INNER DEMONS

by The Mighty One

Chapter 44 has been completed! Blackfire struggles to claim her prize outside The Jump City Observatory. The elemental wielders of ice and earth, are evenly matched at Titans Tower; Raven formulates a strategy with Avatar and The Squadron heroes, as the contest for Cyborg, reaches an unpleasant dilemma of its own. Meanwhile, Falcon and Elizabeth make their move.

42. Unabated Dilemmas

Disclaimer: By this means, I rightfully claim ownership to this FanFiction story and my original character within it, by my trademark signature T.M.O at the conclusion of every update. Any other characters that may appear in this work and are new, these are the rightful properties by their creators as well and cannot be reproduced, or duplicated without their individual consent. I do not own anything within the DC Universe, from Warner Brothers, or on Cartoon Network. The only original character and the name that I created for him; that I accept half ownership on is Falcon from this telling. Scififanfreak222 owns the second half of him as well, for drawing him upon a collaboration of various new designs and sketches within the year of 2010; and cannot be knowingly placed into another literary document, writing community, comic book series, and or televised broadcast without either of our written or verbal consent in front of legal consultants. TheForceIsStrongWithThisOne, Scififanfreak222, xSaffire55x, Novus Ordo Seclorum, and RavenxIsxAxBlackxRose; each of these fellow writers have helped me to press onwards with this story, every-time I have come across writers block. Without their outstanding guidance, the updates would have taken me even longer to complete.

Chapter 42 is in! Titans Tower is under attack! Press confronts Victor Zsasz, Raven is pursued by Killer Croc, as Robin and Avatar deal with a challenger of their past. Elsewhere, Falcon learns who Elizabeth truly is, while a bold message is broadcast. How far will a person go, to see things through to the end? What will be sacrificed, to ensure that victory is won? "One thing leads to another." -Unknown-

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Chapter 42 - Unabated Dilemmas

A monumental explosion carried outwards from the bay. The noise rippled across the whole of Jump City, forcing people everywhere to stop, turn and look.

The trembling distortion, displaced the tranquility and slumber of the sleeping residents. Nothing came close to this moment, where the blast was deeply concerning.

The thick cloud of the ash, billowed upwards from the site, like an open wound.

It caused the heroes that were struggling within The Old Stadium, to stop in their battle, and to look westward, towards the far edge of their location.

A mushroom-like shape of thick grey smoke, gradually slithered out. Hovering ever steadily upwards, from the tiny island in the middle of the bay.

This was caused from the detonation, of raw power being unleashed against the impenetrable fortress. Many looked out their windows across the city, and all were left in a startled state of deep concern.

The hot gasses intermixed with the burning fumes of sulfur, ash, and rocket fuel as it spread. Thunder boomed, as streaks of lighting zig-zagged overhead.

What was that?

That was not thunder, but what could it be?

Did somebody get hurt?

Questions such as those, raced across the minds of the citizens.

Titans Tower was still standing, its magnificent and imposing 'T' shaped frame was left undisturbed, the glass was intact, where the golden glow of lights from the numerous windows, shined brightly like a lighthouse in the dark.

The rockets that were fired, had apparently slammed into something along the island itself, hitting a section of rocks.

*Terra . . . Terra! Hey, can you . . . can hear me?*

The rasping voice of Beast Boy, poured out from a nearby walki-talki. It was a spare, that was on its own network, allowing for a direct line of communication to be kept.

The feedback popped and hissed, as the caller was desperately trying to reach his friend.

Laying face down, a slender female was sprawled out. The hill she had collapsed behind, it acted as a makeshift bunker. It was a natural barrier, and the mounds had shielded the blonde from the attack.

I was the target . . . her voice echoed inside her head. I am . . . alive?

Her face was covered by her long golden hair, as the raindrops splashed all around her back and arms. She felt cold, as her clothing was soaked. Blinking her eyelashes, the world gradually became clear.

*Terra . . . Terra please come in! Don't leave me hanging here.* Beast Boy urged a response.

This device was a spare Titans Communicator, where the main one that she was given upon her return, the very one the others used was not working. The entire reason for her coming outside to investigate, was to uncover what was blocking the transmission. To locate and then destroy the disrupter, that was located just off the shore.

It was interfering with their ability to coordinate to the others, to act as a unified fighting force. Something was there, a great shape was rising from the cold brine of the ocean, like a monolith, or some ancient creature of the deep.

A sleek and black object that had fumes tumbling over the sides, they were exhaust ports. It was long, and a captivating thing to look at, she was unsure if she hit her head, and this was all just a hallucination?

Upon inhaling a very deep breath, she coughed harshly as the dust had seeped into her lungs. She rolled onto her back, away from the unknown object, as the rain continued to splash around her bruised and battered body.

*Terra!*

A throbbing headache was felt, and a bright series of flashes, streaked across the sky. She partially closed, to then reopen her tear filled eyes.

A heavy breeze picked up, causing the the curling waves just below her, to churn into a much more violent pattern. White foam heaved and sprayed across the surface, tossing kelp and displacing a few scavenging seagulls upon the sea, to fly for the mainland.

A single crab inched itself nearby, then it ducked into a crevice of a rock.

Her blue eyes were drawn back to Titans Tower. It was more than just a random building, it carried more importance than a simple home for her friends. The structure was the beacon of hope for the city.

Terra felt something that was beyond her reasoning to even come down here, and to expose herself to danger.

Lights across the main road had been turned on, where Beast Boy was at the controls, inside The Common Room. The zigzag path she had thrown herself off of, led to the dock, which any ship or ferry had to park at, for the general public to reach the island.

As she looked down the right of the slope, there glancing towards the footprints in the sand, she reflected on the training lesson between Kimiko and Press. Everything was growing dark.

Their bout had lasted a long while, they threw many jabs and thrusts at one another, with the water to their backs, as they exchanged blows with the sturdy training swords.

She closed her eyelids, to remember the first day she had come here.

The strange structure that rose from the water, it cast a long shadow over the ground. Everything in sight was growing dim, as the last thing she could see was the exhaling puff of her breath.

---

(~)

---

- Flashback -

There she remained, alongside both Starfire and Beast Boy, where Robin and Raven were standing just above her, at the podium behind the controls.

Cyborg had completed his trial, he had a time of 02:17 flashing in his wrist.

"BO-YA!" he cheered, while raising a fist in triumph. "New course record! Ha-ha!"

"Well yeah." Raven interjected, "You're the first one to do the course."

The gearhead revealed a very grumpy expression, as the blue cloaked Empath crossed her arms, and she sat back down. Robin leaned forwards, and he focused onto his team.

"Okay Terra." Robin called out, he was beaming with confidence. "Ready to show us what you can do?"

Starfire and Beast Boy turned towards her.

Upon taking this cue, she went to the starting line. Rubbing her left arm in an attempt to sooth her nerves, she felt her heart-rate increase. Her fidgeting was difficult to keep concealed.

In a whisper that only she could hear, she uttered, "I just hope you're ready to see it."

Beast Boy had walked over, his compassion compared to the others, was something on a more impactful level entirely. He wanted to extend encouragement the best way he could.

"You can do it." The changeling spoke, while placing his grey gloved hand onto her shoulder. "sides . . . it's just practice. It doesn't matter if you mess up. Not that you're gonna mess up. But I'm just saying, that even if you really blow it-"

Terra put her goggles on without saying a word. She turned, and gave him a stern expression, something that Raven was accustomed to giving.

Beast Boy blushed a little, feeling that he was crowding her too much, and he finished with, "Shutting up now."

"Count-down initiated!" Robin stated from the podium. "Good luck Terra."

The clock started from 11 . . . then it flashed to 10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . .

"Come on Terra!" Beast Boy cheered.

7.

"You go girl!" said Cyborg while pumping both fists.

6.

"You can do it!"

5.

"Onward to victory!" yelled Starfire.

4.

Terra took a few more deep breaths, the timer was getting closer to zero. She shook her arms and legs, trying to physically prepare herself.

3.

Mentally she was torn, but the newbie tried to contain her fears. She needed to give herself a pep-talk.

2.

"Don't lose control, don't lose control, don't-"

1.

The golden glow, emanated off from her gloves. Her concentration was focused on getting through this challenge, everybody was silenced.

0.

The Geomancer was excited to be at this place, to have an opportunity to become more than just an outsider looking in. For the first time she could recollect, Terra was genuinely happy.

The drifter did not want to ruin her chances, to make a good impression. She had undoubtably proved something to the others within the canyon, when she was chased by the scorpion.

While standing still, two turrets raised outwards from the ground and began to blast orange and red lasers at her!

By defensive instincts alone, she utilized her Geomancer abilities to raise the spot she was standing, to dodge the incoming attacks, and to form a leaning rock tower.

The arching formation was obliterated in seconds, but she took advantage of the smoke that now formed to conceal herself; gliding through the air on a much larger stone, and flying past the laser cannons.

She was directing the debris to smash the cannons!

While flying through the smoke, metal fists were raised to hit her, and she screamed while waving both hands, soaring in-between them at great velocity! The wind blew her long golden hair, and black shirt.

Without realizing it, the rock rolled and she tumbled off. It smashed into another raised obstacle. In free-fall she extended her right hand to pull up another, even larger boulder to act as a platform.

Upon climbing onto the surface, she rode the object like a surfer cuts across the waves, and she continued to fly at incredible speed, high over everybody.

More debris was picked up through her powers, and she directed this, into nearby mounds.

Down below at the starting line, her teammates voices were heard.

"Wooh-Whoo!" Cyborg roared.

Starfire joined in, "Glorious!"

"Yeah! You the man Terra!" Beast Boy pumped his own fist into the air, to suddenly stop and give a dumbfounded expression. "Oh . . . uh, um . . . I mean you're the . . . way to go!"

Terra could barely steer the rock, and in split meters she was already by the exact crushing doors, that Cyborg had narrowly escaped under. She was ahead in the race, but only by the smallest of margins.

She gasped, as the round object spun in a violent and unpredictable fashion.

Just as she was about to smash into the first barrier, her abilities caused a great pillar to pile-drive through every single door, before she could touch one with her body, and she ran along the top like it was a bridge.

Raven interlocked her arms and while glancing over to Robin, she spoke in her rasping deadpan, "We're going to need a new obstacle course."

The Boy Wonder typed on the main console, as a trap door opened directly after this stage, as the blond tumbled through the air. There were no handlebars to steer it, or a seatbelt to strap into . . . this was entirely free-form.

She somersaulted, utilizing her abilities to again force the rocks and boulders to fly near her, and she latched underneath one, about the size of her slender body.

It flipped, causing her to desperately clutch at another, digging her hands into the ridged edges for dear life! Luckily, her gloves were protecting her fingernails.

She began slipping and was about to fall, when out from the sides, two fist size rocks hovered up, and she grabbed one for each hand!

Terra was smiling, she could no longer contain the abundant joy of being able to use her abilities. The fear which was so prominent, from her long journey that had taken her across the country, had dissipated for not having to hide anything.

The adrenaline and thrill of what she was doing, was comforting as she could channel that always negative side, into something uplifting.

She flew past another obstacle in mid-air, leaping onto yet another rock. The cannons revealed themselves again, to target her as they had done in the beginning, as she quickly approached the finishing line.

They shot explosive disks, acting like flak cannons that were placed around Berlin during the Second World War. Terra refocused her abilities to reach out, hurtling a strong wave of smaller debris across the course.

The frisbees were snuffed out, as they were easily disposed.

As an Olympic gymnast would perform, when jumping off of a balance beam, Terra front-flipped and landed onto her feet, skidding while the others looked on in disbelief!

As the smoke cleared, Terra removed her goggles. One by one, the teenagers ran up to congratulate her.

Beast Boy was elated, "You rock!"

"Magnificent success!" Starfire agreed.

Cyborg glanced to his wrist, the timer read in a blue flashing light, 01:56.

"It looks like we have a new course record." The cloaked Empath was overheard.

Cyborg was flabbergasted, and the look of shock was plastered on his face. To then change into one of happiness like the rest. "I must have softened it up for her."

"You were incredible!" Beast Boy praised.

While laughing, Terra reached over and embraced the green lad into a tight and affectionate hug. There was something that she had hoped to find, and now everything seemed right.

"I did it!" Terra said to only him, her voice was a delicate whisper. "You said I could do it, and you were right."

Beast Boy felt his heart overflowing with so much joy. He stumbled backwards after she released him, crashing to the ground with the biggest smile beaming across his face.

There was something he found unbelievably remarkable about her, and he was drawn in. He wanted to build a friendship with her, and both felt that it was genuine.

She did not seem to mind him for his pointy ears, his short height, his orc-like skin color, his sharp fangs, or his noodle-like skinny body. For Terra to even laugh at his jokes, that was a major confidence booster in and of itself.

Cyborg and Starfire looked at Beast Boy, then to the girl.

Robin came down from the command station, where his voice startled everybody.

"A little rough around the edges, but you've got some real talent there."

"Ya think!?" Terra exclaimed, unable to contain the emotion. She was deeply grateful with how everything appeared to be going.

"With a little more training you could -" Robin was cut short, as his communicator chimed in. He reached down and picked up his device.

Just then, all of The Titan's communicators started to chirp.

"Okay . . . why is everybody blinking?" Terra asked, as a few strands of her golden hair draped over her face.

They went back inside to The Common Room, leaving the obstacle course. The smoldering ruins were the telling sign, of just how much power this young girl possessed.

On the jumbo screen, an armored man wearing a black and orange faceless mask, with a single eye as his only facial feature was revealed. He stood in front of an all white background.

"Slade!" Robin hissed. "He's back!"

"Slade?" Terra asked, while turning to Beast Boy hoping to be given an explanation.

The changeling rasped quietly, while keeping his eyes to the front. "Bad guy. Way bad."

"Got a fix on his location!" Robin finished typing into the keyboard, the tracking coordinates worked into the map of the city, revealing the area that his signal was sent from.

He turned around, and after putting the data into each of his teammates communicators, he gave a battlecry.

"Titans, move out!"

One by one they all bolted for the exit, as if the starting gun to a race had been fired.

Beast Boy was the last to make his way up the steps, he paused to notice the conflicting hesitation on her behalf. While pointing over his shoulder, he smiled at The Geomancer.

"Hey! You coming, or what?"

Terra grinned, there was that confidence that had been forged, and it built a profound elation in her. She followed alongside him, running out of the Common Room, interlocking her arm with his.

The brightness of the hallway lights consumed any concerns. With the way things were going, she felt like this place could become a permanent home.

- End Of Flashback -

---

(~)

---

The barking of a dog had caused her to reopen her eyes. The German Shepherd had traveled with her, and he was trying to alert her back to the mission at hand.

Something had arisen from the water, a great metal structure with a cunning tower had water pouring down from its outer hull.

"Focus!" Terra said out loud. "Hmmm, this is not good."

She shook her head, as the distant memory faded out.

A few of the laser cannons from the old obstacle course were seen bent, splintered in the overgrown weeds just off to the side. A great deal of time had passed since that afternoon in the sun.

Sibs barked again, causing her to look at him.

"I know, I know. I see it. Just . . . give me a minute."

*Terra?!*

The fierce canine that came as her bodyguard, trotted closer. He nudged his wet nose to move the walkie-talkie towards her outstretched hand.

To the blond, she had been through a rough few days, yet despite the circumstances of how she ended up here, there was a motivating drive inside of her.

Of wanting to preform, in fulfilling a pledge.

From the ruse of a letter that tricked her into going to the sporting arena, to stabbing herself inside the Hydro-Electric Dam from some mind controlling drug, to now, having endured an explosion by mere meters . . . she took a deep and calming breath.

What am I supposed to do? How am I going to do anything?

*Terra, come in!*

"Here! I'm here!"

*Oh Thank God! I thought the worst had happened!*

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I had to hit the ground fast, as something exploded right next to me."

*There was some blast that hit the path you were on. Multiple buoys are picking up a strange signature, right off the coast! The scanners are going off like crazy, that something just broke the water line! I . . . I can see it from here . . . what is that thing?*

"Yeah, I see it!"

Terra stood up, and she strained her neck as she looked down the rocky beach.

There was no place she could hide. This island, Titans Tower was her only means of refuge. If it were under attack, then what hope could be raised, what future could she forge if the darkness of evil consumed the light?

*It looks like -*

There was a painful silence that lingered, and Terra stood perfectly still. She answered, "It's a . . . submarine!"

*That explains why we couldn't see it, yet, the buoys were able to from below the surface! It was submerged, and only after it fired its rockets at you, did it come to the surface!*

"This weather is getting worse." Terra groaned, where the downpour was only just starting. "What am I going to do?"

Sibs barked, causing her to glance down at him. The German Shepherd wagged his tail with eager anticipation.

He was a good companion, and she only vaguely recalled how the last addition to the team, had brought the pup here from the junkyard. She had never met the red cloaked teenager, but she felt there was a painful rift that had been sliced in the group since his departure.

"Well now, aren't you the confident one."

*It's a good bet, that the jamming device is within that sub.*

"There is only one way to find out."

*It's going to be okay. You don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. There are still other things we can do.*

Terra frowned, "Beast Boy, that doesn't help."

*I'm sorry.*

"It's alright." She squeezed her fingers into the palms of her hands. "I might not be able to do much, and I don't like my chances for what I am able to do, but this has gone on long enough."

*Terra, do you remember that laser pointer that I gave you?*

She looked down and across her feet, where the tiny device lay. She bent down and scooped it up.

*I'm sorry that I cannot be down there with you. But my leg . . .*

Sibs whined.

"I am not alone."

She looked down to her left hand, still clutching the smaller device.

*All you have to do, is shine that red light out at that submarine, just off the beach, and the remaining Tower's defenses will automatically go and engage the threat.*

"Too bad it can't be done from inside the Tower. But I guess, I have no choice."

Sibs wagged his tail, where he angled his head sideways for a moment, in his always energetic manner that a playful hound does.

"Well then, let's get this over with." Terra rasped as she finally started moving again.

The rain was coming down a lot harder now, with a fierce gust howling. It felt like a banshee of folklore was unleashed, causing the girl to momentarily creep around the rocks.

Her hair was blown sideways, as the rain began to pelt the ground in harder drops. It sprayed everything. Her clothes were getting soaked, and she shivered.

I have made my share of mistakes . . . I have done terrible things. Terra squeezed her fists, while the rain traveled down her arms in long winding streaks. But I can't mess this up. Not now.

Just as she was about to approach the hulking metal shell, five more rockets were launched from the upper decking of the ship! All arched and then one by one, they slammed into the uppermost center section, being The Common Room of Titans Tower.

"Beast Boy!"

---

(~)

---

"Oh no!" Press gasped in horror. "That came from-"

"Titans Tower!"

A plume of thick black smoke, rose upwards from the west, where the two who had managed to escape the entrapment of the sladebots, thanks to the tenaciousness of Kimiko, felt as though everything was falling apart.

It was painful, and the strife only deepened within their hearts.

Now, the conflict had expanded beyond their ability to contain it. The struggle had pulled both Cyborg and Delphi into Steel City, very far away . . . and out in the bay area, their very home was under threat.

The heroes were dealt with the dilemma, which nobody wanted to happen. The avenues of counter measures, of gaining any leverage of their own had been taken away.

Only Press and Raven who somehow managed to make it out of the trap, were left to confront it.

No matter how far in advance that a person prepares, there were things that could bring worse problems. There was only so much that could realistically be done, all that any individual can do, when confronted with a struggle this massive, is brace for impact.

While their teammates had become pinned down in the quagmire, within the ruins of The Old Stadium, the remaining out-of-commissioned allies at The Tower, were under attack.

They would be forced once again, to come to a hard decision.

My oath . . . Press thought, dwelling upon what his comrade had urged as she stood blocking the attackers. She wanted me and Raven to get out. I can't leave her now!

"We can't stay here." Raven deadpanned over the stillness, where her vision grew blurry.

The effects of the gas she inhaled, was steadily creeping in, and it was unknown as to how long it would remain. Or exactly, the ways in which the chemicals would interact within her immune system, the more she pushed herself.

She clasped his hands into hers before saying, "We have to keep moving."

The Squadron hero remained standing, his gaze fixated on the tunnel they fled out of. He could not speak.

"Press, Titans Tower is under attack! While the others are doing all that they can, inside that mess, right now Beast Boy and Terra need us!"

Still, he said nothing.

"For what it is worth, Kimiko and the others helped us to get out. We need to make the most of this opportunity while we still can."

Raven's blue cloak swirled around her. She reached her right hand to touch his face, and caused him to look into her eyes. She could not see his, behind the rorschach mask, or any facial expression.

His dead silence was all he could offer, that he was in shock.

Through the fatigue, beyond the potent gas still traveling through her bloodstream, something else was tapped into. Something powerful, and beyond words.

She had found strength, in some capacity to overcome so many fights and challenges before. Trigon was at the top of the list. There was hope she still held onto, and she refused to throw in the towel.

Come on . . . this is not over! Don't quit now! Not when he needs me.

With the conclusion that Beast Boy was in danger, this only made her more determined to carry on.

She had to.

"Press, we need to get back to-"

"I . . . I can't."

A multitude of loud explosions, immediately cut right back into their conversation. The blasts were just as powerful as the first one had been.

This caused Raven to glance back.

The thick black smoke widened across the bay, it was unmistakable. Titans Tower was indeed under siege. With that horrific sight, came the ever increasing concerns and realization for her, and it was the main driving force in Cyborg.

The Empath needed to be there.

The emotions she kept in check, were destabilizing, where she felt her grip on reality was steadily slipping away. A rage was consuming her thinking, while the effects of the gas she had inhaled, were now giving her a painful headache.

Press bowed his head, unable to respond.

I understand. She thought, why Robin and Cyborg act as they do.

"We don't have time." Raven spoke over the stillness, "We must head back, where I - I need you to help me. But if you are going to stay here . . . then I will do this on my own."

He slowly turned towards her. The rasping pitch was slightly different this time, he sensed grief and despair.

"I am leaving." Raven continued. "I can't lose him."

He watched, as she started to slowly depart from the field. He could not say anything.

He looked to his hands, as the last moments with Kimiko were bitter sweet. He felt the blue cloaked heroine's overwhelming concerns, and the commitment that he and his team had made, which they had accepted.

They were in Jump City to support The Teen Titans, in whatever capacity they could. To bolster this team's ranks, to work together, even when their own members were splintered away.

As the heroes were separated, fatigue was becoming much more prevalent. The motivating speeches and training lingered on, where deep in his own heart, the burning desire to keep their friends safe, had overpowered everything at all costs.

"You know, she had us take an oath." he chuckled. "That is so like her, the wanting of us, to put others ahead. Always striving to put the better foot forwards."

The Empath did not show it, but she was deeply touched.

She looked back to say, "There is a lot that can be said about a person, who is willing to take that leap. Kimiko did her duty. Now, let us fulfill ours."

"Alright Raven, lead the - wait . . . GET DOWN!"

Press cried out, as he quickly threw his arms over her, and they tumbled across the wet grass.

Four shurikens suddenly spun out from the darkness of the tunnel, nearly hitting her in the back! The Squadron member's reflexes noticed the incoming danger, and he just leapt in.

They had escaped the perils so far, but their pursuers had not called off the challenge. A foe had gotten past Kimiko, and the battle was about to start all over.

"That was close!" Raven groaned as she rubbed her forehead. "Thanks."

"Don't thank me yet."

"They are persistent." she replied, standing up with a defensive posture. "Somebody wants to keep us here."

Press let out a gasp of pain, unable to respond. He was clutching his hip.

The struggle was going to break them. Raven knew it, deep in her bones she was accepting this as reality, that by the end of this long night, their number could become even smaller.

"Impressive reflexes boy!" The cackling voice of Victor Zsasz taunted them as he appeared. "I didn't think they would fit my style, taking the fun out of my hunt."

"Great, this guy again!?" Press growled.

"I told you before, that I was going to carve you up!"

"You will try."

The bald headed psychopath skipped towards them, where he hunched his body forwards while squatting on his hands and knees, like a wild beast that had broken loose from its cage.

The Arkham escapee, was going to humiliate his prey, and the fear he could sense, that radiated off his opponents was something he salivated over.

Zsasz had thrown deadly projectiles, and while a crude tactic to wound his prey, yet he had his much larger bowie knife, still in his clutches.

"Very well then." Press acknowledged as he straightened his own body, and he slightly leaned to the Empath, while grasping at his hip. "He wants a challenge, and I am not running. This is to be my fight, a right of passage here and now."

"You don't have to do this. He is toying with us."

"Maybe so, but I can take him."

As she looked more closely at Press, a scarlet liquid suddenly trickled between his fingers and down his side. He had been hit!

Raven glanced from the bald headed figure, covered in pitch dark tallies and tattoos, as he smiled a devilish grin, right back to Press. She was not comfortable with this, when she pledged Kimiko, that she was going to watch over him.

"Don't worry, I'll be . . . fine." he groaned, as he pulled out the ninja-star from his hip. His gloved hand was shaking, splattered with the red pigment. "He managed to get a hit in after all . . . damn him!"

"Press . . . I -"

"Consider the oath to Kimiko, fulfilled." Press glanced back, satisfied to know she was not ready to abandon him, but coming to the realization, that there was something else on her thoughts.

The smaller weapons that had been thrown, were a diversion, as a fifth and an even more tiny pointed disk had been tossed; after he placed himself over her. By acting as a shield, his hip absorbed the projectile, and it stung.

Blood traveled down his trench coat and pant leg, in a long winding crimson streak, as the object was now removed, and he dropped it.

"Come at me boy, this is not going to end as you think." Victor Zsasz goaded from across the field. "Be it you, or any of your dear friends that gets in the way . . . I am really going to enjoy this!"

The rorschach masked hero stepped forwards, he flicked his cane as the subtle sign Kimiko gave. He was letting Raven understand, that this was still his opportunity to regain his pride, to uphold his code.

He was accepting the challenge.

"Go." Press rasped to her. "You said it yourself, that you were not able to continue this fight here. If you cannot stand with me now, and there is just enough energy in you left to make it out . . . go. Help the others."

"Press -"

"You care about him. Don't you?"

"But, you're injured."

"If you only knew what I have been through before. Ha! This wound is but one of many." he smirked behind his mask. "I will be fine."

The concealed face of Falcon, the stern glance he would give behind his own scarlet cowl, came to her thinking now. With the sorrow that the sixth member had created, she turned away fighting back tears.

Once she were to step foot on the ground outside, there would be nobody else to assist her. She was going to be on her own.

To reach Titans Tower, she felt as though it was on a totally different planet, where even if she managed to arrive there, it was unclear if her stamina would be able to hold out in any prolonged fight that was currently underway.

I have to try.

In a whisper that only she could hear, she rasped, "Azar, give me strength."

"Just where do you think you're going, girl?" Zsasz pointed his deadly blade at her. "I am going to make a mark out of you too, my precious little bird!"

"RUN!" Press ordered, unsheathing his sword and running forwards into the knife wielder. Their blades collided, "I've got this!"

"DO YOU?" Victor Zsasz prodded with enjoyment.

While starting off at a light jogging pace, Raven halted as dozens of Robot Commandos had emerged, pouring into the arena from places the fans would sit.

"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"

She encased the dark energy over chairs, from the upper levels that surrounded them, and the massive lights that overlooked the stadium, to crash onto the oncoming attackers.

Her powers were still able to be tapped into, but similar to a marathon runner, her entire body was fatigued. She was breathing heavily and more labored, after utilizing her sorcery.

The Empath staggered, the migraine became suddenly more intense, as she stopped. The opponents were hit, and it bought her a few precious minutes, where her stomach turned, and her energy felt to be nearing empty.

As Press clashed with Zsasz, their blades of choice sparked and clanked, while the onslaught of Robot Commandos poured into the field.

They ran forwards, about to trap Raven as she hurried up a flight of steps, trying to somehow reach the streets, beyond the stadium.

I need to keep moving! There is a ledge, just ahead that I can make . . . don't stop!

"You're MINE!"

Killer Croc swiftly rose up in front of her! His prolonged absence and then reemergence forced her to stumble backwards. A crash of thunder boomed, while the golden streaks in the clouds briefly lit up the dark.

She was distracted, forgetting the slippery steps and losing her balance. Raven collapsed, hard.

Everything became black, as she slammed against the concrete.

The rain splashed about them, coming down in greater volumes. She raised her hand, shielding herself from the weather, and preparing to unleash another attack, wincing from discomfort.

Her left hip vibrated, where she had landed at an awkward place across cement steps.

As the blurry images were resettled, the foreboding shadow of the massive villain loomed ever closer. His stench was overpowering, and his sharp teeth flashed a vile grin.

"Azarath, Metrion . . . Zin-"

"Not this time!"

Killer Croc placed his claws over her delicate neck, squeezing her windpipe tightly to silence her voice.

Raven was mortified. Her heart pounded as though it were about to burst, as the creature had captured her!

His yellow eyes peered into her. He sniffed her, like a bear would to a carcass in the wild.

No . . . How did it come to this? Not this! I have to get out of here!

He picked her up with one massive arm, his claw-like grip tightening around her throat. She had come so close, yet right before she could escape, seconds before she was able to fly off from the upper archway, and make for the waterfront, the Gotham City reptile had tracked her to this very spot.

Everything was at its lowest, with the pouring rain soaking the area, creating a rather depressing mood. Killer Croc was satisfied, and he hoisted her up as a champion would a trophy.

Press was now racing up the steps after her. It seemed like everything was slowing down, the adrenaline was in full effect.

Think Raven, THINK! This can't be how it ends. I need to do something . . . don't quit! Fight! FIGHT!

In this very moment, as tears formed and streaked from in her eyes, a tremendous barrage of lasers erupted all over the stadium! The training droids and hovering spheres from Titans Tower, had suddenly appeared!

The Robot Commandos were hit, as the battle of reinforcements was unleashed. It distracted the endless wave of enemies, as the two factions clashed.

Killer Croc was targeted, while the outnumbered heroes had an army of their own!

With how low her powers had become at this point, it would be a miracle she was able to activate them. Raven knew that this was it, there was no other chance.

It was now, or never.

"ZINTHOS!"

Raven shouted with all of her might, and the black energy bird enveloped around her as a shield. It Blasted away the brute who held her.

The floor began to crack, causing him to let her go.

As she closed her amethyst eyes, her body felt strangely heavy. She could no longer levitate, and she plummeted from higher in the stands, down towards the cold hard street far below.

---

(~)

---

Robin and Avatar raced forwards, their challenger was anticipating this intrepid tactic, and she smiled at them. It was a very mischievous expression, Poison Ivy was ready.

"Look out!" The Boy Wonder exclaimed, as Avatar was a few steps just ahead of him.

"What the -"

The Squadron Captain paused, while she stumbled upon something one would find in a forest, that had burst through the floor.

Up through the concrete foundation, around the crumbling walls, and even dangling down from the ceiling; thick twisting vines and great weeds, almost at once began to sprout forth, in countless directions.

There was a strange, almost alien grotesqueness about it. It could only be described, as nothing more than a terrifying creature. It was connected to the massive plant, that Poison Ivy sat upon.

The long tendrils sloshed across the ground, making a distinctive squishing sound. It was followed shortly after, by a rude crunching echo. The hard floor, was cracking open to support its weight, and keeping it stabilized.

The vines rolled and swayed, similar to how a snake wiggles. The sporadic movements continued to writhe back and forth, in an unpredictable pattern.

The thorns and prickers suddenly grew large, causing the two heroes to pull back. These were the defensive mechanisms found upon the stem of many plants. The nasty barbs, could slice into a person's flesh like knives.

Tiny leaves blossomed across the tubes, similar to the hairs on an arm or a leg of a person. This was indeed a living creature, being manipulated by the plant conjurer.

Her powers, were not to be trifled with.

While Avatar and Robin began to swing their weapons against the encroaching appendages, Poison Ivy peered down at them, with abundant delight.

She sat within the very middle of the crimson rose, where the petals had formed a comfortable plush throne. Some acted as a body shield, deflecting the oncoming Bird-A-Rangs or shurikens, nifty gadgets that were thrown at her from the two challengers.

The flower lifted higher and higher into the air, like an elevator, and she was able to watch with relative ease. This forced the pair of combatants, to engage on her terms.

She modified and manipulated the inner workings of any plant, to increase its yields, or to channel the energy it stored. Expanding the defensive mechanisms, where a few spores now became visible, unleashing dozens of tiny spikes at the heroes!

"I don't think so!" said Robin.

He spun in place, with the same elegant motion as his trusting staff; twirling the long metal pipe in his green gloved grip, destroying the incoming projectiles. Some of the shards pierced his cape, slamming into the walls behind him.

It was unknown if there was a potent chemical laced on each one, yet in recalling Poison Ivy's backstory, he could not take any chances. A single spike hitting him or his ally's bare skin, could prove disastrous.

The fuzzy roots heaved and arched upwards, making it move at a rapid pace. Numerous weeds that were connected to the central stalk, had formed into spears, poking and prodding at the two heroes to keep them at bay.

To the massive flower, its sole function was to perform the bidding of its creator, the very attractive and seductive red- haired female.

Avatar gasped, "Robin, do you see that!?"

"Don't lose focus!"

"I - I never thought I would see the day, when a plant moves!"

"That's nothing, compared to some of the crazier things I have dealt with. We can use that, to our advantage."

"I don't see how?"

"Foolish children." The Eco Terrorist hissed, interrupting them. "You cannot hope to win!"

She raised her hands over her head, directing the plant to immediately halt, as a conductor would to an orchestra.

The spear like appendages recoiled momentarily, while the unexpected large bulbous mounds attached to the plant, burst open! They were striking at the two teenagers, who were flabbergasted, left to deflect the incoming attack once more.

Poison Ivy's elemental powers were potent, and her abilities worked better, if a conflict developed into a protracted struggle. She would utilize every method at luring her prey in.

Like a Venus Fly Trap, she was extremely patient and the rewards would come. It required the calmness, that so many predators had evolved with, following tens of thousands of years in evolution.

This is not good! Robin scolded himself, while he noticed his enemy's standoffish nature.

Poison Ivy expressed a very large grin, "I will grant you no quarter!"

Robin and Avatar gritted their teeth in response.

The woman was not as proficient in hand to hand fighting capabilities, versus these teenagers, but her real prowess was in other more sneaky methods.

Having started from afar, the brawl wore down her enemy. Now that they were closing the distance, and she was letting the weed's be unleashed, the attackers would become distracted from multiple areas.

They were vulnerable.

"You said it yourself Ivy." Avatar answered while panting, "We beat you before. It looks like we will have to show you a repeat lesson."

The villainess scrunched her face, prior to responding. "It was foolish of you to engage in this fight, and even more stupid to boast. I will not be denied my vengeance!"

A lingering pause caused both parties to become tense, where dozens of Robot Commandos that were in pursuit of the heroes, had finally arrived. They attacked the pair from the stairs.

The Boy Wonder was left to confront the vines and roots that sprung out of the ground, directly in front, as Avatar engaged with the sladebots behind.

Robin and Avatar leap-frogged back and forth, deflecting the projectiles from the great plant, to overpowering the droids. Very slowly, it was becoming more apparent that the pair of heroes, were separating.

Robin put his bo-staff away, after realizing his current weapon was not going to be the proper tool for this fight. He retrieved two Bird-A-Rangs from his belt, to form a sword.

"Hi-ya!" He yelled, as he swung the sharp edge downwards and across his chest, slicing a few protruding spears that leapt towards him, splitting them open.

A bright orange liquid, gradually oozed outwards by his feet. The flower shrieked!

It was in pain, as the monstrosity reeled back in shock. Robin was emboldened by this, where he lunged forwards to keep up the onslaught.

Avatar chuckled, to then say while glancing over her right shoulder, "I don't suppose you have a weed-whacker in that tool belt of yours, eh Robin?"

He remained stoic, to then raise the elegant blade in the form of a salute, while the dripping colored goo, which was the plants blood, it rolled down in a long winding streak. The fluid formed tiny beads at the tip, splashing across the floor.

In the very next moment, one of the long moss covered weeds he had not observed, wrapped around his left leg! Robin was momentarily inhibited.

Others swept in, hoisting him up like a captured prize! His cape swayed about him wildly, as the whole world was flipped upside down.

Blood began to pour from his feet, rushing back to his skull. It was a dizzying experience, and if not for his years of training, everything would turn to blackness.

"Ha!" Ivy gleefully jeered. "Gotcha!"

Through the dedicated instinct of a seasoned warrior, this did not phase him. Countless scenarios came to the forefront of his thinking, all at this exact moment.

He was able to hold onto the hilt of his sword. His heart pounded away, while he dangled in mid-air. He slashed upwards at the creature's snake like tendril, which became a lasso that had wrapped about his ankle.

It took a few swings and misses, but eventually he hacked through his mark. It was a clean hit!

More of the orange fluid sprayed outwards, causing another shrill hiss from the great plant.

Down he fell, far away from his fellow Titan where he rolled and sprawled across the floor. He was partially bruised and sore.

Meanwhile, Avatar was all consumed in her attack against the droids using her potent Escirma Sticks, to beat back the oncoming Robot Commandos. She was unaware, that her ally had crashed back to the ground.

She was in a state of 'blood-lust' totally fixated on fighting, and ignoring everything else.

Her injury from the escape up the stairs earlier, started to pour down the backside of lower right ankle, yet she did not even feel it. The red color was now staining the covering of her boot.

"You won't get away with what you did!" Pamela Isley cackled, she was visibly upset as she approached the downed Titan's Captain. "You crafty devil!"

The Robot Commandos continued to charge forwards, causing Avatar to spin right around, unleashing a heavy assault of her own design, in an effort to stop these faceless machinations.

Poison Ivy was fuming, she barreled ever closer to the young Squadron Captain, with nothing obstructing her, as more vines latched around Robin's mid section, keeping him pinned to the floor.

The sword this time, had been knocked just out of reach!

"I'll deal with you in just a moment!" she hissed.

It had been unclear at first, out of these two heroes, who she loathed more? With her ignoring the downed male, it was no longer a mystery.

Avatar had cleaved a sladebot's head, right off its shoulders. She watched the lifeless body tumble over the side, plummeting to its final resting place.

"O-o-h-h-h, that had to have hurt!"

The great flower was about to overpower her. It's shadow made her instinctively feel this lumbering creature, and she squeezed her fists, bracing for impact.

"Look out!" Robin pleaded, while stretching his free hand towards the hilt.

Avatar's back was exposed, and as she spun to block one of the plant's vines using her sticks, another one crept in, knocking her weapons free.

"No!" The Squadron Captain cried, grasping for the prized objects that spun wildly away. Down into the pit they fell, lost somewhere far below.

To any fighter losing their primary weapon, it would be deeply frustrating. Avatar scowled, reflecting the absolute hatred at the antagonizer.

"You are MINE!" Poison Ivy sneered. "Defenseless, and without your teammate to assist you."

Avatar's domino mask squinted. "Quick to the draw, but not fast enough to catch me!"

The heroine side-stepped and preformed multiple flips and rolls, to duck and dodge the incoming strikes. Her Escirma Sticks had disappeared over the railing, she was in trouble but not out of the fight.

Robin continued reaching for the sword.

If I can just . . . reach . . . it . . . come on!

"Avatar, catch!"

He called out, having successfully grabbed it, where after getting it back and cutting himself free, he tossed the weapon for her to use!

The brunette raised her right hand and she caught it, while summersaulting to avoid another low swipe from the plant. In an elegant performance that a dancer on broadway would trot, Avatar maneuvered all over the place.

A section of wall was crumbling, it was due to the great flower heaving itself forwards. It was also created, from swipes and misses of multiple attacks of the plant itself, and a few missed shots, from the firearms of other attackers.

Avatar was a keen observer in her surroundings, and a thought popped up.

This is it. I can force Ivy outside, to buy Robin the path he needs.

"Do you honestly believe that you're going to beat me with that?" Ivy snickered as she pointed to the sword, "You stand no chance. It is over!"

"It's never over."

"Hmph!"

It was in this moment, when numerous training droids that had assisted Raven and Press, out on the field, the very same robots swarmed in. The small spheres, and the android dummy versions, they began to attack Poison Ivy!

They were peppering the great flower with lasers, as other larger models clashed with the Robot Commandos, that were running across the stadium. Some wielded bo-staffs, and others had swords of their own. This gave Robin the opportunity to stand up.

"WHAT!" Poison Ivy cried out, "Impossible!"

Avatar charged forwards during this distraction, holding the weapon meters away from her hips, and sprinting at full speed. She was gunning for the unnatural monstrosity's stalk, having located a main area that could prove fatal to the plant if it were impaled.

It happened all so quickly.

Before anybody could do anything, the sword had been plunged deeply into the underside of the plant! The pointed clear end, was sticking directly through it, and orange fluid pooled outwards.

Poison Ivy screamed in a terrifying pitch, as the massive plant howled in agony. It was gasping its last breath.

Avatar had scrambled underneath the great flower, while forcefully trying to pull out the blade that had become stuck. In doing this, she had lost her balance.

The impaled monstrosity, stumbled a few feet backwards, leaning lower and lower, eventually collapsing against the battered wall that was already weakened from the intense battle. As the creature fell, its weight slammed through the bricks, taking the sword and brave wielder that was holding it, directly outside The Old Stadium.

"Avatar!" Robin called, reaching his right hand out, to pull her back.

His fingers just barely missed the end of her red cape, and she was gone!

"Damn it!" he cussed. "She wanted to let me lead, yet she took all the glory!"

While he stood alone, a sudden rumbling . . . boomed across the bay.

---

(~)

---

This forced him to look towards the waterfront. Black smoke steadily rose upwards, where the implication was clear, Titans Tower was being attacked.

"No!" he rasped, closing his fingers into tight fists.

His team and allies was scattered, and becoming even more distant. They were battling their own unique challenging opponents, and nobody could formulate any plan, as their communicators were blocked.

Robin was torn on following the trail of The Squadron Captain, to jump down after her, as she was somewhere just on the outside of the building; or to keep climbing up the final flight of steps, to meet Starfire.

After taking a deep breath, and without wasting another second, his feet began to carry him. Faster and faster, he sprinted towards The Press Box.

A loud ruckus interrupted everything all over again. The bright green flashes of light expanded and then went dark against the glass windows. He was certain now, that Starfire was just ahead, and he was going to rescue her.

"Hang on Starfire!" Robin pleaded as he charged forwards. "I'm coming!"

CRASH!

A figure was tossed outside the long windows, and he fell right in front of The Boy Wonder.

"What the - " Robin gasped in a daze.

The tiny man was sprawled out, unconscious. The Gotham City fiend was a nefarious low life, where his face and apparel revealed from memory, that he was none other than The Mad Hatter.

While crouching over the body, a pair of training droids walked over, and they quickly placed restraints onto the defeated criminal.

This gave The Titan Leader relief, where even if he could not get the answers in the hours ahead, he would interrogate this man to uncover his reasoning for being here.

No doubt, Slade was behind all of this.

As Robin started to climb the final section of stairs, more green bolts of energy were unleashed, as a shriek of horror rang out!

"There is only one person I know who can shoot green starbolts!" Robin exclaimed, where his pace quickened.

"Awwwk!" A shrill pitch echoed in the dark, while a plump figure was backing into a corner. He spun the umbrella before him, to shield himself from the incoming blows.

"Starfire!"

"Robin!" The Tamaranean Princess answered, her heart was overfilled with happiness to see him.

The Titan's Captain had entered the room, he had accomplished his objective. While the two stood together, the fighting had suddenly ceased.

Penguin glared at the two Titans with a burning hatred. He was tired, beaten back at his own game, but not out of his devious tricks just yet.

"So then . . . it looks like you have won this round." The Gotham City kingpin squawked. He hid behind his unfurled black umbrella. "Parlay?"

Starfire tilted her head, familiar with the term and waiting for her beau to take the next step.

Robin cut-in. "You are in no position to offer any terms, Penguin."

The Boy Wonder looked about the room, noticing the blond girl in a blue dress, laying on her stomach in the far corner. She was knocked down, and in a daze herself.

A pair of training androids entered the room, and quickly checked her vitals. Making sure she was alive, and that she would not escape.

Mad Hatter and Alice are out of commission, at least that is one less problem. Robin said to himself.

As he took a few steps inside, Penguin raised a hand as a means of showing no aggression.

"You have overtaken the room, my compatriots lay defeated . . . there is no threat that you have to worry about from me. Clearly, you have your victory."

"Robin - " Starfire was cut-off, by The Boy Wonder raising his hand.

"This is not like you, what is your game this time?"

"Game? Come now Robin, this is insulting." Penguin sputtered. "Bah! A game has any number of rules, of those who play fair, and are happy to enjoy the thrill of potentially winning."

Robin's domino mask squinted, he sensed there was something else going on, and even with a final upper hand, a knot within his gut felt unsettling.

One of the training bots walked over, and just as it was about to place handcuffs onto the fat little man, a blade emerged from the pointed end of the umbrella, and he sliced its arm clean off!

"AWK!" Penguin snapped, as he moved swiftly around the robot. "The plight of a mechanoid intrusion of your own toys, is nothing compared to the talons of a cornered bird!"

Robin and Starfire both stood ready to fight, yet just as they were about to leap forwards, a pair of red suited females dropped directly in front of them, distracting the heroes with their blades!

They were the Kabuki Twins, experienced martial artists, and body guards to Penguin that had patiently waited in the shadows.

"A few tricks I picked up from the Orient." Penguin heckled, as he wobbled for the doorway.

They made mincemeat out of The Titan training android, and quickly blocked the heroes from perusing. The bodyguards attacked Robin and Starfire, who were forced back.

While standing near a platform, Cobblepot lifted his umbrella high. He pressed a button on the shaft, and transformed the thing into a hand-held gadget, that would carry him up and away. The blades extended from the top, forming into a sort of helicopter, while a tiny platform opened from the base.

The white masked bodyguards weaved and blocked the fists and kicks, strikes that were unleashed against them. They were merely an interference tactic, allowing for the tuxedoed kingpin to flee.

"You won't get away!" Robin shouted.

"This bird, is not meant to be locked a cage! Awwwwk, awwwk, awwwk!"

Starfire unleashed starbolts at the masked twins, causing them both to backflip in their own corner. They had preformed their task exactly as they were told to, and with Cobblepot having left, they swiftly tossed smoke grenades onto the floor, to then vanish!

Robin and Starfire coughed, while everything gradually came back into focus. After a moment, they looked around themselves to notice they were no longer in danger.

"Damn him!" The Boy Wonder slammed his right hand into his left palm. "We need to go after him!"

Starfire reached over, placing a hand onto his shoulder. This caused The Titan Captain to halt, and regain his composure.

"While I was held here, against my will . . . I overheard things."

His domino mask was slightly raised on one side.

"Starfire?" he pulled her close, hugging her. "I messed up. I didn't mean for any of this to happen!"

She wrapped her arms about his waist, feeling his muscles and sniffing his scent. He cared for her beyond anything, and she embraced him back.

"Are you hurt?"

"I am unharmed." she blushed. "But, our friends are in grave danger!"

His shoulders slightly slumped, as he bowed his head in shame.

"Right."

"Robin," The Tamaranean Princess breathed in, "I think . . . I know, where Slade's base is!"

The Boy Wonder's heart began to beat faster. His adrenaline from the fight was in overdrive, and he was totally focused on getting here, where he was grateful that she was out of danger.

"What did you say?"

She reached down and clasped his right gloved hand. This entire nightmare had gone on for so long, where finally, after enduring these many years, with the losses and pain at not having any hope for a final victory, now there was a sudden burst of intense light.

It shined through this all consuming darkness. They could capture him. They could finally go on the offense in this protracted fight.

They could win!

The beautiful girl smiled at her partner. There was finally going to be closure, if they could just make it through tonight. He pulled her hands to his chest, and she locked her emerald eyes onto his domino mask.

"Starfire, we don't usually get golden opportunities like this. This is our one shot. We can get him!"

"Robin, our friends need us."

"So many have already sacrificed everything, to help us now. Do you, do you understand?"

"I . . . I understand." her voice trembled, "but Robin . . . "

"We cannot let this slip away!"

". . ."

He gulped. "Listen, there is no need for any more suffering. Tell me where he is. I will go, myself."

"Robin?"

"You don't have to come with me. Just tell me where and -"

"NO!" Starfire flung her arms around him. She struggled articulating exactly how she felt through words, but this action was universal.

"Starfire . . . "

There was a long pause.

She was holding back tears, the agony of having suffered through Falcon's loss was unbearable. The potential of losing the young man she adorned now, above all others, if she would never see him again, this was far too painful to accept.

Everything had taken a terrible toll on all of their friends, and she did not want to leave them, but she could not let Robin take this on by himself either.

The heroine spoke quietly, "I will go with you."

He lifted her chin with his right hand, and smiled.

The two teenagers had many things that were eating away at their hearts. There was so much they wanted to say, yet it was like a wondrous epiphany at last being understood.

They were going to bring the fight to Slade's doorstep.

The great passion and comfort in being reunited for these two lovers, had suddenly become overtaken, by the immense sorrow they felt. Without saying another word, they had accepted that they would be going in one direction, while everybody else would be scattered.

Starfire leaned next to his ear, and she said, "The Observatory."

---

(~)

---

Elizabeth did interrupt. She kept her deep blue eyes completely locked upon him, letting the story of how she found him, be retold from his perspective.

The tick . . . tick . . . ticking of the old clock, upon the wall continued it all too familiar beat.

All that mattered was getting to the truth. The hard facts, things that he had been avoiding all this time, yet now after putting him on the spot, with no other options, he folded.

He is tormented, there is so much pain. He is . . . suffering.

"And so . . . here I am. Wounded yet trying to get back." he deadpanned, as the grief poured through him. "Far away from the fight, far from where I need to be . . . and now, now even more people have been hurt."

Just behind her and placed above the main door, the television was still on. The local media was replaying footage from around the country, of the smoldering ruins of The Titans East Tower, and the chaos that was taking place within Steel City.

They kept the volume low, almost muted.

Alex had explained the mission that he embarked upon, as a madman sought to destroy various landmarks, of many critical infrastructure across Jump City.

He told of how The Teen Titans, were just letting him into their home, when everything fell apart. He was caught in the explosion, and there was nothing more that could be done.

It had taken an arduous effort, where reliving the unpleasant arguments that he created, between himself and The Teen Titans was retold. Everything from the very first day they met, up until their last moments together were indeed painful.

We all make our choices, in how we decide to interact with others. The one eyed teenager thought to himself. While I cannot go back to change anything, If I can still gain her trust . . . well . . . what other options do I have?

Despite the numerous doubts, and reasons why he should have been kicked out, The Teen Titans had offered him a home.

What did they see in me?

"So then." Elizabeth finally spoke up, interrupting his thoughts. Her delicate hands were interwoven across her lap. "They think that you are, dead?"

There was a very long pause, and he answered in a somber tone, "Yes."

The fourteen-year-old exhaled. Her thoughts began to drift, and her voice echoed in her skull, They believe he perished. That he is dead because of what happened in the transport . . . what the pilots reported back. From what I witnessed first hand, and not reviving him right away! This is . . . this is my fault.

Alex grinned before speaking further, "It would explain why they haven't visited me, where my communicator that was my only link to them, was destroyed. Which, is going to cause problems for me in getting back in touch with them."

He's blaming himself? Why? For something he had no control over? He is here because of me. I must correct this!

Her blue eyes were steadily drawn towards his singular brown one. She gave the expression of a person completely driven, it was of compassion.

"This is all my fault!" Elizabeth spoke up, while bowing her head.

"What?"

"I . . . I was the reason that they reported you having died. I thought there was nothing more I could do. I'm sorry."

Silence lingered.

"I see."

"After we got here, I decided to stay. Out of a variety of reasons but because . . . after everything that happened that I - I needed closure."

" . . . "

"Your heart did stop . . . in the helicopter." she continued speaking as she looked up, tears were glistening in her beautiful eyes. "I'm sorry. I am so terribly sorry for this."

He became flummoxed for a brief moment, before regaining composure.

"Oh . . . uh . . . well, I did somehow pull through. Right? I mean, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation." he waved his arms in a cordial manner, "You saved me, and I am in your debt."

Elizabeth's shoulders lowered in sadness. She was unable to articulate a response.

The seventeen-year-old cleared his throat.

"Um." he glanced away. "I uh . . . I don't like it when people stare."

Elizabeth blushed. "Huh? Oh, I - I'm sorry."

Silence.

Her blue hair swooshed while she partially looked away, then she turned back to him before continuing, "I have a lot on my mind."

"If you had not pulled me out when you did . . . I would be dead. What happened on the way to this place, was not your fault."

She was encouraged to reunite him with The Teen Titans. He was badly hurt, his right ankle was going to be problematic, but with enough physical therapy, and the willpower on his own that he had revealed, he could endure it.

"Thank you." he finished speaking.

"Um . . . what is your name? Your real name?"

The moonlight was partially breaking through the clouds, covering his face and the long serrated marks, that were behind the eyepatch where he answered, "My name, is what you already call me. It's Alex."

"Alex . . . do you have a last name?"

He gulped. The bone chilling screams of his loved ones echoed in his ears, as he reached into the spiraling vortex of light, the crimson eyes that flashed back at him, the flames expanding around him . . . it was painful.

Haunted by the past, you are a wreck. She will never help you.

The dark entity within him spoke.

He breathed deeply, to calm his nerves. It was from the shadow creature that he unleashed, looking for a vessel and having possessed him as a child.

"I . . . had a family. A last name, yes." his voice was gravelly following the delay. "But everything changed that night, and I forged a new identity."

"Please, continue."

"When I was a boy, before that cold winter storm, I lost everything. See, there was a catalyst that pushed me to go where I did. I found something."

Do not trust her.

Elizabeth answered, "The book?"

He squeezed his fists along the armrests, and he spoke in a defeated tone. "I don't know what happened to it? But regardless of how everything unraveled, I made my choice. Like how you found me, back then . . . I was responsible."

"So you still blame yourself for what happened."

"In the end, I was unable to change the outcome, and ultimately I lost what little remained."

"Meaning your mother and your sister. That's . . . difficult." Elizabeth answered while tears formed in her blue eyes, she held them back. "I too had a family. A mother and a father . . . a brother."

Continue to ignore me, boy, but we both know you are only going to create another victim. Everywhere you go, from all the people that you let in, they are harmed.

Alex's dark brown eye shut, as his forehead wrinkled from the strain. The demonic hissing within his own head, was poking him. Antagonizing him, but he would not let it win. He needed to come clean with what he had been hiding from.

In accepting how much he had gone into detail, she found a strange respect in his stubborn, and off-putting nature. Much like her own attitude, and she was finding herself pulled to wanting to be closer.

There is more to him than the scars on the surface . . . this goes much deeper.

During his lengthy pauses, and his facial expression wincing, it seemed like he was in a terrible pain.

The young man spoke up, "I am sorry."

"So then." Elizabeth walked over. "You sought out the methods to bring back your father, and the process from this . . . tome, this book did something?"

"It rebounded."

"A rebound?"

"The spell. I was young and stupid. I read it, I conducted the ritual, but I did not comprehend the full translation. It was dark magic."

"Dark magic?"

"It required a . . ." His voice dropped to a whisper, "sacrifice."

This was your path. You sought out the forbidden knowledge. You found the sacred scripts. You read the words. The bargain we exchanged, the sacrifice of your mother was the price.

The dark voice again rattled with a terrifying vengeance inside of him. This caused him to place a hand over his black eyepatch.

You know I am right.

As he glanced past her once more, his reflection in the bathroom mirror appeared to curl into a demented smile, while a red eye flashed back at him.

"Everything was destroyed." Alex pressed on, his heart was beating louder. "The one remaining person who could have done something, he broke his promise."

"You were cast aside?" Elizabeth was disturbed. "You were bent on unleashing a vendetta, out of pure hatred then?"

Why let this diatribe go on? Her words shall not change what happened.

He sat upright, while the storm raged and erupted deep within.

"After that night, I was put in Arkh . . . a dark place. A place where . . . sometimes there is only misery. It's the survive or perish mentality. It eats you up from the inside. Everything was lost except an unfathomable anger at myself, and at . . . him."

You walked this path. You chose to open this door.

"So." Elizabeth said in a gentle pitch, the sympathy was able to reach him as she felt invested, blaming herself for the rumors which spread, and for his many losses. "You had no family, nobody that could take you in?"

He gave a single nod.

"The one person who was supposed to look out for you, your guardian for you and your sister, he failed in his obligation."

He remained silent.

Fool.

Elizabeth pushed away from the wall, and she walked forwards.

"You were only a child when it happened . . . I don't know what I would do if I were in your place. But, I think I can understand that need, the struggle to do what you did."

What is this? What are you doing?

"I'm sorry, for not being honest with you from the start." he acknowledged. "I was doing it to keep you protected. There is no telling what can happen, and that is everything."

"Then all of this, everything that you did, was just to get a chance, a window of an opportunity to get back at the guy who also carries blame?"

The wounded teenager continued, "I was, and still am dangerous . . . unable to control that thing inside of me, and the struggle with coming to terms with all that happened." His expression twisted into a glare. "I know I carry blame in things, but so does he."

Pathetic.

Elizabeth's presence was soothing, and he felt at ease. He was battling the inner voice from the entity. It was visible in a mirror, every time he saw his own reflection.

"You have been through a lot." Elizabeth placed a hand onto his shoulder. "What matters is not in how your life begins, but the choices one makes to create their own place in this world. This is your journey Alex, your story."

She cannot help you.

The medical practitioner's shadow was directly in front of him. She leaned her body forwards, maintaining her deep blue eyes at him.

He shifted as this was very uncomfortable, and with his right hand, he formed a tiny ball of fire, in his palm.

". . ." she was speechless, her jaw dropped as she stepped back.

"You are right to be concerned, Elizabeth, and this is reason for me to get out of here all the more."

It danced and captivated her, while the element flickered and swayed, back and forth.

He continued, "While I am able to use this power, and many others . . . it is a constant struggle. Every time I give in, every moment I allow it to take hold . . . I - I feel that darkness, that thing grow."

She became crestfallen. Unable to respond.

"I am in a fight with what has bound itself to me, trying to dominate . . . but despite all that has happened, through the losses and staggering defeats, I have found a way to keep it in check." he snapped his fingers and the tiny flame went out.

For now . . .

"Alex?"

The seventeen-year-old smirked prior to responding. "Falcon . . . I took on that name, when I managed to get out. They thought I was dead . . . and in a way, I was."

"From the place you were locked up in?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened, where the pain of her own childhood, and the traumas she endured, from the foster system following the event in Africa, and her grandparent's car accident while back in the states, it brought a huge swath of compassion to expand.

"There is but one goal, one thing that has kept me going." he looked back out at the large city. "One thing, that has given me purpose all this time."

"What then?"

Glancing up at her, the expression had changed once more, from frustration into a blank frown.

Elizabeth leaned in, "What then will you do? If you manage to meet the person who also holds blame?"

"That man put me in that dark place, and how I wound up here, was directly caused from him. He has done horrible things . . . and he will be brought down. Of that, I can assure you."

"Revenge." Elizabeth soothed her tone. "I can understand holding onto a grudge, and I appreciate your desire for trying to get back what was lost . . . what you feel was taken from you."

"I own my mistakes, I take the blame. For everything that happened on my part. I also know, that the one who was supposed to watch over me and my sister, he betrayed us . . . and that cannot be ignored."

"Forgive me, but what will you do if you manage to confront him again? What are you going to do . . . er . . . if you do manage to face him?"

You failed . . . yet you understand what will happen, don't you? The demon chuckled.

"I shouldn't be here." Falcon looked to the television, avoiding the question.

"No." she inched closer. "Yet here you are."

You were a child when we first made our arrangement, you still have much to learn.

The chyron reported a breaking story that was about to be revealed, in the coming minutes.

Elizabeth digested the long list of facts, the timeline of events, and how everything was part of a much bigger story.

She cleared her throat before speaking further.

"So, you managed to find a way out of that facility he put you in. You were focused, driven on a purpose, and your path led you all the way to -"

"Jump City. Originally I was tracking someone I bumped into earlier . . . and then I got mixed up with The Teen Titans."

"So that is how it happened. In an attempt to navigate your own ends, as a way to locate the person, the architect that also carries responsibility in this?"

"Yes."

"Yet as the days progressed, as you worked with The Titans, it was at that moment when you realized . . . just how much they valued you. Where you finally felt something, pure."

"I do admit, even I had my reservations against joining them. When I first met them, they were very persistent about it though, and they were interested in having me go along with them."

"Why?"

Prior to responding, he slowly exhaled.

"I was not looking to make friends, but the compassion they afforded me, no matter how bad I acted, or the arguments that arose, they treated me with nothing but kindness, affection, and friendship. I owe them."

Something was hitting her nerves, and it bubbled just below the surface.

"You were in Jump City trying to find him. And you just happened to cross paths with the local heroes, who had recently returned from Tokyo."

"I cannot stay here."

Elizabeth blushed. "You know, I have lived in Jump City most of my life, but I never really cared about who they were, or the things they strove to accomplish. It's funny, I go to school there, yet not once have I ever cared to actually pay any attention to them."

"No matter how far we go, or the structures we erect around ourselves . . . eventually, our actions comes back to haunt us."

Without seeing it, her right hand had slid down his shoulder and she touched his bicep. The bare skin contact of her delicate fingers, rubbing against his chest did nothing when he was unconscious before, but the light in the room suddenly became brighter.

He had managed to keep every single person away, from having any skin contact with his own, but now, and with his guard finally down . . . Elizabeth was clasping onto him.

"Wait . . . stop! NO!"

---

(~)

---

- Flashback -

Falcon opened his eyes.

He noticed that he was wearing his crimson cloak, and his eye-patch was gone. His right eye was its solid white color again, through the reflection of a side view mirror on a pickup truck.

The projection of himself was as he last recalled days ago. He knew what was happening, and he took a slow inhaling breath, to prepare himself.

The sound of laughter echoed. He was standing in a field of tall grass, under the blistering hot mid day sun.

Off in the distance, a very tiny seven-year-old girl was running, being chased under the jungle canopy of exotic birds.

Capuchin monkeys hooted back and forth, conversing with their own species, while other strange callings of creatures, chattered high in the trees. Beetles scurried and insects buzzed across the ground, while a lovely house was noticed in the background.

Falcon did not speak. He was merely a visitor, the events that were taking place now, were of something in the past. This was something she had buried.

"Come on Beth! You can't outrun me." A crackling pitch of a young boy called out.

"That voice . . ." Falcon sputtered as his arms dropped by his sides.

The girl had long black hair, and she wore a dress. Her laughter echoed around the field as she stood directly in front of Falcon, not able to see him.

"Ha, you're too slow!"

Her retort made the teenager smirk a little, as she stuck out her tongue.

"Ugh! Cut it out already!" A skinny, and orange haired eight-year old boy with freckles, and blue eyes bantered back. "I don't want to chase you. Just tell me where you hid it."

"Hmmm?"

"Elizabeth, I don't want to do this. Where is it?"

There was a long pause on her response, she kicked a pebble while clasping her hands behind her back.

"If you want it, you'll just have to catch me then!"

"Dang it!"

The pair of siblings were running back and forth around a great tree. He was unable to catch her, where eventually the boy slowed down and clutched his knees.

"Giving up already, are we?" The little girl chastised him, while leaning around the corner. "You shouldn't be up all night playing games Gar."

"Why do you care?"

She pouted while crossing her arms.

"You promised me!"

"I did not!"

"You promised that while mom and dad were busy . . . that you would spend time with me."

"This isn't funny." he pointed at her. "Please, just give it back. Okay."

She smiled a wide grin, while tilting her head to mock his stern glare. "Well, if you want it . . . then I guess you'll just have to catch me!"

"Hey!" The boy waved after her, watching as she darted towards the back of the property. "Fine! Have it your way!"

He hurried after her with his arms outstretched, pretending his hands were robot claws.

As she ran further, and further away she giggled. Elizabeth eventually found a hiding spot, beyond an enclosed fence with multiple warning signs.

Falcon looked on, the signage was posted in multiple places, but it was difficult to see clearly. There was something unnerving about this, and the girl brazenly leapt over the fence post, and darted into the tall grass.

The one-eyed teenager steadily approached, keeping his distance and observing what was happening.

Something happened here. What are you trying to keep hidden?

"Gar . . ." Falcon spoke out loud, "Why does he seem so . . . " his eye became wide, as the appearance and voice came crashing through him, while he watched the young boy approaching the fence.

The eight-year-old in shorts and a blue outer shirt, looked over the fence post, his attire was flapping in the breeze.

"Come out, come out wherever you are!" The boy playfully goaded.

Falcon looked on, he noticed her, off in in a little ditch. She was crouching on her hands and knees in the very middle, as vibrant blue and deep red roses bloomed all around her.

The petals were spread open, and bees were busily pollinating them. Curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned over to sniff one.

"Where are you?!" The boy cried out.

There was no response.

In a few seconds, of looking at her brother who was searching the area, Falcon lost track of seven-year-old Elizabeth.

A sudden shriek of horror, caused an immediate rush of adrenaline to refocus on the last position she hid in.

"NO!" She screamed, "Get it off! Get it off me!"

"Beth!"

A blue rose had wrapped itself around her mid section, the thorns tangled along her leg, and a section of plant had begun to wrap itself around her left arm, where she collapsed.

The more she squirmed and kicked, the more constrictive and deeper the plant latched itself onto her.

Her screams were a mixture of absolute fear and tremendous pain. She could not break free!

It clung tighter, and the thorns that stabbed her, began cutting deeply. Blood began to seep out.

She shrieked, horrified as any person would rightly be.

"Elizabeth!"

The eight year old found her, and he slid alongside her. He picked up a large stick to beat down the plant. After whacking it back, and watching the vines loosen, he turned to find his sister laying on her back.

She was clutching her left wrist, where she was in a state of shock. Curled up in the ground, Elizabeth could not feel her legs, while the vine was still embedded into her flesh.

"I'm here!"

"Big . . . bro-ther?"

"Yeah. I'm here."

She blinked her eyes, as tears poured down her face. "I . . . I'm sorry."

"Stop it."

"For taking your game."

"Not now." He stroked a strand of hair out of her face.

Falcon walked around the perimeter, watching the siblings hold onto each other.

"Don't worry about it!" The older brother begged.

"But I . . . I took it."

"That doesn't matter!"

"Big bro-th-er . . . I'm . . . sorry."

Her head slowly slumped down to the side, she was out cold.

"Hey, hang on just a minute! Don't you quit on me!" he continued pleading while holding her in his arms. "Elizabeth! Wake up! ELIZABETH!"

- End Of Flashback -

---

(~)

---

"Hey!" A female voice rang out. The girl who rescued him from the ruins, was shaking his shirt in a rough manner. She clasped both of her hands around his hospital scrubs. "Alex!"

Falcon hunched over in frustration, while pushing the girl away from him. His heart was thumping against his chest, and sweat droplets had formed across his brow.

"What the heck was that? You had this blank stare, like you had been possessed or some darned thing. I was worried."

The burning of his right eye socket was pulsating behind the patch. He looked up very slowly to respond, "Stop . . . please. Just . . . stop."

"Huh?"

He moved a hand over his right eye, feeling the smooth texture of the covering, and the burning scars behind it. He was right back in the hospital.

"You don't understand." he leaned back, clutching his forehead and revealing a twisted frown.

"Falcon, what is it?"

Silence.

"Hey. Come on!" Elizabeth pestered him. "You can't just pull something like that! After everything that happened, you need to talk!"

He unveiled a smirk. "Is that what you want?"

"Of course!"

"What happened . . . was a nasty side-effect of my abilities. I can see things when people touch my bare skin, with their own."

"What things?"

". . . "

"Falcon?"

"Pain. Suffering. Misery. I can see the worst parts of a person's life."

Elizabeth pulled back. She looked to her hand and examined her fingers.

"What?" she sputtered in confusion.

"I have been open with you about everything, why would I lie to you now?" Falcon looked away.

This time, she was totally hung up. She could only raise an eyebrow.

"What then, did you see?"

He breathed in, to recenter his focus.

The aspiring medical practitioner jumped back ahead of him, "I want to trust you, but this all seems . . ."

He gradually rolled his head to the side, and he frowned. "Impossible."

There was a long hush that stayed between the two. Elizabeth sat up, she was still uncomfortable by his apparent 'trick' with the flame in his hand.

"You do not believe me?"

"It just . . . it is really hard." As she turned away and glanced towards the door, she clutched at her elbow. "You wouldn't be the first person to pull some incredible story over on me."

There was a long pause.

"I have no reason to lie to you." He looked to her wrist, and he continued, "When you were seven years old . . . you were playing in a flower patch with someone."

Her eyes became wide.

"You were trying to have your brother run after you, and you were determined to keep him playing with you."

". . ."

"You were attacked, and he pulled you out of that mess."

Her heart pounded even more loudly, echoing in her eardrums.

"While you came back here, to live with your relative and everybody back there, was lost . . . but something did happen and only by the strangest of chances, the slimmest of margins, could something like this ever happen."

"Alex . . . what are you-"

He kept his eye locked onto her, he needed to make her understand. She was being too stubborn.

"Your brother . . . Garfield! He is alive!"

There was another extended pause, a lingering silence that everything felt like a conflict beyond what any articulation of words could mitigate.

My brother?

It felt surreal, but his masculine tone, the confident posture of his body, it was very compelling.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, she took a deep and soothing breath to refocus onto him.

"What?"

"Your brother is not dead! What's crazy, is that he himself believes you were lost, when you came back here! From the accident that you went through with your grandparent . . . and he doesn't even know you survived!"

She was totally hung up, unable to respond as so much sadness and pain poured through her all over again.

"You think you lost everybody, and you had to start over . . . where I can understand that."

She was now standing, her hands were trembling as she was overcome with such emotions that it all seemed like an elaborate ruse.

"This is not some scheme!" Falcon shook his head. "You wanted me to tell you everything. I have."

" . . . "

"What's more, while I don't have the luxury of that hope, you can actually rebuild that which was torn away from you!"

The television program that was playing in the background, suddenly switched to a new channel. Where the two were focused on each other, this disturbance gradually drew them to look up.

---

(~)

---

The wide jumbo-screen, that was located near The Pizza Corner restaurant, within the heart of Jump City, suddenly turned on. A sequences of colorful bars appeared, while static popped and hissed.

Something was happening, and patrons who were seated on the upper balcony of the establishment, swiftly looked up.

Citizens that were out and heading home as couples, of those walking their dogs at the main park, or people by themselves and on the multiple streets down below, all stopped to observe. Residents that were in their booths at various diners, and others within their cubicles in their office high-rises, trying to finish their work; from every building, home, and apartment, the television screens all hummed to life.

Students in their dorm rooms found their internet abruptly switching away from their browsing searches, to the exact same image, as the very one occurring everywhere else.

From the people filling up their vehicles at the pump, stopping to notice the monitors about the gas stations. Even the prisoners in their orange jump suits, within the Jump City Penitentiary that could watch a television behind bars, they were alarmed.

All of the music and radio broadcast for anybody who was driving, every single station had switched over, linking to this exact static feedback sound.

In every home and across all devices, from televisions, to desktop computers, tablets, and even video game consoles, from every smartphone and device that could receive this transmission, they all sinked together.

People who were in their beds, that had not been awakened from the explosions that had hit Titans Tower, suddenly awoke from their phones all blaring an alarm.

The social media networks, across the endless expanse of the internet, everything that could receive a communication about the entire city, or anything that people were scrolling through, all at once turned to this exact same indistinctive image.

A man concealed in shadows, had become visible. He was sitting upon an impressive throne, where the figure was leaning slightly to the left.

His hand was set below his chin, where he looked directly into the camera, staring at the viewer. The smoke coalesced about him, making it appear, as if he dwelled within an ancient fortress.

The muscular figure was seated in front of a multitude of gears and cogs, where each one was churning. From the smaller teeth tumbling into the larger, these things spun and rolled in a mechanical apparatus.

The steady twisting of rope was heard, while a powerful cla-clank, cla-clank, cla-clanking noise, and a methodical tick, tick, ticking poured out as the ambiance.

It was like a hypnotic spell had been cast. In fact, he learned a few tricks from Mad Mod. The conniving uses of screens and monitors, and the methods of mischief that could become weaponized, were of a far greater potency in this man's hands.

The steam hissed once more on screen, while everything behind him was swiftly obscured.

The smoke blocked everything, except for the outline of his body. The plates of metal armor on his legs and torso, while the frightening mask of solid orange and black, gleamed in the limited light that came from above. His left eye that could be noticed, seemed to burn with a vengeance of absolute fury. It was of a dark orange hue.

*Attention citizens of Jump City. Do not turn off your devices, this is an important message.*

The main screen was locked in the very front, showing him. Gradually, multiple video feeds, of cameras that had secretly recorded events throughout the years, played in smaller windows all around him.

They began to pop up, of The Teen Titans walking and engaged with the general public. Smiling, shaking hands, playing football or baseball in the park with countless people. All the while, he remained in the very middle, sitting on his throne and unmoved.

One by one, the little boxes kept appearing. Footage of the great green worms that attacked Titans Tower played, as the heroes used their powers to bring it down.

The army of Robot Commandos marching about the streets, when Terra was his apprentice played next.

The destruction of The Jump City Amusement Park, the collapse of the ferris wheel, and the numerous battles all appeared.

Everything was leading to the most recent attacks, of the collapse of The Jump City Railways.

Images of the struggle on The Bay Bridge, of the battle The Teen Titans had against The White shapeshifting creature within the sewer were shown.

Footage of the attack happening within The Old Stadium now, of the green gas consuming the entire building, and even the onslaught at Titans Tower.

*Through all of these years, the bitter struggle and conflict that has transpired from every corner and place of this city, has not known any end, for anybody. Has it? You have been left to ask yourselves the ultimate question. What is the reason for this?*

People gasped, as the images and smaller boxes were showing The Teen Titans being attacked.

One by one, while a relentless army of Robot Commandos swarmed them time, and time again. This forced the heroes to engage in combat, damaging the entire city in the process.

*For any person being able to carry out their plans, unimpeded, this only reveals the unavoidable truth that you all know. Deep down, concealed within your hearts . . . you know this. They, have failed you.*

The recordings showed Falcon in his red cloak, reaching out for help, trapped within the ruins of the train station as blood trickled down his forehead. Soon he released his grip, and he slid into the darkness of the pit.

*The truth about your precious saviors, The Teen Titans . . . those that claim to defend you, your loved ones, and your city.*

Beast Boy was shown next, as he collapsed in the dam from his injuries.

The news footage of Terra had begun to play. Of her as a Titan, and helping to apprehend criminals, to then switching to what she embraced. Using her powers to unleash mud creatures, and devastation across the metropolis.

*What you have been led to believe, has been a well orchestrated lie. Propaganda, a weaponized attack to keep you, the people, living under their oppression.*

The Teen Titans were shown as a group, standing on the platform in Tokyo. They were being awarded medals for their gallantry, sacrifices, and bravery.

*Heroes of the people. That is what you have been told.*

The media showed thousands of people cheering. Colorful confetti was dumped from the buildings and high-rises in Japan, as banners and streamers were flown. The jubilant voices of the citizenry, roared triumphantly in the background.

*People love to win victories, even if they don't fully understand them. Just as there is a need to despise an enemy. If there are none to be found, one is created.* he leaned forwards, *I am not your enemy, but The Teen Titans, and the media required a villain. A lightning rod for their destructive behavior, their hatred of the weak to be unleashed against. It is difficult to grasp . . . I understand your confusion. Allow me this moment, here and now to explain. To allow you to make your own conclusions.*

Recordings played of him being confronted by The Teen Titans, and the rush of battle whenever they clashed.

*I have been cast into a role that you all know only too well. Let the record show, it is one that I . . . did not seek out, but I was forced to take. Where there is no question in the things I have done. It is true, I have carried out many deeds and plots that have done harm . . . yet everything I have preformed, all of my plans and efforts, all of it has led to this very moment. To an awakening that can no longer be ignored.*

The footage changed to numerous news stations, and anchors all talking about how The Teen Titans and superhero's being good, of their earliest exploits of rescue, but also intermixing this in with the latest broadcasts of outrage, of others who opposed them.

Gradually, the positive and uplifting light, the glamor and praise became less frequent, as a steady montage of destruction and chaos was shown.

Janet Pierson, the beautiful blond-haired blue eyed news anchor, from News Channel 5, switched on.

*When will the actions taken by this underage team of superheroes, be called into question?* her voice played. *From meta-human conquers of nature, that only cause property damage, reckless endangerment of the peace, and an overall god-like state of mind, when will their barbaric and unethical crime fighting ways be answered for?*

High ranking politicians, the local police and firefighters, were also seen being interviewed. All were giving negative reports.

The entire time, windows were smashed, lamp posts were bent, vehicles were obliterated, explosions detonated, underground pipes were torn up, causing geysers of water to spread out across the road.

The unpleasant images continued. The most common, was the fleeing of everyday people, all cowering in absolute horror, powerless to do anything.

Wealthy and noticeable philanthropists, such as Lex Luthor were played next. The bald headed man in an expensive suit, was giving an interview.

*What do I think? From the unchecked privilege from Superman, he is an absolute menace. Everywhere he goes, and there is a major calamity that is left to be cleaned up! He may fly in and battle a rampaging gorilla, or stop an alien invasion or two . . . it might be great for a movie script, yet the whole city is his playground. While he hurries away, to wherever he hides . . . it is the taxpayers of Metropolis that are left to pay the bill. The same can be said, for the citizens stuck dealing with that group of teenagers, the ones with unchecked powers, in the very beautiful city on the West Coast. Of those too young to vote, without any parental supervision, local ordinances, or any oversight of any actual elected leaders, that represent the people . . . and yet those kids have more authority than our own military, police forces, or officials combined? It is a very unsettling quagmire that must be confronted.*

The screen suddenly became black. Then it switched back to the one eyed figure.

*All of you, have been deceived. The Teen Titans themselves . . . it is THEY who are the true enemy. They have delayed, squandered, and avoided all forms of accountability. It is they, who avoid the inevitable cost that must be brought to bear. Where you make mistakes, those are corrected. Yet, what of The Teen Titans, or their allies? For all of their efforts, of what they have given you . . . look to your city. Do you think the goal is to keep you safe?*

Recordings played back, in their own little windows around him in the very center. Of the heroes smashing things, of property being destroyed, of monuments and statues crumbling to pieces. Buildings were obliterated, explosions detonated like a war zone, all while the very inhabitants kept running for cover.

It was now a constant loop.

*This is who they are . . . the abuses of their unchecked power has gone on for long enough. The greatest lie, is what is right in front of you. The Teen Titans may claim to be your protectors, your heroes, but look at how they protect? They are the greatest scourge to have been allowed to fester within this city . . . and only I, have been willing to stand against them.*

Images now played of Slade battling his rivals, and the countless instances, of him managing to stand a few feet away from them, where they tried to engage a final coup de grace. He would slide into the shadows every time.

*There are consequences for all actions, no matter how small or insignificant that they may be. Even I, have my own debts that will be repaid.*

The recording of The Titans East Tower being blasted with missiles was shown next. While the fires raged about the structure, eventually collapsing into its own footprint.

*The reputation that they have brainwashed you with, has left me with no other choice, but to remain in the shadows. To play the part, that you all see me as.*

Footage of The 'T' shaped building in the bay was revealed. A submarine had emerged, while water poured down its hull, and smoke plumed outwards as it ascended from a great darkness below. It was parked alongside the little rocky island.

*For you to liberate yourselves of these tyrants, I would gladly play that part. To orchestrate the means of coaxing you out of your own delusions. But what of The Teen Titans themselves?*

It was clear beyond any doubt, that the promise of safety, security, and stability which the heroes had offered to uphold, and hoisted as their greatest asset, were left in ruins like the images that were on screen. A heavy barrage of ballistic missiles were launched into the mighty structure.

*Why cling to this lie, what strength is there in holding these "heroes" upon a pedestal . . . where they are left to look down at you?*

The footage played of the grandiose victory In Tokyo, and The Teen Titans being awarded their medals once more.

*While they see themselves as untouchable, believing themselves beyond any calls of justification, or attribution for their actions . . . right now, tonight, I leave you with the greatest resolve.*

The footage of everything else all switched off. It was just the lone figure on his throne, never having moved or shifted once.

*There are choices that each person must take, and while I may be painted as the villain you have been told to hate . . . there will always be another evil, another great threat that will push things even further. As such, this decision should be left to those who have not had any say in this matter. This is left for those who were never given a choice. This I leave to you . . . the people.*

During the pause, many residents squirmed in their seats, and others whispered to those nearby.

*The time for indecisiveness and the avoidance of your responsibilities, has led everything to this very moment. Where I am not your enemy . . . but your liberator.*

On a monitor, a rusted and rundown subway car was shown. The lighting in the tunnel popped on, revealing the compartments were filled from the tail car to the very front. Each had been packed, loaded to the ceiling with steel drums and large oil canisters.

*So . . . how to correct this dilemma? How to get you, the people invested if you feel truly unable to do anything? I shall reveal to you now, the solution to this predicament.*

The outline of Jump City came on screen, while the one eyed man was transferred into a smaller box again. The underground railway showed the interconnecting streets and world above, of the metropolis itself, and how the tracks ran the entire length of the whole city, in a massive circular path.

*The image you see before you, this is the city itself, where the little dots along the way are every single intersection, and main stop. Now, for those who wish to uncover what is in the canisters, there is a gas to be unleashed. The Teen Titans will inevitably rise out to meet me. But how do you, the average citizens with no powers, no abilities, and no support of any kind play a part in this? What does this have to do with you?*

Another image revealed The Titans East members, with their arms and legs locked in metal brackets.

They had been captured.

*The Teen Titans have always been the problem. Everywhere they go, all of those that decide to meet them, to assist in their folly, eventually must pay back their own debts.*

The footage showed Bumblebee, Speedy, Aqualad, Tramm, Mas and Menos, suddenly getting electrocuted!

People everywhere were mortified.

*This does not need to be your fate.*

The masked man let the image of the train, once again take over the screen. The torture had ceased, but it had brought to light the consequences of any person's actions, to a whole new degree. If another superhero group could be captured, what was stopping other people from doing the same?

The screen began to play a scenario, of its intended destination. What were to happen, if it were to stop at every single point and decouple a car, to then detonate.

The driving trolly would continue to speed up, pulling the remaining cars and at every interval, the car left behind would explode.

*The Teen Titans are set on many things, and as the pretenders they wish you to see them as . . . my whole point has been made. That in their eyes, I am your enemy.*

The image of gas being unleashed, from the decoupled compartments, would emerge from the ground, vents, and across the streets. It would expand and encase the entire city into poison.

*This does not need to be your fate.*

The clicking of the metallic gears echoed over the stillness of his long pause.

*By five in the morning . . . either The Teen Titans, or this city, will be destroyed. You . . . the people are left with what you truly want. Apprehend and destroy The Teen Titans, and their allies that you come across; which were last located in The Old Stadium? Or, do nothing and let fear get the better of you. I am merely a facilitator, I may be seen as your enemy, but the greater threat has always been right in front of you. Getting involved in this, that is something that should have been done a long time ago. Now, is your chance.*

The screen turned to black.

The great clock in the heart of Jump City, chimed two solid knocks. Within three hours, the train would begin its journey, unleashing the gas.

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{{ End Of Scene }}

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