his grin fading slightly. "Just… living life to the fullest," he said vaguely, quickly changing the subject. "Anyway, it's got a killer soundtrack and some epic moments. You should play it."

"Hmm," Beast Boy mused. "I might check it out. Sonic with a sword larping as King Arthur, though? Still weird."

"Bart hasn't played it apparently and he says he is a fan of Sonic" Thomas said

Beast Boy shook his head "Yeah Bart is a fan. You are a SUPER fan, you have, like all his games and all the comics and everything! Even for systems I never heard of, I mean, the Saturn really?"

"Don't knock it till you try it," Thomas quipped, dissolving Caliburn and replacing it with a glowing Minecraft sword. Beast Boy practically squealed in delight.

"Sweet!" Beast Boy crowed. "Time to slay some creepers! Or zombies. Or husks. Or the warden. Or the wither. Or maybe the Ender Dragon?"

Thomas shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Nope. I prefer building, actually mostly. Cold biomes, spruce trees... you know, the classics. Though Strays are a real pain."

Beast Boy nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin like a philosopher. "Yeah, yeah. I get that. I kinda dig dark oak forests, though. My first Minecraft world had one at spawn. But, dude, snowy mountains? Totally epic."

Thomas's smirk turned into a grimace as he took out his phone. "Tell me about it. The world I locked myself into now has three ancient cities 'near' my base. Getting diamonds? Absolute nightmare."

Beast Boy tilted his head, squinting at Thomas's phone screen as he lifted it up to show him. "Wait a second... are you using cheats?"

Thomas's smirk returned, smug now. "And? So do you."

Beast Boy shrugged, laughing. "Fair point, but moving on, do a keyblade!"

Thomas nodded as the Minecraft sword shifted into an intricate, glowing Keyblade. Its silver construct details gleamed in the dim light, the blade itself a testament to the absurd elegance of Kingdom Hearts.

Beast Boy's jaw dropped, his emerald eyes sparkling with awe. "Yo! The Keyblade! That thing is iconic!"

Thomas turned the weapon in his hand, inspecting it like a craftsman evaluating his work. "Yeah, it's got style, I'll give it that," he said. "Too bad the lore behind it makes zero sense."

Beast Boy groaned loudly, flopping back onto the bunk. "You're telling me! I tried to follow the story once, but it's like, every game adds three new characters and like six alternate timelines. And don't get me started on the whole 'Heartless versus Nobodies versus Everybodys' thing. It's a mess."

Thomas smirked. "Right? And then there's Xehanort, Xemnas, Ansem… who are all technically the same guy? Or not? I don't even know anymore."

"And Sora!" Beast Boy added, throwing his hands up. "Dude's just trying to find his friends, and somehow he gets wrapped up in this whole 'fight for the light versus the darkness' thing with Disney characters tagging along like it's totally normal."

Thomas nodded sagely, holding the Keyblade upright. "It's like they sat down and said, 'What if we made a plot that's just… chaos?' But hey, at least the weapons are cool."

"Oh, definitely cool," Beast Boy agreed, leaning over the edge of the bunk to admire the blade. "Like, this thing's way better than the story it came from. But real talk—if Kingdom Hearts didn't have Donald and Goofy, would anyone care?"

Thomas chuckled. "Not a chance. They're the glue holding that madness together."

"Okay, enough confusing lore," Beast Boy said, waving his hand. "Hit me with Master Chief's energy sword!"

Thomas grinned, letting the Keyblade dissolve into a shower of silver light. The particles reformed into a sleek, glowing energy sword that hummed faintly as it came to life. He held it up triumphantly, its twin blades shimmering with faint silver blue light.

Beast Boy's grin faltered as he leaned in for a closer look. "Uh… dude, that's not quite right."

Thomas blinked, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean? It's the energy sword."

Beast Boy pointed at the weapon, his tone somewhere between amused and exasperated. "Yeah, but the curve's all wrong, and the hilt is missing that angular thing. It's supposed to look like it could actually slice someone in half. The iconic blue I can forgive not being here but whatever. This? This looks like it could maybe butter some space toast."

Thomas groaned, letting the sword drop to his side. "Okay, fine, maybe I didn't nail it. I don't play much Halo, alright?"

Beast Boy gasped overdramatically, clutching his chest. "Blasphemy! You don't play Halo? Like, not even multiplayer?"

Thomas shrugged, his expression calm but unapologetic. "Nope. Just the single-player campaigns. That's where the good stuff is...story, atmosphere, cool missions."

Beast Boy shook his head in mock disappointment. "Man, you're missing out. Multiplayer is where the real action happens! You've got the chaos, the trash talk, and that sweet, sweet feeling of sticking someone with a plasma grenade."

"Yeah, no thanks," Thomas said with a smirk. "I don't need some twelve-year-old with his fathers credit card halfway across the galaxy yelling at me about how I 'totally suck' in 500 curse words just because I missed a shot."

Beast Boy laughed, pointing at him. "Fair point. But still—how can you be a gamer and not dive into Halo multiplayer? It's, like, a rite of passage!"

"Guess I'll have to pass on that rite," Thomas replied, dissolving the energy sword with a flick of his wrist. "Besides, I'd rather keep my sanity."

Beast Boy crossed his arms, grinning. "Alright, fine. But don't think this gets you out of a proper multiplayer night someday. I'll convert you to the Halo way eventually."

"Good luck with that," Thomas said, turning back to the couch. "But hey, I'll make the weapons. You can bring the trash talk."

"You're on," Beast Boy replied, still chuckling as he flopped back onto his bunk. "Now, uh give me something else. Surprise me."

Thomas nodded as he conjured the Buster Sword, his face softening with admiration as he held it aloft. "This," he said reverently as he spun it around, "this is art."

Beast Boy nodded, impressed. "Cloud's sword is sick. But you know what's better?"

Thomas groaned. "Don't say it."

"The Masamune!" Beast Boy declared gleefully.

Thomas sighed, summoning the impossibly long blade. As he adjusted its length, the sword extended until it accidentally skewered a movie poster starring Seraphina Lux as Cleopatra.

"Uh… whoops," Thomas muttered, wincing.

Beast Boy howled with laughter. "Oh, man! You just stabbed Cleopatra! Classic!"

Thomas dismissed the weapon, rubbing the back of his neck. "I hope she doesn't notice."

"Dude, that movie's a classic," Beast Boy said, still chuckling. "Yeah, the romance is boring, but the fight scenes? Legendary. I kept the poster because of those."

Thomas rolled his eyes. "Next time, you deal with the giant sword."

"Nah, you're too good at this," Beast Boy teased, returning to his Switch. "But seriously, Masamune duel later?"

Thomas shook his head, sinking back onto the couch. "Not a chance. I've had enough property damage for one day."

The room was bathed in a warm, dim glow, the primary source of light coming from the oversized TV screen dominating one wall. The flickering glow cast playful shadows across the space, highlighting the bowls of popcorn and a scatter of colorful snacks strewn across the coffee table. Starfire, Wonder Girl, and Artemis lounged comfortably on the couch, each engrossed in their own way with the cheesy horror movie playing before them.

On-screen, a snowstorm raged around an isolated ski resort, where anthropomorphic creatures—a motley mix of wolves, foxes, squirrels, bears, hedgehogs and more —were trapped. The predators hunting them were not what one might expect. Instead of the usual monstrous fare, the attackers were werewomen—beautiful, seductive, and deadly, with glowing eyes and claws that could rip through steel.

The camera zoomed in dramatically on a shirtless fox boy dashing through the snow, his breath visible in the icy air, his abs glistening in the moonlight. "They're coming! Hide in the lodge!" he shouted, his voice raw with panic.

Starfire leaned forward, her wide, emerald-green eyes brimming with alarm. "This is most terrible!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with genuine concern. "These poor boys! Will no one come to their aid?"

Artemis smirked, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "Uh, Star? You know this is supposed to be funny, right? It's a parody."

Starfire turned to her, her expression a mixture of confusion and indignation. "A parody? But… the boys are in such great danger! Look at that one—he is not even wearing a shirt in the cold! Surely this is a serious matter."

On-screen, a pink hedgehog stumbled into a snowbank, flailing dramatically. "I can't die like this!" he cried, clutching at his quills. "My quills are worth a fortune!"

Wonder Girl burst out laughing, clutching her sides, while Starfire gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks. "Why is he so concerned with his quills?" she asked, her voice rising in disbelief. "Should he not be running for his life?"

Wonder Girl wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling. "Because it's a joke, Star. The whole movie's poking fun at over-the-top horror tropes."

Starfire tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of it. "Over-the-top? But are the werewomen not truly terrifying? Look at their glowing eyes and sharp claws!"

The screen cut to a slow-motion shot of a werewoman growling seductively, her perfect fur coat flapping dramatically in the wind. The male creatures screamed and scattered, one of them tripping over his oversized scarf.

Artemis rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because nothing says 'terrifying' like a werewoman with perfect hair and a designer coat."

Starfire glanced between her friends and the screen, her confusion deepening. "I do not understand. Why would the women hunt the boys in this manner? Is it not usually the other way around?"

"That's the point," Wonder Girl explained, her tone patient but amused. "It's flipping the trope. You know, how in most horror movies, women are hunted by savage monsters? This one's got the guys being chased instead. And it's ridiculous—on purpose."

On-screen, a pink hedgehog dashed into a bathroom, frantically checking his reflection in a fogged-up mirror. The ominous music swelled, the tension building… only for nothing to happen. The soundtrack cut off abruptly, leaving him staring blankly at his unscathed quills. As the hedgehog left the room to bump into 3 more hedgehogs who were eyeing them strangely.

Starfire frowned. "Why does nothing occur in the bathroom? Surely this was the perfect opportunity for a scare!"

Artemis snickered. "That's another parody thing. Horror movies always have people getting attacked in bathrooms. This one's making fun of how predictable that is."

Starfire nodded slowly, though the furrow in her brow remained. "Ah, I see. So the boys running without shirts in the snow is also part of the parody?"

Wonder Girl grinned. "Exactly. They're over-sexualizing the guys instead of the women for a change. Flipping another trope."

Starfire's face lit up with understanding. She clapped her hands together, her smile returning. "Ah! This is a clever commentary on human storytelling conventions! The exaggeration is where the humor lies!"

Artemis and Wonder Girl exchanged amused glances, glad that Starfire was finally catching on.

On-screen, the werewomen had cornered the male creatures in a dimly lit lodge. One of them stepped forward, her claws glinting in the firelight as she growled seductively. "You boys will make a fine addition to our pack," she purred.

Starfire's smile faded, replaced by a look of deep concern. "But… why do they not simply explain to the werewomen that they are not interested in joining the pack? Surely a conversation would solve this issue."

Artemis threw her head back in laughter, nearly spilling her popcorn. "Star, you're way too pure for this movie."

Wonder Girl leaned over, patting Starfire's shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry, Star. Just enjoy the chaos. It only gets funnier from here."

As the movie unfolded, Starfire began to laugh along with them, though her occasional comments about the boys' poor decision-making and the werewomen's logistics as a pack leader kept Artemis and Wonder Girl laughing even harder. By the end of the movie, the three were in fits of laughter, the ridiculous antics of the characters bonding them in shared humor.

Though Starfire still wasn't entirely sure she understood every layer of the parody, the joy of the moment was more than enough for her.

The cockpit of the Starway Hauler 47 was a claustrophobic mess of blinking lights and scuffed metal. The low hum of the ship's engines mingled with the occasional hiss of air vents, a mechanical symphony that was almost soothing. Dim blue lights from the control panel cast Derek Malton's rugged face in an otherworldly glow. His graying stubble and deep-set eyes spoke of countless sleepless nights in the unforgiving void of space.

He sat slouched in his seat, humming a tune only he could recognize, one hand gripping a battered thermos filled with lukewarm coffee. The vast expanse of space stretched beyond the cockpit's windshield—an endless, star-speckled abyss. It was beautiful and isolating all at once, a constant reminder of just how small he was out here.

Behind him, the reinforced doors of the cargo hold loomed, plastered with warning signs in every alien dialect imaginable:
DANGER: LIVE CARGO. TOP-LEVEL CLEARANCE REQUIRED. LEVEL QUADRUPLE BLACK

Derek glanced at the instrument panel. The blinking indicators told him everything was routine. His eyes drifted back to the thermos when a sudden red flash on the radar caught his attention.

He frowned, leaning forward to squint at the screen. A small, unidentified object had appeared, heading straight for his ship.

"Just my luck," he muttered, setting his thermos down and tapping the radar. "Probably another chunk of space junk."

His fingers moved instinctively, flipping switches and preparing for evasive maneuvers. But before he could engage, the object vanished from the radar entirely.

"What the..."

The ship jolted violently, throwing Derek against his harness. Alarms blared, and the cockpit lights flickered, casting wild shadows across the cramped space.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Derek shouted, his voice rising in panic. "What the hell is going on?"

A deep, metallic thud reverberated through the hull, followed by the unmistakable sound of something heavy moving along the exterior. Derek's eyes darted toward the ceiling, his breath quick and shallow.

"This is not happening. Nope. Not today."

His hands scrambled for the comms device, and he brought it to his lips.

"Starway Control, this is Hauler 47! We've got an intruder! Repeat, intruder on board! Requesting immediate—"

The comms crackled, then went dead.

Derek swore under his breath, reaching for the manual override. Before he could activate it, a guttural laugh echoed through the ship, chilling him to his core.

"Nice little rig ya got here, pal," a distorted voice sneered, its tone dripping with menace. "Shame it's about to get trashed."

Derek froze, his hand hovering over the controls. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice trembling. "Look, I'm just a pilot, okay? I don't want any trouble!"

The sound of heavy boots against the metal floor grew louder, each step deliberate and taunting. A massive shadow appeared in the cockpit doorway, blocking out what little light remained.

"Trouble's exactly what you got," the voice growled. "Now sit tight while I take care of business."

The figure disappeared down the corridor, heading toward the cargo hold. Derek sat frozen, torn between staying put and investigating.

The alarms painted the corridor in flashing red, the oppressive sound pounding in Derek's ears as he crept toward the cargo hold. A wrench, clutched tightly in his sweaty hand, was the only weapon he had.

The sound of metal tearing made him flinch. He peeked around the corner, his heart pounding as he saw the intruder for the first time—a hulking figure dragging a heavy chain behind him, its links scraping against the floor. The faint glow of red eyes pierced the darkness.

The figure stepped into the cargo hold, where the ship's dangerous cargo awaited. A Space Hydra, its massive, scaled body restrained within a reinforced containment unit. Even in its sedated state, the creature's heads twitched, their glowing eyes flickering faintly as if sensing danger.

Derek's jaw tightened as he whispered to himself, "No way. No freakin' way."

The intruder knelt before the containment unit, pulling a strange device from his belt. With a sharp click, the locks began to disengage, hissing as they released.

"Hey!" Derek shouted, his voice shaky but firm. "You can't do that!"

The intruder turned, his red eyes narrowing. He stepped forward, the dim light revealing a face Derek instantly recognized: a snarling grin framed by wild black hair and war paint.

"L-Lobo?" Derek stammered, dropping the wrench in shock.

"The one and only," Lobo said, his voice dripping with smug amusement.

"You… you can't let that thing loose!" Derek protested.

Lobo tilted his head, his grin widening. "Relax, sunshine. Hydra's not for you. I got bigger fish to fry."

He turned back to the containment unit, but then paused, his expression shifting as he looked over Derek again.

"Wait a sec," Lobo muttered. "Don't I know you?"

Derek blinked, confused. "What?"

Lobo squinted, then snapped his fingers. "You're that bartender! What's the joint called? Rusty Nail? Golden Comet?"

Derek's shoulders sagged. "The Silver Nebula. I used to work there."

Lobo slapped him on the back, nearly knocking him over. "Knew it! You made a mean Zarnian Slammer. Best damn curry in the galaxy, too. If not the univerese. It was so spicy, I thought my mouth was possessed! Damn shame that place got blown to bits by Darkseid."

Derek offered a weak smile. "Yeah. Great times."

Lobo chuckled, returning to the containment unit. As the last lock disengaged, the Space Hydra stirred, its heads rising and letting out low, rumbling growls.

"Tell ya what," Lobo said, twirling his chain lazily. "Since you kept me fed and buzzed back in the day, I'll let you live. Now scram before things get messy."

Derek didn't hesitate. He bolted for the escape pod, his pulse pounding in his ears.

Derek strapped himself in, fumbling with the controls as the pod launched. Through the small window, he caught one last glimpse of the Starway Hauler 47. The Space Hydra had broken free, its heads roaring in unison, their glowing eyes blazing.

Standing atop the wreckage was Lobo, silhouetted against the chaos, his red eyes gleaming as he twirled his chain.

"Time to raise some hell," Lobo growled, a manic grin splitting his face. As he grabbed the hydra by one of its necks "Cause you will be my bait for a little project of mine."

As the escape pod rocketed away, Derek leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. "Never taking live cargo again," he muttered. "I am going back to cooking."