Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans 2003 this is a work of fan fiction please support the official releases.
Ok so I wrestled with which story to open this series with. Originally Homesick was up first however I decided to open with something more… down to earth so to speak. Here two certain characters will reach a certain stage in their relationship. Some will probably think its too early but I've based a lot of Garfield and Raven on my own experience and I've had it happen to me much earlier.
Reading my prior BBrae stories will be needed here as it will inform where the characters are now and saves me from explaining it extensively in this story. All the Titans are now 18 and this story takes place roughly a year after Trouble in Tokyo. THIS IS BUILT ON ESTABLISHED CONTINUITY FROM MY PREVIOUS WORKS.
The inspiration for this story came out of nowhere really, I needed an extra slot and wanted a chance to update a certain character's power set.
Again forgive the clunky mediocre writing.
Hopefully you get some enjoyment out of it and please leave a review if you have the time. Here we go.
Evolution
Of all the villains out there amongst Jump Cities various rouges, none were more typical than Cinderblock.
The giant stone behemoth was not the strongest villain, nor the fastest. He wasn't even intelligent in any meaning of the word. To be honest the other Titans weren't sure what he was. To them he was the same as he was too much smarter and more coordinated villains. A tool. Something to be aimed at in the correct or even the most useful direction. Slade took this trait to his advantage, using the rock headed goon for collection missions or distractions. He wasn't smart enough to take his own initiative. He couldn't even talk yet if he was constantly good at one thing it was escaping.
The other Titans couldn't understand it, despite a lack of anything resembling a functioning brain the walking pile of rocks was able to break out of each holding without much effort. They would often chalk it down to the nature of what he is. A big walking boulder able to smash his way through most things or perhaps it was a hidden sense of determination. Regardless even all these years later. He was at it again.
Jump City's protectors had now settled into a year of their new label. The not as new but still newly branded "Titans" were deep in the first new era of their lives. All five of them had undergone a costume change. Whether it be slight or drastic, a couple had even changed their names.
The most distinctive difference was the relationships.
Nightwing and Starfire have been dating for almost a year now much to everyone's assumption that the stubborn no-nonsense leader of the Titans wouldn't have the patience or time for such things. Truthfully it had started to bring out the warmer side of the former Boy Wonder, Something that the others particularly his girlfriend Starfire were beginning to notice.
Starfire herself was happy that after so many years of obvious affection pointing in his direction, she had finally "won" and got the boy she'd been in love with since well...she would tell you there first year, really though it was day one.
The most surprising new relationship however was the newly formed couple of Raven and Changeling. Something that unless you lived with them you would ask "How?" or "Really?" and yet despite all odds the two of them are now in a relationship six months strong.
The road to reach it was a rather bumpy one. Raven in particularly coming to terms with her treatment to Garfield throughout their time together made her realise how important he was to her. Adding on a surprise new growth spurt and well the rest as they say is history.
The two of them never thought they would end up together yet the rebuilt foundation of their new relationship is arguably even stronger than Nightwing and Starfire. Despite everything they are now whole as one, they protected one another and valued their wellbeing even against their own better judgment. Something that was about to get Changeling in trouble.
Cinderblock was on another rampage, after his latest escape the rocky menace was up to his usual pattern. Smash anything he sees until the Titans stop him. After so many years the Titans found the prospect of a villain like Cinderblock somewhat mundane. They didn't however underestimate the amount of damage he could cause.
Cinderblock made his way across the busy Jump city streets crashing through buildings, vehicles or anything that got in his way really like cardboard. The Titans were in pursuit, Changeling had taken the form of Rhino with Cyborg on the mount blasting away sonic blasts at the lumbering oaf whilst Raven and Starfire flew behind them. Nightwing was riding alongside in his newly redesigned "Nightcycle"
"How does this guy keep getting out?" Cyborg asked genuinely curious about the nature of Cinderblocks ability to slip away.
"It doesn't matter we just need to take him down before he causes anymore destruction" Nightwing ordered.
Cinderblock was a strange creature with almost limitless stamina, without the Titans help he would likely smash through every building in the city then go to the next city and do that very same thing once again. Cyborg tried to blast him towards a more open space so they could take him down safely. Yet the giant kept veering off to more populated areas.
"He's heading straight for the Research facility! We have to stop him, now!" Nightwing barked pointing towards the large building approaching them.
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven's magic gripped tons of cement a dirt creating a series of barriers In front of the charging golem. He wouldn't be deterred however, head first he rammed through each one like a set of dominos.
"I tried" Raven deadpanned, feeling uncharacteristically disappointed.
As Cinderblock entered the facility walls he was bombarded by an onslaught of projectile fire. The facility was well protected and the barrage of energy blasts stopped the stone goliath dead in his tracks allowing the Titans to catch up and close in. Cyborg was still riding stop Changelings green Rhino form as he charged towards Cinderblock. Cyborg jumped off allowing him to land a swift right hook against him. As he rolled away to recover Changeling rammed the stone oaf straight into the facility wall. A crash and a yell of pain came from the impact.
Cinderblock wasn't too affected however which is why he still had the strength to lift up Changeling and throw him through the facility wall.
The moment Garfield was inside the facility the alarm began blaring. "Breach!", "Breach!", "Breach!" The scientists inside quickly made a run for it as Changeling changed forms to carry on the fight. He decided he needed help from an old trump card. Garfield morphed into the form of the aptly named "Beast" to challenge Cinderblock. He needed something with the strength and speed but also aggression to take on this pile of Rocks.
As the other Titans entered the breached room, they noticed on the other side was a large machine with wires sticking out of it from every possible place. Bolts of electricity were surging around It. Tall and impressive looking, yet Garfield hadn't taken much notice and was utterly focused on the villain in front of him. Cinderblock and the Beast traded blows before the other Titans stepped in to help.
Scientific equipment was being smashed all around as the Titans tried to bring Cinderblock down. The stone giant gave the Beast a swift uppercut knocking him to the other side of the room. Cyborg tried blasting once more as did Starfire.
Raven once again decided to fight fire with fire in a manner of speaking. Using her magic, she lifted up what was left of the broken in wall of the building and thrust it into Cinderblocks direction. This only enraged him further causing the giant to rush towards the Empath in a fury. Changeling having regained his bearings still in Beast form charged towards Raven seeing her in danger and collided straight into Cinderblock. The two flew across the room, crashing into the machine situated on the back wall. Upon impact both were struck by intense bolts of electricity causing both to roar out in pain.
"GARFIELD!" Raven screamed upon seeing her boyfriend in danger. The bolts soon stopped as changeling reverted back to his human form with steam coming off him. He fell to the ground with Cinderblock falling not too long afterwards.
Raven rushed over followed by Nightwing and the other Titans to provide aid.
"Garfield are you okay?!, Garfield!?, Garfield?! Stay with me! Look at me! Just stay with me!... " Raven's panicking questions faded out as he slowly lost consciousness.
Garfield awoke to a familiar sight. The ceiling of the Tower infirmary. His eyes struggled to open as the pain from earlier slowly made itself familiar throughout his body. With a groan he lifted himself up and looked around. He couldn't see anyone. Then as he peered right, he saw the sight of Raven scrunched up on one of the bedside chairs. She was snoring lightly, her mouth let slip a little streak of drool running down towards her cape. To him she looked adorable.
Garfield lent over and gave a light tap on her nose. "Hey Rae, I'm awake" he whispered.
Raven jittered before jumping back awake. She snorted and looked around before noticing the sight in front of her.
"Oh, Gar!" She lunged at him and embraced him in a tight squeeze. Garfield cradled her back and reassured her.
"Hey, I'm ok don't worry" he promised. Raven pulled back and made eye contact. She grabbed the cuff of his red and white uniform and pulled him close for a kiss. It was tender yet intense at the same time. As if the Empath didn't know she'd get to kiss him again. After a few seconds she pulled away and quickly changed her expression.
"Don't. you. ever, ever and I mean EVER scare me like that again Gar." she growled. Garfield didn't respond with words only a small gulp.
"I mean it, Garfield. I don't want to see you in one of these beds after doing something so...so reckless again?" Raven demanded.
"I just... wanted to protect you" Garfield mumbled, Raven's stern looked quickly melted replaced by one of concern. He's hurt, don't make him feel like he didn't save you.
"I know... and I..." Raven paused and took a deep breath "...Thank you...I just... can't bear the thought of losing you. I almost did once, I can't go through that again so don't make me, please?" Raven begged. Garfield gripped her hand tightly, Raven leaned in and nuzzled into his shoulder. I can't again.
Raven had become addicted to Garfield's warmth but here she just wanted to be reminded he was still alive.
Garfield heard the other Titans approaching the infirmary, Nightwing entered first with a look of relief.
"Changeling you're awake, fantastic" Nightwing rushed towards Garfield's bedside and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh friend you are unharmed" Starfire flew in and enveloped the shapeshifter in a tight hug.
"Whoa Star, careful!" Nightwing still had to remind the Tamaranean about her own strength.
"Look I told you all he'd be fine, it's not the first time he's been shocked and knowing him it won't be the last either" Cyborg came through last. He was still concerned about his buddy but he knew he was tougher than he looked.
"How are you feeling?" Nightwing asked.
"Well I'm aching all over but apart from that, I'm okay I guess" Changeling replied.
"Very reassuring Garfield" Raven chimed in.
"What?, I feel okay. Honest"
"I can't blame her Changeling; she's been here the last two days" Nightwing commented. Changeling looked shocked and turned towards Raven.
"You were here for two days?!, Wait I was out for two days?!" Garfield asked in a panic.
"Yes you were" Raven confirmed.
"To be fair you did receive quite a jolt" Cyborg countered. The metal Titan brought up a screen next to him which had a live feed of his vitals.
"It even knocked out Cinderblock" he finished.
"Where is he anyway?" Garfield asked.
"Authorities picked him up, he never woke up after he collapsed. To my knowledge he's still in a general holding facility until they move him somewhere more secure" Nightwing explained.
"Well at least we got him" Changeling smiled.
"Yeah... And it nearly cost you everything" Raven said with her arms crossed causing Garfield to frown instead.
"How's his vitals anyway?" Nightwing asked.
"Physically he's fine, nothing out of the ordinary... We'll expect one thing" Cyborg replied.
"Is this how I lose my hair?!" Changeling gasped. Raven responded with a well-timed facepalm.
"No, you're DNA, before it was in perfect sync but now it's in a kind of... flux?" Cyborg explained.
"Is that bad?" Garfield asked dumbfound
"Well I don't know, I can't say until I see you change into something I guess"
"Ok give me a... give me a... a... ACHOOOOOO!" Garfield's sentence was cut off by an abruptly loud sneeze. What followed was a unified set of gasps from the other Titans.
"What? did I get snot everywhere?" Garfield looked around at his friends staring at him in shock.
"Gar, look at your arm" Raven insisted to him. Garfield looked over at his left arm and saw instead of his familiar green muscular appendage, instead was a slimy green octopus tentacle.
"Woah, dudes!" He beamed. Changeling moved the tentacle around checking it still worked like his old arm.
"I didn't know I could do that?!" Garfield said ecstatically.
"Neither did we?" Nightwing looked worried at this new development.
"Hold on let me try something!" Garfield focused and returned his left arm to normal. He then swiftly transformed his right arm into the shape of a giant green crab claw.
"It worked!" He yelled. Over the next few minutes Garfield began changing parts of his body into all kinds of different animal shapes much to the other Titans amusement.
"Uh Cyborg, any analysis?" Nightwing asked. Cyborg looked confused himself he wasn't entirely sure what allowed this to happen himself though he had a theory.
"That building was a neurological research centre, it's possible that the shock from the machine unlocked his powers latent potential?" Cyborg rubbed his head hoping his answer would make some sense.
"Who cares, this is awesome! I've wanted to do stuff like this for years" Garfield responded with the head of a cat.
"His powers were caused by an accident, maybe another accident is what he needed to get an upgrade?" Cyborg pondered. Genuinely he was at a loss for how to explain this.
"In any case we should monitor this Changeling, who knows what could happen?" Nightwing pointed out.
"I agree" Raven deadpanned.
"Changeling you should take it slow, who knows what other side effects that jolt could have had?" Nightwing questioned. Garfield looked less than convinced and was too busy enjoying his new powers.
"Oh you guys are worrying too much" Garfield shrugged off with dog paws for arms.
"With good reason, Gar" Raven interjected.
"Perhaps you could test friend Garfield's new powers through training Boyfriend Nightwing?" Starfire suggested.
"Hmm it's an idea, Ok Changeling I want you to test these powers with me in... " Nightwing trailed off noticing a very cross looking Raven glaring at him.
"... The morning!, just try and take it easy until then okay" Nightwing finished.
"Okay...I will" Garfield promised in his usual goofy manner.
"Alright if that's everything I say you should rest a bit more... chang... changeling?" Nightwing looked around and couldn't spot the shapeshifter. He then turned to the infirmary doorway where he now was.
Garfield was standing with a pair of goat legs and deer antlers.
"Check it out, I'm Raven's dad! Grrr Evil! Grrr" Garfield stomped out of side leaving behind a very bewildered looking room of Titans and a rather annoyed looking Raven.
"He'll be fine" she snarked dryly. Nightwing sighed.
"Alright, dismissed Titans" Nightwing ordered. The other Titans left the infirmary yet Raven instead followed Nightwing instead of heading after her boyfriend. Raven came up behind the former Boy Wonder.
"I don't need to be an empath or mentally bonded to know something's off with you" She deadpanned.
"Hmm, I am that transparent these days?"
"I'd blame it on Starfire, she's rounding you're edges" Raven countered
"I'm concerned about him"
"You aren't the only one, Nightwing"
"I bet the first thing you did was yell at him when he woke up"
"Close, it was the second or third thing?" Raven confirmed.
"He's softening you up"
"Yes, soon I shall emerge in my true form as a fluffy pink unicorn mage of happiness" Raven snarked.
"I'm just worried about him Raven?" Nightwing admitted.
"We both are" Raven replied.
"I can't let him down like last time" Nightwing still had the memory of the "Beast" incident firmly in his mind. Raven could sense his growing guilt.
"You're still beating yourself up for that?" Raven asked.
"I told him I'd throw him in jail Raven, me? I couldn't have been more of a hypocrite if I was wearing the Red X costume?" Nightwing's guilt of that night was heavy. He had gotten too caught up in the situation to dial back and he feared Changeling would never forgive him at the time.
"I wasn't exactly much help either, I should have seen what was going on and tried to help him..." Raven had her own issues with that night. She blamed herself for not sensing something wrong sooner. Despite common belief that Garfield intended to attack her it was instead shown that the "Beast" form acted as a protector. That night had left a permanent mark on both Titans and showed them both they had something in common for better or for worse.
"I never thought he'd give me a second chance, or that he'd be my first real relationship, truthfully, I never imagined living this long to be honest. We can't change the past but we can do right by him and show him he's not alone" Raven remarked to her leader.
"You're right. I'll make sure he's okay... I'm still not going to go easy on him tomorrow"
"Richard..."
"What?! We need to be ready for anything" Nightwing raised his hands upwards in a defensive motion.
"Well I better go find him, otherwise he'll be up all night, which means I'll be up all night" Raven turned and floated away in the opposite direction down the hallway outside the infirmary.
Nightwing turned and headed back the other direction, towards Starfire's room.
Across Jump City the still unconscious body of Cinderblock lay spaced out in a minimum holding cell. Since he hadn't moved in two days the authorities decided to utilise the empty cell to wait for a more secure prison for the slumbering golem. Even if he did wake up, they had specialised weapons to keep him down until the transfer.
Inside the head of the stone brute something terrifying, something brand new and something no one ever thought possible. Cinderblock's mind was starting to think.
What is this? What's? What's that noise? I'm... I'm here. I'm here. Here? Where is here?
Cinderblock's previous mind allowed the goon to luxury of simple grunts and roars. Most weren't sure he had anything beyond that capability, only the ability to take orders.
My...my body. Can't. Can't move.
Cinderblock looked around the cell and examined it. His body was still in literal shock from the fight and needed time to readjust. He had taken the full force of the impact, yet the side effects spoke for themselves.
I am... alone. I am. I am...
Cinderblock's mind rushed back to flashes of former masters. The rock giant was trying to piece together its identity for the first time.
Cinderblock... My name... How? How am I here?
The giant tried to remember the last thing that ran through its mind. The flashes were brief but the images clear enough for him to start forming a picture.
Titans... Always... Titans...
Cinderblock's mind became focused at the realisation of that name. He noticed outside his cell two guards laughing in hysterics at something the other had said. Cinderblock now registered the conversation and listened with quiet intent.
"How could you confuse the cold contaminant for the bathroom?"
"Lay off I'd never been down to that floor since yesterday"
"What bathrooms have light mist pouting off them?"
"Shut up man..."
Cinderblock listened closely. He tried shifting his body and noticed some of it loosening, gaining feeling back. The giant kept quiet as the two guards argued even more.
Back at the Tower Raven found Garfield in his room testing out different forms In front of the Titan's resident pet larvae: Silkie.
The Empath caused upon the now grown man, whom she was dating. Make faces at a plump maggot.
"How's this?!" Garfield covered his face to them pull back his hands revealing the head of a bear. The shapeshifters distinct laugh came through after seeing Silkie jump and hide. He then noticed the Empath floating in the doorway.
"Oh, hey Rae"
"You know Garfield when you took the form of my father I was laughing internally, just so you know" Raven said in a rather dry tone.
"Oh, cool... part of me thought you'd find it inappropriate, hehehe" Garfield chuckled nervously.
Raven parked her feet on the ground of the shapeshifters room and walked over to the moderately sized double bed he'd recently replaced his bunk beds with. Upon Raven's insistence of course. Brushing the sheets lightly she sat down unclipping her cloak onto the bed.
"No one hated him more than me, Gar" Raven reminded him.
"Fair enough" Gar replied.
"Gar, I'm worried. This, jump in your powers, we don't know the long lasting effects or the consequences?" The Empath said quickly changing the conversation to raise her growing concerns.
"I told you, Rae it's all good. I feel great" Garfield smiled.
Well he's not lying. "I know Gar and I believe you, I do. It's just you're powers... they are amazing but their so unpredictable. You don't know the limits. Take it from me Garfield sometimes its better to practice control then it is to go all wild." She tried explaining.
"I think I get you, Rae"
"Good, I know this is all exciting and I'm happy for you but can you promise me you'll work with Richard to fully hone these new powers. We want what's best for you" She said with a warm smile.
Listen to her fool! "Okay, Raven... I promise" he nodded.
"Thank you... I was going to ask actually. Can you, do the thing I like?" She asked rather politely.
"Of course, Rae" Garfield stepped up from off the floor and sat beside the Empath. He tapped his lap lightly prompting her to rest her head down on it. Raven got comfortable and laid her head down. Staring up at her smiling boyfriend. he loved making here feel good.
Since their reconciliation, Raven had taken the opportunity to make a change in her look. Ditching the lavender straight bangs she despised and opting for a short pink hair style.
Now months later Raven's hair had grown back and upon Garfield's suggestion she let it grow out a little longer than usual. The pinkish red was still there, blended at the end of a new longer messier cut as her lavender hair had started to grow back.
Her outfit had changed too, opting for a more torn look to her cloak, one could make a resemblance comparison to feathered wings. Her leotard was still separated at the shoulders but now resembled a thin dress sitting in front and behind her legs. Her tights were still there though her cloak was now a very dark grey, the change was explained by her words as 'Nightwing taking all the blue' The Empath had also taken a cue from Starfires new armoured look and included gold shin guards and a gold head piece that fit in-between her gem almost like a tiara much like the Tamaranean had recently added. Personally Garfield loved this addition, as to him Raven was a queen and every queen 'Deserves a crown'.
Changeling however hadn't changed his look that much himself, besides slight tweaks to his costume and slighter longer hair he had changed the least of the five other than Cyborg. He hadn't exactly fallen back on old habits either. His room was still tidy which he kept up throughout the months they had been dating. He kept a strong upkeep of his new uniform. Washing and repairing it whenever he got the chance which in truth became much easier after Raven taught him to knit.
Garfield began stroking the empath's hair slowly with a tender care. He knew she loved it though she would never admit it publicly. He could feel how calm she became and any opportunity to keep her mind at ease he would gladly take. He looked down at her and became reminding again at how beautiful she was. In his own words
How can the daughter of pure evil look so good?
Raven loved the feeling of his hands through her hair, the relaxed soft motions, made her worries vanish in the moment. It was a simple pleasure she couldn't get enough of. The warm smile on her face she made, had Garfield smiling too.
"You are so cute you know?"
Raven blushed, almost pouting. "I am Trigon's daughter, Garfield. I am not... cute?"
"Oh yes you are, you are the cutest, most precious demon in the whole wide world." Garfield cupped her cheeks playfully and a wave of embarrassment came over her. Garfield had been drawn to Raven for years. Despite his lack of understanding he still couldn't quite explain it. He had always wanted to be close to her, get to know her and even know after everything she was still such a mystery to him. Admittedly that was one of the elements he enjoyed best. Being surprised.
After Raven had finished recomposing herself, she looked up at him and gave him a playful 'Hiss'.
"Did you just hiss at me, Rae?" Garfield giggled.
"So what if I did?"
Garfield grew a cheeky grin and lightly shifted his other arm and began tickling at the empath's side.
"Wait no Gar!, hahahaha! I haven't meditated today. Hahahaha hahaha! The Tower, the Tower!" Garfield started to notice the light shaking in his room and quickly stopped. Raven caught her breath and lightly jabbed at him playfully.
"You jerk!" Raven panted.
"That's me" Garfield said with a victorious look. Raven rolled her eyes and grabbed his collar tugging him down towards her. Their lips collided and the two began a passionate embrace. After a few seconds Raven let go with her Boyfriends head held tightly in her hands.
"Just promise me you'll be careful, please?" Raven asked him. Garfield stared back into her amethyst eyes taking a few seconds to answer"
"I promise, Rae"
"Thank you"
"You know I really like you, Rae"
"I really like you too, Gar"
The two laid down together as the evening drew in. After everything the two of them could be happiest simply being together in a room in each other's arms.
On the other side of the Tower another couple was having a quiet moment of reflection. Mostly.
"Oww! oh! Oh! Oww!... A little to the left, Star"
"How is this?" Starfire asked.
"Much better..." Nightwing replied. Starfire had been practicing her massage technique as a way to help rein in her strength in normal situations. The first time didn't go so well with Nightwing having both shoulders dislodged. After months then Tamaranean had gotten it to a science. After missions it was one of the things Nightwing most looked forward to during their time relaxing. The two had retired to Starfire's room for the night and both were laid out on the alien's large bed.
"You seem more... tenser than usual Richard" Starfire noticed.
After nearly a year together Nightwing had confided in Starfire his identity. Truthfully the Tamaranean was still getting used to the name.
"Ah, everything's changing Star but you know me I worry about us" Nightwing slumped down on the bed.
"Friend Garfield has begun a metamorphosis. On my home planet we often go through a strange transformation as we reach adulthood" Starfire explained. Nightwing rubbed his head as the memory came back to him.
"Yeah but didn't you just gain Star bolts from your eyes after all that change?" Nightwing asked.
"Oh yes it was most gratifying... and relieving" Starfire replied with a grin.
"We'll at least that's a natural part of your planet's population. We don't know what's happening to Garfield" Nightwing questioned.
"Perhaps his powers are evolving through external forces? There are species out there that can do this" Starfire theorised.
"Hmm hadn't thought about it like that" Nightwing admitted.
"What it's important is being there for friend Garfield as he goes through this next step" Starfire gripped Nightwing's hand causing him to look up at her.
"Huh? Raven said something similar" Nightwing said.
"Because it is right" Starfire said with certainty. The Tamaranean then pulled her Boyfriend down and pulled him close.
"For better or worse we are all family. We must try for each of us" Starfire cradled Nightwing head as the two got comfortable. The two birds were a bit overprotective, luckily, they had the support of their love ones in there corner. Cyborg had retired in the company of his only true love, the T-car. Having fallen asleep down in the garage doing some repairs. The tower was quiet as the evening drew in. Each of them hoped it their sleep wouldn't be disturbed.
Back in the temporary holding cells, Cinderblock was listening closely to the conversation amongst the guards on duty. He had been for hours. As time went on, his mind grew more and more cohesive. The feeling in his body had returned yet he continued to feign his ability to move, waiting for a better opportunity to use it.
This feeling, My thoughts are... my own. A masters control is gone. I am... free. I am free to take control of my own path... and yet I will be stopped. The Titans... The Titans are in my way. I am not strong enough... Never strong enough...
Cinderblock was starting to come to terms with himself, yet he was aware of the trouble he still had battling the Titan's. His memories flashed back to specific moments and then overheard the answer amongst the guards.
"So where they dropping off this pile of gravel?" One of the guards asked.
"High End Security Holding. It's where they started dumping all the superpowered freaks normal jails couldn't handle. Like that spider headed guy or... or that walking computer chip" The other guard replied.
Cinderblock listening closely. His memory flashed back to his fusion with two other villains. Plasmus and the one mentioned by the guard: Overload. He remembered the power he felt when fused together. This was his answer to the Titans problem. Whilst they had beaten the combined monstrosity before, this time at its core would be a new intelligence. Upon hearing the guards mention the villain the golem spoke up for the first time of his own volition.
"Overload..." Cinderblock drawled out.
"What was that?" Asked one of the guards.
"I heard a voice coming from the cell? Didn't you?" The other guard replied.
"I thought you said that thing couldn't talk?"
"It can't" The guard tapped loudly on the bars separating the two from Cinderblock.
"Hey! Granite State Grumpy?! Get up!" The guard barked. Cinderblock saw his opportunity. The golem stood up and clambered over towards the bars in a stumbling motion. With a loud roar he wound his arms up to strike the bars. The second he made impact a powerful jolt was sent through his body knocking him back. The guard laughed at what he assumed was a dumb lumbering behemoth.
"See it's just a walking pile of rocks with stones for brains" The guard pointed out to the other who despite the safety of the electric bars looked nervous. The shock itself had an unintended side effect. Without realising it Cinderblock had gained more intelligence from the strike.
He examined the bars and noticed the power leading to a source in the cell roof.
There!
Cinderblock jumped towards the celling and struck his fist through the roof grabbing a large set of cables. With a tug he ripped them out like they were string, the lights in the cell began to flicker.
"Wait what's he doing?!" The rude guard began to panic at the sight in front of him.
Cinderblock then fell to the ground and charged straight at the cell bars.
"Look out!" The other guard warned as he shunted his colleague out of the way before Cinderblock came smashing through. Dust and smoke flew everywhere, concealing Cinderblock from view. The two guards began to recover before both were pulled up sharply with a firm stone like grip into the air where they hung upside down from their legs helpless. Each in one of Cinderblock's hands.
"Let go of me!" The rude guard yelled.
"No" Cinderblock applied pressure on the guards legs as a crunching sound could be heard followed by a loud scream. The guard fell to the ground writhing in pain as his colleague watched on in fear. Cinderblock turned his head towards the remaining guard in his grip.
"Tell me ... where high end holding is ... now!" The golem demanded.
"Okay... Just don't hurt me" The guard begged.
"No... promises" Cinderblock growled.
A few hours into the night had past back at the tower. Both couples were resting in each other's arms as per the normal for the last few months.
In Garfield's room Raven lay next to her partner in an rather goofy fashion, snoring lightly.
"When there's trouble... you know who to call?... Titans ...Yeah... Take it away Mister President" Raven mumbled in her sleep. Within moments the room flashed a bright red as the alarm began blaring. Raven and Garfield were both jolted awake, causing the former to fall off the bed.
"Rae you okay?" Garfield asked peering over the bed. Raven sat up with her hair still messy . Mouth covered in fresh drool. It was quite a funny sight. Garfield giggled slightly causing the Empath's vein to start twitching.
"This had better be good..." Raven grumbled.
The source of the alarm came from the cities High End Holding Facility. A common target for more skilled villains to recruit future members or simply rescue former subordinates.
The Titans arrived on the scene hoping this early morning alert would be over quickly so they could get back to bed.
Site authorities revealed the attack to be the work of Cinderblock, freshly escaped.
"How did he get out again?" Garfield asked.
"Who cares let's just catch the stupid rock man, I want to go back to bed" Raven was already grumpy, learning she had to fight the stone villain once again hadn't improved her mood.
The Titans moved into the facility through a wall Cinderblock had made in the building. For such a bulldozer of a villain he hadn't caused that much damage during this break in. The path of destruction had a clear path in mind, he had even broken in cells specifically to cause the guards light distractions.
The Titans followed the path leading to a room towards the middle of the facility. There inside stood Cinderblock facing a small glass cylinder, containing the villain Overload's computer chip.
"How many times do we have to put you down, Cinderblock before you understand...?" Nightwing's question didn't garner a response. Cinderblock simply stood in the middle of the room. Raven was the first to notice something was off. She sensed things she never had before when dealing with Cinderblock.
"Nightwing, somethings not right..." Raven cut in. The other Titans could feel it too. The normal destructive brute was instead just... standing there.
A few seconds passed, the golem slowly began turning around. The villains eyes weren't the usual vacant red but instead a bright crimson with a sinister glow. As he was now partly facing them the golem spoke...
"Titans..."
Hearing something none of the five superheroes thought possible put them in a shock. The only original Titan who had ever heard Cinderblock speak was Changeling. Even then it was via possession.
"Ummm, did I just hear what I thought I heard?" Garfield asked nervously.
"That's impossible... " Cyborg looked speechless.
"Forget what you heard, I want him taken down, now! Titans GO!" Nightwing barked leading a charge against Cinderblock. He jumped with staff in hand ready to strike only for Cinderblock to catch him with one hand.
"Quick help him!" Cyborg ran towards the golem with the others not far behind. There efforts would be in vain however as Cinderblock began applying pressure on Nightwing body causing the sound of cracked bones and screams of pain to fill the room.
"NOOOOO!" Starfire immediately began charging a large Star bolt at Cinderblock, the Tamaranean launched it directly at his body, the golem quickly dodged out of the way taking Nightwing with him. The Star bolt collided with the glass cylinder behind were Cinderblock had been standing and shattered. Having retrieved his prize, Cinderblock threw Nightwing in the other three Titans direction. Garfield and Cyborg caught there leader who was still writhing in pain.
Starfire was in too much of a rage against Cinderblock to think straight. The golem took advantage of this. Whilst Starfire was physically strong than each of her friends she wasn't invincible. Cinderblock grabbed her by the legs and swung her repeatedly against the room wall. Before throwing her in the direction of the other's as well.
Starfire landed on the ground as with a loud crash. The Tamaranean groaned in pain. Garfield rushed towards her whilst Raven had her hands full with Nightwing. Cinderblock returned his attention back to the broken cylinder and picked up the chip on the floor amongst the shattered glass.
"I am no longer... monster" Cinderblock pulled the Overload chip towards his mouth and dropped it in. A surge of electricity began sparking around his body. Cinderblock could feel the jolts affecting his brain. His thoughts were now fully formed and his intelligence has grown once more. After feeling the success of his goal, the golem began laughing... The other Titans looked on with disturbed faces.
"Oh... my dear Titans, this day is truly one to remember. Before today I was just a creature ready to do anyone's bidding. Now with Overload's power I can see... My future is not one of servitude but of ... change. There's just one last thing I need..." Cinderblock's speech was now fully coherent. The golems mind saw it all clearly now.
"Cyborg, take the others and bring him down" Nightwing coughed. Raven had her healing powers already at work yet to fix damage such as this would take time and she knew it.
"Nightwing don't move!" Raven yelled trying to work on his injuries. Starfire was still in a daze from her beatdown and was in no condition currently to help. This left only Garfield and Cyborg ready to stand up to the newly constructed villain.
"Alright B, we gotta do this ourselves, c'mon!" Garfield laid Starfire down and joined
Cyborg to advance towards Cinderblock.
"T-rex Take Down!" Cyborg jumped on top of Garfield who quickly morphed into the extinct predator rushing towards their foe. The metal Titan began firing blasts from his Sonic Cannon at the golem. Cinderblock's body shrugged off the damage.
Garfield's T-rex form collided with the villain shoving him back into the rear wall. Cinderblock had a new trick up his sleeve as a surge of electricity blasted from his body knocking both Titans back.
"A new era is approaching upon you Titans, you can either step aside or get buried underneath the landslide" Cinderblock taunted.
Cyborg took the damage worse than Garfield. His systems hadn't handled the shock well and was still laid out on the floor. Garfield shook the shock off and thought for a moment. He had an idea. The Changeling took the form of a T-rex once again, he needed its size for his plan.
As Garfield began charging again at the electric golem so did Cinderblock in his own way.
As he closed the gap Garfield's T-rex form began changing. The reptiles skin became sleeker and fish like.
Cinderblock through a string of electric bolts at Changeling's direction, this time they had little effect allowing him to slam the golem through the rear wall landing out on a quiet road. Having acquired what he came for Cinderblock smashed through the pavement he lay under and made his escape through the sewers. Changeling reverted back to his human form and returned to the others.
"He's gone..." Changeling approached the other Titans to offer assistance. Raven was still trying to heal Nightwing whilst Cyborg and Starfire were still out of commission.
The Titans had returned back to the Tower after the conflict. Cinderblock hadn't returned since he fled and Raven was still struggling to heal Nightwing properly. Cyborg had recovered from his shock and Starfire had not left Nightwing's side since she regained proper consciousness.
The atmosphere in the infirmary was... frosty at best. Nightwing had not taken the loss or his injuries well and Raven had her own frustrations building up.
"Richard will you hold still, I've barely done any healing" Raven growled trying to finish her heal job in the infirmary.
"As long as I don't get a visit from 'Larry' that will be enough" Nightwing snarked rustling on the infirmary bed. Raven had managed to salvage one arm but was struggling to finish the job completely due to her own distracted thoughts.
"Richard, you must let Raven work please" Starfire begged sitting beside his infirmary bed. She was deeply upset seeing him in this state.
"What I need Star, is to find Cinderblock" Nightwing said in frustration. The Titans leader was never one to sit on incomplete missions even at the expense of his own life.
"Richard will you please try to relax?" Starfire begged again seeing his growing impatience.
"There's no time to relax! Star we need to..."
"WILL YOU BOTH SHUT UP! I'm trying to concentrate!" Raven shouted at the bickering couple. Both of them looked at Raven in shock, the Empath quickly regretted her outburst and looked away. What was that? Where did that come from?
Changeling and Cyborg entered the infirmary after hearing the commotion.
"Everything ok in here guys?" Changeling asked with concern.
"We're fine, Garfield" Raven answered him, She didn't even look his way.
"We need to find Cinderblock, Cyborg I want you to..." Nightwing began.
"Woah, woah, man shouldn't you be resting, not leading?" Cyborg countered.
"We have to find him before he finds what he's after" Nightwing barked.
"Wait, what's he after?" Changeling asked scratching the back of his head.
"Isn't it obvious? He broke in that place specifically to find Overload, So clearly he's after Plasmus and if he gets to him before we do then in his combined form with his new intelligence the city will be in great danger" Nightwing explained.
"Wait I thought Plasmus was at that facility?" Cyborg looked confused.
"No... They moved him to a different facility to try and find a cure... The one we were at yesterday" Nightwing said with a reserved tone.
"I still do not understand how the Cinderblock gained the intelligence he has now?" Starfire queried.
"Why don't you ask Garfield, Star?" Raven snarked..
"What's that supposed to mean Raven?" Changeling tried defending.
This isn't his fault "Cinderblock got away, you went charging in with new powers yes but we still came away without him. You promised me you be more careful and now we have no idea where he is?..." Raven said rubbing her brow, she didn't want to be angry but the situation was only growing more out of control.
Raven got up from her seat beside Nightwings bed and started to pace over towards Garfield.
"Nightwing needs to rest and we need to find Cinderblock, without making things worse"
Raven finished her sentence with a heavy breath and looked upon Garfield. He hadn't replied, he only held his head down in shame. He couldn't make eye contact with her. Raven slowly glided out of the room not wanting to make him feel any worse. Why didn't you just listen to me Gar?.
The Changeling was still looking down, thinking about everything. "She's right, this is all my fault..." Garfield sighed.
"Blame isn't going to help us now, we need to bring Cinderblock down before this gets out of control. Cyborg I want you to lead the rest of the team to the research facility and prepare for Cinderblock, it'll be only a matter of time before he gets the information he needs" Nightwing ordered.
"Fine but you have to stay here and rest. We'll keep in touch throughout the mission" Cyborg insisted.
"Alright..." Nightwing conceded. Starfire let go of his hand and stood up next to him.
"We will bring the Cinderblock down, Richard. Now you must rest, Cyborg what is our first move?" Starfire asked.
"I've already sent a message to the facility, we need to head there as soon as possible. I'll see if they have something to detain Cinderblock for the time being" Cyborg replied.
"Good idea... You'd better grab Raven and get going" Nightwing suggested. Changeling looked nervous at the prospect of running a mission with Raven still annoyed at him. Cyborg could see this and instead offered to go get her.
"I got this bud, go wait in the car" Cyborg said sincerely. Changeling didn't reply, he knew Cyborg was trying to spare him the effort. After all they all Raven usually needed time to cool off.
The ride in the T-car was a certain kind of tense, Raven hadn't said anything to Garfield nor had he to her. Raven's face wasn't one of anger throughout the journey but rather one of uncertainty and regret. Garfield thought constantly about breaking the ice yet the right words never came. As they approached the facility they could see evidence of a break in currently in progress. Cinderblock was already here.
"Damn it, we're too late" Cyborg saw the smoke and debris as the T-car pulled up. Stepping out of the car he grabbed his head with his hands.
"Not yet, not if we get to Cinderblock before he finds Plasmus, c'mon we need to follow the trail" Changeling took charge and led the Titans through a hole in the wall where Cinderblock had made his way through.
Sure enough Changelings assumption was right was correct, he hadn't reached where they were holding Plasmus. Cinderblock was engaged in a skirmish with the building guards. One by one they were being knocked out by the golems electric attacks. The hallway was just large enough to fit the stone giant inside without having to bend down. Changeling and the others arrived behind Cinderblock who hadn't yet noticed them
"I've got an idea guys, follow me!" Changeling barked as he transformed into the same hybrid T-rex as there last encounter. He began charging at the golem who had now taken notice. The villain began to centre himself ready for the impact before a bed of debris coated in black magic dropped between them. Changeling collided with the new wall then quickly reverted back to his human form and turned to face Raven.
"Raven, what are you doing I have a plan?!" Changeling tried explaining. Raven floated towards him with an annoyed expression.
"Charging in recklessly is not a plan, Garfield" Raven argued.
"Please, Raven will you just trust me?" Garfield was cut off by Cinderblock breaking through the wall of debris. He backed up as the golem approached.
"Blast him, Star!" Cyborg yelled at his Tamaranean teammate. Both Titans shot at Cinderblock with everything they had until the golem was coated in a flurry of green and blue blasts. Changeling looked back at Raven and the others.
"We need him in a bigger space" Changeling shifted forms into a hybrid T-rex again. This time he prepared to whip Cinderblock with his tail through the wall.
"Garfield don't!" Raven yelled, the empath's plea could do little. Changeling had already knocked Cinderblock through the closest wall. The golem rolled into a rather familiar room. Large roof, tall and at the back the same machine that granted he and Changeling there new abilities. Cinderblock regained himself and stood to face the Changeling once again.
"Our battle ends where we we're both reborn green Titan. Only THIS time, I'll be the only one left standing" Cinderblock taunted, he knew Overload's power wouldn't affect Garfield in this state but he was still strong enough to put up a good fight.
The other Titans entered through the hole in the wall. Changeling reverted back to his human form and jumped back to get close to the others.
"Listen, I need you guys to distract him so I can..." Changeling began.
"No you listen, Garfield!..." Raven cut him off.
"Raven, please don't do this now!" Garfield tried to reason with her but she wasn't having any of it.
"We can't fight him using just brute force! We need a proper strategy..." Raven argued
"... And I have one but I just need you guys to..."
"Heads up!" Cyborg yelled. Cinderblock had discharged a blast of electricity at the celling causing debris to start crashing down. Changeling was standing close to Raven who had turned her head to look up at the debris headed towards her at an alarming speed.
Before the Empath knew what was happening she had been pushed to the floor as something large had taken the force of the falling building.
Cyborg and Starfire who had dodged out of the way had assumed both of the other Titan's did as well and had moved in to engage to villain like Changeling suggested.
In truth Garfield had once again taken his Beast form to protect Raven from the rest of the falling rubble. The Beast's size dwarfed the Tiny Empath as she lay there watching him take each falling rock.
After a few seconds after he felt no further risk of threat to her, he reverted back to his human form and leaned over her just as the Beast had.
"Raven, why are you fighting me on this?"
"You really think now's the time to have this argument?"
"If you won't let me do my job then yes? Raven why can't you just trust me?" Changeling argued.
"I do trust you, it's not about that..."
"Clearly... Then what is it c'mon?!" Changeling could feel her growing instability with his heightened senses.
"Garfield please..."
"Raven... why are you so afraid of what I'll do?"
"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO WAKE UP IN A WORLD, WHERE YOU'RE NOT IN IT!"
Raven yelled at the top of her lungs causing the whole building to shake. It even knocked back Cyborg, Starfire and Cinderblock.
Raven lay beneath Changeling breathing heavily after the outburst. He was still leaning over her only in shock from what he'd just heard. Raven turned her head away and bite her lip trying to fight back tears.
"Every day my feelings for you get stronger and stronger. Every day I think about what we could do a year from now and not just next week. Every. Single. Day. I wonder what it would be like without you... and it terrifies me" Raven shuddered. Garfield stopped for a moment to take her words in, the small clumps of debris falling on top of him were hardly noticeable in this moment.
"You're not the only one who's scared Rae... I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel like this..." Garfield murmured.
"But you have Gar, it's my fault as well and I'm sorry too, I'm not good at this, I have no idea how to be… a girlfriend... I didn't even think I'd be alive now, much less fall in love with you!" Raven yelled.
"... Raven... did...did you just say you loved me?" Changeling remained in shock but still managed to blurt out his question.
"... I did... "
Raven knew she had passed the point of no return, There was no going back now and she could only hope she would get the answer she needed...
"...Yes, I love you Garfield Mark Logan, there it is" Raven said with a strong sense of assurance. She looked a back to see the shapeshifters still frozen. Her heart slowly started to sink.
"Ok clearly I've messed up here so...mmmf!" Before Raven could finish her lips were cut off by another pair coming down on her's. Garfield embraced her gently but with a strong hint of affection. He didn't want to stop. After a few moments Garfield pulled back up and stared back at her.
"Was that the appropriate response, Rae?" Changeling grinned. Raven shot him back a warm and tender smile.
"If you two are quite done we could use a hand here?!" Cyborg yelled over.
"Oh yeah... Listen Rae, please will you follow my lead?" Changeling asked. Raven looked at him and saw his determination.
"Ok, Gar" Raven conceded. Garfield smiled and offered her a hand up. With a light tug he pulled the dust covered Empath to her feet.
"Alright I need you to keep him still, Rae" Changeling ordered.
"I think I can do that" Raven floated upwards as her hands became encased in dark magic.
Cinderblock was holding his own against Cyborg and Starfire. They couldn't get too close with all the electricity surging around his body yet Cinderblock wasn't quick enough to close the gap on them either. Starfire was trying to slow him down with a volley of Star bolts as was Cyborg with his Sonic Cannon.
A ring of solid rock emerged from the ground encased trapping Cinderblock up to his shoulders. The golem was still trying to discharge power but now he wasn't going anywhere. Cyborg and Starfire turned to see Raven holding the rocks in place. Changeling ran up from behind her.
"Cy, Star I need you to hold his mouth open" Cyborg turned back towards Starfire after hearing Garfield's order and shrugged. Cyborg then blasted his hand on the end of a cable and clutched Cinderblocks lower jaw. Starfire landed on top of the golem she was able to resist the discharge for a while as she grabbed his upper jaw and pulled up.
"Hurry friend Garfield, I cannot do this forever!" Starfire yelled fighting against the discharge. Changeling ran up towards the golem and lept mid-air towards his mouth. As he approached he morphed into the form of a small transparent looking monkey, which disappeared down Cinderblocks mouth. The other Titans let go of Cinderblock as he wrestled out of his stone prison.
"What is he doing?! What is he trying to... " Cinderblock started to cough as if something was trapped in his throat. The stone golem fell to the ground on all fours as he tried to bash against his torso to dislodge the blockage. The other Titans stepped back as Cinderblock coughed up a very green pile of slime with a heavy breath.
"Ewww" they each said in unison. The green pile began to shake before long the form of Garfield had taken its place with a triumphant smile across his face and the Overload chip on his hand.
"I got it!" Changeling grinned. Cinderblock tried to stand up to face down the Titans once again. He clearly had very little energy left.
"This isn't over Titans, I still have my strength and that's more than enough to end you all" Cinderblock boasted. The Titans rolled their eyes.
"Oh for god's sake, Star take care of this clown" Cyborg insisted. Cinderblock felt a light tapping on his shoulder.
"Excuse me, The Cinderblock..." Starfire threw a vicious right hook at the golem knocking him back across the room. She followed up with a series of blows chipping into the villains body. Cinderblock felt delirious.
"It's... not, not over... Titans"
After a few seconds Starfire flew up above the golems head, eyes glowing with fury.
"THIS IS FOR MY NIGHTWING!" Starfire clutched her fists together and smashed down on Cinderblock's cranium. The impact caused cracks to appear all over his head. The villain could no longer remain conscious and collapsed on the ground with a loud crash.
Starfire floated back over towards the other three Titans with her usual chirpy smile.
"Nice work Star" Raven said. With Cinderblock subdued the Empath turned her attention back towards her boyfriend and asked.
"So where's your actual answer Gar?"
"Huh?"
"You heard me Garfield... a kiss is one thing but..." Raven was cut off as Changeling lifted her off the ground in a tight powerful hug. He placed her back down and wrapped her close to him.
"Of course I love you too, Rae, You mean everything to me. You are my everything." Garfield said with the warmest smile she had ever seen. As her eyes started to water Raven nuzzled into his shoulder to try and hide her embarrassment. It was exactly what she needed to here.
"You're mine too..." she shuddered with happiness.
"Ughh, get a room you two... Oof!" Before Cyborg knew it Starfire poked her elbow lightly into his stomach but even then it felt like a strong punch on his terms. The metal Titan fell to the ground in pain as Starfire looked on at the two Titans with her own smile.
Back at the tower Nightwing was being relayed the mission report.
"So, you can apply animal traits to other forms?" Nightwing asked Changeling.
"Yep, I can make hybrids... kind of. It's how I got into Cinderblock. A monkey mixed with an amoeba!" Changeling gleamed.
"Only you, Gar?" Raven chimed in. The Empath had resumed work on Nightwings injuries back in the infirmary.
"Oh yes, Friend Garfield was most impressive" Starfire agreed.
"So what about Cinderblock?" Nightwing questioned.
"Authorities took him away with proper equipment this time. Star gave him a real wallop but I think he's gunna stick with that new brain of his so better to be safe than sorry" Cyborg explained.
"Alright well, I still want to test you're new powers, Changeling" Nightwing earnt a glare from both girls as soon as he finished that sentence.
"... After I've healed obviously. Regardless well done" Nightwing finished.
"Thanks... But still, I'm sorry I caused all this" Changeling muttered.
"It's alright, Garfield. There are worse villains that could have been affected. Imagine a smart Plasmus?" Nightwing postulated.
The other Titans reeled back in disgust.
"Well I don't know about you guys but I'm starving, anyone up for pizza?" Changeling offered.
"As long as it's not got any nasty Tofu, I'm down..." Cyborg began as he followed Changeling out of the infirmary. Starfire turned towards Nightwing and gave him a firm kiss.
"I shall be back later, rest" Starfire began to leave to allow Raven to finish up undisturbed.
The Empath had pretty much just one arm left to make Nightwing's rest time only a few days.
Raven still saw an opportunity to clear the air...
"I'm... I'm sorry I snapped earlier" Raven murmured.
"It's alright, I take it everything is ok now?" Nightwing asked.
"Pretty much, Its just I'm afraid of all these new emotions, When you've spent your whole life repressing them it can be scary when thy come out big?"
"I can't imagine but I know it can't be that easy." he smirked.
"I'm also coming to terms with another terrifying thought..."
"Oh I can't wait for this"
"I think I'm starting to want to spend my life with Garfield" Raven revealed.
"Ohh wow... I don't think I was ready for that" Nightwing chuckled. "Though it explains a lot recently" he finished.
"I don't know how to process this feeling, Richard. It scares me?... all these new feelings do?" Raven admitted. Nightwing wasn't oblivious, he had noticed a surge in Raven's emotions recently, he had chalked it up to being free from her fathers grip but he could tell something was off even she didn't quite understand.
"Well you're asking the wrong guy I'm still trying to manage my own feelings let alone anyone else's" He laughed. "Though I would say to just take each day as it comes for now... the good and the bad... It's all any of us can do?" He suggested.
"I just... don't want to lose him..."
"I know, I know but this is the job. As Starfire taught me about chasing happiness. Everyone needs in their lives?"
"Even half human demon doors?" Raven snarked.
"Especially a half-human heroic, Titan..." Nightwing corrected, Raven smiled.
"Hmmm... well the arms done, should be fine in a few days... AFTER appropriate rest" She insisted with a sharp point of her finger directly at him.
"Thanks Raven, Once I'm healed up I'll begin training with him to get the best out of him with these new powers." Nightwing smiled.
"Well he's already got quite the imagination so with you helping him I doubt anything could stop him? Now I'd better share my input before they order another nightmare on stuffed crust..." Raven snarked as she turned to glide out of the infirmary.
"Tell them to grab me something!" Nightwing yelled at her as she disappeared out of sight.
"I will" Raven echoed from around the corner.
Nightwing looked over at the infirmary window and pondered.
"Everything's changing so fast...?"
Deep in the halls of the high end holding cells Cinderblock hung suspended using high grade steel and bolts. Surrounded by row after row of stationary turrets. Chances of escape were next to zero. Still his new thoughts were the only thing he had left...
Strength and intelligence are not enough it seems? I can't challenge them myself. If I intend to bring about the Titans end, I can't do it alone...
Ok there we go I hope you enjoyed this story and hopefully you can leave a review and let me know what you thought. Originally I wanted to do more with Cinderblock however he was just a means to and end here, I might bring him back like this down the line but for now you won't see him again this season. This story was merely designed as a jumping back in kind of story. Nothing too big just mainly character interactions and that. Some of you may disagree with getting Garfield and Raven here like this but honestly, I've had the whole "L" word come out in moments of stress. Sometimes life works like that. Again, I hope you enjoyed and until next time when Starfire returns home.