Dwyr Budr (Teen Titans) (Feedback positively encouraged!)

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Kregor: don't read this spoiler. You've been struggling with it too long to just read and find out the answer. It's starring you in the face, and I know you're know quitter.:cool: oh, and checked out your music in your sig, it is really good!:)

to the rest of you: Got it.

Orbital. you were right, you gave it away. title of chapter 12 matches up with the name of the song for the week.:)

[Crowgirl]

Besides, my mum's an Eeyore fanatic, so it's kinda hard not to get carried along with it...
Ha! My Mom loves Tigger. And it is hard not to get carried along.

Anyway, I just realized that when Robin said Miguel, that means they know about his 'immortality', right?

[rrarbecy]

As for the next chapter, I've got about a third done so far. I'll try and write the rest tomorrow, but even if I do don't expect it out that night: I'm going to need a few people to see if it's good enough first. That's how seriously I'm taking this...
Wow. That IS serious. Good luck.

[Matt A]

Anyway, I just realized that when Robin said Miguel, that means they know about his 'immortality', right?

Yep. Don't worry, the next chapter will reveal all...eventually.:evil: :D :sweat:

Wow. That IS serious. Good luck.

Thanks!

On the chapter front, I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. The good news is that it's written. The bad news - for you guys at least - is that Welshie's going to be giving it the quality control treatment before I post it. If you want the chapter out, go badger him and not me.:cool:





Orbital. you were right, you gave it away. title of chapter 12 matches up with the name of the song for the week.



Haaallelujah! Haaallelujiah! Hallelujiah, hallelujiah, haaalleeeluuujiah!

Sorry.:sweat:



Yep, the story and chapter titles are all names of Orbital tracks. They happen to be one of the single greatest British dance (electronic) acts that has ever existed, so this was my way of getting you guys to want to know more about them. If you can find them, then I suggest that you try and download the tracks called "Transient", "Dwr Budr" (yes, my original spelling is wrong. Sorry), "One Perfect Sunrise", "Meltdown", "The Girl With The Sun In Her Head", "Octane", "What Happens Next?", "You Lot", "Are We Here?", "Satan", "Doctor?", "Belfast", "Halcyon + On + On", "Style", "Impact (The Earth Is Burning)" and "The Box". That's quite a long shopping list, I know, but those few tracks are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Orbital's genius.

[Kregor8]

AHAHAHAHHAHAHHA! I got it! I figured it out, and I didn't look at the bloody spoiler either! But, I never could have done it without the signature...so thanks for the hint.
All the chapter names, and the name of the story itself, are Oribital song titles! Awesome!
I also never would have gotten it if you hadn't said the think about geekishness and had already said that way back in the first dance club chapter, whichever that was.
<edit>
Ok, now I've read the spoilers, so I know I'm right. See, I got more of it than Shadow. It's every chapter that is an Orbital song. No, I've never listened to them. But I guess I'll have to check them out now.

[Matt A]

Right. Pretty much everyone knows about the whole Orbital thing now, so there's no point in using spoilers. Anyway, I suggest that you urgently listen to some of their stuff. The tracks in the spoiler that I wrote earlier are the best ones to go for, but if you aren't able to download them then try and find their "In Sides" and "The Middle Of Nowhere" albums: those two are Orbital's best, and together provide a more or less complete picture of what they're about. Failing all that, just go to their official site (loopz.co.uk) and click on the samples of all the tracks that are on there. Trust me, you won't regret listening to the genius of Orbital: even if you hate dance music.

Anyway, now onto the real bread and butter of this post. Chapter seventeen passed Welshie's quality control with flying colours, so I'm now going to offer it up to you. This is the climax of the story, everything that the plot, the characters and all the various themes have been building up to. It isn't the end by any means, but all that's left after this is just tying up loose ends.

So, read and (hopefully) enjoy...


Chapter Seventeen: Walk Now…

Miguel De La Especia Cultivador, aka El Fantasma, aka Michael Spicer, stared at his new opponents. It seemed that he had underestimated the Teen Titans: he had already known of their talents, but he hadn’t expected them to act so fast. Either way, it suited what he had in mind.

Michael sighed. “So, you found my note then?” he asked Robin.

“Yeah. We know who you are, what you’re planning, everything. The full and ugly truth. And all in your own words.”

Raven stared at him. “Okay, just what is going on?”

Michael looked at her blankly. “Before we left the Tower earlier on, I put a note on my desk. It told the truth – the whole truth – about what’s been going on. If anyone was willing to go into my room, which with these guys being so suspicious of me and all was pretty much a certainty, then they’d find it.”

“But why tell them and not me?”

Michael smiled. “Simple: I did it so that the Titans would have a chance to stop me. Everyone deserves at least one chance at something important, after all.”

“Right. So they get a chance, and I don’t. Damn, that’s just so fair!”

“No, you did get a chance. It’s just that the only way you could stop me was if you didn’t know what it was you were doing.”

Raven had learnt long ago not to bother arguing with a statement like that. If Michael said something ambiguous, it was because he wanted you to figure out the truth for yourself.

It was at that point that the Titans first started paying attention to what Raven and Michael were wearing: they hadn’t changed since the restaurant, and they had been able to leave the Tower earlier on in the evening without anyone seeing them.

“Nice dress, Rae.” Cyborg and Beast Boy said in unison, with just maybe the tiniest hint of over-enthusiasm.

Raven blushed: they’d probably got a bit more of an eyeful than they were ever expecting to get…which was nothing, anyway. “Thanks.” she mumbled.

For once, Michael had the good grace to not shoot a dark look. “Anyway…as I was about to say, a key thing about chances is that they only need to be given: acting on them is an optional extra. I gave you all a chance to stop me, but you’re all too late.” He paused for dramatic effect. “Ben, is the accelerator ready to fire?”

Dr. Jefferson turned from the computer he had been working at. “Press the magic button and Jump City disappears.”

Michael rolled his eyes. “You could have just said “yes”, you know.”

“But that would be spoiling the fun, wouldn’t it?”

“Quite.”

Entirely without warning, Michael picked the gun up from the desk and pointed it at Jefferson. He pulled the trigger before anyone realised that this had happened, and it was still within the same tenth-of-a-second that the bullet entered the doctor’s brain. It carried on going, ripping a hole in the back of his skull and finally embedding itself deep within the circuitry of a computer monitor. Blood, brain matter and shards of skull spread their foul stains across the already busted screen, not to mention the keyboards and other monitors immediately surrounding it. The lifeless – but not quite headless – body of Dr. Benjamin Jefferson, expert physicist, robot engineer and no way near a neo-Nazi, pitched forward and hit the ground with a squelch.

Michael dropped the gun on the floor, the metal-on-metal clanging sound reverberating around the now silent control room. The Titans, Raven included, were speechless.

It was about thirty seconds before Beast Boy became the first to speak. “Okay. What the f**k just happened?”

Michael sighed. “Rae, you know when I said that I wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to do the right thing?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, I didn’t mean it at the time…but I do now.”

“You said it all of half and hour ago! How the hell can you change your mind so quickly?”

“That’s a good question. To be honest, I don’t know what I’m thinking any more. I do bad things to make money, and I’m comfortable with that, but then again maybe I just want to do something better. Something worth recording. Maybe I’m just being selfish yet again. Yeah, that’s probably it. I’m an evil bastard, always have been and always will be. But tonight it has to stop.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve had enough. Regardless of what I really am, I have to become something else before I go too far. Even if I can’t stop it.”

Raven smiled. “Well, maybe you aren’t as bad as all that.”

Michael looked hopeful, the first time that he had done so since he had arrived at the control room. “Really?”

Raven smiled. “Yeah. Anyone who knows that they’re evil but doesn’t want to be can’t be truly evil, can they?”

“I suppose so.”

Cyborg perked up. “What was it you were saying about “going too far”? I’d say that destroying an entire city is so far over the line that you probably can’t see it.”

Michael looked at him blankly. “That’s my point. I thought that I knew what I was doing tonight, but maybe I don’t. Like I said, I don’t know what I’m thinking anymore.”

“So, in other words,” Robin said, “you want to shut down the accelerator after all.”

“Yeah.”

Michael smiled to himself. None of the Titans had really commented on Ben’s death. But, then again, that didn’t really surprise him: him and violent deaths were virtually synonymous, and anyway they probably now understood his reasoning. Commit one evil to stop many. In the circumstances, it was the right kind of attitude to have, but he needed to put a stop to if he had any chance of saving himself. Now all he had to do was figure out why he wanted to do that…

“Right,” Robin said, “so how do you shut it down?”

“Simple. There’s a door over there, and behind it is a hovering platform. You ride that platform until you get to the anti-matter particle loading chamber, which you then disconnect. With no particles to fire, the accelerator is as good as useless.”

“That sounds easy enough. What’s the catch?”

“We put in a security system to stop anyone from doing that. There is a tiny accelerator next to the loading chamber, and removing the chamber will set off the new accelerator. There’s no way of disabling this one, and even though it’s only a mile across rather than fifty it will still kill anyone who’s near it. Even I wouldn’t be able to get away in time, and seeing as it disintegrates rather than explodes surrounding objects even I would be killed.”

“But why not just leave the accelerator be?” Starfire asked. “If no one activates it then there will not be a problem.”

“Sorry, but we already thought about that one. Once the main accelerator is loaded, it will automatically go off after twenty-four hours: that was just in case we lost the remote detonation controller. So, in other words, we have no choice but to shut the accelerator down.”

The Titans stared at each other, knowing full well what this meant: one out of the six would have to die.

“Well, who’s gonna do it?” Beast Boy asked.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Michael asked, looking straight into Raven’s eyes. “It’s going to have to be me, isn’t it?”

Raven stared at him. She knew that there was no point trying to talk him out of it, but there was no crime in hoping.

“But why?” she asked.

“It’s my fault, isn’t it? I committed the crime of getting it loaded in the first place, so my punishment should be to unload it. It’s my problem, so I should fix it.” He thought for a few seconds. “Besides, there’s a few other things as well.

I’m still thinking through all this myself, so I’m sure if it’ll be all that clear. Anyway, the best way to put it is probably that I was trying so hard to pretend to like you that I just stopped pretending. Despite everything that I was trying to achieve behind your back, you really do mean everything to me. You’re the reason why I want to be a good guy: to prove, to myself at least, than I can do something worthy of your regard. And, as you well know, I don’t do things by halves.”

Michael smiled. “I’ve also got a lot less to lose than you guys.”

The Titans started to protest, but Michael held up his hand. “No, you know I’m right. You’ve all got a family – each other – and a family is something that you need to stand by at all times. Personally, I’ve got you, Rae – or at least I hope I do – but that’s about it. You guys have no reason to like, trust or stand by me.”

Starfire smiled at him. “The fact that you are willing to say all this is reason enough.”

“You guys just don’t get it, do you? You’re all more than just friends: you’re the family to each other that you probably never had. You’re the closest, happiest, most blessed group of people that I’ve ever met, and all I’ve ever done is lie to you and hurt you. I’ve got no right to be with you guys.”

Raven shot him an angry look. “But you can change! You can be the good guy that you want to be and still be alive!”

“But that means getting someone else to shut the accelerator down. I expressly forbid any of you guys from giving up on each other like that, and no one else in this city has any reason to do it. It’s gonna have to be me. Besides, right here and now is my best shot at being human: the ultimate sacrifice is the only way that I can make amends on the sheer amount of bad things that I’ve done in my life. Considering the length of my life, and not to mention my lifestyle, I’ve got a lot more sins to atone for than most people.”

Michael smiled. “Now, I’m going to go shut down this accelerator, and I don’t want anyone to try and stop me.”

He shook hands with each of the Titans – save for Raven, to whom he gave a hug and a kiss that resulted in several blown lightbulbs – and walked towards the doorway. It was exactly the same steely-grey colour as the wall, and was opened by motion sensors rather than a handle: hence why no one had spotted it beforehand. The door opened to reveal the vast, empty blackness in which the accelerator was housed. Michael stepped onto the hovering platform, which was no more than 2’ wide.

He turned to face Raven. “Goodbye, my love.” he said softly.

“Adios, mi amor.” Raven said. She looked like she was going to burst into floods of tears at any second…which was entirely justified, of course.

The platform started to move away. As Michael started to fade into the blackness, small balls of black energy started to float around him like electrons. Somehow, even though they had no means of expression, they almost looked playful.

[Crowgirl]

I THOUGHT YOU SAID HE WAS EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great, you switched it around again, and decided to mess with our heads. Well, congradulations, it worked. However, I'm suprised they trusted him again so quickly. I mean sure, he left tham a note and all, but still... it seems, quick.

I forget what Raven was wearing. I know it was a dress, but I still forget. Me and my memory....

It was about thirty seconds before Beast Boy became the first to speak. “Okay. What the f**k just happened?”
Don't know if it was supposed to or not, but it made me laugh all the same.

This whole entire thing is brilliant, and there is not much else to say.

CG/Crowgirl/???

[Kregor8]

Wow. Quite an not-the-ending. That's all for now, but I'll be back later.

7<regor

[Raven13]

HOLY S***!!!!!!!!!!! I was not expecting that! Well that was sooooo cool! I loved this chapter. O I really don't want Mike to die NOOOOOO. Wait.......what am I saying......O I should not give it away or say it if that is what I'm thinking!!:evil: Anyway contiune things as planned and write your stroy!! I love it SOOOOOO much please I want to know what is going to happen!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh the wait is sooo long (though I have been only waiting here for 1 minute:sweat: ) haha WONDERFUL

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Excelent! truely Great!

I'd say more but you get the picture.

by the way, was that a reefrence to Tommorow Never Dies that I spotted? press the magic button and jump city disapears and then shoot the guy in the head? yes I remember that distinctly.

Excelent work!

[Matt A]

However, I'm suprised they trusted him again so quickly. I mean sure, he left tham a note and all, but still... it seems, quick.That's what I was worried about. The 9/11 story in chapter sixteen ("Illuminate") was supposed to make their reasoning clear(-ish): they forgive him because, deep down, they still like him. Besides, killing the guy that you're supposed to be betraying someone to is a pretty effective way of showing that you're not going to be the evil one after all...

I forget what Raven was wearing. I know it was a dress, but I still forget. Me and my memory....She was wearing a jade green sleeveless dress that was a tad on the revealing side. Hence the joint Cyborg/Beast Boy line.

O I really don't want Mike to die NOOOOOO. Wait.......what am I saying......O I should not give it away or say it if that is what I'm thinking!!:evil:I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Michael really is dead. The whole point of that chapter - along with the story as a whole - was to show that even the most evil-hearted of people will have a degree of good in them, and it's always possible for the good to win out: of course, the more evil their heart, the more extreme they have to get to demonstrate their good side...hence Michael's act of self-sacrifice. Considering my own highly unpleasant nature, the possibility of redemption even in the darkest of hours is something that I hold very dearly indeed...

by the way, was that a reefrence to Tommorow Never Dies that I spotted? press the magic button and jump city disapears and then shoot the guy in the head? yes I remember that distinctly.Yes, that line was borrowed from Tomorrow Never Dies. There wasn't any real point to that reference: it's just a cool bit of the film, and it seemed like the kind of thing that Jefferson would say and that Michael would do.


Only one more commenter needed before I write chapter eighteen...

[ShadowOfAGhost]

FOR GOD'S SAKE JUST COUNT YOURSELF AND START WRITING IT! After all, by the time it's done there will likely be at least 3 more.

[Crowgirl]

FOR GOD'S SAKE JUST COUNT YOURSELF AND START WRITING IT! After all, by the time it's done there will likely be at least 3 more.
What he said, which is enough.

[rrarbecy]

FOR GOD'S SAKE JUST COUNT YOURSELF AND START WRITING IT! After all, by the time it's done there will likely be at least 3 more.
I looooove angry outbursts.:D

[Lord Welshi]

Matt, you already know I like this (i was quality control, and i ok-d it). Fantastic work here. Everything i can think of to say has been said. Good job on this.

Lord Welshi

p.s. bring in the new chapter!

[Sproxie]

I THOUGHT YOU SAID HE WAS EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great, you switched it around again, and decided to mess with our heads. Well, congradulations, it worked. However, I'm suprised they trusted him again so quickly. I mean sure, he left tham a note and all, but still... it seems, quick.

I forget what Raven was wearing. I know it was a dress, but I still forget. Me and my memory....


Don't know if it was supposed to or not, but it made me laugh all the same.

This whole entire thing is brilliant, and there is not much else to say.

CG/Crowgirl/???^ my thoughts exactly....
but there is something telling me that Micheal isnt gonna die....
....or if he's already dead that he's not gonna, um, well.... *groan* my head hurts.... :sweat:

[ShadowOfAGhost]

The stories not over yet. I have a feeling you're bluffing about him being dead...yet. we already know from the epilougue that he will die at some point, but somethings wrong here. You lied to us about him being pure evil in the past and made sure that each of us believed it, whos to say you're not pulling the same stunt again? It's like Kregor8 said at the end of my fic Spurned Past, Tentative Future:

Wow. *sits quietly, surrounded only by the fierce beats of Argyle Park*
Wow. *scratches head again, trying to think of anything to say*
I knew Phantom wasn't dead. Don't tell me how I knew - I just figured it. You went out of your way not to prove he was dead - that was enough for me.I'm getting the same feeling here. He will die eventually, we know that much, but not yet.

[Matt A]

How many more times do I have to tell you people?! Michael is dead! He has shuffled off his mortal coil! He is an EX-MICHAEL! Sorry.:sweat:

Anyway, now that I've got seven commenters (yay!) I'll get to work on chapter eighteen. I've get some college work that I need to do first, but I promise that you'll have it by Tuesday night at the latest.


Matt

PS: Welshie, why the hell were you up at three in the morning?

[ShadowOfAGhost]

How many more times do I have to tell you people?! Michael is dead! He has shuffled off his mortal coil! He is an EX-MICHAEL! Sorry.:sweat: That's what you said about him being evil...http://pauldavidson.blogs.com/wfme/images/dr.evil.jpg

[rrarbecy]

That's what you said about him being evil...http://pauldavidson.blogs.com/wfme/images/dr.evil.jpg
*snigger*

[Matt A]

Christ! Are you guys hopeful or what?!

The next chapter should convince you that I'm telling the truth. And speaking of which...

...here it is! This may seem like the end of the story, but it isn't: there's still the epilogue left to go, but seeing as it's set in the past this is the last that we're going to see of the Teen Titans in this story. Hence why this chapter goes the way it does.

Anyway, get reading...


Chapter Eighteen: Waving Not Drowning

It had been three weeks since Michael’s death. The Titans didn’t have the body to prove it, but then again it wasn’t as if they were ever going to. After the anti-matter particle loading chamber had been deactivated, and the mini-accelerator next to it had fired, they had gone over to the wreckage out of a vain hope that he had somehow survived. But, as Michael had said, the mini-accelerator had seen to it that there wasn’t even so much as an atom of the loading chamber left. Because the bang had occurred within literally the same second as Michael deactivating the chamber, there was no chance of him getting away: he could have ghosted and flown out of the blast area, but as his powers in this case weren’t instinctive – he had been vaporized, not murdered – he wouldn’t have had the time to do so. Michael Spicer, the Titans’ unlikely friend, had died to save them, and they would just have to accept it.

So, all in all, the last three weeks hadn’t really been fun. Thankfully, no bad guys had risen up to cause trouble, because the Titans really weren’t in any condition to fight. They weren’t in shock, not by any means, but they were still very much in mourning. To this end, they had decided to try and get some closure on the whole issue by holding Michael’s funeral: due to a lack of body to bury, this was going to be more of a formal ceremony than anything else, but that wasn’t really the point. Michael had once told Raven about an old church high in the Spanish Pyrenees, one that he had frequented in his days spent fighting the Catholic Church. The church was still standing, if only just, so they’d taken an empty coffin to the town of Viella, and then driven up the long, dusty gravel road to the summit of Pico de Aneto.

They had managed to find an empty plot at the back of the cemetery, a semi-prime spot over-looking the Catalonian plains, and it was here that they dug the hole and interred the coffin into the earth. Instead of a body, it contained a gun, a few CDs, a pack of cards (no one dared to ask Raven the reason why) and a photograph of her and Michael with his two dogs. As much as it broken their hearts to do so, they had already given the two Labradors away: it was simply too visible a reminder of their fallen friend. Before they started to shovel the dirt back in, each Titan took a few minutes to think.

Robin and Cyborg were both thinking about how much they had misjudged their friend. Every time fortune had taken a downturn in their lives, they had suspected that Michael was responsible. For the most part, this was because they just weren’t used to being around someone like him, someone who was willing to defend one person’s life to the death and turn someone else’s off like a light for no real reason other than money. Someone who both loved life and hated it. Someone that they couldn’t get a handle on. Of course you’d blame someone you couldn’t gauge for all of life’s problems, even if they were someone that you liked. Yes, it was fair to say that Robin and Cyborg had liked Michael, even when they didn’t trust him. Even though there were points where they were convinced that the evils that were out to get them were going to succeed, good had still managed to win out. And all thanks to Michael, the man with a good side that was so well hidden he’d had to kill someone to prove that it existed…

Beast Boy was thinking about Terra, as he often did. His petrified ex-girlfriend was never far from his thoughts, whether he wanted her back so much that it hurt or he was fervently wishing that she’d stay as a stone. Sometimes he’d think of her as the one that had betrayed the trust of his and his friends, and other times he’d think of her as the one that was able to realise her mistake and come back in from the cold. Standing here at the edge of Michael’s “grave” gave these thoughts a whole new relevance: here was another person who had become their friend, turned on them and then turned back. Their turning to evil had been entirely their own doing, but so had their redemption. They had gotten away with their crimes, for the most part, but it was their repentance that had cost them their lives. The bit that stung was that he wasn’t sure if that was fair or not. One day, probably soon, he’d have to try and square this with himself.

Starfire was thinking about her friends. She had never seen them so depressed before: not even the whole sorry Terra saga had brought them this low. On the whole, she could understand why. Terra’s betrayal, redemption and death had been emotional overload, in a way, and perhaps at the time they had simply been too numbed by the whole thing to have any real feeling for it. They’d all been left with a severe distrust of strangers, but apart from that they’d just gotten on with their lives. Michel had been working with them for reason – even if they hadn’t known what that reason was – so they weren’t keen to draw parallels. They had found many trustworthy friends over the years, so there was no reason for him to turn tail: Terra had just been an anomaly, was all. And even though Michael had followed a similar, if not identical, path, that was how it was going to stay. Dwelling on such things wouldn’t help them. As Michael had said, the Titans had each other to depend on, and they would all need each other’s help before too long. But they’d get each other through this low spot, as they had all the other times things had gone bad. That’s what a family was for.

As for Raven, if she was thinking anything at all then it was certainly well hidden. Since Michael had died she had said all of four sentences, of which the most socially audacious one was “can you two just stop arguing with each other and play that damn game quietly, alright?”. The strange part was that she hadn’t tried to become a recluse or anything: she’d stayed with at least one of the Titans as often as possible, but she had had never felt willing to join in whatever it was they were doing. She clearly wanted her friends around her, but then again she still wanted to be alone with her thoughts. If she was able to think anything, that is. Of all the people who were witness to Michael’s death and the events leading up to it, it was probably Raven who was least expecting any of it. It would take a long time for her to get back to normal, but she could rest assured that her friends would give her whatever she needed.

Without a single word needing to be said, the Titans began to fill in the grave. Except for Rave, who just stood there and watched silently. It seemed tactless in the extreme to get her to help, so no one asked. Once all the dirt was shovelled back in, Starfire sprinkled a few wild grass seeds over it: one day, the grass would grow to the height of what was already there, and once the freshly-carved gravestone – which simply said “Miguel de la Cultivador Especia”, with no date or testimony really being needed – started to age it would look like this man had always been buried on top of this Spanish mountain. It seemed like the most fitting tribute to a man who had never really had a home.

No one had held any debates on it or anything, but it just seemed right that Robin was the one who spoke. “Michael may have had his faults,” he said, “but that does not change the fact that he was our friend. He did what he felt was necessary for his own happiness, and when he felt that he knew someone well enough he would work for their happiness as well. At times, this led him to some more unpleasant choices, but he was always able to acknowledge that those choices were mistakes. Michael may not have been a moral man, but he always tried his best to be one.” They may have only been the same words as what everyone was thinking, but they still needed to be said.

Robin pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. It had written on it a modified verse from an old poem, one that he’d come across whilst in Britain a few years back. It was a strange thing to read, but in this context it made sense.

“He shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember him.”

“We will remember him.” the Titans chanted in unison. Even Raven joined in, if only in a mumble. Nevertheless, it was clear that the words meant a lot to her.

The Titans started to slowly walk back to the car. They would drive back to Viella, and in the morning they would fly back home to Jump City. They day, the week, the month, the year after that, and forever onward, they would get on with their lives. Even if it meant doing it one day at a time, they would live.

Raven hung back for a few seconds. An odd thought occurred to her, one that was quite out of place with the situation. She’d need to buy some medicine or something when she got to Viella: she’d been very violently sick that morning, probably just due to nerves over the day ahead. It seemed odd to think about a shopping list at someone’s funeral, but then again her getting back to real life was what Michael would have wanted. It was a terrible cliché, but it was true.

Unaware that the Titans were watching her from by the car, Raven bent down and gently kissed Michael’s gravestone. She placed her engagement ring at its foot: she didn’t really know why, but she had a feeling that the ring would make the most sense when it was here.

She stood up and looked at the gravestone. “I will remember you.” she said softly.

[Raven13]

OOOOOOO My gosh!!!!!!! That almost made me cry:crying: :crying: ! Anyway WAONDERFUL chapter like always!!!!! I can't wait for the epiloge or something like that. This capter is a very sad chapter though!!! I LOVE your story!!!!! Please have a sequel or write another one!!! PLEASE:D or else.......................:evil:

WONDERFUL, STUPENDIOUS, GREAT, A MASTERPEICE!!!!!!:D :anime: :) ;) :p

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~

[Lord Welshi]

That is quite possibly one of the most emotionally charged pieces of fiction that i have ever read on this forum. It was great: not pretentious, no exaggerated emotions, but a hard, cold truth that has embraced the Titans. I like the way you describe each of the Titan's thought processes: they match their characters perfectly. Beast Boy's thoughts turning to Terra are well placed, and the similarities in the events are easily scene. I can picture this scene so vividly, i have to honestly say that this is an absolutely fantastic piece of work that everyone will have to work hard to match, including me. Well done matt, you deserve any and all praise you recieve.

Lord Welshi

[rrarbecy]

I think that was the second saddest thing ever. At least in my experiences. You're amazing Mate.

[Sproxie]

That is quite possibly one of the most emotionally charged pieces of fiction that i have ever read on this forum. It was great: not pretentious, no exaggerated emotions, but a hard, cold truth that has embraced the Titans. I like the way you describe each of the Titan's thought processes: they match their characters perfectly. Beast Boy's thoughts turning to Terra are well placed, and the similarities in the events are easily scene. I can picture this scene so vividly, i have to honestly say that this is an absolutely fantastic piece of work that everyone will have to work hard to match, including me. Well done matt, you deserve any and all praise you recieve.

Lord WelshiCouldn't have said it better.

[Crowgirl]

I agree with what everyone else has said. That almost did make me cry, and I don't cry that often. You describe everyone's emotions so.... beautifully that it's each description is a Van Gough all it's own. Fantastic, great, super, indescribable.

And you know what the most impressive part is? You've only seen one episode of the whole show. You just based this story entirely of what you knew, and did... this. If that's not impressive, then I've got my definition all wrong.

You know, I could go on forever and say more praise, but my fingers hurt from a recent basketball game. So I'm going to make one last comment which sums up everything everyone else is going to say, and here it is:

Your name suits you, for you truly are 'Welshie's Mate'.

Crowgirl

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Very good! Nicely done! I could say more, but I'm at a lack for words.

all I have left to say is this...that MORNING she got SICK? I think I know what's coming...:D
Even if Michal doesn't live on in the fic, perhaps he will live on in another way... as a new generation perhaps? ya' know what I'm saying?;)
http://www.ociojoven.com/ezimagecatalogue/catalogue/variations/150x500/10398-150x500.jpg

I am commenter #6 so START WRITING!!!

[rrarbecy]

Very good! Nicely done! I could say more, but I'm at a lack for words.

all I have left to say is this...that MORNING she got SICK? I think I know what's coming...:D
Even if Michal doesn't live on in the fic, perhaps he will live on in another way... as a new generation perhaps? ya' know what I'm saying?;)

:eek:I just thought of that. I don't know if it would be good or bad for Raven to...spawn. Spawn of a demon (sort of) and an immortal. hmmmm.

[Rae]

That was so sad! :crying:

I am really hoping that wasn't the last chapter!!

I got the morning sickness thing and all i can say is.....interesting idea, especially her thinking about it at the funeral

You are amazing and i bow down to your superior writing!

Rae

[ShadowOfAGhost]

...here it is! This may seem like the end of the story, but it isn't: there's still the epilogue left to go:)

[Sproxie]

all I have left to say is this...that MORNING she got SICK? I think I know what's coming...:D
Even if Michal doesn't live on in the fic, perhaps he will live on in another way... as a new generation perhaps? ya' know what I'm saying?;)

She could've been sick in some other way.... like, um.... :sweat: lets just wait for the epilogue....
I really don't wanna imagine that.... a Mini-Micheal....? *shudders*

[Matt A]

OOOOOOO My gosh!!!!!!! That almost made me cry:crying: :crying: ! Anyway WAONDERFUL chapter like always!!!!! I can't wait for the epiloge or something like that. This capter is a very sad chapter though!!! I LOVE your story!!!!!

WONDERFUL, STUPENDIOUS, GREAT, A MASTERPEICE!!!!!!:D :anime: :) ;) :p

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~That is quite possibly one of the most emotionally charged pieces of fiction that i have ever read on this forum. It was great: not pretentious, no exaggerated emotions, but a hard, cold truth that has embraced the Titans. I like the way you describe each of the Titan's thought processes: they match their characters perfectly. Beast Boy's thoughts turning to Terra are well placed, and the similarities in the events are easily scene. I can picture this scene so vividly, i have to honestly say that this is an absolutely fantastic piece of work that everyone will have to work hard to match, including me. Well done matt, you deserve any and all praise you recieve.

Lord WelshiI think that was the second saddest thing ever. At least in my experiences. You're amazing Mate.I agree with what everyone else has said. That almost did make me cry, and I don't cry that often. You describe everyone's emotions so.... beautifully that it's each description is a Van Gough all it's own. Fantastic, great, super, indescribable.

You know, I could go on forever and say more praise, but my fingers hurt from a recent basketball game. So I'm going to make one last comment which sums up everything everyone else is going to say, and here it is:

Your name suits you, for you truly are 'Welshie's Mate'.

CrowgirlThat was so sad! :crying:

You are amazing and i bow down to your superior writing!

Rae:o !

Seriously though, getting that kind of praise from the best writers on this entire forum - and that includes Sprox and Ghost, in case you're feeling left out - means a hell of a lot to me. Even though I had actually intended this chapter to be quite upbeat, albeit in a strangely sorrowful kinda way. Oh well, at least I got the second bit right...

And you know what the most impressive part is? You've only seen one episode of the whole show. You just based this story entirely of what you knew, and did... this. If that's not impressive, then I've got my definition all wrong.You know what my secret is?

Research. Gallons and gallons of it. I've read pretty much the entire of the WF site from front to back, not to mention nearly every story on this forum. Besides, I've got a genius set of characters to work with: the beauty of the Teen Titans is that they're very easy characters to get a handle on, and once you've had a short while to get to grips with them second-guessing their thoughts and actions becomes quite simple. And this comes from a man who can't second-guess for toffee.

Please have a sequel or write another one!!! PLEASE:D or else.......................:evil:Yes, I do have a sequel planned. However, I have two or three other fics that I intend to write first, so it's probably going to be another year or so before I get round to it. If you're going to be absolutely desperate for details on it - which I have a sinking feeling that you already are - then what I'll say is that it is based on three key plot threads. One was hinted at in the last chapter, and based on this quote...

I don't know if it would be good or bad for Raven to...spawn. Spawn of a demon (sort of) and an immortal. hmmmm....I'd say that you've all but figured it out already. The second plot thread will be hinted at in the epilogue (yes Rae, there is going to be one) and as for the third...well, I'm going to save it for DB2 itself, but all I'll say for now is that it involves a choice of villain that's so controversial that it may well get me kicked off the site. Which isn't a bet, in case the mods are reading this.:sweat:

Anyway, back to the earlier subject of epilogues. I've had to request some information on it, and I can't start writing 'till I get my answers. Either way, you should get it by the end of the week.


Ta,
Matt

PS: Anyone like my new sig? Specifically the song lyric bit...

[Kregor8]

Ok, I need to be in bed in 3 mins, or I'll be grounded, so I'll just spit this out.
Excellent, excellent, excellent. Sorrowful, yes. Upbeat, no. Semi-Demon-spawn, woah (in Raven's own words). Story, great. Hall-of-fame? If I have anything to do with it. Which I ought. But anyway. Got to dash, and I'll be back for the epi.

7<regor

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Story, great. Hall-of-fame? If I have anything to do with it. Which I ought. But anyway. Got to dash, and I'll be back for the epi.

7<regor
I second the motion

[Raven37]

:eek:. I'm speechless. This is one of the greatest stories on this forum and one of the greatest stories I've ever read. I LOVE THIS STORY!!!!:D Well, since I've been a little (More like a lot.:rolleyes: ) behind on this story, I'm gonna post a review for each chapter:

11: Nice introduction of Jefferson and I loved the fight scene!:D

12: Michael always seems to have an interesting story about his past doesn't he?;)

13: Michael's hunt was very well-described. It was very intereresting to read.:)

14::eek:+:anime:= AWESOME JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was so sweet of Michael!:anime:

15::anime:, then :crying:+:mad:+:eek:. That was probably the most shocking chapter. I was like holy s***!!!:eek: I was NEVER expecting that!
Oh hell no you did NOT! :eek: :eek: :eek:
*Grabs a shotgun in one hand and pistol in the other*
"Where is he?!?" :evil:My thoughts exactly.:evil:

16: I like to read Winnie the Pooh. Strange, I know, but there you go. Anyway, there’s one story in it that I’ve always liked. It’s Eeyore’s birthday, but none of his friends remember until that morning. Pooh’s feeling a little guilty, so he goes over to apologise. “Nonsense,” Eeyore says, “just look at all the presents, and the great big cake sat right in front of me ready for eating.” Pooh looks around at the empty space in front of Eeyore’s stick hut, and is feeling a little confused. “But I can’t see any of it.” he says. Eeyore drops his head dejectedly. “No, I can’t either.” he says.” Michael paused for a few seconds of stony silence. “Well, I thought it was funny.”I laughed SOOOO hard at that!:D It was so funny!
Finally, Raven asked the most important question of the evening. It was a bizarre question, to be sure, but it needed asking. “Was any of what you said at the restaurant true? Did you ever actually love me?”

Michael sighed. “Damn. The one question that I was hoping you wouldn’t ask.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know the answer.”That was brilliant. BRILLIANT. I loved that sooooo much. It was amazing.

17: :crying:It was very touching, yet, so wonderful. I loved it.

18: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: So.... SAD!:crying: I loved it SOOOOOO *snifle* much! It was bliss. Pure bliss. I loved it! It was... SO AMAZING!!!! Gah, I can't describe how amazing this story is!!!:D

all I have left to say is this...that MORNING she got SICK? I think I know what's coming...:D
Even if Michal doesn't live on in the fic, perhaps he will live on in another way... as a new generation perhaps? ya' know what I'm saying?;)
That makes perfect sense!:eek: Wow... Anyways, can't wait for your epilogue and sequel!!!:D

-Raven37
P.S. I just gotta say it one more time.... I LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D

[Matt A]

Thanks for the posts, Raven37! Yeah, I like the Winnie the Pooh bit too.

Hall-of-fame? If I have anything to do with it.Thankyou!:D !

An inclusion on the Hall Of Fame is pretty much the highest accolade that this site can bestow on any one author, and the thought that I may just deserve a shot at that is immensely gratifying.

Thanks!

I'll be back for the epi.Okay, seeing as Raven37 posted, just give me a few seconds and you'll have it...

[Raven37]

I second the motion
I forgot to say this so I'll say it now... I third it!!!:D You totally deserve it.;) (That was not meant to rhyme.... stupid rhyming...):sweat:

-Raven37

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Okay, seeing as Raven37 posted, just give me a few seconds and you'll have it...:D

:anime:

:)

:sad:

:(

:confused:

where is it? hmm...
(if you can't tell, I'm bored)
I'm anxious to read it! It sounds like it will be good!

[Matt A]

Okay, this is it. The end. The full stop to the project that has dominated the last three months of my life. The epilogue to Dwyr Budr. Before I start, though, there’s two things that I want to say.

One: I wish to dedicate this epilogue to everyone that has ever bothered to read this inane, derivative nonsense (;) ). Special mentions need to go to rrarbecy, Crowgirl, oneeyemonkeypie (aka Reid), Adrastea, moro loci, Rae, starburn1116, raven54, Sprox 083, Lord Welshi, Kregor8, Raven13, ShadowOfAGhost, Raven37 and Vivace. Without your patience, diligence and enthusiasm, I would never have got this far. I would never have produced what I rightly called at the start an epic work, a story with a final word count of 31,153: some fifteen times my longest work before this. For that great service, I am eternally grateful…to all of you.

Two: I’m going to have to crash this little party by saying that whatever you were expecting from the epilogue…well, this won’t be it. It’ll probably infuriate the hell out of you, but hopefully you’ll love it all the same. It’s a bit short, and more than a bit weird, but that’s what epilogue’s are for, right? :sweat:

Anyway, on with the final curtain call…




Epilogue: The Girl With The Sun In Her Head

The thing about stories, all stories, from the ones told by Neolithic elders sitting around a campfire to the ones being written by young aspiring writers in their bedrooms right now…the thing about stories is that, in order to be true stories, they must have a beginning, a middle and an end. Needless to say, what you’ve seen of this sorry tale of violence, treachery and redemption so far has contained neither beginning nor end. What you have seen has been only middle, for the beginning and end are so closely tied together as to be virtually synonymous. Telling one without telling the other would be impossible: the end will not make sense without the beginning, and revealing the beginning will reveal the end. The time has not yet come to tell the truth about what has been going on, but for the time being it is fit for another piece of the middle to be provided. It may be yet another piece in the jigsaw, but it is the one piece that will bring you closer than any other to seeing the picture on the back of the box.

Picture the scene, if you will. It is about twelve years ago, over a decade before Raven and Michael Spicer first met. The setting this time is not Earth, but a twisted cousin of our home world that lies on a separate plane of reality altogether. The setting is a place called Azarath. It’s a nice place, on the whole, but only if you happen to have been born there. Growing up in this monochrome, run-down and mystical world will give you an appreciation for its lonely beauty and inner heart of weirdness. Any outside visitors, however, will just see a world of endless depression.

The two best examples of that are right here in front of us. In a clearing in the woods there is a lone oak tree, and on that tree is a swing. A girl is swinging on it, a lone six-year-old with purple hair and a near gray complexion, who is already wearing her trademark uniform of a black sleeved swimsuit and a navy blue cloak. Some people would consider it dangerous for such a young girl to be in the woods alone, but to be honest the most dangerous thing in these woods is the girl herself.

Except she’s not. There is man watching her from the nearby bushes. His intentions are not hostile – far from it, in fact – but anyone who knew that the next time the two would meet he would be wearing jeans, a navy blue hoodie and a black eye patch over his right eye would still be suspicious. Just to prove the purity of his heart, even though there’s no one to prove it to, he runs over to help the young girl when she falls off the swing and hurts herself.

She doesn’t cry, which fails to surprise him. After making up an excuse that he was taking a walk through the woods and saw her fall, he helps the little girl up. She introduces herself as Raven, and the man introduces himself as Thomas: we know, of course, that his real name is Michael, so that is what we shall call him. Raven giggles at what she feels to be the strangeness of Thomas’/Michael’s name, and he wearily replies for what seems like the umpteenth time that his parents were strange people like that: again, we know that his parents were sensible, hard-working loyal Christians from sixteenth-century Spain, but there’s no reason for him to tell her that just yet.

Michael offers to walk Raven back to her house, as it is getting dark and he now feels that little bit extra-specially concerned for her safety. She doesn’t need the protection, and she knows it, but she agrees anyway. As they walk through the woods to Raven’s house, they idly talk about this and that, her talking with a six-year-old’s frankness about her home, her powers and her thankfully absent father. Michael knows all this, but he smiles, laughs and sighs in all the right places anyway.

They reach Raven’s home, a large wooden bungalow that Dorothy and Toto would’ve felt right at home in. This is just one in a long line of such buildings, which does ruin the atmosphere a little bit, but thankfully not by much. Michael walks Raven right up to the front door, to be greeted by the initial caution and then the warm gratitude of her mother. This woman, known as Arella, looks exactly the same as Raven will when she reaches thirty-odd. Michael thinks that she looks quite attractive, but sadly his heart is, in a way, reserved for someone else.

With Arella’s praises still reverberating in his ears, Michael wanders off down the road. After getting out of sight range, he makes a quick phone call on his mobile: it’s a bit of a brick, but then again mobiles were still new technology in those days. Thankfully, the specific words of this phone call have survived.

“Hi Ben, it’s Michael here.”

“Hi! You met the girl?”

“Yeah. She’s getting along just fine.”

“Hmm. That’s too bad.”

“Yeah. She’s nice. It won’t disrupt the mission, though.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Not a problem. I’ll see you in twelve years.”

“Yeah, see ya.”

“You know, I’ve always wondered what dying feels like…”

[ShadowOfAGhost]

WTF!!!

so his mission the whole time was suicide? he did all that so he could kill himself and finally end it all?

well, my hat's off to you. kudos. by the way, worlds finest called, they want you in the HoF.;)

[Sproxie]

WTF!!!

so his mission the whole time was suicide? he did all that so he could kill himself and finally end it all?

well, my hat's off to you. kudos. by the way, worlds finest called, they want you in the HoF.;)

Hey! they called me too! :anime:

DEFINITELY not what I expected, but, that doesnt mean it was bad. It was very good.... interesting.
There is gonna be a sequel right? :crying:

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Hey! they called me too! :anime:

DEFINITELY not what I expected, but, that doesnt mean it was bad. It was very good.... interesting.
There is gonna be a sequel right? :crying:He mentioned somewhere that there would be a sequal but he was going to do another story before then.

and just for the record, Re: DB2, I'm calling it now...
http://www.ociojoven.com/ezimagecatalogue/catalogue/variations/150x500/10398-150x500.jpg

[Adrastea]

WTF just about sums it up.

So, what i have to say overall, and it isn't much, really....:

From having me rolling on the floor with my lungs in agony over the hilarity, or bringing tears to my eyes in heart wrenching raw feeling, you kept my eyes glued to the screen. Your extraordinary attention to detail enabled us all to envision the scene perfectly, making it all the easier to burst into tears or laughter, and give us nighmares when we dared to leave our computers for a few hours of snatched sleep between waiting for your next post of a new chapter.

Anyway, i'm much better at giving encouragement, and totally let every wonderful thing we say go to your head, because you deserve it all. Congratulations.

[Matt A]

Thankyou for the praise everybody! Especially the Hall Of Fame stuff!:D :D :D :D :D !!!!!

As for Ghost's comment, Michael did die for a purpose, but it wasn't suicide. The true purpose of what's going on, as the epilogue said, will have to wait 'till the sequal.:evil:

Further talk on the sequal or fic in-between now and then will have to wait until more comments on the epilogue come in. I'd also gladly welcome more reviews of the story as a whole: whether or not it was consisent, overall depicition of settings and characters, etc, etc.

Once again, thanks for the praise!:D !


Ta,
Matt

[Adrastea]

way ahead of you :^: :D ;)

[Raven37]

WTF just about sums it up.

So, what i have to say overall, and it isn't much, really....:

From having me rolling on the floor with my lungs in agony over the hilarity, or bringing tears to my eyes in heart wrenching raw feeling, you kept my eyes glued to the screen. Your extraordinary attention to detail enabled us all to envision the scene perfectly, making it all the easier to burst into tears or laughter, and give us nighmares when we dared to leave our computers for a few hours of snatched sleep between waiting for your next post of a new chapter.

Anyway, i'm much better at giving encouragement, and totally let every wonderful thing we say go to your head, because you deserve it all. Congratulations.
Indeed... WTF. But the paragraph in blue describes exactly how I loved reading this story. It was truly amazing and I can't wait for more masterpieces from our dear friend Matt.:D

-Raven37

[ShadowOfAGhost]

I know you're not familiar with the New York Times, but to all those who are, I'd say this would easily make the New York Times #1 Bestseller list. This story had it all. Immense fits of laughter...tear jerking sorrow...fiery passion...gratuitous violence...and even the not so occasional not so appreciated massive cliff hanger.:evil: My praise is all good. there is not a thing you could have done better. Live long and prosper, may the force be with you, may the schwartz be with you (for all you mel brooks fans out there), [insert famous goodbye here]

overall rating:
http://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gif

I salute you:cool:

[Crowgirl]

WTF!!!

well, my hat's off to you. kudos. by the way, worlds finest called, they want you in the HoF.;)
Seriously, that's all there is to say. This fic isn't a Van Gough, though, so I'm sorry I lied.

It's as good as twenty put together.

CG

[rrarbecy]

I know you're not familiar with the New York Times, but to all those who are, I'd say this would easily make the New York Times #1 Bestseller list. This story had it all. Immense fits of laughter...tear jerking sorrow...fiery passion...gratuitous violence...and even the not so occasional not so appreciated massive cliff hanger.:evil: My praise is all good. there is not a thing you could have done better. Live long and prosper, may the force be with you, may the schwartz be with you (for all you mel brooks fans out there), [insert famous goodbye here]

overall rating:
http://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gifhttp://www.srim.org/IMAGES/Star%20-%20Small%20rotating.gif

I salute you:cool:
How did you do that?

[ShadowOfAGhost]

How did you do that?
google search for a small star resulted with that. I opened the page with the image alone (click on the picture and then click on it again in the bar that appears at the top) copy the web page over and post it 5x in corolation with the img code. the pic already spins (.jpg files are typicly still, but many times .gif images will move in some way).:cool: :dad: :knd1: :tom:

[Kregor8]

OK, like I said, I've come back for the end.
This is the best epilogue I've ever read. After a stunning story, I couldn't imagine an epilogue that would add anything. I just assumed you could do it, but didn't imagine what it would be like. This just stunned me. So, he'd been looking for someone to power the reactor for that long. Amazing.
Later, I'll probably post one of my end-of-story reveiws, but maybe not.
2 other things. Don't ever say DB2 again. I always think "Dragon Ball Z" whenever I see it. And please, write the sequel but don't call it "Dwyr Budr 2." That would be lame. Besides, I know you wouldn't. And you can put some other mystery search-a-word type thing in that story too! Fun!

Presto Chango,
7<regor

[Rae]

This is well above awsome!!!

The epilogue could be the best chapter (i'll have to reread them all to confirm that!)

I liked the way you put the epilogue in the past rather than in the future

Very creepy though with Micheal knowing he was going to die and all that...

WTF was my first impression also, shows a lack of vocabulary i think

Rae

[rrarbecy]

I've been hearing "WTF" a lot. What does it stand for?

[Rae]

WTF stands for (as far as i'm aware) What The F***

Does that help?

Rae

[Lord Welshi]

Excellent, absolutely great work. The whole work has been of top standard, great quality throughout with the characters remaining true to themselves, whilst still evolving enough in relation to the events in the story so as to be believable. Great story, good plot, it's all good. The epilogue is great, nice cliffhanger kinda thing going on there. Nicely done. The dumptruck of praise is on it's way to your door.

Lord Welshi

[rrarbecy]

WTF stands for (as far as i'm aware) What The F***

Does that help?

Rae
:ack:oh...:o hehehe

[Raven13]

OOOOOOO WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well I really never wanted this story to end! No efensse to anyone else but I have ot say that this is THE best story that had ever hit The Worlds Finest. You are the Worlds Finest!!!!! :D Well I love that epoilge or however you spell it, but it was wierd that they had already met 12 years before they actully met and fell in love. O I just take my hat off to you!
WONDERFUL!!!!! Thsi whole stroy was thought out sooooooooo well and the story line was excelent! Please let the sequal be just as good as the first part!! I love your story and you are an excelent writter. Dude if you write a book I will soo buy it!! Welll wonderful I loved it!!!!:D Awesome story!:D :anime: :)

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~

[Matt A]

Here's my reply to everyone's praise: :o :o :o :o :o !!!!!

Seriously though, I never expected my story to be this popular: even with all the love you guys have shown me thus far, you've yet again managed to surprise me. Thanks very much!:D !

As for the epilogue, a "WTF" reaction was very much what I had in mind. I wanted to provide an ending that turned all the previous events upside down, and from the looks of it I suceeded. As for what Michael was really planning, I intend to leave that little cliffhanger until the sequal.

And speaking of which...

Don't ever say DB2 again. I always think "Dragon Ball Z" whenever I see it. And please, write the sequel but don't call it "Dwyr Budr 2." That would be lame. Besides, I know you wouldn't. And you can put some other mystery search-a-word type thing in that story too! Fun!"DB2" is just shorthand, 'cause I can't be bothered to write out "Dwyr Budr 2" all the time! No resemblance to Dragon Ball Z or similar was intentioned.:sweat:

I am actually intending on calling the sequal "Dwyr Budr 2", mostly because I can't think of an original title that fits. Maybe in between now and when I write it I can work something out. I've got two other fics that I want to do first, so in all seriously it'll be anything between six months and a year until DB2 gets written. Hopefully you'll be able to wait that long...:sweat:

Whilst I'm at it, I'll give you a very rough outline one the next two fics. The second one is going to be a Teen Titans/Ratchet & Clank-crossover project, which should be nicely bizarre. The first one I can't give away so much on, but all I'll say for now is that Raven37 and ShadowOfAGhost will have a vague idea as to what two of the sub-plots will be, and that if you liked the real-world elements of Dwyr Budr then you're going to love this one. Also, I'm going to call it "Standing Tall Together" - rubbish title, I know, but there is a reason for it - and that provided I get all the research done in time you'll have the first chapter by this time next week.

Once again, thanks for all your support, and I'll see you all in Standing Tall Together!:D :D :D :D :D !

Ta,
Matt

PS: Yes, I did say "research"...:)
PPS: I forgot to mention this earlier, but there will be a word/phrase game of some sort in Standing Tall Together. Exact details will be released at that time.

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Perhaps this new one will rival that of lord welshie's Titans A.S. in planing? no offense to Lord welshie, but I could easily say that this one rivals Vanishing Act! Perhaps STT will rival TA.S.

:)

[Matt A]

This may be considered hubris, but I'd like to think so. Well, actually, I don't, 'cause me and Welshie are mates (well, duh!) and mates shouldn't compete against each other. But still, I see your point. :) , indeed...

[Lord Welshi]

This easily rivals Vanishing Act. Vanishing Act was right back at the beginning of my career here, it set a benchmark, yes, but it was bound to be caught up with sooner or later. This fic is just such a one, it's caught up and passed it, and i don't say that lightly, i take great pride in my work. Well done matt.

Lord Welshi

[Matt A]

:o :D! That all I need to say.

Oh, and speaking of ego feeding, if Welshie hasn't checked out Titans: A.S. for a while then he really should...;)

[DKH]

Whoa whoa whoa

The title vaugely looks like the name of Pennslyvania Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer who offed himself on live television with a revolver.

If i'm not the first to point this out then by all means ignore this message.

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Great way to start your tour of World's Finest...speak of a bizarre coincidence in which somebody commited suicide on TV. I can tell you'll be quite the interesting addition to the forum! Welcome!:)

[DKH]

I just had to point that out.

I usually don't some red carpet when i join a forum so....thanks?

[ShadowOfAGhost]

Your welcome, and like I said before, Welcome!

[Raven13]

Alright I ahve just one question! Maybe I missed it somewhere, or maybe it means something that I do not know about. ANyway what does Dwry Budr mean? I was just wondering that!:D

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~

[ShadowOfAGhost]

it's welsh for Dirty Water

[Raven13]

Ok thanks for clearing that up for me!:D

~ ~ Raven13 ~ ~

[Matt A]

Oh, do catch up.:p

Welcome to my thread, DKH! No, I've never even heard of Budd Dwyer, but he sounds like an interesting bloke nonetheless.

By the way, here's the million dollar question: what do you think of my story?

[Matt A]

For your information, the first chapter of Standing Tall Together has been posted. Go read, go read!:D :D :D :D :D!

[Rae]

I have gone, I have read, and i have replied!

It was good!:)

Rae

[Aquagirl15]

Ah man... that was so good!!! Ok I went from wanting to hurt you after the 15th chapter or so and then to a state of total shock. Ok that hurting you part was a joke...:sweat: Wow that's all I can say... wow. Matt you rock! I can't wait for the sequal and I'm already lovin' STT. I praise you for you are one of the greatest writers EVER!!!! Man... I'm still in shock. :D

[Matt A]

:D :D :D :D :D

[TeenTitansGO!]

This post will probably bring this story up to the first page again. This could strike some interest to new members-that's good-and it could also just annoy people, as they saw it on the top of the charts for MONTHS! Anyway, now to the review:

About a month ago, after waiting for Jazzy to finish Falling Away, and Viv to get going on Renegade, I decided I'd read this strange story I'd heard rumors about. I tried to read it all in one night, but it just didn't work out. I copied and pasted all the chaps to my hard drive printed out chaps 3-6 instead. Let me just say, I was taken from the very...well...i guess it wouldn't technically be the beginning.

THe prologue was absolutely gripping. The funny thing was, it had so much major, but invisible foreshadowing. Also, it was empty. NOTHING HAPPENED! But the words used to describe this beautiful girl playing cards in front of her lover's grave were amazing. I knew I was in for the mushy mushy romance fic that I had been waiting for. DOn't get me wrong, Things like Vanishing Act and others do bring that romance feeling, but this one brought something out that I had never EVER seen. I've always stood for "Love Never Fails", and Matt showed through and through that he believed the same. Even in the closing chapters, the love, despite the emotional witdrawals, between Mike and Rae (excuse the Nicknames) was pretty much fixed. Then he pulled the ultimate twist on us...AFTER THE FRICKING STORY WAS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How do you change something so major like that in the prologue. And about what I said about "Love Never Fails", it doesn't, but if there's no love in the first place, well then you might as well kill yourself trying to find it.

[Matt A]

Those be some mighty fine compliments, TTG. And here's my response:

1. It's always good to bring the old favourites back into the charts. Besides, the fact that it looks fairly set to get a place in the Hall Of Fame (:D :D :D :D :D ) should get it a bit more press.
2. I'd never been aware that people had been talking about DB. Who was spreading the good word?
3. I did intend the prologue to an early gripper. It was my entrance to World's Finest, so I needed to make it something special. From the looks of it, I succeeded.
4. I do indeed believe in love's capacity to be a force for good. The fact that even the most evil of people can still find redemption is something that I consider to be very important.
5. As I explained after I posted the epilogue, my plan all along was to finish the story in a way that would completely turn the entire story on its head. Anyway, the sequal (due roughly six months from now) has been designed to raise the "WTF?" bar even higher, and at the risk of shooting myself in the foot I'll say right now that you will have never seen a story like it. It's gonna be brilliant!

Thanks for your comments TTG!:D :D :D :D :D

[Vivace]

Those be some mighty fine compliments, TTG. And here's my response:

1. It's always good to bring the old favourites back into the charts. Besides, the fact that it looks fairly set to get a place in the Hall Of Fame (:D :D :D :D :D ) should get it a bit more press.
2. I'd never been aware that people had been talking about DB. Who was spreading the good word?
3. I did intend the prologue to an early gripper. It was my entrance to World's Finest, so I needed to make it something special. From the looks of it, I succeeded.
4. I do indeed believe in love's capacity to be a force for good. The fact that even the most evil of people can still find redemption is something that I consider to be very important.
5. As I explained after I posted the epilogue, my plan all along was to finish the story in a way that would completely turn the entire story on its head. Anyway, the sequal (due roughly six months from now) has been designed to raise the "WTF?" bar even higher, and at the risk of shooting myself in the foot I'll say right now that you will have never seen a story like it. It's gonna be brilliant!

Thanks for your comments TTG!:D :D :D :D :D
About No. 2 it was me...I told him to read this fricken thing and told him it was the best thing since Vanishing Act. (which was the thing that got me into this fourm) I've been pressureing him to start of Standing Tall Together but he's swamped with other stories and stuff I agree with everything that TTG! said

Personally after reading this thing I was honored that a writer of your caliber regularly followed my fic. It made me feel important:D

[Matt A]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Aquagirl15]

Honestly I think you deserve that spot in the hall of fame. I both voted for you on the author's thread and for DB on the stories. Although you may not have as much background information about TT as some of us that doesn't matter at all when reading your fics. It seems like you know the characters well and some of that may come from reading other fics, but in any case you write great. This is a make-up for my review for this story, which was just shock. :D

[Matt A]

Well, excess praise never hurt nobody.;)

Seriously though, the secret to my success has been research: gallons and gallons of it. Even though I've never really seen any epidodes, I've done enough background reading both on WF, other fansites and a whole bunch of everyone's fics to mean that I now know as much about the Titans as the rest of you. Simple really, isn't it?

[Edd]

I had heard about it, and the title intrigued me. I intended to look for it, even before the Hall of Fame polls opened. But someone had revived it onto the first page, so I decided I'd take the opportunity to at least read the prologue.

It's not often I can say I was hooked as soon as I started reading...anything. But had my damned life (http://server4.103092804.com/Release3/linkredirect.php?h=41719,245011,1109987972) not interfered, I'm certain I could have read this piece in one sitting. To read the first couple chapters and only stopping because of unavoidable responsibilities is something I've never done...save wasting time on long summer days at FanFiction.net with nothing better to do. But I digress, I wasn't bored at any point of the story; I was engaged in a great piece of literature.

Having only read one other complete fanfic on this board, I've still made my point about not really liking original characters in fanfics. You, my brilliant friend, didn't want me to. You didn't follow any of the cliché guidelines of original characters in fanfiction. Just browsing summaries I've gotten a general idea of what they're all about, in Teen Titans, anyway. They're always from one of the Titans' pasts, whether they're an old friend or a long lost sibling. Michael is a truly ORIGINAL character; he wouldn't really need a gimmick like Teen Titans to fuel an amazing story on his own. His back-story was incredibly original, and, while seemingly invincible, he also seemed very vulnerable in other ways. I try not to hate anyone, always with the thought that no one is completely evil, but that doesn't mean I liked Michael—even at the end: While he wanted to turn good last minute, he was still being selfish, like he said. He just wanted to be remembered as having tried to do the right thing, and while this is admirable in its own way, as soon as I learned his age and that he was basically immortal I couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to finally die. Part of the reason I absolutely loved the epilogue, implying the whole "revelation" thing was planned. But he had good inside him; that's what counts. :) (Not sure if this point belongs in this paragraph, but I had made the connection to Michael’s betrayal and Terra’s and was very happy that Beast Boy thought about it.)

It appeared that substantial research went into Michael's ties with history, but have to applaud you on your Titans research. Having not seen much of the series didn't stop you from writing a beautiful story (or middle of one ;) ) using the characters. My only gripe was how quickly Raven fell in love (http://server4.103092804.com/Release3/linkredirect.php?h=40052,245011,1109987972) and how easily she accepted and showed it, but for all I know that is how she'd act. Maybe I'm being narrow-minded after all of the brooding that went into my piece, which, as you know, basically revolved around that concept.

It took quite a while for the actual plot to start up, but before that it was like a great sitcom; each chapter pretty much stood alone as an episode in its own right. Little bits of a story being revealed every now and then. Of course it was all needed for the wonderful characterization. I'm much more of a fan of emotion-driven writing, but the action sequences were very well-written; something I really admire, as it's my weakest point. Of course I also admired the greatest emotion I've seen in fanfiction as well as an incredibly detailed plot. While I'll admit that parts of my fanfic had a few emotional bits I'm pretty proud of (though they pale in comparison to these), the emotions made the plot seem more intricate than it really was; it was essentially a weak plot that I could barely base a story on. Meanwhile, you've created a legend on all fronts.

And I feel I MUST point out...Winnie the Pooh. I grew up loving Pooh Bear, whether by choice or because my mother (a fanatic, herself) crammed it down my tiny throat, I'm not sure. But I feel a connection to the material, simply by growing up with it. But for...certain...reasons...I look back at my younger self as a different person; one that I most nearly hate. So I awkwardly loved that Michael, the embodiment of your darker qualities, was a fan of Pooh.

What I'm saying is...this fanfic may have very well been the best thing I have ever read. Granted, I'm only 15, but I don't foresee anything surpassing that.

--Kevin "Kaipazu Kebin" Kypers
Edd

[Rae]

Wow Edd, that was an essay and a half!

Well all i have to say is

Congrats Matt on winning best Author and for this story coming joint first with CGs 'A Girl Called Crow'

You are an excellant writer and this is an excellent story so you deserve it!

Rae

P.S. One more vote and there would have been three Brits in the authors hall of fame! Shame, but the top two are both Brits so that'll have to do!:p

[Matt A]

Well, I thank Edd for his praise (and believe me, praise from that dude is something to be valued...), and I thank you guys for making this story win (well, come joint 1st at any rate, which is close enough for me). Thanks guys!:anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime: :anime:

[DKH]

At this time I would like to congratulate Matt for his impressive double HOF win.

For awhile I thought those Batman stories were going to be first but I guess he showed them.

Oh, and about his story, Dwyr Buddr

http://www.spongobongo.com/dddr66.jpg
Meet Pennsylvania Treasurer Budd R. Dwyer, In his final picture before putting that Magnum in his mouth and pulling the trigger.

Even though the story's name means "Dirty Water" in Welsh. I still would like to think this guy was somewhat related to the story, weather or not that was the authors intention.

Back to Budd: He was convicted of corruption and was found guilty. He held a televised press conference and thanked everyone for thier support while looking obviously nervous. He started to hand out manilla envelopes to people in the room. It was later revealed they were specific suicide notes directed to his son's and his wife, Joanna, who was not present at the conference (They were not advised to go by Budd himself).

Then he pulled out one last manilla envelope and pulled out a .357 Magnum, and keep in mind that this is being televised live, and caused a bit of panic with people shouting at him not to do it, needless to say he didn't listen.

He then uttered his last words, "Stay back, This..This might hurt someone!", then he put the gun in his mouth, closed his eyes, and pulled the trigger.

As the Pennslyvania citizens saw this on live television, the director at the event was heard over the chaos saying "Keep Rolling" Budd R. Dwyer was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you look hard enough on the internet you can find the video and see it if you want. I'm not providing any links because I'm pretty sure it breaks one rule or another.

[Matt A]

Random, but interesting. I suppose that it could be relevant to the story, in as much as they both touch on the idea of "if you're gonna do something, do it properly".

Ta,
Matt A

[RavenofAzerath~]

i'm confused.....

RoA~
See Above